Herman received good news from The Herta—her research into the Dark Plane · Super Gene had achieved new results.
Using the stellar data Ruan Mei had shared during the previous Genius gathering, combined with dark energy and Dark Plane technologies, she had successfully developed the Solar Radiance Gene.
As its name implied, once the Solar Radiance Gene was loaded, one could unleash attacks as ferocious as the sun itself. Stellar flare bombardments, solar winds—such methods would be commonplace.
However, The Herta also stated that while the Solar Radiance Gene possessed respectable offensive power, it still could not compare to the Herta Magic Cannon inherent to the Herta Magic Wand. Moreover, the gene's true value was not its attack strength, but its energy supply.
Once this super gene was installed, she would possess a continuously shining internal stellar energy source—an almost inexhaustible well of power.
That also meant that if one day the Herta Magic Wand were accidentally lost, she would not suffer a massive drop in combat strength or energy reserves. She would still be able to maintain her power.
"This is good news," Herman replied. "The Invincible Body, spatial wormholes, the sun... you've developed so many super genes already. As expected of you, Herta."
"It's still far from enough," The Herta said with interest. "And I have a new idea now. Using the black hole data we observed at the Genius Society outpot last time, I want to try combining it with the Dark Plane and dark energy to create a Super Black Hole Gene."
She continued excitedly, "If that succeeds, once the black hole gene is installed, I might even gain the power to manually create supermassive black holes."
Hearing this, Herman immediately thought of something.
After the Invincible Body of the Galaxy's Might and the Solar Radiance of the Blazing Sun, even the Netherworld's black hole gene engine had now been incorporated into Herta's research agenda?
Moreover, she had already observed a genuine black hole. With her abilities, it likely would not take long before she truly manufactured a Black Hole Gene.
If so, then perhaps a fourth-generation divine body with atomic-level positioning—or even a Void Engine and Anti-Void Engine—could also be anticipated.
After thinking this through, Herman spoke. "If you want to fully realize the many super genes you've researched—and even the Dark Plane itself—throughout the real universe, you'll need vast amounts of dark matter. Those materials have already been delivered to the Blue Federation by the IPC's Building Material Logistics Department. You can begin."
"Also, I remember you saying that running those super genes requires sufficient computational power. In that case, it's time to build an astral computer as well."
The Herta paused slightly. "Has that much time already passed? Very well. The Dark Plane Project officially begins."
As her words fell, The Herta stepped out of the Simulated Laboratory. Her consciousness returned to her body, and she quickly walked to the window, where she saw an enormous vessel outside.
At the bow of the ship stood an incomparably massive figure of the Amber Lord raising a hammer.
With a single glance, Herta recognized it as a vessel from the IPC's Building Material Logistics Department. She turned her head toward the Fourth Mirror and said, "Have the company deliver the materials."
"Understood, Madam Herta."
The Fourth Mirror responded swiftly. Almost in the next instant, the Building Material Logistics Department vessel opened its gates. Large numbers of logistics robots carried dark matter supplies into Herta's residence.
This scene happened to be witnessed by Pearl, who had just finished reading Capital. She blinked, then knocked on Herta's door.
"Miss Herta, are you inside?"
"I am. You may enter directly."
"Yes."
Pearl stepped into the room, placing both hands neatly over her lower abdomen as she bowed to The Herta. "Miss Herta, you have placed another order for materials."
"Don't worry. I have plenty of Credits."
The moment Herta said this confidently, she suddenly realized she had not checked her account balance in quite some time. Feeling slightly guilty, she asked Herman inwardly how much remained.
Herman did not hide anything. "Still quite a lot. A total of nine hundred billion. Previously, purchasing Dreamstones and Memoria to manufacture Soul Gems cost one hundred billion. Buying materials for the astral computer, as well as materials for super genes and the Dark Plane, cost two hundred billion Credits."
Herta sighed. "That's still quite a bit. But money really doesn't last—it's already three hundred billion gone, nearly a quarter of my savings."
"It's actually fine," Herman replied. "Because Soul Gems are extremely popular across the cosmos, the IPC will remit payment soon. Your savings will quickly return to one trillion—and then enter a positive cycle."
"Besides, don't forget Pearl. She's someone capable of earning vast sums of money. She just needs more training and experience."
"That's true."
After acknowledging this internally, Herta heard Pearl speak.
"Miss Herta, I wasn't worried that you'd run out of money... After all, geniuses rarely go bankrupt. Even if they do, as long as they approach the IPC, the company is more than willing to fund a genius' research—just as they once funded Screwllum of Screwllum Star."
Herta looked puzzled. "Then what were you asking just now?"
"I was imitating ordinary human greetings," Pearl explained. "And informing you, Miss Herta, that I have completed my advanced studies in business administration."
After speaking, she took out her phone and opened photo after photo. "Miss Herta, please look. This is proof that I completed an online business administration program at Origami University and graduated successfully."
"Excellent."
A satisfied smile curved Herta's lips. "In that case, you will go to Penacony next and manage the Reverie Company. Remember, when fulfilling your managerial duties, you represent me—the 83rd Seat of the Genius Society. Do not fear difficulties or setbacks. Perform well."
"Understood."
Pearl nodded seriously, then reported new developments regarding Penacony.
"Miss Herta, in fact, not long ago, I received news that more and more people across the cosmos are flocking to Penacony."
"This has directly caused chaos in Penacony's current situation. Even Gopher Wood—the major shareholder stationed at the Reverie Company—was assassinated."
The Herta frowned slightly. "Gopher Wood? Who is that?"
Pearl was not surprised that The Herta could not remember the name. After all, Miss Herta was a genius focused on her research, rarely paying attention to others. Forgetting names was normal.
She continued explaining, "He was the one who represented the Family at the previous Blue International Diplomatic Expo Center and signed the Soul Gem contract with you, making Penacony the source of Soul Gem raw materials."
"I see. He was assassinated? That means... Penacony is dangerous. You might encounter accidents after you arrive there."
Herta's brows knitted slightly as she spoke.
At that moment, Herman reminded her inwardly, "Herta, you can develop a super gene and install it in Pearl."
The Herta immediately felt this made perfect sense. Pearl was proficient in law and business management—a talent capable of earning Credits for a genius like her. Such a person could not be allowed to die in some accident.
She could select one of the super Herta genes and install it for Pearl...
And at the same time, have her carry Fortune Glue to increase her luck!
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