"Ah... hmm."
Fu Hua rubbed her nose, feeling like she was about to sneeze but ultimately suppressing it.
Seele, who was examining and treating Sin's body nearby, noticed Fu Hua's unusual behavior and asked,
"Fu Hua-sensei, are you feeling unwell?"
"No, my nose just suddenly felt itchy. But Soulium probably can't catch colds... I think?"
As a Fusion Warrior embodying elements of fantasy and science fiction, Fu Hua wasn't entirely certain about this scientific question.
With a gentle smile, Seele teased, "Could it be that someone is talking about Fu Hua-sensei behind your back?"
"Possibly. If strong emotions directed towards me arise nearby, I might unconsciously sense them somehow. But that's not important right now. How is Sin's condition?"
Fu Hua casually explained before refocusing her attention on the unconscious Sin.
Seele sighed, adopting a serious demeanor beyond her years as she slowly said, "Her current physiology differs significantly from her original state, making it difficult to assess whether it's for better or worse. However, there's indeed a substantial increase in her vitality and physical strength. As of now, I haven't detected any severe injuries; perhaps she's simply exhausted?"
"I suspected as much. If the situation were critical, Zeke would undoubtedly be here himself."
"You're right, Fu Hua-sensei. Regarding her mental and consciousness aspects, have you noticed anything concerning?"
"Dr. Mobius's enhancements seem to include some psychic elements as well," Fu Hua remarked with a mix of admiration and helplessness. "Overall, Sin's consciousness is stable; however, given her current psychic strength, probing too deeply might trigger instinctive reactions that could harm her mind. So there remains some uncertainty."
Her expression, though, showed no trace of concern, suggesting she hadn't found any significant issues.
Bronya sat nearby like an exquisitely crafted doll, observing this scene. Despite her impassive face, internally, she felt a silent sense of relief.
"When do you think she'll wake up, Seele? Fu Hua-sensei?"
"Well, even Seele isn't quite sure..."
Sin's unconsciousness didn't appear directly related to physical ailments, and Seele's knowledge of biology and medicine was still rudimentary, making it difficult for her to judge. She blinked innocently, looking somewhat bewildered, then turned to Fu Hua.
Fu Hua couldn't resist the adorable innocence on Seele's face. Gently stroking Seele's head, she smiled and said, "At most, it could take one or two days, but possibly sooner at any moment. Since we haven't found any major issues, I expect her to awaken soon."
"That's good to hear." Bronya nodded in response.
In the living room, Senti knelt on a bed of iron nails, her back straight and expression solemn.
"This educational tool has quite the traditional Shenzhou flair to it. Is it effective?"
Zeke held the tiny form of the Book of Fuxi face-to-face with him, his other hand gently rubbing its little head with curiosity.
Fuxi's head swayed with Zeke's touch as she lazily spoke, holding a small cup in both hands: "Effectiveness depends on who uses it. For me, it works quite well."
"In other words, does it hinge on the user's relative standing over the recipient?"
"More or less, yes," Fuxi speculated. Then, together, they turned their gazes toward Kiana behind Zeke—currently massaging his shoulders with a stern expression.
Kiana, looking serious, said, "Do you have any requests, my lords? Kiana Kaslana is dedicated to fulfilling your every wish without hesitation!"
Her upright white antenna hair conveyed her strong desire for survival.
Kiana knew all too well that her interest alone was the sole reason Zeke found this... cough, educational tool intriguing!
For now, she'd play along. Later tonight, with tears and pleading, Zeke might sympathize and forget about it... probably, right?
Fully focused on giving the best massage, Kiana dared not let her mind wander.
"Haven't you forgotten me?!"
On the table, Wendy carefully poured liquids into a large wooden basin, strictly adhering to Zeke's guidelines for precise measurements of each medicinal compound. Raiden Mei inserted a thermometer into the water with one hand while occasionally releasing weak electrical currents from her finger near the surface, promoting the fusion of various biological and chemical components.
The source of the voice was a peculiarly shaped pink mass submerged within the wooden basin—Mobius's embryonic body.
Incidentally, Senti's kneeling on the nail mat stemmed from this very situation: While attempting to shake the Myriad Manifestation Orb, she accidentally dropped it, revealing the inadequacy of the container materials against the Herrscher of Sentience's strength.
The Book of Fuxi lowered its small head, speechless.
While Senti held no affection for Mobius, she was still one of the Thirteen Heroes—superior to both Fuxi and Nuwa, as well as Fu Hua's former boss—a position deserving of respect.
As her guardian, the Book of Fuxi bore the responsibility for rectifying Senti's misdeeds.
Observing the Book of Fuxi's reaction, Zeke then glanced sidelong at Senti kneeling on the floor.
Just as expected, Senti initially met Zeke's gaze with defiant eyes, feigning bravery. But soon, feeling guilty, her stare began to wander before ultimately focusing intently on the floor's intricate patterns.
"Sigh..."
Zeke shook his head and sighed, causing the stubborn child's cheeks to flush red with shame.
After traveling extensively with Zeke and Fu Hua, along with receiving strict guidance from the Book of Fuxi, Senti had evolved significantly since her birth, shedding much of her naivety about the world. At least now she understood that while harmless pranks were acceptable, smashing Mobius's container—especially when Mobius herself is merely an embryo—was truly going too far.
Yet her stubbornness remained unchanged; she'd rather kneel than admit fault or yield verbally.
Zeke shifted his attention to the wooden basin, extending a finger to gently touch the tender pink skin within.
"Gurgle!"
The liquid in the wooden basin began to boil.
Honkai Energy flowed from Zeke's fingertips, causing the embryo within the basin to pulsate.
After a series of sizzling sounds akin to flesh and bones forming, the embryo developed into a curled-up infant with tiny hands and sparse hair.
Zeke withdrew his hand.
Soaking in the wooden basin, the baby stared at Zeke and demanded in a soft, childish voice, "Continue!"
"Compensation is one thing, but there's also a price to be paid. This is all the compensation you'll receive."
"My fucking... Thanks a lot!"
"You're welcome," Zeke replied courteously, the corners of his lips slightly lifting.
Mobius, her small hands gripping the edge of the wooden basin, peeked over it, revealing her round, watery vertical pupils as she glared menacingly at Senti.
Not being able to best Zeke was understandable; as a leader of an entire civilization era, he naturally possessed exceptional abilities.
But for Hua, once merely a lab rat and barely qualifying among the Thirteen Heroes, to dare deceive her! She was asking for trouble!
Mobius shifted her target of resentment, maintaining a healthier mindset—after all, dealing with mere Hua should be easier than facing Zeke, right? Fifty thousand years ago, Mobius could effortlessly thrash this half-trained novice!
"Achoo!"
"Fu Hua-sensei?"
"It's nothing. This time, I'm pretty sure someone really is thinking about me. Who could it be though? Surely, I don't have any enemies?" Fu Hua pondered.
"Oh..."
With an innocent nod, Seele turned her questioning gaze towards Bronya.
Bronya shrugged and returned a look that suggested there was no need to worry.
To target such a martial arts prodigy with a perfectly tranquil mind—an immortal—either meant they were tired of living or seeking death. Why bother paying attention?