Fuli, who had been observing Su Ran all this time, suddenly sensed another gaze upon It.

It exchanged a brief look with the Aeon of Erudition.

Then, as if by mutual understanding, both turned away—

And continued watching the ongoing experiment inside the laboratory.

To attract the attention of two Aeons at once—

This was no small matter.

One was Nous, the Aeon of Erudition—

Naturally drawn to those walking the Path of Knowledge.

The other was Fuli—

Who recorded significant events across the universe.

And in Fuli’s view,

What Su Ran was creating—

Was already enough to shake the cosmos.

A machine capable of Equivalent Exchange.

This alone violated the fundamental logic of the universe.

Meaning:

Even garbage—

If accumulated in sufficient quantity—

Could potentially be exchanged for an Emanator-level existence.

Or, taken further—

Even a new Aeon.

As absurd as it sounded—

It wasn’t entirely impossible.

In that sense,

What Su Ran was doing could be called one of the most insane acts in the universe.

If the Aeon of Equilibrium weren’t satisfied with the concept of "equivalent exchange" itself—

It might’ve appeared as well.

After all, this invention aligned closely with the idea of balance.

Herta connected to a nearby puppet and walked toward the lab.

Only to find the entrance completely blocked by a massive crowd.

"Do you people have nothing better to do? Why are you all standing here? Where’s Asta?"

Even the doorway was blocked—

No wonder Herta was annoyed.

If it hadn’t affected her directly, she wouldn’t have cared.

But now she couldn’t even get in.

That was unacceptable.

Seeing Herta,

The crowd immediately made way.

"Good. At least you have some sense."

She strode in confidently.

But the moment she stepped inside—

She felt something was off.

Slowly, stiffly,

She turned her head toward the glass wall.

And saw it.

Outside the station—

A crystalline emperor-like phantom stood in space.

"...Fuli?"

Even if records of Aeons weren’t perfectly accurate,

There were still recognizable traits.

And Fuli’s crystal emperor form was well known.

Seeing it with her own eyes—

Herta froze.

Fuli recorded major events in the universe.

So if It had come here—

Did that mean Su Ran’s invention truly had universe-shaking significance?

So significant that even an Aeon had come to witness it?

She looked at Su Ran—

Who seemed completely unfazed.

And couldn’t help but feel a trace of envy.

To have one’s research draw the attention of an Aeon—

That was something only a handful of beings in the universe could achieve.

Even Fuli—

Could only observe from afar.

And Herta?

She simply walked right up to Su Ran—

And began closely watching his work.

That was just how she was.

Even an Aeon’s presence wouldn’t change her behavior.

She had already reviewed the blueprint for the Equivalent Exchange Machine.

And reached one conclusion:

It was too outrageous.

She couldn’t fully understand it.

Nor could she replicate it.

If it weren’t Su Ran’s work,

She might’ve even invited Screwllum to study it together.

So now—

All she could do was observe.

"I’m hungry."

Su Ran suddenly stopped working and looked at Herta.

"Then go eat. Why tell me? What, you want me to bring you food?"

He had hands and feet—

Was she supposed to serve him like some kind of master?

Su Ran just stared at her.

Eventually—

Herta gave in.

"...Fine. Keep working. Food will be here soon."

No choice.

For now—

She had to go along with him.

Luckily, there were plenty of Herta puppets.

Splitting her attention wasn’t an issue.

Soon enough,

Another Herta puppet arrived—

Carrying a boxed meal.

"Do you people have to block the doorway?"

Even this puppet got stuck at the entrance.

The researchers quickly stepped aside.

But now they were confused.

Both Hertas here were puppets.

So who was the food for?

The answer was obvious.

Su Ran.

And just like that—

Even those who had dismissed the rumors before—Started to believe them.

Was it true?

Did Herta and Su Ran really... have something going on?

"That’s ridiculous... right?"

"Want me to feed you? Personally fed by the great Lady Herta—you should feel honored."

"Pass. You’re shorter standing than I am sitting. I’ll eat myself."

Su Ran opened the lunchbox.

The meal was well-balanced—

And looked perfectly normal.

Herta wasn’t offended.

If anything, she felt relieved.

Feeding him personally would’ve been... awkward.

"Fuli is watching you."

Herta pointed toward the faint figure outside the glass.

"That’s rare. We just met yesterday, and now It’s already spying on me."

Su Ran found it surprising.

This was an Aeon—

One of the highest existences in the universe.

And specifically one that recorded major events.

Which meant—

His research had already become a cosmic-level event.

"You didn’t notice It?"

Herta was surprised.

She had sensed it the moment she entered.

"Of course not. I was focused on my work. Why would I pay attention to someone peeking from outside?"

Thankfully,

The lab doors were tightly sealed to block noise.

Otherwise—

If the researchers outside had heard that—

They’d probably be sweating bullets.

—------------------------------

Pat reon Advance Chapters: patreon.com/YonkoSlayer