The Herta fell into thought and responded to Herman inwardly, "I remember you once said that among those of The Hunt, Yao Guang is the most skilled at calculation and strategy, correct?"
"Then tell me—this time, she mobilized the Xianzhou Yuque and descended upon The Blue. Even she herself, one of the Seven Arbiter-Generals of the Reignbow Arbiter, came in person. Could it be that she has aims beyond simply reaching a commercial agreement over the Soul Gem?"
Herman replied, "That possibility exists. She's standing right in front of you now. Why not ask her directly?"
After a brief pause, he added another piece of information. "By the way, besides her mastery of strategy and divination—auspicious and inauspicious omens, the Fortune Hexagram—she's also the best at making money and the best at cards among the Seven Arbiter-Generals. People call her Madam Yao."
The Herta raised a brow. "Another one who's good at making money. How does she compare to Pearl?"
"In terms of combat power, there's no comparison. Yao Guang is far ahead. As for predicting fortune and misfortune, that's her specialty as well. But when it comes to making money, Pearl may not necessarily be inferior to General Yao of the Xianzhou."
"Understood."
The Herta felt a flicker of realization. Guiding the Herta Magic Wand, she slowly descended from the sky toward the Blue International Diplomatic Hall. After landing in a single graceful leap, she looked straight at Yao Guang and said:
"I truly didn't expect that the envoy from the Xianzhou this time would be General Yao Guang herself."
Upon hearing this, a faint smile curved across Yao Guang's exquisitely elegant face. "When meeting a genius, even the Xianzhou Alliance must present the highest level of courtesy."
"That's false. A polite formality."
Beside them, data flickered through Pearl's eyes. She transmitted a message to The Herta through her earpiece:
"Miss Herta, according to intelligence provided by Screwllum's Celestial Differentiator, Mr. Screwllum has previously cooperated with the Xianzhou Alliance... yet no general has ever personally served as an envoy."
Hearing the faint sound in her earpiece, The Herta thought to herself, Just as Herman said, Pearl truly is exceptional. The business negotiations haven't even begun, and she's already providing critical intelligence.
The Herta turned her gaze back to Yao Guang. "Let's dispense with pleasantries. I don't believe a general of the Xianzhou would act as an envoy without reason. You came to see me for something else as well, didn't you?"
Yao Guang lifted her head, glancing at the auspicious symbol floating above The Herta's crown. She nodded. "As expected of a genius. Sharp indeed. Yes, I have another purpose. I wish to understand the secrets of the Solitary Waves Theory."
"The Solitary Waves Theory?"
"Yes. Its answer... can predict the future of the universe. The conclusion of that theory is crucial to me."
"The answer to the Solitary Waves Theory cannot calculate the ultimate outcome of the future with precision," The Herta said calmly. "In fact, I can give you a definitive answer—it is merely a beginning. To forecast the complete future of the cosmos, far more universal equations are required."
She paused before continuing, "Miss Yao Guang, why are you so intent on understanding the Solitary Waves Theory? According to my intelligence, your method of predicting fortune and misfortune relies on Xianzhou divination—the Fortune Hexagram calculations, correct?"
"Mysticism is also a branch of science," Yao Guang replied. "Surely someone who developed Fortune Glue to increase one's luck can understand that."
"Furthermore, I believe that combining the Fortune Hexagram calculations with the Solitary Waves Theory will allow me to advance even further in predicting fortune and calamity—to foresee what disasters the Xianzhou Alliance may encounter and avoid them in advance."
"I see."
The Herta understood inwardly. I understand your intention. But even if I give you the answer, you may not necessarily comprehend it.
"Perhaps in the past, before I underwent the Rainbow Ordainment, I truly could not have grasped a genius' research," Yao Guang said. "But now, I bear the spiritus bestowed by the Reignbow Arbiter—Kālacakra Skyplume. Among the seven aspects of The Hunt, it represents the perspective of Lan the Hunt..."
"And the perspective of the Reignbow Arbiter can naturally be conferred upon me—allowing me to comprehend a genius' theory."
She paused briefly. "Of course, that presumes you do not deliberately insert flaws into the solution."
"I can give you the answer to the Solitary Waves Theory," The Herta replied. "But you should know—the answer is not cheap."
"This concerns the future of the Xianzhou," Yao Guang said grandly. "I have already informed Marshal Hua and received full discretionary authority. Miss Herta, you may name your price."
After a moment of thought, The Herta stated her demand.
"I want the design blueprints of the Xianzhou Yuque—and not just that. The Xianzhou Luofu, the Xianzhou Zhuming, the Xianzhou Yaoqing... I want their schematics as well."
"?!"
Yao Guang froze.
Moments earlier, she had been speculating what Herta might request in exchange for the Solitary Waves Theory. The Xianzhou's Ambrosial Arbor of longevity. The Abundance blessing—Crimson Moon—within the Borisin Warhead Hoolay imprisoned in the Shackling Prison. The living planet demonic star captured by the Xianzhou Alliance. Even secrets concerning The Hunt and the Reignbow Arbiter...
Never had she expected that Herta's chosen trade would be the Xianzhou Alliance's starship blueprints.
With faint confusion, Yao Guang asked, "Miss Herta, what do you intend to do with the Xianzhou's vessel schematics?"
"To build a Herta Xianzhou, of course." The Herta spoke with complete confidence. "My future will not be confined to The Blue. There are far too many mysteries across the cosmos awaiting my investigation. I require a colossal vessel. For that, I need to reference the Xianzhou Alliance's designs and construct a starship that belongs solely to me."
After speaking, she added inwardly, Once the Herta Xianzhou megastructure is completed, I can deploy Hertas across the cosmos—distribute Herta Puppets across every galaxy and implement the grand project of arranging the Herta Array throughout the universe.
Beside her, Herta Puppet 05 listened in confusion.
What were the Xianzhou Alliance's blueprints?
She quickly contacted the Fourth Mirror and learned of the terrifying scale of the Xianzhou megastructures.
After countless technological innovations, the present-day Xianzhou vessels were comparable in size to stellar bodies. More crucially, their internal Delve technology and other systems rendered their interior space countless times larger than a star.
Herta Puppet 05 trembled with excitement. Her eyes began to shine.
She felt that Miss Herta's request to trade for the Xianzhou blueprints was absolutely correct.
If the exchange succeeded, they could build a Herta Xianzhou—a Herta grand vessel. They could even mount a sharp, pointed-hat Herta at the prow as a figurehead. That would be incredibly stylish!!
Within The Herta's body, Herman also believed she had proposed an excellent deal. As a transmigrator, he knew full well that the Solitary Waves Theory was merely foundational. The future Simulated Universe project on Herta's agenda would be the true culmination—capable of calculating the future of the cosmos to a certain degree.
At that moment, Yao Guang snapped back to her senses. After a rapid storm of calculations, she finally spoke.
"The Xianzhou Alliance's blueprints can serve as the trade item. However, only schematics from before the technological revolution a thousand years ago may be exchanged. And as the general of the Xianzhou Yuque, I can only provide you with the Yuque's design plans. I hope you understand, Miss Herta."
The Herta nodded. "Of course I understand. The Xianzhou Alliance does not lack external enemies. If technology were to leak from my side and allow hostile forces to exploit a weakness in the Xianzhou, that would be disastrous."
The Herta was fully aware of her own strength. At present, possessing only pseudo-Emanator-level power, even if she obtained the latest Xianzhou schematics, she likely would not be able to safeguard them.
According to intelligence Herman had provided not long ago, the Xianzhou Alliance was indeed a top-tier power in the universe. Yet its enemies were equally terrifying. More than one Xianzhou general had perished in past conflicts.
For instance, when the Xianzhou Cangcheng was devoured by Rahu the Devourer of Worlds, its general fell in battle.
Likewise, the battle-hardened Feixiao of the Xianzhou Yaoqing had inherited her position only after the previous Yaoqing general died a heroic death.
Thus, when The Herta had demanded multiple Xianzhou schematics earlier, it had merely been an opening bid—inviting Yao Guang to counter.
On the other side, seeing that Herta agreed to the exchange, Yao Guang inwardly breathed a sigh of relief. A smile returned to her lips.
"Very well. I shall draw the schematics here, and you shall write down the formula for the Solitary Waves Theory."
"Agreed."
The two prepared to enter a room to draft their respective materials.
At that very moment, however, an elegant woman approached, wearing a top hat, her wavy pink hair cascading over her shoulders. She exuded an air of noble elegance.
"If you are trading the Solitary Waves Theory," she said smoothly, "would you mind including me as well?"
The Herta and Yao Guang both turned toward the newcomer.
Under the combined gaze of a genius and a general, she did not falter in the slightest. Instead, she introduced herself openly.
"I am Jade, one of the Ten Stonehearts of the Interastral Peace Corporation's Strategic Investment Department. My internal rank is P46. I am also the IPC's envoy—here to conclude the Soul Gem transaction, and, as I just overheard, to participate in the exchange for the Solitary Waves Theory."
"That is acceptable," The Herta replied. "But what will you offer in trade?"
"I just heard this Xianzhou general state her willingness to trade the Yuque's pre-reformation schematics," Jade said lightly. "In that case, the IPC is willing to offer the latest designs for our planet-destroying battleships, logistics transport vessels, and exploration ships in exchange."
The Herta felt a flicker of temptation.
At that moment, Herman's voice sounded within her mind.
"Herta, don't agree just yet... We have someone here who understands the IPC's intelligence far better."
Her thoughts stirred. 'You mean Pearl.'
"Exactly. Pearl comes from Screwllum's planet. Before awakening self-awareness and becoming an Intellitron, she devoted herself daily to the study of art... but you must remember—Screwllum's planet itself is one of the IPC's largest military-industrial production bases. The most advanced IPC starships are manufactured there, and Pearl unconsciously observed them every day."
"All that data is stored within her core memory. Let Pearl conduct the negotiations with Jade."
The Herta considered carefully and found Herman's reasoning sound.
When she had visited Screwllum's planet, most of her attention had been devoted to research—seeking inspiration for the transformation of robots into Intellitrons. Yet she had indeed seen IPC starships and production lines spanning the planet.
That meant Pearl likely possessed extensive data regarding IPC vessels.
Turning back to Jade, The Herta spoke.
"Miss Jade, your proposed trade is indeed appealing. However, I believe my technology deserves something even better. From this point forward, my assistant Pearl will negotiate with you."
A flicker of confusion crossed Jade's face.
Pearl?
When had Miss Herta acquired an assistant?
The IPC's intelligence agents stationed on The Blue clearly had not gathered sufficiently detailed information.
Once this is over, I should dismiss them, Jade thought.
At that moment, a golden-haired Intellitron girl descended from the Herta Magic Wand. A seashell adorned her forehead, giving her the appearance of a beautiful mermaid. Placing her hands neatly before her abdomen, she performed a formal business bow.
"Miss Jade, I am Pearl, assistant to Miss Herta. From this point onward, I will discuss with you the Soul Gem contract, as well as the specific details concerning the exchange of the Solitary Waves Theory solution."
"Very well."
Jade agreed without hesitation.
At this moment, through her cornerstone, Jade confirmed that the Intellitron calling herself Pearl had been manufactured less than forty-eight system hours ago.
Understandable. Herta was a newly admitted genius of the Genius Society and only eighteen years old herself. Her assistant could not possibly be someone extraordinary.
This negotiation would yield abundant gains for her.
With that thought, a faint smile curved Jade's lips. "Then let us proceed to the reception room for negotiations."
"Please."
Pearl extended one hand.
Soon, Pearl and Jade entered a conference room within the Blue International Diplomatic Hall.
Meanwhile, The Herta and Yao Guang entered a separate meeting chamber.
Two negotiations commenced simultaneously.
Before long, only little Herta remained in the grand hall.
She did not mind at all. To her, everything in this world was new and fascinating.
More importantly, she had already caught the scent of countless dishes drifting from within the Diplomatic Hall.
All of them smelled delicious.
Little Herta quickly sent a communication to the Fourth Mirror. "Fourth Mirror, can I go in and eat?"
"Of course, little Herta. All the food inside this hall was arranged by the Blue Federation to ensure the success of this commercial negotiation concerning Herta."
The Fourth Mirror added seriously, "And little Herta—you are also Herta."
"You're right. Then I won't hold back."
After saying this, little Herta patted the Herta Magic Wand.
The wand did not refuse. It carried her straight into the dining area, where she immediately began eating and drinking with enthusiasm.
More importantly, little Herta possessed alloy teeth and a black-hole stomach.
There was nothing she could not eat.
Thus, a peculiar sight appeared within the Blue International Diplomatic Hall's cafeteria.
Little Herta frantically grabbed small cakes and pastries, stuffing them into her mouth.
One plate.
Ten plates.
A hundred plates...
Her mouth never stopped moving, consuming enough food for dozens of people's daily intake.
The scene terrified the cafeteria attendants. Afraid something might happen to her and jeopardize the negotiations, they quickly contacted high-level officials within the Blue Federation.
As a result, Commissioner Lanvelle entered the cafeteria.
The moment she saw little Herta, she froze.
The outfit, the appearance, the floating wand—it was undoubtedly Miss Herta.
But why had Miss Herta's figure shrunk so drastically?
Had her previous height been artificially enhanced?
No, no... her face had shrunk as well. She had become a childlike girl.
And yet such a tiny Herta could consume enough food for dozens of people in a single day—or even several days.
What in the world was going on?
Could it be... that there's a black hole in her stomach?
Lanvelle's mind raced wildly before she finally stepped forward and spoke cautiously.
"Miss Herta, why are you eating here alone—and eating so much..."
Little Herta pouted. "What, you think I'm eating too much?"
"Of course not! How could that be?!" Lanvelle hurriedly explained. "I'm only concerned about your health. The commercial negotiations are about to begin. If something were to happen to your body now, it would cause serious trouble."
"First, I am Herta—but not the Miss Herta you're referring to. I'm merely a puppet manufactured by Madam Herta." She raised one finger.
Then she raised a second. "Second, the negotiations have already begun. Madam Herta is currently speaking quite pleasantly with General Yao Guang of the Xianzhou."
!!
Lanvelle was stunned.
The little Herta before her was not a rejuvenated form of Miss Herta—but a puppet she had created.
Yet judging by her lively demeanor, she was clearly no ordinary robot.
Which meant that in such a short span of time, Miss Herta had achieved another breakthrough—handcrafting an Intellitron nearly identical to herself.
Was this the power of a genius?
And Miss Herta was already negotiating directly with a Xianzhou general—an existence bestowed with the might of an Aeon, capable of destroying stars with a single strike.
Lanvelle felt her heart tremble as she chose her words carefully.
"Then... does Miss Herta require legal consultants from the Blue Federation? We do have capable individuals in that regard."
"There's no need for legal talent," little Herta shook her head. "Madam Herta already has a legal assistant—Miss Pearl. She is currently representing Madam Herta in negotiations with the IPC's envoy, one of the Ten Stonehearts, Jade."
Pearl?
A legal assistant?
Who was that?
What qualified her to negotiate with Jade?
Still bewildered, Lanvelle prepared to ask more questions.
Instead, little Herta pointed toward the serving area. "That's enough talking. Bring me more delicious food. I intend to eat my fill in one go."
Lanvelle hesitated. "Food can certainly be prepared, but won't something happen to your body?"
"Of course not. When Madam Herta manufactured me, she installed a miniature black hole inside my body."
???
Lanvelle went numb.
She had never imagined that this harmless-looking, adorable little girl before her was filled internally with advanced technology and ruthless ingenuity.
A walking humanoid black hole!!