Chapter 239

Xiao Kong quietly recounted the scene, while Mei and Tesla remained silent. As long as Honkai occurs, such tragedies will continue to unfold. What this teacher experienced was just one of many things that have been happening in this world. However, she was right: no matter the cost, humanity will overcome Honkai.

"Ah, I understand that. It's like you've been paying off your mortgage for years and being a slave to it for a long time, and then just when you're about to pay it off, the house suddenly collapses. That's probably what it's like."

Tesla wanted to comfort Xiao Kong, but this young woman with several PhDs didn't seem to be very good at this kind of thing. The idea of paying off a mortgage and being a slave to a loan came across as surprisingly down-to-earth.

"Alright, Doctor, please stop talking... Well, it's a very sad story. Now, before it gets dark, I'll take you home."

Knowing that no amount of comforting would help at this point, Mei Xiao Kong changed the subject. After learning a little about what had happened to the teacher, Mei had a basic understanding of her and thought she was a good person. Mei originally wanted Xiao Kong to stay on the Helios, but she was afraid that Sora would feel more at ease if she stayed in the nest with her friends.

"Okay... Mei, the curry is delicious... I want everyone to try it too..."

Xiao Kong nodded, then hesitated for a moment before timidly speaking to Mei. After spending time together today, Xiao Kong and Mei had gradually become familiar with each other. In her opinion, Mei was a very gentle and kind girl, so she could be a little bolder in saying what she wanted to say. The food she had just eaten was so delicious, but she was full while the children in the nest could only eat Canned Food. So, she wanted them to try it too.

"Don't worry, I've already prepared it. I made enough for twenty people, so please share it with everyone when you get back."

Mei smiled and patted Xiao Kong's head. She knew the child would say that. The girl went into the kitchen and came out carrying an iron bucket. After learning about the situation in the nest, Mei thought that she should at least do something within her power. She could treat them to a decent dinner.

"Thank you! Mei is the best!"

Xiao Kong happily ran to Mei's side and raised her face to her. Sure enough, her feeling was right. Mei was a very, very good person. Tesla, who had finished eating and started to lie down again, blinked and didn't say anything. In such a short time, she had made dinner for twenty people, and it was both delicious and plentiful. It seemed that her feeling was right. Compared to the Valkyrie, Mei should be more suitable to be a cook. Seeing how well Mei had taken care of herself these days, she felt like she had even gained some weight.

"Honestly, when it comes to taking care of people, no one can compare to her..."

Tesla muttered to herself, while Mei belatedly turned to look at her. "Doctor, I'll go with Xiao Kong then. You should get some rest."

"Okay, okay, don't treat me like a child and nag me... Wait, if she leaves... who's going to do the dishes today?"

Tesla waved to dismiss Xiao Kong and Mei, but after they left Tesla noticed the plates and bowls on the table. The red-haired girl immediately went crazy. "I hate it! I hate washing dishes the most! Don't you know washing dishes hurts your hands?"

Muttering to herself, the doctor, who often repaired and built mechs, carried the plates into the sink. She really wanted to throw them away; if she did, she wouldn't have to wash them anymore. She'd even throw away the pots while she was at it... But then she thought, that guy values these pots and pans more than the knife in his hand. If she threw them away, he'd definitely go ballistic.

Using Tactical Mech to deliver curry, the Doctor probably won't be angry if she finds out... So it's better not to let her know. After all, Shen Gonglin said that if it's not discovered, it's not a crime.

Soon, Mei and Xiao Kong returned to the nest. As the girl busily delivered each serving of curry to the children, Mei looked at the mecha beside her and thought about how she had really learned a lot from Shen Gonglin, even though most of it was bad stuff.

"Mei, I've finished distributing the curry, and everyone is happy. I really want the teacher to try some too."

Sharing delicious food with her friends made Xiao Kong very happy. After doing all that, Xiao Kong ran to Mei's side again. It was all because of Mei that they were able to enjoy such delicious food. That was wonderful.

"I'd be so glad you like it. I'll do my best to make you some delicious food until we find Kiana."

Mei patted Xiao Kong's head Mei smiled gently. These children are all very innocent people. They have their own kind of peace and quiet living here.

"So... after you find Kiana, you're leaving?"

Xiao Kong looked up at Mei. Although she was a little reluctant, she still hoped that Mei could get what she wanted as soon as possible. She knew that Kiana was a very important person to her.

"Yes, there's still a lot to do, but we'll meet again. Dr. Tesla said that Anti-Entropy will try to help you, and we also need to get to know your teacher."

Sensing the sadness in Xiao Kong's voice, and knowing that Xiao Kong already felt close to Mei, she tightened her grip slightly. "Don't worry, we'll meet again someday."

"Yes, Mei and the teacher are both very gentle people, you two will definitely get along well."

Xiao Kong became very energetic when this topic was mentioned. It would be great if they could meet again in the future. She also wanted the teacher and Mei to get to know each other. They were both very beautiful and kind people, and she was sure they would get along well.

"You always seem very proud when you talk about this teacher. Can you tell me more about your relationship?"

Mei will definitely have to deal with that teacher in the future. Because of Xiao Kong, Mei has a high level of affection for that teacher and she is also very interested in learning more about her.

Chapter Twenty: Not One Less

"Okay, I'm happy to talk about my teacher because she really is my teacher. She taught me so much. That disaster left my memory blank. Family, friends, life, ideals... I don't remember anything from before, only some very faint impressions remain. When my memory begins to return, I see my teacher."

This is a memory that Xiao Kong will always remember, like a ray of light shining through a gloomy sky. When she woke up from her daze, she was lying in her teacher's arms. Although his face was stern and he didn't say a word, Xiao Kong felt light shining on her as they passed through the ruins. This was a light that no matter how dark the sky was or how low the clouds were, it couldn't block it.

Sitting with Mei by the cabin, Xiao Kong quietly told Mei about the things between the teacher and them, and these things gave Mei a deeper understanding of that teacher.

"The teacher gathered the children like me together, moved us into the nest, and told us that we would live together from now on. But I have no memory of it. I don't know what everyone is talking about or what I should do. I can only follow the teacher wherever she goes. In the end, the teacher couldn't do anything with me, so she had to start teaching me some things. She couldn't stay in the nest forever. She had to teach us how to live independently in Changkong City."

I remembered those days when my teacher taught me how to move quickly through the city, how to avoid the roaming Honkai Beast, and how to save myself in dangerous situations. Everything I know now was taught to me by her. But most importantly, she taught me how to live a good life.

"Mei, I remember it was just an ordinary afternoon when my teacher suddenly wished me a happy birthday and said she had a present for me. I was very confused because I didn't even know my own name. How could my teacher know my birthday? Then, my teacher gave me... Mark II, Mark II, who am I?"

Holding the small robot hovering beside her in her arms, Mei heard the command and the robot suddenly lit up. Light shone from its eyes, projecting into the air, and geometric shapes folded and expanded, finally revealing dense text to the girl: name, home address... This was what Mei saw before her eyes. Her eyes widened slightly. On it...

"This is..."

Mei spoke softly, and Xiao Kong nodded. Yes, this thing was her own life.

"That's right, this is my life. My name, birthday, family relationships, life experiences, a half-finished diary, my social media profile, registration information at entertainment venues... My teacher used her connections to record everything she could find about me here. To be honest, my life is so ordinary, even more ordinary than I imagined. But this is truly my life. For the first time, I know my name, my birthday, where I grew up, what I want to do in the future... It turns out I've been loved, and I've loved others. There are things I like to do, and things I absolutely cannot tolerate..."

She spoke at length, Xiao Kong eyes filled with something Mei understood but couldn't articulate. Her lost memories hadn't returned, but looking at these words, Xiao Kong felt as if she had truly experienced them. Her teacher said that only in this way could she truly live well and continue to live. She always said this. The disaster destroyed Changkong City, but everyone still had to live on and strive to live on, because living well was a way of fighting against fate.

"My teacher said that one day we will leave here, go to the other side of the sea, return to the sunshine, return to the clear sky, and the way we fought will surely become the hope for another person to live in the future. I believe that this is the meaning of my teacher building the nest, and the reason why she gave me Mark II and my past as a gift on that day."

Mei told Mei what the teacher had said, and Mei fell into thought. The teacher Xiao Kong mentioned reminded her of many things, including Kiana, Rin Shen Gonglin, and Himeko. That teacher was also that kind of person. Although she was no longer there, the image of her bravely raising her sword to the sky still occasionally appeared in Mei's mind. Without a doubt, her defiant stance was the source of their confidence and hope in trying to salvage everything. That teacher was indeed a very good person.

"Just like Kiana changed me... your teacher also changed you during that disaster. Xiao Kong, it's getting dark, hurry back and rest. I'm going back too."

The sky was already tinged with black. Mei smiled at Xiao Kong. What she had said to her today had touched Mei deeply. There were many people like herself in this world, and that was her motivation to keep going.

"Oh dear, it's so late. Mei, you should go back now. I believe we'll find Kiana tomorrow."

Before they knew it, it was already so late. Xiao Kong quickly waved goodbye to Mei, telling her that she must get a good rest today and that she would help Mei find Kiana as soon as possible tomorrow. Mei such a good person, and she had to help her a lot.

"Okay, see you tomorrow."

After waving goodbye to Xiao Kong, Mei returned to the Helios. When she came back, she found that Tesla was already asleep. The girl went back to her room. Tomorrow, will she really be able to see Kiana...? She definitely will.

Looking at the sky outside the window, in this familiar city, Mei thought of many things from the past: things at home, things at the Senba Academy, things after she met Kiana... Now, thinking about them, Mei felt a warm and sweet feeling in her heart. These were her most precious memories. She imagined that Kiana was probably somewhere in this city right now, looking at the same sky as her.

Just wait, I will find you all tomorrow. Not a single person from the Hyperion will be missing!

At this very moment, just as Mei had expected, Kiana, who had been unconscious, opened her azure eyes, looked at the night sky, and felt the weight and warmth on her body. Kiana looked down at Shen Gonglin, and slowly revealed a flawless smile.

I just had a wonderful dream. When I woke up, Shen Gonglin was right beside me. What a good omen! I guess I'll just have to sleep some more comfortably.

Chapter Twenty-One: The Leader of the Horde

Why does it feel like the humidity has increased a lot?

Half-asleep, Mei suddenly had a bad feeling. She opened her eyes. She hadn't closed the window when she went to sleep last night, and when she woke up, she felt that the humidity seemed to be much higher. The girl rubbed her eyes and climbed to the window to take a look. It wasn't raining. So the humidity was because... no, the water level in Changkong City seemed to have risen a lot.

Seeing the water level much higher than yesterday, Mei quickly woke up. This situation was very unusual, and she had to notify Dr. Tesla immediately. She had slept fully clothed last night, and Mei planned to set off to find Kiana early this morning. She hurriedly ran out of her room to look for Tesla. At this time, Dr. Tesla should still be sleeping.

"Doctor, Doctor, wake up..."

Sure enough, when Mei barged into Tesla's room, the red-haired girl was still fast asleep. Mei quickly went up and shook her shoulders, but Tesla, still half asleep, opened her mouth and started talking in her sleep.

"Huh...? What's wrong... this Chicken Coop Head..."

Tesla was too lazy to even open her eyes. She usually works until late at night, and today Tesla finally wanted to get a good night's sleep, but Mei her up. She thought it was Einstein. What a noisy person! Doesn't she know that disturbing other people's rest is a crime? She was still traveling among the stars.

"Doctor, wake up!"

Mei shook Tesla's shoulders vigorously, his red twin tails swaying back and forth, but Tesla's head still didn't come to its senses. Wake up... Is that a star?

"... Stars?... Ah, yes, yes, our next stop is Alpha Centauri..."

What kind of dream is this? I know she's unreliable, but she can't be unreliable at a time like this. Mei had no choice but to reach out and gently pat Tesla's cheek. This Dr. Tesla and Dr. Einstein really have a good relationship. They're even together in their dreams. I'm speechless.

"Wake up, Doctor, get up quickly."

"Oh dear... don't rush me... Shen Gonglin, get up for a second... you're pressing on my hair..."

Still unwilling to wake up, but this time Mei's sleep talking made Mei brows twitch. It's fine if you dream about Einstein, but it's wrong of you to dream about Shen Gonglin. And he even pressed down on your hair. What a pipe dream! Screw your sleep and get up now!

"Dr. Tesla, get up quickly! The water level in Changkong City has suddenly risen!"

I slapped him across the face; that was the only way to wake someone who loves to stay in bed.

"Hey, what's going on?! Why did the water level rise by more than ten meters overnight... Ouch... That hurts, Mei. Next time you wake me up, can you be a little gentler?"

Outside the Helios, Tesla stared in astonishment at the water below. The seawater that had submerged the city remained calm, without the slightest ripple, yet the water level had risen by more than ten meters overnight. Tesla exclaimed in surprise, which also drew a red handprint onto her cheek. The girl's fair face bore a red handprint. Tesla held her cheek and muttered to herself, "Even Shen Gonglin has never hit me. I'll remember this slap."

"This is definitely not normal... The children in the nest might be in danger. We must get there quickly. Dr. Tesla, you stay inside the mech and don't come out. This rain contains Honkai energy; it won't do you any good if it drips on you."

Mei reached out and caught a drop of rain on her finger. Feeling a slight sting on her skin, Mei frowned and stepped into the rain. She could bear this little bit of damage, but Tesla was out of the question. She was a researcher, and she didn't have the physical abilities of Valkyrie.

"Wait for me... Honestly, these things are getting in the way at a time like this. I'll knock you all flying!"

Once inside their mechs, Tesla and Mei headed towards the children's home. Honkai Beast that appeared along the way was rammed and sent flying by Tesla's mech. The two quickly reached the nest. Seeing the busy children before them, Mei and Tesla breathed a sigh of relief; it seemed they were alright. Now, all that was left was to eliminate the surrounding Honkai Beast.

"Xiao Kong, that's great, I'm so glad you're all alright."

Seeing the children busily moving things from the warehouse, it was clear they hadn't anticipated the rising water level. Fortunately, nothing went wrong, and Mei breathed a sigh of relief when she saw Xiao Kong in the crowd.

"Now is not the time to relax. We need to move the children and supplies to higher ground. The situation is special. I need to send the Tactical Mech into the shantytown. Mei, please explain this to everyone."

Seeing the children struggling to move the supplies, Tesla made a decisive decision. It would be too difficult for these children to move so much stuff in a short time, but with the help of the Tactical Mech, it would be different. Tesla originally developed these things to improve people's lives and help others.

"Okay, I understand... Xiao Kong, you can help too."

With the help of the mechs, things would be much faster. Mei and Xiao Kong notified the children around them, and handed over the supplies to Tesla. The children all went to higher ground for refuge. Not long after, just over ten minutes later, Tesla drove the Tactical Mech and moved all the useful items to higher ground. The children are now gathered here, but Xiao Kong's eyes are filled with worry.

"What's going on... Why did the water level suddenly rise so sharply? It's not high tide season... So many strange things have been happening in Changkong City lately..."

Xiao Kong muttered to herself, while Mei also noticed something was wrong. She whispered to Tesla, sensing something was amiss. The Honkai Beast seemed to be becoming more active, and their numbers were constantly increasing, as if they were being attracted by something.

"Indeed, just like Mei said, these Honkai Beast seem to be attracted by something..."

Tesla rested his chin on his hand in deep thought, while Xiao Kong cautiously joined the conversation, feeling that her discovery might be able to help Mei and the others.

"That...maybe it's the Great Honkai Beast I encountered yesterday. I've never seen it before. It's like...the leader of the horde."

Xiao Kong's words made Tesla and Mei very concerned. Was the leader of the horde some kind of high-level Honkai Beast?

Chapter Twenty-Two

What's going on... This feeling is like being licked on the cheek by a kitten... No, how could a kitten's tongue be so big?

Shen Gonglin had been sleeping soundly, opened his eyes. According to his biological clock, this was definitely not the time to get up. The ground beneath him was still soft, and Kiana was still fast asleep. Shen Gonglin only relaxed after seeing that her breathing had become steady. But then he felt something strange beside him. How could it be so warm and not drafty at all? He and Kiana had just found a place to sleep, but now...

"Holy crap! What the hell!" Shen Gonglin looked to the side and was startled by the Great Honkai Beast that had appeared beside him at some point. Beside him and Kiana, a purple-white Dragon-Type Honkai Beast was lying quietly. Shen Gonglin felt like a kitten was licking him, but it was this thing gnawing on his head. Shen Gonglin felt a wave of fear. How could he have been so careless? If it had bitten him, he would have been decapitated. How could Honkai Beast have come here?

Shen Gonglin held Kiana with extreme vigilance. He recognized the Honkai Beast as a familiar of Herrscher. He had seen it before during the War of Schicksal. Both the Class President and Himeko seemed to have beaten it up, which showed that its combat power was quite low. But even so, it was still Judgment-class Honkai Beast. It could still bite off its own head in one bite. He had been too careless just now.

"Don't come any closer, or I'll stab you, it'll hurt a lot, I've already told you not to come any closer!"

Summoning a Spear of the Void, Shen Gonglin, holding Kiana close, watched it warily. He felt that this creature should be able to understand what he was saying. However, Bebe Dragon seemed not to take Shen Gonglin's wariness seriously. Looking at the Spear of the Void in Shen Gonglin's hand, a trace of nostalgia seemed to flash in the eyes of this Honkai Beast. Then it tried to get closer to Kiana in Shen Gonglin's arms, but Shen Gonglin firmly protected Kiana and wouldn't let it get close.

Shen Gonglin doesn't understand the language of Honkai Beast. If it weren't for the fact that this thing didn't attack them while they were sleeping, he would have already stabbed it with his Spear of the Void. What exactly does this Honkai Beast want to do?

Having confirmed that the person he cared about was alright, Belenaus stood up. He couldn't stay here for long because of the high-level Honkai Beast. As long as he stayed here, those Honkai Beasts that were mindless and unable to communicate would spontaneously gather here, which would bring them danger. He wanted to protect her, not harm her.

The Honkai Beast stood up, and with a slight flap of its huge wings, it stirred up a storm. The Honkai Beast flew into the sky, while Shen Gonglin became worried. What did this Honkai Beast mean? Could it be that it felt it couldn't beat her and went back to call for reinforcements?

No, I have a feeling that the Honkai energy getting stronger. I need to investigate. This city seems to be getting more and more unsafe, and the water level seems to have risen too much. I can't feel at ease until I get some information.

Kiana was placed on the ground. The girl was still not in good condition. Although the Herrscher had not continued to violate Kiana's body out of consideration for him, what she had done had already brought the body to the brink of collapse. The cracks caused by the Honkai energy on Kiana's body made the girl look like a broken porcelain doll. Such injuries must be very painful... but she hadn't uttered a single cry.

Gently touching Kiana's cheek, after a moment's hesitation, Shen Gonglin hardened his heart and pierced his finger with the tip of the Spear of the Void. The pain made him want to cry, but it was the only way to ease Kiana's discomfort. He put his index finger into Kiana's mouth, and the sleeping girl instinctively swallowed Shen Gonglin's blood. This was only a temporary solution for Kiana; he had to get her to a place with better medical facilities as soon as possible.

"That's about enough... Sigh, you've become addicted, you're all bloodless now... Just stay put, I'll be back in a bit."

With great effort, Shen Gonglin finally pulled her finger out of Kiana's mouth. Seeing that the girl's mouth was smacking and she was clearly relieved, Shen Gonglin decided not to hold it against her. She put her injured index finger in her Shen Gonglin for a while, then covered Kiana with her cloak. Since Kiana couldn't move around freely now, the investigation and search for supplies would have to be handled by Shen Gonglin.

He wanted to sleep forever, but humans are hungry creatures. The food the Raven had left behind was all gone. Shen Gonglin wanted a proper meal. Even though the city was in such ruins, the fact that he'd encountered people here meant there were still signs of human activity. That meant he should be able to find something to eat. If all else failed...

I wonder what Honkai Beast would taste like roasted, but it would definitely be better than beef, since beef is the least prestigious meat, and the protein content of almost anything else seems to be several times that of beef.

Rin gently rubbed Kiana's head, Shen Gonglin only left after seeing that she was still sleeping peacefully. Now, all she needed was a good rest, preferably a three-day, three-night sleep. Back when they were wandering together, it was this girl who found food for him, and now it was finally his turn to take care of her. Although Shen Gonglin was very willful and self-centered, he could still be a little warmer when needed.

After glancing in the direction Belenaus had gone, Shen Gonglin followed. There were still other people in this ruined city, and it wouldn't be good if this Honkai Beast hurt them. Since Shen Gonglin had seen it, he had to do something about it. He had been sleeping for so long, it was time to get some exercise.

Meanwhile, guided by Xiao Kong, Mei also arrived near the Changkong Wall. The child said that this was where she saw the Honkai Beast. At that time, the Honkai Beast only glanced at her and did not attack her. This made Mei very concerned. Why did the Honkai Beast not attack a living human?

"Something definitely feels off." Mei drew her sword. She could sense intense Honkai energy here, and the Honkai Beast were much more agitated, almost as if they were fleeing...

No, this is more like a welcome!

"Xiao Kong, be careful, something's coming!"

Chapter Twenty-Three: Meeting

Lightning crackled with the howling wind as Mei stared wide-eyed at the Great Honkai beast descending from the sky. She was all too familiar with this form: Belenaus, the Honkai Beast familiar of the Herrscher of the Void. It appeared almost every time the Herrscher of the Void appeared, and was called Bebe Dragon by Shen Gonglin ... If this thing was here, did that mean the Herrscher of the Void had already taken over Kiana's body?