Chapter 245

Mei's voice grew increasingly dejected, while Einstein could only sigh. Life is full of disappointments... She was helpless about the situation, but she had really tried everything she could think of.

[I'm sorry, Mei... Kiana is also fighting against the corruption. We can only trust her and do our best to find a cure. But if things take a turn for the worse, we must prepare for the worst.]

The most pessimistic scenario... Mei looked up at Einstein on the screen, her lips trembling slightly. The most pessimistic scenario... could it be what she was thinking?

[This is just a precaution. We still have Shen Gonglin. Although that guy is a bit unreliable, everyone, including you and us, trusts him. Maybe he'll have a way. Mei, this is just a worst-case scenario. Relax. Now is not the time to be sad.]

Unable to bear seeing Mei like this, Einstein comforted her, saying that this was only the worst-case scenario; there was still the hurdle of Shen Gonglin. Although this guy seemed carefree all day, it was undeniable that everyone on the Hyperion, including these two doctors, trusted him from the bottom of their hearts.

Chapter Forty-Five: The Cruel Reality

The atmosphere in the room was unusually somber. Einstein wasn't the type to soothe people. Tesla looked at Mei was silent with her head down, feeling quite helpless. This was too difficult for her. Mei had been in this state ever since he told Mei about Kiana's situation. It was really too difficult, both for her and for them.

So sometimes I really envy Shen Gonglin's personality. That guy clearly knows a lot, but he seems completely unaffected. Is it because he's so confident in himself, or is he just genuinely carefree...? It probably stems from his confidence. It's because of this confidence that these two girls haven't broken down yet. He's become a pillar of support for many people.

It's really despicable that he likes to feed other people things he doesn't like. If I'm not mistaken, he's probably feeding Belenaus again. That Honkai Beast is so pitiful. Even if it's Honkai Beast, it probably doesn't like eating onions.

Her mind wandered uncontrollably, and just then, the armor on Tesla's hand beeped. She looked up and saw that it was her. Perfect, it would be a good way for Mei to change her mood.

"Mei, that refugee girl is here. She probably wants to see you about something... Why don't you go and check on her?"

Tesla broke the oppressive atmosphere with Tesla words. Mei nodded silently, turned around, and walked out of the room. The girl looked very tired. This child has become much more haggard lately.

"Sigh... This is too cruel to her."

Tesla sighed deeply. Now, only her communication with Einstein remained in the room. This usually energetic Red-haired Twin Tails now showed her helplessness. She leaned against the wall and rubbed her head vigorously. She wanted to help them change everything, but she was truly powerless. Her proud knowledge was useless at this moment. She felt so useless.

Take a deep breath and calm down; you're not feeling well either... Next, we have to face Kiana herself.

Einstein comforted Tesla, and the two of them had supported each other through the long years. Although they often bickered, only the two of them knew the true nature of their relationship. Mei had managed to get through this, and now it was Kiana's turn, which was no easy task.

"What's that sound... Ah! Mei, good afternoon!"

Standing alone in front of the Helios, Xiao Kong curiously tiptoed to look behind Helios. She felt like there was a sound coming from there, like the mournful cry of Honkai Beast, but not the kind of mournful cry of an injured beast. It felt like... like the mournful cry of someone who was forced to eat the food their teacher made. But it shouldn't be Honkai Beast, right? Just as she was wondering about this, the hatch opened, Mei walked out of the Helios. Xiao Kong quickly ran over to greet her.

"Xiao Kong... what brings you here?"

Mei felt very tired, but when she saw this girl, Mei tried her best to cheer up. However, she couldn't change her mood. Right now, Mei felt terrible.

"Hehe, you might not believe it, but the teacher came back this time to take us away from Changkong City. She said she prepared a new home outside and we'd be staying there for a while. Everyone was so happy and packed their bags, but I was still thinking about you and Kiana, so I sneaked out to see you guys before I left... and that little brother. I heard from the teacher that you've already brought them back. Where are they now?"

It's clear that Xiao Kong is in high spirits. Xiao Kong's about to leave this place and is full of anticipation for her new home. Meeting Mei has shown her that there are kind people outside the city, but before leaving, she still wants to see them again.

"Ah... I'm sorry, Kiana is a little tired and is resting inside. As for Shen Gonglin..."

The bad news overwhelmed Mei, leaving her unable to respond to the girl's enthusiasm. Xiao Kong, however, was very perceptive and sensed the unusual atmosphere. After all, not everyone is as oblivious to the mood as Shen Gonglin. She could tell that Mei was in a bad mood and wondered if she had come at the wrong time.

"Oh... I see. I'm sorry, did I disturb you? But, this is all I have, I hope you can accept it Mei."

Xiao Kong said somewhat timidly, perhaps she shouldn't have come, but the girl still bravely took out what she had prepared. Mei looked at the doll Xiao Kong handed her, this thing...

Is it a Teru Teru teru bozu (a Japanese doll that evokes sunshine)?

"Yes, I made this myself! Every day I wished to leave Changkong City and see the outside world... I never thought this day would actually come. So, I wanted to give it to you, and I hope Mei's wish can come true too. You and the professor are both very kind people, the best people to us besides our teacher, and I will never forget you!"

Xiao Kong said those words, and Mei took the doll from the girl's hand. The doll was carefully sewn into a human shape, and a small face was showing a mischievous smile to Mei. Looking at the doll, Mei smiled gently. Was she being a little rude? Even if she had emotions, she shouldn't show them in front of a child.

"Well... I'll head back now. Goodbye, Mei."

Having conveyed her feelings to Mei, Xiao Kong turned to go back, but Mei quickly stepped forward. "Wait a minute, the city is still dangerous... Let me take you back, we can walk together for a while longer."

After this parting, she didn't know when they would meet again. Mei wanted to walk with her for a while longer, and... she also needed to go to the nest once more.

Where are you going? Can you take me with you?

Suddenly, Shen Gonglin's voice rang out. Xiao Kong and Mei turned to look. Xiao Kong's eyes widened as a Honkai Beast appeared before her, and Shen Gonglin was sitting arrogantly on its back. What was going on? Why was there Honkai Beast?

Shen Gonglin proudly crossed her arms over Belenaus, having fed it plenty of onions and green peppers. She had finally tamed it! She had decided that this guy would be her mount from now on!

Chapter Forty-Six

Originally, this guy only listened to Kiana, but after Shen Gonglin gave it a lot of onions, it seemed to become much more obedient. Moreover, it could indeed understand what she said. Shen Gonglin thought it was because it liked eating onions that it listened to her. In fact, the truth was that Belenaus dared not disobey Shen Gonglin. If it did, this unlucky girl would probably keep feeding it onions.

This is something Belenaus couldn't help but do.

"You can go, but you're not allowed to go in the Belenaus. You'll scare the children if you go like that."

Mei understood what Shen Gonglin was thinking. This guy was like someone who had gotten a new toy and wanted to show it off. Mei rubbed her temples helplessly. How could she let Shen Gonglin go like this? The Honkai Beast had cast too long a shadow on those children. You could tell from how scared Xiao Kong was. She couldn't let Shen Gonglin do anything reckless.

"Ah, never mind then, Mei, come back soon... Come on, over there, step with your left leg first... Idiot, it's your left leg."

What's the point if you can't ride a dragon? Shen Gonglin is too lazy to walk that far. So he patted Belenaus' back with great interest. Now that you've eaten, it's time to stretch your legs. Otherwise, how will you eat more onions later? Shen Gonglin is serious about keeping pets.

This guy... Mei shook her head helplessly. Let him be. Mei hadn't planned to let him come with her anyway. There were some things she didn't want Shen Gonglin to know.

"I'll be back in a bit, don't go too far... When I get back I'll cook something delicious for you and Kiana."

After saying goodbye to Shen Gonglin, Mei left Helios with the somewhat frightened Xiao Kong, while Shen Gonglin took Belenaus around. This Honkai Beast was quite intelligent and well-behaved.

Inside the medical room of the Helios, Tesla pushed open the door and walked in. Kiana was standing by the window, quietly looking at the scenery outside. Hearing the sound, Kiana turned to look at Tesla. "Finally, she's here." She knew Tesla must have something to say to her.

"Although this isn't our first meeting, it's our first official interaction. Kiana, Mei should have mentioned this to you before, but let me introduce myself anyway. I'm Frederica Nikola Tesla, and this is Liesel Albert Einstein. We're both members of the Anti-Entropy organization, and we're currently cooperating with the Far East Branch."

Tesla pointed to himself and then to Einstein on the communication device beside him, introducing himself to Kiana. Judging from the girl's expression, she seemed to know they were coming to find her, which meant she was also aware of her physical condition.

"Fred... I'm sorry, I can't remember such a long name right away. Can I call you Dr. Tesla and Dr. Einstein? I know you. Mei told me everything that happened in the past four months... By the way, Mei didn't come with you. Is she not here?"

The name is a bit long, longer than my own name... I almost forgot, this isn't my name. I didn't see that black-haired figure. If she were here, she would have come with me.

"Okay, you can call me that. Sometimes I feel this name is a bit long. Should I change it in the future? For example, God... cough cough, it's okay, don't worry about it. As for Mei, she went out on business and won't be back for a while."

Noticing the Chicken Coop Head's gaze drifting over the communicator, Tesla coughed twice and became serious. Kiana, knowing that Mei wouldn't be returning for the time being, breathed a sigh of relief. That was good; with that, she had no more worries.

With a sigh, Kiana instantly transformed, her lively demeanor vanishing completely, replaced by a bitter expression. After a long while, Kiana spoke in a somber tone.

"My condition is not good, right...? Don't hide it from me, I know my own body better than anyone. At first, I just felt a little sluggish, but gradually I couldn't feel the pain anymore. Now, I keep getting inexplicable injuries all over my body... I don't even know where they're coming from..."

Looking at her hands, which had regained their fair and delicate appearance after being treated by Shen Gonglin, she still couldn't feel any pain. Was it because of the Herrscher, or because she had been taking medication all along and had finally ruined her health? Antidepressants... wouldn't those just make people lose their appetite? So, it must be because of the Herrscher.

Kiana, the Hyperion is en route to Changkong City. We will immediately transfer you to a safe base. Anti-Entropy will do everything in its power to protect you and buy you more time.

Einstein comforted Kiana, indicating that she was aware of her situation and was emotionally stable, so she wouldn't resist their help. This was the best-case scenario for them.

"I understand, I will accept your help, I trust you, but before that, there is one more thing I need to do."

Kiana nodded. She was surprisingly composed now, unlike the willful girl she used to be. Perhaps only in front of Shen Gonglin could she remain the same as before.

"What's up?"

Seeing Kiana like this, Tesla breathed a sigh of relief. To be honest, at first she was afraid that Kiana would knock her unconscious, tie her up, and run away. After all, this wasn't the first time she had been tied up. Now it seemed that things were going well. But what was she talking about?

At this point, Kiana's expression turned serious; this situation was very bad.

"Changkong City is facing a crisis. I had this feeling when I first arrived here. The concentration of Honkai energy in the water is frighteningly high, and the Honkai Beast are much more active than in other places. Two days have passed, and the sea level is still rising, and there are more enemies. It's as if something big is about to happen... The concentration of Honkai energy in the water is also high. At first, as long as I soaked Shen Gonglin in the water, it would purify a pool of water in about ten minutes, but now it takes more than twenty minutes. This is not a good omen."

Kiana spoke very seriously, but Tesla's lips twitched uncontrollably. Soaking Shen Gonglin in water had this effect? Was he some kind of soup? I wonder what his bathwater tasted like... No, no, I didn't crave that kind of thing. I'm a proper person.

No decent person would want to drink someone else's bathwater; it's not like it's some kind of broth.

Chapter Forty-Seven: Carrying the Burden Alone

On the other side, after sending Xiao Kong back to her nest, Mei watched the girl run into her room, looking back every few steps, to pack her luggage. She forced a smile, thinking that only in this way could Mei be at ease. Really, she was making a Xiao Kong worry about her. She was really getting more and more like a child. Mei shook her head with a wry smile, but no matter what, she couldn't relax.

"She really likes you. The child kept saying goodbye to you, and she ran out without me noticing... Don't look suspicious. Don't worry, the place I'm taking them to is very safe."

A shadow crept up beside Mei as Raven spoke these words. The moment she appeared, Mei became alert. Although she didn't draw her sword, the girl's sharp gaze still made Raven feel hostile. She knew why Mei was looking at her like that; she was afraid that Mei would take these children to some dangerous place... Raiden Mei, this girl is not bad.

"I've always wanted to take them out, and this time I finally got the chance. I have to thank you for that. They used to be afraid of the outside world, afraid of other people's opinions, afraid of unfamiliar environments, but you changed their minds. You let the children know that there is warmth and kindness from strangers in this world. You filled the void that the Herrscher left in their hearts. I hope they will never know the truth."

When Raven spoke of the children, her eyes softened considerably. Mei could see that whenever she talked about the children, Raven would unconsciously become gentle, unlike the cold-blooded mercenary she had been before. Mei really couldn't understand what kind of person she was. Wasn't she an enemy of the World Serpent? But how could she be so kind to the children...? She just didn't understand.

"Getting back to the point, judging from your dejected appearance, you probably fully understand Kiana's situation. I wasn't lying, was I? Anti-Entropy will indeed try everything to save her, but in the end, it will all be in vain. What do you plan to use to save her? Ideals? Hope? Or the feelings between people?"

Raven couldn't help but show a mocking tone when she mentioned these words. She had stopped believing in these things a long time ago. If they were useful, Kiana wouldn't be in this state now. Raven's attitude immediately provoked Mei. Raven was already very unhappy, and Raven's behavior only made things worse. Mei's hand was already on the hilt of her sword. The raging lightning made the children in the house peek out. When they saw their surroundings, Mei quickly restrained herself, but the hostility in her eyes grew stronger. She squeezed out two words through gritted teeth. If it weren't for the current situation, she would have liked to stab her twice.

"Shut up!"

"Ah... Excuse me, don't misunderstand. I'm not here to mock you, nor am I interested in fighting you again. I just think there are some things you might want to know, Raiden Mei... World Serpent, I want to make a deal with you. You want to save that girl, right? Schicksal can't do it, Anti-Entropy can't do it, Shen Gonglin can't do it either, but World Serpent can."

Raven whispered these words in Mei's ear, and the girl's eyes widened instantly. When she turned around, Raven had disappeared, but her voice remained.

"If you're interested in my proposal, come back here alone in two hours. Remember, just one person. I have some personal matters to attend to. Excuse me."

"Wait a minute, let's get this straight first!"

After saying those words, Raven disappeared, and Mei stared anxiously with wide eyes. What was going on with her saying that World Serpent had a way? And why would she help her, specifically pointing to one person...? Was she worried that Shen Gonglin would come?

Following the sound, Mei was greeted only by a cold iron gate. Raven's voice came from behind the door. "Let's keep this a secret—the Lord of the World Serpent will be waiting for you here."

Mei lowered her head in silence and turned back to Helios. Her feelings were truly complicated. Was there any way for the World Serpent to save Kiana?

In the Helios Medical Clinic, Einstein's expression turned serious after hearing Kiana's words. Kiana had told her about this situation before. Based on Tesla actual exploration over the past two days, it was confirmed that the Honkai phenomenon in Changkong City was intensifying. The city had already accumulated a large amount of Honkai energy due to the Third Honkai Eruption, but now the situation was still deteriorating. At first, the two of them thought it was due to the influence of the Herrscher of the Void, but it seemed that... that wasn't the case.

"It's not my fault, but something else caused the anomaly in Changkong City. The concentration of Honkai energy is still rising and has reached the edge of explosion. If it is left unchecked, the consequences will be unimaginable."

Kiana explained the seriousness of the situation to the two doctors, explaining what was about to happen in Changkong City. Kiana was now even more panicked, feeling that something big was going to happen and that she had to be prepared.

[You're right. Anti-Entropy has already prepared rescue forces and will take immediate action once an outbreak approaches in Changkong City. Although the Far East is under Schicksal's jurisdiction, we will not stand idly by.]

Einstein looked serious, but such preparations did not reassure Kiana. She took a deep breath, her azure eyes filled with determination; this was her responsibility.

"Doctor, I have another way to stop this disaster. I can absorb all the Honkai energy in Changkong City into my body before the disaster occurs, using the power of the Herrscher of the Void."

Kiana spoke these words with a firm look in her eyes, while Tesla, standing to the side, couldn't sit still any longer. Did this stupid girl even know what she was saying?

"Hey! Do you know what you're saying?!"

The Red-haired Twin Tails doctor interrupted Kiana aggressively. "The Honkai energy of an entire city? Does she even know what she's talking about? Doesn't she already know her physical condition? If she keeps acting like this, she'll definitely die. Isn't it better to be alive? Mei went through so much trouble to find her, and now she's trying to kill herself. I really don't know what this girl is thinking. Aren't they there to handle these things?"

Why entrust the safety of an entire city to her alone? She has already shouldered such a responsibility once; this is simply not something she should be responsible for.

Chapter Forty-Eight: She Cried

Kiana, we won't let you do that. You can no longer use the power of the Herrscher. The problems in Changkong City will be solved by Anti-Entropy. Please trust us.

Like Tesla, Einstein would not agree with Kiana's idea. Everything they have done so far has been to find Kiana, and it would be too much for her to bear the burden alone after finding her. They will handle this matter and do not need to push everything onto Kiana.

"Dr. Einstein, you have misunderstood me. I also hope that everything will go smoothly and that we can get through this crisis without any major incidents. That is the outcome that everyone hopes for. But if... I mean if, things go out of control... I hope that you can let me do what I can."

Kiana's attitude was equally firm. The emotion in her blue eyes told Einstein that he couldn't be moved by words alone. It seemed he needed to tell Shen Gonglin something. Only he could stop this willful girl. Now was not the time to talk about such things.

Let's conclude this discussion here. Once the Hyperion arrives in Changkong City, I will make a judgment based on the specific circumstances. Is there anything else you would like to know?

Not wanting to argue with Kiana any longer, Einstein preferred to get down to business. His immediate priority was to get to Changkong City as soon as possible. Once they were reunited, everything would be resolved, and the girl wouldn't be allowed to continue her willful behavior.

"I have one last thing... After I leave here, I will follow your arrangements. I will cooperate with containment and treatment. I know that I am a ticking time bomb and I am safest in a sparsely populated place. So I hope... Far East Branch can stay away from all of this... Except for Shen Gonglin, I hope they will not come near me until the Herrscher of the Void problem is completely resolved."

Kiana took a deep breath and firmly stated these words. Now, she only believed that she would not hurt Shen Gonglin, and that only he could always stay by her side. Even if she lost control Honkai energy erupted, it wouldn't hurt him. She wasn't too afraid of the Herrscher taking over her body, and she wouldn't hurt Shen Gonglin either... As for the last part of her life, she hoped to spend it with Shen Gonglin. With that guy, she would never get tired of being with him. They had been together for so long, but now Kiana felt that she missed him a little.

"You know they will always be by your side."

Tesla interrupted Kiana without hesitation. She knew that the people on the Hyperion, and Mei, were all driven by emotion rather than reason. How could they possibly allow Kiana to be alone? And Shen Gonglin... Yes, there's Shen Gonglin. Why are you so pessimistic? Isn't he still here? Tesla was starting to believe in metaphysics, and she, too, believed in Shen Gonglin.

"Yes, I know very well, that's why I'm asking you this. I can't let them be in danger... When I first saw Mei in Sky City, I couldn't believe my eyes. She had changed so much, she looked so haggard and exhausted. Although she tried to act like nothing was wrong, I could tell at a glance that she had finally found companions, a place to belong, and all those things she had lost but desperately longed for in St. Freya... She had already moved on from the shadows of the past, but I destroyed it all with my own hands. Countless cold nights, countless nightmares... I watched her chest being torn apart bit by bit, watched the blood-stained gem fall into my hands, watched her... fall into a pool of blood, I..."

Kiana recounted the events of her dream, overwhelmed with pain, for she knew they were real, things she had done. The thought of them brought tears to her eyes. In her current state, Kiana knew she couldn't stay with everyone; she would only hurt them. So, she decided to stay quietly alone in a peaceful place, to quietly face death.

"That was all done by the Herrscher of the Void, it wasn't your fault... They never blamed you."

Tesla didn't know how to comfort Kiana. She knew Mei's feelings, and now she knew Kiana's feelings too. Both girls were worried about each other, but it was precisely this worry that tormented them even more. Tesla was tongue-tied and didn't know how to comfort her. She thought about what Shen Gonglin would do in this situation... How could she have thought of that unlucky guy? If it were him, he would never consider the atmosphere.

"I know... It's precisely because I know that I find it even harder to accept. Even after what happened, they still believed in me as before, they still considered me their companion, they've been waiting for me to come back... So, if I become that monster again, they definitely won't abandon me... They will do everything in their power to protect me... By then, how many people who care about me and are concerned about me will I have to kill?"

Finally unable to contain her inner turmoil, Kiana's voice trembled with tears welling in her eyes. Kiana wiped her face, determined to never let that happen again!

This was her promise.

"This is between me and Sirin, and I have to put an end to it with her, but I don't want them to get involved in all of this anymore. I don't want to see anyone around me get hurt again."

Such sounds came from the infirmary, but right outside the door, a figure stood quietly, tears slowly sliding down her fair face. Mei heard everything that happened in the infirmary, and she silently shed tears. Kiana, is she going to bear it all alone again?

Upon returning to Helios and hearing this, Mei turned around and threw herself into Shen Gonglin's arms. Rin's expression turned grim. She regretted coming with Mei to eavesdrop; now Mei knew about this... Shen Gonglin gently stroked Shen Gonglin 'Mei head, glancing at the closed door of the infirmary. Shen Gonglin grimaced. Thankfully, Mei hadn't abandoned her, but her actions... would hurt Mei's feelings.

"Don't cry... please don't cry, I won't let this happen... Mei, please stop crying, okay? Let's smile, just a little smile, alright?"