After much discussion, everyone reached a consensus: this Lin was not the original Lin, yet he was still Lin.
The phrasing was abstract, but the reality was such. They felt this Lin was entirely different in many aspects—the eloquent tongue, the eyes that measured measurements, the uninhibited smile—he was the opposite extreme of the previous Lin. Yet he was still Lin. Beyond the fact that he could match any detail of their shared past, they vaguely sensed a connection and commonality between him and the original. For instance, despite his flowery words, he had not initiated physical contact with any of the girls present, maintaining a polite boundary.
Ultimately, they decided to send two representatives to negotiate with him: Elysia and Kevin.
"We cannot be certain who you are. Split personality from long-term stress, a pathological change in consciousness after entering the Core, hidden side effects of the Project Soldier surgery... or perhaps another consciousness that has Lin memories but isn't him." Elysia said solemnly to the smiling Lin. "So, I hope you can tell us the truth."
"The truth, huh..." Lin smile was meaningful. "What use is information provided unilaterally by me? You won't believe what you don't already believe; you have no means of verification. Or... do you just want me to act like this so you can accept it?"
With the last sentence, Lin tone changed abruptly. The cold, distant, and rational tone returned to his voice. Elysia was stunned, but Kevin immediately grabbed Lin collar and slammed him against the wall.
BAM!
"Kevin!" Elysia cried out, but Kevin didn't look back, his eyes locked onto the Lin who wore a playful smile.
Bone-chilling frost spread from his hands. Ice crystals formed on Lin clothes, and his face instantly turned pale and bloodless. Among them, only Kevin believed this Lin was absolutely not the original, and his thoughts beneath his cold exterior were unknown to the others.
"Where is Lin?" Kevin voice was colder than the air around him, striking the soul. His killing intent rose steadily.
Lin stared directly into Kevin eyes without a hint of fear. "That's why I said... even if I say I am Lin, you won't believe it, right?"
"..."
"Then you can just treat me as not being Lin."
The shift in Lin logic made even Kevin pause. Releasing his grip, Lin landed on the ground and straightened his collar. Mumbling "The clothes are frozen into a lump," he pulled the stiff fabric apart and smiled at the two. "I am not Lin. I'm a traveler who accidentally occupied his body. Soul transmigration, understand? I have all his memories, but the consciousness isn't the same person."
"Then where did Lin go?" Kevin questioned, staring at the nonchalantly smiling Lin.
"Yeah, where could he be... hehe, don't make that face, relax." Lin snapped his fingers comfortably. "Just treat it as Lin having 'Herrscher-fied.' I, this 'Herrscher consciousness,' have occupied his mind. However, his consciousness wasn't swallowed by me; it still exists somewhere. As long as you fulfill one request of mine, I'll return him to you."
"Do not lie to me," Kevin growled.
Just now, the Lin who was faking his flippant personality had made even Kevin think for a moment that he was the original. This made him even angrier. How could he judge if the one who returned after the request was fulfilled was the true Lin and not just this "traveler" acting the part? Furthermore, if this person's request was impossible to achieve or a threat to humanity, they couldn't do it.
"Hahahaha! Kevin, even after turning into an iceberg man, you can't change your impulsive streak."
Under the light, Lin covered his face with his hand. His smile was hazy and filled with a distinct meaning. "Don't worry. Once the original Lin is back, you'll definitely be able to tell. Because you're good friends, aren't you?"
He looked at Elysia, tilting his head with a grin. "Your 'best friend radar' will definitely find out, right? Ellie."
Elysia couldn't answer. She stared blankly at that smile. It was such an unfamiliar expression, yet it reminded her of something familiar. Was he smiling? Then why did she feel his expression was filled with helplessness and sorrow?
As if he were crying.
...
"Hey, wait, don't run, Kosma."
"..."
Kosma hurried away with his head down while Lin chased after him. Everyone in the hallway witnessed this strange scene. Eventually, Lin stamina won out. He grabbed Kosma back collar, panting. "What... are... you... running for..."
"..." Kosma looked at him nervously. Although Elysia and Kevin said the original Lin would return once the request was fulfilled and that the current Lin wouldn't harm them, he still couldn't quite accept this version.
"Honestly, you never speak properly. You take half a day to brew a sentence and only end up with two words. Do you think you're an end-of-the-month phone card always trying to save data?"
Lin pulled Kosma along. His nagging made Kosma facial muscles tighten further. Thus, they walked to the door in a cargo-hauling fashion.
Door? Which door? The main entrance of HQ, the transport plane landing pad.
"...What are you doing?" Kosma finally couldn't help asking. He saw Lin had changed into outdoor clothes, his expression eager.
"Ah? Didn't Dystopia tell you?" Lin asked back, leaving Kosma even more confused. "We're going with Dystopia to buy gifts."
"What?"
"A banquet! How can there be a banquet without gifts?"
Banquet? Kosma did know the request Lin made was for certain people to hold a dinner party, but he hadn't expected Lin to intend to go buy gifts.
"Dystopia has been waiting for a long time. A man shouldn't make a girl wait for him."
Kosma saw Dystopia, also changed into casual daily wear, standing next to a transport plane. She also looked nervous, constantly adjusting her hair using the plane's window as a mirror. Catching sight of Lin and Kosma, she returned to her normal self and waved at them. The girl's long hair fluttered in the breeze as she gazed tenderly at the Kosma being pulled by Lin.
Lin waved back, then lowered his head to whisper into Kosma ear: "Remember, you must be the one to choose Dystopia gift."
"Why?"
Lin didn't answer. Instead, he let go of him and walked forward with that smile. Kosma stood in place, staring blankly at his back. After a moment, hearing Dystopia call, he followed.