Vill-V's Messy Situation

Mei couldn't help but feel speechless at the odd direction Kiana and Elysia's conversation had taken. She rested a hand on her forehead, suddenly finding it hard to look directly at them.

The two of them always managed to spark some unique chemistry when they were together.

Mei found it both a headache and something she had no way to change.

Kiana always got along with others harmoniously, but her methods were always...peculiar. Take Fu Hua, Himeko, little Senti, or the Boss, for example.

The way she built relationships with these people was always strange, but the depth of emotion behind them was undeniable.

So, yes, in Mei's eyes, Kiana and Elysia's relationship wasn't bad. In fact, there was a chance that in a couple of days, they might become incredibly close.

As for Kiana's whimsical ideas, Luo Mo actually had some kind of impulse and was willing to give her full affirmation.

He had been thinking about how unprepared he was in certain areas.

You see, the Honkai organizations gave each Herrscher a number, those loud, disaster-evoking names that seemed to immediately imply destructive actions and carried an inherent sense of oppression. It was no wonder no human organizations dared to name it or accept it.

It's said that "great responsibilities are bestowed upon those who can bear them." Luo Mo felt he had both the responsibility and the need to fill this gap.

He had already thought about the structure of the organization.

A slogan even came to mind instantly—"You can fight for humanity too!" Or perhaps, "We want to give all Herrschers a home!"

For the name, using a geographical reference seemed like a good choice. How about prefixing it with "St. Freya"?

With the academy's name, let it resonate throughout the world.

It might be risky to use "Schicksal's" name, it could cause some irreversible consequences. Better to let Theresa handle it.

He believed Theresa would be willing to contribute something for Schicksal's sake.

Luo Mo had considered both the pros and cons of creating such an organization.

It is not good for people to relax their vigilance against Herrschers too much, but offering all Herrschers a peaceful life post war would be a wonderful thing.

The key difference would be whether or not Herrschers' harmful tendencies could be controlled.

That said, could he really tempt the Will of Honkai to switch allegiances through benefits?

Sirin could serve as a good example.

But then there was an opposing example, the Herrscher of Dominance "Chiyo". That would be a major obstacle, a roadblock to Luo Mo's vision.

How could thoughts born from humanity's sins yearn for the light?

Luo Mo frowned in slight frustration. Was Chiyo lacking acceptance, love, emotion, or something else entirely? He honestly couldn't figure it out for the moment.

Maybe he should let the amazing Elysia handle it?

Seeking help from others when in doubt he was a hallmark of being a transmigrator.

Luo Mo glanced at Elysia beside him. Her face was a mix of hesitation and faint joy as she gently touched her cheek, doing her best to hold back laughter.

Kiana probably still didn't realize that she was also a Herrscher.

If Luo Mo really established such an organization… Elysia would definitely support it with both hands and feet! Especially if it was something like a "Beautiful Herrscher Organization." How could such a thing test Elysia?

She'd accept the test outright!

Sugar-coated pills? Swallowed. The bomb? Tossed away!

"So, Kiana, after discussions and decisions within the organization, this great and glorious mission is now entrusted to you. You must convince your aunt!"

Luo Mo placed a hand on Kiana's shoulder, and for a moment, it seemed as though a halo shimmered behind him, conveying the feeling of entrusting her with a sacred and noble mission.

There was something divine and reverent about it.

His skill in making big promises had become more refined, even though he only used half the process he employed to coax his employees—skipping the part about rewards.

Which made him seem even more unscrupulous.

But the people present didn't seem to feel much about his words.

Kiana simply looked slightly to the lower right, glancing at the hand on her shoulder, and fell into thought.

"Ahem, I was just overwhelmed by your genius idea, Kiana, so I couldn't help myself. Understandable, right?"

Luo Mo quietly retracted his hand and said to her with a smile.

"It's not really because of that…"

Kiana shook her head. She didn't dislike guys so much that even brief contact was unacceptable. She was thinking about something else…

"Aren't you living with Auntie? Why don't you bring up the idea to her?"

She was a little suspicious and stared at Luo Mo up and down.

She knew that the term "Herrscher" wasn't uncommon at St. Freya, but she didn't think her aunt would be that opposed to it. After all, the academy had been established; maybe her aunt didn't mind after all?

"Well… because it's your idea? Stealing someone else's ideas is unethical."

"No, I don't care about that. I just want the team to be established."

Kiana shook her head, rejecting Luo Mo's excuse.

"Well, I think this kind of thing is too difficult. Only you, Kiana, can..."

"Hold on, boss. Don't you think that's a bit too fake?"

Kiana rubbed her temples, somewhat overwhelmed, and cut off Luo Mo's words. She wasn't impressed.

"Anyway, it's all up to you now!"

"Alright, fine… At worst, I'll start with something like forming a club to cover it up."

Kiana's intelligence shone through, offering a practical solution.

Elysia, meanwhile, only listened quietly, making no comments. Her eyes darted around, and she noticed something happening in another corner of the hall...

...

"What? A definition... of what it means to be human? As expected, you're dangerous. Please stay away from Seele."

Bronya blocked the gaze of the green-haired loli in front of her, firmly shielding Seele behind her. Her expression was cold.

The two stood locked in a stalemate, neither willing to let the other pass.

For Bronya, Seele behind her was the most important person. How could she let her go?

That earlier PV (promotional video) had been enough for Mobius to guess the plot development. Besides, the volume was so loud, how could she not have heard it clearly?

If that woman saw her watching the video, she'd probably assume she was very interested.

So, Mobius shifted her attention to the Seele standing in front of her. She couldn't help but feel curious about the Herrscher of Death's abilities.

Unfortunately, there was someone in her way.

"Oh? Then what defines a human? You, the Herrscher of this New Age?"

Mobius chuckled softly, her eyes narrowing as she questioned the blocking Bronya.

"A human is a human."

"Is it their body? Their emotions? Their feelings? Their will? Or... their soul? Which one is the true essence of humanity?"

"This…"

Bronya's expression stiffened, and she frowned at the question.

Who has the time to ponder such philosophical nonsense?

"I guess you don't know either. Perhaps... your little sister behind you knows more about this than you do?"

Mobius propped her chin with one hand, her smile charming but dangerous. The air grew tense, as though a venomous snake had set its sights on her prey.

But Bronya wouldn't be intimidated by such tactics. She calmly stated her opinion.

"I resonate with the ideas I learned from Welt in the game. Humanity is an extension of thought, a collective, not the actions of an individual..."

"Ha. Really?"

Mobius sneered, her vertical pupils fixed on Bronya, clearly dismissing her answer.

"And what's your take on it?" Bronya countered.

"I've already said, how does one define humanity? Is it the proof of birth as a human? Following the trends of the collective masses? Or... the invisible, intangible soul itself?"

"And what's your definition of humanity?"

"Why must humanity be defined at all?"

(TL/C: What definition of human? Easy, they can change fate. *shrug*)

Mobius revealed a peculiar smile, staring at Bronya's youthful face as she said each word deliberately, "Look. Fusion warriors are human, Herrschers are human, Stigmata Awakened individuals are human. Even mechanical beings... isolated Stigmata—should they not also be considered human?"

"..."

"Why are you telling Bronya this?"

By now, Bronya understood that Mobius wasn't just here for Seele, she had her sights set on Bronya too.

"I admire your abilities. It's a shame... they're being wasted in your hands."

Mobius shook her head regretfully, then chuckled lightly and extended an invitation, "So... would you like to come to my lab? As an experiment subject, an assistant... any of those roles work."

Bronya fell silent, her eyes analyzing Mobius's expression, trying to decide whether to agree.

She'd heard from various sources that Mobius was dangerous.

But doesn't danger also equate to strength? Should she choose to resist, like Kiana did in the game, and keep losing?

"Mobius~ my dear Mobius! How could you start chatting with other girls the moment I wasn't around?"

A gentle voice drifted over from a distance.

Mobius's face darkened slightly, and she clicked her tongue inwardly. Then she cast a deep look at Bronya, and the Seele behind her.

---

Elsewhere, on a plot of land within St. Freya's territory, the same place Su Lu had mocked earlier as a "collapsing house" site, some people were hard at work.

Although the scene was bustling, a large parasol had been set up to one side, shading several Flame-Chasers as they supervised someone working.

Eight people were working diligently together, sweating as they labored. Their efforts were earnest, their heads adorned with cute little yellow hats.

Now that their energy reserves were sufficient to maintain adult forms for several personalities, their efficiency had greatly increased. it was truly the rhythm of hardworking laborers.

"Why do I have to be here too? I should count as support staff," grumbled one of the Vill-Vs, the Gourmet, with a sigh.

"No matter how you look at it, this is clearly the Specialist's fault," the Magician muttered indignantly.

"Let's just get on with it. According to calculations, at this rate, we can finish the foundation in five workdays," the Specialist sighed, refusing to admit that the invention was her mistake.

...That explosive firework feature wasn't something she added!

"Hey! You guys do your thing. Why drag me into it?" The Ego wheezed, leaning on a shovel, out of breath.

"If you won't work, someone else will!" the Conductor snapped resolutely.

"Hmm...? Are you sure you're not saying the wrong lines?".

"Oh, maybe I did mess up a bit. Let me check. Ahem.. 'Work Harder! We have high hopes for you. This is a form of tempering! Believe in your own talent, Ego. You can achieve great things!'"

The Conductor delivered her new lines without a trace of embarrassment or hesitation.

The Ego Vill-V sighed deeply. Why, as a Flame-Chaser, did she also have to be "mentally manipulated"? And by another one of her personalities, no less?

Suddenly, she realized that staying in the Elysian Realm might not be so bad. With the memory flow, a single consciousness could restore everything to its original state.

"How about we revolt? Why should only we be the ones working?" the Evil Vill-V growled fiercely.

"Those guys..." She glanced back, and then She cast a look at her other selves, and they instantly understood what she meant.

"Ah, we who praise labor hate...tomorrow's work."

Another Vill-V leisurely waved a small shovel, digging at a slow, unhurried pace. Her relaxed demeanor gave her an artistic air, even amidst the construction site.

Meanwhile, under the shade of a nearby parasol, a different scene was unfolding.

A laid-back atmosphere spread through the area. Even though the lingering warmth of summer still hung in the air, the holiday like vibe remained unshaken.

As the saying goes, "It takes a minute to learn bad habits and a lifetime to learn good ones."

After Su was the first to recline on the prepared lounge chair, Pardo cast a quick glance around and silently joined him, curling up on her chair with her cat Can. She stretched lazily, utterly content.

Then, one by one, the others followed suit, even Kevin, eventually yielding to peer pressure.

And so, they all lay down to rest, keeping a supervisory eye on the hardworking Vill-V in the distance, as a gesture of redemption for their prior behavior.

"...sister Vill-V really is capable. Look how quickly she's gotten it all in shape. But, are we sure we shouldn't go and help her?"

"Hm... this is her inevitable path in life. No one can cross the bridge of hardship for her. This is a grand feat that only she can accomplish alone."

Su spoke softly, exhaling a long breath.

"And as her companions, all we can do is anxiously watch... Truly, it's a tragic thing."

.

Then, he put on his sunglasses and sipped from the coconut juice in his hands, his gaze "anxiously" fixed on Vill-Vs hard work.

He was so "anxious" that he was in pain.

"Ugh… Why does this sound just like sister Nia? But afterward… I feel a faint pang of guilt in my conscience," Pardo muttered, furrowing her brows. She stroked the soft fur on the back of her cat Can to calm her inner restlessness.

(Nia= Aponia)

Her Can, displeased by her movements, meowed in protest as she shifted slightly to find a more comfortable position. She then lay down at ease.

Kevin lay at the center of the group, slightly closer to Su. He was the source of everyone's happiness, as the cooling sensation only he could provide kept the group refreshed.

"So, Kevin~, don't you feel like you're not the protagonist anymore? Based on the later plot, I think Elysia might become the main character," Vill-V, who was working, turned her head to shout with a smile in his direction, though her hands continued their task at full speed.

All of this stemmed from the original construction crew being politely dismissed by the Flame-Chasers. Then, they placed their hands on Vill-Vs shoulders and stared at her silently.

Their smiles were chilling, and at that moment, Vill-V truly understood the purpose of her existence.

In that instant, she decisively chose to take on the workload of an entire construction crew herself, as a way to compensate for her "magnificent achievement."

Honestly, blowing up a lab wasn't a big deal for her. But if she'd promised something and Mobius hadn't blown it up first, yet she ended up causing a problem, that would, in some sense, be a failure.

That was something she absolutely couldn't tolerate.

Still, it wasn't all bad. The house hadn't been in great condition to begin with, so she might as well remodel everything inside. Vill-V found a bit of solace in her misery.

"Vill-V, keep working, and pick up the pace," came Kevin's cold voice from his lounge chair. After all, she had caused him to lose another home, he wouldn't show her any kindness.

"Eh—alright, work is great, work is glorious! I'm working, and I'm proud!"

The various Vill-V cheered weakly, their faces dull and lifeless.

They had collectively offered up the Evil Vill-V to take on the brunt of the work, but even then, they hadn't been granted much leisure time. At most, they redistributed some of the workload from the others onto her.

As a result... the Evil Vill-V had no desire to pay attention to any of them. She quietly focused on her work, with no intention of even glancing back.

A bunch of slackers!

...