In the blink of an eye, time flowed by like rushing water—so fast it caught one off guard.
The city Su found himself in had always seemed peaceful and tranquil, yet who could have imagined that the Honkai would erupt so quietly, so suddenly?
This sudden catastrophe felt both like a long-simmering resentment and like a meticulously planned, premeditated crisis.
The scene was pure chaos.
Then, at that critical moment, a figure that seemed forever unshakeable and resilient stood firm like a solid wall, steadily shielding Su.
In that instant, gazing at the back before him, Su gained a deeper understanding of this disaster called the Honkai.
He began to grasp why Kevin had always been so reluctant to draw him into this.
At the same time, he couldn't help but wonder just what Kevin had been through to become this resolute, this willing to face such a terrifying calamity head-on without hesitation.
Su slowly rose to his feet. A wave of scorching heat surged toward him like a tidal wave, causing his clothes to flutter and snap as if applauding his resolve.
He opened his eyes wide, his gaze firm as he looked at the white-haired man wielding a greatsword before him—Kevin.
Amid the roaring flames, Kevin appeared especially towering, an unshakable god of war.
Several Honkai beasts in the distance had already been precisely pierced by crystalline ice, devoid of life.
"Alright, let's leave this to him. Su, we should discuss some other matters now."
Just then, a blond man emerged leisurely from the shadows.
It was Spacy. He looked at Su with interest, then at the girl Su had just rescued. Fortunately, Kevin had arrived in time, and the girl was unharmed.
"Discuss what?"
Su's eyes remained fixed on Kevin, his emotions tangled like a messy knot.
"Welcome to MOTH, Su."
Spacy extended his left hand, a meaningful smile on his face.
"?"
Only then did Su snap back to attention, asking with confusion, "How so? Have I passed your so-called probation period?"
He truly hadn't expected such news to come amid the chaos of the Honkai outbreak.
"Seeing someone in danger and rushing to help without regard for yourself, persisting in doing what seems nearly impossible, acting despite knowing the odds—MOTH needs people like that."
Spacy explained, his eyes full of amusement.
"And besides, it seems you don't have many other choices left."
As he spoke, he glanced toward the city already descending into chaos. Su followed his gaze.
"In the face of disaster, we are always incredibly fragile."
Spacy seemed somewhat reflective.
But Su stated firmly, "Yet human resolve will always endure. It can never be erased."
"Haha, youth truly is something."
Spacy chuckled, pulling a communication device from his pocket and tossing it to Su. "There's some information on there you'll probably want to see. Take a look as we walk. Long is waiting for us over there."
"Alright."
Su nodded, catching the device, then hurried after Spacy alongside the girl.
Along the way, Su's mind remained unsettled for a long while. He knew he was about to embark on a completely new life, one that would be inextricably linked with MOTH.
...
After being shown around the base by Spacy and familiarized with various affairs, Spacy announced that Su would temporarily become his student and learn under him.
Su had no objection to this arrangement. After all, having an experienced mentor was a rare opportunity for him.
However, while getting acquainted with the base, he actually ran into that little girl named Vya.
Su was genuinely surprised. Upon asking, he learned that Vya had arrived here even earlier than Kevin.
MOTH was practically employing child labor—how outrageous!
But Su didn't dwell on it, dismissing it as coincidence and even feeling somewhat relieved.
After all, this adorable little girl seemed to have an almost intuitive understanding of people's hearts, like a little angel who could bring peace and warmth to everyone.
That evening, after a busy day, Kevin obtained some tea leaves from Dystopia and made a special trip to visit Su.
After all, during their last meeting, Kevin hadn't been able to chat with Su for long before having to leave due to other matters. He felt that wasn't quite polite in the end.
Su was somewhat surprised to see Kevin but warmly welcomed him in, then proceeded to brew the tea.
Soon, the aroma of the steeped tea leaves filled the air. Kevin inhaled the familiar scent, feeling a wave of emotion.
"When you recommended this to me before, I didn't really get it. But now I can appreciate the flavor."
Kevin gently savored the tea's fragrance, as if reminiscing about something.
Truth be told, Kevin wasn't very skilled at opening up to people these days—except with Su and Mei.
Even with Elysia, despite her boundless enthusiasm, Kevin wasn't really willing to share too much of what was on his mind.
"Kevin, I still want to thank you for today."
Su expressed his gratitude sincerely. He knew that if Kevin hadn't appeared in time, both he and that girl might have been in grave danger.
"Between us, there's no need for thanks."
Kevin waved it off. Su could clearly sense that Kevin's demeanor had softened considerably, unlike his usual serious self.
Su smiled. "That's true, I suppose."
"I've heard from people here about your workload, how busy you are, Kevin."
Su looked at Kevin, concern in his eyes. "But you still made a special trip to see me. I'm truly grateful."
"Visiting a friend is only right."
Kevin said it plainly, but Su could feel the sincerity in his words.
"Well, I'm here now, Kevin."
Su said, as if responding to something unspoken.
"You still came after all."
Kevin looked at Su. Their eyes met, and in that moment, each understood the other perfectly.
So it was just like that sometimes between guys—a single glance could convey everything. That wordless understanding deepened their bond even further.
...
After the tea was ready, Su carefully poured a cup for Kevin and himself.
Kevin lifted his cup and took a small sip. The bitter taste spread in his mouth, followed by a lingering sweetness.
"Su, there are some things… in the past, I couldn't find anyone to talk to about them. Not even Mei…"
Kevin set down his cup and began slowly, a trace of weariness in his eyes.
Su simply smiled, watching Kevin. He knew this was a time to listen.
And so, Kevin slowly shared stories from a past he had never spoken of before.
"After coming here, I just wanted to stay by Mei's side. I just wanted to protect her."
Kevin's gaze softened, as if recalling the good times he had shared with Mei.
"To keep her from worrying, I pushed myself as hard as I could to improve, to pass assessments and complete missions…"
Su understood this well. Kevin's love for Mei was the real kind—loving someone truly, willing to give everything for her.
And fortunately, it was a mutual affection. They accompanied each other, facing things together.
"And then… what happened after?"
Su asked softly.
"After that… I witnessed many things I never would have dared imagine before."
Kevin's brow furrowed slightly, as if those memories weren't easy. "My perspective and way of thinking changed a lot. Before, I only wanted to be a hero for one person. Now… the people I need to protect keep growing in number."
"Am I among them?"
Su asked with a smile, even though he knew the answer.
"Of course."
Kevin also, quite rarely, offered a smile. Brief, but full of warmth.
In that moment, Kevin overlapped more and more with the image Su held in his memory.
Unconsciously, the two of them finished the entire pot of tea. Tonight was destined to be a sleepless one.
Just before Kevin left, Su called out to him one last time.
"Kevin…"
"What is it?"
Kevin stopped and turned to look at Su.
"…Before becoming a hero for others, remember to be a hero for yourself first."
Su said earnestly. He hoped that while giving so much for others, Kevin would also take care of himself.
Kevin nodded. "I know, Su. Take care."
With that, he turned and left, leaving Su alone, watching his retreating figure…
(Time to fight the Herrscher of Sentience. No more dragging out the plot.)
…
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