Although there were some minor hiccups, things were always simpler once everything was laid bare.
"So, this is my speculation," Mobius said as she finished her explanation, raising an eyebrow at Lumine. "Your ability to become a Herrscher is likely tied to the concept of time—an irreversible law."
Her gaze then shifted pointedly to the scene before her.
"So, Elysia, how long exactly are you planning to keep holding onto Lumine?"
"Hm…" Elysia, still firmly holding Lumine's hand, actually pondered the question seriously. "I don't really want to let go~ After all, Lumine is the first Herrscher born specifically to fight for humanity after I released my own power~"
"So, Elysia was originally a born Herrscher? And compared to the previous timeline, Lumine is now also a born Herrscher?" Sakura looked genuinely surprised. She had always believed that Elysia had obtained the Herrscher qualification through Mei's method during the final banquet… especially since someone else had become a Herrscher the same way afterward.
"So, don't we seem like a match made in heaven now?" Elysia said cheerfully, nuzzling closer to Lumine. Lumine could only signal helplessly—his right arm was completely immobilized.
Even Iliya wouldn't have dared to cling to him like this in his previous life.
"Tsk…" Mobius clicked her tongue, rolling her eyes.
Lumine thought quietly to himself.
The power of time… His memories of the final battle were hazy. He only remembered using it instinctively—without thought, without control.
"If that's the case," Lumine said, a hint of excitement creeping into his voice, "wouldn't I be even more suitable to carry out the Chimera Project now?"
In his previous life, every fusion with a new super-mutant factor had tortured him to the brink of death. This time, he was already a Herrscher. Even without awakened powers, it had to be better than before—wasn't he now the perfect prototype?
"Rejected!" ×3
"Huh?! Why?"
"No reason—and no reason is needed. I disagree," Mobius said flatly, folding her arms.
One rejection was more than enough.
After all, only Mobius could assist him with the Chimera Project.
Lumine turned to Elysia, who was pouting unhappily.
"I already said we'd walk this path together," she said. "So why are you still thinking about fighting alone?"
Because if I don't… I won't be able to save you.
Lumine then looked toward Sakura. She hesitated briefly before speaking.
"I… I simply don't want you to carry out that plan."
"…Alright." Lumine exhaled and gave in. "Then, can my training begin today?"
Sakura placed her hand on the hilt of her sword once more.
"I'm ready to begin at any time."
"Go for it, Lumine! I'll be cheering you on!" Elysia said brightly.
"Elysia…"
"Uh-huh?"
"Could you let go of my hand for a moment? It's hard to hold a spear with only one hand."
"Ugh… Lumine, you're so heartless… Let me hug you just a little longer…"
"That's enough, Elysia." Mobius finally stepped in, grabbing her by the shoulder and pulling her back with obvious irritation. "This is my laboratorium, not a playground. If you're going to interfere with his movements, go outside."
"Um, Dr. Mobius, about my wife Blanca's resignation papers…" Ato walked in carrying a stack of documents. "Klein said she saw you and Elysia come in here… Hm?"
Ato froze.
What… exactly was he looking at?
Was this something he was supposed to witness?
Elysia was clinging to Lumine without restraint, Mobius was trying to separate them, the lady narrating also seemed to have a somewhat subtle expression, but why are you just watching?
And that newcomer… oh, he looks utterly hopeless, never mind…
Ato's voice drew everyone's attention. Four pairs of eyes turned toward him at once.
Cold sweat instantly streamed down his back.
"Haha… looks like I came at the wrong time," he said stiffly. "I won't disturb you any further. I'll… take my leave."
He turned around, shut the door, and fled—smoothly, decisively, and without a single wasted motion.
Ato ran all the way back to **Mobius's** laboratory, where Blanca was speaking with Klein. She was mainly asking about Dr. Mobius's recent condition and gently advising Klein to get more rest. Klein, while organizing stacks of experimental data, replied that everything was fine.
Seeing Ato burst into the lab, drenched in sweat and gasping for breath, Klein looked up in confusion.
"What's wrong? Didn't you manage to see Dr. Mobius?"
Ato tossed the paperwork onto the table, grabbed a cup, and gulped down a mouthful of water. With lingering fear in his voice, he said, "I saw her… she just might not be available right now, um…"
He had run the entire way back without daring to glance over his shoulder. Had he witnessed something he wasn't supposed to? Would Dr. Mobius silence him for it? Was it already too late to grab his wife and flee with nothing but buckets and supplies?
Klein didn't dwell on it. "Oh, maybe Dr. **Mobius** has some experimental matters to discuss with the newcomer. After all, his Honkai energy resistance is almost on the same level as **Elysia's**."
This was data Klein had only just finished compiling. Come to think of it, why *had* the doctor sent Elysia away during the examination?
Ato didn't care much about those details. What occupied his thoughts was something far simpler—and heavier. The Fire Moth was about to gain another excellent warrior. A pillar strong enough to change the balance against the Honkai.
Only… judging by everything he had just seen, that excellent warrior was bound to be turbulent, entangled with far more than just battles against the Honkai.
In Mobius Laboratorium, after seeing Ato leave, Mobius and Elysia continued their tug-of-war as if they hadn't noticed him at all.
"Elysia, you should at least stop now" Mobius rolled her eyes, stops trying to pull Elysia.
"Hm?" Elysia tilted her head and leaned a little closer to Lumine, her tone light and teasing. "Are you feeling very uncomfortable, Lumine?"
Lumine: "…"
He just wanted to train.
Unfortunately, reality had other plans.
I can't walk.
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