Fire Moth.
Here, heartbeats and breathing interwove into a beautiful melody.
On the other side, it was the same.
"Eh—, the, the Demon God likes me? Mom, are you crazy, or am I crazy?"
Carole, who had just finished showering, wrapped in a snow-white bath towel, froze in place, her eyes wide, upon hearing her mother's words.
"Hah~, how did I end up with such a stupid daughter?"
Carole's mother frowned slightly in exasperation, rubbing her temples helplessly.
Her daughter inherited her almost perfect figure, but not her brains.
To describe her in one sentence: Beautiful, rich, and easy to fool!
"He's not interested in you?"
"Then why did the Demon God travel all that way just to save you? Do you think the Demon God has nothing better to do?"
Carole's mother snorted, frustrated by her daughter's lack of ambition.
"Uh..."
"Maybe... the Demon God went to save Hua, and just dragged me along?"
Carole scratched her wet hair. Water droplets slid down her strands and dripped onto her collarbone, but she was completely unaware of her own sex appeal.
"Idiot!"
"Is that Hua as pretty as my daughter? Does she have a figure as good as my daughter, or a personality as good?"
"Besides, that's a Heroic Legacy! The selection of the first Ascendants, a once-in-a-millennium opportunity."
"If he was only going for Hua, why would the Demon God specifically add you?"
"Don't you think something is wrong here?"
Carole's mother was fuming, feeling like her daughter was a lost cause.
Carole's lips parted slightly, her eyes drifting, and she muttered: "Uh, now that you mention it... but, but, what do I have that could attract the Demon God?"
She looked down at herself, then up, her face full of confusion.
She felt she wasn't as pretty as Hua.
Her mother was so angry that her temples throbbed. Is your self-perception wrong?
So, she grabbed the edge of the bath towel on her daughter.
Then, she pulled hard!
Whoosh~
The bath towel was ripped off.
The small "803" tanned Carole was slippery.
Three seconds later, Carole screamed: "Mom, what are you doing?"
Then, like a startled little rabbit, she quickly darted onto the bed and burrowed under the covers, only her flushed face showing.
Her eyes were watery, looking like she was about to cry at any moment.
"Hmph! Do you know what's attractive now?"
"This body, this face, which man wouldn't be tempted? The Demon God is not a block of wood."
Her mother smiled triumphantly, slowly scanning the faint curves under the covers.
Carole's face grew even redder, her ears almost dripping blood, and she stammered, unable to form a complete sentence: "I, I, I, I..."
"You idiot."
Her mother sat down on the edge of the bed, reached under the covers, took her daughter's hand, and advised her earnestly.
"Who cares who you're with, and who cares who you have a child with?"
"If you have such good genes available, why would you choose anyone else?"
"Our whole family is going to the Xianzhou to make a living. That place is the Heaven Beyond Heaven, full of powerful people. If small fries like us go there, we'll have to watch our step just to breathe."
"At a time like this, if you don't quickly hug the Demon God's thigh, do you want our family to go drink the northwest wind?"
Carole's face was red, and her long eyelashes fluttered: "Why don't, why don't you just go yourself, Mom..."
She's still a child.
The topic of 'having children' was too heavy for her.
Carole's father, who was secretly listening outside the wall, darkened his face, wanting to cry but having no tears.
You are truly filial. You're going to be the death of me.
(＞﹏＜)
Inside the room, her mother chuckled: "Heh—, if I were ten years younger, there wouldn't be any need for you."
The voice was not loud, but it was like a knife, accurately stabbing the man outside in the heart.
Carole's father wanted to die.
"Alright! It's settled!"
Her mother slapped the bedside, saying decisively.
"Tomorrow is too busy. The day after tomorrow, after the Heroic Legacy ceremony, you ask the Demon God out for a drink. Then you get yourself drunk. No, half-drunk."
"Then, with hazy eyes, a flushed face, and broken speech, you lean on the Demon God, and then, and then..."
Saying this, she leaned close to Carole's ear, whispering in a low voice.
Carole's face grew redder the more she listened, her ears burned almost to the point of congestion, and steam practically rose from her forehead with a hiss.
She shrank into the covers, looking like a cooked shrimp.
(Mom, she's so good at this.)
Thinking of the Demon God's imposing figure, Carole's heart thumped, and her face grew redder and redder.
Finally, she couldn't hear her mother's words anymore.
She pulled the quilt over her head.
...
The sky fire will eventually be extinguished.
The raging tide will also recede.
The earth gradually came to a rest.
Ryuga, feeling refreshed, sighed: "It was truly a wonderful two hours."
"Susu, what do you think a Herrscher and a human would give birth to?"
After the tide receded, Elysia curled up in Ryuga's arms, like a tired bird finding its nest, her heart strangely peaceful.
The world quieted down, leaving only their breathing and heartbeats, interweaving into the gentlest melody.
Her small hand drew irregular circles on Ryuga's chest, making him tremble slightly, a tingling sensation spreading through his heart.
The scene around them was still a mess.
The exquisite 'Miss Summer Fairy' swimsuit was now lying lonely on the carpet.
"That... no Herrscher has tried it, right?"
Ryuga was stunned. He looked down at the girl in his arms, unconsciously tightening his arm, holding her a little closer.
A Herrscher having a child?
He really didn't know.
He only knew that when Alexandra was pregnant with Bronya, the excessive Honkai energy from the Stigmata almost killed the fetus. By the same logic, a Herrscher might not be able to have children either.
However, Alexandra was a bit special because of Mystelin. As for the situation of other 'Stigmata Awakened', Ryuga didn't know.
The Flame-Chasers fused with Honkai Beast genes, so they were essentially no longer human.
That leaves only the Herrscher of Lust, Rita, who could have children.
O_O?
Durandal could too.
In the game, if Chen Tianwu and Anna were still alive, they might have been able to study whether Herrschers could have children.
Of course, he planned to intercept Anna.
Currently, the only Herrscher offspring are clones of the First Herrscher, Welt Joyce.
This suggests that having Herrscher genes does not affect cell and embryo development, so the influencing factor is mainly the 'body environment'?
Hmm, that's not right either. Anna is from the Schariac family.
The special constitution of the Schariac family means their sacred blood can purify Honkai energy, or rather, purify the negative effects on ordinary people.
It is also for this reason that she has been able to resist the Honkai.
"..."
Elysia just smiled softly, her breath brushing against Ryuga's neck, warm and soft as a feather.
She didn't press the question further.
Did she realize something?
She knew that some answers didn't need to be spoken.
At this moment, a heartbeat was the answer, and an embrace was eternity.
"We will have children."
Ryuga said, adding a silent thought.
(In the grand finale.)
"Sleep."
Elysia closed her eyes. She was a little tired.
"Mhm."
Ryuga held the beauty in his arms tighter, kissed the girl's forehead, and closed his eyes to sleep.
After all, he had spent four hours of physical energy.
He didn't know if other Herrschers could get pregnant, but Elysia was a natural Herrscher.
However, Ryuga might be the key.
The power of Abundance, the power of Propagation.
Or, becoming an Ascendant?
Ryuga hugged the girl a little tighter.
The lovely person in his arms seemed to sense Ryuga's affection, and her soft body wrapped around him like a snake, murmuring lazily.
...
Waking up at noon and having a sweet lunch with Ryuga, Elysia left to prepare for the Heroic Legacy ceremony for the Ascendants tomorrow.
This was a major event for the current Fire Moth.
If time hadn't been so tight, the higher-ups of the Fire Moth would probably have notified people from all states to attend the ceremony.
Elysia kissed Ryuga and left.
She didn't mention Himeko.
"..."
Ryuga shook his head.
It wasn't that Elysia was generous; it was that she thought it was impossible for her to have children.
Of course, Elysia might also be hoping that more beautiful girls would be around him.
As night fell, Ryuga followed the address and quickly found the agreed-upon bar.
Jazz music, accompanied by the mellow aroma of whiskey and cigars, filled the slightly tipsy air.
At the bar, Himeko was already drinking alone.
She wore a dark night black evening gown, adorned with layers of black roses.
Her hair, like burning flames, was casually draped over her back.
A silver chain choker was tightly fastened around her neck, also inlaid with a delicate black rose.
She was clearly dressed up.
"Beautiful lady, do you mind if I sit here?"
Ryuga walked up and offered a rose.
He had casually plucked it from the bush outside the bar.
"Thanks."
Himeko smiled, took the rose, and then plucked the petals one by one, soaking them in her drink.
She has taste.
"The black rose suits you very well."
Ryuga admired her generously.
It must be said that the three 'Himekos' each had their own characteristics.
The Himeko of Star Rail was elegant and intellectual, showing nobility in every gesture.
The Himeko of the Previous Era was more of a soldier's heroism.
As for the current era, she was a fiery drunkard.
He looked forward to gathering all three to play Mahjong.
"I resigned from the Fire Moth."
"Oh."
Himeko was in a bad mood. She tilted her head back and drank the entire glass of petal wine in one gulp.
The clear wine went down her throat, but it couldn't suppress the dull pain surging in her heart.
A faint red stain was left on the corner of her lips.
She slowly looked up, looking at Ryuga in confusion: "What did you mean when you said I was being targeted by the 'Honkai God'?"
"It's negative emotions."
Ryuga sighed lightly, a hint of pity in his eyes.
The threads of karma around Himeko were tightening inch by inch.
"Sadness, despair, pain, fear, and even the desire to destroy the world—these are all excellent qualities in the eyes of the Honkai God."
Ryuga replied.
"Heh, perhaps?"
"I never thought I had the potential to become a 'Herrscher'? Tsk."
Himeko laughed self-deprecatingly, poured herself another glass, and drank it down with a gulp. Her face instantly flushed red.
She was indeed feeling some despair and indignation over the corruption of the Fire Moth's higher-ups.
Especially this time...
Her unit was about to be hit by a swarm of Honkai Beasts, but the frontline commander ordered her to retreat immediately!
It was insane. What kind of higher-ups were they?
"..."
Ryuga shook his head and drank with Himeko. She needed to vent now.
Six Honkai outbreaks, six battles, huge casualties, and accumulated psychological pressure.
Humanity was about to be destroyed, yet the higher-ups of the Fire Moth were still fighting for power and profit. The corrupt and incompetent organization filled her with deep despair.
Thus, she gradually developed extreme anger.
She originally planned to go to Australia to see Eden's concert to relax.
But at that moment, she resonated with the Honkai energy, eventually awakening as the Herrscher of Flames in despair.
And she attacked the Fifth Squad she led. Except for Hua, who luckily escaped, all the members of the Fifth Squad were killed.
"So I quit. Boss, I'll be relying on you for my salary from now on."
Himeko raised her glass, and the two clinked.
She still didn't know what Ryuga wanted her to do.
Thinking about it carefully, besides fighting, she didn't seem to know how to do anything else.
"Do you want to slap the higher-ups of the Fire Moth hard?"
"Of course!"
"Then participate in the Ascendant Legacy ceremony tomorrow."
"Ascendant?"
Ryuga explained, and a sharp light burst from Himeko's eyes. Then, she threw her head back and laughed heartily.
The resentment that had been suppressed for years finally had a chance to strike back.
Did they think the Ascendant spots were all reserved for the Fire Moth?
Well, surprise.
I'm one too!
But I already quit.
Hahahaha, and they're even using the Fire Moth's venue.
Will they regret it?
Only Fu Hua would remain out of the four Ascendants.
The higher-ups of the Fire Moth would probably cry themselves to death.
As the alcohol took hold, Himeko talked more, recounting past anecdotes, until she was completely drunk.
Ryuga supported Himeko's soft body. Her voluptuous silhouette, outlined by the streetlights, cast a lazy and seductive shadow.
Back at the hotel, he carefully placed her on the soft bed.
He took off her shoes and wrung out a warm, damp towel to wipe her slightly hot face a few times.
Then, as he straightened up, his wrist was suddenly grabbed by a cool hand.
"Don't go..."
Himeko murmured, pulling hard.
Ryuga was caught off guard. He lost his balance and fell straight onto her voluptuous body.
For a moment, an indescribable, astonishing pressure came from his chest.
Before he could recover, Himeko cupped his face.
Her drunken eyes were now shining brightly.
Then, she fiercely bit down.
Ryuga felt a mix of drunken arrogance and long-suppressed grief and indignation.
...
The next day.
"You..."
"Lord Demon God, you took advantage of me."
Looking at Ryuga, who was smiling ambiguously beside her, Himeko's face flushed, and she turned her head away.
"Huh?"
"I took advantage of you? My dear Ms. Himeko, do you want to recall who made the first move?"
Ryuga was amused.
"Me?"
Himeko tapped her head. Memories flooded back, and her face grew even redder.
Ryuga pretended to look wronged and said: "I was about to leave, and you suddenly grabbed my hand, and then you..."
"Stop!" Himeko turned around angrily, covering Ryuga's mouth. "Couldn't you have just refused me?"
"Huh?"
"Do you know what you're saying?"
"You're so beautiful, and your figure is top-notch. If I refused, I wouldn't be a normal man, would I?"
"Well, I did hesitate for a second between 'beast' and 'worse than a beast'."
Ryuga opened his mouth and kissed Himeko's palm.
She shivered and quickly pulled her hand back.
"Only one second?"
"So, you decisively chose 'beast'?"
Himeko twitched her lips.
Ryuga shrugged: "Yep."
Himeko was so angry that her chest heaved violently, and her cheeks were flushed.
This only made Ryuga more appreciative. His gaze wandered over her rising and falling curves, enjoying the feast for his eyes.
In fact, Himeko knew very well that she still had her wits about her last night.
It was just the shyness of a girl waking up.
This bastard should have indulged her and coaxed her, but instead, he hit her with a magic attack.
Her mind was completely scrambled.
After recovering, a dangerous curve suddenly appeared at the corner of her lips, like a quietly drawn short blade, cold and deadly.
"Then, how was the experience for our Demon God Boss last night?"
Ryuga made a show of slurping his lips, squinting his eyes as he savored the memory: "Very moist."
"I'll make you moist again!"
Himeko's face instantly turned crimson with anger. She suddenly straddled Ryuga's stomach.
The two rolled onto the soft carpet, playing around.
Himeko's hands were around Ryuga's neck.
Ryuga wasn't annoyed. He reached out to tickle Himeko's waist.
"Ah~! Hehehe, let go, hehe~!"
"You let go first."
"You first."
Laughter and playful scolding intertwined.
...
Meanwhile, the higher-ups of the Fire Moth, looking at the list submitted, were slapping themselves in regret.
Elysia, Himeko, Hua, Carole.
To be continued…
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