TN: And we're back! sorry for the week long hiatus, it was not intentional since I had to get my right leg in a cast after tripping 3 floors down a stairwell (like an idiot ://) and be unable to use my PC setup upstairs BUT I should be OK now.
Anyways, Thanks for Arcanic Madness, WeissAkumu and WolfWTF for becoming as Supporters!,
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Sol's expression remained calm as the small Tiga in his hand transformed into an utterly unremarkable Sparklence.
Yes—this was exactly how he had made the [Sparklence] he gave to Himeko.
It contained not only the power of Tiga's normal form, but also sealed within it a portion of the evolved Shining Tiga's power.
That shining light, however, could only be used once—unless it was replenished later.
"..."
Big Herta stared fixedly at the hilt, unable to tear her eyes away for even a second.
It was too beautiful—its research value was extraordinary.
The shape, the luster—mysterious and ancient, sealing within it surging, scorching power!
It even brushed against the domain of an Aeon's power, possibly representing the embryonic form of an entirely new Aeon.
Her heart stirred. She really wanted to study it!
Sol waved the Sparklence lightly in front of Big Herta. "Now that you understand its value, think carefully about which two wishes you're going to help me fulfill."
"Mm..."
Big Herta's gaze followed the hilt as it swayed. She had never wanted something this badly before.
Unfortunately… she couldn't afford it. She really couldn't afford it.
If that was the case, then there was only one option left…
Big Herta finally pulled her eyes away from the hilt. Her beautiful light-purple eyes met Sol's as she spoke with utmost sincerity. "We could be friends. How about a friendship price?"
Translation: I want to freeload!
She had always relied on herself and rarely asked anyone for help—unless she truly couldn't resist.
Even fully mature Aeons didn't excite her this much. Aeons were too complex, too lofty, leaving little room for meaningful research.
But what stood before her now was an infant entity with the potential to transcend an Aeon—right at the boundary between the known and the unknown, in the midst of transformation between mortal and divine.
She had to consider this carefully.
Was this her one and only chance in this lifetime?
Yes—this was her only chance.
Where else would she ever find another proto-deity on the verge of ascension to study?!
"I like making friends." Sol looked at Herta's stunning face and the genius-level intellect hidden within her mind. "But how we define 'friends' needs to be clear."
"Ordinary friends get a 1% discount. Drinking buddies get 12% off. Close friends get 34% off. Besties get 50% off."
"And if you're my girlfriend—what's yours is mine, what's mine is still mine. No charge."
According to the "Theory of Mutual Craving", while Big Herta was craving him, he was also craving Big Herta.
That genius intellect, top-tier connections, the endlessly refillable cute pink wallet—and her breathtaking beauty!
Even he had to admit it: Miss Herta possessed peerless beauty, and Miss Herta was brilliant beyond compare!
"What a delightful price list!"
Big Herta couldn't help but smile, praising Sol as she looked at him. "Your eye for value is truly rare. My worth does rival that of a proto-Aeon."
She didn't find Sol rude. After all, countless people admired her beauty—she wasn't about to be offended by someone's gaze.
She appreciated Sol's frankness even more, and admired the accuracy of his valuation.
She—Big Herta—was just that valuable.
With some curiosity, Big Herta asked, "But why do besties get a bigger discount than close friends?"
"Because besties are friends for a lifetime."
Sol smiled, carrying a hint of nostalgia.
Back in New Eridu, he had started out as Anby's bestie—watching movies together, eating together every day.
Later on… well, those who knew, knew. They'd already become besties for a lifetime.
"Tsk~"
Big Herta suddenly understood and nodded deeply. "In that case, being a bestie is the least cost-effective option for me. A girlfriend does everything a bestie does, but gets it for free, while a bestie still has to pay half price."
"Mm-hmm~"
Sol couldn't help but applaud Big Herta.
That was way more clear-headed than those girls who kept insisting they were totally innocent with their 'male best friends.'
"I've decided."
Big Herta looked straight at Sol, licking the corner of her lips, desire filling her eyes. "I want to be your girlfriend. Your true self is actually the most valuable research subject of all."
That's right—seeing through appearances to essence was the mark of a genius.
And at a glance, she had already seen through Sol's nature. This lewd genius was the real anomaly with the potential to rival an Aeon!
Those various manifestations of light were all under Sol's control—mere external signs prior to his ascension.
That Light of Hope was unusual, but not rare.
Who in the universe didn't dream? Hope was everywhere. But only Sol had managed to harness it and reach the critical threshold of godhood.
He was the singular existence—an extraordinary species poised between mortal and god.
What would it be like for a mortal to unite with an Aeon-level being?
Big Herta intended to beat Ruan Mei—the genius specializing in life sciences—to the answer!
"So decisive~"
Stelle stared blankly at Big Herta, her eyes filled with heartbreak. "So, this is the kind of Big Herta you are!"
She looked so proper—yet turned out to be this improper.
And here Stelle had even thought about becoming Big Herta's dog. She'd really misjudged her!
"Here's 2,000 Stellar Jades. Don't tell anyone."
Big Herta patted Stelle on the shoulder and said lightly.
"Deal! Big Herta!"
Stelle immediately accepted the reward, beaming with joy.
"Mm~ are you serious?"
Sol rubbed his chin, looking at Big Herta with some doubt.
The surprise came too suddenly—he almost didn't dare believe it.
Did this mean Herta Space Station would belong to him from now on?
"That's right."
Big Herta grabbed Sol's hand firmly, her tone serious and resolute. "From now on, what's yours is mine, and what's mine is yours!"
Feeling the warmth from his hand, her heartbeat sped up beneath her composed exterior.
Throughout her long life, no male human had ever caught her interest. Even fellow members of the Genius Society had never stirred any desire for union.
This… was the first time she had seriously considered biological reproduction.
She had repeatedly told herself it was nothing more than dull hormonal tricks—nothing meaningful, nothing special.
Yet when she held Sol's hand, she still felt something strange.
Fine. Even geniuses could feel embarrassed.
She didn't know whether she would regret this in the future.
But this was her one chance in life—what if Ruan Mei got there first?
That woman—warm on the outside, cold within—would probably accept without hesitation if given the same choice.
So… this was it. Decision made.
"Mm~ this universe is even more fascinating than I imagined." Sol clasped Big Herta's slender, perfect hand in return and smiled with emotion. "I'm quite taken with you, beautiful genius Herta."
"You're… not bad either."
Big Herta turned her head away, speaking as if it were no big deal.
As she examined Sol again, she realized she meant it.
In terms of power, wealth, achievements, growth potential, biological vitality—by every metric—Sol Mercer was undeniably a top-tier human specimen.
If she had to choose a partner, then he would undoubtedly be her first choice.
Sol Mercer… you're not bad at all.
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