On the other hand, Bai Ming, who still didn't know the position of the Phase Flame had been altered, watched as the body belonging to 'Hertatomb' was slowly powering down, piece by piece.
And Celenova looked like she was standing guard right there, waiting to catch Bai Ming's true self.
Bai Ming, who had initially considered directly using the Cyrene character card, thought it better to make her move the instant the character card was canceled.
Although it seemed like she had been playfully sparring with Celenova all this time, that was essentially because this identity wasn't convenient for going in for the kill.
After all, Celenova was a proper Lord Ravager.
The reason she had schemed to force Celenova to make a move at that specific time was because, if someone in the future insisted that the Irontomb body was a scheme of Destruction and tried to make an issue of it, this incident could at least serve as an excuse, saving a lot of pointless argument.
And if Celenova really got the chance to catch her, Bai Ming didn't think she'd have an easy time of it.
As for where to transfer to, a place popped into Bai Ming's mind without her even thinking.
Herta City!
Without a doubt, in Bai Ming's eyes, the safest and most reliable hiding spot was Herta City.
For one, Herta was trustworthy, and for another, Noa's true self was there.
On top of that, having done such a thing, her intuition told her something terrifying would happen if she didn't go to apologize immediately.
So Bai Ming directly pre-input the instructions and transfer coordinates into the ring, waiting for the moment this body disintegrated back into a character card to make her escape.
The coordinates Bai Ming input caused the originally furious Herta to suddenly fall silent.
It was Ruan Mei who showed a slight smile at the side.
"Seems like, even if you hadn't altered it, her first choice would still have been you."
Herta snorted, then picked up the teacup she had set down, lowering her head to drink, letting the broad brim of her hat block Ruan Mei's probing gaze.
"Hmph... hmph! That goes without saying! It's me, after all, the genius. Seeing as she still has some self-awareness, I'll just reduce a few items from the punishment list for later."
"Heh~"
This Herta, with her changed tone, was quite a novel sight in Ruan Mei's eyes. But she kindly didn't expose it.
Meanwhile, Bai Ming took advantage of the moment the 'Hertatomb' body was disintegrating to quietly ignite the Phase Spirit Fire and flee.
Although Celenova vaguely sensed something, in the end, she said nothing, merely watching the wreckage gradually dissolve before her eyes.
Finally, she set it ablaze and left.
As for the last message Bai Ming left for her... Celenova gave a cold snort in her heart, pretending she never heard it.
--+--
And on the other side.
Within Herta City.
Bai Ming appeared in a soul state.
Compared to the initial vague, blurry form, her soul state now faintly resembled a human figure. And it wasn't like the initial state where nothing could be seen.
Empowered by the forces of Destruction and Elation, Bai Ming's perception of her surroundings gradually became clearer.
It felt like, if this continued, she could solidify into a physical form without needing a body.
But the moment she landed, Bai Ming sensed something was off.
Hadn't she set the coordinates for their afternoon tea room? How did she end up in this laboratory instead?
Since when could Phase Flame produce such a precise error?
However, before Bai Ming could figure it out, a familiar light chuckle came from behind.
Then, two gloved hands reached over and actually grasped the shoulders of Bai Ming's soul form.
"?!"
"So, how is it? These specially developed force-field gloves—we, Ruan Mei and I, researched them for hundreds of years just to be able to touch you. The effect is indeed good."
Herta's voice rang out behind Bai Ming.
But beneath that calm tone, Bai Ming couldn't shake the feeling that some unfathomable storm was brewing.
Did these two transfer me here themselves??
Seeing Herta's well-prepared demeanor, Bai Ming immediately realized her arrival here was definitely due to some tampering by Herta.
Seeming to notice Bai Ming had no intention of speaking, Herta put on an expression of sudden understanding.
"Oh, I forgot you can't talk easily in this state. Never mind, I wasn't planning on letting you say anything anyway. Just be obedient."
"?!"
Bai Ming instantly grew alert.
Ruan Mei, to the side, added, "It's been too long since we parted. I wanted to see the progress of your fusion with the Giant of Light. Moreover, the aura of Destruction on you is growing increasingly dense, seemingly altering your state as well. I believe a thorough examination is necessary."
Herta, who was pulling Bai Ming towards the examination platform, clicked her tongue in annoyance and turned her head. "Tch, why are you telling her all that? Now she won't be scared."
"Heh~ Aren't you worried she'll get so scared she runs away? Even without the Hertatomb body, if she really resists, I might not be able to hold her down with you."
"You dare?!"
Herta immediately glared at Bai Ming, wearing an attitude that said if you dare run, I'm going to lose my temper.
"..."
Bai Ming really wanted to retort—what does this have to do with me? Ruan Mei's the one who said it. Can't you be a little reasonable?
Herta cheerfully fiddled with various pieces of equipment, while Ruan Mei, through her gloves, felt all over Bai Ming's form, seemingly trying to perceive this special state.
"You actually dared to get yourself killed by someone else while wearing my face. Bai Ming, oh, Bai Ming, you'd best lie down properly, or you're finished."
Herta gave a light hum, her fingers pinching what was probably the cheek area, lowering her head with an especially wicked smile.
"..."
Bai Ming wanted to draw the Evoltruster to save herself in the form of the Giant of Light.
But alas.
Herta had long anticipated this. With a flip of her other hand, the Evoltruster landed squarely in her palm.
Done for!
Bai Ming slumped powerlessly on the platform, watching helplessly as these two women, wielding all sorts of chaotic, messy things, overwhelmed her and began manipulating her at will.
Is this 'research' of yours even a proper examination??
--+--
Just as Bai Ming was seized by Herta and instantly... processed, Amphoreus had also reached its final cycle.
The thirteen Chrysos Heirs, having gathered all the Coreflames, assembled together.
By the way, the always-absent Cyrene was the inheritor of the Coreflame of Time, and the fabricated Thirteenth Titan was incorporated into the cycle using a Coreflame forged by World Herta.
Of course.
After the new world was formed, World Herta would completely transfer her own ID to the successfully nurtured Demiurge.
After all, World Herta was planning to take Khaslana and directly charge over to fuse with Irontomb then.
As the spokesperson for Light, the Thirteenth Titan needed a specific individual to bear the weight of Hope to exert its greatest effect.
And Zandar appeared with perfect punctuality at the Vortex of Genesis.
He said nothing, merely bearing witness to the four.
Even now, Zandar still did not believe his chance of victory was zero.
World Herta simply ignored Zandar.
She looked at the group gathered at the Vortex of Genesis and nodded with satisfaction.
"I won't waste words. All preparations are now complete. The final debate with Zandar is imminent. At that time, I will take Khaslana and directly fuse with Irontomb. The 'Hope after Destruction' he represents will be an extremely crucial part of the argument."
--+--