Not long after.
In Yan Huan's room, the lights had been adjusted to a soft, warm yellow, dispelling the chill often associated with voyages through the starry sea.
A faint, peculiar scent lingered in the air, something like a mixture of motor oil and old books. It came from Herta's equipment.
The tabletop was somewhat messy, strewn with several unfinished ingenious devices and half-open snack bags.
A clear space had been deliberately made for the Lotus and the Black-and-White Lances. Soft glimmers flowed over their surfaces, blending with the room's warm lighting and casting faint halos.
Herta stood before the desk, her slender fingers pressing against her temple, her delicate brows slightly furrowed.
She was dressed in a simple set of casual research clothes today, the dark blue fabric making her skin appear even fairer.
Her gaze fell on the black-and-white lances fitted together, a flicker passing through her eyes along with a trace of emotion.
"Ugh, if I'd known, Screwllum and Ruan Mei wouldn't have needed to go through all that trouble. You're still more useful."
Her voice carried a hint of exhaustion, though her tone remained as proud as ever.
"Really opened my eyes. Your ability can actually heal damage caused by an Aeon's influence." She raised her other hand and pointed vaguely at the white lance.
Yan Huan sat in a somewhat oversized chair nearby, leaning back slightly as the chair creaked faintly.
He had been fiddling with his phone. Hearing her, he stopped and looked up at Herta, his eyes filled with undisguised curiosity.
"So back then, did you really use that Audience System to merge with the [Erudition] Aeon?"
He leaned forward.
"Then why didn't you just wave your hand and wipe out the [Iron Tomb]? I wouldn't have had to take that sword strike."