Chapter 23: Herta

Please support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I'm working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel.

Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff

******

The petite girl with a black beret grumbled, "Introduce me properly; why mention the club? Among my numerous extraordinary achievements, which one isn't more impressive than being ranked eighty-third?"

As she spoke, Herta glanced sidelong at Himeko.

Unfazed, Himeko seemed indifferent to her words, maintaining a pleasant smile throughout.

"The space station's... owner?" Stelle looked at the doll-like little girl before him.

Despite Herta's diminutive appearance, she was actually much older. The figure standing before them was merely a puppet, while her true form remained unknown—even Bochang had never seen it prior to his transmigration.

"That's correct. The place you turned upside down is indeed my private property."

The brown-haired loli, with slight reddish tones, wore a purple flower near her ear.

Unable to resist, Bochang countered, "Um... we weren't causing chaos but rather eliminating the invaders threatening the space station. In fact, I'd say... we protected your private property."

"By your logic, should I even give you a reward now?" Herta placed her hands on her hips, staring icily at Bochang with her cold purple eyes.

[Dating Options activated.]

[Option 1: With hands on hips, assertively say, "Of course." - Completion Reward: Randomly obtain the power of one out of twelve talismans.]

[Option 2: Politely respond, "That's not what I meant..." - Completion Reward: Receive a random item, ranging from a matchstick to a starship destroyer. Note: Such items will...]

[Option 3: Make a bold demand, "Give me one of your puppets, and we'll call it even." - Completion Reward: A Big Booty slap from Herta.]

At this moment, the "Dating Options" unexpectedly popped up again.

Another set of three choices.

This time, Bochang quickly eliminated Option 3.

The reason was simple: Big Booty slaps were a hard pass.

Options 1 and 2 both seemed viable.

However... Bochang still ruled out Option 2.

After all, he had already taken a successful gamble earlier, and based on the law of conservation of luck, his chances of encountering mishap next were significantly high, making it unnecessary to consider that option.

Thus, his only remaining choice was the first one.

"Option One!"

"That's quite natural," Bochang responded, attempting to mirror Herta's stance with hands on hips. However, holding the Vow Spear made it slightly awkward; he quickly adjusted to rest just one hand on his hip after speaking.

Herta watched him with keen interest, showing no intention of refusal.

"Alright then? What do you desire?"

Bochang adopted a thoughtful expression, seemingly pondering deeply.

In reality, he was listening for the electronic sound from "Dating Options."

[Reward being distributed—Congratulations! You have obtained the power of the Sheep Talisman.]

Unlike the explosive force of the Dragon Talisman, the magic of the Sheep Talisman entered his body gently.

"So I drew the Sheep... Well, that's not bad either... If I recall correctly, besides allowing my own soul to leave the body, the Sheep Talisman can also make others' souls depart... What would happen if I use it on Herta? Would she instantly go offline?" Bochang felt a surge of curiosity but managed to suppress these peculiar thoughts.

Less than a minute later, Herta urged impatiently, "Have you decided yet?"

"No." Bochang shook his head.

Realizing the conversation was veering off-topic, Himeko promptly intervened, breaking their exchange.

"Herta, Bochang was just joking with you; don't take it seriously. Assisting the space station against invaders is our duty... isn't that right, Bochang?" Himeko gazed kindly at the black-haired youth.

Under her scrutiny, Bochang astutely chose to comply. "Yes, I was only joking."

"Alright then...you said it yourself, so don't complain later if I don't give you any rewards," Herta nonchalantly shifted her gaze towards Stelle. "So now this brat has become the Stellaron?"

"Hmph, let me have a closer look."

Herta tilted her head upwards, a smile appearing on her lips as she observed Stelle.

The gray-haired girl looked puzzled. "Stellaron? What's that?"

Throughout their journey, Stelle had never heard of 'Stellaron' before. Unaware that the Dragon Talisman hadn't fully merged with her, she didn't realize its presence within her body.

This was the first time Stelle had heard the term "Stellaron." Unaware that she wasn't fully possessed by the Doomsday Beast, she didn't realize a Stellaron resided within her.

The subsequent conversation revolved around Stelle, with little relevance to Bochang.

As they continued talking...

Herta asked, "Can I conduct some experiments on her?"

"I can't decide that for her; you'll have to ask Stelle herself," replied Himeko, spreading her hands.

Instinctively, Stelle turned to look at Bochang, who responded on her behalf.

"No."

"Huh? My personal assistance is something even the Interstellar Peace Corporation couldn't buy easily, and you're refusing?" Herta glared at Bochang irritably. "Besides... what authority do you have to make decisions for her?"

"Because we're good friends."

Bochang gently patted Stelle's shoulder, and the gray-haired girl softly agreed.

Herta's eyebrows furrowed.

Her interest in Stelle had surged, and being abruptly rejected left her feeling unsettled.

"If you don't intend to stay for research... Stelle, Bochang, there is another option available. An Astral Express train is parked at the Railway Platform. If you're willing, you can join us on our journey," Himeko interjected opportunistically. "The train has extensive dealings with Stellaron, and the answers you seek are precisely what we're investigating."

"And if you change your mind later, wanting to conduct research here with Herta, we can always return."

This was exactly what Bochang had been waiting for, and he promptly agreed, taking Stelle along with him.

Herta's attention shifted squarely onto the black-haired youth.

"Speaking of which... what's going on with you? That brat serves as a vessel for Stellaron, but what about you? I didn't detect any trace of Stellaron within your body. Could it be... that all this was orchestrated by you?"

Both Himeko and Stelle turned their attention towards Bochang.

They had begun to unravel some aspects of Stelle's origins, but...

Bochang remained as enigmatic as ever.

Considering his possession of peculiar equipment, it wouldn't be surprising if he were the mastermind behind everything.

"If I were truly responsible for all this, I doubt I'd still be here..." Bochang offered a simple explanation.

Herta narrowed her eyes slightly and said, "Alright, you do have a point. I'm not inclined to investigate further anyway. After all, it's just another Stellaron at stake. Additionally...as before, if Stelle is willing to assist my research, feel free to approach me anytime. Rest assured, your compensation will be generous."

As a super genius from the Genius Society,

Herta was far from financially lacking.

Even the Astral Express delivery to the space station with Curio was facilitated by Himeko accepting his commission—a straightforward transaction involving payment for services rendered. Traveling through the starry sky also required funds to replenish essential supplies.