Herta

Biodata

Power Progression

Appearance

Herta is first seen in a mage outfit when she contacts and later boards Abant with Screwllum. Her real body initially remains at Herta Space Station, while she can also operate through small Herta doll avatars. She later relocates her research operations to the Main World, where the station is dismantled and incorporated into the Research Institute. 372 491 503 622

• Wears a mage outfit. 372
• Uses small Herta dolls as remote bodies and assistants. 390 503
• Carries a wand that can disperse into nanobots for rapid construction. 390

Personality

Herta is intensely curious, decisive, and impatient with delays. When inspiration strikes, she immediately begins testing it, arguing that ideas must be acted on before they disappear. 381 Her curiosity consistently overrides caution: she enters the Sea of Quanta, seeks to study Jhana’s Honkai energy, and pursues research that could disrupt the wider universe. 390 411 413

She is blunt and pragmatic in her dealings with others. Herta treats the implantation of Stellarons, Izayoi’s energy extraction, and other dangerous procedures as straightforward experiments, often with little concern for the subject’s comfort. 382 504 505 Although initially respectful of Nous in their academic exchanges, exposure to Li Yu’s knowledge and power leaves her openly contemptuous of Aeons and willing to threaten Nous directly. 506

Her enthusiasm is driven more by discovery than by distributing the resulting technology. Once she masters perpetual motion machine production and secures her own energy supply, she readily gives the remaining machines to Li Yu because she can manufacture more whenever needed. She initially rejects helping the Main World develop its technology, but agrees to participate when Li Yu offers support for her research. 505 565

Despite her recklessness, Herta can recognize a credible threat. She abandons the idea of testing her Hunt-arrow summons after Li Yu warns that Lan’s attack could kill her. Her curiosity nevertheless extends beyond Aeons to Pandora herself, whom she wants to study as a World Will. 507 624

Abilities & Skills

Scientific Genius and Engineering

Herta rapidly analyzes unfamiliar systems and converts discoveries into practical technology.

• Conducted a comprehensive scan of Abant, identifying it as neither a normal living creature nor a conventional machine and detecting no Path energy within it. 372
• Uses Herta Space Station’s systems to scan the universe for Li Yu’s phone signal. 380
• Constructs laboratories and bases from nanobots within minutes. 390
• Derived a nanomachine synthesis formula while researching technologies that did not match known Path, Honkai, or magical systems. 503
• Built a massive research base near Abant using magical materials, including Dragonia scales capable of anchoring spacetime. 400
• Added detection of Li Yu’s power to the space station’s underlying code, allowing her to identify his arrival through Trailblaze Anchors. 487
• Uses hacking techniques, including an unsuccessful attempt to force a call through after Li Yu disconnects before becoming the Aeon of Trailblaze. 442
• Recognized that Izayoi’s perpetual motion machine and the abilities of Li Yu’s other visitors did not fit the systems she already knew, prompting her to question their supposed origins in the Sea of Quanta. 503
• Examined the Astral Express through a doll after its upgrade, detecting changes in its materials and investigating the effects of the Path of Creation. 566
• Dismantled Herta Space Station and incorporated it into the Main World Research Institute, extensively remodeling the institute’s island and deploying numerous Herta puppets there. 622
• Monitored the changing Path of Erudition and the final conversion involved in Lygus’s attempted ascension, paying close attention to the experimental data. 623
• Joined the other geniuses in converting the planet where Lygus ascended into a planetary computer. 624

Magic

After receiving Li Yu’s explanation of meditation and mana, Herta quickly grasped the system and began developing applications of her own. 373

• Reached third-rank mage capability after receiving magical potions and support from a Meditation Array. 380
• Casts Piercing Magic Bullet, producing a powerful explosion. 380
• Uses ice magic to destroy Quantum Phantoms, which were largely unaffected by her Imaginary-energy attack. 390
• Proposed technological meditation assistance and automated spell systems almost immediately after learning magic. 373
• Her magic remains usable in the Sea of Quanta because it is power generated within her own body, unlike Path power. 390
• Understood Li Yu’s explanation that tenth-rank practitioners can master laws, comparing this to possessing a Path of one’s own. The prospect of reaching Aeon-like power led her to commit herself fully to magic research. 378
• Developed an interest in alchemy and equivalent exchange after gaining access to Abant’s magical knowledge. 374
• Has studied both magic and True Qi sufficiently to devise detailed methods for Izayoi to channel and release his internal energy. 489
• Gains an ongoing supply of magical power after using the reproduced perpetual motion machines. 505

Stellaron Implantation

Herta can directly implant Stellarons into compatible bodies.

• Suppressed and implanted a Stellaron into herself using Path power. 382
• Implanted another Stellaron into March 7th, turning her into a Stellaron spirit. 382
• Worked with Li Yu to test whether Stelle could convert Stellaron energy into mana. 381
• Personally inspected the implantation technique supplied by the Stellaron Hunters before using it, rather than accepting Li Yu’s offer to perform the procedure. 382
• Taught March 7th how to use her Stellaron as a power core and store magical energy in it. 383

Perpetual Motion Machine Research

Herta investigated Izayoi’s internal perpetual motion machine and collaborated with Li Yu to reproduce a usable version.

• Used Izayoi as an energy source while synthesizing material for a third perpetual motion machine. 504 505
• Identified a limitation: the reproduced machine continuously generates energy, but non-biological applications require a way to store and release that energy. 504
• Successfully completed a perpetual motion machine and later helped produce more than a hundred units with Li Yu. 505 506
• Prioritized an endless personal energy supply over public distribution of the machines. 505
• Completed the first working reproduction after approximately a week of joint development with Li Yu. The machine itself is a nanomachine visible only through a microscope. 505
• Learned that Izayoi’s original machine was unusually powerful because of Little Garden’s blessing, and proposed compensating for the weaker reproductions by increasing their number. 505
• Planned to secretly upgrade her puppets with perpetual motion technology, intending to make them a formidable combat force capable of operating as a one-person army. This is presented as a plan rather than a confirmed completed upgrade. 507

Scepter of the Emperor Access

Herta uses the Scepter of the Emperor’s computation in her research.

• Her Sea of Quanta base borrows its computational power. 413
• Received access from Li Yu to transfer the Elysian Realm inhabitants’ data into the Scepter rather than physically relocating the entire realm. 435
• Worked with Ruan Mei to separate individual records, including Kevin, Fu Hua, and Griseo, and subsequently completed the Elysian Realm data transfer. 435 437

Honkai Research

Herta studies Honkai as an energy system distinct from magic, True Qi, and Path power.

• Obtained Honkai crystals created by Jhana for laboratory analysis. 411
• Determined that Jhana’s Honkai energy remains under her complete control and cannot independently cause an outbreak against her wishes. 413
• Established that Jhana can recall leaked energy, while unrecalled energy gradually dissipates into Imaginary Energy. 413
• Warned that an outbreak deliberately unleashed by Jhana could scale with technological civilization and threaten the universe. 413

Equipment / Resources

• Magic wand — transforms into nanobots for building and serves as a focus for spellcasting. 390
• Herta dolls — remote avatars that can accompany others, relay information, and enter standby mode. Herta later considers secretly upgrading them with perpetual motion machines for combat. 390 503 507
• Herta Space Station — provides universe-wide signal scanning, laboratories, personnel, and logistical support. It is later transported aboard the Xianzhou Luofu to the Main World, then dismantled and incorporated into the Research Institute. 380 385 567 622
• Scepter of the Emperor — a supercomputer whose computational power supports her research. 413 435
• Arrows of the Hunt — a deterrent branded onto her hand by Li Yu; activating them alerts Lan and lets her threaten Nous. They provide three opportunities to summon The Hunt’s attack, but Li Yu warns against testing them casually because she may not survive the resulting arrow. 506 507
• Perpetual motion machines — reproducible nanomachines that provide continuous energy; Herta uses a dose herself to secure an ongoing mana supply. 505
• Hourai Elixir and blood samples — research materials supplied by Li Yu from another world, which she examines before joining his Main World development project. 565
• Main World Research Institute — an island research complex extensively remodeled by Herta and the other geniuses, incorporating the dismantled space station and numerous Herta puppets. 622
• Planetary computer project — a joint undertaking with the other geniuses to convert the planet associated with Lygus’s ascension into a computer. 624

Relationships

• Li Yu — Research partner and magic instructor. Herta joins his journey to inspect Abant, learns magic from him, collaborates on Stellarons and perpetual motion machines, and presses him to reveal his larger secret. He later explains the Twin Goddesses and the existence of the Main World, recruiting her to assist its technological development in exchange for supporting her research. 372 373 380 505 506 565
• Screwllum — Fellow Genius Society member and collaborator. They arrive on Abant together, learn about magic together, and jointly research access to the Sea of Quanta; Screwllum guards the passage during her initial expedition. He also joins the preparations to visit the Main World. 372 373 390 565
• Asta — Close logistical supporter at Herta Space Station. Asta immediately acquires and delivers Herta’s requested experimental materials. She also supplies meals during the perpetual motion machine project and becomes interested in the Main World after Herta explains the planned journey. 385 505 565
• Ruan Mei — Fellow researcher and collaborator in Sea of Quanta and Honkai-related studies. Herta describes them as close, and they work together on the Elysian Realm data transfer before joining the Main World research effort. 374 390 411 413 435 565
• Lygus — Research collaborator who explores the Sea of Quanta with her and later proposes preparing measures against the Aeons. Herta subsequently monitors the Path-conversion experiment associated with his ascension and joins the project to turn its planet into a computer. 390 443 623 624
• Nous — The Aeon of Erudition, whom Herta derisively calls “machine-head.” She threatens Nous with the possibility of Lan’s ascension to suppress information about perpetual motion machines. Nous ultimately promises to keep their existence sealed before expelling her from the Pathway Rift. 376 506 507
• Jhana — Herta studies Jhana’s Honkai energy and determines that the energy is centered on and controlled by Jhana herself. 410 413
• Izayoi Sakamaki — Experimental subject and research source for perpetual motion technology; Herta also teaches him to use his internal energy beyond simple physical enhancement. His later combat with Li Yu demonstrates techniques learned from her. 489 504 505 522
• March 7th — Recipient of a Stellaron implanted by Herta, who then teaches her to use it as a magical power core. 382 383
• Vill-V — An especially compatible intellectual collaborator. Vill-V delights in Herta’s ability to follow and extend her unconventional ideas, while Herta values Vill-V’s existing mind and initially fears that Li Yu might alter her during the Flame-Chasers’ modification process. 437 438
• HooH — An Aeon Herta deeply resents for covertly interfering with research that could upset Equilibrium. Li Yu’s confrontation with HooH reinforces her belief that unexplained failures in her experiments resulted from such interference. 442 487
• Pom-Pom — A subject of Herta’s curiosity about transformed life and Paths. She questions Pom-Pom about being able to leave the Astral Express, making the conductor uncomfortable with her investigative attention. 567
• Pandora — A World Will Herta wants to investigate. Pandora refuses to speak with her, and Li Yu explains that Pandora already knows Herta would try to study her; Herta cannot deny the accusation. 624

Story Role / Major Arcs

• Abant and Amphoreus expedition — Herta becomes interested in Abant after scanning it, then boards it with Screwllum to investigate its Flugel, Ex-Machina, and lack of Path energy. 372
• Magic research — She learns meditation from Li Yu, immediately understands the principles behind mana, and begins treating magic as a field suitable for technological automation and large-scale study. Learning that advanced magic can lead to mastery of laws convinces her to devote her full effort to the subject. 373 378 380
• Stellaron experiments — Herta tests the relationship between Stellarons and mana, implants a Stellaron into herself, and performs the same procedure on March 7th. She subsequently teaches March 7th how to use the implanted core. 381 382 383
• Sea of Quanta exploration — She enters the Sea of Quanta with Li Yu, Ruan Mei, and Lygus; builds a laboratory there; and confirms that magic can harm Quantum Phantoms where Imaginary energy has little effect. She later builds a larger base beside Abant using magical materials. 390 400
• Honkai and Elysian Realm research — Herta studies Jhana’s controllable Honkai energy, becomes interested in Welt Yang’s homeland, and takes responsibility for transferring Elysian Realm data through the Scepter of the Emperor. She completes the transfer and develops a particularly productive intellectual rapport with Vill-V. 413 418 435 437
• Sea of Quanta access crisis — After the researchers become unable to reopen their route, Herta questions Li Yu and learns that the World Bubbles are merging. She is disappointed that she cannot witness the transformation firsthand and must wait for access to become available again. 491 492
• Perpetual motion machine project — She researches Izayoi’s perpetual motion machine, creates a reproducible version with Li Yu, advances on Erudition, and secures Nous’s silence through the threat represented by Lan’s arrows. After Nous confirms that the information will remain sealed, she begins considering puppet upgrades and preparations for the wider possibilities Li Yu predicts. 504 505 506 507
• Twin Goddesses and Main World recruitment — After witnessing the Twin Goddesses assimilate Paths and overwhelm Equilibrium, Herta demands an explanation from Li Yu. He tells her about Creation and Terminus, then invites her and the other geniuses to explore another universe and help rebuild the Main World’s technological civilization. She agrees on the condition that he support her research and orders the station’s personnel to evacuate in preparation. 565
• Journey to the Main World — While awaiting departure, Herta investigates the strengthened Astral Express and questions Pom-Pom about the conductor’s changed condition. Li Yu then brings Herta Space Station aboard the Xianzhou Luofu and leads the fleet into the Main World’s Milky Way. 566 567
• Research Institute and Lygus’s ascension — Herta establishes her research operations at the Main World Research Institute, dismantling the space station and incorporating it into the remodeled island complex. She closely monitors Lygus’s Path-conversion experiment and later works with the other geniuses to turn the planet of his ascension into a planetary computer. During this period, her attempt to speak with Pandora is refused because of her obvious desire to study the World Will. 622 623 624

Notable Quotes

“Inspiration is fleeting. If I have an idea, of course I have to act on it. What matters is quickly seeing whether it works.” 381

“Machine-head, do you see this? You don't want the Aeon of The Hunt to ascend either, right?” 506

“Humanity's ultimate dream is about to be realized by me!” 505

“Hmph. I was too naive before. I thought Aeons were amazing, but after truly learning about them, they're nothing special.” 506

Trivia

• Li Yu’s cooking makes Herta ask for seeds so she can cultivate the ingredients herself. 375
• She considers ordinary eating inefficient enough that she normally relies on energy bars, but makes an exception for Li Yu’s food. 375
• Herta requested Dragonia scales from Jibril for research, but the Flugel’s hostility forced her to negotiate rather than take them by force. 400
• Before learning real magic, her witch-like appearance and staff concealed technology made to resemble spellcasting. 373
• She would have preferred the Path of Beauty to Erudition and displays little reverence for Nous even before directly threatening it. 376
• After advancing on Erudition, she openly challenges Kakamu to a one-on-one fight. 505
• She briefly wants to test whether her branded arrows can summon Lan, but immediately abandons the idea when Li Yu explains the danger. 507
• Her curiosity about Pandora extends to wanting to capture a World Will for study. 624

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