Ch-72 < Unfolding >

Inside Elysia's room, the atmosphere was heavy, charged with the intensity of everything that had happened in the past year.

Elysia, Mei, Kevin, and Vita sat together, their conversation a mix of strategy and recollections, each word carrying the weight of their shared past.

Elysia, her voice light but tinged, recounted the events of the past year to Kevin. "You've missed a lot," she said with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "But at least you're back now."

Vita, sitting quietly by the window, listened intently, absorbing every detail of their discussion.

Kevin was trying to piece together the fragments of what had occurred during his absence.

"So, you're saying around 60% of Oceania is in ruin because of the Herrscher of Legion?" Kevin asked, his tone somber as he processed the magnitude of the destruction.

Mei nodded, her expression grave. "Yes, and it's worse than that.The Herrscher of Legion was born on one of the islands in Oceania. It's been chaos ever since. Those people has lost all their hope. "

Kevin frowned, thinking about the implications. "And out of the 1,000 cores of the Legion Herrscher, 968 have been made into Divine Keys. Kalpas destroy 14 of them in anger."

Mei's gaze darkened. "Emile, Kalpas's adjutant, was taken over by the Herrscher of Legion."

Kevin, knowing the toll this must have taken on his comrades, continued, "What about the remaining cores?"

"They were taken by other scientist factions within MOTH," Mei replied, her tone laced with frustration. "We don't know much more than that."

Kevin leaned back, pondering this new information. "Do these factions still exist?"

"Yes," Elysia chimed in, her voice soft but certain. "Only two bases are operational now—one on an island in Canada and the other in the US."

Kevin's eyes narrowed. "And what are they up to?"

Mei shook her head. "We don't know. They've been secretive, and most of our rival factions have poured their resources into these bases. Whatever they're experimenting on, it's big."

Their conversation continued deep into the night, the topics shifting from battle strategies to personal stories.

As dawn broke, the heavy conversation gave way to a lighter atmosphere.

Elysia suggested taking Vita out for some sightseeing. "You've been cooped up inside too long, Kevin," she teased. "I'll take Vita out and show her the town. Maybe she can sample some of the local delicacies."

Kevin, smiling at her enthusiasm, nodded. "Sounds good. I have some business to take care of."

While Elysia and Vita set off for their adventure, Kevin made his way to Vill-V's workshop. It had been a while since he'd had a chance to discuss his ideas with her, and he knew she'd be eager to see what he had come up with.

As he entered the workshop, Vill-V looked up from her work, a glint of excitement in her eyes. "Kevin! It's not often you come to visit. Let me guess—you've got something new for me?"

"You know me too well, Vill-V. I've got an idea that I think you'll like." He said.

She set down her tools and gave him her full attention. "So, what is it this time?"

Kevin pulled out a blueprint, unfolding it to reveal a detailed design. "It's a hammer," he began, "but not just any hammer. This one will utilize the Herrscher of Earth's powers. I want it to have the ability to manipulate the earth, to restore the terrain destroyed by the Honkai."

Vill-V's eyes sparkled with interest. "Now that's an idea! I can see the potential."

He nodded, his expression serious. "We've lost so much. It's time we start rebuilding."

Their discussion turned technical as they delved into the specifics of the design.

After their meeting, Kevin's thoughts shifted to Aponia. She had been locked away, her psychic powers deemed too dangerous. But Kevin knew that she is very good at heart and their loyal comrade.

He decided it was time to visit her, to see if there was a way to free her from her confinement.

Kevin moved with purpose through the dimly lit corridors of the prison.

As he approached Aponia's cell, he noted the surprising comfort within—a stark contrast to the typical barren cell.

A nice bed, essential items neatly arranged, and an overall sense of care that suggested someone had been looking out for her.

When Aponia noticed his presence, she greeted him with her usual calm demeanor, "Welcome back, Kevin-sama."

Kevin's expression remained neutral, but his voice carried an edge of reprimand. "Didn't I tell you before that special powers shouldn't be used on others without any reason?"

Aponia, with her ethereal calmness, responded, "I only did it for their best."

Kevin's gaze hardened. "Not everyone. You also used your power for your bidding, and don't deny it."

Aponia's eyes shifted away, unable to meet his gaze.

Kevin sighed, pulling out a list he had brought with him, detailing some of her most grievous actions. "You stole the memories of those who knew about MOTHs."

Aponia's voice was soft, almost regretful, "We've only reached this point through gaining knowledge we shouldn't have."

"Thats indeed true." Kevin continued, his voice unwavering, "In another report, a total of 600 people reported you for using your ability on them."

Aponia's response was laced with a mix of sorrow and justification, "They were all so close to death or someone who didn't have any will to continue their life. I just... wanted them to live."

Kevin, understanding her twisted sense of compassion, didn't respond immediately.

Instead, he took the list and burned it, the flames consuming the paper and its damning evidence. Then, with a swift motion, he destroyed the cell, the walls crumbling under his strength.

"You are free," he declared, his voice steady.

Aponia looked at him, a mix of confusion and curiosity.

"Can you really predict things, Aponia?" Kevin asked.

Her eyes, once again calm, met his. "Yes. This gift from God only improved after I became a MANTIS. But now the future has become cloudy. I can't see anything."

Kevin's expression darkened as he processed her words. "That's a problem. It seems someone stronger is involved."

Aponia winced, her hand moving to her head as if in pain. "Whenever I tried to use my ability on you to see your fate, my eyes and head start hurting."

Kevin noticed her discomfort. "It seems you've used your ability again," he thought, a tinge of concern creeping into his mind.

"Aponia," he asked, his voice softening, "What is your goal anyway?"

Aponia looked at him, her eyes reflecting a deep, almost melancholic resolve. "To attain the end where humanity does not suffer."

Kevin's thoughts drifted to his own experiences. "In my two lives, there wasn't any time where humans didn't suffer," he mused inwardly.

They then did simple conversation where kevin ask questions to understand Apnoia better.

He then asked, "Mei is too wary of you.?"

Aponia's lips curled into a slight smile, her tone carrying a hint of disdain. "Hmm. That woman? She is... or was a cruel person. Your presence softened her a bit."

Kevin raised an eyebrow, curious. "What do you mean?"

Aponia's gaze turned reflective. "She is supposed to be calculative and cold, a woman who only seeks results, discarding all human life if necessary. But your influence... it changed her."

Yes. That was supposed to be Mei. Kevin thought.

She then shifted her tone, almost nostalgic. "Dr. Mobius is much better than her. While the experiments she conducted on us were horrific, she is such a pure person."

Kevin scoffed lightly, "Pure, but with a twisted personality."

Aponia's gaze softened, a rare warmth in her eyes as she looked at him. "You are certainly playful and caring, Kevin-sama."

Kevin, catching her tone, teased, "Oh? Did you just try to flirt with me?"

Aponia's calm demeanor shattered as she stiffened, her eyes wide with shock before a soft laugh escaped her lips. "Forgive me, Kevin-sama," she said, realizing his teasing.

Aponia's expression grew serious once more as she asked a question that had been lingering in her mind, "Kevin-sama, what do you think of this whole situation and humanity?"