The Herta nodded at Herman, who still wore an astonished expression. "Of course, even with the two buffs—World-Shaking Wisdom and Universal Genius—along with that sudden flash of inspiration, which allowed me to create the transformation device, I still find it imperfect."
Herman looked speechless. "In such a short time, you already developed something like the Soul Gem transformation device. What more could you possibly want?!"
The Herta shook her head. "That is not the case... Its flaws are enormous—truly enormous!"
"There is an extremely strict prerequisite to using this Soul Gem to transform into a magical girl. The user must be a Pathstrider—and must also be a Nameless!"
"Only then can the transformation be completed!"
"The only aspect that currently satisfies me is that the better dressed and more beautiful the magical girl, the higher the efficiency of Path energy amplification."
Herman suddenly realized something. "Wait... Are you saying that this Soul Gem transformation device is powered by the Trailblaze Path?"
"More or less." The Herta nodded. "At present, only Pathstriders who input their Path energy can use this gem."
"And only a young female Pathstrider who has mastered the Trailblaze Path can utilize its space-related powers to complete magical girl outfit changes through Trailblaze energy. As for female Pathstriders of other Paths, they would still have to change clothes physically!"
"In fact, for Pathstriders of Paths other than Trailblaze, this gem is purely a Path energy amplifier. It merely increases output power slightly."
"In other words, it is merely a semi-finished product of my research."
"So even you, The Herta, couldn't complete a magical girl transformation with it. You would still need to change outfits physically."
"You can omit such unnecessary remarks." The Herta's face darkened.
Herman then asked her a question. "What does a magical girl look like in your imagination?"
"First of all, a magical girl must be a girl!" The Herta thought for a moment. "And she need not be a Pathstrider. Even an ordinary person should be able to transform... She shouldn't require Path energy to complete the transformation, defeat monsters, and protect world peace."
Herman could not resist teasing her. "Then you're already expired. You're almost over eighteen, after all."
"You insolent fellow. Don't you know a lady's age must never be mentioned?" The Herta retorted sharply. "And from now on, I will always be eighteen—forever—and I will live on eternally. With my intellect, I will inevitably develop rejuvenation technology and even immortality!"
"All right, all right, I'm joking." Herman coughed lightly. "Let me ask you one thing. Can the Soul Gem you've developed amplify and magnify the Erudition Path energy within your own body?"
"Of course. Do not underestimate me!" The Herta placed her hands on her hips. "Even as a semi-finished Soul Gem, it can amplify my own Path energy. In fact, unless someone is at the level of an Emanator, it can amplify the Path energy output of any user!"
"Do not underestimate my passion for magical girls!"
"I can see that." Herman nodded solemnly at the pointed witch hat atop The Herta's head. "In that case, if the manufacturing cost of this Soul Gem isn't too high, it could even be commercialized and sold to the IPC!"
"No... It is not perfect yet." The Herta refused without hesitation.
"Then what is the production cost?"
"I used simulated materials within the Simulated Laboratory to manufacture it. It requires memory matter and dream-memoria stone. The cost is roughly ten thousand Credits per gem."
"I see." Herman smacked his lips and stroked his chin. "If this thing were truly commercialized, then across the cosmos—except for regions the Trailblaze has yet to reach—every Pathstrider would probably buy one."
"After all, in this universe, no one does not wish to grow stronger."
The Herta shook her head. "Impossible. The Soul Gems I manufacture can only be used by those wearing feminine attire. After all, they are technological creations designed specifically for transforming into magical girls!"
Herman looked at her with an indescribable expression. "For the sake of gaining the Soul Gem's amplification power, there would absolutely be no shortage of brave warriors across the cosmos willing to put on women's clothing."
Imagining such a terrifying scene, The Herta hurriedly shook her head as if to fling away stray thoughts.
"Silence. Do not say such absurd things again."
"Also, after I finished developing the Soul Gem, the power of the Universal Genius buff was exhausted. I wish to continue researching and improving this magical girl transformation device. Please continue providing the Universal Genius buff."
Herman's lips curved into a faint smile. "Now you understand how powerful the buff enhancements are, don't you? In that case, let us discuss the earlier matter... the commercialization of the magical girl transformation device."
The Herta looked troubled. "But it is not yet perfect. It remains incomplete."
Herman nodded. "As a magical girl transformation device, it is indeed imperfect. It cannot allow ordinary people to transform. However, as a Path energy amplifier, it is excellent."
"Especially for worlds invaded by the Antimatter Legion, or those suffering from Stellaron disasters—the cancer of all worlds—they would desperately need something like this."
Hearing this, The Herta's heart stirred. "In that case, it could indeed be sold as a commercial product. However, I do not possess the raw materials nor the sales channels."
Herman laughed softly. "There is no need to worry about raw materials or suppliers. Did we not just reach a cooperation agreement with the IPC?"
"I believe the IPC will gladly accept this collaboration. In fact, people within the IPC itself would likely purchase a batch of magical girl transformations—"
Mid-sentence, Herman noticed The Herta's expression change and immediately corrected himself. "I mean, Path energy amplifiers."
"Very well. I will leave negotiations with the IPC to you. I will continue improving the transformation device in the Simulated Laboratory."
"All right."
Herman nodded and promptly opened the Research System interface, applying the Universal Genius buff to The Herta once more.
In that instant, The Herta's consciousness trembled again and again. She could feel her intellect rising once more. Her mind became crystal clear, and endless inspiration surged forth from the depths of her soul.
The sensation was simply too exquisite. Unable to resist, The Herta immediately turned and threw herself back into research.
Meanwhile, Herman glanced at the points displayed on the panel. They had already surpassed 110,000. After a moment of thought, he spent 10,000 points to assign The Herta a task:
Complete the Magical Girl Transformation Device—Soul Gem Project. Upon successful completion, reward: 10,000 research points!
This was to further encourage her continued dedication.
And indeed, The Herta felt motivated. Her drive for research grew even stronger.
Of course, the reason she was so encouraged was because she had thoroughly studied her own cheat—the Research System, Herman himself.
She already knew that research points could be used to enhance research capability. Ten thousand points would raise research capability by one point.
This was an elevation of one's fundamental intelligence essence.
Naturally, The Herta longed for it.