After choosing "Abundance," a strange feeling suddenly welled up in Li Mo's heart, but he didn't dwell on it.
He turned, draped the coat hanging on the wall over the sleeping Mobius, and left the laboratory.
In the medical room, Hua's father was still receiving treatment. All instruments showed normal readings.
Klein was busy processing a mountain of documents. Li Mo didn't disturb her, quietly walking outside alone.
The sky gradually filled with a deep, dark blue. The moon hung high, casting a soft glow. Li Mo stood there, gazing at the profound night sky.
While waiting for rescue in the ruins, Li Mo had seen Hua arrive at the martial arts hall with a group of people.
That should have been the moment of reunion after much hardship, following the disaster. But the man behind him, neither dead nor truly alive, made Li Mo dismiss the thought.
They would surely reunite, but not now.
Li Mo didn't want Hua to see her father in that state. He wanted to give her a big enough surprise.
He hoped Mobius could heal Hua's father soon, so he could return to her side and fulfill his childhood promise.
To always accept her, no matter what Hua became, and watch her move forward from behind.
But, it stopped there. Li Mo couldn't take it any further.
He and she were just family, nothing more.
On the night of Hua's last birthday celebration, Hua had wanted him to stay.
Li Mo, who usually complied unconditionally with Hua's wishes, refused. A voice inside him told him Hua wasn't the one he was waiting for.
Li Mo sighed. His usually buoyant personality settled like a pebble sinking into a cold pond. He leaned blankly against the railing, gazing far into the distance.
"I feel like I've forgotten so many things. Can't remember clearly, no matter how hard I try... Everything is like quicksand; the harder I try to hold on, the faster it slips away, until nothing is left but emptiness and void."
"I don't think I'm supposed to be like this – frivolous, lively, naive, romantic, like something out of a fantasy fairy tale."
"I should be the faces in my dreams."
"The crimson moon, the purple eyeball in a vast white world."
"The decadent steam city, the empty streets at night."
"White-haired, stooped body shuffling along, falling from horseback to death."
"The gloomy forest, the debauched night, the scarlet eyes spying on obscenity in the darkness."
"Vague fragments, constantly surfacing around this time every night."
"Who am I really? Where did I come from, and where am I going?"
"Is the current me really me? Is it Mo?"
Li Mo leaned against the railing, head bowed, watching ants below the large tree carrying the dead bodies of insects in organized lines. They moved towards the same direction, with purpose, order, and regularity, unlike him, who knew nothing clearly.
His heart felt empty, impossible to fill.
Thoughts tangled, butterflies fluttered, stars poured down.
Tonight remained silent.
"Go back. Maybe sleeping will help."
Li Mo turned from the corridor and walked towards the base's rooms. Fire Moth had prepared plenty of guest rooms, but Mobius and Klein were mostly accustomed to sleeping in the lab.
Working until the last moment of mental exhaustion, it wasn't an exaggeration to say they fell asleep instantly afterwards.
The rest area was deserted because Mobius's core experimental area was accessible only to her and her three assistants: Klein, Danzhu, and Cangxuan.
Other researchers sent by Fire Moth to assist were driven away; Mobius didn't like them.
It was also to ensure her secrets weren't discovered.
However... after entering the rest area, Li Mo noticed many exquisite desserts, red tea, as well as girly-style bags and a thin coat on the table.
Are there guests?
Probably here to discuss experimental collaboration with Mobius.
Li Mo speculated; it had nothing to do with him.
He turned towards his room. Before reaching it, he felt a light tap on his back.
A pink, fleshy hand holding a phone extended from behind.
The phone displayed a photo of a girl. Slightly curly pink long hair, neat slanted bangs tied into a ponytail at the back, making a winking gesture, smiling radiantly.
But what caught Li Mo's attention the most was that her eyes were exactly the same as his, without the slightest difference.
"Excuse me, have you seen the beautiful and lovely girl in the photo? She's very cute, looks just like the prettiest little angel in the world~!"
Li Mo turned around, glanced at the real Elysia, then at the photo on the phone.
Confirmed it was the same person.
"Heehee, she's not missing or anything. I just think she's very pretty. You should look more, shouldn't you?"
A laugh like silver bells, ethereal and clear, echoed in the quiet rest area.
But when Elysia walked around to face Li Mo directly, the smile on her face suddenly vanished, replaced by utter confusion. However, the confusion didn't linger for more than two seconds before her carefree smile returned.
They both spoke almost simultaneously: "Your eyes are really beautiful."
"..."
"Ahem, let me introduce myself first. My name is Elysia. As you can see, a maiden as radiant as a flower."
"I came here to play with Dr. Mobius. Everyone says Mobius is cold and dislikes anyone other than Klein, Nuwa, and Fuxi entering her area. Looks like the rumors aren't entirely true."
"But now I'm more interested in you, literally. It's a long night, how about chatting with me? I promise I won't let you get bored~!"
Elysia passionately expressed emotions blooming like flowers. This fervent feeling greatly attracted Li Mo.
A special girl, worth getting to know.
Li Mo silently labeled Elysia in his mind.
"Of course, I wouldn't refuse such an eager invitation. My name is Mo. Nice to meet you. I think we'll have many topics in common."
"Uh-huh? Inviting a lone girl into your room... are you thinking of... doing something naughty? That's not allowed."
"Miss Elysia, your perception of me is merely a reflection of your own inner thoughts, not my true self. It exposes you, not me. So whether I want to do something naughty is questionable, but you definitely are thinking about doing naughty things. You're the naughtiest child."
Faced with Elysia's seduction and teasing, Li Mo replied calmly.
Elysia blinked her pink eyes, light shining within them.
At that moment, she suddenly realized the person before her seemed less boring than others, like her own shadow.
"Alright, Mr. Mo, forgive me, okay? You know, I really am a good girl."
"How can you prove it?"
As soon as the words fell, cherry-pink lips, like a dragonfly skimming water, lingered on Li Mo's cheek for a moment.
A kiss mark, clear and distinct.
"Does... this count?"
Elysia reached out and took Li Mo's hand.
The moment Elysia kissed Li Mo, his pink eyes visibly glitched, becoming cloudy and dim, then returning to normal an instant later.
Countless blurry memory fragments once again swept through his mind, complex and numerous, thousands upon thousands, Li Mo couldn't retain a single drop.
---||---
After that, Li Mo wasn't clear about what happened.
He lived near Mobius, at the Fire Moth headquarters, day after day.
Waiting for Hua's father to awaken.
And before that day arrived, led by Elysia, Li Mo met various girls with diverse styles.
One week after Li Mo joined Fire Moth—
The busy Mobius and her trio of assistants in the lab finally got a day off, gathering together...
To eat instant noodles.
Nuwa: "Dr. Mobius, can't we call Mo back? I don't want to eat instant noodles anymore, Woohoo."
Fuxi: "+1. Although instant noodles are cost-effective as a meal, long-term consumption seriously impacts bodily functions. High oil and fat disrupt the internal environment. Of course, instant noodles are cheap, quite a bargain."
Nuwa: "Money-grubber Fuxi, stop talking about money all the time! Money is an external object..."
Fuxi: "Indeed, money is external. But begging for funding at the beginning of the month is truly pathetic."
Klein: "Doctor, Mo went on vacation with Elysia. Said they'll be back in a month."
Mobius: "Elysia... Heh, what does her taking someone on vacation have to do with me? She can take whoever she wants on vacation. She's Elysia, who can control her?"
Klein: "Doctor, you said 'her' four times consecutively. My assessment indicates you are very angry."
"Also, Doctor, you deleted Mo's iris verification. He won't be able to enter the lab when he returns from vacation."
Mobius: "Klein, do you want to be expelled too?"
"Or were you bought over by him with just a few meals?"
Klein: "No, I just... Mmph..."
Nuwa: "Ha... haha... Dr. Mobius, Klein has been working too much lately, her head's all tired and fuzzy, haha..."
One month after Li Mo joined Fire Moth—
Mei officially became part of Fire Moth's decision-making layer, a leader and scientist responsible for humanity's development and direction in the field of Honkai.
At a ball, almost all Fire Moth personnel raised their glasses together in celebration.
Mobius wore an evening gown, followed by her three little attendants.
Nuwa: "Why isn't Elysia here? No way she'd miss such a grand ball, right? I bet she disguised herself as a waitress to meet all the pretty new girls joining Fire Moth, and then make her move!"
Fuxi: "Not sure. But this food seems very expensive. Pack some to take back later... can save quite a bit of money on food."
Klein: "Doctor, Elysia hasn't bothered you at all since returning from vacation. And she moved Mo into her house to live together."
Mobius: "..."
"Heh."
"I know. Klein, why don't you take a nap now? Preferably don't wake up."
Klein: "So sleepy..."
Fuxi: "!"
Nuwa: "?! Dr. Mobius, why are you carrying chloroform!!"
Half a year after Li Mo joined Fire Moth—
Kosma and Griseo joined Fire Moth.
The 5th Herrscher: Herrscher of Ice was born, killed by Kalpas before Fire Moth arrived. Kalpas was severely injured in the battle with the Herrscher of Ice, found by Aponia, and subsequently became a porter in Aponia's 'Disciplinary Perdition'.
Sakura was ordered to assassinate Mei but was stopped by Kevin. Later, at Mei's suggestion, she joined Fire Moth, becoming an indispensable trump card for Mei against the United Nations.
The 6th Herrscher: Herrscher of Death was born. During the battle, Kevin hesitated due to her seemingly retained human emotions. The Herrscher of Death went berserk, causing massive civilian casualties, and was later killed by Kevin.
One year after Li Mo joined Fire Moth—
Unofficial news circulating within Fire Moth: Elysia and Mo were "presumably" tacitly together. Their personalities were becoming increasingly similar; speaking style and mannerisms were converging.
Same year, Himeko's Honkai erosion worsened. She could only rely on heavy drinking to temporarily suppress the bone-deep pain.
Shortly after, the 7th Herrscher: Herrscher of Flame, descended upon the world using Himeko, the captain of Fire Moth's 5th Squad and governor of Australia, as its vessel, turning the entire continent into a sea of fire.
Except for Hua, all Anti-Honkai warriors in Australia were wiped out.
Mei proposed the incomplete MANTIS project. Kevin fused with the DNA of the Emperor-class Honkai Beast Parvati, gaining the power to control ice, rushed to the Australian battlefield, and confronted Himeko.
At the final moment, Himeko saw Hua in the center of the battlefield and showed her a familiar smile amidst the flames.
Human consciousness briefly suppressed the Herrscher's destructive desire, allowing Kevin to slay Himeko.
A deep blue ice lance pierced Himeko's chest.
From then on, in Hua's perception, no one she knew remained alive in the world.
Kalpas joined Fire Moth, Su joined Fire Moth, Aponia joined Fire Moth.
The 8th Herrscher: Herrscher of Sentience was born, confirmed dead one month later.
During this month, Hua followed the main forces leaving Australia and went to Fire Moth headquarters, unexpectedly hearing news about Li Mo.
And learned about the related stories of Li Mo and Elysia.
"..."
Hua underwent the MANTIS surgery, was injected with Super Variable factors, received the Divine Key tuning experiment...
As the sole survivor at the time, Hua was regarded as a witch, as if returning to her childhood, isolated and excluded.
No one was by her side.
"So cold..."
Half a year after the 10th Herrscher was defeated, with the successful development of the mass-produced Divine Key: Key of Domination, the MANTIS project was put back on the agenda.
Hua from the original 5th Squad, along with survivors from other squads, formed a new team. They were sent to the outskirts of Australia city for testing the 10th Divine Key, all having been injected with Meta-Morph agents beforehand.
A small room was filled with armor and weapons.
Tomorrow, she would participate in the battle to reclaim the Australian rare earth mining area with her new teammates.
Inside the room, Hua occupied an area alone. The other six team members huddled together, whispering, occasionally casting unfriendly glances towards Hua.
"Tsk, why are we on the same team as her? It's over, it's over... Tomorrow is definitely ill-fated. Afraid we won't survive."
"What do you mean?"
"Haven't you heard about the 'glorious achievements' of the one behind me? Rumor has it, since childhood, anyone who gets close to her, or even knows her, dies inexplicably. No exceptions!"
"Really? Is there someone that unlucky?"
"Unlucky? Heh, you think too highly of her. Her luck is actually great. Thousands injected with super variable factors, and only she survived. The higher-ups found new teammates for her, but guess what? Every time they returned from a mission, only she was alive, teammates all dead. We're her fifth team, so...唉 [sigh], prepare your last words..."
"Th-that terrifying? Don't scare me, this is my first mission... Tomorrow our mission is to reclaim the Australian rare earth mine. Many squads are participating, it should be safe, right?"
"Who knows? You'll have to ask that 'Witch' if she's feeling merciful!"
Clearly, the newcomers in the team, influenced by the insider's account, quickly developed a negative impression of Hua, frequently casting looks of disgust and contempt her way.
They had never witnessed the legends about this 'witch', but with life and death at stake, even legends were hard to disregard.
"..."
Hua heard these gossiping whispers clearly.
Always, invariably, she brought misfortune to those around her.
Perhaps dying during the mission was the best end for her.
Whenever night fell and silence descended, those painful memories would surge back.
Hua didn't want to disturb Li Mo, nor did she dare to.
At every gathering, Hua would wear a hat, dressed in oversized clothes, hiding in a corner, silently watching Li Mo and Elysia shine like the moon in the sky, captivating everyone's attention. They stood on the glamorous stage, bathed in dazzling neon lights, cheered by the masses.
People flocked around them.
Beautiful clothes, affectionate gazes, inseparable gestures.
This was the destiny Li Mo deserved, not being stuck in a corner hiding his due achievements and brilliance just to take care of an unfortunate witch.
It's just...
Hua clenched her fists, knuckles turning white. Although she was unwilling to admit it, this was the reality.
Li Mo was indeed doing well after leaving her. He had girls he liked at the base, and girls who liked him.
Without the witch by his side, he could smile happily every day, carefree.
This was the life that belonged to him.
But what about her? Had he really forgotten her, forgotten Hua?
Thoughts tangled, butterflies fluttered, stars poured down.
Hua left her room, stepping out under the night sky. Tonight remained silent.
The stars in the sky twinkled, like the helpless tears of an abandoned child.
The evening wind rustled, all was silent. Hua walked through the corridor, heading towards the mountain peak behind the base.
The peak had a long stone path, the steps covered in moss and worn smooth by time.
It would take an ordinary person considerable time to reach the summit, but as a MANTIS, even though Hua hadn't shown any special abilities yet, she was still one of the few survivors among thousands of test subjects.
The researchers and high command held great expectations for her, but Hua knew these expectations would ultimately be dashed. She was just a lost lamb.
Unable to even see her present self clearly, how could she run towards the future?
"So cold..."
Hua murmured softly, hugging the worn-out plush toy, a severely faded brown bear.
Walking along the dark path through the woods, the cool wind brushed against her thin body.
Along the way, Hua sensed many people had passed by – officers, seniors, juniors.
Upon seeing her, everyone fled in panic without exception, not even offering a greeting, terrified of violating some taboo, of being tainted by the witch's misfortune.
Gradually, Hua reached the mountain peak. The lonely, cold moon illuminated her indifferent face. Her expression remained blank until she glanced at a brightly lit spot in the base below.
She couldn't hear, but could feel the warm and gentle atmosphere. A group of people gathered around, celebrating the birthday of the pink-haired girl in the center.
And standing beside the pink-haired girl was the family member she thought of day and night—Mo.
There had been many chances for Hua to reunite with Li Mo, but she didn't, and she wouldn't...
Seeing others' happiness, Hua occasionally imagined herself as the protagonist of the story, fantasizing that she too could walk alongside those around her, happy together.
Fantasy is ultimately fantasy. No matter how beautiful, it's false. When the dream ends, harsh reality arrives.
"Why do I always survive? Why do the people around me always die one after another..."
"For someone like me, wouldn't death be the best ending? Both for me, and for those around me..."
"But..."
Hua hugged the plush brown bear tighter, clutching a broken fragment of Himeko's greatsword in her hand.
If she simply died like this, what would become of those who willingly sacrificed themselves for her? A vain sacrifice? Meaningless?
Hua didn't want to betray Captain Himeko's expectations, nor did she want the person in her heart to fare poorly in this world.
But she wasn't a genius, far from catching up to the monsters of Fire Moth.
"Ah... I feel like I'm back in childhood again, back to being alone."
"No one wants to get close to me, everyone is afraid..."
"What should I do...?"
Pupils trembled. Hua stood on the towering mountain peak. The biting cold wind whipped against her skin. She was like a fragile sapling; a slightly stronger wind could blow her down, tumbling into the abyss below.
And in the base, Li Mo still chatted and laughed with Elysia, blending into the warm, orange atmosphere.
After a long wait, Hua left the mountaintop, silently returning to her room, deliberately turning her back to the others to sleep. As long as she didn't face their gazes, Hua wouldn't feel too sad.
---||---
At the party, Li Mo couldn't help but walk to the window, raising his head to look towards the mountain peak.
"What's wrong? Gazing at the starry sky, contemplating life?"
"No, just suddenly felt like doing it. It's nothing important. It's getting late, Ely, let's go home and rest."
"Mm, be gentle tonight..."
"That's not what you said at the beginning. You could be more proactive, you know."
---||---
That night, dim light barely illuminated the bedsheets.
Face flushed rosy, pretty cheeks crimson. The girl clutched the thin covers, hiding her jade-like, flawless white skin, turning her head away. Yet the pungent scent of the turbid white substance could still be clearly smelled.
Where the white turbidity touched, moisture surely followed.
Elysia curled up under the covers, trembling all over.