[Simulation Ended.]
[Due to the host's use of 'Tarot Card - The Devil,' the inheritance reward for this cycle has been replaced with 'Domination Necklace.']
[Congratulations, player, on obtaining the following rewards: 'Nine Lives' Reversal,' Tarot Card - The Magician (Usable in Simulation only), Life Extension ×200 days, Crystals ×1000]
[Congratulations, player, on participating in the battle against the Herrscher of the End for the third time. You have received an additional reward: Herrscher Gem Adaptability.]
[Congratulations, player, on successfully witnessing the true body of the Herrscher of the End. You have received an additional reward: Crystals ×2000]
[Warning: Due to the player entering the Sea of Souls, a temporary separation of body and soul has occurred, resulting in irreversible damage to the soul. Remaining lifespan: -300 days.]
Pain... Excruciating pain...
The system notifications ringing in his ears were like a fatal poison. With every announcement, Fu Li felt as though every nerve in his body was jolting with agony.
This wasn't the pain of a normal death. It was an agony that no ordinary person could ever endure, a pain that, once experienced, would be carved deep into the very soul.
And while this torment might not manifest physically, it was more than enough to be unforgettable.
"Hah... Hah... Damn it..."
Though his body was unharmed, Fu Li was breathing with extreme effort, cold sweat dripping from him as if it cost nothing.
He reached out, trying to steady himself on the desk to stand up, but his hazy consciousness caused him to miss. Fortunately, at that moment, a pair of small hands caught him.
"Boss, what's wrong with you?"
Despite her words, Puppet Mobius could tell at a glance that something was seriously wrong with Fu Li's state.
A rare, genuine anxiety seeped into her usually placid voice. She quickly composed herself, adjusted Fu Li's position, and forced down her urgency.
"Boss, what do you need? Painkillers? A sedative?"
"Ugh... give me a shot of both."
"Okay, please wait a moment."
As a biological laboratory, both of those substances were, of course, essential supplies.
Snakey immediately opened the lab, scurrying on her short legs into the main area. She stepped onto a stool and retrieved two glass ampoules filled with liquid from the refrigerator.
Then, with practiced ease, she snapped the necks of the bottles and used a syringe to draw out the contents.
After finishing her preparations, Little Mobius once again ran back to the bedroom on her two small legs.
"Alright, boss. Don't move. Try to stay calm."
"Yeah, I know..."
By now, Fu Li had developed a slight resistance to the pain. He gritted his teeth and forced his muscles to relax. If he didn't, the puppet's strength wouldn't be enough to pierce his skin with an ordinary syringe.
As the liquid was slowly injected into his body, a hint of color returned to Fu Li's pale face, and the pain in his body gradually subsided.
Finally, he let out a long breath and reached out to pat Little Mobius's head. Then, he raised his other hand, looking at the black necklace he had been clutching tightly.
This was the inanimate object that Black Pardo had become in the real world after he had signed the contract with her.
Although it felt like a very ordinary necklace in his hand, only Fu Li knew that an incredibly precious soul was sleeping inside.
This cycle... was a complete and utter defeat.
Fu Li thought to himself, subconsciously grabbing the Snakey plushie from his bedside and burying his face in it, taking several deep breaths.
"Um..." Little Mobius sighed in relief and asked softly, "Is there anything else I can help you with?"
"...No, that's all. Thank you, Snakey."
"Okay, then... shall I get back to my work?"
"Mhm."
With a soft sigh, Little Mobius closed the door, returned to the desk, and sat down, propping her head up with a troubled expression.
Watching Fu Li's reaction just now, the real Mobius hiding within Little Mobius's body had a rough idea of which cycle he had just experienced.
She wasn't worried, however. She knew that even if he was dejected for a moment, Fu Li was still Fu Li. It wouldn't be long before he moved past the self-blame and faced the future again.
Besides, Klein should be arriving soon...
Just as she was thinking this, a knock sounded at the door, causing her to lift her head slightly and consciously withdraw into imaginary space.
She hadn't told even Klein about Little Mobius. After all, if word of this got out, it would be quite troublesome even for her.
Not long after she had hidden herself, Fu Li opened the door to his room. A few stray drops of water from washing his face still lingered on his skin.
"Hm, Sis Klein?"
Opening the main door, Fu Li saw Klein holding a bag of breakfast.
Today was Saturday, so there was no school, but based on his understanding of Klein's job, she only had seven days off a year.
Although he had complained to Klein before, saying her boss deserved to be strung up from a lamppost, Klein herself didn't seem to mind.
Is being a workaholic just part of Klein's very being?
So, for her to actually show up with breakfast today was indeed a rare sight.
"Sis Klein, you don't have to work today?"
"Mhm? Nope. The institute is undergoing renovations, so they gave us a few days off."
Renovations?
Oh, right. Klein's research institute studies Honkai Beasts. So, was her lab attacked by the ocean-type Honkai Beasts?
Fu Li vaguely guessed what had happened. He immediately scanned Klein with a worried look, sighing in relief when he saw she wasn't injured.
What he didn't notice was that while he was concerned about her, Klein was also quietly observing his complexion, sighing inwardly.
"Ahem, please come in. The place is a bit of a mess, please don't mind."
"It's fine."
After letting Klein into the apartment, Fu Li forced a smile and sat down with her, eating breakfast just like any other day.
And such a breakfast was, of course, accompanied by the requisite small talk.
"By the way, Sis Klein, how long is your break?" Fu Li asked, as if offhandedly.
"Hm? About a month, I think? Why?"
"Oh, nothing. I was just thinking that Sis Klein can finally get a good rest."
"Well, it's not exactly a rest. I still have to work from home."
"Ah, that's tough..."
One month...
Fu Li glanced at the time displayed on his phone and took a sip of the steaming soy milk.
There was less than half a month until the Honkai Eruption. If Klein was working from home for the entire month, he should be able to protect her when it finally arrives...
Author's PS: Do you all want to see more of the reality timeline? I'm confused.