"Tap! Tap!"
Kiana and Senti stood side by side, their curious eyes wide open, simultaneously knocking on the medium-sized glass tank Zeke had brought back.
It was cylindrical, placed on the table, reaching about as high as their thighs. One could easily lift it with a single hand. Inside, there was a pale green transparent liquid, within which floated something resembling... an embryo? Or perhaps something akin to it.
Though possessing human-like features, its overall appearance was distinctly peculiar. However, the delicate pinkish-white hue lent it a subtle cuteness—a type often described as "ugly-cute."
"I can't believe Mobius ended up like this! She deserves it!"
"Hey, do you think this thing is edible...?"
"No way, Kiana! Even something like that piques your appetite? But honestly, it might taste pretty good cooked, right? Offal, when simmered just right, becomes tender and savory with a unique umami flavor not found in regular meat... Mmm!"
Senti smacked her lips, locking eyes with Kiana, both reflecting hunger and desire in their gazes.
"Zeke..."
Kiana instinctively glanced toward the adult's direction, swallowing hard.
"I want offal... Beef or lamb, either works!"
"Understood."
"Thanks, Zeke!" Delighted, Kiana leaned over to give him a peck on the cheek.
Rubbing his face, Zeke waved her aside nonchalantly. "Scram gracefully; I need to speak with Dr. Mobius."
"All righty~"
Smiling brightly, Kiana stepped aside to clear Zeke's view and moved next to him, diligently massaging his shoulders as her way of showing appreciation.
In truth, she could tell that Zeke was exhausted. Calming Sin's rampage with a gentle approach, enduring Dr. Mobius's relentless assault all along, and utilizing both Honkai Energy and Herrscher abilities extensively—no iron man could withstand such strain.
After resolving everything, Zeke casually returned with Sin by his side and Dr. Mobius in tow, demonstrating truly awe-inspiring prowess—a feat akin to a cow standing on its head, utterly remarkable.
Now, Bronya had gone back to care for Sin, while Seele and Fu Hua, acting as physical and mental healers, offered their assistance. Wendy and Raiden Mei were nearby too, but one remained reserved, and the other felt somewhat distant from Zeke. In short, the only one left who could genuinely attend to Zeke was Kiana.
Standing behind Zeke, Kiana nodded silently, focusing intently on her massage techniques, feeling a significant sense of responsibility.
The rare display of maturity from Kiana's mischievous nature gradually eased Zeke's expression. Setting aside technical skills for now, her thoughtful gesture was commendable and deserved praise.
Zeke pulled out a piece of candy from his pocket, unwrapped it, and offered it behind him.
"Here."
"Awoo!"
Kiana opened her mouth to catch the treat, savoring its sweetness with delight as her eyes twinkled.
Having received this reward, Kiana enthusiastically continued kneading with renewed vigor.
While enjoying Kiana's unusual considerate behavior, Zeke subtly curled his fingers, causing the vessel containing the embryo on the table to inch closer towards him.
"Do you have any thoughts, Dr. Mobius?"
"How...did...you manage that?" The pale green liquid trembled slightly, accompanied by Mei's voice, sounding fragile like a child's, broken and intermittent.
Human speech results from the vibrations of vocal cords.
Each rebirth of Mobius consumed vast amounts of energy and caused damage to her genetic structure. Typically, after rebirth, she would lose all rationality and instinctively devour nearby lifeforms to ensure a perfect regeneration with minimal harm. This state marked both her weakest moment and paradoxically, her most potent phase.
Currently, restrained within the sands by Zeke through some unknown means, she had been unable to absorb any energy during her rebirth. As a result, each regeneration came at the cost of becoming progressively younger until now, where she had regressed to an even more incomplete state than that of an infant.
Despite being in this condition, as long as Honkai Energy persisted, Mobius could maintain her consciousness and even simulate vocal cords' structure, allowing her to speak like a normal person—though the youthful tone was unavoidable. With limited bodily structure and Honkai Energy reserves, using this voice required the least effort.
"Want to learn?" asked Zeke.
Mobius remained silent.
"I can teach you," he continued.
"What's the price?" she queried, her soft and crisp childlike voice carrying a hint of resignation.
Mobius acknowledged her defeat. While not ready to give up entirely, she understood the position of the vanquished.
Zeke nodded, feeling considerably relieved.
Although they took a roundabout path, after this confrontation, Mobius's stubborn stance finally began to waver.
"There is no significant price involved. Dangerous technologies require certain barriers, but for a genius like Dr. Mobius, knowledge should naturally be generously shared."
Zeke spoke sincerely.
In the race against Honkai, it was all about resource integration and the speed of technological advancement. Even if Honkai grew stronger alongside you, the competition persisted relentlessly. Any attempt to stagnate would lead only to one's demise.
Mobius fell silent once more.
Anyone would bristle at someone mysteriously dictating terms before them. However, when that person has repeatedly demonstrated their superiority yet still acknowledges and validates your work... It wasn't that Mobius was naive or overly trusting, but being recognized felt rare and precious to her.
"What do you want from me?"
"Cooperation. I'll provide you with a physical body and a degree of research autonomy, while you operate within the framework I establish. Together, we'll combat Honkai. As for after defeating it... the choices will be yours, along with the corresponding consequences."
"That simple?"
"What did you expect? Restraining a genius's boundless creativity and stifling their infinite potential serves no benefit to me," Zeke replied matter-of-factly.
Again, Mobius lapsed into silence.
How different were these conditions from those in the previous civilization?
In reality, there wasn't much difference; she would still work under certain constraints. Previously, these were imposed by the Fire Moth organization of the prior civilization, and now it's Zeke alone. However, the assistance and knowledge Zeke could provide were an irresistible temptation.
Had such favorable terms been offered before their confrontation, Mobius wouldn't have believed it for a moment. But after her utter defeat, she found herself with no other choice.
"Teach me that technology you used earlier. And for any materials I require, they must be provided without hesitation."
"The first condition is reasonable, as for the second... it applies only within the framework I set."
"What is your framework?"
"The overarching principles involve respecting humanity and combating Honkai—regarding priority, my immediate judgment will prevail. The finer details, you'll learn over time."
Priority? Immediate judgment?
Mobius pondered Zeke's words, sensing their deeper meaning. Realizing something, she slowly responded:
"Agreed."
"A pleasure to collaborate, Dr. Mobius."
"Give me back my physical body immediately, at least help restore my condition!"
"I refuse." Zeke abruptly shifted his stance.
Taken aback, Mobius watched as the pale green nutrient solution began to churn, bubbling like a boiling cauldron.
"Why?!?"
"Dr. Mobius, one of the Framework's rules is to comply fully; otherwise, there will be consequences. Now, you're paying your price."
"I @&×$!"
"The second rule: show me respect, so the penalty extends further."
Silence fell.
Mobius's emotions fluctuated wildly, causing the nutrient solution to boil even more vigorously.
Amidst the bubbling sounds, shadows suddenly enveloped him from behind.
Adjusting his visual structures, Dr. Mobius saw through the glass dome a malicious face bearing a mocking grin.
Senti grinned widely, eyes curved like crescent moons as her hands pressed against the glass.
"In other words, Mobius can't do anything now, right?"
"Don't you dare..."
"I shake, I shake, I shake, I shake! Behold, I shall shake all existence! Ha ha ha!!!"
"Hua!! You'll pay for this!!!"