The Rookie's Night was a traditional MOTH event, held to welcome new members.
And at this very moment, a certain group made their entrance.
A quick glance at their lineup was enough to capture everyone's attention—they were either stunningly beautiful or utterly adorable, in short, they were quite the sight.
At the lead was, naturally, Elysia. A few of the younger squad members thought about stepping forward to greet her… after all, Elysia was usually very kind to them.
But the moment they spotted one particular person within the group, they all unanimously shelved that idea.
Who was that?
Mobius?!
No way! What would Mobius be doing here?
"Is that… Dr. Mobius?!"
A researcher adjusted his glasses, muttering in disbelief.
"That can't be right? She never attends these kinds of events…"
"Shh, keep your voice down, don't let her hear you…"
This was the common confusion shared by many, a clear indication that Mobius's reputation within MOTH wasn't exactly stellar.
No one even knew who had started that whole "demon" nickname.
"See, Elysia? They don't even dare to come over."
Mobius remarked, her tone unhurried.
As she spoke, she shot a glance at Elysia, seemingly casual yet deliberate.
Elysia shook her head helplessly. "Oh my~ Isn't it just because you're always holed up in your lab? It's created such a deep misunderstanding about you…"
"Mobius…"
Elysia leaned in close, whispering by Mobius's ear, "…So many people call you a mad scientist, you know? Every time I hear it, I always speak up for you~"
"Hmph."
Mobius responded with a cool indifference. "Mind your own business."
"Don't be like that…"
Elysia tried to continue, but Mobius cut her off.
"Mei."
She had no desire to listen to more of Elysia's chatter, as her sharp eyes had already spotted Mei in the crowd, who seemed to be looking for someone—probably Kevin.
"Huh…?"
Hearing her name, Mei turned around. Upon seeing Mobius, she visibly froze for a second—she had never expected to encounter the doctor at such an event, let alone see her dressed so… elegantly.
Mei quickly walked over.
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
Mobius asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I just didn't expect to see you at an occasion like this," Mei answered honestly.
"All because of Elysia…"
Mid-sentence, Mobius changed tack. "Never mind Elysia. It's for Vya's sake."
"Hey now, I just wanted Mobius to get out and about more~"
Elysia chimed in with a sunny smile.
Mobius gave Mei a once-over. Mei was also wearing a beautiful purple dress.
Seemed she had dressed up for the occasion.
A woman beautifies herself for the one who appreciates her; it was only natural.
"Mm. Quite lovely."
Mobius offered her brief assessment.
"You too, Doctor."
Mei adjusted her glasses, replying with a smile.
"So? Looking for that little boyfriend of yours?"
Mobius got straight to the point.
"Mm…"
Mei responded with a hint of shyness, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.
"Still haven't found him? Doesn't he usually stick to you like a shadow?"
So… even now, Mobius actually didn't know the name of Mei's "little follower."
"I know where brother Kevin is!"
Vya, who had been listening nearby, raised her hand and spoke up. She'd been quietly observing.
She'd made a fresh discovery: the purple glow around Mei had deepened somewhat, though she wasn't sure why.
"Huh? Where is he?"
Mei scanned the surroundings but couldn't find that familiar figure.
"Vya saw him just now, over there!"
The little girl pointed confidently towards a specific spot in the crowd.
From her perspective, that area was shimmering with a bright, high-intensity white light. It had to be Kevin.
"I don't see him…"
"C'mon, Mei sister, follow me!"
Without another word, Vya grabbed Mei's hand and charged into the throng of people.
"Make it quick, you two~"
Elysia called out a reminder from behind.
"Don't worry, sister!"
Vya waved her other hand, smiling back at Elysia.
Mei stumbled a little, pulled off-balance, barely keeping up with Vya's pace. She was inwardly surprised by the little girl's strength—was it really because she herself lacked regular exercise?
Vya, still holding Mei's hand, finally located a certain white-haired man who was blindly searching through the crowd.
Kevin was standing by the drinks area, his blue eyes constantly scanning his surroundings.
"Kevin brother!"
Vya called out to him.
"Huh…?"
Kevin looked over. Spotting Mei behind Vya, the very person he'd been looking for, his blue eyes instantly lit up.
"Mei sister, found brother Kevin!"
Vya announced proudly.
"Yes, thank you, Vya."
Mei let out a sigh of relief, smiling her thanks.
"Thanks a lot."
Kevin also walked over, smiling. He found himself liking this little girl more and more.
"No need to thank me! You two have a good date now! Vya's mission is complete, Vya's going back!"
Hearing this, Mei—quite uncharacteristically—blushed a little. She suddenly remembered that night in Nagazora, when Vya had seen her and Kevin sleeping in each other's arms…
Kevin also scratched the back of his head somewhat awkwardly.
"Bye, brother and sister!"
With that, Vya ran off.
Having a lively child at the party really did help lighten the atmosphere.
Wherever Vya went, people couldn't help but squat down to greet her, or slip her some small snacks.
…
Back with Elysia and Mobius, and, of course, Klein who was off to the side.
"What was the name of Mei's little follower again?"
Mobius asked abruptly.
"It's Kevin, I believe. I heard from Ato that his aptitude is quite impressive too~"
Elysia recalled the morning's chatter.
"Mm. Noted."
Mobius wasn't particularly invested in such details.
"I'm back!"
Vya trotted back to the group, her cheeks slightly flushed from excitement. She was cradling a pile of little snacks in her arms, looking quite pleased with her haul.
"Klein sister, want a snack?"
Vya smiled, offering to share her recent gains with Klein.
"N-no, that's alright, you have them…"
…
"Well then, should we go make some new friends? What do you think?"
Elysia proposed.
"Yay, Vya wants to go!"
The little girl immediately agreed.
Mobius didn't voice an opinion, merely letting out a soft, noncommittal 'hmph'.
"Doctor, what about us?"
Klein asked cautiously.
"Follow along."
Klein breathed a sigh of relief and hurried to keep up.
Many onlookers wore expressions of surprise—after all, seeing Dr. Mobius at such an event was a rare sight.
Elysia, for her part, wore her usual radiant smile, ready to try and improve the image of her rather "notorious" colleague.
Because in her view, everyone deserved to be understood and accepted—even Mobius was no exception.
…
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