Chapter 272: Humanity Will Definitely Defeat the Honkai / "Kaiji"

"Little guy, have you ever thought about developing in a higher direction?"

While getting familiar with and using [Echo/Authority], Mobius came close to Nozomi and asked in a sweeter tone than before.

At this moment, she was sitting on her [compatriot] who looked like a jellyfish, using it as her "means of transportation"... Although Mobius could already swim freely in the sky above Mu Continent at this time, Mobius now liked the feeling of riding on her [compatriot].

Well... in a sense, this is also a way for her to show closeness, and as long as it can help her, her [compatriots] will be very happy.

"Like developing in a higher direction or something."

"You don't need to be so roundabout in front of us, Doctor."

Nozomi said with a smile.

"Yeah...that's right~"

Mobius tilted her head in a cute way and said with a smile.

"So... have you ever thought about evolving towards space? If you want to, we can definitely do it. Even if I'm not here, you can still do it... The infinite opportunities for trial and error are enough to complete the evolution using the dumbest exhaustive method."

"So…"

Mobius' fingertips lightly tapped Nozomi's chest, sliding back and forth intentionally. A strange itching sensation came over him, gently teasing his heartstrings.

However, Nozomi seemed to have gotten used to Mobius's behavior... He didn't react much, just smiled and said.

"That's true, but if you put all your pressure on them right from the start, people's spirits will be broken. It's better to do it step by step... Just like you experienced before, Doctor, not everyone can maintain themselves in such chaotic and complicated 'memories' and sort them out smoothly."

"If we want to bring everyone... or at least most people, onto this path of evolution, we can't do it too fast."

"I understand, I understand~ You just want people to regard the 'past' as a deception of Honkai so that they can do their best to maintain themselves in 'memory,' but 'memory' is still 'memory,' it is something that has already happened. Plus the 'blood' you left, they will eventually accept the 'past' and finally... join [us]."

Mobius also smiled with a hint of excitement, and her fingertips unconsciously rubbed the "ring" on her finger.

"But you should know, little one, once I have this [Echo/Authority] and unlimited opportunities for trial and error... I won't stop just for you, okay?"

"Not even you, little one. You...should understand what I mean, right?"

"I know, and I have no intention of stopping you, let alone us. After all, this is the ending I expected this time... an evolutionary path that can extend indefinitely."

Having said that, Nozomi tilted his head and thought for a while, as if he heard other people's words in his "thoughts."

"But this path is somewhat extreme and crazy... Ah, of course, I mean in extreme cases, and it is indeed against everyone's personal will to arbitrarily construct such a connected 'thought.'"

"So, you still want to start over again, little one?"

Mobius' tone became somewhat serious.

"Are you not satisfied with the result this time? If it happens again... you might not be able to do the same thing, and... I..."

At this point, Mobius paused again, as if she was a little embarrassed to say the next words.

"...It's okay, Doctor. Don't worry that the connection between us will be severed... Even if I can't spend as much time with you as I did this time, we will eventually be connected to each other."

Nozomi lowered his head slightly, touched his forehead with Mobius', and spoke softly.

"...Damn it, only at this time do I hate things like 'thoughts!'"

Mobius said with a little embarrassment... This is the bad thing about "thoughts." A person's secrets or thoughts that they don't want to say can basically be hidden in front of "thoughts," especially when off guard.

"Haha... Anyway, don't worry, Doctor."

Nozomi's smile was still so gentle.

"Don't worry about what's going to happen next, or that what we did this time will go to waste, or that we'll lose it all, or that we won't be able to do it as well as this."

"We can do what we can do, and we can even do better. This time, as well as the past, will become our strength."

"After all, for me, for [us], memory is power."

"The past, everything in the past, will eventually overlap and move towards a more distant and better future."

Nozomi's tone was soft yet firm.

"..."

Mobius paused for a moment, a hint of thought flashing in her eyes... Through her "thoughts," she could sense Nozomi's firm emotions and beliefs at the moment, and she could also sense his thoughts.

In other words, Mobius knew more clearly what Nozomi was planning to do.

"...Little guy, you don't have to go to this extent."

Mobius shook her head somewhat helplessly, her smile containing a hint of bitterness and... happiness.

"But it's something I promised myself, and I have to try, Doctor."

"Ha... Then I'd better look forward to it."

Mobius did not intend to continue dwelling on this topic, but simply looked away slightly, the smile on her face gradually becoming excited and a little crazy, just like she was before.

"So in other words, even if I go a little too far this time, it's still okay?"

"Indeed."

Nozomi smiled and nodded, then stretched out his hand slightly and touched the "ring" on Mobius' hand.

"Otherwise, I would not have given you this power, Doctor."

"Oh..."

Mobius chuckled and didn't say much, but from her expression, she was still very happy.

Hmm~

At this moment, soft singing came slowly on the wind and flowed into the ears of the two. Nozomi, who was familiar with the singing, paused slightly. Mobius, who knew the meaning of the singing, frowned with a little dissatisfaction.

"You're going to look for Eden again, aren't you?"

"Well, she has come into contact with the 'song' and has been trying to draw on its power... This is not good for her now. Her body cannot bear it, especially since she has too little of my 'blood' in her body and her body is not strong enough," Nozomi murmured in a low voice.

"As expected, just relying on the 'blood' mixed with water vapor and letting others naturally absorb it into their bodies... It's still too slow to adjust others' bodies this way, especially for Eden, who can touch the 'song.' We have to bring her back."

"Alas... I wish you could tell me some lies at this time. Maybe I would be happier..." Mobius seemed to be complaining, but her expression didn't change much; she still had that happy smile.

"But I like your honesty."

Although people always have strong possessiveness in love, Mobius is no exception, and perhaps even stronger than others... But facing Nozomi's lingering look at Eden and Sakura, she did not feel unhappy. After all, this further proves that after "this time," no matter what, her connection with him is fixed; no matter what, they will eventually be connected to each other, just like Sakura and Eden.

"But..."

'...Sure enough, I'm still a little unhappy.'

"I have to warn you, little one." Mobius leaned forward, bit Nozomi's lips, and after hitting him hard, slowly let go.

"No matter what, you are mine this time."

"...Um." Nozomi did not refute... but if Nozomi did not refute, others would have opinions.

"But, 'blood relatives' don't belong to you alone, right?" Skadi's somewhat innocent voice sounded from the side. Turning her head, Nozomi could see her striking white hair and red pupils.

"My blood relatives may have multiple partners, not just yours."

"Besides, even if you are the only 'partner' of the 'blood relative,' the relationship between the 'blood relative' and me will be closer... If we really want to count, you belong to the 'blood relative,' and belong to us."

Skadi spoke in a matter-of-fact tone, and her words seemed to make sense... If you think about it carefully, it seems that what she said is not wrong.

"...Are you the killer whale... You turned into a human in the end, which is really...interesting," Mobius obviously didn't want to get entangled with Skadi on such a topic. After all, Skadi was right. Nozomi's connection with Skadi was far greater than his connection with her... But in Mobius's opinion, Skadi was probably one of Nozomi's "relatives." There was no need to be too vigilant about her. Instead, she should build a good relationship with her.

"Forget it, let's not talk about this for now... Anyway, little guy, you want to go and bring Eden back, right?"

"Well... because of frequent exposure to the power of the 'song,' her body can no longer bear it, so we have to bring her back... and it just so happens that Dr. Mei's research has already yielded results, so we can add a little pressure at this time."

"Is that so... Then I have a suggestion. Let's do it a little more... a little more extreme, so that we can control everything and completely... nail down the 'ending' you envisioned." Mobius's fingertips brushed lightly across Nozomi's lips, her eyes narrowing in danger.

"Little guy, besides Eden and the others, you also have some preparations for Mei, right?"

"Of course... ah, I see. I see," Nozomi nodded as if he understood.

"Although it's a lot earlier if it's just this aspect, it's not a big deal... But if we do this, it will be more troublesome to pick up Eden. After all, we have to bring Eden's parents back with us..."

"Don't worry, little one. I'm still here, right?" Mobius's smile became more dangerous.

"Use their attention on you and go find Mei. As for Eden's matter... leave it to me."

"Then... I'll leave it to you, Doctor." Nozomi nodded. He understood Mobius's idea through his "thoughts," so he did not object... It could even speed up the progress to a limited extent, which was good.

"Is the 'blood relative' going to pick up another 'partner'?" Skadi asked in the same innocent and well-behaved voice.

"Do you need help?"

"That's not necessary. After all, it's a small matter that's not too troublesome and doesn't require too much strength... But how about you, my 'blood relative,' what happens to Kalpas?"

"The one who is always irritable? As for him... he is no longer willing to fight me, saying it is meaningless. He now wants to fight the cold guy holding fire. He said he wants to fight him in his current state to see who is stronger..."

"Oh, and there's also the girl who always uses pink crystals, the [companion] of the [blood relative]. He also wants to find her and have a good fight with her..."

Skadi paused for a moment before continuing.

"But I thought you wouldn't want it so I didn't let him leave. Now... I'm temporarily keeping him here."

"I see... you've really had a hard time." Nozomi skillfully reached out his hand and touched Skadi's head, and Skadi cooperated by showing a comfortable expression. At the same time, she subconsciously leaned towards Nozomi and stuck to his side.

"That's just in time. After we bring Eden back, we can let Kalpas go out and let him go for a bit... I think he will definitely be very happy."

"Then... let's hurry up," Mobius said as she raised her hand slightly, bringing up a stream of azure water, and Nozomi cooperated with her. "Blood" seeped out from under his skin, fell into the azure water, and began to expand and evolve rapidly, starting to transform into an Honkai beast.

Finally... under the deliberate guidance of Mobius, it turned into a "jellyfish" similar to its [compatriots], except that its body was larger and its color became very bright.

These "jellyfish"-like Honkai beasts are the latest achievement of Mobius—allowing the "Kaiji" that swim in the sea and run on land to float and swim in the air... In simple terms, they can "fly."

Moreover, because of the cavities in their bodies, these "jellyfish" can also be used as airships. And because their skin is translucent with constantly changing colors, you can enjoy the scenery outside when riding on this "airship."

At the same time, this type of Honkai beast... Mobius's plan was to let them "fly" out of the sky and head toward the cold and dark universe... but that can be discussed later.

'Now, let's help the little guy solve the problem in front of him first!' Mobius gently tapped the [compatriot] under her, letting it take her into the bodies of those larger [compatriots], and "swim" away quickly in the sky at an extremely strange speed.

…

...

"Anyway, that's probably why I'm here."

Still sitting on her "Compatriot", letting it carry her, Mobius looked at her white and slender hands and spoke casually.

"In other words, I came here to pick up people as the little guy wanted... No, to be precise, I came to pick up the [compatriots] who called us. In other words, we didn't come here to fight you this time."

"I just want to take my compatriots with me. As for the others, I don't care. So... do you understand? There's no need to be so alert."

"...Hehe, it's a pity that no one here can respond to me~"

Mobius gently stroked her chin with the back of her hand, giving a dangerous, yet strangely seductive smile.

And around her... there was no one, or rather, everyone had disappeared, and all that was left was the damp and cold feeling of water.

She is not as gentle as Nozomi. She is straightforward, neat, and a little radical in her way of doing things. This is who she is, Mobius... Moreover, how could she do something as boring and funny as "talking slowly and explaining her purpose in front of the enemy"?

Even if all the people here combined cannot beat her, she will not do those meaningless things.

As for why she was talking to herself in such an empty space... just think of it as her bad taste coming to her.

"Hmm... Ha~ It's almost time to go~ We can't let the little guy get into danger~ Although no one over there poses a threat to him except Elysia... Oh no, Elysia isn't a threat now either~"

Mobius stretched her body slightly and then instructed her "compatriots" to start moving outward.

"Let's take advantage of this little bit of time to take some people away. It's okay to add a little pressure~ But don't think that you can relax just because you have 'artificial Honkai' and 'blank key'~"

"Uh-huh?"

However, as Mobius followed the information provided by the water flow and took more people along the way... she found a few people who concerned her.

"Griseo... Blanca... and Pardofelis..."

Mobius frowned, then relaxed her brows and smiled.

"How lucky I am! I'll take you with me~"

"Although it's a bit cheap, but... it's also good to have you reunited~"

So, Mobius began to move deliberately in the direction of Griseo and Blanca... but this process seemed a little scary to others, at least it was particularly scary in the eyes of people along the way.

After all, it was a high-threat Kaiji unit wearing Mobius's skin! Not to mention that it could also control water flow... Mobius was not gentle at all and was not ambiguous at all. When they met, they greeted each other with water flow and bubbles. The number of people along the way was really decreasing at a speed visible to the naked eye. Basically, they were all covered by bubbles, and then the bubbles broke directly, and the people inside disappeared.

Add to that the fact that Mobius's pupils, which were no different from a snake's, had not changed even after turning into this appearance, and the damp and cold feeling that spread from her... the atmosphere and sense of horror came all at once, and fear began to spread in people's hearts in an instant.

And Mobius's targets, namely, Griseo and Blanca... and Pardofelis, were naturally no exception. They were basically fleeing quickly in the terrifying atmosphere that Mobius unconsciously created.

But where can they escape to in front of Mobius?

After all... Mobius is a "snake" ~ How could something she has set her sights on go off-tune so easily?

"Pardu, take Griseo away first!"

"Ah? Eh? No no... No? Blanca, even if we have to leave, we should go together, right? Even if we really have to... stay, it should be me... me."

"Come on, you can't even explain how scared you are... and do you know how to use a weapon?"

"..."

"So, it can only be me who came... and you run fast. With Griseo, you should be able to run to a safe place quickly."

"But..."

"Don't say but! There is no time for you to hesitate in the current situation!"

This was the first time Blanca spoke in such a stern tone, and then she quickly slowed down her tone and spoke to Griseo.

"Okay, little Griseo, listen to your sister Pardofelis later. She will take you to a safe place... If anything happens in the future, go to your sister Pardofelis. If that doesn't work, go to Klein or Vill-V. If that doesn't work, go to Elysia and Dr. Mei. Do you understand?"

"Mom... why can't you stay?"

Griseo was puzzled.

"Aunt Mobius is here to pick us up, and Brother Nozomi is here to pick us up... Can't we go with them?"

"...No, Griseo, you must remember, you can't!"

Blanca showed a look of doubt and confusion on her face. She didn't understand why Griseo would say such a thing, but she still sternly warned her daughter.

"That's not your Aunt Mobius, and that's not your Brother Nozomi... Remember, don't go with them!"

"um..."

"Okay, let's go! Pardofelis, take Griseo away!"

"...yes!"

Before Griseo could say anything else, Blanca pushed her into Pardofelis' arms. Pardofelis, sensing the damp air spreading rapidly in the air, gritted her teeth, nodded in agreement, picked up Griseo and ran away quickly, leaving Blanca alone to cover their retreat...

But what's the use of this? She couldn't even block it. As an ordinary person, Blanca is very different from Mobius at this moment. The combat power of the two was not at the same level at all.

Blanca's breath was fleeting, and Pardofelis, who was escaping with Griseo, was soon caught up and blocked by Mobius. She could only find a place to hide, huddled in a corner and shivering like a fledgling bird encountering its natural enemy.

But even in this situation, even though she was so scared that she couldn't speak clearly and her body couldn't stop shaking, Pardofelis still held Griseo in her arms, trying to use her body to provide some protection for Griseo... even though she knew it was useless.

But... what if? After all, she was very lucky. If it was the same this time, if she could get lucky again this time... please share some of the luck with little Griseo, and let luck protect her as well.

But the current situation cannot be changed by luck...

"Sister Pardofelis..."

Griseo gently tugged at the corner of Pardofelis' clothes.

"Put me down. Sister Pardofelis can go alone."

"No!"

Pardofelis refused without a second thought and subconsciously raised her voice a lot... Then she immediately covered her mouth, glanced around cautiously, listened carefully, and only breathed a sigh of relief after making sure that there were no unusual sounds around.

However, the damp feeling lingering on the tip of her nose still made Pardofelis certain that she and Griseo were still in danger. That was why she would never let Griseo go out!

At least... at least... she should be before Griseo, right?!

She is the "sister"!

"Don't… don't be afraid, Griseo, our location is very hidden. Just wait a little longer. Maybe the monster will leave. Then we can leave together… Don't be afraid, don't be afraid. I… I will protect you."

"Aunt Mobius is not a monster."

Griseo shook her head slightly, denying what Pardofelis said.

"She's here to pick me up... She's looking for me. If Sister Pardofelis doesn't want to go with Aunt Mobius, just let me out. I'll tell her."

"No... No... I promised Blanca..."

"Hello, little cuties~ Let me see where you are hiding~"

"Eeek!--"

The sudden voice of Mobius almost scared Pardofelis away... and the feeling of fear that followed, the sense of crisis as if being stared at by some extremely dangerous creature, directly scared Pardofelis silly... her brain crashed for a moment.

The last thing she remembered was that she needed to protect Griseo, so she used her body to protect Griseo as much as possible.

"Don't be afraid... Sister Pardofelis... Don't be afraid..."

In her hazy consciousness, Pardofelis could only vaguely hear Griseo talking.

"Aunt Mobius won't hurt you... If you don't want to go, I'll talk to Aunt Mobius."

"Don't be afraid…"

Afterward, Pardofelis could vaguely feel that the thing she had been holding, the thing she had been protecting, Griseo... began to move her arms, and moved away from her arms little by little, and walked out on her own initiative.

"Aunt Mobius!"

she could hear Griseo shouting with some joy.

"Well... Sister Pardofelis doesn't want to go..."

"Okay, thank you, Aunt Mobius!"

"Don't call you auntie? Then what should I call you..."

"Well, there is another painting, a painting for Brother Nozomi, you have to take it..."

"Sleep? Just sleep is all that's needed? Then... OK~"

...

Pardofelis could no longer hear any further sounds, and her consciousness fell into complete darkness.

When she woke up again, she was already lying on the hospital bed.

At the same time, she also received news... The "Kaiji" wearing Mobius's skin took Eden and Griseo away... Right in front of everyone's eyes, it rode the magnificent giant "jellyfish" to a height that no one could reach, and then quickly "flew" towards the ocean, and disappeared in a short while.

As for Blanca, Eden's parents, and others... they haven't been seen, so they are probably dead.

"..."

And Pardofelis, who had always been very optimistic... fell into a long silence after this incident, and even became autistic for a long time. She looked visibly decadent and depressed, and people were worried that she would suddenly have a mental breakdown.

Until one day, "Fire Moth" received Pardofelis' application for new recruit training, and also received Pardofelis' application for fusion warrior surgery.

The gap was so huge that others were unable to react.

And Pardofelis' response… was simple.

"I just don't want to encounter similar things in the future. I don't have the ability to resist or change anything."

"I think later... I can try to really... protect someone."

"Even if... even if there is only one... it's fine..."

When Pardofelis finished speaking, her voice became a little choked up, making people feel embarrassed to continue asking.

The "Fire Moth" also understood Pardofelis' idea, so they accepted her application... but the application for the fusion warrior surgery was temporarily rejected. This can only be considered after the "Fire Moth" conducts a detailed examination of Pardofelis.

In short, in this emergency, "Fire Moth" once again lost some personnel, and lost researcher Blanca and her daughter Griseo... More importantly, the world superstar Eden also "left" in this incident.

In addition, the Fire Moth also discovered a new type of Kaiji that looks like a jellyfish... As for the Kaiji covered in Mobius' skin, the Fire Moth is no longer surprised.

But there is also good news... For example, when fighting against the fusion warrior after "artificial Honkai," the Herrscher's fighting style has changed a little. This should be able to prove from the side that the fusion warrior after the "artificial Honkai" made the Herrscher feel threatened.

At the same time, the power displayed by the Blank Key is also very obvious, enough to allow an ordinary person like Mei to directly deal with and stalemate with the Herrscher... This news is quite gratifying.

Well... it looks like there's still a fight to be had!

Humanity will definitely win. They will definitely defeat Honkai and the Kaiji.

People firmly believe this.