"No, Li! I understand a little about the Honkai now. Just let me go with you, please! I'm really worried about everyone in the magic troupe too."
"Aiya, no, Vill-V. You know that dealing with a Herrscher isn't a simple matter. Even I can't guarantee your safety one hundred percent."
In the corridors of The MOTHs' headquarters, Fu Li and Vill-V argued as they walked toward the hangar.
This wasn't one of their usual, ordinary squabbles. So, no matter how much of a tantrum Vill-V threw, no matter how much she insisted she absolutely wouldn't be afraid, Fu Li would not agree.
Although he had mastered the technology to create a MANTIS, the Honkai Beast compatible with Vill-V had not yet been born, so he hadn't been in a hurry to prepare the surgery for her.
But now...
Fu Li sighed. "Vill-V, I can't agree this time. You are an engineer, not a warrior. Your talent doesn't lie on the battlefield; it lies in your brain."
"If there comes a day when you have the power to protect yourself, I won't stop you."
Vill-V retorted, unconvinced, "But I think I can do it. And Ashara and I have designed a few sets of battle armor. With that, I'll at least be no weaker than your strongest soldiers."
"That's still not good enough," Fu Li said, shaking his head. "My people can deal with Emperor-class Honkai Beasts, but in the eyes of a Herrscher or a Judgment-class Honkai Beast, most Emperor-class beasts are just chumps that can be killed with a wave of their hand."
"But..."
Vill-V looked at Fu Li with pleading eyes. This was the first time he had ever scolded her, aside from when she had forcefully kissed him.
But all she wanted was to do something to help him. She didn't want to be a useless person cowering in the rear, only able to watch as her beloved entered a dangerous place to risk his life.
The rims of Vill-V's eyes started to turn red, but just then, Fu Li's earnest voice reached her.
"I'm very worried about you, Vill-V. We grew up together. I don't want you to be in danger..."
"I... I understand..."
Although she said this, Vill-V had still made up her mind. She had to work hard to develop even more powerful weapons, weapons that could easily kill a Herrscher.
Something like a superweapon, a Honkai energy fission bomb.
Only then could she protect her Li.
"However, it's fine if I don't go." Vill-V took a step back. "I anticipated a situation like this, so I asked Ashara to help me learn how to create a bionic robot."
"The robot looks just like me and can connect to my consciousness, achieving perfect synchronization. But if it gets damaged, I won't be hurt. Can she go with you instead?"
Fu Li's expression softened a little. He nodded in agreement.
Ten minutes later, the aircraft took off.
Inside, apart from Fu Li, Ashara, and the robot version of Vill-V, there were only four hand-picked special soldiers. In Valkyrie terms, they were one S-rank and three A-rank Valkyries.
And that S-rank, naturally, was an anomaly that only Fu Li could detect.
Elysia. A person who had appeared out of nowhere, yet fit in seamlessly. A human, or rather, the Herrscher of Human, the embodiment of all that is beautiful.
Amidst the current tense atmosphere, she was smiling and sharing snacks with everyone around her, including Fu Li himself. Her charming smile was exceptionally pleasing, and she unwittingly eased the tense atmosphere.
"Mhm~ Mr. Li, the way you're looking at me is a little strange~ Have you been captivated by my beauty~? If so, I would be very happy, you know♪"
As the Herrscher of Human, Elysia had noticed Fu Li long ago. After all, in her eyes, Fu Li was also an anomaly. Half-human, half-Honkai Beast? No.
Strictly speaking, 90% of Fu Li's genes had already been replaced with those of a Honkai Beast. The human part of him was pitifully small.
Yet, Fu Li was currently the global leader in the fight against the Honkai. He had almost single-handedly founded The MOTHs and had used forceful means to ensure the organization's main focus remained on fighting the Honkai.
Elysia knew she was an anomaly, and Fu Li was an anomaly just like her. And the girl next to him, Ashara, was an anomaly too.
The three of them were all beings on the side of the Honkai, yet here they were, standing on the side of humanity. And Fu Li even possessed the humanity she had always dreamed of.
As for Ashara, she gave off a hollow feeling, as if she were just a shell following orders, which left Elysia feeling a bit bewildered.
This all led to a situation where the more Elysia looked at Fu Li, the more she liked what she saw.
She just couldn't understand why the little yin-yang-haired dumpling next to Fu Li was always glaring at her so fiercely, like a very cute little wolf cub protecting its food.
If I get the chance, I must tease her!
Miss Elysia thought mischievously.
And although Fu Li took in every change in Elysia's expression, he had no intention of exposing her. After all, her identity was indeed very sensitive at the moment.
Even Ashara had to wear a special mask to avoid being recognized.
"Ashara, this is my past research on space. Get a handle on it first. If I'm not mistaken, the key to entering the Far East lies in your abilities."
"Mm, I understand."
Ashara's voice was soft. She took the tablet and began to diligently comprehend the knowledge within.
After waiting for so long, she could finally atone for her sins.
This brought Ashara a small sense of relief.
---o---