Space station 11: Himeko: Sharing Childhood Stories of Kafka

Please support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I'm working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for most novels.

Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff

******

Near the Demon Hunter Division, there was a psychological clinic.

In this world, people could succumb to despair and transform into demons, making psychologists a highly esteemed profession.

Doctors able to collaborate officially with demon hunters often possessed extraordinary abilities, capable of soothing minds and calming chaos.

Su Qing sat inside the clinic.

The clinic's chief physician, Katherine, was flipping through mission files, astonished. "Seven Lesser Demons, two Dretch... and even a Flame Demon? How did you manage that?!"

At a young age, Katherine had become an official partner with the demon hunters.

With her blonde hair and blue eyes, she possessed striking beauty and an alluring figure. Dressed professionally in a white blouse, black skirt suit, high heels, and draped in a white lab coat, she exuded competence.

The reason for Katherine's familiarity with Su Qing was straightforward.

After each mission, demon hunters were required to undergo psychological counseling.

While others typically went on missions once every one or two weeks, this guy treated it like clocking in for work, making it part of his daily routine.

More importantly, during their interactions, Katherine found herself increasingly puzzled by Su Qing's true capabilities.

As a novice demon hunter with insufficient firepower, how exactly did he take down a Flame Demon? Surely not with bare hands alone?

[Stelle: Let's rule out the correct answer first.]

"Back to the main topic."

Katherine pulled out a report, which contained Kafka's recent psychological assessment: "Her condition is concerning."

"Based on my questioning just now, she directly encountered a demon with Stellaron's aura. Considering she also lost her parents, the fact that she didn't immediately succumb to demonic transformation is already quite fortunate..." Katherine paused briefly before continuing, "You mentioned she has a Talent for Word Spirit Techniques?"

"Yes," Su Qing affirmed. "I witnessed her stopping two Lesser Demons firsthand."

Katherine nodded. "That's reassuring. Her mental strength must be stronger than average, which likely prevented her from transforming into a demon."

"However, given this traumatic experience, her mind may become more guarded and closed off."

"The primary concern right now is that after losing everything, she has also lost her sense of purpose and cannot find value in life."

"To restore her emotional well-being, we must help her establish new anchors within her heart. She needs to experience a range of emotions—joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness—to reclaim her feelings."

Su Qing listened attentively, occasionally interjecting with questions.

Katherine continued her analysis for a moment before pulling out another blank form. "Next, we'll conduct your psychological assessment."

Although Su Qing had clocked in for work, the necessary procedures still needed to be followed.

Katherine's tone suddenly softened, and she flashed a warm smile. "As per usual practice, please answer a few questions first."

A gentle spiritual force emanated from her, inducing feelings of relaxation and trust.

Su Qing realized, "Is this another type of Word Spirit Technique?"

"Yes," Katherine replied softly, making one inadvertently want to speak the truth. "In recent days, have you experienced any impulses to indulge excessively?"

Su Qing shook his head. "No."

"Have you felt a sense of emptiness, as if life is meaningless, leading you to suddenly lose motivation for anything?"

"No."

"Have you had sudden strong urges to attack someone?"

"Do demons count?"

"Not really."

"How about an incompetent supervisor with average abilities who constantly gives orders?"

"That doesn't count either."

"In that case, no."

"Excellent."

Katherine posed several questions, and Su Qing responded to each one.

[March 7th: We could test ourselves too.]

[Sparkle: I indulge daily just for fun.]

[Qingque: While working, I often feel very empty, not wanting to do anything.]

[Seele: When I see someone I dislike, I can't resist wanting to attack and teach them a lesson.]

[Firefly: Just now, I used Supernova Burst on you and Stelle.]

[Herta: Does devouring over a dozen puddings at once count as indulging desires?]

[March 7th: Let me check... Combining your responses with that evaluation form...]

[March 7th: Oh no! It's all over! Everyone is going to demonize! Sister Himeko, run!]

[Himeko: ...Stop joking around.]

Su Qing was already familiar with this routine, but today there were a few additional questions at the end.

Katherine asked, "Between tall and slender women versus petite ones, which do you prefer?"

Internally, Su Qing was bewildered.

He honestly replied, "I prefer those with good figures."

"Would you have a preference for younger girls?" Katherine continued.

What kind of peculiar question was this?

Su Qing shook his head. "No."

Katherine posed several more extra questions, to which he provided answers one by one.

"All right."

Katherine concluded, "Your condition remains remarkably stable, very impressive."

As Katherine filled out the report, she mentioned, "By the way, if you wish to adopt her, there might be some challenges with the procedures."

"But as a demon hunter and with my assessment supporting it, that should suffice to prove your reliability."

Confused, Su Qing asked, "When did I say I wanted to adopt her?"

It then dawned on him, "So all those peculiar questions were because of this?"

Wait, were you testing if I'm into lolis or something?!

[Seele: Laughed, but this doctor seems quite responsible.]

[Sparkle: @Fu Xuan, happy now? Here's some good news—you're safe around Su Qing!]

[Fu Xuan: ?]

[Fu Xuan (realizing): Got guts, don't you? Come to Luofu anytime—I'll rip your mask right off the ground!]

[Qingque: (suppressing laughter)]

Upon hearing Su Qing's response, Katherine seemed even more puzzled than he was. "Isn't it precisely because she can use Word Spirit Technique that you brought her here, intending to adopt her as an assistant?"

Su Qing clarified, "I just thought since we needed an evaluation anyway, I'd bring her along for you to assess."

"However..." Su Qing rubbed his chin, "Huh?"

Was adoption an option he hadn't considered before?

The Word Spirit Technique was indeed a rare ability.

Katherine set down her documents. "Hmm?"

Are you simply trying to help her?

Well, that makes you quite kind-hearted.

Their divergent thoughts intersected, causing them to involuntarily look at each other.

In the corridor of the psychological clinic,

outside the window, blue skies and fluffy clouds drifted leisurely. Yet beneath these white clouds, wisps of smoke were rising.

The window was open.

Kafka reached out with her pale hand, as if wanting to touch either the clouds or the smoke.

Unable to reach, she stood on tiptoe, leaning further out the window, still extending her arm.

The white bandages wrapped around her feet, freshly applied by the nurse, added a poignant fragility, evoking sympathy.

Su Qing approached and firmly grasped her arm.

Little Kafka maintained her pose, turning back to glance at him, blinking those beautiful yet vacant eyes.

[Kafka, observing this scene, displayed a nostalgic expression.]

[As she had previously mentioned to Firefly and Silver Wolf, these events took place a very long time ago.]

[Now, watching from a detached perspective, many dormant emotions and memories gradually resurfaced, becoming vivid once more.]

["Feeling this sentiment, Kafka rises from her chair and moves to sit on the sofa."]

[Her legs clad in purple stockings gently crossed as she shifts into a more comfortable position, leaning against a cushion while intently watching the stream.]

Katherine leaned against the doorframe. "She's not attempting suicide; she has simply lost her fear, lacking the normal dread of falling."

As a reminder, Katherine added, "Also, you're gripping too tightly."

Realizing his mistake, Su Qing loosened his grip and murmured softly, "Sorry."

Young Kafka's arm was soft and delicate; with just a bit of force, he left a noticeable red mark on her fair skin.

The girl slightly tilted her head, more puzzled by why Su Qing felt the need to apologize than the mild physical discomfort.

Observing this scene from the doorway, Katherine was also somewhat taken aback.

Typically, demon hunters wouldn't apologize to a young girl, especially when their intention is to protect her.

Through her interactions with Su Qing, Katherine had noticed a unique aura about him.

How should she put it...? It was akin to an innate and unquestioned commitment to kindness and order.

[March 7th: After all, Su Qing grew up in a peaceful environment, and his character is inherently good.]

[Himeko: Yes, even if he chose to fulfill his duty, he would still try to help young Kafka along the way.]

[Himeko: This kindness and willingness to assist come naturally to him.]

[Himeko: On a chaotic planet, such traits are both rare and highly appealing.]

Perhaps it was these same qualities that prompted young Kafka to respond, "It's okay." Despite not fully understanding why Su Qing apologized, she shook her head and acknowledged his sentiment.

Katherine approached, slightly bending down, and clearly outlined several options for Kafka:

"If you have relatives willing to take you in, you can rely on them... Hmm, alright, I understand."

"Another choice is the welfare home, where you'd live with peers your age. However, I don't particularly recommend it because..."

"You could choose to stay with him. You know, Su Qing is a demon hunter, which involves dangerous tasks. But he's a good person with proven capabilities..."

"You can also stay here with me. As a psychologist, you can share your concerns and worries. However, my work is quite demanding, so I may not have much time to spend with you..."

Katherine added her own option, which made sense given their shared ability with Word Spirit Technique. She could teach Kafka how to use her power while also helping stabilize her emotionally.

After listening, Kafka swiftly made her choice, pointing at Su Qing.

Katherine pondered for a moment. "Is it because you want revenge?"

The Flame Demon was merely an accomplice; the high-level demon possessing Stellaron's aura and infection capabilities was the true culprit.

Little Kafka nodded, then shook her head.

"Hmm." Katherine thought briefly. "Revenge is part of it, but there's more to your reason?"

This time, Kafka simply nodded.

Katherine expressed understanding. As fellow users of the Word Spirit Technique, they both keenly sensed Su Qing's uniqueness.

"Once our business was concluded, as we were leaving, Katherine mentioned that if you ever need help, you can reach out to her anytime."

Su Qing led Kafka away from the clinic, walking ahead of her.

Young Kafka didn't ask where they were heading, simply following expressionlessly, step by step, behind him.

With her heart feeling empty and no clear direction ahead, she could only follow the figure before her, going wherever it led.

Su Qing pondered as they walked.

Kafka's home had been destroyed by fire. Rather than immediately addressing adoption procedures, his priority was finding a place for her to stay tonight.

***

Night fell, and what was once an empty bedroom now became Kafka's room.

The space was remarkably simple; aside from essential furniture, there were no additional decorations or items.

Earlier at the mall, Su Qing had asked Kafka to pick some room decorations or utilities, but she chose nothing. Consequently, after browsing himself, he bought a toy bear.

Upon returning, Su Qing took out the toy bear, waved it gently, and spoke in a soothing tone, "Look, it's a cute little teddy bear. With it by your side, you won't be afraid at night, will you?"

Little Kafka sat on the bed, quietly observing him with her clear purple eyes.

[Stelle: Ha ha, her gaze seemed to say: What is this person doing?]

[Kafka (with a faint smile): Indeed, I was quite puzzled at that moment.]

After all she had experienced, she displayed a maturity far beyond her age.

Most people, upon receiving such a cold stare while waving a toy bear, might feel awkward.

Unfazed, Su Qing handed her the bear. "Here, hold onto it."

Little Kafka didn't quite understand its significance but followed his instruction, taking the teddy bear and embracing it.

Underneath her short purple hair, her pretty face remained expressionless. However, with the addition of the toy bear, there was a contrasting cuteness to her demeanor.

The girl sat on the bed, hugging the teddy bear close.

It resembled a cold-toned painting, both exquisite and lovely, yet simultaneously composed and detached.

[Stelle: Young Kafka's mom looked truly adorable.]

[Silver Wolf: Xaia knows what resonates deeply.]

While Su Qing valued Kafka's Word Spirit Technique abilities and intended to nurture her as a teammate,

he still decided to pay more attention to her psychological issues.

Following Katherine's explanation,

Su Qing understood that the most crucial aspect for healing one's mind is establishing emotional anchors within oneself.

Whether through family bonds, friendships, romantic love, or aspirations towards specific goals—

anything cherished or cared for in this world can serve as inner anchors.

With these anchors, individuals can avoid slipping into the abyss where life feels devoid of meaning.

Simply having revenge as a goal is not enough; revenge eventually comes to an end. It's important to start now, gradually fostering small emotional anchors in Kafka's heart.

The teddy bear seemed like a promising attempt.

[March 7th: So thoughtful. Despite being rather dense at times, Su Qing always proves reliable in moments like these.]

[Firefly: Absolutely!]

The lights were off, plunging the room into silence.

Kafka lay on her bed, gazing upward.

The ceiling had faint patterns; if stared at long enough, they seemed to twist into monstrous shapes.

On nights like these, unpleasant memories often surfaced.

Flames, weeping, collapsing beams, and menacing demons...

As little Kafka continued staring at the ceiling, her purple pupils slightly glazed over.

From the living room outside her bedroom, faint footsteps could be heard.

She turned her head, noticing a sliver of light under the door—Su Qing must not have gone to sleep yet.

As she twisted around, she also caught sight of the teddy bear neatly placed on the bedside table.

With its round ears and head, Kafka reached out from beneath the blanket and gently touched it, feeling the soft plush texture.

Recalling Su Qing's words, she picked up the teddy bear and hugged it close.

Underneath the covers, her body curled slightly, holding the teddy bear securely with both arms.

No matter what she may have lost,

at least in this moment, she held something uniquely hers that brought her a sense of comfort.

Little Kafka closed her eyes, gradually drifting off to sleep.

[Himeko: How poignant.]

[Himeko: Even as future Stellaron Hunters, their childhood reveals such adorable vulnerability, stirring an irresistible urge to protect them.]

[Kafka: @Himeko, I've already told you, there's no need for your commentary.]

[Himeko: (Leisurely Smile) (Raises Coffee Cup)]

[Himeko: No worries, I just see it as gathering anecdotes. If ever running out of topics with friends later, I can always say: "Well then, let me tell you about the childhood stories of the renowned Stellaron Hunter. Kafka was afraid of the dark when she was young and needed to cuddle her teddy bear to fall asleep..."]

[Silver Wolf: Hahahaha!!]

[Silver Wolf: This is killing me with laughter.]

[Sparkle: Enjoying this.]

[Fu Xuan: Fascinating, truly fascinating.]

[Fu Xuan: Such anecdotes indeed make excellent conversation starters among friends.]

[Stelle: (Trying not to laugh)(But barely holding back)]

As Kafka read these comments, a subtle expression crossed her face.

It seemed Himeko had also realized something:

Regardless of what happens, this is her simulation, filled only with her past missteps. By staying composed, whether through jest or otherwise, Himeko ensures herself an unassailable position.

On the couch, Kafka's delicate toes, peeking beneath her purple stockings, slightly curled inward.

Feeling embarrassed that others were witnessing her childhood moments was inevitable.

[After some thought, she concluded that the best way to overcome shame is by confronting it.]

[Kafka (Voice Message): Reflecting back on those moments, I felt utterly empty, consumed by Nihility, as if everything lacked meaning.]

[Kafka (Voice Message): When staring at the ceiling and being haunted by unpleasant memories, I even felt indifferent to being devoured by monsters.]

[Kafka (Voice Message): It wasn't until I embraced my fuzzy teddy bear, its warmth gradually spreading through me, that these thoughts subsided.]

[Kafka (Voice Message): This memory stands out vividly in my mind.]

[Black Swan: Ah, I see.]

[Black Swan: Hearing your own account of this memory indeed conveys the emotions more effectively.]

[Himeko clicked open the voice message.]

[Kafka's gentle voice resonated from within, with subtle fluctuations revealing her emotional changes and authenticity.]

[After listening to the message, Himeko shrugged.]

[Kafka herself was already dissecting her feelings, leaving little for Himeko to add.]

[Himeko: It seems Su Qing's seemingly casual step turned out to be quite crucial.]

[Kafka: Indeed.]

[Firefly: ? Kafka sounds so mature! If it were me, I'd definitely want to carve out a three-room apartment instead.]

[Reading this comment, Kafka's pale toes beneath her stockings unconsciously curled inward again.]

[With a light cough, she sent a reply: Of course.]

One week later.

Su Qing, accompanied by Kafka, arrived at the department responsible for adoption procedures.

[Stelle: Ah...]

[Stelle: Could it really happen...?!]

[Kafka: (laughs) (finding Stelle's reaction quite amusing)]

[Kafka: Yes, just as you fear.]

[Stelle: No way!]

[Stelle: Watching this simulation and singing along, suddenly my status has taken a dive!]