Chapter 151: Kevin, tears don’t freeze, right?

Crash——

The sound of waves echoes in his ears, and there is fine sand beneath him.

The white waves gently lapped on the beach, and the tide gently brushed over his body, soaking the corners of his clothes.

Hmm~

The gentle song brings up a soft breeze, quietly drifting away along the moist sea breeze. The golden notes ride on the wind and drift away, drifting to where they should go.

But... until his singing stopped and until the scheduled time was over, Nozomi still didn't get the response he expected.

"Why I couldn't get a response from... Skadi..."

Nozomi murmured softly, lowered his head, looked at the hunter hat in his arms, and sighed with some regret.

Crash——

The tide blew gently, bringing him some messages.

"So...is she working hard? Then she still needs to rest...she's been working so hard after all."

Nozomi smiled gently and placed the hunter's hat in his arms lightly on the surging seawater.

"Well... please, help me give this to her. I remember she likes this hat very much."

Crash——

"Haha, I know. She will like anything I give it. After all, she is a [blood relative]. But... I think this one should be very suitable for her, so... can you help me deliver it to it?"

Crash——

The waves were silent, they just gently swept the hat away. The hat did not float on the sea, but was immersed in the seawater and soon disappeared.

"Thank you very much~"

Nozomi smiled happily, stretched out his hand, and gently touched the surging white waves. The seawater became a little sticky the moment it touched his palm, but soon it returned to normal and flowed quietly through his hands.

It loves Nozomi, so it will not force him back to its "home". It will be satisfied as long as he visits it from time to time.

Crash——

The waves gently hit his body, reminding him that the "time" has come and telling him that it will deliver his care and gifts to Skadi's hands. Now, Nozomi should take care of his own affairs first. If he need help, the [Ocean] will be his greatest help... Here will be his "home."

"Thanks for the reminder~"

Nozomi smiled happily and slowly stood up. The waves rose quietly at this time, washing away the sand on his legs and clothes, just like a mother tidying up clothes for her child who was about to go on a long journey.

"To be honest, I don't know how to thank you."

Crash——

"No, I'm serious. No matter what, you've helped me a lot. Although many of my songs are related to you,... compared to the help you've given me, it pales in comparison."

Nozomi placed his hand lightly on his chest, his gaze resting on the vast blue sea. After pausing for a while, he took a deep breath, as if he had made some decision, and smiled again and spoke softly.

"Thank you so much for taking care of me, helping me, tolerating my willfulness time and time again, and loving me so much."

"Thank you very much... [Mother]."

At that moment, Nozomi could clearly feel that the sound of the sea... disappeared, as if the entire seawater had frozen.

Nozomi smiled silently, bowed solemnly to the Ocean, then stepped back, turned around, and left the beach.

Crash——

The waves repeatedly hit the beach, the sound of the waves seemed cheerful and exciting, yet also faintly anxious... It realized, it sensed, that this was Nozomi's "farewell."

The white waves hit the beach several times, trying to chase Nozomi's figure. The humid sea breeze blew quietly, conveying a question to Nozomi, but all of this... received no answer.

It could only turn around and anxiously find the child that Nozomi loved, the child called [Skadi], to help it outline the shape faster so that Skadi could get ashore before Nozomi was hurt. In this way, the two children who were close to each other could take care of each other.

Only...

"You can stay a little longer, Nozomi."

Kevin, holding the [Judgment of Shamash] in his hand, had a stern face, trying hard not to show his sadness, and spoke bit by bit.

"No need. If you stay any longer, people will become more suspicious of you, and that will be bad."

"I don't care."

"But I care."

"..."

"Kevin, let's go, we should go back."

Nozomi took brisk steps and walked forward on his own initiative, while Kevin followed silently... His duty was to [monitor Nozomi], and even if necessary... [kill Nozomi].

Kevin didn't want to take on this task at first, because it was a complete betrayal of Nozomi, especially since Nozomi had just helped him solve the problem of side effects, allowing him to hug Mei again, but now he was asked to turn the sword towards Nozomi, which was simply unreasonable.

But in the end, he took it... at Mei's suggestion.

There is no way. Now the conflicts within "Fire Moth" regarding Nozomi have become increasingly fierce, especially since other senior executives of "Fire Moth" are more inclined to "attack" Nozomi. In this case, even if Kevin does not accept this task, "Fire Moth" will arrange other people.

Moreover, if "Fire Moth" arranges for other people to carry out this task, Nozomi will be in danger, because there is no telling whether "Fire Moth" will directly order Nozomi to be secretly executed... You know, Nozomi may still have a debuff of [loss of refusal ability] on his body. If "Fire Moth" finds out about this... then they might just let Nozomi commit suicide!

And if Kevin refuses this mission, he will be dragged into the abyss of suspicion and accused of being "confused" by Nozomi... You know, Congressman Light, who has always been a clear supporter of Nozomi, has been truly labeled as "confused by the Herrscher" by "Fire Moth."

As for why such remarks appeared? It's very simple. It's still the problem of the "Eighth Herrscher Incident." Since Nozomi's "song" can be chosen by the "Eighth Herrscher" who controls the mind as a carrier for spreading power, and Nozomi himself is not affected by the "Eighth Herrscher," does it mean that Nozomi's "song" and Nozomi himself... have some kind of spiritual ability? For example, "confuse others" or something like that?

No matter how outrageous this speculation is, and don't talk about evidence or anything, just tell them whether there is such a possibility!

As for the inspection of Aponia and Su's spiritual fusion warriors... hey, don't mention it. They are all very familiar with Nozomi, so it is normal for them to "shelter" him.

...Look, once there is "suspicion," it will be difficult to recover. Even any act of proof will be used to justify it... It's really funny.

Therefore, Kevin had no choice but to take on this task, because only in this way could he and they continue to protect Nozomi to some extent.

But continuing like this is not a solution, because accusations and suspicions will follow, overwhelming everyone little by little.

There is only one fundamental reason - Nozomi is likely to become a "Herrscher," or may even already be a "Herrscher."

And the "Herrscher" must be "conquered"... The blood debt left behind by each previous "Great Eruption" is the most powerful evidence for this statement.

So... in the end, is this the inevitable outcome? "Conquering" Nozomi or something...

Kevin pursed his lips and subconsciously tightened the flaming sword in his hand. His eyes stopped at Nozomi in front of him and he followed him blankly.

'Why can he still be so happy?'

'Why can he still be so relaxed?'

Clearly, at the beginning, he was pushed by everyone to the position of "hope" - because of his "song."

And now, he was pushed by everyone to the edge of the cliff - because of everyone's suspicion.

Even though it has come to this, why can you still laugh? Why can you still walk so lightly?

"Because compared to [before], this time, I have you by my side."

?!

"Kevin, your doubts are all on your face~"

At some point, Nozomi stopped and turned to look at him.

"But I quite like it this way. This easy-to-read look is quite similar to your previous sunny and cheerful big boy look, where you can't hide any emotions... Yeah, at least it's much better than your cold look~"

"What are you... talking about, Nozomi."

Kevin's face was frozen.

'[Before]? What do you mean by "compared to [before]"? Does this mean that the current situation is still at the "acceptable" stage in your opinion? Have you ever encountered a worse situation?'

'If that's really the case... then how desperate you would be...'

Kevin simply couldn't imagine what the "before" that Nozomi mentioned was like, and how desperate it would be for Nozomi... What had he experienced to feel that everything before him was still "good"?

Bang!

A soft clapping sounded in front of Kevin, bringing Kevin back to his senses.

"Okay, Kevin, don't think too much about it. Those are things that happened in the past. They are all in the past... We can't focus on the past, right? As for the past, we just need to remember it, and then... move forward more firmly, that's all."

Nozomi said this with a smile.

Even at this moment, he seemed to be completely unaware of the environment he was in, and was still so... gentle and cheerful.

"Well, let's get back to that simple yet serious question... You guys have been fooling me before, but you haven't given me an accurate answer yet."

Nozomi tilted his head, and his white hair fell down like waves, like a waterfall in the mountains.

"Kevin, if one day you could save everyone by defeating me... what would you do?"

"I..."

"Shh... Kevin, think carefully before you answer. You should know that this is the difference between [everyone], not... the majority and the minority."

Nozomi made a gentle gesture to keep quiet and reminded softly.

"..."

"Kevin, let me give you a little reminder."

Seeing Kevin fall into a long silence, Nozomi smiled happily.

"Eliminate Honkai, save humanity, and continue civilization. This is the purpose of the 'Fire Moth'. Everything we do is for this goal. In order to achieve this goal, any sacrifice is acceptable and any price is worth paying. This is true for everyone."

"So… do you understand, Kevin?"

"..."

"It's all about humanity, Kevin."

"Why..."

"Hmm?"

"Why... can you still say such words so calmly?"

Kevin's voice was full of sadness... He suddenly understood why Mobius was angry about Nozomi's attitude.

This kind of indifference to one's own life makes people feel both pity and... anger.

"Why can you still say [Everything is for humanity]? Why can you still say it so easily? If I were faced with something like this, I wouldn't even know what to do, or how to survive..."

Obviously, everything was for everyone, and everything was done for humanity, but just one "suspicion" could destroy everything that came before, and the "trust" that once existed was gone. Even now, no matter what you do, you will be blamed and suspected. The "trust" is completely shattered and can never be regained...

And all this was just because of that high-sounding sentence - "The Herrscher" must be "defeated", and everything was for humanity.

...Just thinking about this kind of thing made Kevin feel like he was going crazy.

"...It's great, Kevin. Seeing you like this really gives me some sense of reality. Some... I have really changed a lot."

Nozomi came forward, and his eyes, like those of stars in the night, looked into his eyes with tenderness, comfort, and a little bit of... joy.

"You are no longer that cold and icy... that's great."

"Nozomi..."

"Okay~ I will answer your question. Of course, in exchange, please also answer my question."

Nozomi shook his head and spoke softly.

"Because... I'm really happy that I got to meet Eden, Sakura, and... you guys."

"[This time], you stood by me, supported me, and protected me... I'm really happy."

"So... if you ask why I can say this so easily, it's because... we are human beings, right? In order to continue, in order to survive, someone has to sacrifice, someone has to pay."

"If my life alone is enough to save the future of countless people, then... I would be very willing to do it."

"Ah, of course, if there is a way to have the best of both worlds, I will also try a little bit~ After all..."

Nozomi was silent for a while, then laughed again.

"I don't want to die either, do I?"

"I want to continue to be with them."

"..."

"Now, Kevin, can you answer me?"

"..."

Kevin clenched the flaming sword in his hand, slowly closed his eyes, and spoke slowly.

"If there really comes a day like that..."

His voice trembled.

"I will defeat you, Nozomi."

"Very nice."

Nozomi hugged him gently... His body was cool, and he believed that if it was summer, he would be very comfortable to hug.

"If that day ever comes, I'll leave it to you, [Great Hero]."

"..."

Tick-tock——

"Hey, don't cry, why are you a grown man shedding tears... Really, you are different from before, your tears won't freeze, okay?"

"Sorry..."

"Okay, okay, let's go~ It's time to go back~"

"um."

...

"You're back?"

"Well, hello ~ Dr. Mei ~"

"Ah... I really don't know why you can still be Happy... Forget it."

Mei pinched her eyebrows and sighed helplessly.

"The discussion about your problem has become increasingly intense within the Fire Moth... You know, we have to solve this problem, so..."

"Well, I know, I need to be [detained], right?"

"...Right."

There was a deep sense of exhaustion in Mei's voice.

"This is the best we can do for you... At least it can prevent you from being directly [attacked]."

"Thank you~"

"As for the place where you are [imprisoned]... it's on the moon. You... should know that, right?"

"Yeah, I know. After all, my powers are wind and water, which are still too dangerous on Earth... I won't be useful if I'm thrown directly to the moon, right?"

Nozomi tilted his head and said with a smile.

"Congratulations, Dr. Mei, your preparations have been put to good use as promised."

"Yeah, that's right."

The exhaustion in Mei's words grew heavier.

"Now, little white mouse, it's time for you to speak up, right? What do you want to do with our [help]?"

On the side, Mobius asked with a gloomy face.

"And... don't you have anything to say to us now?"

"Of course, Dr. Mobius."

Nozomi responded softly.

"Dr. Mobius, I hope you can research how to remove the Herrscher Core normally... Please note that this should be done while the Herrscher is still alive."

"...Hmm"

"As for the [materials] to try... you will have them later."

"Um?!"

Mobius narrowed her eyes, thinking.

"Dr. Mei, although I will be [imprisoned] from now on, I hope... no matter what happens in the future, you can tell me, at least communicate with me, okay? This way I can also know how I can help."

"Yes, it's not difficult..."

Mei nodded, then thought of the people from the Fire Moth, frowned again, and spoke in an uncertain tone.

"...Perhaps."

"As for the information about the Herrscher that you are concerned about... I can tell you a little, but I won't go into too much detail."

"Why... Oh, I get it... Tsk, those guys are just causing trouble, little guinea pig, tell me what you think."

Mobius frowned subconsciously, but soon realized that Nozomi was worried about the top leaders of "Fire Moth."

If they learned the detailed information about the Herrscher from Nozomi, they would definitely take action. At this point, the people from the Fire Moth would definitely notice their actions and then... do something not so good.

In addition, there is another problem, that is, Nozomi should have taken into consideration his current experience. If their actions cause those who have not yet become [Herrscher] to experience Nozomi's experience again and be doubted and suspected by everyone... then it will really easily cause some problems, and even trigger some "tragedies."

You know, other people don't have as many supporters as Nozomi…

Tsk... Damn it, those "Fire Moth" high-ups are always causing trouble. If it weren't for this "suspicion incident", Nozomi might have told them the detailed information?

"First of all, I can tell you that there are one thousand [Tenth Herrschers], and please note that there are one thousand [Herrscher Cores], and you must find them all. Although I have taken some precautions, I am not sure whether those [Herrschers] will become stronger because of this."

"Secondly, the Eleventh Herrscher. I haven't been involved in it much before, but it's very dangerous, especially for fusion warriors... If you find it, please tell me and I will help."

"..."

Mei and Mobius looked at Nozomi deeply... Even if he was [imprisoned] on the moon, could he still [help]?

But they didn't say anything, because at least at this moment, they believed Nozomi.

"Finally, [Twelfth Herrscher]... I hope you can spare no effort to save her, especially not to kill her."

"...um."

Mei thought about it for a moment, then nodded... She vaguely guessed that this [Twelfth Herrscher] should be someone Nozomi was familiar with.

"I have another question... How can you ensure that these Herrschers are the ones you expect, Nozomi?"

"Because [Fate] is trying to set everything right, Dr. Mobius."

"...Don't be like Aponia. Your weird talk gives me a headache."

"Okay~"

"So what about the Herrscher after that?"

"..."

In response to Mei's question, Nozomi smiled but said nothing.

"...I understand. We will do our best."

Mei nodded in understanding.

"That's very kind of you, Dr. Mei."

Nozomi narrowed his eyes happily.

"It's all for humanity, Dr. Mei."

"...Yes, everything is for humanity."

Mei repeated it somewhat helplessly.

She kind of hated this sentence.