Kiana chose Kevin, which was expected. As the strongest among them, coupled with their shared bloodline similarities, only Kiana could benefit the most from him. For instance, the reckless Kaslana-style tactics—it didn't take a genius to realize no one else would adapt well to such methods.
Seele chose Su because during their conversation with his future self from fifty thousand years ahead, she learned he was a doctor. Aspiring to become one herself, they likely shared many common interests.
Wendy decided to seek out Fu Hua for her mastery of the awe-inspiring Inch Heart Fist Technique and Taixuan Sword Qi. Even Herrschers could greatly benefit from such Honkai Energy applications. Although Fu Hua hadn't yet developed these advanced skills fifty thousand years ago, this presented an opportunity for fresh perspectives and advice.
Raiden Mei was the only one guided by Zeke's suggestion. She planned to meet Kalpas and Sakura; the former to learn the audacious combat style, and the latter due to Sakura's exceptional swordsmanship.
Bronya had limited options. After successfully bamboozling Elysia and acquiring her engravings, Bronya ventured into Eden's domain, hoping for fruitful discoveries.
As for Sin, ultimately—and perhaps from the start—she chose Mobius.
"The primary reason I didn't bring you all here earlier was because of Mobius. You know how dangerous she is, are you sure you want to go?" As each girl departed the lounge, Zeke stood behind the bar, preparing a vibrant fruit drink for Sin, and casually asked while mixing it.
Sin accepted the beverage with both hands, her head bowed low, and mumbled softly, "Mm-hmm."
Zeke gently stroked Sin's hair, his gaze somewhat somber.
After a long silence, Zeke finally released her.
"Go ahead," he said softly.
Sin gulped down her drink, carefully placed the glass back on the bar, stood up, leaned over with both hands resting there, and gave Zeke a peck on the cheek.
"Don't forget to wait for me, Zeke!"
"I will."
With Zeke's assurance, Sin beamed brightly before jogging toward the exit.
Watching that delicate figure until she disappeared into the light emanating from the doorway, Zeke crushed the glass in his hand only then.
Crack!
Glass shards and spilled liquor splattered across the bar, releasing a strong alcoholic aroma.
Fu Hua retrieved a clean handkerchief and quietly dabbed at the alcohol on Zeke's hand. After tidying up the bar, she rested her chin in one palm, exasperatedly observing him.
"You knew it was risky; you clearly didn't want her to go. So why did you let her?" Fu Hua asked with a hint of disapproval, sighing deeply.
Few understood Mobius's danger better than Fu Hua, as her current body, spanning fifty millennia, had been crafted by none other than Mobius herself.
Thanks to Senti's ability, Fu Hua had regained many lost memories, including those distressing moments from the experiments—memories still unsettling even after fifty thousand years.
Zeke turned and retrieved some liquor and glasses from a cabinet. As he mixed a drink, he spoke: "The day I first met Sin, I told her that I needed her abilities. Over these years, I've unhesitatingly relied on her. However, as time passed and my options multiplied—with each Herrscher of humanity coming online—one after another—the escalating battlefield left less room for her to contribute—she fully understood that I no longer required her power as much."
"I could sense it too; that child seemed quite restless," Fu Hua said softly.
Her eyes, clear like the starlit sky, shimmered with tenderness and sorrow. It echoed her own past when she obediently followed Dr. Mobius, driven by helplessness and an urgent desire for change. She relentlessly pursued more power, feeling intolerably out of place if ever she paused.
Then, lifting her head, she gazed directly into Zeke's bright eyes.
"Her situation is different now; you're here to look after her. Therefore, you should stop her even more firmly. At the very least, wouldn't your involvement be safer than entrusting her to Dr. Mobius?"
As Fu Hua spoke, Zeke had just finished mixing the drink. She gently took his hand, kneading it delicately. She could feel the invincible strength in his bones and the boundless perfection of Honkai Energy permeating every fiber of his being.
Zeke allowed Fu Hua to manipulate his hand and sighed softly.
"It's not that simple. Modifying oneself versus modifying others are two different things; many aspects cannot be replicated. Otherwise, Anti-Entropy wouldn't have just me as their sole perfect MANTIS warrior, and Otto wouldn't possess only Hera's flawless body. If Fusion warriors could be effortlessly duplicated, we would've already created vast armies numbering in the thousands."
"I see... Alright, my ignorance is showing."
"It's merely a difference in domains, similar to what you call realms of mastery. Even Otto and I can't fully comprehend each other's expertise. Realistically speaking, I cannot guarantee granting Sin Herrscher-level power through this transformation. Moreover, such alterations might stifle her inherent potential, making it a risky gamble with little gain."
"You're right. She's still growing, and if she could follow a steady path of cultivation, gradually unlocking her abilities, her future prospects would be boundless. However, she likely realizes that time may not be on our side." Holding Zeke's hands, Fu Hua lowered her gaze and let out a somber sigh.
Throughout her battles against Honkai, Fu Hua had grown accustomed to these helpless situations.
She looked up, offering him a gentle smile. "You mentioned 'realistic factors,' implying there are other considerations?"
"Mm-hmm. Emotionally speaking, I suppose it's because I can't bear to let her go."
"You can't?"
"Don't think of me as heartless and unfeeling. She has invested her entire life in me—her joys, her smiles, even risking her life for battles—all for my sake. It's always been like this. So, I don't want her to endure excessive pain or face unnecessary risks. If not for her stubbornly strong-willed nature, arranging a safer position for her would have been my intention all along."
As Zeke spoke, he gently withdrew his hands from Fu Hua's grasp and pushed forward a drink he had prepared.
Fu Hua fell silent for a moment before lifting the glass and taking a sip with graceful restraint. A subtle smile then played at the corners of her lips.
"It's delicious—spicy yet refreshingly sweet, truly memorable."
"The base is a traditional Shenzhou liquor; glad you enjoy it." Zeke replied matter-of-factly, draining his own pale yellow drink in one gulp and exhaling deeply.
Fu Hua shrugged and downed her cup as well. As she tilted her head back, glimpses of her flawless, delicate neck added a captivating allure to the scene.
Finishing her drink, Fu Hua set down the empty cup, cheeks slightly flushed. With a languid charm, she remarked, "I've never thought you were cold-hearted, Zeke."
"Let's see if you still say that when I ask you to face certain death someday."
"Hah! That would undoubtedly be a necessary sacrifice. I'll fulfill my duty with a smile."
"After living for thousands upon thousands of years, your naivety remains unchanged. Should I mock or admire that aspect...? Another round, perhaps? It's rare to have some peace without those troublemakers and clingy ones around. Even Little Fuxi is busy keeping an eye on Senti's antics. Enjoying such quiet conversation isn't easy."
Zeke poured two more cups of wine and pushed them towards himself and Fu Hua.
Fu Hua smiled softly. "With Zeke, I wouldn't mind raising a hundred, even a thousand cups."
"Funny enough, same here."
"Cheers! To the flourishing of a new era, may it never fade!"
"Agreed, to the new era."
Their glasses clinked with a crisp sound.
Fu Hua's radiant smile, her delicate features glowing under the warm light, captivated those around her.
Even Zeke's usual cold demeanor softened, revealing a faint reassuring smile.
After several rounds of toast and conversation, Fu Hua rested her chin on one hand, her pink cheeks beaming gently as she said:
"That should be enough for now; any more, and we'll both end up tipsy without needing alcohol."
"Indeed, let's enjoy just enough," agreed Zeke.
With a sweep of his hand, all the drinks and glassware vanished from the table.
Fu Hua's gaze shifted towards Zeke. "Considering the timing, Sin must have met Dr. Mobius by now. Are you sure not to intervene?"
"How many of your heroic peers haven't repeatedly transcended boundaries, reaching Herrscher levels or even higher, thanks to her? In terms of creativity, Dr. Mobius is unparalleled throughout history, far surpassing both Otto and myself. Moreover, after obtaining my blood, she deciphered a perfect Fusion Gene Blueprint... Since Sin's determination cannot be swayed, let her pursue the path with the highest potential. Besides, since I'm not directly involved, it allows me some self-justification."
Ah, how truly hypocritical of me.
Zeke lifted his head, monitoring Sin's bodily changes through the quantum worker bees added to her drink. For what felt like the umpteenth time, he sighed deeply.
Suddenly, Fu Hua reached out with both hands, cupping Zeke's face and locking eyes with him, her flushed cheeks adorned with a captivating smile.
A verse came to mind—In endless ages, beauty never fades; the sight that pleases most is Miss Graceling.
"It's not hypocrisy!" Fu Hua smiled brightly, her eyes shimmering as she continued, "This is just Zeke being kind-hearted. Though your demeanor appears unyielding, deep down, you understand each person's convictions and beliefs, respecting them fully. You're neither coldhearted nor insincere; you simply protect everyone quietly behind a stoic facade. This is the Zeke we all love, and there couldn't be a better version. I guarantee it!"
"Ba-dump! Ba-dump!"
Gazing at the radiant smile before him, feeling the warmth and softness of the hands cradling his face, Zeke noticed his heartbeat pause momentarily, then quicken inexplicably.
For a moment, they remained frozen in this position. Then Zeke gently grasped Fu Hua's wrists and pried her hands apart.
"You're drunk, Fu Hua."
"Maybe...?"
Gradually, Fu Hua's smile faded as she freed herself from Zeke's hold. With one hand twirling a strand of hair, she lightly scratched her face with the other, averting her gaze sheepishly.
Zeke once again filled a cup with water for Fu Hua.
"Sob up a bit while I go check on them inside."
"Alright, I'll rest here."
Zeke stepped away, disappearing into the glow at the entrance to the lounge.
Seated at the bar, Fu Hua held the glass, waiting silently before taking a sip to dilute the taste of alcohol.
"What if I'm not actually drunk..."
A soft sigh echoed faintly through the room, eventually fading into tranquility.