[After you 'borrowed' the Seventh Herrscher Core from Captain Himeko's body, you subjected her to the same treatment as Seele.]
[According to the analysis by you, Mobius, and Dr. MEI, it is highly likely that Himeko became a Herrscher because her hope in the fight against the Honkai was shattered after she witnessed "God".]
[However, although Himeko's mental state is much more stable compared to Seele's, she is still influenced by a hostility towards humanity.]
[As everyone in the Fifth Squad survived except for Captain Himeko, a woman named Destoria took over the position of squad leader.]
[After the change-of-command ceremony for the new captain, through some backroom dealings, you became the psychiatrist for the superstar Eden, responsible for her psychological treatment.]
[Time passed day by day. You had thought Hua's sorrow would be washed away by time, until one day, she came looking for you.]
---o---
"Brother, are you there?"
"I am. Come in."
A small bell chimed as Hua pushed open the dormitory door, her eyes falling on Li, who was gently closing a book.
The title on the cover was Science Weekly, and the cover featured two women in lab coats—one with green hair and one with purple.
They were Dr. Mobius and Dr. MEI. My brother is a soldier, why is he reading such a specialized publication?
Swallowing her doubts, Hua sat down on the chair beside Fu Li. She sat with her legs held primly together, looking flustered, her head lowered in silence.
"What's wrong? If you have something to say, just say it, my sister."
Seeing that Hua clearly had a request, Fu Li reached out and gently patted her small, gray head, comforting her.
"I'm your brother. There's no need to hide things between us."
But you're clearly hiding so many things from me.
Hua thought with a sense of grievance, but she didn't say it out loud. She was afraid of breaking the tacit understanding they had always maintained, so she could only probe cautiously.
"Um, Brother… is there a way for me to see the Captain? Not Miss Destoria, but… Himeko."
"Hmm… about that…"
A troubled expression appeared on Fu Li's face. He tapped his index finger lightly on the desk and spoke slowly.
"Arranging a meeting between you and Himeko isn't difficult. But Hua, are you truly prepared to see her?"
"…" Hua clenched her fists and was about to nod when a single, slender finger was gently placed on her lips.
"You don't have to give me an answer so soon. Hua, you've always been too earnest. So think it over clearly, and give me your answer in three days. Okay?"
"…Okay. Thank you, Brother."
Hua quietly stood up and left. After walking out the door, she let out a sigh and turned away.
You're really a handful, Hua.
Fu Li rubbed his temples and sighed, then dialed a number.
---o---
[After that conversation, Elysia suddenly became the second MANTIS.]
[And after Elysia's appearance, you privately performed the super-soldier surgery on Mobius.]
[The surgery was a great success. Mobius successfully became the third MANTIS of The MOTHs Who Chase the Flame.]
[The day you and Hua had agreed upon finally arrived.]
"So, Hua, are you prepared now?"
"Yes, I… I'm ready."
"Alright, then. Come with me."
Pulling open a drawer, Fu Li hung another black identification card around his neck and led Hua to the room where Himeko was being held.
"You only have half an hour, Hua. If she attacks you, I will come in immediately."
"I know."
Fu Li handed the ID card to Hua, closed the door, and leaned against the wall, silently waiting for the time to pass.
He needed to give Hua and Himeko some private space.
Thirty minutes did not pass. After only about twenty minutes, Hua pushed the door open and walked out.
Although her expression was relatively normal when she came out, Fu Li could tell at a glance that the rims of her eyes were slightly red. She had clearly lost control of her emotions.
"Thank you, Brother. I… I think I need some time to be alone."
After returning the ID card to Fu Li, Hua, for the first time, did not say a proper goodbye and left as if she were fleeing.
"Sigh, what an idiot…"
Reopening the door, Fu Li removed the restraints from Himeko's body.
Throughout the entire process, Himeko said nothing. In her brilliant golden eyes, sorrow and confusion briefly eclipsed her hatred for humanity.
Fu Li had read her file. Her mother had died young. Her father was once a researcher for the MOTHs who died in a Honkai energy infection accident just as the Honkai began to descend.
Knowing part of the truth at the time, she resolutely gave up her studies and joined the MOTHs, vowing to uncover the truth behind her father's death.
For a long time after that, she was all alone. The only bonds she had were with the members of the Fifth Squad.
Yet, ever since that incident, Hua was the only one from her past who had tried to find a way to just chat with her.
"Goodbye, Captain Himeko."
Closing the door, Fu Li let out a breath.
Although most of his interactions with Himeko had been an act, they had still spent a lot of time together, and some feelings had developed.
As one of only two people who could interact with a Coreless Herrscher without restraints, every meeting was somewhat awkward.
With that thought, Fu Li's gaze shifted to the other dormitory room next door.
Should I go bully the cute little Seele to change my mood?
---o---
[After that less-than-pleasant exchange, Hua was dejected for a long time. However, with the enthusiasm of the new captain, Destoria, she gradually walked out of the shadows.]
[After Sakura became the fourth MANTIS, you also announced your other two identities to everyone: the fifth MANTIS, Li, and the top-tier researcher, Li.]
[Following that, you chose to leave the Fifth Squad, reserving a slot for the super-soldier surgery for Destoria.]
[Not long after, Sakura was ordered to go to Twilight Street to eliminate a traitor.]
[You, however, sent people to invite the entire staff of Aponia's sanatorium to leave before Sakura arrived in Twilight Street.]
[Aponia was not put on trial for harboring patients with Honkai Sickness. On the contrary, under your direction, they were moved directly into The Deep End.]
[And inside The Deep End, a replica of their old church had already been built on your orders.]
[Kalpas, meanwhile, was invited to join the Toxic Chrysalis. He carried out missions during the day, and although he had a dormitory, he insisted on returning to The Deep End at night.]
[One day, you learned through your informant that Aponia wished to see the person who had helped them.]
"That's the situation, Boss."
An uneasy male voice came through the phone.
An ordinary person simply couldn't refuse a request from Aponia. Fu Li knew this well and had no intention of making things difficult for his subordinate.
"I understand. I'll head over later."