"Let's leave that topic for now. Sirin is under control after all, so her situation isn't immediately critical. What I'm curious about...is whether you've given up on taking risks?"
Kiana lifted her head from Zeke's embrace, blinking her bright eyes with a hint of unhidden unease.
Zeke paused, asking, "Must we discuss this right now?"
"It's not my intention to dampen your mood, Zeke. But lately, I've noticed you seem increasingly resolute without hesitation... The Thirteenth Herrscher experiment, it's incredibly dangerous, isn't it? Even more so than when dealing with Auntie, correct?" Kiana furrowed her delicate brows, lips pursed, as her anxiety and concern became evident.
Regarding the Thirteenth Herrscher experiment, Zeke hadn't kept it secret from her like he did with Theresa's situation, which provided some comfort to Kiana. However, this reassurance felt insignificant compared to the worry she felt upon learning the details.
Kiana couldn't tell Zeke not to take this risk. His decision was undoubtedly based on long-term and well-considered plans, involving complex matters at the scale of civilization itself. While she didn't fully grasp the intricacies, Kiana understood there was no room for her stubbornness here. Moreover, according to their calculations, if Zeke didn't step up, Sin would have to face the danger... That thought was equally unbearable for Kiana.
The three girls fell silent, all casting worried glances towards Zeke.
Zeke released Kiana, glanced briefly at the book resting on his knees, feeling unable to concentrate further. He decided to set it aside and said,
"Theoretically, yes, it's more dangerous. But I won't act recklessly; we'll ensure every possible preparation is made first. I won't let the stability achieved so far crumble, nor will I abandon any of you. Rest assured, take care of yourselves while I go find Hera and Mobius."
With these reassuring words and a rare smile directed at them, Zeke rose and left the room.
A prolonged silence followed, the warm atmosphere dissipating, leaving all three girls somewhat disheartened.
Had it been any other decision, none of them would have objected to Zeke; supporting him, even risking their lives, would have felt natural. However, when it came to his safety, that changed everything.
Hera, who was attempting to restore her consciousness backup, received Zeke's message and promptly arrived at a cozy balcony area. There she found Zeke quietly sipping tea alongside Fu Hua, who had been summoned to brew tea and create a pleasant atmosphere.
"Good morning, Zeke, and hello to my dear old friend~"
With a graceful wave of her crimson dress, Hera greeted them with a warm smile.
She always enjoyed smiling; however, before, it was merely a mask. Now, her smiles were more genuine, making her radiantly appealing to anyone who beheld her.
Fu Hua's lips curved upward as she nodded towards Hera.
"You've been working hard. Please take a moment to enjoy some tea."
"Wow, only a select few can frequently indulge in your exquisite brewing skills, dear friend. Sadly, I'm not usually among them, so this is truly rare... I'll have mine on the lighter side, by the way. Oh, and just wondering, where's Dr. Mobius?" After placing her request, Hera took a seat next to Zeke, her smile remaining as she asked.
Zeke held his teacup, blew gently to cool the steam, and leisurely finished his drink before responding:
"She hasn't budged from the laboratory, claiming there's a critical phase in her ongoing experiment. Personally, I think she's just being lazy and showing disrespect."
"Ha, Dr. Mobius has always been like this. Geniuses tend to have their quirks, after all. Try being more understanding; if her morale crumbles, it'll affect her productivity."
"If geniuses all have quirks, then what's yours? A fetish for crossdressing?"
Zeke set down his teacup, and his calm, unflappable gaze turned toward Hera.
Hera smiled, but the corners of her eyes twitched—couldn't she simply compliment him as a genius without resorting to personal attacks?
"I'm universally recognized as a lady, so I wouldn't know anything about crossdressing fetishes... But I do know Zeke's obsession is finding ways to embarrass girls!" Hera retorted with feigned seriousness, her lips curling slightly.
Her words suggested that she had completely forgotten her original form.
Looking at Hera, Zeke spoke sincerely: "You're truly a quintessential weirdo."
"Don't be too hard on yourself, Zeke. Deep down, you're actually a good person."
"And your unparalleled thickness of skin doesn't hurt either."
"Oh no, not at all—I'm just slightly less thick-skinned than you~~"
Silence fell between them.
"..."
"...
Hera smiled, while Zeke remained expressionless. They locked eyes for a moment before turning away simultaneously to sip their freshly brewed tea.
Observing their stubborn standoff, Fu Hua shook her head helplessly. "You two really need to stop bickering over everything like unruly children."
Zeke and Hera then turned to look at Fu Hua together.
Facing the simultaneous gazes of both His Majesty the Emperor and Schicksal's Archbishop, few individuals in this world could remain unfazed—Fu Hua being one such notable example.
With a composed smile, she asked, "Is there something wrong?"
Zeke didn't bother responding.
Hera, however, stroked his chin with interest and said, "Old friend, you're becoming quite lively these days. It seems I haven't shown enough concern for you in the past. Had I known earlier, I would have delved deeper into your history, perhaps even locating the Book of Fuxi and Xuanyuan Sword sooner... That way, who knows, maybe you'd be wholeheartedly devoted to me by now!"
"Thank you, but no thanks. Our values fundamentally differ; regardless of circumstances, it would be difficult for me to truly open up to you. In fact, without Zeke's intervention, we might very well be engaged in a life-or-death struggle right now, wouldn't we?"
"Haha! No need to be so candid. We're on the same side now; can't you spare me some dignity at least? Speaking of which, regardless of whether you believe it or not, I've always held deep respect for you, old friend. In any case, I genuinely hope you find the happiness you deserve... So, Zeke, when do you plan to make your move? Can I witness this wish fulfilled before my demise?"
The sincerity in these words was palpable, filled with profound emotion. Even Zeke couldn't detect any hint of insincerity. However, the final question caught everyone off guard, causing tension to spike.
Fu Hua's expression froze momentarily.
Zeke remained impassive, seemingly unaffected. One second, two seconds, three seconds passed, until...
"Pff!"
Tea sprayed from his mouth.
Immediately after, both exchanged glances then swiftly turned away, trying to hide their momentary lapse in composure.
How entertaining—Hera internally commented, feeling as if even the tea in her hand had become more fragrant. Suddenly, she felt a black shadow strike the back of her head, crushing the teacup against the table with her Soulium face.
"Boom!!!"
As Mobius was counting her merit points amidst piles of bubble wrap, the laboratory door she had physically secured burst open with a loud bang.
"Boom!"
In a literal explosion, a pink energy blast shattered the heavily locked metal door. The forceful gust swept up Mobius's long green hair, while her flying device's waving tentacles deflected incoming debris with clanging sounds.
"A-L-I-C-E-Y-A-H!!!" Without even needing to look, Mobius instantly identified the culprit and sent metallic tentacles coated in dark venom hurtling towards her.
Today, she vowed to tear those damn pointy ears into pieces—no one could dissuade her this time!