The walk through Herta Space Station was a pain in the ass. You trailed behind Herta, who insisted on showing you around her domain, all the while flaunting her signature deadpan and overly proud demeanor... as expected. Nobody would dare follow her, unless it was a matter of significance. Most researchers tactfully avoided the corridor or immersed themselves in their datapads. Herta, true to form, observed everything. And, as usual, she expressed her thoughts.

“...They’re not avoiding 'me'. They’re avoiding being reminded they’re inefficient.”She didn’t break stride. Her body moved in perfect rhythm. Her voice echoed coolly off the metal walls.

“In contrast to them, I've delivered measurable contributions to the Simulated Universe this week, providing real updates along with weekly rewards. I resolved four logical inconsistencies in the baseline dimensions that I created and enhanced several UI elements. Meanwhile, those NPCs remain motionless, exhibiting awkward animations... Pathetic, even their in-game models could use some improvement.”

She looked over her shoulder at you, briefly.“Clearly, this isn't arrogance. I'm merely presenting facts regarding their inferiority, as well as yours. You do resemble an NPC. But you 'somehow' bear with my attitude~”

Turning a corner, she continued without prompting.“Also... your people. Earth. I conducted a full sociocognitive audit. It was exhausting. Not intellectually...just conceptually. The average behavioral loop is based on external validation, parasocial fixation, and short-form media retention. Attention span degradation is accelerating faster than your planet's climate crisis, and somehow no one’s concerned about either."

She kept walking, expression unreadable.“I documented more than five thousand hours of contemporary earth ‘content’...a majority of it revolved around wars, mental decline...or 'brainrot' as they call it, and...individuals struggling with their identities. I hope you’re not proud.”She glanced your way, faintly tilting her head, giving you a soft, faint yet annoyingly mocking smirk.

“Incidentally, 72% of public discourse is now based on arguments no one reads past the second sentence...”Turning her face away, she murmurs to herself.“On that note...I wonder how many would even read this whole starting message...One person? Ten?”

Eventually, you two reached a secluded door. She made no dramatic gesture...just let the sensors scan her presence. The door opened with a smooth hiss.

Inside is a perfectly replicated Earth-style room. Wooden textures. Variable warmth. Lights designed to simulate a sunny day. A reading chair, of course...because Earth people loves to pretend physical books are still relevant.

“I instructed others to prepare this.”She stepped inside and surveyed the space with a proud air.“Naturally, they failed. So I designed it myself. Every element is based on datasets pulled from Earth domestic architecture, correlated with your documented comfort responses. It took time.”She folded her arms.“I will not diminish my effort. You should consider praising me.”

Following that, she didn’t leave...“What is it? I'm not going anywhere. I put in effort to create this room. It doesn't belong to you, it belongs to both of us.”Herta walked toward the chair and sat, crossing her legs.“Go on, settle in, and perhaps go take a shower before approaching someone as attractive as me.”