Nia Honjo did not despair of this world.
When she was imprisoned by DEM, no matter how much torture and pain she endured, she did not reverse.
Because the condition for reversal was for the Spirit to go mad and despair, to no longer believe in anything they saw and to only want to destroy everything.
But Nia Honjo had long since chosen not to trust humans.
After gaining omniscience, she locked her heart away.
So, no matter how DEM abused her, she showed no signs of reversing.
Fully aware of humanity's flaws, what DEM did to her didn't make her despair it only confirmed and strengthened her beliefs.
But did this truly mean Nia Honjo had no expectations for humanity?
If that were the case, why had she been moved by the united efforts of Shido Itsuka and the others when her memories were sealed?
The answer was simple.
As an omniscient and omnipotent Spirit, she was unwilling to trust humans again and numbly immersed herself in the two-dimensional world.
But at the same time, as a human at her core, deep down she still hoped someone could show her something beautiful.
Like the unbreakable bond between Shido Itsuka and the Spirits in the world of *Date A Live*.
Like how Enju Aihara and Rentaro Satomi redeemed each other in this world.
Like the Holy Emperor, who fought alone against society to pass the Gastrea Protection Act.
Like Elder Matsuzaki, who gave up his comfortable life to care for abandoned cursed children.
There was still beauty in this world, even if it seemed fragile compared to the overwhelming malice.
If they stood aside and watched coldly, even this last bit of beauty would be extinguished under the weight of that malice.
That was why she wanted to protect it.
As God's agent, she would protect the remaining beauty and make this world shine again.
This wasn't just for the sake of acting. More importantly, the girl wanted to do something for this world something only a time traveler could do.
"Even so, I won't give up."
Taking a deep breath, Nia Honjo eyes grew firm again. "Even without your help, I will continue my plan."
"The fate of the cursed children cannot be changed. Your efforts are meaningless," Sumire Muroto said, her tone tinged with impatience.
"Even if the fate of just one cursed child is changed, my efforts won't be in vain."
"Just you? How can you possibly fight against this world?"
"Though it sounds like something a hot-blooded idiot would say totally inconsistent with my character I'm not fighting alone. Rentaro, Kisara, and even the Holy Emperor are all partners who support me."
"That's right," Rentaro Satomi nodded seriously. "We won't give up."
"Well…"
Sumire Muroto closed her eyes tiredly and waved her hand. "Since you insist so much, go ahead with your plan. If you don't learn from failure, how can you truly understand reality?"
Like a mother who had experienced life's hardships, she helplessly watched her child step into society full of hope.
Even though she had warned them countless times.
But perhaps it was precisely this hope that made it impossible for her to let go.
"I'll help you make the erosion rate blocker," Sumire Muroto said finally. "But don't misunderstand. I still have no hope for your success. I just want you to realize the futility of your efforts sooner and give up as quickly as possible."
"Though I don't think we'll fail, thank you very much for your help, Doctor," Rentaro Satomi said gratefully.
Nia Honjo had initially thought Sumire Muroto would truly reject them.
If Sumire Muroto was so despairing of the world that she refused to act, Nia Honjo would have had to find another way to complete Side Mission 2.
Now, it seemed this woman had a sharp tongue but a soft heart.
No it was all thanks to Rentaro Satomi.
If Nia Honjo had come alone, Sumire Muroto wouldn't have softened.
But facing Rentaro Satomi, the only person she still cared about in this world, she couldn't just watch him step into danger.
"Oh! I didn't expect Sumire to actually agree to help!" Nia Honjo said with a smile. "I'll never forget this kindness until I forget it!"
"Don't call me Sumire. We're not that close."
Sumire Muroto glared at her.
She truly didn't have much affection for Nia Honjo.
After all, Rentaro Satomi was like a son to her. How could she possibly have a good impression of someone who dragged her son into danger?
"Hey, it's fine. We'll get to know each other soon."
Nia Honjo didn't care at all and even nudged Sumire Muroto arm familiarly. "After all, we'll be close partners working together in the future. Please guide me well, Sumire."
"Close partners?" Sumire Muroto sighed. "Can't you show a little respect for your elders?"
"Um, Doctor, I think I forgot to mention something when we came in," Rentaro Satomi said awkwardly. "This woman is older than you, Doctor… by a lot."
"You… you're joking, right?"
"I'm serious. You're not even thirty this year, are you?" Rentaro Satomi said slowly. "Nia is already over forty."
"Haha, didn't expect that, did you~"
Nia Honjo made a scissor gesture with her hands, looking nothing like a middle-aged woman.
However, the way Sumire Muroto looked at her had completely changed.
With such fair, translucent skin and no wrinkles, she could easily pass for sixteen.
Sumire Muroto examined Nia Honjo as if she were a test subject.
Such an intense gaze made Nia Honjo smile freeze, and she subtly took two steps back.
But Sumire Muroto grabbed her, preventing her from escaping.
"You what are you doing?" Cold sweat broke out on Nia Honjo forehead. "Let go of my hand, or I'll sue you for harassment!"
"I'm a woman too. What are you afraid of?"
"Can't women harass other women?"
"Don't worry. While I'm interested in you, it's not in *that* way." Sumire Muroto stroked Nia Honjo youthful skin. "Can you let me study you a bit? If I can find the cells or hormones keeping you young, women worldwide would rejoice."
"How is that possible!" Nia Honjo began to struggle like a cat with its fur standing on end. "Perverted doctor, let me go!"
"How do you know my nickname?" Sumire Muroto laughed and pulled Nia Honjo onto the operating table.
"Ahhhhhhh! Rentaro, save me!"
"Just think of it as a reward for Dr. Muroto," Rentaro Satomi consoled her. "The doctor's only hobby is dissection."
"Yeah, you can't expect me to work for free, can you?" Sumire Muroto smiled gently. "I won't do much. At most, I'll draw some blood… and maybe take a few tissue samples for research."
"I don't want your help! I don't want your help!"
The powerless Nia Honjo was tied to the operating table. She looked at the dissected bodies and gleaming knives around her in fear and couldn't help shouting, "Let me go! Otherwise, don't blame me for being rude!"
"We're close partners working together," Sumire Muroto said gently as she sterilized the scalpel.
"Isn't it natural to support your partner's work a little?"