‘Thinking’
“Talking”
[Attack]
Act 5 (Part 5) — Stars, Puppets, and the Cosmic Juggernaut
[ Location: Blue Star System – Herta Space Station ]
[ POV: The Herta ]
I woke up early, my real flesh and blood body stretching lazily in my quarters.
Tapping my terminal, I called up my 4th Mirror display to review my daily schedule.
After a quick morning routine, I headed down to the Master Control Room to input a few historical records into the Simulated Universe.
Following Kiana’s suggestion during our last briefing, Screwllum and I had started coding the algorithmic framework to simulate the Aeon of Elation, Aha.
The terrifying part?
In less than twenty four hours, the simulated Aha had already developed partial self awareness.
Leave it to the Fool to break the fourth wall before the code even finished compiling.
When I stepped onto the bridge, I was surprised to find both Asta and Arlan already there.
Both of them froze, staring at me in absolute shock.
Seeing my actual body in person instead of one of my puppets was a rare event on this station.
Asta was the first to recover, offering a polite bow.
“Good morning, Madam Herta!”
Arlan quickly followed suit.
“G-Good morning, Madam Herta!”
“What brings you two to the main bridge so early?” I asked, walking past them toward my central terminal.
“It’s regarding the delivery of new high density processing units to boost the Simulated Universe’s computational limits,” Arlan explained smoothly.
I raised an eyebrow, pausing.
“I didn’t submit an order for upgraded hardware.
Who authorized the budget?”
Asta offered a calm, businesslike smile.
“Miss Kiana’s assistant, Void Archives, reached out to me the day she was inducted into the Genius Society.
She inquired about potential collaborative projects between you two, so we discussed the space station’s hardware requirements.
I placed an advance order for the necessary components they’re scheduled to dock tomorrow.”
I scoffed quietly, remembering the name.
Void Archives…
wasn’t that the sentient 1st Divine Key from her home world?
She’s literally using a god slaying, reality altering artifact as a personal secretary.
Fascinating.
“Looks like you and Void Archives mapped out the entire logistics pipeline before Kiana and I even had a chance to sit down,” I noted.
Asta nodded sagely, not missing a beat.
“Of course.
For our peerless, brilliant Lead Researcher, nothing should ever run behind schedule.”
I stared at her, completely speechless at her shameless flattery.
‘I constantly forget she’s an heiress to one of the biggest shareholder families in the IPC.
To people like her, advance planning is second nature.’
I dismissed the topic with a wave of my hand.
“Fine.
Let’s move on.”
Herta Puppet #420, Asta, and Arlan began reviewing the hardware installation specs.
I sat down at my personal console and started compiling data streams regarding the First Machine Organic War waged by Emperor Rupert I.
Right as I entered the core logic, a multi-line call pinged my terminal.
I accepted the connection.
The holographic display expanded to reveal Kiana and Ruan Mei sitting together in a sunlit lounge.
“Hello, Herta,” Kiana greeted cheerfully.
“Hope we’re not interrupting anything.”
“Hello, Herta,” Mei added with her usual stoic composure.
“Hello Kiana, Mei,” I replied, crossing my arms as I leaned back.
“No, you’re fine.
I was just about to start my daily research cycle.” I locked my eyes onto Kiana.
“What’s the urgent topic you wanted to discuss?”
“It’s about my latest project,” Kiana explained.
“Let’s wait for Screwllum and Stephen to connect, then I’ll give everyone a complete briefing.”
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
Moments later, a second window flickered on as Screwllum joined the line.
“A pleasant day to you, Madam Kiana, Madam Mei, and Madam Herta,” Screwllum greeted in his trademark, polite tone, bowing his mechanical head slightly toward Kiana’s feed.
“Miss Kiana, what is the core agenda for today’s gathering?
Did you encounter an unexpected threat?”
“Welcome, Screwllum,” I greeted.
Kiana chuckled softly.
“Nothing like that, Mr.
Screwllum.
Mei and I are completely fine.
We’re just waiting on Stephen before I break the news.”
Screwllum nodded in understanding.
Seconds later, the third window popped open, revealing a visibly flustered Stephen.
“H-Hello everyone!” Stephen stammered, adjusting his glasses.
“I hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long!”
“Not at all, Stephen, you’re right on time,” Kiana reassured him.
“I brought you all together to present my latest invention the Soul Gem.
I wanted to offer the Genius Society an advance sample before I take it to the open market.
In short, the Soul Gem amplifies a Pathstrider’s energy output by twenty-five to thirty-five percent, with exceptional cases jumping even higher.
Additionally, it features a tactical combat mode inspired by classical ‘magical girl’ tropes, manifesting high output armor equipped for both offense and defense.”
Stephen and Screwllum immediately looked engrossed in the theoretical framework.
‘She built a real, functional magical girl transformation device.
I NEED IT.’
The thought hit me so hard that I froze dead in my tracks, my eyes literally sparkling with unbridled excitement.
The call went dead quiet for three straight seconds.
Everyone on the screen stared at my utterly uncharacteristic, wide eyed expression.
Screwllum broke the silence with a quiet, polite clearing of his throat.
“Miss Kiana…
could you provide us with a physical demonstration of the Soul Gem’s operational capacity?”
“I think a hands on trial would be much better,” Kiana smiled warmly.
“Where should we meet?”
“The Herta Space Station!” I blurted out instantly, practically vibrating in my seat.
“You’re all coming here!
Meet me at the station in two hours!
I’ll personally ensure the primary reception deck is cleared and secured!”
A collective chuckle echoed through the communication channel.
Kiana broke the quiet first.
“Two hours it is.
See you soon!”
The line disconnected.
I immediately turned around, gesturing for Asta and Arlan to step closer.
“Asta, Arlan!
I need you two to lock down the main docking bays and secure the primary conference hall immediately.
We have high priority guests arriving in two hours.”
Arlan blinked, caught off guard.
“Who could possibly be coming on such short notice?”
“Members of the Genius Society,” I declared, counting on my fingers.
“#76 Screwllum, #81 Ruan Mei, #84 Stephen Lloyd, and #85 Kiana Kaslana.”
Asta and Arlan both gasped.
Five members of the Genius Society gathering publicly in one place was practically an unprecedented galactic event.
Asta quickly recovered her composure.
“Are they coming to review the Simulated Universe expansion?”
“No,” I replied.
“They’re here for Kiana’s new invention.
It amplifies a Pathstrider’s energy output, and she’s giving us exclusive early access before launching it commercially.”
“How much does it amplify energy?” Arlan asked, bewildered.
“Twenty-five to thirty-five percent baseline,” I answered.
Asta’s corporate instincts kicked in instantly.
“How does she plan to handle distribution?”
“Most likely through the IPC and direct contracts with major factions,” I said, glancing at her.
“You should ask her for the distribution rights while she’s here.”
Asta nodded, a sharp, calculating smile spreading across her face.
“I will definitely negotiate terms with her once she docks.”
“I’ll initiate high level security protocols right away,” Arlan stated, turning toward the door.
“And I’ll make sure the reception hall is stocked with premium refreshments,” Asta added.
“Good.
Dismissed.”
As they left the bridge, a massive grin broke across my face.
‘Finally!
I’m going to get my hands on a real magical girl transformation core!
Wait…
Mei was sitting right next to her…
does that mean Mei already got hers before me?!’
My smile turned slightly sour.
‘Ugh, no fair!
Why did she get hers first?
I shook my head, dismissing the petty thought.
Whatever.
No need to throw a tantrum now.’
I spent the next hour working through the core logic for the Emperor Rupert records.
Exactly one hour and thirty-five minutes later, Arlan pinged my terminal to report that Screwllum’s personal vessel would be docking in five minutes.
Saving my progress, I headed down to the docking bay to greet him in person.
[ Location: Herta Space Station – Primary Docking Bay ]
Arlan, Asta, and I stood near the arrival platform as Screwllum’s sleek mechanical ship glided into the berth.
The airlock hissed open, and Screwllum stepped onto the platform.
“Hello, Screwy,” I greeted casually.
Screwllum tipped his gentleman’s hat politely toward the three of us.
“A pleasant day to you, Madam Herta, Madam Asta, and Mister Arlan.”
‘His ridiculously formal greeting style never changes, even after all these years…’
“You’re the first to arrive,” I said.
“Should we head to the conference room while we wait for the others?”
“I received a transmission from Stephen indicating he will dock in two minutes,” Screwllum noted.
Furthermore, knowing Madam Mei’s precise scheduling habits, she and Miss Kiana will likely arrive within five minutes.”
“Fair enough.
Let’s wait,” I agreed, before lowering my voice.
“By the way…
Aha gained partial self-awareness in the simulation today.”
Screwllum tilted his mechanical head, processing the data.
“As expected of the Elation.
Even a simulated copy perceives its own artificial nature.
To achieve self-awareness within a single day is remarkable.”
Right as I nodded, Stephen’s small, modest ship touched down in the adjacent berth.
The ramp lowered, and Stephen stepped out, looking nervously around the massive bay.
“H-Hello everyone!” Stephen called out, walking over.
“I hope I didn’t keep you waiting!”
“Not at all,” I replied.
“We’re just waiting on Kiana and Mei now.
They should be here any second.”
Stephen rubbed the back of his neck, looking curious.
“What do you think about Kiana’s new invention?”
“The theoretical framework is brilliant,” Screwllum observed.
“However, a live physical trial will be required to measure its true efficiency.”
Stephen and I nodded in agreement.
Suddenly, space outside the main observation glass warped.
A magnificent, dark blue locomotive materialized out of thin air, gliding gracefully toward our primary docking bay.
‘That’s definitely not the Astral Express…
there’s no Trailblaze energy radiating from it.
Did Mei order a custom transport?
No…
this has to be Kiana’s work.’
“Looks like Kiana and Mei have arrived,” Stephen murmured, staring at the majestic train in awe.
We all walked over to the main airlock as the train’s docking bridge extended.
Moments later, the heavy doors slid open, and Kiana and Mei stepped out onto the station deck.
Kiana offered a bright, energetic wave to the crowd.
“Hello, everyone!”
Spotting Asta and Arlan standing beside me, Kiana offered them a polite smile.
“I’m Kiana Kaslana, Member #85 of the Genius Society.”
Asta bowed elegantly.
“A pleasure to meet you in person, Miss Kiana, Miss Ruan Mei.
I am Asta, the Lead Researcher responsible for the station’s daily operations.”
Arlan stood straight, giving a respectful salute.
“Welcome to the space station, Miss Kaslana, Miss Mei.
I am Arlan, Head of Security.”
Mei offered them a serene, polite nod in return.
Asta looked directly at Kiana, her business mind working overtime.
“Miss Kiana, would it be possible for us to discuss the distribution rights for your new invention after your meeting?
I am extremely interested in securing a partnership.”
Kiana chuckled softly at her enthusiasm.
“Of course.
We can go over the commercial details once our internal demonstration wraps up.”
I turned my attention back to the massive crimson train docked behind them.
“Kiana…
what in the world is that train?”
Kiana smiled proudly, patting the side of the hull.
“This is the 2nd Divine Key the Cosmic Juggernaut.
It’s an artifact designed to observe and traverse parallel realities across the Imaginary Tree.”
My jaw dropped.
Stephen stared at the train with wide, disbelieving eyes, while Screwllum’s mechanical eye-monocle flickered rapidly, looking as though his central processor was about to overheat from processing the spatial telemetry.
Asta and Arlan just stood there, looking utterly lost by our extreme reaction.
‘She literally took a reality bending weapon capable of scaring Aeons…
and used it as a personal shuttle service?!’
Kiana burst out laughing at our stunned faces.
Beside her, Mei gently massaged her temples with a long sigh.
“I completely understand your shock.
I had the exact same reaction when she summoned it.”
Kiana rubbed the back of her head, offering a sheepish grin.
Stephen stepped forward, his eyes glued to the train’s hull.
“Kiana…
could I please see what it looks like on the inside?”
I blinked in surprise I didn’t expect Stephen of all people to ask for a tour!
Kiana nodded happily.
“Sure!
I’ll give all of you a full tour after our demonstration!”
“Excellent,” I said, clapping my hands together.
“Let’s head to the meeting room first.”
Asta and Arlan bowed, respectfully taking their leave to ensure the rest of the station remained secure, while the rest of us turned toward the central corridor.