Performance / Opening

"Ha..." Himiko as she walked out of the room, casually reaching into her short sleeve to scratch her armpit. Considering that she was always ready to carry out missions, she hadn't had a hangover recently, only drinking a little alcohol.

However, her understanding of "appropriate amount"... to borrow a sarcastic remark from Immer, is the difference between a tank full of water overflowing and water that is just one drop short of overflowing due to surface tension.

"Hmm? Lin?"

From afar, she saw the familiar guy walking towards her, his right sleeve empty, complete with a hat, sunglasses, and mask. If it weren't for his unique demeanor and overly standard posture Himiko would have almost not recognized him.

This incongruous outfit would be Lin's everyday attire to many, but Himiko and continued scratching herself, blocking Lin's path.

Where to?

"Concert".

A concert?

Himiko for a moment before remembering that recently people had indeed been talking about a heavyweight singer announcing a tour in Australia, what was it called again...

This kid actually went to a concert on purpose?

Even if there are no missions recently and he doesn't need to do any missions, isn't this too lax?

"You have a ticket?" Himiko thought for a moment. Lin had never left the house, so where would he get a ticket?

"I know the lead singer." Lin took out the ticket Eden had given him. "She gave me the ticket."

"... You know the lead singer?" Himiko Lin's social circle very well. It wouldn't be wrong to say that he was socially awkward. Now his connections had spread beyond Moth of the Flame.

"Coincide."

"Okay, wait for me, I'll come too."

Without giving Lin any choice, Himiko turned and closed the door behind her as Lin hesitated, then went to change her clothes.

"Oh, don't worry about it. You know the lead singer anyway, it won't hurt to bring me along." Himiko also put on sunglasses like Lin and walked forward in the sun. "I've never been to a concert before, it's so great to have someone I know go with me. By the way, what kind of songs does that lead singer sing?"

"... leaning towards classical."

Lin hoped that Eden's style would dissuade Himiko from her idea. Based on his understanding, even if Himiko had a type of music she liked, it would definitely not be classical.

"Classical? That's great, I like classical."

"..."

Lin shook his head. Himiko attitude seemed to have become her trademark. Was it inappropriate for one of the only two remaining leaders of a branch to come out to listen to a concert?

"Don't worry, if there's any emergency, I'll go back right away. It's quite close, I'll make it in no time."

Seeing Lin's thoughts, Himiko smiled indifferently. As they walked, she chatted with Lin: "How are things going with that girl named Sakura? If you're taking advantage of her, at least don't treat her like a servant."

"... She has great potential, and with a little training, she should be able to surpass me." Lin pondered Sakura's performance in all aspects, which could be said to be in line with expectations. "However, her long-standing work habits have left her with no experience in dealing with large Honkai creature."

"Surpass you? You're being too modest." Himiko was used to Lin's self-deprecation; even compared to a veteran like her who had served for so long, his achievements were far superior.

"No, I'm telling the truth. In fact, it's not just Sakura. Some of the new recruits that Moth Chaser has recently recruited are all quite talented. The average strength used to be no longer a good standard of measurement." Lin analyzed seriously. "Perhaps the Honkai has also spurred the progress of humanity, including humanity itself, which is beginning to change."

What impressed Lin the most was the recent Emperor-class Honkai Beast. This disaster, which was no less than a large-scale Honkai, should have cost the Fire Moth, which was already in a state of post-disaster reconstruction, a considerable price to pay to resolve. However, it actually ended quite quickly.

Afterwards, he specifically retrieved the physical examination reports of the new recruits recruited by the Fire Moth and found that more than half of them had reached an excellent level of Honkai Energy Adaptability.

Humanity is gradually adapting to Honkai Energy.

"In that case, humanity would have more opportunities."

"..." Lin Mo silently lowered his head, not responding to Himiko.

More opportunities?

For some reason, he thought of what Lin from the Previous Civilization had mentioned in that simulation, "Later, I used Honkai Energy, and human technology experienced a leapfrog explosive growth, but what I didn't expect was that what awaited us was..."

The intensity of the large-scale Honkai is gradually increasing, and it also has the characteristic of creating different Herrscher for humans. If humans surpass the Honkai itself in the use of Honkai Energy, what will happen then?

"Is this the concert venue? That's really extravagant."

Lin also looked over, and the magnificent semi-circular building was indeed eye-catching. It is one of Australia's iconic buildings, where large-scale speeches and performances are held, and it is also the place that Eden chooses to come to every year.

Most of the people around them were also heading towards the venue. It was hard to tell if it was just their imagination, but the city, which had been lifeless, seemed to have come alive all at once. People passing by had smiles on their faces and were discussing what kind of performance Eden would be putting on. They even seemed to forget about the high temperature.

"Wow, she's incredibly popular... But how did you come to know this kind of celebrity?"

Lin Mo silently dialed a number, and then, guided by others, led Himiko to the backstage area of the venue.

"Why are you suddenly adding someone? Didn't that pink-haired girl say she couldn't come last time... Huh? Isn't it her?" The manager came to meet Lin with great helplessness. She immediately noticed Himiko next to Lin. Her bright red hair was definitely not the Sakura from last time.

Lin casually brushed it off. "I'm sorry, she's my friend. I hope you can look after her."

"It's not that we can't... never mind, you guys come in first."

Upon entering the preparation room, Eden, who had just applied light makeup, greeted Lin's gaze with a smile.

"My friend, welcome."

"Feel sorry."

"It's alright. I think appreciating art doesn't require any qualifications, but the rules of the market are beyond my control." Eden's gaze lingered on the curious Himiko for a moment before settling on Lin's empty right sleeve. "Mr. Lin, your right hand..."

"Yes, something unexpected happened," Lin answered frankly.

"... It's truly sad and regrettable," Eden murmured sadly.

Since Eden was not a member of the Firemoth, Lin did not intend to reveal any more information about the Firemoth's internal affairs, so he did not explain that he could be cured after returning to headquarters.

"Then please have a seat with your friend."

"Hopefully, this will be a performance you'll never forget."

Chapter 86 Opening

"Actually, I was a little surprised, but also a little relieved."

After taking her seat in one of the two frontmost seats, Himiko suddenly said something slowly.

Their position allows them to see every detail of the stage at the front, but not so close that it would spoil the viewing experience. It's like two people hiding in the shadows, having some time to talk before the performance starts.

"When I first met you, you were like a moving sculpture, showing no emotion, like a ghost. After you joined my team, I became even more certain of this. You can't contain anything but missions and orders; you're an empty humanoid who looks like a person but is actually quite different."

Helmet, coolness, mission—these labels attached to Lin have become how others know him to this day.

"But you seem different lately. You've started socializing, looking for a partner, and coming to concerts... Today you finally made me realize that you are a person, and someone who is only in your twenties and still young."

"I have seen many people who, in order to fight against the Honkai, have gone to great lengths to destroy themselves, whether out of hatred or for the sake of humanity... It's as if they have forgotten that they are still human and have used themselves as tools to fight against the Honkai."

Many years have passed.

The girl who was once full of hatred and confusion has become the captain of others. Along the way, she has seen countless versions of herself from the past.

Right? Wrong? How could she possibly have the authority to judge that so casually?

However, after meeting Hua and Lin, she finally found some solace in her heart.

Hua, who should have walked towards self-destruction with hatred, is searching for a future beyond hatred; Lin, who should have disregarded everything for humanity, is trying to change himself.

The future of humanity remains uncertain, but for the first time Himiko felt she could retire.

"... Captain, has something happened to you lately?"

Lin used the title "captain" once again.

"... It's nothing, maybe it's just that I'm getting old."

Himiko helplessly.

Of the soldiers of her generation, it seems only Hen remains; the rest are either dead or retired due to injuries. She truly feels that she is "old."

It wasn't her age that caused it, but rather that her heart had gradually withered after experiencing things that would have aged her mentally.

"... Excuse my bluntness, Captain, you could totally go and find a wife."

"Puff."

Lin's next words made Himiko spit out her saliva.

"What are you saying all of a sudden, you brat?" Himiko wiped her mouth and viciously punched Lin's temple.

"Based on my experience since getting married..."

"Wait, what did you say? You're married?"

Himiko left at the time, was unaware of what happened to the girl afterward, and went off to carry out various missions, completely unaware of the girl's existence.

Therefore, this news is as significant as Lin recommending her to find a husband.

"Um."

"With whom? With Sakura?"

"... Why do you insist on thinking it's Sakura?"

"Why? How would I know why..." Himiko's lips twitched. "You two had such great chemistry, and then that accident happened, and you're asking me why... If it wasn't her, who was it?"

"MSA-970".

"... I didn't mean to ask for her number."

"I don't know her name."

"..."

This left Himiko unsure where to begin, and she imagined her expression must be quite something.

"Okay... then continue."

"Well, from my experience, I think you can adjust your mindset by spending a long time with someone you feel is a good match. Whether it's mutual support or one person depending on the other, it can change your temperament."

Lin was actually talking about his and Hen's experiences. Hen's marriage was a typical example of mutual support and couples advancing and retreating together, while Lin's was more like raising a child. But in any case, their mindset changed through marriage.

This change is very subtle and cannot be explained in words, which is why Hen said that Lin would understand after getting married. In fact, Lin has indeed experienced it now.

"Moreover, Captain, you are of marriageable age and your conditions in all aspects are extremely excellent. As long as you change your drinking habit and... some personality traits, I think quite a few people would be willing to marry you."

"I actually got roasted by you, kid..." Himiko patted her forehead, a wry smile appearing on her beautiful face. "Looks like I really do need to change..."

Before anyone knew it, everyone was already seated. Under such a solemn setting, even the noise subsided considerably, as everyone eagerly awaited the start of the performance.

"Do you really think I'll be able to find someone to marry?"

"Captain, according to statistics, 73 percent of people worldwide form their first impression based on appearance. Your appearance is a great advantage."

"Aren't you saying that I'm good for nothing except being pretty...? And how did you even know that data?"

This time, Lin remained silent for a long while before finally speaking softly—

"Prometheus collected information to prove the legitimacy of her body replacement."

"... It must have been really tough."

Knowing that Prometheus was no pushover either, Himiko patted Lin on the shoulder and smiled gloatingly.

However, Himiko's mood improved considerably, as if a dark cloud had been dispelled on a gloomy day, letting in a ray of light that, while not bright, was still visible.

Perhaps it was a bit clumsy, but she could tell that Lin was trying his best to cheer her up. He probably already guessed that Himiko because of the death of Soul and the heavy losses suffered by the Poisoned Cocoon Squad, but he didn't mention it.

As the curtain fell and the overhead lights went out, the noise in the room subsided, and they realized that the performance was about to begin. Only when the curtain was drawn back again and the spotlights were turned on remained.

"You're right, I should keep moving forward and not stand still."

Her long, red hair, like flames, had been burning since she first joined the Fire-Chasing Moths.

"As for whether we get married or do something else, it doesn't matter. We'll find it eventually if we keep going. I'm already content to see you little ones grow up."

"Oh, right, Lin, after we get back..."

What happens after we get back?

The curtain in front of him was drawn back, and Lin did not hear Himiko's remaining words.

Like the other audience members, he stared at the center of the stage, where spotlights shone on the figures.

Long red hair appeared under the light, like a flame being lit in the darkness.

Lin sat in his seat, staring blankly at the person beside him.

What happens after we get back?