Star Rail: The Aeon Hunters

Lead Researcher Asta is terrified.

No, the antimatter legion isn't coming back for round two. No, Madam Herta isn't harassing her with unreasonable deadline. No, the scientists are all fine, no one went off chasing a supernova or something. No, it's not the Trailseekers or the Stellaron Hunters.

In fact, everything went well… Too Well…

Just this morning, a broadcast came from Madam Herta herself to all researcher saying that she has prepared new bonus for the top 100 overachiever. Not only that, but the puppets, all 40 of them in space station, start helping the guards cleaning up the fragmentum corrosion.

In just a few days, the Space Station pristine clean and working at 300% since it was created. Grants coming in like flood and even the IPC showed up to congratulate Herta personally for her good work. Heck, even people from Intelligencia Guild came into the space station with their private research.

"Lady Asta," Arlan's voice snapped Asta out of her musing.

Asta looked at Arlan, the boy's usual stern gaze looked nervous and he's glancing around him in slight fear. His usual firm demeanor now trembling as if he just saw a ghost.

"Wh-what is it Arlan? How was your talk with Madam Herta?" Asta whispered.

"La-Lady Asta… I think… something's wrong with Madam Herta…" Arlan walked closer. "She… she…" he brought his face closer to Asta's ear so no one could hear it. "She apologized to me for not being there during the Antimatter Legion attack."

Asta froze, dread welled up to her chest. Madam Herta? Apologizing? That mad puppet would commit mass murder in the name of science before she admits that she's wrong about anything. What's going on!?

"Or you know, you could just ask,"

The voice made the two yelps in fear. They turned around and saw none other than Madam Herta herself standing behind them.

"Ma-Madam Herta!" Asta stuttered. "How are you? I mean, thank you so much for everything you've done to the space station, I can't thank you enough for all the help!"

Herta folded her arms. "Oh, all that? It wasn't me, I was just giving my apprentice a little test run and practice on management," she explained. "I gave her control over some of my puppet and gave her permission to make broadcast in my name."

Relief flooded Asta's body, so Herta was replaced by an impostor. "Right… Then… I thank your apprentice for…" she paused as the second realization came in. "Wait, you have an apprentice?"

Herta smiled. "You gonna meet her soon, she's a good kid!" she turned to Arlan. "Anyway, you talked to her right? How was she?"

"She was very kind," Arlan said, already regaining all his composure after realizing that it wasn't Madam Herta who apologized to her. "Her decisions on the Space Station has been nothing but beneficial to everyone involved. I would suggest letting her make all, I mean, more decision on your behalf for the sake of productivity and morals."

Herta shrugged. "No need for that, I will properly integrate her to the space station soon, she's on her way here you see? With the Trailseekers."

Arlan narrowed his eyes. "Trailseekers? The one that's been stealing from your collection, Madam Herta?"

"Yep," Herta folded her arms. "I have no interest in participating in this game of cat and mouse. If they wish to come here and borrow my curios, they're free to do so, as long as they return it in pristine condition," she explained. "As a bonus, you can call for their help whenever something happened."

The two of them nodded. It's a bit annoying, but so far, no one in the space station is a match for the Trailseekers. Turning them into ally instead of an enemy might be a wiser decision.

"Then, should we prepare a proper welcome for this… apprentice of yours?" Arlan asked.

"I'm going to send a broadcast to all researchers everything they need to know about her, she will be here digitally using a puppet like me," Herta replied. "I expect you two to personally welcome them and the Trailseekers in the lobby, see you,"

Asta slowly nodded. The secret behind Herta's puppet is something that baffles even the higher ups in the Intelligencia Guild. The fact that she shared this secret with her apprentice tells her that whoever this is, is someone close to Madam Herta's caliber.

Not only that, but Madam Herta herself isn't just another member of the Genius Society, she's literally the Emanator of Nous. So, the fact that this girl managed to impress Madam Herta to the point of appointing her to be her apprentice… Well… She is at least on a Genius Society member caliber.

"Right away Madam Herta," Asta said before turning to Arlan. "Alright, so that's what's happening, let's go to the lobby Arlan, don't want to keep Madam Herta's apprentice waiting."

The two made their way through the space station. Around them, researchers are checking their phones with wide eyes. Apparently, Madam Herta has broadcasted information on her apprentice to everyone here. Asta couldn't resist checking her phone to at least see their face.

"She looks young…" Asta commented. "What do you think she's like Arlan?"

"Based on my brief interaction with her, she was kind and respectful," Arlan replied.

Asta put a hand on her chest. She doesn't dare to hope that this 'apprentice' would be some kind angel who would save the Space Station from Madam Herta's tyranny. Madam Herta does NOT value kindness in any person, so there's little to no reason for her to be anything but 'polite'.

[LINE BREAK]

Asta and Arlan waited with bated breath as the blast door opened before them. Nearby researchers gathered in curiosity, despite there being no formal welcoming ceremony. They couldn't blame them, being Madam Herta's apprentice is the closest anyone ever get to being blessed by Nous themselves.

The first person to step out of it is Welt Yang. Asta tensed up at the sight of him, for the last few years they've been on a… less than friendly relationship. Now, apparently, he and the Trailseekers are supposed to be their allies. They get to borrow any Curio they want and in return they will help during any time of crisis.

"Lead Researcher Asta, it's a pleasure to meet you," Welt bowed his head slightly. "I admit, our circumstances of meeting each other so far has been… Not on friendly terms. We sincerely apologize for the transgressions we've made to the space station and to look forward in mending our relationship."

Asta nodded. "Likewise, Welt Yang, we will be counting more on you should any crisis ever happen in the Space Station," she replied.

"In any case, the Trailseekers are here to escort a very important person," Welt Yang step aside and gestured at the people behind him.

It is a girl, with snow white hair and a pair of striking red eyes walking through the door with the Trailseekers surrounding her. The girl is wearing a thick red winter clothes and walked barefooted through the space station. Her eyes were wide and innocent, features delicate and fragile.

"Umm, thank you for the warm welcome, Lead Researcher Asta," the girl talked softly before her. "My name is Clara, I am Madam Herta's new apprentice, I look forward to working with you, please take care of me,"

Asta gulped, so far this girl has been nothing but angelic. But again, she does not dare to hope. "You're very welcome Clara, I look forward to working with you too," she paused for a bit and ask the one thing she always asked anyone who stepped foot in this place. "Also, would you tell me about yourself? What scientific fields do you have expertise in?"

Clara's eyes widened at that. "Ah… N-no, I don't have any expertise in any scientific field," her cheeks reddens as she looked down nervously. "I know a thing or two about robotics, Mr. Svarog, my family taught me everything I know about building and taking care robots… Oh, I'm also learning quantum physics," she looked up at Asta with a determined look. "But… I am willing to learn as much as I can from this opportunity, please help me, Lead Researcher Asta,"

No way, there's no way… A child prodigy that isn't an arrogant, self-centered ass who does not care about life? And so humble too… Who is this child? Who is Svarog, she doesn't remember any researcher by that name.

"I see, welcome aboard Clara," Asta smiled at her and took her hand. "I promise there's a lot to learn in this space station," she then noticed the joints on Clara's hand. "Oh, you're using a puppet too?"

Clara nodded. "Y-yes, this is a puppet given to me by Madam Herta, she said it's to protect me from danger," she looked at her body. "It's very realistic, Madam Herta is a genius for making this…"

Asta smiled. "That she is, follow me Clara, I'll give you a little tour around the space station," she then turned to the Trailseekers who is standing there idly. "And the Trailseekers too… Or you can go explore somewhere else?"

Welt Yang waved his hand. "I will be waiting in the Hyperion," he turned to Dan Heng, March, Stella, and a new member that Asta has never seen before. "You can go ahead and show Lynx around the space station. Now that we're no longer a fugitive, maybe you can finally take your time to sight see."

With that, the Trailseekers went on their way while Asta and Arlan gave Clara a personal tour around the space station.

"By the way, I've seen the changes you made on the Space Station," Asta said. "You've done really well Clara! The space station's moral and productivity is at an all time high," she tilted her head. "How did you do it?"

Clara slowly nodded. "W-well, Madam Herta gave me a comprehensive list of policies in the space station and I saw that there's not much of it that focuses on employee's moral and wellbeing," she explained. "I realized that if the researcher felt at home and appreciated, they would be more creative and productive,"

Asta felt her heart flutter. Does she dare to hope? Is Clara really the true savior of this space station? Have the stars finally answered her prayers?

Asta turned to Arlan who's also looking at Clara in curiosity. "Ah, also, you apologized to Arlan on behalf of Madam Herta, right?"

Clara's eyes widened. "Right, I did, what happened to Arlan during the Antimatter Legion invasion was terrible," she turned to Arlan. "I am sorry for the injuries you and your men had during the invasion, I will see to it that you will be properly compensated."

"Ah, it's alright, Lady Clara," Arlan replied. "Your apology was more than enough and Lady Asta already compensated me enough…" he averted his gaze and shot Asta a look. "More than enough,"

Clara slowly nodded. "I see… Let me know if there's anymore problem, Madam Herta trusted me with the space station and I still have a lot to learn as leader," her eyes widened. "N-not that I'm taking charge of this place Lead Researcher Asta! I'm still new to this…"

No, it's okay, please, you can have the space station. Let's rename it to Clara's Space Station, Asta would be very happy to comply.

Soon, they made it to the control room. There, a white puppy is sat, happily waiting for them.

"Oh?" Clara walked closer to the dog. "Are you one of the researchers? Or a companion?"

"It's Peppy, Peppy is a companion, not a researcher, but they also help around in the space station," Asta replied. "Here Peppy, come," she crouched down to Peppy's level.

'arf!'

The puppy bounded over towards Asta into her embrace. The Lead Researcher giggled a little before showing Clara the puppy. "Peppy is very gentle, don't worry," she told her.

Clara reached out her puppet hand and gently stroked the dog's head. "Peppy's adorable…" Clara said with a smile.

"So, how are you liking this space station Clara?" A voice called out to them.

Clara turned to the source of the voice, a puppet just like her. "This place is wonderful, Madam Herta," she let go of Peppy. "Thank you for giving me an opportunity to work here,"

"Have some confidence Clara, your research on the Hand-Held Quantum Portal Device was beyond what I expected," Herta said. "Here I thought we've seen the limits of what we could do with Quantum Technology,"

Clara blushed and looked down. "It's nothing, I was just looking at what Seele does and try to replicate it…"

Herta folded her arms and turned to Asta who's already putting down Peppy back on the floor. "Anyway, this is Clara, my new apprentice. She's still very green in terms of research and have little to no experience in the academia. Take good care of her if you value your life, see ya~"

Madam Herta's doll went offline and it automatically walked away from the two.

"Hand Held Quantum Portal Device?" Asta asked, impressed.

"Yes, a friend of mine is naturally attuned to the Sea of Quanta," Clara replied. "I studied how her abilities work and tried replicating it artificially,"

If anything, Clara's explanation just made Asta even more impressed. Gentle, kind hearted, adorable, and a genius at that. It's truly a fresh take on the 'geniuses' and 'talents' that she's seen before.

Though, is that truly the reason why Madam Herta took her in? Asta found it hard to imagine that Herta would appoint someone to be her apprentice for being 'kindhearted'.

"Oh, Lynx," Clara waved her hand to the Trailseeker who are walking in the distance. "Over here!"

The youngest of the group, one that Asta hasn't seen before, walked up to them. "Clara," she greeted her. "And lead researcher Asta, nice to meet you…"

The girl is wearing very thick clothes and a cat-like hoodie over her head. Her eyes are bright blue and full of wonder as she gazed upon the holographic panel of the control room and the space station.

"Nice to meet you, it's Lynx isn't it?" Asta greeted her kindly. She seems like a sweet girl, like Clara. Though her clothing is strange. "Aren't you hot in all that clothes?"

Lynx shook her head. "No, Clara and Madam Herta modified my winter clothes. It protects me from danger, not just the cold,"

Asta nodded, it seems that Madam Herta has been busy somewhere. With the Trailseeker no less. Though judging by how things are going, whatever it is, it's going to be for the better, hopefully.