As for Screwllum himself, having been evaluated as a good person by both Herta and Ruan Mei, he did not agree at all.
"Miss Herta, Miss Ruan Mei, I am merely acting for the continuation of civilization. That does not qualify me as a good person."
Herta said, "You just said that when conducting research, you refrain from touching dangerous projects out of concern for the survival of civilization. That alone proves you are a good person."
Ruan Mei added, "I agree with Herta."
Immediately afterward, Herta and Ruan Mei exchanged a glance, both admitting that when they conducted research, they never cared how dangerous a project might be.
"..."
Screwllum fell silent. Several seconds later, he continued speaking to Herta.
"Miss Herta, although I have not researched methods for the birth of Intellitrons, I can provide you with a research venue."
"On Planet Screwllum, which I govern, there exists a Celestial Differentiator. Within it, Intellitrons are naturally conceived each day.
"According to the calculations of the Celestial Differentiator, in the near future, an AI dedicated to the study of art will reach maturity... In human terms, it will transition from a simple AI into a true Intellitron."
Screwllum paused before continuing, "Therefore, Miss Herta, once I have completed my part of the exchange, may you share with me the answer to the Solitary Waves Theory? I truly wish to know whether the mechanical race will continue to exist in the future."
"Yes."
Herta nodded.
"Thank you, Miss Herta."
Screwllum rose to his feet and immediately performed an elegant aristocratic bow in gratitude.
"Don't thank me yet." Herta waved her hand. "I actually have a vague idea on my side. I want to use the Solitary Waves Theory as a starting point to deduce the past of the universe—hidden by the History Fictionologists and even by the mysterious Mythus—as well as the present and the future."
"That naturally includes the future of Intellitrons. I call this project the Simulated Universe."
"Of course, this project is still in the planning stage and has not yet begun. We lack many prerequisite technologies, as well as certain essential tools."
Without hesitation, Screwllum replied, "The Simulated Universe project—to deduce the true future of the universe—please allow me to participate."
"Good. I originally intended to recruit other geniuses anyway. After all, this is an ultra-large-scale scientific research project. It may require decades or even a century of investment before yielding results."
"Several decades or a century amount to merely one Amber Era. To an Intellitron, an Amber Era is brief."
After saying this, Screwllum paused and fixed his gaze on Herta. After a moment of hesitation, he continued.
"Miss Herta, you are still human. An Amber Era is far too long for you. Such an extended span of time will corrode your fleshly body.
Therefore, you may consider a proposal from my side—accepting consciousness-upload technology. In that case, your vessel would become mechanical, but likewise, your life would no longer be confined to the short span of flesh."
Upon hearing this, Ruan Mei could not help but speak as well.
"Of course, Herta, if you do not wish to transform your body into a mechanical one, you may undergo genetic flesh modification surgery with me.
"Once the procedure is complete, your genetic chain will contain a longevity genome. Your lifespan will likewise be greatly extended."
As Ruan Mei spoke, she added silently in her heart.
As long as she accepts my surgery, Herta will have to lie on my operating table.
That is the body of a genius. If I do not use it for certain biological research, that would truly be...
As she continued thinking, the way she looked at Herta changed. Her gaze became that of someone observing an experimental subject, filled with a desire to research.
Herta naturally noticed the change in Ruan Mei's gaze, as well as Screwllum's concern. The corner of her mouth twitched slightly as she spoke:
"Whether it's consciousness upload or genetic modification, I refuse them all!"
"This genius will develop her own longevity technology and maintain this perfect form."
Herta's words were filled with confidence.
Upon hearing this, Screwllum immediately thought of how, in the short time since becoming a genius, Herta had already achieved consecutive major breakthroughs.
Although compared to Genius Society Seat 29, Sserkal, her research efficiency was still far slower.
But it must be known that Sserkal, in merely twenty-nine days, accelerated the development of spider civilization by thousands of years, established the "Metafield Space," and invented the "Phase Flame." Such monumental achievements were accomplished at the cost of her life.
As for Miss Herta, barring unforeseen accidents, she would surely live for several more decades.
With such a long span of time, she would absolutely be capable of completing research into rejuvenation.
However, just in case...
As Screwllum thought this, he spoke to Herta:
"Miss Herta, should you change your mind, the consciousness-upload surgical team of Planet Screwllum will be at your service at any time... After all, research into longevity technology is quite time-consuming."
At the side, Ruan Mei—who had originally felt regret that Herta had refused genetic modification—was stirred to excitement by Screwllum's words.
"That's right. My genetic modification surgical channel will also remain open for you. If you change your mind, I can perform the operation immediately."
The moment Herta heard their words, Herman's voice echoed within her mind.
"Although in my past understanding, Screwllum is a good person, consciousness-upload surgery ultimately requires you to hand over your body—and even your consciousness—to someone else. That's too dangerous."
"Of course, compared to Screwllum's consciousness upload... Ruan Mei is even more dangerous. I don't know if you've noticed, but the way she's looking at you right now is completely wrong."
"She's looking at you as if you were an experimental specimen. If you actually agree to her genetic modification surgery, you'll truly end up living in an underground laboratory."
"I know everything you're saying," Herta replied inwardly. "So I would never agree to them. After all, I am Herta. How could I ever entrust my own body to someone else?"
After ending her inner conversation with Herman, she added another thought silently:
Besides, whether it's biological modification or genetic modification... both involve outside participants. That would drastically increase the risk of exposing the Research System—Herman.
So any research related to longevity... must be done by myself!
Moreover, Herta had absolute confidence that she could develop a method of longevity before growing old.
Thus, she lifted her head and refused once more:
"Ruan Mei, Screwllum, thank you for your kindness. But there's no need to reserve either genetic surgery or consciousness-upload surgery for me. I believe in my own abilities!"
"—After all, my name is Herta!"