"[Iron Tomb]'s self-iteration will not stop. Its rate of evolution has already exceeded the worst expectations."
"The moment calculated by the Aeon hangs over the galaxy like a sword."
"Every choice people make may hasten its arrival."
Herta cut him off, her tone carrying a hint of unquestionable resolve:
"Which is why we cannot afford to fail."
"The machine-head is passing judgment on the poor galaxy again."
"The Borderstar Trade War, the Emperor War, Rupert's death—every time its foretold moment came true, humanity endured a bloodbath."
Screwllum shook his head again:
"But in Erudition's ultimate game, you and I should be players, not pieces."
"Once you choose to use yourself as expendable material, everything we have done will lose its meaning."
"Herta. You should understand that the galaxy will not stand by and watch a genius sacrifice herself—I am no exception."
"Don't say such discouraging things." Herta snorted and turned her head away:
"That's why we came here, isn't it?"
"We need to find Demiurge, that lost key."
"I have no interest in being a Savior. I only want to win—win against Zandar, and against the machine-head."
"Now—I only care whether you are on my side or not."
"..."
Screwllum fell into brief silence, accompanied only by the faint hum of his internal components.
After a moment's thought, he elegantly placed one hand over his chest and gave a slight bow:
"Of course. It is time to board. After you."
The two boarded the airship called Mistletoe in turn. Its hatch closed soundlessly, and the vessel rose steadily into the air, heading deeper into the Data Ruins.
With the aid of the airship's special force field, the two geniuses successfully breached the outer barrier and hacked deeper into the Scepter's core region.
The sight here was even more desolate, as