"Heh." Laigushi chuckled as well, carrying a complicated sense of agreement.
His projection grew increasingly illusory beneath the faint starlight.
"I am gratified, Herta. Because in the end, though we took different paths, we arrived at the same destination—"
"Whether it was [Destruction Erudition] or rewriting the moment, you and I chose the same road: rejecting the god who had drawn boundaries around all living beings."
Herta shrugged.
"As far as that statement goes, I have nothing to refute."
Laigushi's projection stepped forward twice, facing those few stars as he calmly announced:
"To celebrate our fundamental consensus, I will prepare a stage for your performance."
He gazed at the four stars overhead, his tone carrying unquestionable authority.
Starlight reflected across his translucent face, flickering in and out.
"Listen well, geniuses of later generations. The following words come from Club #1: end this pathetic meeting."
"Two nanoseconds ago, I conveyed Herta's decision to every [Zandar]—"
"[We] will become her agents and block all outside interference."
"Hm?" Herta looked at his seemingly generous yet self-assuming back, folding her arms and tilting her head slightly.
"What kind of act is this?"
Laigushi smiled calmly as his projection turned back around.
"Why? Oh, it is very simple—"
"[Curiosity], madam. That is all."
In this situation, Polka's voice showed no fear at all. Instead, it carried a trace of eager anticipation.
Her star trembled softly.
"So I finally get to exchange a few moves with the [First Genius]? What a pleasant surprise."
"Since our positions have been made clear... this boring meeting should end as well. Good luck, little girl."
As her words fell, the star representing Polka instantly dimmed, like a snuffed-out candle, cutting off communications.
Nearby, the Primal Doctor's star flickered erratically, as though suppressing some excitement.
"Am I being treated as a