Volume 1, Chapter 57: Elysia's Curiosity

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When Mei effortlessly believed his claim, Xia Chen felt both relieved and somewhat astonished.

As a scientist, one might expect her to be the first to dismiss such mystical abilities as implausible.

The only logical explanation seemed to be that within the Fire Moth organization, Mei had already encountered someone capable of predicting the future, and their foresight had proven true.

However, Mei's next words caught him off guard.

"Alright, I don't have time to waste on unproductive discussions. Even if someone possesses the ability to foresee the future, it wouldn't be sudden or inexplicable. So, what has been happening with you lately?"

"...The Commandments," Xia Chen responded reluctantly, treating this as his last resort.

Mei pondered thoughtfully.

Clearly, while Mei had her suspicions about Xia Chen's reason, the likelihood of believing him seemed greater.

Xia Chen couldn't help but become curious about Aponia. Before his transmigration, he had no knowledge of such a person, yet now it appeared she held a unique position within the Fire Moth organization. The hint of apprehension on Mei's face spoke volumes.

Resuming his seat quietly, Xia Chen awaited Mei's next words.

"Are you interested in becoming a MANTIS?" Mei asked. "With your talent, it should be effortless for you to become a consciousness-based MANTIS. I can immediately arrange the Transcendence Surgery for you."

She continued, "I understand that regular soldiers harbor biases against MANTIS operatives, but in today's society, those clinging to such prejudices are destined not to progress far."

Xia Chen found himself torn.

It wasn't as if he hadn't experienced a MANTIS transformation before. In one previous simulation, he had died on Mobius' operating table during the procedure—a MANTIS fusion surgery, precisely.

The success rate for becoming a MANTIS was incredibly low.

It was akin to drawing a rare golden card in ten consecutive attempts within a game without guaranteed odds.

Xia Chen declined.

He didn't come here to become a MANTIS operative.

Regardless, once the Herrscher of Corruption incident concludes, the simulation scenario will end. And the Herrscher of Corruption... cannot emerge as long as Rin remains alive.

In other words, this time, he virtually has infinite duration in the pre-Cataclysm era, provided nothing unforeseen happens to Rin.

Simulation time does not synchronize with real-time; typically, fifteen days in the simulation correspond to just three hours in reality.

Within this span, there might be a chance to find a cure for Wendy.

Wasting time on MANTIS fusion surgery would truly be counterproductive.

"I see."

Mei didn't seem disappointed at all. She was not one to force others.

As she prepared to leave, Xia Chen suddenly spoke up, "Dr. Mei, I have a question."

He paused before asking, "Does Fire Moth lack the ability to extract Herrscher Cores from human bodies? Or is it that you plan to conduct further research using that little girl?"

Mei did not respond immediately.

Xia Chen persisted, "Fire Moth does possess such capability, right?" He continued, "If we use that girl for more research, how are we any different from Honkai, from her perspective?"

Finally, she replied, "That's a valid question, but there's no need to ask it again." In a calm tone, she stated, "Fire Moth has never been a benevolent organization; rather, we are a survival group struggling amidst the apocalypse."

Due to this constant struggle, distinctions between good and evil become less clear.

When Xia Chen emerged from the private room, it was already three hours later.

During these three hours, he gained a rough understanding of how Fire Moth differed from Schicksal.

If Schicksal provided psychological counseling and entertainment for Valkyries, treating them as individuals, then Fire Moth regarded every person as mere machinery.

Here, people were not allowed to have desires or needs.

They couldn't even possess their own thoughts; instead, they must faithfully execute orders from the higher-ups.

In this place, there was no need for moral judgments to justify actions. Everything done aimed at extending humanity's presence further into the future along the timeline.

Hence, the Commandments exist.

"No matter where or when, never forget, believe steadfastly that humanity will inevitably triumph over Honkai."

Xia Chen took a deep breath. Unsure if it was just his imagination, the influence of this Commandment seemed to affect him again.

It felt as though someone had imprinted it upon his soul.

Feeling slightly discontented, Xia Chen couldn't help but seek information about Aponia.

Perhaps by coincidence, just as he wanted to inquire someone, a familiar face approached him.

Elysia, known as Miss Pink Elf, displayed a peculiar expression in her eyes.

"I thought Dr. Mobius would have already put you on the operating table."

"Dr. Mei indeed suggested I become a MANTIS fusion warrior, but I declined," Xia Chen replied. He paused briefly before asking, "Is there something you needed, Miss Elysia?"

"Such impeccable manners! Were you tutored by Mei while inside?" Elysia's smile seemed somewhat insincere.

Even within Fire Moth, harmony was elusive. Although MANTIS fusion warriors possessed formidable armaments against Honkai, they were also viewed as non-human, akin to beasts with human consciousness.

The regular soldiers of Fire Moth tended to shun the MANTIS warriors.

However, Xia Chen hailed from the future.

He replied mildly, "Not at all, I've always been this courteous."

"Oh, if only Fire Moth soldiers were as obedient... So, what did Mei tell you?" The girl curiously probed, "She only takes two hours of rest per day, yet she spent three hours communicating with you... Hmm, could she have fallen asleep inside? Or would we even know?"

Xia Chen remained silent.

Alright, he couldn't comprehend the thought processes of this Miss Pink Elf.

Regarding the storyline of the Elysian Realm, before his transmigration, he had only completed chapters one and two. As for Elysia, her true stance always eluded him.

Is she here to gather intelligence now?

He chose not to respond.

"Fine, men truly are boring creatures, Kevin included, just like you." With feigned disappointment, Elysia turned to leave.

Xia Chen's gaze slightly hardened, and suddenly, he spoke up, "Miss Elysia."

"Ah, did you change your mind?"

"No..." Xia Chen paused before continuing, "Just have a personal request to discuss with you."

"Can you introduce me to Dr. Mobius? I remember, you two share a good relationship."

Unable to persuade Mei directly, he could still try convincing Mobius.

The young boy planned to use the Stigmata on his back in exchange for a method to separate the Herrscher Core from Rin's body.

After all, based on memories from the Elysian Realm, it was Dr. Mobius who invented the Stigmata. He didn't mind making them more complete, considering this is just a simulation, akin to dream-like recollections.

Furthermore, compared to Mei's numerous concerns,

Mobius was much more straightforward.

His only worry was whether Rin would meet her demise again, and if so, when exactly?

"Oh, I get along great with pretty girls, you've definitely come to the right person." Ellie readily agreed.