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 Mei was the expert.
Therefore, Ryan refused. First, his contribution would be limited; no one possessed a superior theoretical understanding than Mei. 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.
Some were envious, but many more were admiring, as if looking at a returning hero.
Due to their specialized department, 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 resentment or hatred, such an arrangement 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 merely 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? Men and women alike were observing Ryan.
He was handsome, 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 meal, 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 something. 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 Department. He remembered 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 some sense. Mobius wasn't deliberately setting me 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.
Mei 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…" Mei brushed the hair from her forehead, offering a smile. "You're quite brave."
Ryan's eye twitched. Seeing the amusement in Mei's eyes, he breathed a sigh of relief.
"Don't tease me. I was merely exhibiting gentlemanly behavior."
The girl stroked the rim of her cup, calmly stating, "Regardless, I'm merely returning a favor. Kevin and I have been the target of your jokes; ah, Kevin is probably happier than me. He suspected something was going on between you and Su, and was worried about himself."
This woman is ruthless.
Ryan gritted his teeth. Mei had sold him out, and what about Kevin? Does he really think I'm gay?
Resentment welled up, but considering Mei 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." Mei'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 me authority to form a research team. I'll select personnel globally, complete preliminary theoretical calculations, then conduct observational experiments."
Ryan nodded; he trusted Mei's abilities. Unlike Mobius, Mei 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." Mei 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 fundamentally 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 time. 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." Mei took a bite of her rice ball, her voice low. "The research equipment 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 troublesome. He's experienced his first real battle and is emotionally unstable. You know I'm not good at comforting others." Mei glanced up; her meaning 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 Mei 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 me to care more about Kevin?"
"Yes. Kevin has few friends. He's sometimes too naive, and sometimes 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 time. There were things more important than words.
"Fine, but you need to take Mobius with you. That woman still wants me 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 time to engage in mind games 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 time with Mobius almost drove me 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 time?
'The third Herrscher… might be the Herrscher of Thunder.'
Ryan mused as he walked. This Herrscher controlled electromagnetic force; Thunder was merely 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 numerous 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, medics rushing to unload wounded soldiers, many missing limbs.
Blood soaked the stretchers, leaving long trails on the ground. Some 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 memory.
"Contemplating life? You should get some 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?"
"Came 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 Mei nor himself had the time; they had more important things to do.
"You're training some new recruits? Traditionally, they throw a welcome party for new members."
"Three. All dead. One was crushed by a Chariot-Class right in front of me; we didn't even find a whole body. I finally understand why the veterans ignored me."
Ryan was startled, looking at the downcast young man. He'd known Kevin for a while, but this was the first time he'd seen him so despondent.
"Now you know how naive your initial choice was. Wanting to quit anytime you want. I'll transfer you to a support role."
"Yes. Seeing people die in front of me… I felt like an immature child, but I was happy to do something for Mei." Kevin looked at the dozens of body bags, at the screaming soldiers maimed by Honkai, and slowly clenched his fists.
"But I won't run away. You know, Ryan, I realized something these past few days. I shouldn't just follow Mei; I need to stand in front of her, shielding her from the monsters."
Huh?
Ryan finally saw Kevin look up. His handsome 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 transformed a naive boy into a warrior; a youth into a man.
"Ryan, teach me some combat skills. I'm too weak; I can't do anything."
This kid is a force of nature! His mental fortitude surpasses even mine. It took me 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."