Are We Going on a Date Tomorrow?

The empty free shuttle bus continued its usual route along the beach, passing quietly the entertainment center, the casino hotel entrance, Circular Quay, and an unnamed cathedral.

The Royal Botanic Garden and Rose Bay, both adjacent to the area, were bathed in the fiery glow of the sunset. The shadows of pedestrians were stretched and receded as the cicadas' chirping gradually subsided. Looking up, the scene was exactly the same as the one seen in that person's eyes at that moment.

The boy sat silently in the corner at the back of the car, his head resting against the transparent glass window, his eyes lowered and half-closed, as if he were somewhat sleepy. The color of his pupils blended with the sunset, like a lake reflecting arcs of light, thus shining brightly, yet revealing a cold loneliness.

Throughout the entire process, Su Qing'an never refuted Mobius's words.

Because those were all the most genuine truths, without a trace of exaggeration or falsehood.

The risks involved in fusing a terrifying gene that elevates oneself to a higher dimension, like an equivalent Ascended State, are almost immeasurable.

This is a decision that even Mei, upon waking up, cannot fully support.

The reason Prometheus did not refute this was naturally because the plan it knew was limited to Mei's original genetic sublimation scheme.

This plan is close to taboo, but it won't be too far out of control. Even if a Brahma -End-of-Law class is added, it won't lead to the level of being an enemy of the world.

The framework for Fusion Warrior technology is theoretically not limited.

However, while there are no limits to the framework of technology, it does not mean that human genes and the soul are without taboo thresholds.

From the very beginning, Mobius stated that the Fusion Warrior technology opened a door that was destined to lead to a life devoid of happiness and fulfillment.

This is one of the few forbidden technologies that can suppress and even alter the soul from the level of flesh and blood.

Initially, only Fusion Warrior who had undergone [morphing] could vaguely grasp this point.

However, the effect of [deformation] in enhancing the resilience of the soul and the connection with the flesh is essentially just to physically cause the body to be entangled in intense emotions between decay, distortion, and revival, allowing these emotions to indirectly affect the soul and cleanse and transform it.

It doesn't seem to have much to do with technology itself.

Su Qing'an himself can also use the power of the Black Abyss White Flower to reach similar or even more severe scenarios, thereby creating the same effect.

The more powerful Fusion Warrior is, the more they can perceive reasons and elements from other levels when they reach the final stage, causing subtle changes in their own soul.

What, in essence, led to this change?

--It's Gene Ability.

Kevin can elevate Parvati's power seed to a level approaching that of the Herrscher of Ice's power.

In terms of its intuitive manifestation, this is the result of the sublimation of Gene Ability.

But has anyone studied why Gene Ability have been elevated to such a level in human hands?

This is clearly an illogical phenomenon when considered according to basic principles.

What is special about human genes compared to Honkai Beast? Why can their crossbreeding reach a higher realm? And why does the propagation of human flesh and Honkai Beast genes within the breeding chamber never achieve a sublime result?

Perhaps some people can use the unknown to explain the unknown, and find contentment in doing so.

However, scientists at the forefront of research cannot afford to ignore this.

Mei figured out some of the secrets through his research, but Mobius delved deeper into this field.

Both of them understood that the essence of the sublimation of Gene Ability stemmed from a leap in the material realm to an entanglement with the soul.

This is the most fundamental difference between humans and Honkai Beast, and the only thing that can cause such a drastic disparity.

In conclusion, Gene Ability that have undergone sublimation are wondrous entities possessing life and vitality.

They are independent of the host and cannot be separated from it.

However, this process of sublimation can indirectly affect the self of the Fusion Warrior.

After incorporating Parvati's genes, Kevin's personality began to become cold and ruthless.

Even compared to Su Qing'an, a teacher who was never one to smile from the start, the chill that naturally welled up inside him was far greater.

This white-haired warrior had gone further and further down this path, and ultimately could not escape its influence.

Although I can still maintain my original intentions, my temperament and personality have undergone significant changes.

Kevin used to be a gentle yet powerful warrior. He was the kind of person who would sacrifice himself for his teammates, always standing at the forefront, seemingly a bit of a fool at heart, and even a sunny man in everyday life.

The essence within remains unchanged.

However, it must be admitted that, in the eyes of outsiders, Kevin has undergone a transformation from a human to a monster.

An analogy might make it more intuitive.

Imagine that one day he finds himself in a situation where he has to choose to sacrifice many of his comrades in order to win.

In the past, Kevin would have hesitated or even been unwilling, but now he would only decisively and indifferently draw his sword, choosing to stain himself with the blood of his comrades, bear all the sins, and walk towards the unknown victory ahead.

This is certainly related to the growth of mindset and the strengthening of beliefs, and Kevin himself will inevitably feel pain because of it, but it still cannot change the reality of the gradual stripping away of humanity.

Gene Ability played a crucial guiding role.

Kevin is able to stay true to himself, but what about the others?

I'm afraid most people couldn't do that.

This is one of the core reasons why the Chimera Project was not implemented on anyone else.

Su Qing'an and Kevin are both people who cannot be bound by common sense, so Mei would offer this solution knowing everything.

But all of this has its limits, even for Su Qing'an, whose essence is mostly Soul Lifeform.

In other words, if the goal is Planetary-class genes, the Soul Lifeform may not necessarily have an absolute advantage. [Thoughts] are not only a clear target, but also a gap that can be assimilated and utilized.

Mobius's recent actions were partly intended to demonstrate the existence of this risk.

The result is obvious; there are flaws to be found.

All factors combined indicate that this level of genetic modification far exceeds what can be controlled and surpasses the risk threshold.

The Honkai Beast at the End-of-Law class already possess intelligence comparable to that of humans, and have the potential to continue growing stronger.

And what about the level above that?

Do Planetary-class in the ascended, Ascended State, possess a strong sense of self?

This is a highly probable anomaly.

Therefore, no one can guarantee whether the person who emerges from the shell will still possess intellect.

Even Su Qing'an herself couldn't guarantee it.

Mobius was very clever.

After Su Qing'an hinted at the existence of the Ascended State and revealed some information, she understood his true goal and thoroughly analyzed all the pros and cons.

Therefore, during their conversation, the doctor used his own methods to erase crucial information, which did not fall into Prometheus's view.

But if things really go in the worst direction, then the real plan and the taboos that have been exposed will eventually be known to the world.

No one knows what will come next.

Perhaps the worst-case scenario is as Mobius predicted: he will go from a well-known hero to an enemy of the entire civilization.

Su Qing'an had to admit that a large portion of the people she knew would disagree with her position.

Even if he has the confidence that his failure will not harm the innocent, by then no one will dare to choose to trust him.

Because it is a heavy burden for family and country, a matter of survival for civilization and race. Individual will will be swept up in a larger and more distorted torrent, becoming the will of the group, and turning into a deadly blade.

Ironically, that mad scientist might be more steadfast in standing behind him than anyone else.

The girl's sneer and words lingered in my ears for a moment:

Only a madman would want to huddle with a monster for warmth.

Su Qing'an parted her lips slightly, gazing at the slowly setting sun outside the window.

The cicadas chirped only a few times, and the empty car felt rather deserted.

He responded softly to those words:

Perhaps.

But for me, whether or not I can receive warmth is no longer important.

This is a necessary sacrifice to reach the Fourth Ending.

As for what will happen to me...

The weight of this question surpasses that of the world, the happiness of all people, and the future yearned for by those fallen heroes...

They're all too light.

Su Muxi has been very troubled lately.

It wasn't because a certain girl rolled around in bed for a long time after returning to her room yesterday.

Xiao Fu is very innocent, which is understandable.

However, her little mind couldn't understand why Fu Hua kept petting her despite her good deeds, almost to the point that she was bald in her White Sparrow form.

Although she wasn't unhappy, she was very curious.

Then...

After reading a bunch of strange books, the little girl sat opposite the girl, poking a soft-boiled egg in a small dish with her chopsticks, and said earnestly:

"Xiao Fu, the right approach and attitude are essential for effective education."

Shiyu Qiluo picked up a piece of braised eggplant for herself, blinked, and casually asked:

"Xiao Xi, would you like some seaweed flakes added?"

Su Muxi nodded to indicate that she needed it. After watching the other person sprinkle some seaweed on her, a hint of happiness appeared on her otherwise indifferent expression.

She poured the soft-boiled egg from the small dish onto the white rice, watching the tempting yolk spread out like a beautiful creamy yellow, pursed her lips, chose to suppress her appetite, and looked up to continue:

"Don't be too harsh on children; lead by example and support their interests."

Fu Hua rested her chin on her hand, gazing at the girl's innocent face. She picked up a piece of stewed potatoes and placed it in the bowl of rice, a smile spreading across her lips.

Su Muxi's gaze followed the pair of chopsticks as they picked up the stewed meat, until it landed in her own bowl. Only then did she look away, raise her head, and say earnestly:

"Different attitudes from parents have different impacts on their children."

"Xiao Fu, did you understand?"

Carole listened intently to what the little one would say next, casually shoveling a mouthful of rice into her mouth with her chopsticks, finding it quite appetizing.

Fu Hua suppressed a smile, ladled a small bowl of borscht and placed it beside her, casually running his hand through her silky black hair before returning to his original seat and replying:

"Eat first."

Su Muxi honestly said:

"Oh."

The little girl showed no displeasure at being ignored. Without hesitation, she picked up the rice piled high with the stewed meat that was now soft and fluffy, and began to eat earnestly.

The girl's eyes were slightly upturned at the corners; she could sense the emotions being transmitted from the other side through their Soul Link.

Seems very happy?

Xiao Xi, she really is a foodie.

This habit was initially cultivated by Su Qing'an. As a consciousness born from Udu-dust, Su Muxi naturally did not need to eat. Eating could not satisfy her need for energy for action, nor could it reduce the consumption manifested in reality.

Her actions, and even the reproduction of the skills recorded in the records, were all based on the soul matter that the two of them naturally metabolized in their daily lives.

If the energy stored within itself and the external supply disappear, Udu-dust will fall into a long slumber, only able to wait for others to infuse him with soul matter; otherwise, he will not have the opportunity to recover.

Therefore, Mobius believed that there was little need to study Su Muxi.

From her perspective, Su Muxi, who lacks the right to act freely and needs to rely on others for a long time, is undoubtedly a "failure."

Of course, for the original Little Feather, this is already a major evolution.

Fu Hua and Su Qing'an didn't care about any of that; they simply raised the Little Feather as if it were a human cub.

Naturally, one must eat at the table every day, follow the rule of three meals a day, taste all kinds of delicacies, adapt to the society that still exists, and even accept some principles that are likely to be useless.

During this process, Su Muxi's hobbies naturally gradually shifted towards food.

After all, compared to Su Qing'an occasionally taking out a workbook and forcibly pulling the child back with Soul Link to start teaching her math olympiad problems, eating clearly brings more happiness.

Fu Hua was clearly not that devilish, but for some reason, she would occasionally have a mischievous Mind's Eye about this little guy, and wanted to make him show a cute, troubled expression.

She looked at the dark brown stain on Xiao Xi's lips and asked with a smile:

"Is it tasty?"

Su Muxi nodded her little head. Her cool and aloof temperament and delicate features, which resembled someone else's, made her look obedient at this moment, but with a grain of rice on her lips, she also looked a little silly.

She responded:

"Um!"

This person has probably completely forgotten that they were just trying to lecture him.

Shiyu Qiluo and Carole gazed intently at the child, their eyes sparkling, clearly wanting to lift him high into the air.

Su Muxi's position in the family is strange.

It's a feeling that constantly falls somewhere between a cat that ignores its owner and a dog that lets its owner pet it as much as they want.

She seems very well-behaved, and actually she is.

But I don't know why he sometimes does some really naughty things.

But if you calculate carefully, she's probably less than a year old, so everyone is very forgiving towards her.

Hmm... perhaps "spoiled" would be a more appropriate word to describe it.

Among them, Su Qing'an, who would drag Su Muxi over to do math olympiad Su Qing'an, was probably the only one acting strangely. The others would just keep stroking her and were completely unwilling to do any other punishments.

Carole especially liked to take her to nearby shops after meals, order a lot of food, and then sit and watch the little girl eat while she herself never ate anything.

According to her own account, the reason for this perplexing behavior was that she didn't want to gain weight, but she really wanted to eat delicious food, so she dragged Su Muxi, who would never gain weight, to do a live mukbang to satisfy herself in a different way.

Of course, this explanation sounds more confusing in some ways.

Fu Hua personally leans towards the idea that Carole couldn't help but express her affection for Xiao Xi in this way.

But once they arrive at the scene, they often belatedly realize that they cannot enjoy the food as much as the other person, so they force themselves to endure it through sheer willpower.

This reason, which has been deduced, is more in line with the other person's personality.

As for Shiyu Qiluo, given her intention to sing a lullaby to Xiao Xi before she goes to sleep, let's not mention her.

Carole placed the dishes in the sink, waiting for everyone to decide who would wash them by playing rock-paper-scissors.

As she passed the refrigerator, she opened it and glanced at the iced cola and ice cream cone inside. Her golden eyes narrowed slightly, giving her a solemn and serious expression.

"Damn it, control yourself!"

The girl suppressed her cravings with her fear of gaining weight, effectively shutting out the gates of paradise.

Carole lay listlessly on the sofa, her white hair hanging down like it had been struck by frost, falling onto the cushions. Gazing at the sunset outside the window, listening to the gradually fading cicada chirping, she suddenly asked the group still eating:

"Speaking of which, isn't summer almost over?"

Shiyu Qiluo swallowed the food in her mouth, followed the man's gaze to the sky, and whispered:

"It shouldn't be more than two months."

Carole smiled, her expression bright and without any gloom.

Her words, neither too loud nor too soft, echoed clearly in the large living room.

"I miss that summer last year. Back then, Hua was easy to fool, and Qiluo was also easy to trick into going to the set of a horror movie. They were both a bit clumsy at times."

The girl whispered:

"In the blink of an eye, more than a year has passed since that Great Honkai."

Less than two years have passed.

Humanity's struggle against the Honkai began with the Third Herrscher, drawing the battle to the eve of the Eleventh Herrscher's appearance.

Everything happened so fast.

Compared to the intervals between the births of Herrscher in the original timeline, the war in this timeline seems to have passed in the blink of an eye, already nearing its end.

This led to the existing order of the Previous Civilization being completely different from its originally planned trajectory, and further led to Mei's extreme choice of self-cloning.

Unlike Su Qing'an, who vaguely sensed this and felt she needed to take responsibility and atone for her sins.

Everyone could only marvel at the intensity of the Honkai's evolution and the frequency of Herrscher appearances.

And, a sense of wonder at having survived to this day in such an era.

Carole sighed heartlessly:

"Summer, I really want to fall in love."

Shiyu Qiluo nodded in agreement.

Fu Hua, standing to the side, was looking at the messages popping up on her phone, and quietly sensed a summery atmosphere different from the two of them.

Are you going out tomorrow?

A slight smile curved her lips, and her eyes shimmered with subtle ripples and light as she typed a reply:

[OK.]