According to my memories, in the same year, the Sixth Herrscher—the Herrscher of Death—would appear. And the Herrscher of Death would also mark the beginning of Kevin's transformation.
Because of Kevin's hesitation, millions died. After that, Kevin sank into deep self-blame and began shutting himself away.
"Senior Kira! Want to get noodles after training? I know a newly opened noodle shop. It's especially delicious." Kevin patted Yoshikage Kira on the shoulder, his enthusiastic words interrupting Yoshikage Kira's recollections.
"Sure. I'll let Pardo know." Yoshikage Kira did not refuse as he looked at the sunny, cheerful Kevin before him.
"Also, you don't need to call me senior anymore. You're already vice-captain."
"It's fine. No matter what position I hold, you'll always be my senior!"
"Whatever you say." As he spoke, Yoshikage Kira took out his phone and told Pardo they would be eating out today.
Then I'll give this kid a hand. After sending the message, Yoshikage Kira thought to himself.
"Slurp, slurp... Ah, the noodles at this place are seriously delicious." Kevin wolfed down his noodles, sighing in admiration.
"Slurp, slurp... Yeah, yeah, Kevin, you really have great taste." Pardo chimed in.
"Say, Kevin, have you brought Mei here to eat before?" Yoshikage Kira asked Kevin as he ate.
Kevin sighed and shook his head. "No. Since joining the Flame Chasers, it's been hard for us to see each other. We usually have to go out and clear out Honkai Beasts or hunt Herrschers, while Mei has her research to do."
"Is that so? Have you ever asked her out when you're free?"
"Wouldn't that disturb her?"
"You should be a little more selfish, Kevin," Yoshikage Kira said helplessly.
Otherwise, the two of you won't even have the chance to be together later.
"Is that so? Then I'll give it a try. I happen to be off tomorrow, so I'll ask Mei. I hope she's free." Kevin scratched his head.
"Also, don't just take her out for noodles."
"But the noodles really are delicious..." Kevin said in confusion. Then he said to Yoshikage Kira, "Senior Kira, Mei seems to have been helping Dr. Vill-V make Divine Keys lately. Want to come take a look with me?"
Thinking that he had not seen Vill-V in quite a while, Yoshikage Kira agreed.
"I haven't seen Sister Vill-V in ages either. I want to go too." Hearing their conversation, Pardo raised her little hand and asked to come along to see Vill-V.
Yoshikage Kira said nothing, merely nodding to show that he understood.
The next day, the three arrived before Vill-V's workshop.
The three pushed open the door and entered. Suddenly, with a bang!, countless bits of colored paper drifted down from above, landing on them.
"Welcome, you three, to the workshop of the greatest mechanic of this century—Spiral Workshop!" Vill-V sprang out from who knew where and delivered her welcome in an exaggerated tone.
Mei clapped awkwardly off to the side.
"Now then, the three of you, come on in!"
"How is the Third Divine Key coming along?"
"It's almost done, Assistant. You have no idea—I added all sorts of forms to it. When you see it, you'll definitely be amazed!"
"Then, want to go out for a stroll?"
"Eh! Sure, sure! I want to go out and have fun." Vill-V raised her hand and bounced up excitedly.
"Shouldn't you discuss it with the 'Expert,' 'Magician'?"
"Oh, the Expert agreed! Let's hurry up and go. Mei, you're off today too, so get some proper rest."
With that, Vill-V dragged Yoshikage Kira outside. Before leaving, Yoshikage Kira gave Kevin a look that said, I can only help you this much. Good luck.
"Wait for me, boss!" Pardo ran out after them as well.
Watching Yoshikage Kira's retreating back, Kevin clenched his fists. Don't worry, boss. I definitely won't waste the opportunity you created for me!
"Mei, then let's go for a walk too."
Mei looked at her boyfriend, nodded, and said to Kevin, "Okay."
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