Mobius's face darkened, fully aware of Zeke's intent to seize the opportunity for retaliation.
"You know exactly what I desire! Don't force me to start anew elsewhere!"
"Dr. Mobius, I have immense trust in your capabilities. I am well aware that although my theories are abstract and complex, given enough time, you can undoubtedly decipher Otto's and my findings to independently complete the resurrection project."
"Don't push me!"
"The greatest challenge in reviving lives lost from the previous era isn't resource consumption but rather the inevitable encounter with the Finality of that era. Dr. Mobius, as you know, if we touch Him using trans-temporal means, there is a possibility He may reciprocate by reaching back through space-time—contact is bidirectional, something unavoidable," Zeke patiently explained.
Mobius narrowed his eyes, expression cold. "Of course I know. Such simple matters don't require explanation from you."
"In truth, I don't mind small experimental validations; during your leisure time, feel free to explore as you wish. However, if you cross that line and privately attempt to interact with that existence without my permission... Dr. Mobius, I highly value you, so please do not force me to lock you up again in the World of Elysium."
Zeke casually delivered his warning, then picked up the teapot and personally poured tea for Mobius.
Mobius's expression turned grim, but he remained silent.
Zeke continued, "Dr. Mobius, let's focus on the present moment for now. As long as our civilization can overcome this crisis, I assure you, no reward due to you will be withheld. However, if what you bring is not assistance but trouble, you know my nature well, don't you?"
"...Enough with the talk!" Mobius grumbled darkly, picking up the cup Zeke had filled and draining it in one gulp, signaling his acquiescence.
Understanding the implication behind Mobius's gesture, Zeke nodded slightly and returned Klein to him.
Having made his point, Zeke addressed the three individuals seated at the table. "I've gathered you here today to discuss scheduling the Thirteenth Herrscher experiment."
"The chosen candidates remain unchanged?" Hera tapped her fingers on the table, asking seriously.
Zeke nodded affirmatively.
"Yes, they do. I have my reasons; simply follow through with the plan."
"Very well. I need three months to further restore my consciousness network structure, ensuring that even if any unforeseen complications arise, we can still switch you back."
"Agreed."
Zeke nodded once more, and Hera visibly sighed with relief.
She had feared Zeke might stubbornly forge ahead without considering all factors. As long as her condition could recover to the standard strength needed to confront the God of Honkai by the time of the experiment, she was prepared to risk her life for his safety—if it meant securing Zeke's protection.
At its core, Hera didn't oppose Zeke's desire to enhance their combat capabilities; what she objected to was him taking risks unprepared.
Fu Hua's eyes flickered momentarily before she silently let out a long sigh. She lacked the standing to dissuade them; at this moment, her role was merely to listen, without room for input.
Zeke took a sip of tea and continued, "Regarding the timing of the experiment, the most critical factor is that after the Thirteenth Herrscher emerges, Finality could descend at any moment. We must delay the experiment as much as possible to gain additional development time. However, it's crucial to complete the experiment before the God of Honkai independently selects the Thirteenth Herrscher, ensuring we maintain control over this unpredictable variable... Do either of you have any thoughts?"
Fu Hua remained seated and silently poured tea for each elder one by one—she was well-versed in combat and risking her life to confront danger head-on. As for analyzing information and strategizing on a grand scale, she knew better than to embarrass herself before these prodigies.
Hera furrowed her brow slightly, seemingly organizing her thoughts.
Having been chastised by Zeke earlier, Mobius felt an urgent need to demonstrate his worth and regain some lost dignity. He promptly suggested:
"Honkai itself embodies uncertainty; attempting to predict His specific actions is foolish. It's impossible to determine the exact identity and birth time of the Herrschers using mathematical patterns. However, I can lead efforts to optimize our current Honkai Energy monitoring system significantly. Before the Thirteenth Herrscher emerges, there will inevitably be signs of an impending Major Honkai Eruption. By surveilling globally, we can detect these early warnings. If we conduct the experiment preemptively during the period when the Herrscher is forming, we can seize its power."
It was a crude approach but undoubtedly the most practical under the circumstances, leaving no room for objection.
Zeke neither agreed nor disagreed, withholding any comment.
Hera, however, nodded gently with a hint of resignation:
"As Dr. Mobius rightly pointed out, predicting Honkai is impossible. We can only prepare in advance and be ready to conduct the experiment at any moment. However, there's one issue: if the signs appear before we're fully prepared... I still don't advise taking such risks. Perhaps compromising wouldn't be so bad; obtaining just the Thirteenth Herrscher's Core would also suffice."
"Rejected." This time, Zeke's response was firm.
Hera observed Zeke sipping his tea with a composed demeanor, deeply frowning. "Why put yourself in such peril? Despite its extraordinary power, the Void Sword Divinity has inherent uncertainties. It cannot guarantee severing the God of Honkai's gaze every time. Zeke, consider your current value—we all stand united without reservation because of you. A mere ability pales in comparison to your importance!"
"It's not merely about acquiring an ability; it's my last chance to engage directly with the Herrscher system," Zeke emphasized, unfazed by Hera's concerns. Gazing at the tea before him, he continued,
"I've already mastered all existing power systems humanity possesses: Divine Keys, MANTIS, Stigmata, and armors. There's hardly any room for further advancement. The Herrscher system is the sole exception. Although I frequently utilize my Core, it isn't truly under my control—becoming a Herrscher is my only path to progress."
"It's precisely because of the Young Lady's existence that you're being so reckless! I admit, she might represent your failure from another timeline, but it's just speculation with no solid evidence! Must you risk everything based on this possibility?!"
"The mere possibility is enough. How can we defeat Honkai without exhausting every available option? In the world of adults, there's no room for assumptions. As far as I recall, you never fancied chasing dreams either, Otto!"
Zeke calmly gazed at Hera, addressing her by Otto's name. This usually indicated one of two scenarios—either he needed someone to take the blame, or he was genuinely serious.
"Crack!"
Hera crushed the teacup in her hand and stood up, expression cold.
"I'll expedite the process as much as possible. Do not disturb me during this time." With these words, filled with anger, she vanished before everyone's eyes.
With these parting words and a lingering anger, Hera vanished from their presence.
Fu Hua, holding the teapot, froze for a moment before silently wiping down the table wetted by Hera's outburst—she knew Zeke was upset now.
Mobius, Elysia, and Klein also sensed something amiss, becoming subdued to avoid aggravating Zeke further at this time.
After a brief pause, Zeke set down his teacup nonchalantly and said, "Dr. Mobius, proceed as you suggested earlier. Additionally, assist with Su's search experiments; if possible, locate the Young Lady promptly. She is currently our best bet regarding the Finality. Finding her may hold the key to our future."
The conversation ended on an uneasy note.
Holding Klein, Dr. Mobius floated away. Ellie stood still, contemplating briefly, then pitifully chased after Mobius once more, pleading for the cure.
With only two people left, Fu Hua slowly tidied up the table and then approached Zeke with a smile, gently massaging his shoulders.
"You both have your own considerations, and they're valid. So go ahead with what you believe is right. No matter what, I will always support you."
"Thank you. Honestly, I'm aware this approach is quite risky; even a slight misstep could not only disrupt our current situation but also have significant repercussions. However... if she truly is Kiana, I trust that none of her hints would be without purpose." Zeke sighed softly.
Perhaps only in front of Fu Hua could he reveal the weight and pressure he felt.
The other girls, including reliable assistants like Bronya, relied on him more than anything. Zeke didn't want to show any vulnerability before them, as it might cause confusion, leading to unnecessary panic and chaos.
As these thoughts crossed his mind, Zeke instinctively reached up, placing his hand over Fu Hua's warm, jade-like fingers, gradually feeling his agitated mood settle down.
Fu Hua paused momentarily, hesitating, then leaned forward, gently embracing Zeke from behind.
"It's alright, everything will work out. Believe in yourself, and believe in us," Fu Hua said tenderly. She sensed Zeke's initial stiffness but also noticed his lack of resistance. Gently, she looked at his face over his shoulder, her gaze filled with warmth and affection.
Zeke met Fu Hua's eyes, feeling the softness and warmth against his back, and caught the faintly sweet scent emanating from her. After a long moment, he replied:
"Fu Hua, this... isn't right."
"I know."
"But then..."
"However, it's just us here now, so no one else will find out. Would you really dislike it?" Fu Hua asked gently, devoid of any negative emotions—she simply sought Zeke's perspective.
Or perhaps, she didn't care about her reputation or treatment at all; her sole intention was to help ease Zeke's anxiety and let him relax, nothing more.
Zeke remained silent for a long moment, his silence almost speaking volumes as his response. Eventually, with a slightly strained voice, he questioned:
"When did we become like this?"
"I can't pinpoint the exact moment. Maybe, if blame is to be assigned, it should fall on you for insisting on bringing me back from Taixuan Mountain, returning me to the world? Or perhaps, after traveling together through the Sea of Quanta for so long, I unwittingly forgot the barrier of time?"
"You've truly managed to make a fifty-thousand-year-old spinster bloom! How remarkable!"
"Even for you, Zeke, that comment could upset me. Remember, despite everything, I am still a woman, and age jokes aren't appropriate!"
Fu Hua smiled faintly, showing no real anger despite her words. Instead, mustering up courage, she leaned closer, pressing her face against Zeke's. Feeling the warmth on her cheeks and the fluttering of her heart, her smile deepened further.
Zeke allowed Fu Hua's closeness, various thoughts flashing through his mind. Eventually, he sighed resignedly and whispered,
"Kiana, Bronya, Sin... I'm sorry."