Dr. Ryan, when are you coming back?
In the Far East Branch, this question had beco a common gossip topic in the research departnt. Dr. Mobius asked this several tis a day; with the repeated inquiries, people began to notice a different side to the doctor.
While usually cold and indifferent, she seed to yearn for her boyfriend, showing a touch of humanity. So even rumored she sotis stood alone by the runway, lost in thought.
"Unbelievable! Dr. Ryan has that kind of power; he makes Dr. Mobius long for him day and night."
"Exactly! I heard she even had a fight with Dr. i. Was it over a man?"
"He must have so secret technique. Anyone who knows him, go find out."
"Forget it. Dr. Ryan looks gentle but doesn't want to make friends. He's like Dr. Mobius."
"Or, as Seigne suggested, offer him so 'opening-up' dication?"
"Hahaha."
Laughter erupted; gossiping while working was fun, until a sharp voice cut through.
"What are you gossiping about? So cheerful. Tell ."
The laughter stopped instantly; several people stiffened, turning to see Mobius standing behind them, her eyes narrowed, a gentle smile on her face.
"I... I suddenly rembered I hadn't finished copying the data."
"Yes, I still need to work on Dr. i's assignnt."
No one dared to respond; several researchers scattered, leaving Mobius standing alone in the corner. After a mont, she coldly watched their retreating backs.
The extre danger spurred them to flee; they vanished into the corners in an instant.
Hmph, if this were the Fifth Research Institute, they'd be in serious trouble.
Mobius sneered dismissively; she didn't care about the gossip, focusing on the matter at hand, gritting her teeth.
That man still hadn't returned. Was he deliberately avoiding her?
With the click-clack of her heels, she returned to her lab, seeing her assistant slumped asleep on the desk.
If only that man were here; he could work for days and nights, his efficiency far exceeding that of ordinary people, and without needing paynt.
Mobius considered contacting him, patting her assistant's shoulder.
Blanca startled awake, rubbing her eyes. "Doctor, you're back. I'll finish analyzing Adieto's data soon."
"Don't rush. Did Edwin respond?" Mobius took a sip of coffee.
"Director Edwin couldn't contact Dr. Ryan, but he sent intel; Dr. Ryan is clearing out the northeastern region of Japan; three Emperor-Class Honkai Beast corpses will arrive tomorrow."
It should have been good news, but Blanca saw Mobius's displeasure. She slamd her coffee cup on the desk.
Thump.
"That idiot! That brute! He can't distinguish between urgency and leisure! Researching beside is better than wallowing in the mud!"
"But that data was provided by Dr. Ryan." Blanca weakly interjected.
"Fine, I'll let that idiot go, but he's still a brute." Mobius bit her lip lightly.
"Actually, Dr. i would be of more help with the research..."
"But I don't get along with her. i will beco a problem sooner or later. And—" Mobius lightly tapped the table, spilling so coffee. "He destroyed the training ground. Why should the repair costs be deducted from my research budget? I finally escaped instant noodles, only to be dragged back!"
Blanca watched the resentful Mobius without comnt; amusent flickered in her eyes.
"Find my anger amusing?"
"No. I've worked with you for years; this is the first ti you've been angry about sothing other than research or funding. No, actually, it's the first ti you've been angry because of soone. You've changed."
Mobius froze. She hadn't realized it herself; she montarily showed agreent, but the expression vanished as quickly as it appeared, replaced by her usual coldness.
"Nonsense. It was your imagination. Forget it."
She stroked her chin, sensing sothing was amiss. But even her sharp intellect couldn't analyze it; things beca even more confusing.
Aside from research challenges and funding issues, my mood is affected by one person. That's... possible.
He's just a lab rat. If I'm benevolent, I could let him be my assistant.
Her green eyes turned cold again—a rejection of negative emotions that could hinder her research. I need absolute calm and rationality.
Blanca sighed; she knew the doctor's old habits were resurfacing. She clearly desired understanding and a comrade on her path, yet she suppressed this deep within her.
Knowing persuasion was futile, she spoke into her headset. "Doctor, urgent update. Dr. Ryan is returning."
What?
Mobius's cold expression lted, revealing a hint of joy. She rushed out, turning back at the doorway, glaring coldly at her assistant.
"Don't overthink it. I'm going to settle the score with him!"
Blanca gave an OK sign. As those figures vanished, she covered her mouth.
The doctor... is sotis... interesting.
...
"So, was fighting alongside fun?"
Ryan sat by the hatch, arms crossed, watching Nagazora City flash by below. The city was still bustling; military enthusiasts fild the helicopters overhead.
"I just want to go ho, take a shower, and sleep." Kevin hugged his rifle, his head down.
He was dirty and unshaven, his clothes torn.
Seven days, scouring half of Japan. His teammates had changed several tis; he couldn't rember how many Honkai Beasts and zombies he'd killed.
"I understand Lieutenant Himiko's perspective. Honkai is endless, and human resources are limited. Fortunately, these incidents occur in remote areas, mostly uninhabited forests."
"That's true now. Don't think so far ahead. Rember, we saved over two hundred survivors. Think about their gratitude."
Kevin paused, smiling sincerely. "You're right."
Seeing how easily satisfied he was, Ryan felt a mont of happiness for him, but he quickly regained his composure; his personal assistance was limited.
There weren't that many Emperor-Class Honkai Beasts; most were cannon fodder. Only during mid-sized Honkai events did Ryan gain significant experience.
'It's not like I'm idle; I'm getting so practice in with Energy Shaping. It's like chopping vegetables against ordinary Honkai Beasts, and... it's satisfying.'
Ryan inhaled deeply, finally understanding why heroes beco addicted to this; fortunately, his rationality prevented him from becoming enamored with such aningless glory.
Ti was running out...
Looking at the distant military base, he also wanted to escape Mobius. He could hunt lesser targets; staying with her was like working for free, processing data for her.
Not taking the Far East Branch's money was fair compensation; their collaboration had been pleasant; things would be easier within Fire Moth, as long as those troublemakers didn't try to take advantage of him.
Hearing Kevin's snores, Ryan remained expressionless.
He didn't intend to participate in power struggles; he only wanted those people to stop hindering his path.
He'd already planned his next move. He wouldn't work for free at the Far East Branch; nor would he return to the Mu Continent for research.
"Shanghai is next, but I need to get my overti pay first."
The helicopter began to descend. Lost in thought, Ryan frowned, noticing two familiar figures near the airport.
The helicopter rotors stirred the long hair and white coat; i and Mobius stood together, their expressions impassive.
"Your Imaginary Space research isn't finished. Why are you taking a stroll?"
"Your fusion experint isn't finished either. What's with the concern?" i glanced at her, reminding her sternly. "Don't touch Kevin. Don't think I don't know where that first successful sample ca from."
Ryan's earlier cellular fusion experints had only yielded one successful result due to trial and error; Mobius had vaguely ntioned soone from the Mu Continent.
"So that's it. You don't want to get my hands on your little boyfriend, so you helped out. I forgot Kevin has no background. If I ask higher-ups to use him as a test subject..."
Mobius suddenly stopped; she felt a terrifying aura from the woman beside her; her eyes flickered.
"Don't worry, Kevin doesn't have any powerful backing, but he's not soone I can easily dispose of. For example, the man beside him might beco the head of the Research Institute, a man I don't fully understand."
"You're wary of Ryan?" i turned, surprised. In her view, no one could control Mobius.
"Wary isn't the right word. It's more of a psychological conflict. I want to put him on the operating table but can't; it feels like a waste. If I anger him, I'll regret it. It's this conflicting feeling."
Mobius sighed, glancing at the approaching helicopter. She touched her temple, then looked at i, who had her chin cupped in her hand, seemingly deep in thought.
"What are you thinking? I said I wouldn't touch your boyfriend."
"I'm thinking about you." i maintained her shrewd deanor, slowly raising her head. "This conflict, this reluctance... I think I have a clue."
"What? Quantum chanics involves this? Tell ." Mobius prepared to counter.
"It's not related. I've had similar thoughts. Is it possible..." i looked at Mobius with a strange expression; seeing the other woman tremble, she probed.
"You... like him?"
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