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Because of the emergence of the Giants of Light, the Tarrak Federation had now fallen into complete internal chaos. Even if the Corporation intended to intervene, it would likely take decades—if not centuries—for a territory of that scale to adopt a new way of life and stabilize. A few generations might not even be enough to erase the impact.
'Ruan Mei' wouldn't be seeing the final outcome of the Tarrak Federation anytime soon. As for Zero-I and the others, they would likely leave Tarrak once their initial guidance was complete, traveling elsewhere in the universe to contact their kin.
In short, regarding the Giants of Light, the three of them reached a tacit understanding not to interfere with Zero-I and her companions, choosing instead to watch them silently from behind the scenes.
As for claiming credit as the creators of the Giants of Light, Herta was quite proactive. After all, it was a grand feat of carving out a new Path. She, Herta, had never minded letting the world know of her achievements. Ruan Mei, on the other hand, was indifferent, so long as she wasn't forced to make a public appearance. Besides, the primary credit didn't rest with her.
"I can help you two publicly claim the Giants of Light, but Baiming, do you want to use your real name?"
'Ruan Mei' pursed her lips in thought, then smiled. "It's not impossible, but would anyone actually believe it? Two geniuses and one nobody—and you're going to put my name first."
"With this genius acting as a guarantor, who would dare disbelieve?" Herta scoffed. Her guarantee was the most authoritative certification in the universe. Anyone who wanted to argue with her would have to join the Genius Society first.
Ruan Mei also nodded in agreement with Herta's words. "Without a doubt, you made the greatest contribution to this entire project. It's only right that you be listed first. Otherwise, Herta certainly wouldn't be satisfied."
"Tsk, don't act like you know me so well. But it's true—your name belongs at the top." Herta crossed her arms and stared directly at 'Ruan Mei', making her feel a bit self-conscious.
"Fine then, we'll do it your way."
"That's more like it. Next time it's a new genius's turn, or when you can impersonate me again, remember to come find me. I'd be very happy to let you 'get your revenge'~" Herta enthusiastically threw an arm around 'Ruan Mei's' shoulder. Now that she had "taught her a lesson," the past was settled; in the future, they could happily brainstorm with different geniuses.
"..." 'Ruan Mei' looked at Herta with a hint of exasperation, her eyes drifting toward Herta's somewhat flat chest. "I really think you're a troublesome, clingy woman."
"That is simply part of this genius's charm."
Ruan Mei, who had finished packing and was ready to leave the lab for a good rest, suddenly turned to her other self. "What do you plan to do next?"
"Me? I haven't decided yet. I might just rest for a few days."
'Ruan Mei' checked her panel:
[Character Impersonation System]
[Name: Baiming (Ruan Mei)]
[Lifespan: 300 Years (Paused) + 5 Days (Character Impersonation)]
[Available Transformation Characters: Great Herta (Recharge: 100%), Acheron (Recharge: 84.1%), Star-shatterer (Recharge: 42.9%), Ruan Mei (Impersonating)]
[Available Draw Count: 1 (42.5%)]
The progress bars were still climbing steadily. The influence of the Giants of Light hadn't fully spread yet; there would likely be significant feedback in a few days. She hadn't used her draw count yet, but Great Herta's character card had finished its cooldown.
Though Madam Herta urged her to return as soon as she could impersonate her again, Baiming planned to wait and see. Besides, she really wanted a break. With a lifespan of three hundred years, she had finally caught up to the longevity of the Foxians. Between the group brawls and the genius-level brainstorming, she was genuinely mentally exhausted.
Ruan Mei didn't mind the answer. She pulled out her phone, sent a friend request, and smiled at her other self. "When you're free, or if you have any interesting subjects, come find me. This account reaches me directly."
Looking at the private account belonging to Ruan Mei on her phone, Baiming marveled silently—was this what they called "networking"? A promise from a genius; she could call her if she ran into trouble.
"Okay, I got it."
However, Herta, standing behind her, raised an eyebrow. What is this? The recruitment failed last time, and now she was trying to poach from her right in front of her face? Baiming had chosen Herta for her first impersonation—didn't that mean this genius was her favorite? By that logic, didn't that make Baiming "her" person?
Once Ruan Mei left with a Herta puppet to rest, Madam Herta grabbed the back of Baiming's neck. "Come to me first next time, you hear me?"
"..." 'Ruan Mei' turned her head toward Herta with a look of pure confusion. But seeing Herta's face, so frank and acting as if this were only natural, she didn't know what to say. Even this has to be a competition? "Hagerta, you really are something..."
"Hmm? Where's my answer?"
"Fine, fine, fine. I'll come to you first, okay?" 'Ruan Mei' felt like she was humoring a child.
Herta, however, was satisfied with the answer. She let go with a smile and said, "Speaking of which, I'm planning to move. I'll send you a new address when the time comes."
"Moving? Why?"
"Why? Did you forget what happened here a few days ago? I think we should just leave this place to Zero-I and the others to build their Land of Light." Herta explained simply while pulling out her phone to message someone.
An Aeon's birth, the gaze of multiple Aeons, and a massive descent of divine blessings—this entire area was now covered in the traces of Aeons. Although it was remote and undiscovered for now, the IPC's search capabilities would find it eventually. She had no desire to deal with a mess of random adventurers.
'Ruan Mei' blinked, understanding Herta's point. "Where are you going then?"
"Still picking a spot. I'll let you know when the new Herta City is ready."
As soon as she finished, Herta added, "Done. I've already claimed the existence of the Giants of Light under the names of Herta and Ruan Mei. In two days, the whole universe will probably be asking who Baiming is."
She showed a chat screen with a grin. It was a dialogue box with AI Herta; it appeared she had been ordered to contact the Corporation.
'Ruan Mei' saw the screen and her lips twitched. "That efficiency..."
"What? Dragging my feet on such small matters isn't my style."
"Then how do you plan to handle the IPC's inquiries?"
"Letting AI Herta handle it, obviously. I don't need to show my face." Madam Herta pushed the matter onto AI Herta as a matter of course. No wonder AI Herta was already looking for an "acting acting Station Master."
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