After being ordered around by Herta in every possible way and experiencing the utterly unreasonable gameplay of the Simulated Universe, the characters everyone controlled returned to the Master Control Zone in the real world.
Next, the game presented a main quest that marked a turning point:
[Talk to someone and tell Himeko your decision.]
Would they stay at the space station and work as a tester for Herta, a woman with the potential to become absurdly rich but who might slice the protagonist up like a lab rat at any moment?
Or would they board the Astral Express, traveling through the depths of space in search of the truth behind the Stellarons?
"Was that even a choice?"
Wang Qiuer decisively guided her character toward Asta and Herta.
"I finally found two real cosmic-level rich ladies! The Interastral Peace Corporation's resources, this space station that must have cost an unimaginable fortune... Even if I got treated like a lab rat, I'd be the highest-class, most valuable lab rat! As long as the pay was good, I could live on this station until the end of time!"
Wang Qiuer found Herta and launched into a frenzied campaign of shameless persistence.
[Can I return to the space station?] [Herta: Of course you can. I'm still waiting for you—oh, by "return," you mean—oh, that's not impossible either. If you're willing to work here as an ordinary staff member, ask Asta. If she agrees, I have no objections.]
"See that? The rich lady agreed to let me stay!" Wang Qiuer's eyes sparkled with excitement.
She immediately turned and ran to find Asta.
``` [Asta: I quite like you, but... there's a "Stellaron" inside your body. If you work and live at the station long-term, the "Stellaron" may worsen the