Chapter 19: Preparing for the Warp

By now, everyone had finished recounting their experiences on the Space Station to Pom-Pom. Pom-Pom was particularly incredulous that Theresa had become an Emanator of Elation. Its greatest fear remained the Masked Fools; it had suffered terribly from their pranks in the past!

"Passenger Theresa," Pom-Pom said, looking up at her to set the terms, "you must agree to three conditions with the Conductor."

"First, no pranking or teasing other passengers on the train. Second, no misusing train funds to purchase animals—not even insects! And finally, no joking with the Conductor, tampering with its food, or damaging the train. Especially that last one, Passenger Theresa—do you understand?"

[This disciple understands. Thank you, Conductor~]

"Yes, yes, I understand," Theresa replied sheepishly, ignoring the Homu System's antics. "I'm not the type to recklessly pursue amusement at any cost. In fact, I find such behavior distasteful."

Pom-Pom breathed a sigh of relief. It had been thoroughly traumatized by the previous Nameless' antics.

"And don't worry too much," Theresa said. "I'm not a true Emanator of Elation yet, because I haven't put on the mask. I have a strong feeling it's a one-time-use item, given how much Power of Elation it absorbed from Aha, as you all saw."

"I have this overwhelming intuition that when I put on that mask, I'll undergo an irreversible transformation. I might become stronger, but whether I'll become wiser is uncertain. That's why I've decided not to wear it unless absolutely necessary."

Theresa's words prompted everyone to ponder. After all, they had all witnessed the mask's bizarre transformation after absorbing such a vast amount of Power of Elation—evolving from a sinister stone mask into a jade mask radiating wisdom.

[My little darling, what you're saying sounds like there's no turning back once you put on that mask! Have you been marinated too long at the Black Horse Inn? If so, Venmo me 328 so I can become the Chosen One!]

The Homu System's snarky comment left Theresa feeling helpless. She realized that her earlier words had sounded like Sun Wukong about to be forced to wear the golden circlet.

"Just to be safe, Theresa, you should remain as you are," Welt said sternly, looking at her. "While your combat prowess has been invaluable, neither I nor the others would allow you to take unnecessary risks."

Theresa nodded in agreement. After all, transforming into Theresa had already been a massive windfall. She had no desire to put on a mask and turn into some kind of freak.

[Don't worry about that, my little darling! The essence of the Stone Mask is a promotion to a higher level of existence. Even this System isn't entirely sure what changes might occur after absorbing the Aeon of Elation's power, but they certainly won't be detrimental. After all, He also called you "my little darling," right?]

[Hmm... Or perhaps it'll result in Luna Kindred? Wouldn't that be absolutely stunning? Aaaah! This System is getting so excited! Why am I just a System? Curse you, Immortal Dragon! o(╥_╥)o]

Theresa listened to the Homu System's complaints with a wry smile and a blush. She genuinely adored Luna Kindred. After all, what Captain wouldn't love their official partner? She was stunningly beautiful, incredibly powerful, gentle and considerate to her allies, and wielded a chainsaw against her enemies—how badass was that!

"Everyone, take a break," Pom-Pom announced. "Tomorrow, the Astral Express will warp to its next destination: Jarilo-VI."

As Pom-Pom dismissed everyone to rest, Welt cleared his throat, freezing Stelle and March 7th in their tracks as they prepared to pry open the Herta Puppet's legs.

"There are some things a man would rather not meddle in," Welt said awkwardly, glancing at the embarrassed pair. "But are you certain you want to dissect Madam Herta's puppet in full view of everyone in the train's main hall?"

Stelle and March 7th exchanged awkward smiles. "Come on, Theresa," March 7th said. "Let's show you to your new room."

March 7th led Stelle and Theresa to Theresa's new quarters, which Pom-Pom had already tidied up. The decor was a soft blend of pink and light blue, and the bed featured a thick, plush mattress identical to March 7th's, topped with soft, luxurious bedding.

The room also came with a computer, though Theresa had no idea where Pom-Pom had conjured it from. Still, she figured the specs couldn't be too shabby.

"Hmm, not bad at all! It's got a cute, girly vibe, and this bed is huge! Wanna share it tonight?" March 7th suggested excitedly, eyeing the two-meter-wide bed.

"Ah? I don't think that's appropriate. I've never shared a bed with another girl before—I don't know if I'd be comfortable," Theresa stammered, her face flushing crimson. After all, she used to be a boy; she wasn't the real Theresa.

[ "Clearly, I'm a Little Lady!" ] the Homu System chimed in.

[ "Screw off!" ] Theresa mentally snapped back.

[(^▽^*) Hehe. Even when you're angry, you're adorable.]

Theresa tried to ignore it. Though it had started as her best buddy Homu, she'd heard it was working hard to manifest a human form, and now it had even taken on the role of resident snark master.

"Theresa, come help me figure out how to turn on the Herta Puppet. What is that button between its breasts?"

March 7th asked, puzzled. Since they were all women, she remarked with casual directness.

[Oh-ho! Button! A-cup! Jealous?~]

The Homu System was acting up again. Theresa clenched her fist inwardly, thinking, [ Don't think I don't understand you're mocking my flat chest! ]

"Erm, let me see..."

Theresa blushed slightly as she examined the Herta Puppet. Eventually, she found a button in the center of its chest and curiously pressed it.

["Activating Herta Puppet. Keep pressing randomly and I'll blow up in your face."]

["Enter the password."]

The Herta Puppet's mechanical voice echoed through the room. Theresa, March 7th, and Stelle exchanged bewildered glances—how were they supposed to know the password?

Then Theresa remembered Herta typing a password when she took them to her office. It had been in pinyin.

[ "Herta is the galaxy's cutest!," ] the Homu System helpfully prompted.

"Right, I remember now! It's the pinyin for 'Herta is the galaxy's cutest'!"

"But how do we enter it? There's only one button!"

As Theresa voiced her confusion, the Herta Puppet's usually rigid expression suddenly became animated.

[Secret key detected. Activation successful. Please select a service mode: Housekeeping Mode, Intimate Mode, or Combat Mode.]

The three companions' eyes lit up at the announcement. Theresa's eyes darted around mischievously.

"Intimate Mode!" Theresa exclaimed excitedly. March 7th and Stelle stared at her in astonishment, never having imagined this side of her.

[Selection failed. This mode is locked. Switching to Housekeeping Mode by default.]

[You think you can play with me? You're dreaming! -Voice Recording of Herta.]

The Herta Puppet gazed at the group and spoke.