The arrival of A2 was quite a change for both Mei and Takatsuki.
Although a little embarrassed and indignant about being eavesdropped on, Mei wasn't truly angry; she was just a bit shy.
And for this part of her shyness, she chose to get revenge elsewhere.
"Mei, is this really necessary?"
A2 couldn't help but ask, watching Mei circle around her, putting a new outfit on her.
"Of course! Miss A2 is so beautiful, it would be a pity not to dress her up properly. How about trying this?"
"Cute..."
It was only because androids didn't have the function of blushing; otherwise, A2 would surely be completely red-faced at this moment.
But she couldn't disobey Mei's orders, or rather, Mei hadn't actually ordered her; it was just that she herself didn't want to refuse this kindness right now.
The erosion modification had dispelled her long-held obsession. Although the memory of her hatred for the mechanical lifeforms and the Commander still remained, she no longer hated the Commander after learning the truth from Takatsuki.
"Mei, can I really go to your world? Will the humans there truly accept me?"
These past few days, A2 had also learned about Takatsuki's plan from him. She even cooperated with Takatsuki in experiments to enter the Gate of Babylon, discovering that she couldn't enter the Gate of Babylon while conscious. The entry criteria for the Gate of Babylon seemed to be based not on whether there was life, but whether there was consciousness.
Fortunately, when androids were designed, a sleep function was added. Android sleep is actually a self-check of the AI system, and nothing would happen even if they didn't sleep.
"Of course, everyone will definitely welcome you."
A2 felt a little uneasy about the future. She didn't fear the Honkai that Takatsuki and Mei spoke of.
She was born for combat; 'A' stands for 'Attacker,' meaning an offensive type.
Androids never feared sacrifice or death; what she feared was her sacrifice being meaningless.
"However, our world has billions of humans, and they even have conflicts with each other. So you only need to stand on our side. I've already thought of a method for your placement. At that time, the YoRHa Unit will be responsible for monitoring global Honkai events and rescuing humans and fighting Honkai Beasts. I will be responsible for dealing with other humans who have different ideas. You only need to protect the victims of the Honkai, and that will be enough."
Takatsuki walked over, carrying lunch. Even though the sun wouldn't move, Takatsuki and Mei still maintained a regular schedule based on the terminal's system time.
"Takatsuki, don't you think A2 looks very cute now?"
Takatsuki looked at the clothes on A2. Actually, he didn't even need to look, because these clothes were drawn by him using the Brush Brush Fruit; it was just that Mei designed them and had him "produce" them. The clothes A2 was wearing now were a pure white dress with a summery feel, and combined with her original white hair, she looked as pure as a newly adult girl.
"Very cute, but not as cute as Mei."
Mei's face flushed, and she lightly punched Takatsuki's shoulder: "What nonsense are you talking about?"
"I'm not talking nonsense. Mei is the cutest in the world."
Mei's personality before merging with Raiden was completely different from her original one. Takatsuki even felt she was somewhat similar to Elysia, perhaps this was one of the reasons they were attracted to each other in the original work.
Current Mei was already very good. Takatsuki also wanted her to fully merge with Raiden. Although that Mei would have a queenly demeanor, he would lose one of his wives!
A2, who was standing by, didn't know what it meant to be fed dog food, but she had a strange feeling watching the two in front of her.
"Takatsuki, let me help."
A2 said, looking at the tray in Takatsuki's hands.
"Ah, no, A2, if your clothes get dirty because of this, Mei will get angry."
"Okay."
Watching A2 stand obediently by his side just because of a single sentence, Takatsuki once again warned himself mentally to be careful not to joke around casually. After all, A2's underlying logic was to obey him and Mei, and if she took a casual joke seriously, it would be troublesome.
During this time, A2 had been acting as their maid and guard. Although Takatsuki and Mei treated her as a friend, she still seemed to have some difficulty letting go.
"A2, do you really only need to drink water?"
As Takatsuki and Mei ate, Mei looked at A2, who had drunk a glass of water and then remained still, and asked.
"Yes, we androids have fusion reactors inside us; we only need water to provide energy."
"Is that so? The technology in this world is really amazing."
Mei sighed with emotion.
Just then, Takatsuki suddenly looked up.
"A2, guests have arrived. Go and greet them."
"Yes! Takatsuki."
A2 responded, then stood up and looked at her clothes. She hadn't forgotten what Takatsuki had said earlier about Mei getting angry if her clothes got dirty.
"A2, you don't need to worry. I wouldn't get angry over such a small matter. You can wear whatever clothes you want, A2."
"I understand, Mei."
A2 walked to the tree, slung two weapons onto her back, and with a leap, left the area.
Meanwhile, at the other end of the forest.
Two white-haired figures wearing blindfolds were constantly moving through the forest.
"2B, when will you be willing to call me Little Nine?"
The boy with a katana floating behind him asked the other figure with two katanas floating behind her.
"Calling me 9S is enough."
"Well, that's how it is..."
The boy's voice held a hint of dejection.
"However, this forest is really big, it's quite tiring."
2B: "9S, your emotions are too obvious. We YoRHa Unit are forbidden from having emotions."
9S: "Even if you say that, there's nothing I can do. After all, individuals have differences."
Although they had human appearances, their titles, the floating weapons behind them, and their exaggerated physical abilities all proved that they were not human.
The two traveled through the forest, defeating some strange mechanical lifeforms along the way.
"It's strange, these mechanical lifeforms, it's as if they're imitating human knights."
"Don't listen, 2B, mechanical lifeforms have no hearts."
2B ignored 9S's warning. They were YoRHa, and their mission was to reclaim Earth, so naturally, they chose the most direct method of destruction for these robots that had occupied the forest.
The two broke through all the way and soon saw the so-called King of the Forest, guarded by these robot soldiers.
An ultra-small robot placed in a cradle.
"This is... the King?"
The two looked at the robot in the cradle with some confusion. No matter how they looked at it, this robot couldn't possibly be an enemy, after all.
It didn't even have hands...
Just as the two were confused, a huge impact suddenly descended from the sky, instantly knocking them back.
When they looked at the cradle, a figure in a white dress stood before it, looking at them.
"YoRHa, 2B and 2S, right."
A2 looked at the two figures in YoRHa uniforms in front of her and asked.
"Who are you? An android? And... not a YoRHa model?"
Just then, the Pods following behind them simultaneously issued a warning.
"YoRHa special designated unit detected. Recommend destruction."
9S: "Destruction? Why!"
2B: "9S, let's go."
Compared to the ever-suspicious 9S, 2B chose to obey the Pod's command.
And just then, the Commander's communication came through in time.
"9S, 2B, we've detected the black box signal of the fugitive A2. The one in front of you... is an enemy."
9S still found it a bit hard to believe.
"But, that's..."
"She's a deserter, she's already destroyed several pursuit unit members; if you hesitate, you'll be killed."
2B had already grabbed her sword and charged towards A2.
Whoosh!
A void-piercing slash erupted from A2's greatsword. As a YoRHa Unit Type 2, A2 belonged to the offensive unit. In terms of both destructive power and years of combat skill, she was much stronger than 2B, especially after the erosion modification, her unit's potential had been completely unleashed.
"I have no intention of fighting you."
After forcing 2B back with a single sword stroke, A2 slowly spoke.
"Then why! Why did you betray us!"
9S stared at A2 in front of him and asked loudly.
"I didn't betray anyone. The ones who betrayed are the Human Council."
"What!?"
9S hadn't expected A2 to say such a thing.
"We androids were born to protect humanity. Are you still saying this isn't betrayal!"
A2 didn't continue to answer, jumping directly onto the already broken wall behind her.
"If you want to know why, then come with me."
Turning back to look at the two, A2 said unhurriedly, "The master wants to see you. If you want to know the truth, then come over, if you dare."
With that, A2 directly jumped down from the wall.
"2B, let's go after her."
9S said, looking in the direction A2 had left.
2B didn't reply, but instead responded to 9S's words with action, directly jumping down from where A2 had just jumped.
After the two jumped down, they saw A2, dressed in a white dress, standing at the distant city gate.
"Too slow."
After leaving that one sentence, A2 continued to run into the distance.
"She's actually waiting for us... Is it a trap?"
Watching A2's actions, 9S became vigilant, but his vigilance was meaningless, so he could only follow 2B in pursuit.
However, while pursuing, he dialed the communication to the Bunker.
"Calling Bunker, this is 9S. Please connect me to the Commander."
"Bunker understood, transferring to the Commander."
The image of the Bunker Commander appeared on the projected screen, and 9S immediately said, "Commander, A2 has escaped, and she said she wants us to meet a certain adult."
"My Lord?"
"Hmm, even the Commander doesn't know?"
"I don't know, but please be careful. A2 is a very dangerous special individual. If there are any problems, retreat immediately. Your safety is more important. If possible, please investigate what that Lord is and contact the Command Center in a timely manner."
"Understood."
After ending the communication, 9S said to 2B, "I've contacted the Commander. Let's go meet that Lord."
"Okay."
The two followed A2 through the forest. It was clear that A2 was leading them somewhere.
Then the two saw…
This is…
A village? No, although there were treehouses and some unfamiliar facilities, it was clear that very few people lived here.
After all, there was only one treehouse on the giant towering tree, and beneath that giant tree, a person was sitting on a white plastic chair with his back to them.
Although the chair looked cheap, the two inexplicably felt a strong aura emanating from him.
At this moment, A2 was standing beside that being, as if reporting.
"A2! Has your escape finally ended? It's time to reveal your so-called truth."
As 9S spoke, the figure sitting on the chair stood up, turned around, and looked at them.
"If you want to know the truth, then you need to explore it yourself, don't you?"
The floating Pod beside them suddenly made a sound.
"The entity in front is neither an android nor a Machine Lifeform; it has biological reaction characteristics."
"Inference: Its species is — Human."
The Pod's sudden speech, revealing his identity, instantly shattered Takatsuki's original preparations.
"Human!? Aren't all Humans on the moon! How can they be here! Pod, are you mistaken?"
9S asked the Pod in shock.
"Negative. 153's inference is correct. This lifeform's characteristics uniquely match the object: Human."
2B's Pod, floating nearby, also made a sound.
"How can this be, 2B…"
Only then did 9S realize that 2B's expression beside him was extremely solemn. Although the upper part of her face was covered, her emotions were clearly very complex just from the visible half of her face.
Surprise? Nervousness? Astonishment? There was a bit of all of these.
"Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Takatsuki. I am indeed what you call a Human."
"Takatsuki… why are you here? Shouldn't the Human Council be on the moon?"
Hearing 9S's question, Takatsuki chuckled, "The moon? Can Humans really survive there?"
"What do you mean by that?"
"What I mean is…"
"Wait!"
Just then, 2B suddenly interrupted Takatsuki.
"Oh, I almost forgot about you, 2B, no, Miss 2E. For you, who already know the truth, you don't need my explanation, do you? So please don't speak for now, okay?"
"What do you… 2B!"
9S didn't understand Takatsuki's words. Just as he was about to ask for clarification, he saw Takatsuki instantly appear in front of 2B, using a black and red katana to pierce both Pods and 2B simultaneously.
"Pod! 2B! Aaaaaah! What have you done!"
The weapon on 9S's back instantly appeared in his hand. Just as he was about to rush forward, A2 blocked his path.
"Why! Why did you do this!"
9S couldn't understand why Takatsuki did this. He had met the Human he had always been curious about and was about to learn the so-called truth, which could satisfy his long-standing curiosity. These were supposed to be two happy things, so why did it turn out like this?
"If you want to know the truth, 9S, then go see it for yourself."
Takatsuki said to A2, who had her back to him, "A2, release your system defenses and open up those files for 9S to view."
"Yes, Lord Takatsuki."
"Go, 9S, use your best hacking skills."