At the Galactic Edge, Lady Herta looked at the message Asta had sent her on her phone, her expression exactly like:
Subway. Elder. Phone.
A Herta Puppet with exceptionally good, radiant skin?
Did I ever design one like that?!
And why was that Herta Puppet with such excellent-looking skin in the photo wearing an outfit in my Lady Herta Magical Girl style?!
Wait, that puppet seemed to be No. 0988.
I specially designed it... even incorporating some interesting features into it, granting it self-awareness... But after I completed my research on its consciousness, I lost interest and never paid it any more attention...
Lady Herta fell into thought, then sent Asta a message:
"Where did this photo come from?"
Asta: "Herta Space Station, Lady Herta... That puppet must be equipped with your latest skin-enhancement technology. Just name your price—I'll pay whatever it takes!!"
Seeing this reply, Lady Herta felt the slightest flicker of temptation. But she soon remembered that the transformation of the Herta Puppet had absolutely nothing to do with her.
So Lady Herta replied:
"Asta, I'm afraid I have to disappoint you. The changes to Herta Puppet 0988's skin weren't caused by technology I developed."
Asta: "Huh?"
Lady Herta: "I suspect someone infiltrated Herta Space Station and tampered with my Herta Puppet. I've already sent other Herta Puppets to investigate."
Lady Herta: Automated reply: Hello. I'm currently busy and unavailable. I also won't be contacting you later.
Inside Herta Space Station, Asta's eyes widened at these two replies. When she looked up, she saw a group of Herta Puppets already taking action in the Main Control Section. They pulled diamond hammers from beneath their skirts, then their feet automatically split apart as flames burst from within, propelling their bodies forward through the air.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh...
One