Moments before Stelle met Ethan in the Medical Department....
I opened my eyes, feeling a light fatigue as I held my head with my hand. My vision was blurred, but slowly it returned to normal much to my relief. That was fun. I thought. Feeling the Simulated universe to be like a game. I like games.
"Success!" I heard a joyous voice. I looked around blankly, seeing no one at first, until I glanced down and saw Herta smiling up at me. "I have to tell Stephen the news right away, and you twerp, don't just stand there." I blinked, confused until I realized she was talking to me.
"Go for another walk and see if you can get a few more words out of Them or something," Herta continued with a wave of her hand
I nodded absently. "Alright—"
"Wait!" Herta interrupted as her eyes snapped back at me "I've upgraded the Simulated Universe. Now it has more RAM and can support longer sessions. I guess the last round was pretty boring, right? So I'll get Stephen to add some more fun stuff." She stated.
"Fun?" I tilted my head, intrigued.
Herta nodded enthusiastically, which caught me off guard. She could be like two different people at the same time. "This part is specifically made for you. I hope you have lots of fun."
I smiled "I love fun games!"
"Stephen said the same thing. I don't really get it, but whatever. What's important is that the rewards have also increased" Herta said as she continued. "Overall, this is a long-scheduled update with, guess what? Longer gameplay, more content, better rewards, and a more bizarre difficulty curve. So get ready to jump back into the Simulated Universe Beta Test!"
I hesitated for a moment before asking, "So, more Credits?"
"Essentially, yes." She nodded.
My smile got wider but then a random thought occurred to me, and I frowned.
Herta apparently noticed that quick change of expression and asked "What's up, twerp? Why do you look so sad? Aren't the extra rewards and content enough? You want me to add more?"
I shook my head. "No, it's just that.."
Herta hummed, raising a brow. "You're worried about something, aren't you, twerp?"
I tilted my head as she added, "While I don't care much about people's feelings. because it's irrelevant. but since you helped me test the Simulated Universe, and since I'm in a good mood, I might as well do the same. So tell me, what's wrong?"
I hesitated for a quick moment before deciding to spill everything. "I want someone to come with me on the Astral Express."
"Oh? Let me guess, you're worried they might refuse?"
I nodded.
"I see. What's the person's name?"
"Ethan," I answered.
"Ethan, hmm." Herta nodded thoughtfully. "Is he your lover?"
"Lover? What's that?" I asked, genuinely confused. Did she mean friend?
Herta fell silent for a short moment before shaking her head. "Never mind. So who's this Ethan and how did he get invited like you?" She asked curiously "You, I understand, with your predicament but this Ethan. He must be as unique as you to be invited, I assume."
I remained silent. Not knowing how to respond to that.
Herta's eyes narrowed a bit before deciding to let go of the topic. "Fine, I'm not hurry to know anyway and it's not like I have no way of knowing it." She said, huffing "Anway, lucky for you, I know a thing or two about convincing."
My mood suddenly brightened as I looked at her expectantly. "Really?"
Herta pulled out a cheeky grin. "That's right. You want to know that badly?"
I nodded repeatedly. "Yes, please"
Herta seemingly went to inspect me my face for what reason before humming contently "Fine, It's called….Convincenapping." She pointed out with her finger raised.
"Convincenapping?" I asked, feeling the word to be brand new yet it held somewhat a deep meaning behind it. This must be the power of being a Genius Society Member or what Himeko said earlier about her. In response, I looked at her in awe.
Herta nodded "Mhm, all you need to do is swing your bat, hit him until he's unconscious, and then take him to the Express. If all plays right, he'll have no choice but to join you. Perfect, isn't it?"
I furrowed my brows at her words, feeling something was wrong about what she said. "Isn't that the same as kidnapping?" I asked with a questioning look.
Herta tilted her head innocently "Why would you say that? It might be similar, but it's not kidnapping since you have to convince him first before using force as a last resort."
"That makes sense," I nodded slowly after giving it some thought. "Thank you, Herta," I gave her a grateful nod to show my appreciation.
"You're welcome. Now shoo, I've got some things to do," Herta quickly said, turning her back on me.
I nodded again, feeling a new wave of reassurance and confidence as I started making my way towards the medical department.