However, even putting aside how genuinely likable Lynelle was, just sensing the energy fluctuations from that system made it clear there was no need for Herta to expose the truth.
After all… making an enemy of someone at the level of a powerful Emanator wasn't exactly a wise choice.
What's more, this entity had shown not a shred of malice toward her or Lynelle.
Even when Herta's probing crossed a line, there was no retaliation—instead, Lynelle was permitted to directly reveal the system's existence to Herta.
Such an attitude left Herta feeling quite pleased.
So, after some initial investigation, Herta arrived at a rather intriguing conclusion.
She thought that the Emanator behind Lynelle was probably…a good person.
Or rather, someone with a "conscience," much like herself.
Only such a person would place their plans so openly under the gaze of "other good people." It was both a call for help and a candid declaration…
But regardless, one thing Herta couldn't deny was that this person truly clicked with her—and she was genuinely interested in this "experiment."
"Alright, that's enough information-sharing for now."
Herta glanced at Lynelle, who'd been listening with a dazed look, and sighed helplessly. "Hey… don't tell me you didn't understand any of that?"
"No, no!"
Lynelle shook her head repeatedly. "I was just thinking…"
"Thinking what?"
"I was thinking, since you've helped me so much, how should I repay you?"
Lynelle blinked, looking earnestly at Herta. "Even though my escape plan failed in the end, you still put in a lot of effort for me, right? And didn't you say you tore up a bunch of parts on this spaceship just now…?"
"Don't worry, there's no way you could afford to pay for this ship. Unless you latch onto some pink-haired little rich girl later—her weekly allowance would probably be enough to fix this thing up completely."
Herta waved a hand dismissively. "As for your repayment… let me think…"
Her eyes swept over Lynelle, making the girl shift uneasily.
"Um, that… y-you don't mean I have to offer myself, do you?"
"That works too."
"...Huh?"
"Because I really am interested in your body, you know."
Herta stated it like it was the most natural thing in the world. "Come on, just the Emanator-level power from an unknown system you're carrying is enough to drive the entire Intelligentsia Guild crazy. Do you have any idea how much weight the title 'Emanator' holds?"
"And if what you said about that world in your dreams is true… that's an unprecedented research topic. While there can be some disparity between the level and magnitude of power, generally speaking, the two tend to align."
"But based on your description of these 'Herrschers'… to be honest, I've rarely seen entities with such high-level authority yet output completely limited by the individual's own capacity."
"So, I really would like to keep you by my side, but…"
"...But?"
"Never mind, we'll talk about that later."
Herta casually changed the subject.
After all, Lynelle's ability to "extract concepts" through contact in her dreams was just too perfect for a certain organization of cosmic wanderers. And according to Lynelle, she could even bring others' abilities from her dreams into this world through touch.
So, from the perspective of Lynelle's personal growth, having her join the Astral Express and embark on the Trailblaze path—which embraced all kinds of abilities and destinies—really was the best choice.
Still, when it came to such major life decisions, Herta didn't want to make the call for someone else.
Better to let Lynelle decide for herself once she understood this world a little better.
"Back to the topic at hand—while I'd be more than happy if you sold yourself to me outright, I'd actually prefer you cooperate with me in another way."
Herta cleared her throat.
"After all, I know my own personality. My interest in you might only last a short while—I'm the kind of bad woman who tosses you aside once I get bored, you know?"
"So, how about being my test sub—ahem, being my assistant? Help me out with research on this topic. So far, I've never offered such an honor to anyone else."
Actually, Herta had been about to say "test subject," but considering the girl had just been struggling in her dreams to escape that very role, she quickly rephrased it to avoid triggering any PTSD.
"Of course!"
Lynelle didn't seem to notice the slip and nodded without hesitation.
Just the title of "Herta's assistant" alone would make her someone the Interastral Peace Corporation would bend over backwards to recruit—her status would skyrocket instantly.
Plus, Herta's space station housed countless curios. Given how [Temporary Stake] worked, her abilities seemed especially suited to these strange objects, which would nicely supplement her combat strength.
"But… as a research assistant, what would I need to do?"
"Nothing much. Just explore that world as you normally would. I'll observe and provide whatever help you need."
Herta shrugged. "Of course, out of respect for your privacy and my own schedule, I won't be watching your every move. Well… it'll depend on my time and interest."
"No problem!"
Lynelle agreed immediately.
"Then, right now I…"
"Based on what you said, even if you go back now, you'll probably be detained."
Herta sighed. "So… let me walk you through some better choices you could've made earlier."
"Honestly, watching your escape plan was painful… Take the simplest example: since you can't die, why did you still go out after realizing they'd called for backup?"
"Why not find the power source for the lab in Babylon Tower—uh, you call it a Honkai reactor, right? Use it to threaten them, bring everything out into the open."
"You already knew it was against the rules for them not to report a special test subject like you. And you said there were plenty of good people in Schicksal—even the branch that came to assist wasn't on the same side as Babylon Lab. With so much room to maneuver, how come you didn't think to negotiate?"
"Uh…"
Lynelle's head seemed to fill with floating equations, cosmos, and brain icons—then she abruptly lunged forward and clung to Herta's smooth gray stockings.
"Pleeease! Strategist Herta, save me!"
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 2 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.