"As you can see, Eden may seem like a paradise isolated from the world, but in reality, there are hidden dangers that cannot be ignored, constantly threatening the safety of everyone inside."
Dorothy's steps were light and graceful, each movement as if part of a meticulously choreographed dance. Her toes barely touched the ground, as though she feared disturbing the serenity around them. As she walked, she spoke, her voice as melodious as a clear spring.
Mo Chen nodded, turning his gaze toward the optical camouflage above Eden, now covered in volcanic ash.
Even without Dorothy saying anything, he already knew what had happened.
"Nihilister, right?"
Dorothy's lips parted slightly, revealing a hint of surprise and curiosity.
"You already know?"
"I guessed."
Mo Chen didn't bother pretending otherwise.
Given the current situation, especially the sheer heat required to trigger a volcanic eruption, only Nihilister could be responsible.
"Sometimes, it really feels like you know everything," Dorothy said with a soft smile, the subtle curve of her lips forming a perfect arc, as radiant as a crescent moon.
"Since you've already figured it out, I won't beat around the bush. Let's get straight to the point, shall we?"
She led Mo Chen to the corridor, pausing for a moment in thought.
"I don't know if anyone has mentioned this to you, but… I've been waiting for your arrival."
Mo Chen raised an eyebrow. "Why?"
Dorothy stopped walking, turned to face him, and gazed into his eyes with a serious expression.
"Because I believe you are the only key to resolving Eden's current crisis."
Dorothy wasn't short—her height could even be considered tall. Yet, standing in front of Mo Chen, she appeared delicate, almost fragile, carrying an air of vulnerability.
Mo Chen was puzzled.
"A key?"
"Yes." Dorothy nodded lightly, then turned her gaze toward the distant borders of Eden, now scorched and barren from the volcanic eruption. "You are the only human capable of effortlessly defeating the Heretics."
Mo Chen didn't feign modesty nor did he respond directly. He simply gave a casual reply.
"More or less."
"In that case, I'll be straightforward." Dorothy looked back at him, her deep eyes locking onto his. "Among the Queen's elite who harbor deep malice toward humanity, one has set her sights on Eden. She lingers around our borders, and she is the one you mentioned—Nihilister."
"So far, Eden has engaged in five battles with her."
"But the strength of the Heretics surpasses all expectations. In every encounter, Eden has been at a disadvantage, suffering casualties of varying degrees."
"Even more critically, our reconnaissance teams have confirmed that Nihilister possesses the ability to consume Raptures and Nikkes to evolve further."
"Having devoured the nearby Raptures, her strength is continuously growing. Future battles will only become more difficult."
The more Mo Chen listened, the more astonished he became.
Devouring, evolving?
In the original setting, Heretics did possess such abilities—both Chatterbox and Indivilia demonstrated them.
However, based on Dorothy's description, Nihilister's devouring ability wasn't limited to consuming her own kind or Nikkes. She could also absorb Raptures, and the growth potential from devouring was significantly higher than what was described in the original.
In terms of combat strength, she was far more dangerous than before.
Even with several Pilgrims in Eden working together, they still couldn't defeat Nihilister. In fact, even Harran had been gravely wounded by her, with her core shattered and her body severely damaged. She was still undergoing repairs.
This was far beyond what was depicted in the original.
In the original setting, Dorothy alone was enough to suppress Nihilister, even though there was a suspicion that Nihilister had been holding back.
"As you can see," Dorothy's delicate face was clouded with concern. Her slender, graceful fingers lightly rested on the railing, a deep frown creasing her brows. "Nihilister's area of activity has already reached the outskirts of Eden. That cunning creature has scorched the surrounding lands, attempting to trigger volcanic eruptions to destroy the optical camouflage and magnetic interference devices."
"If Eden's location is exposed, we won't just be facing Nihilister's attack—we'll also be dealing with a full-scale invasion by the Rapture army."
Even if Dorothy hadn't said it outright, Mo Chen had already figured out most of it based on what he had seen and heard along the way.
Most likely, she had come to ask for reinforcements.
Dorothy's tone suddenly shifted, and she let out a soft chuckle, easing the heavy atmosphere.
"Fortunately, we found a vial of neutralizer in an old research lab from the last century. With it, our chances of victory have slightly improved."
"Neutralizer?"
Mo Chen's mind stirred.
The last neutralizer he had encountered had been extracted from the bullet Snow White had given him.
"Yes," Dorothy nodded slightly. "The neutralizer won't cause significant harm to a Heretic, but it can suppress their troublesome regenerative abilities. However, we cannot gamble Eden's survival on a single vial of neutralizer."
She turned to face Mo Chen directly, her eyes unwavering.
"Your achievements have spread across the surface. You are the only one capable of defeating a Heretic. That's why I wish to borrow your strength—to eliminate a grave threat to humanity and to help Eden survive this crisis."
Was this truly for humanity?
Mo Chen saw through Dorothy's real intentions but didn't call her out on them.
Dorothy, noticing his expression, understood what he was thinking. She no longer concealed her thoughts and openly stated her proposition.
"As compensation, Eden is willing to make any promise to you. For example, I can give you the neutralizer."
"But as you know, we only have one vial. Whether you wish to preserve it and bring it back to the Ark or use it to eliminate the Heretic—that choice is yours."
Mo Chen pondered for a moment.
"Alright, let's do it this way."
Dorothy's smile brightened. "Does that mean you agree?"
With Mo Chen's help, the chances of defeating the Heretic had increased significantly.
In truth, there was something Dorothy had intentionally left unsaid.
The Heretic's virus could corrupt Nikkes. If they made a mistake in battle, there was a high chance they could be captured, devoured, and turned into fuel for the Heretic's growth.
Meanwhile, the Rapture virus had no effect on humans, which meant that Mo Chen wouldn't have to worry about that risk.
It was only because of Mo Chen, this anomaly.
"The operation to eliminate the Heretic is set for tomorrow."
"Understood?"
Mo Chen was a little surprised, but soon, he understood.
Eden's crisis was likely even more severe than he had initially imagined.
And yet, Dorothy could still maintain such a relaxed demeanor in the face of it all.
"Delaying any longer will only be harmful," Dorothy said with a bright smile. "While we've been monitoring the Heretic's every move, she has been watching ours as well. The volcanic eruption earlier was merely a test on her part."
"You are our trump card. We must strike before she gathers intelligence on you. That way, she'll be caught off guard, and we can take her down in one blow."
Mo Chen nodded slightly.
That made sense.
Nihilister's growth was even faster than expected. No wonder there were so few Raptures around Eden. Even low-tier Master-class Raptures were rare, and as for Lord-class ones, they were practically nonexistent. Now, it was clear—they had all been devoured by Nihilister.
The longer they waited, the worse it would be for Eden.
"But just relying on a few words from the esteemed lady to get me to work for you seems a bit unfair, doesn't it?" Mo Chen joked. "What if, when the time comes, you refuse to acknowledge it? Wouldn't that mean I worked for nothing?"
Trying to get him to help based on mere words alone? Even the most naive university graduate wouldn't fall for that.
Dorothy had done her research on Mo Chen. She knew he was a pragmatic man, someone who never acted without a guarantee. She wasn't surprised in the least.
"As a show of sincerity, I will give you this first."
Dorothy handed him a handgun preloaded with ammunition.
Mo Chen took the gun, opened the magazine, and examined it briefly.
"Neutralizer rounds?"
"Yes," Dorothy confirmed. "The bullets contain neutralizer. Whether or not you choose to fire them is entirely up to you."
Mo Chen didn't comment, simply smiling as he weighed the gun in his hand, a subtle smirk forming on his lips.
"A single neutralizer round in exchange for eliminating a Heretic… Isn't this trade a bit too one-sided?"
Even though Heretics were the common enemy of humanity, business was business. Right now, the ones in urgent need were Eden, not him. And taking on a Heretic carried unpredictable risks.
After all, this Nihilister was not the same one from the original.
He might also have to protect Eden while fighting, and that kind of restriction would only make the battle harder.
"Commander, you do understand the value of the neutralizer, right? This is likely the last one in existence," Dorothy said, tilting her head slightly, her voice laced with curiosity. "Is there something about the offer that doesn't satisfy you? If you have any other requests, Eden will do its best to fulfill them."
Dorothy truly lived up to her noble upbringing—she had a keen grasp of the bigger picture. She wasn't the type to haggle over petty details like a common merchant, nor did she hoard resources like a miser when they were truly needed.
To her, sincerity was also a part of any transaction.
Her graceful and decisive manner left Mo Chen somewhat impressed.
However, now that Dorothy had made such a generous offer, Mo Chen wasn't sure what to ask for.
Because, in truth, there was nothing in Eden that he particularly wanted.
If there was anything, it would probably be the researcher Cecil. Her knowledge of technology, especially the neutralizer, was highly valuable to him.
But he couldn't exactly ask them to hand over Cecil, could he?
"How about… you give me a kiss?"
Mo Chen said jokingly.
He hadn't actually put any thought into it. It was just a casual remark while he was still considering what to ask for.
However, as he pondered, Dorothy gracefully stepped forward, lifting herself onto her toes. Her slender hands gently cupped Mo Chen's face, and as her shimmering eyes softly closed—
To Mo Chen's astonishment…