Perhaps because he'd beaten up Kevin, Ryan felt Mobius was less hostile, allowing him to appreciate the figure in front of him.
Even the white coat couldn't conceal her proud, swaying buttocks. The click-clack of her high heels, like a ripe peach, her long, slender legs clad in black stockings, and her flowing green hair swaying with each step, created a captivating image.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" the woman in front of him suddenly asked.
Ryan remained calm, replying nonchalantly. "Not bad. Curves in all the right places. From an aesthetic standpoint, you surpass the vast majority of humanity."
"You're so… mundane. Why should humanity be confined to this fragile body? We can become something far more extraordinary."
"Whether it's lifespan or transformation into a monster, as long as consciousness and memory remain, aesthetics don't change. What's beautiful, what's ugly, isn't solely determined by the soul." Ryan raised his hand gently, speaking seriously. "Mobius, don't underestimate human instincts."
If others heard their conversation, they'd be dumbfounded; it was like a casual academic discussion.
Mobius wasn't ordinary. She fell silent for a moment before gently nodding. "Yes, you make a point. I'll delve into this further when I have time."
As they continued their discussion on human instincts and desires, they reached the lab. Blanca was dozing off at her computer, looking relieved at the sound of the door opening.
"You're finally here! Doctor, I've recorded the data for samples one through fifty. Can I take a break?"
"That man again?" Mobius looked at her assistant, waving her hand impatiently. "Go, go. I have an assistant now."
Blanca quickly grabbed her phone and dashed off, giving Ryan a grateful glance as she passed, leaving him puzzled.
"What was that about?"
"Just bored with her love life. Humans waste time on such pointless things." Mobius sat down, patting the computer beside her. Her fingers began typing; she spoke slowly. "I have a feeling Blanca won't be my assistant for much longer."
A hint of melancholy colored her words; suitable assistants were rare. Her tone was troubled. Ryan looked at her, sitting down to process the data.
His fingers flew across the keyboard, categorizing tens of thousands of experimental records. Staring at the rapidly flashing screen, he spoke casually.
"But that's humanity. Many things, no matter how much we evolve, remain; even you feel lonely sometimes."
"Lonely? Don't be ridiculous. I simply find that without assistance, my efficiency drops."
"Don't be stubborn; why would you ask me here otherwise? You have the time to process this yourself."
The rapid typing continued. Mobius glanced sideways, seeing the man still intently focused on the screen; she quietly bit her lip.
"You're useful, yet annoying. Fine, I admit I feel that way sometimes. But I'll find a way to eliminate this weakness."
Ryan couldn't help but twitch his lips. He turned, meeting Mobius's gaze. "If that's the case, you wouldn't have received my help. Do you know why I patiently do all this tedious work?"
"Because of interest. Or perhaps because my research gives you power."
"That's part of it, but it's not just that cold logic, Mobius…" Ryan stared into those green eyes, speaking calmly. "Despite your stubbornness, your occasional attempts to manipulate me, you still experience anxiety, anger, and excitement. You're still human."
He emphasized the word 'still.' He wouldn't kill the memory fragment in Elysian Realm, but he certainly wouldn't sit beside her.
Mobius's pupils constricted slightly. As an intelligent person, she understood his implication.
"You believe that the core of evolution is retaining human emotions and desires? To become stronger, more comfortable, and live longer, you must discard certain things."
Ryan turned his head, continuing to type, replying casually. "But you should keep some things. Evolution and exploration require a foundation. Ideally, maintaining human form is best; aesthetic sense is difficult to change. Maintaining both is perfect evolution."
Greedy, but then again… isn't there a perfect example in front of me?
Mobius first scoffed, then her eyes fixated on Ryan. She knew about the Emperor-Class Honkai Beast; combined with his actions, she sensed something.
"You can evolve through Honkai Beasts; that's why you joined the extermination team?"
She'd stumbled upon a major secret, one the other wouldn't admit to, not even considering the shift in his attitude.
"No, I secretly analyzed your tissue samples; there are no unusual genes, not even as much as those test subjects. Has your secret surpassed the limits of my abilities?"
Ryan chuckled sarcastically. The Path's position transcended Earth's civilization; it was part of the Imaginary, equivalent to the foundation of a multi-verse. If an electron microscope could detect it, that would be utterly humiliating.
"What's so funny? Answer my question. Or are you saying my data is insufficient? Do you have some kind of core energy source?" Mobius forcefully tilted Ryan's head; her slightly rough breathing hit his face, making him instinctively scratch his neck.
"Without a foundation of imagination, I can't answer. Also, did watching me beat up Kevin secretly increase your power?"
Mobius gritted her teeth. She knew she couldn't force him. The phrase 'perfect evolution' was like a delicious meal in front of her—she could smell it, but couldn't taste it.
"You're doing this on purpose."
"No, I was just making conversation. I wanted to make something clear—" Ryan's eyes suddenly sharpened; he spoke each word deliberately. "I only cooperate with 'humans.' This perfect unknown can only be explored with 'humans.'"
He watched Mobius's narrowed eyes, her expression thoughtful. He turned back to the data. His words were meaningless yet profound.
If he could, he wanted to draw a circle around this unrestrained snake racing towards infinity; at least it wasn't too late.
Uncontrolled evolution would lead to disaster. If it got out of hand, it would be problematic. He'd also heard of Mobius's aspirations.
To roam the cosmos, to control destiny—an god beyond mortal comprehension.
Silence fell, only the click-clack of keyboards breaking the quiet. Mobius was uneasy, occasionally glancing at the focused man.
Changing my mind won't be easy.
She sneered, seemingly unconcerned, yet occasionally showing hesitation—a frustrating blend of disdain and reluctance to let go.
After an unknown time, the typing stopped. Ryan removed his glasses, rubbing his eyes.
"I've recorded samples NL0015 through NL01014. Leave the secondary analysis to Blanca; I need to check my mission brief and prepare for combat."
"Leaving already?"
"Yes. You wouldn't want to keep me here against my will." Ryan picked up his glasses, casually adding. "You should understand the reason; rationally, this benefits you."
"Ah, your words remind me…" She extended a slender finger, casually counting. "You can assist with experiments, provide a perfect evolutionary path, and help hunt for new materials, Ryan…"
"You're incredibly satisfied, yet feel reluctant to let me go. It's wonderfully perplexing."
Her voice was languid and soft, making Ryan's eye twitch. He reminded himself not to lower his guard.
"Say such things, and you might end up hanging from a lamppost."
Ryan quickly stood, not even bothering with his coat, swiftly leaving the snake's den. Only upon leaving the lab did he realize something was off.
Does Mobius have Yandere tendencies?
He winced. After a month of Mobius's entanglement, he lacked the energy to deal with it. He pulled out his tablet and started working.
He couldn't dwell on this now; he had to focus on the battle. He didn't want to be humiliated by this Emperor-Class Honkai Beast. Judging by the Honkai energy intensity, he was still behind.
At that moment, his phone vibrated. Ryan checked it, instantly silencing all other thoughts. The message was from Himiko; its content was simple.
"Dr. Ryan, intense Honkai energy detected. Please prepare for deployment."