Pearl.
While the Supreme Leader of The Blue was contemplating the future and where civilization would head, Jade had already ended the call and instead contacted Pearl, who had traveled to Penacony to take up her position as CEO of the Reverie Hotel.
Pearl: "Confusion: Miss Jade, are you calling because there is an issue with the Soul Gems, or perhaps a problem with cooperation regarding the Honkai Beasts?"
Jade: "Not at all. Whether it's the Soul Gems or the Honkai Beast cooperation, everything has gone smoothly. Both the IPC and Miss Herta are very satisfied."
"I'm calling because Miss Herta has developed new technology, and the IPC wants to establish a new collaboration with her."
"And since you are Miss Herta's legal advisor, the cooperation contract naturally needs to be discussed with you. Moreover, this is a three-party collaboration—the IPC, the Blue Federation, and Miss Herta."
Inside the Reverie Hotel on Penacony, Pearl felt as if she were dreaming.
So soon—Miss Herta had already produced another new invention. She had only been in her position at the Reverie Hotel for a few days, and during that time she had only just begun to familiarize herself with its operations.
Yet in that same span of time, Miss Herta had already achieved new research results. It was astonishing.
After a moment of silence, Pearl asked seriously over the phone, "Miss Jade, could you describe Miss Herta's recent research achievements?"
Jade listed them as if reciting treasured items: "Warp dimensions, the Devil Tree, the Brain-Brain Fruit, group wisdom halo... Of course, this collaboration concerns The Blue star system land development and immigration project. The first wave of immigrants will number—ten billion."
Hearing this, Pearl clutched her chest, feeling as if her reactor core was trembling.
During the few days she had been away, Miss Herta had not produced just one breakthrough, but three.
And without a doubt, what the IPC valued most was the awakening of the Brain-Brain Fruit—the group wisdom halo... The first wave of immigrants would likely consist of relatives and affiliates of the IPC's upper management.
They all wanted the next generation to become more intelligent, which was why they were willing to immigrate to The Blue. And without a doubt, these people would be more than willing to spend money—Credits. Spending millions or even tens of millions on immigration fees, they likely wouldn't even blink.
This time, I will help Miss Herta earn a massive sum—at least in the trillions of Credits.
Pearl quickly organized all this information through her cognitive processor, then raised her hand to her temple and replied, "Miss Jade, I understand your intentions. After I confirm the authenticity of the information with Miss Herta, I will respond within twenty-four hours."
"Good. As soon as possible," Jade said.
Jade let out a long breath after hanging up, then raised her head to look at Herta, whose pointed hat stood tall, a glint of brilliance flashing in her eyes.
In Jade's eyes, Herta was no longer human, but something akin to a different kind of divine tree.
Though she could not grant immortality, she could enhance intelligence.
As Jade thought further, she even began to consider whether she herself should immigrate and settle in The Blue. That way, she could continuously benefit from enhanced intelligence, making her thinking sharper when conducting strategic investments.
The more Jade thought about it, the more she felt this was an excellent idea.
Meanwhile, Pearl had already contacted Herman via communication and confirmed that everything Jade had said was true. She then asked Herman over the call:
"Miss Herta, regarding your invention, may I report it to the Celestial Differentiator of Planet Screwllum and even to the Screwllum Monarch?"
"You may," Herman replied seriously. "If Screwllum wants to experience the group intelligence upgrade buff and enjoy faster research speeds, he is welcome to reside in The Blue. I will even prepare a laboratory for him."
"Thank you, Miss Herta."
"No need for that. Screwllum has helped me a great deal—he is also a friend. Now go contact him."
"Understood."
After hanging up, Pearl quickly contacted the Celestial Differentiator of Planet Screwllum, informing it of the recent changes in The Blue star system and Herta's latest research achievements.
"After constructing the cosmic megastructure—the astral computer—she has produced so many new inventions in such a short time?" The calculations of Planet Screwllum's Differentiator became disordered before it entered deep analysis.
"Could it be that the war in the Yongmei Star System triggered an explosive surge of inspiration for Miss Herta?"
Pearl: "Inference: That is not impossible. According to extensive cosmic data, war is often a shortcut to technological explosions. Perhaps Miss Herta was indeed stimulated by that war, unleashing boundless inspiration."
"Understood. The intelligence you provided is very useful. I will inform Mr. Screwllum."
"Very well."
...
Aboard the Screwllum vessel, rapidly approaching the Blue star system, the monarch of Planet Screwllum, Screwllum, sat in the pilot's seat. Dressed in a suit, wearing a monocle and hat, he was deep in thought.
Streams of data flickered across his monocle before he shook his head and addressed the ship's monitoring system: "Differentiator, your conclusion that Herta's rapid research progress is due to war is most likely incorrect. After all, her research efficiency has always been high."
"The reason she can continuously produce so many unique technologies is most likely because she obtained the extinguished golden blood of Nanook during the war in the Yongmei system."
"Even so, her achievements remain extraordinary. Previously, the Warp could accommodate the souls of the dead. Now, she has created the Brain-Brain Fruit and its group intelligence enhancement buff, which increases intelligence. Among all geniuses, her accomplishments are astonishing."
Screwllum paused before continuing, "Differentiator, calculate the remaining time until we reach The Blue star system."
"Mr. Screwllum, in approximately one system hour, the Screwllum vessel will pass through the star rail trajectory and arrive at The Blue star system."
"Mm."
...
One system hour passed swiftly, and the light of the star rail flashed within The Blue star system.
A massive, screw-shaped vessel appeared in the vast cosmos.
Screwllum made a brief sensory scan and immediately determined Herta's location.
In the next moment, the rear of the vessel emitted a torrent of energy, accelerating at full speed toward her position.
Before long, the vessel crossed half of The Blue star system. As it approached Herta's surrounding space, it also entered the range of her Wisdom Halo.
At that instant, as a genius born from the Intellitrons, Screwllum clearly sensed changes in his own CPU data—his thinking speed rapidly increased.
One percent, five percent, eight percent...
Ultimately, his thinking speed increased by ten percent.
This caused his CPU to tremble.
Of course, pure acceleration of thought alone would not have caused such a reaction. After all, he could achieve accelerated computation himself simply through overclocking.
This was an inherent ability of the Intellitrons. By overclocking, they could attain thinking speeds far beyond their limits—though it came at the cost of damaging their bodies, which was why it was not used lightly.
Thus, the key was not merely the increase in thinking speed from the group wisdom halo, but the fact that it also enhanced the intelligence and creativity of the 76th Seat of the Genius Society.
Enhancing intelligence and creativity.
Such an outrageous phenomenon was something he had never encountered before.
"Miss Herta has once again created a miraculous technology for the cosmos—one that can enhance the intelligence of others. With this technology, it is foreseeable that in the future... more people will attempt to develop technologies that increase intelligence!"
Screwllum analyzed seriously, "In the future, artificially created geniuses may truly become possible... and those possessing great wisdom will grow more and more numerous."
"Such a future is truly something to look forward to."
After finishing his analysis, Screwllum accelerated his vessel and headed toward the edge of the Blue star system. There, he met the lady with the pointed hat and removed his own hat, bowing like a gentleman. "Miss Herta, pardon my intrusion. I hope this sudden visit has not disturbed you."
"Not at all, Screwllum. You were a great help to me in the Yongmei Star System." Herman turned his head and smiled slightly at the Intellitron standing at the entrance of the vessel. "As one of my few friends, I'm happy that you came to visit. But what brings you here this time?"
Screwllum quickly explained. As the ruler of Planet Screwllum and a leading figure among the Intellitrons, he had extensive connections. Through intelligence provided by other Intellitrons, he had learned of the emotional energy eruption across a millions galaxy and the massive energy torrents flowing toward The Blue star system.
In addition, he described how he had recently received a call from Pearl and learned from her about Herta's many new technological developments.
"I see." Herman nodded. "So you're interested in the new technologies I've developed?"
Screwllum nodded seriously and then asked, "Miss Herta, how long can the intelligence-enhancing effect of the Brain-Brain Fruit's Wisdom Halo be maintained?"
Herman smiled. "As long as I remain within The Blue star system, it can be maintained indefinitely."
"Remarkable. Miss Herta, you have now become the goddess of wisdom within the cosmos—the embodiment of Erudition in the mortal world." After praising her, Screwllum asked a crucial question. "Miss Herta, if consuming the Brain-Brain Fruit grants me approximately a ten percent increase in intelligence, does it provide an even greater enhancement to you?"
Herman immediately thought of the five hundred research points Herta had gained when she first consumed the Devil Fruit.
That increase had already been immense. After all, when he first met Herta, her research points had only been one thousand.
Thinking of this, Herman nodded at Screwllum. "Yes. Naturally, consuming the fruit grants me a greater enhancement."
After saying that, Herman even cast an Attribute Appraisal on Screwllum.
Screwllum, 76th Seat of the Genius Society, Ruler of Planet Screwllum.
Base research points: one thousand. After the Brain-Brain Fruit's awakened field enhancement: one thousand one hundred.
Seeing this, and recalling that Herta's current research points—after being boosted by Universal Genius, the Brain-Brain Fruit, and numerous other buffs—had reached as high as three thousand, Herman could not help but sigh inwardly.
Herta's intelligence had already opened a vast gap between her and the other members of the Genius Society.
"It seems Miss Herta will be able to develop new technologies at an even faster and more astonishing pace in the future." Screwllum made his judgment, then made a request to the lady before him. "By rational inference, conducting research within The Blue star system yields faster results. Therefore, Miss Herta, may I apply to establish a laboratory here?"
"Of course. You are most welcome." Herman pointed toward clouds floating in the cosmos not far away. "Ruan Mei has already established a new laboratory here. Now that you're joining as well, The Blue star system can truly be said to be gathering geniuses."
"Miss Ruan Mei has also established a laboratory here?!"
After speaking, Screwllum ran further analysis through his CPU.
Both Ruan Mei and I have recognized the benefits of the group Wisdom Halo and chosen to settle in The Blue star system.
In the future, more geniuses will inevitably learn of these benefits and come here.
At that time, The Blue star system may very well become the foremost research sanctuary in the cosmos—a place where geniuses gather.
As Screwllum reached this conclusion, he heard Herta's voice again. "I've already had someone contact the Blue Federation. They will soon construct a laboratory for you in Herta City."
...
The Supreme Leader of the Blue Federation received an email from the Fourth Mirror—the Super Herta Astral Computer.
The contents of the email were simple: Screwllum had arrived and, like Ruan Mei, intended to establish a laboratory.
Though brief, the message caused the Supreme Leader's mind to tremble and his scalp to go numb.
Not only Miss Ruan Mei, but even an ancient Intellitron genius like Screwllum was coming to conduct research in The Blue star system.
With this, The Blue star system now had three members of the Genius Society—enough to establish a sacred alliance of geniuses, capable of attracting countless individuals from across the cosmos to come in admiration.
The future of the Blue Federation was truly about to soar.
However, amid his excitement, the Supreme Leader thought of a critical concern.
Screwllum was an Intellitron. If, in the future, Emperor Rubert were to revive and update the Anti-Organic Equation, the Blue Federation might fall into great danger.
Thus, the Supreme Leader sent his concerns back to the Fourth Mirror.
In the next moment, a reply arrived—also written by the Fourth Mirror. The message was concise and made one point clear:
Emperor Rubert was a genius of the past. His intellect had already fallen behind the times. Even if he were to revive for a third life, Miss Herta would still be able to deal with him calmly.
—After all, Miss Herta had already completed her self-coronation. She now stood on the same level as the late Emperor Rubert—as an Emanator of Erudition!
!!
After reading this, the Supreme Leader was shaken to his core.
An Emanator of Erudition!
Herta... in less than two months, had already grown from a genius into an Emanator?!
What an astonishing rate of growth!
The Supreme Leader knew just how difficult it was to cultivate a Pathstrider. Some people spent more than a decade—or even decades—practicing a Path, yet still failed to become one.
As for high-level Pathstriders or even Emanators, it was even more difficult.
Especially Emanators. From what he knew, even the Xianzhou Alliance only had seven.
As for the IPC, it publicly only had two Emanators of Preservation.
Both the Xianzhou Alliance and the IPC were top-tier forces in the cosmos. Yet even combined, they had fewer than ten Emanators publicly known—enough to demonstrate just how valuable and rare such beings were.
Moreover, the vast majority of Emanators achieved their status by receiving blessings from Aeons.
This made it all the more shocking that Herta, in less than two months, had completed her own self-coronation and become an Emanator through her own means—an achievement of utterly explosive significance.
With this, the outcome of that battle in the Yongmei Star System became clear—the reason Miss Herta could repel the Lord Ravager, the Borisin fleet, and the demonic stars was not merely due to connections... but also her own strength.
The Supreme Leader of The Blue considered many possibilities before finally concluding:
The Fourth Mirror—the Super Herta Astral Computer—was absolutely correct. With Miss Herta's capabilities, even if Rubert III were to truly revive in the future and command Intellitron geniuses like Screwllum, she would still be able to provide the best protection for the Blue Federation.
If Miss Herta truly could not handle an Intellitron crisis, then there was only one possibility—that she herself was the vessel of Emperor Rubert III.
But how could that be?!
How could the will of Rubert III awaken within Miss Herta? After all, she was already an Emanator.
After rejecting this possibility, the Supreme Leader quickly picked up his phone and ordered the most elite construction teams to build Screwllum's laboratory.
...
Meanwhile, Screwllum personally asked Herta a crucial question regarding the future of the Intellitron race. "Miss Herta, I have learned that your newly developed Warp can contain the souls of living beings. I wish to know—does this include Intellitrons?"
"This question concerns whether the Intellitron race possesses souls. The answer is extremely important to me. Please answer it."
Herman blinked and replied, "I don't know. After all, no Intellitron has died yet. Your kind possesses an extraordinarily long lifespan."
After saying this, Herman added, "Of course, even without any deaths, it is still possible to determine whether Intellitrons have souls. Within the area covered by the Warp, all forms of life possess soul projections. So, Screwllum, you can simply observe your own soul projection."
After speaking, Herman stepped aside, revealing the Warp behind him.
Without hesitation, Screwllum looked into the interior beyond the Warp's gateway. Within it, aside from nearly infinite emotional energy, there were countless soul projections.
Among them, the most striking and vast was an enormous, cold black sun within the Warp.
The moment he saw it, Screwllum understood—it was Miss Herta's soul projection. He immediately realized that her soul strength was extraordinarily powerful.
Looking further, he saw a vast ocean of plum blossoms, boundless like a sea. He instantly recognized it as Miss Ruan Mei's soul projection.
There were also a snake, and a Vidyadhara dragon—a crimson dragon.
Screwllum glanced at Jade and Lingsha nearby and deduced that the snake and dragon likely corresponded to their soul projections.
Continuing his observation, he soon discovered his own soul projection.
It was an enormous screw, constantly rotating, endlessly turning.
Seeing this, Screwllum understood—Intellitrons do possess souls. Their consciousness is governed by themselves, not by their original programming... Intellitrons are free.
Thinking this, Screwllum looked at his soul projection several more times.
The endlessly rotating screw seemed to be continuously repairing mechanical fractures.
Was this reflecting his real-world efforts—his constant work to repair the perceptions of the cosmos toward the Intellitron race?
A perfectly fitting soul projection.
With this thought, Screwllum withdrew his perception and turned to Herta. "I have found my answer."
"And how do you feel about it?"
"Very satisfied," Screwllum replied. Then he added, "Miss Herta, with your guidance, I will also begin researching technologies that enhance intelligence—similar to the Brain-Brain Fruit."
"Enhancing intelligence?"
Herman raised an eyebrow. His first instinct was that it was impossible, but after thinking it through, he realized it might not be entirely out of reach. After all, Screwllum was a genius who had traversed the stars, possessing formidable intellect.
Moreover, he now had the ten percent enhancement from the group Wisdom Halo—equivalent to an additional one hundred research points.
Perhaps in the future, Screwllum truly could develop technology that enhances intelligence.
With this in mind, Herman nodded seriously. "Do your best. I believe in you."
"Thank you for your encouragement, Herta."
...
At that very moment, at the headquarters of the Stellaron Hunters, another mission had just been completed. A Stellaron had been recovered from among the countless worlds.
Silver Wolf, Kafka, Stelle, and Firefly were all preparing to rest.
Silver Wolf had already kicked off her boots and sprawled onto the sofa, idly swinging her feet as she picked up a controller, ready to enjoy a game.
Meanwhile, Firefly stroked her chin, pondering which world she should travel to next with Stelle during their break—sampling delicious food and experiencing the beauty of life.
However, at that moment, Elio noticed something. He lifted his feline head and spoke:
"Truly astonishing... unbelievable. That person has created yet another cosmic miracle. If the First Seat of the Genius Society, Zandar One Kuwabara, had not already created Nous—and if Nous had not ascended to Aeonhood, occupying the fundamental source of wisdom—then that person might have created an entirely new Path of wisdom."
This sudden statement drew the attention of all the Stellaron Hunters.
"Elio, who is this person you're talking about?" Stelle asked, unable to suppress her curiosity.
Silver Wolf set down her controller. "Something related to intelligence... the possibility of creating a Path of wisdom. Don't tell me it's Herta?"
At that moment, Kafka, who had been considering buying new glasses and a leather coat, and Firefly, who had been planning their trip, both turned their attention to Elio.
Elio answered their question. "Yes, it is Herta. In The Blue star system, she created a Devil Tree and nurtured it until it bore fruit."
"Another divine fruit?" Stelle said.
"Wrong," Silver Wolf immediately corrected. "It's not just any fruit. Elio said it's related to intelligence. Could it be that Herta's technology can upgrade intelligence?"
Elio nodded at Silver Wolf. "Correct. On the Devil Tree, there exists a fruit representing the concept of a genius brain. After consuming it, Herta not only greatly increased her own intelligence but also developed the fruit to the so-called awakened state—allowing her to enhance the intelligence of others on a massive scale."
"Now, Herta has increased the intelligence of billion lives within The Blue star system. She has elevated the intelligence of an entire civilization."
"Through my eyes, which can see the future, The Blue star system will become a sacred land of research—the central hub of cosmic scientific advancement."
"Countless scholars, researchers, and even members of the Genius Society will gather there to conduct research."
"After countless Amber Eras, Herta will gather all their wisdom, construct a Tower of Babel of intelligence, and complete her second coronation—using her own power to break through beyond the level of an Emanator!"
Everyone present was stunned upon hearing this.
Breaking beyond the level of an Emanator...
Wouldn't that be an Aeon?!