Thanks to this chance encounter, the group ended up at a nearby park. Against the backdrop of the square-dancing aunties' music, their conversation began.
The main discussion unfolded between Mei and Mobius.
Back in her student days, before experiencing Eden's songs and concerts, Mei had little concept of celebrity worship.
If she had to name anyone she admired, it would be a few scientists.
Among them were the leading figure in physics from the Mu Continent, Dr. Einstein, and the eminent biology expert, Dr. Mobius.
And now, the very person she aspired to emulate was right before her. As just an ordinary high school student, Mei couldn't help feeling a bit nervous.
Mobius, however, wore a rare, kindly expression. After all, this was the junior she had her eyes on.
She had originally planned to invite Mei to join Fire Moth when the latter went to the Mu Continent for an academic exchange.
But now that she herself had left Fire Moth, those plans were naturally scrapped.
"Relax, no need to be formal. I've read your published papers—you're very talented. You mustn't waste your gift," Mobius said, her gaze drifting pointedly toward Kevyn.
The implication was clear: she didn't want Mei's research career derailed by romantic distractions.
"Ah... I'll consider it seriously," Mei replied, a bit taken aback, before nodding in agreement.
Kevyn, standing nearby, instantly protested, "Dr. Mobius, I would never interfere with Mei's career, I swear!"
Mobius: ?
Faced with Mobius's puzzled look, Mei inexplicably blushed. She tugged at Kevyn's sleeve and whispered, "That's not what Dr. Mobius meant."
Kevyn: ?
"If that's not what she meant, then what did she mean?" Kevyn was growing frantic.
"The doctor means that settling your personal matters quickly will help Mei focus more on her research," Blanca cut in, unable to watch any longer, while soothing a restless Griseo who was fussing over the noisy square-dance music.
"Oh, so that's what it was," Kevyn said, finally catching on. A beat later, she broke into a silly grin. "Heh... heh..."
Mobius watched this display, then turned away with a pained expression. How someone so foolish had won Mei's affection was beyond her.
If it were up to her, she'd never fall for such a silly girl.
What if the foolishness rubbed off on her?
Then Mobius remembered that plate of picked crab meat from earlier...
Feeling her cheeks grow warm, she felt grateful for the park's dim lighting, which hid the blush she knew was coloring her face.
"By the way, Dr. Mobius, weren't you on the Mu Continent? What brought you to Nagazora City so suddenly?"
Mei pinched the still-grinning Kevyn, who gasped and finally stopped chuckling, then voiced her biggest question.
Hearing this, Mobius didn't answer immediately. Instead, she looked toward Durandal.
Durandal frowned. She hadn't expected such a coincidence—running into Kevyn and Mei during a simple dinner outing.
And it wasn't just Mobius; Eden was here too.
Even if she could explain Mobius's presence, how would she answer if Kevyn asked about Eden?
Moreover—and this was the most crucial point—if they lied to the two now, would it hinder efforts to recruit them later?
Many thoughts raced through her mind, but only a moment passed.
Then, with a solemn nod from Durandal, Mobius, receiving the signal, explained her purpose.
"I was sent by Fire Moth to handle some matters," Mobius stated plainly.
"Fire Moth?" Mei asked, puzzled.
"It's an organization that fights the Honkai... And I know your next question will be 'What is Honkai?'" Mobius massaged her forehead, preempting Mei's curiosity, then waved to someone nearby. "Klein, you explain it to her."
Without even realizing it, Mobius had stopped calling on Blanca for such tasks. Klein had become her new go-to assistant.
"Yes, Doctor," Klein nodded, then concisely explained to Mei what the Honkai was and what Fire Moth as an organization actually did.
After listening, Mei's expression showed little obvious change.
She only mused thoughtfully, "So, those inexplicable disasters in recent years, and those unknown diseases that can't be explained by current medical theories... are all related to the Honkai."
"It seems you aren't completely buried in your books, cut off from the real world," Mobius remarked.
Mei smiled somewhat shyly. "I just like to ponder things outside of studying. For example, when I look up at the sky at night and see those brilliant stars, I wonder if there are intelligent beings like humans on the planets orbiting those luminous stars—and whether they'd be our friends or our enemies."
Hearing this, Blanca noticed that little Griseo in her arms had suddenly stilled, her bright eyes fixed intently on the twinkling stars in the night sky.
Mobius, too, grew interested. Though astronomy wasn't her field, this was just casual chat. "And what conclusion have you reached?" she asked.
"Enemies," Mei said, her expression turning serious. "I believe behind every twinkling star, there may lurk enemies of humanity. But for now, that question can be set aside. Clearly, humanity has more immediate enemies to face."
Mei was, of course, referring to the Honkai.
"Enemies, huh?" Mobius let out a light laugh. "You'd probably get along with a certain someone, then. She's expressed similar views."
Seeing that Mei and Mobius had finished their discussion, Kevyn finally seized the chance to cut in.
"Um, since you're with Fire Moth, Dr. Mobius, and your mission is to fight the Honkai... does your coming to Nagazora City mean the Honkai is about to strike here? Are Durandal, Elysia... and Miss Eden also members of Fire Moth?"
In the original course of events, Kevyn joined Fire Moth purely to accompany Mei.
Now that Mei joining seemed unlikely, and facing Durandal, Elysia, and Eden, Kevyn might very well form her own opinions.
"No, they are not members of Fire Moth," Mobius said, glancing at Durandal. "This is something you should explain to them yourself, as their leader."
With that, Mobius stepped aside, clearly settling in to watch the show.
"Leader?!" Kevyn stared at Durandal in disbelief.
To think the big shot had been right beside her all along?!
--+--