Mobius's research finally reached a conclusion; the remaining task was to categorize and organize tens of thousands of data points. Further research required expertise in Imaginary Space, and i was the expert.
Therefore, Ryan refused. First, his contribution would be limited; no one possessed a superior theoretical understanding than i. Second, his approach differed greatly from Mobius's; he preferred a balance of work and rest.
This approach sparked inspiration and prevented excessive focus and erratic behavior. The desire for power and knowledge was not inherently wrong, but if those desires were the only things one saw, it could be very dangerous.
"No wonder Mobius has few assistants. The workload is inhuman."
Ryan walked through the corridor, repeatedly expanding his chest. Even he had slept for a day to recover; he noticed the strange looks from those around him.
So were envious, but many more were admiring, as if looking at a returning hero.
Due to their specialized departnt, there wasn't much interaction. These underground researchers didn't recognize him; they thought Ryan was a recent college graduate.
A recent graduate assigned to Dr. Mobius as an assistant? That was a huge leap of faith. Without deep resentnt or hatred, such an arrangent was unlikely. Initially, everyone was sympathetic, until yesterday...
They witnessed a miracle. The reclusive Mobius had been handled, effortlessly. It was unbelievable.
Mobius was beautiful; many researchers had pursued her, believing her aloofness was rely a facade. With enough persistence, an opportunity might arise.
But Mobius had no interest in, and despised, interacting with others. Anyone who dared to approach her was treated harshly; many suffered psychological trauma and chose to isolate themselves.
How could such an intimidating woman be subdued? n and won alike were observing Ryan.
He was handso, had a decent physique, and looked like a refined scholar. But weren't there plenty of those types in the Research Institute?
Unfathomable.
Ryan ate a standard employee al, feeling the gazes around him.
As a soldier, his senses were sharp; he noticed several female researchers whispering behind their hands, and overheard gossip behind him.
"Dr. Ryan is amazing! He actually handled Dr. Mobius."
"Maybe he just escorted her back to her room?"
"Likely? Do you even believe that?"
The conversation paused before a cold, formal voice cut through.
"But it's true. However, that Dr. Ryan is quite sothing. He was in her room for five seconds and left."
Ryan's spoon clattered to the floor.
He turned, looking at the speaker, a man who'd helped out a couple of weeks ago—Seigne, a level two researcher in the High Energy Physics Departnt. He rembered Seigne as a serious man, unexpected gossip.
Feeling a cold gaze, Seigne shrank back, glancing around before noticing Ryan's calm smile across from him. He quickly lowered his head and ate.
At least he had so sense. Mobius wasn't deliberately setting up. No one knows what she's really thinking.
Ryan stood up uneasily. He was easygoing, but disliked gossip and being stared at. As he was about to return to his room, a familiar figure sat opposite him.
i maintained her usual impassive expression. On the table were a few pieces of sushi and a bowl of miso soup; she wasn't eating, only staring at Ryan.
"Two years, and I didn't notice."
"Notice what?"
"Your unusual taste. No wonder you ignored all those love letters; you prefer Mobius's type. How should I put it..." i brushed the hair from her forehead, offering a smile. "You're quite brave."
Ryan's eye twitched. Seeing the amusent in i's eyes, he breathed a sigh of relief.
"Don't tease . I was rely exhibiting gentlemanly behavior."
The girl stroked the rim of her cup, calmly stating, "Regardless, I'm rely returning a favor. Kevin and I have been the target of your jokes; ah, Kevin is probably happier than . He suspected sothing was going on between you and Su, and was worried about himself."
This woman is ruthless.
Ryan gritted his teeth. i had sold him out, and what about Kevin? Does he really think I'm gay?
Resentnt welled up, but considering i was even more difficult than Mobius, he took a deep breath.
"Let's get down to business. How are you doing?"
"I've reviewed Fire Moth's research data and have new hypotheses regarding Imaginary Space. With their resources, I might be able to open a rift and directly observe the nature of the Imaginary World." i's smile faded; she pointed to the researchers in the dining hall. "Even the least accomplished have two doctorates. I'm amazed an organization could gather so many talents."
"Fire Moth has granted authority to form a research team. I'll select personnel globally, complete preliminary theoretical calculations, then conduct observational experints."
Ryan nodded; he trusted i's abilities. Unlike Mobius, i was truly capable of leading research and simultaneously advancing multiple projects.
"Listen, they value you highly."
"Researching the nature of the Imaginary World benefits everyone. Only by understanding the theory first can we potentially push human civilization forward." i adjusted her glasses; hope shone in her eyes. "For science, Honkai is both a disaster and a blessing."
Aside from the Herrschers and monsters, it's fundantally a type of energy, one that surpasses current scientific and technological capabilities. For example, a self-adapting Honkai energy core could achieve nuclear fusion.
"Unfortunately, I can't help you. We're racing against ti. Will civilization advance, or will humanity be crushed by Honkai first? No one can predict." Ryan spoke cautiously.
"I know. That's why I'll focus on applications, quickly using Honkai to counter Honkai." i took a bite of her rice ball, her voice low. "The research equipnt here is insufficient. I'll soon go to the Mu Continent and visit Fire Moth headquarters."
"Don't worry too much. Pure researchers like you are reassuring. Look at Mobius—she do her thing. Yet she's treated like a treasure."
"I'm not in danger, but Kevin is troubleso. He's experienced his first real battle and is emotionally unstable. You know I'm not good at comforting others." i glanced up; her aning was clear.
This peculiar couple; can't you give people a break?
Ryan covered his forehead. Were they a couple? Their interactions were calm; their relationship hadn't progressed beyond holding hands for years. Yet they clearly cared deeply for each other.
Comparatively, Kevin was more proactive, risking his life for i by joining Fire Moth.
"Will he go to the Mu Continent with you?"
"I don't know. But I'll try my best. I feel Kevin will mature quickly without my guidance, but I don't have that authority until I earn thier trust."
"So you want to care more about Kevin?"
"Yes. Kevin has few friends. He's sotis too naive, and sotis too thoughtful. I know this isn't fair to you."
They looked at each other, saying nothing. Given Ryan's personality, he preferred to savor the remaining quiet ti. There were things more important than words.
"Fine, but you need to take Mobius with you. That woman still wants to help with the data; she's completely addicted."
"That won't be easy, but I'll try."
"Deal. I'm an expert at psychological counseling."
Ryan stood up briskly. He needed to improve his strength; he didn't have ti to engage in mind gas with Mobius. He left the dining hall.
The elevator quickly reached the ground floor. As the doors opened, Ryan inhaled the sunlight, feeling relieved. He'd spent roughly a month underground, working in the lab.
'Spending so much ti with Mobius almost drove insane; even the sun feels exhilarating.'
The airport was bustling; the ground trembled as a transport plane landed, unloading long, thick ballistic missiles. Soldiers carrying luggage gathered; several helicopters carrying light anti-aircraft artillery roared overhead.
As the Far East Branch was reinforced, Fire Moth wasn't being idle. Based on the experiences of the previous two Honkai events, they'd determined the third would occur in East Asia, plunging the region into a protracted struggle.
When would the other shoe drop? What power would the enemy wield this ti?
'The third Herrscher... might be the Herrscher of Thunder.'
Ryan mused as he walked. This Herrscher controlled electromagnetic force; Thunder was rely a symbol. He didn't know the extent of their power, but he coveted that ability.
He'd already mastered that level of control; assisting Mobius had improved his energy manipulation. Next, he should kill more Honkai Beasts to further increase his Honkai energy reserves.
Thinking this, he looked at the nurous helicopters overhead, musing that there was no shortage of "food." Then he saw a young man with white hair near a hangar.
Kevin sat on the edge, staring blankly at the bustling scene. Helicopters landed, dics rushing to unload wounded soldiers, many missing limbs.
Blood soaked the stretchers, leaving long trails on the ground. So died before reaching the ambulances, their bodies simply placed in body bags.
The young man's expression shifted; a flicker of fear quickly passed. He'd been on several missions in the past month; half his fellow recruits had died.
Death, destruction, screams—this was the reality of the world. Less than two months had passed since the academy incident; it felt like a distant mory.
"Contemplating life? You should get so sleep. If you can't handle it, you can always quit."
The voice behind him startled Kevin. He turned, taking a few seconds to react before managing a smile. "Ryan, what are you doing here?"
"Ca to clear my head after work." Ryan joined him at the hangar's edge, seeing the fear and loneliness in Kevin's eyes.
His current life was drastically different from his past; no one could comfort him. Neither i nor himself had the ti; they had more important things to do.
"You're training so new recruits? Traditionally, they throw a welco party for new mbers."
"Three. All dead. One was crushed by a Chariot-Class right in front of ; we didn't even find a whole body. I finally understand why the veterans ignored ."
Ryan was startled, looking at the downcast young man. He'd known Kevin for a while, but this was the first ti he'd seen him so despondent.
"Now you know how naive your initial choice was. Wanting to quit anyti you want. I'll transfer you to a support role."
"Yes. Seeing people die in front of ... I felt like an immature child, but I was happy to do sothing for i." Kevin looked at the dozens of body bags, at the screaming soldiers maid by Honkai, and slowly clenched his fists.
"But I won't run away. You know, Ryan, I realized sothing these past few days. I shouldn't just follow i; I need to stand in front of her, shielding her from the monsters."
Huh?
Ryan finally saw Kevin look up. His handso face was serious. Fear and loneliness had forged a strong fighting spirit. He was willing to sacrifice everything for the one he loved.
Death and fear had transford a naive boy into a warrior; a youth into a man.
"Ryan, teach so combat skills. I'm too weak; I can't do anything."
This kid is a force of nature! His ntal fortitude surpasses even mine. It took much longer to understand my purpose—to simply not grow up too fast.
Ryan didn't hesitate; he crouched down. "What do you want to learn?"
"Uh... whatever you know."
Ryan pondered, his eyes narrowed. He extended his right hand, his index finger and thumb an inch apart.
"I know a little bit of everything."
Reviews
All reviews (0)