Added to the Gacha as Rukkhadevata (Honkai Star Rail)

"These conditions are far too harsh," Herta remarked, observing the event Lumina had entered into the Simulated Universe.

"Without this hint, that kid might never stumble upon this Blessing in their lifetime."

"You could remove this condition entirely. After all, the purpose of the Simulated Universe experiment isn't really about this."

Outside the Simulated Universe, Herta shook her head, watching Lumina's entry and offering a word of caution.

"It's fine. This is exactly how I want it," Lumina replied, unconcerned, as she submitted her completed entry.

The question mark-filled event card transformed, revealing its true form.

The card depicted a lush green garden. At its center hung a vine-woven swing, where a white-haired woman sat quietly. The scene exuded a serene, picturesque atmosphere, a feast for the eyes and soothing to the heart.

[ These conditions are far too strict, ] the System grumbled. [ I doubt any player will ever discover this, even after several version updates... ]

Looking at Lumina's requirements, the System couldn't help but complain.

To trigger this event, players needed to encounter a specific prerequisite noode, make the correct choice, have at least one character die during the second elite boss fight, and then gamble on an extremely rare outcome in an event spanning two planes.

The probability Lumina had set required players to gamble on obtaining Ruan Mei, even after meeting all the prerequisites. Without any hints, it was likely that few, if any, players would successfully trigger this event before the game's servers shut down.

"Don't worry," Lumina reassured the System calmly. "Though the probability is extremely low, it's not zero. Once the first person figures out the prerequisites, a flood of idle players—no, I mean, dedicated gamers—will swarm to try their luck."

"As more people trigger the event, it will naturally spread throughout the player base."

"And when that happens, I'll be worshipped as a god, reaching a whole new level of popularity!"

A faint smile graced Lumina's lips as she meticulously outlined her future plans.

[The problem is... what about that first person?]

[Even if someone stumbles upon the event, they might not post it online.]

[And even if they do, there's no guarantee it will go viral...]

Listening to Lumina's words, the System quickly identified the flaws in her logic and voiced its concerns.

"Simple," Lumina replied, dismissing the System's worries with a casual shake of her head. She strode toward the teleportation portal, a faint smile still playing on her lips. "I'll just take care of it myself."

"Alright, you can log out now. There's no need to continue."

Seeing the mundane events unfolding in the Simulated Universe on the screen, Herta immediately summoned Lumina back.

There was no point in exploring Planes twelve and thirteen. Rather than waste time, it would be better for Lumina to organize the data she had collected.

Lumina nodded, relaxed her mind, and when she opened her eyes again, she found herself back in Herta's office.

"How was it? Did you manage to gather enough data?" Lumina asked, walking over to Herta, who was still fiddling with the console.

"Mm-hmm," Herta replied, nodding without pausing her work. "For the current stage, the data you provided is sufficient."

"Current stage?"

"Exactly. The Simulated Universe is still in its experimental phase. Its features aren't fully developed yet." Herta paused, meeting Lumina's gaze. "As it gradually improves, the data you've gathered will inevitably become inadequate."

"Hmm... So, you're saying I'll need to come here periodically for these intense and exhilarating Simulated Universe runs?" Lumina nodded thoughtfully, drawing this conclusion after a moment's reflection.

Herta placed one hand on her hip, shook her head, and held up two fingers to Lumina.

"First, you don't need to come regularly. I'll contact you when I need you—just come whenever you're free."

"Second, the Simulated Universe is just a research experiment on the Aeons. It's neither tense nor particularly exciting."

"Alright, alright~" Lumina replied dismissively, as if humoring a child.

"You little brat," Herta muttered, lowering her hand, inwardly annoyed by Lumina's patronizing tone.

Suddenly remembering something, Herta pulled out her phone, tapped a few times, and grinned mischievously. She held the phone up to Lumina, chuckling.

"Your embarrassing photo is in my possession now. If you don't want it leaked..."

Herta's implication was crystal clear: she wanted Lumina to obey.

"Pfft..."

Lumina glanced at the photo on Herta's phone, expecting something scandalous. Instead, it was just a candid shot of her sitting in a chair with her eyes closed during a Simulated Universe session—a completely unguarded moment.

Lumina burst out laughing at the photo. Compared to this unguarded snapshot on Herta's phone, her own gallery held truly scandalous images—the kind that could corrupt even the purest, most revered Saintess in an instant.

With an exasperated smile, Lumina crouched down, placed her hand on Herta's head, and gently ruffled her hair. "Herta really is still a child," she murmured softly.

Herta: ...

Feeling the touch on her head, Herta set down her phone. Her smile faded, replaced by a cold indifference. "Get your hand off me!"

"Alright, alright~" Lumina withdrew her hand, stood up, and gave Herta a small smile.

"Ugh... you're hopeless," Herta groaned, rubbing her temples as she gazed at Lumina, clearly exasperated by her behavior. What's with this maternal aura she's constantly radiating? she wondered. It's one thing to treat Asta, March 7th, and that bratty kid like that, but why me too?

Does she really think of me as her daughter?

Nothing that happened on the Space Station escaped Herta's notice. Lumina's maternal aura radiating towards the three young girls had, of course, been observed by Herta.

Let her radiate all she wants, Herta thought. It's not like I care. But when that radiance starts spilling over into my space, I can't just stand by and watch.

"Don't you—"

"If there's nothing else, I'll be going now♪"

Herta had barely uttered a few words when Lumina cut her off, delivering a cheerful farewell before turning to leave the office.

Herta: ...

"I'm leaving now?" Lumina asked again, noticing Herta's silence.

"Mhm..." After a long pause, Herta finally mumbled an affirmation.

"See you later♪"

With that, Lumina pushed open the office door and stepped out.

The sounds of the door opening and closing echoed through the room, leaving Herta alone once more.

Staring at the tightly shut door, Herta raised a hand and rubbed her temples.

"This Lumina... she's completely different from the rumors..."

"Who started these rumors, anyway?"