Ch-31 < Return >

As Kevin stood amidst the aftermath of the fierce battle, he felt the system's rewards pour in. A digital notification chimed, confirming his new gains:

- **50,000 System Points**

- **Authority of the Herrscher of Ice**

- **Kevin Template increased to 27%**

- **Authority of Abyss** (from an extra Authority)

- **Absorption Skill** (from consuming the flesh of the judgment-class Honkai beast)

With his newly enhanced abilities and power level, now at 29%, Kevin felt a surge of energy. The authority of the Herrscher of Ice settled into him, granting him control over ice and cold, while the Authority of Abyss hinted at even more profound powers yet to be explored.

The absorption skill promised a more efficient way to harness the strengths of opponent.

Kevin pulled out his phone, dialing a familiar number. As the call connected, he could already hear the faint buzz of excitement on the other end.

"We've seen it already, Kevin. Retrieve the corpse of the judgment-class beast," Mei's voice came through, practical and focused.

Before Kevin could respond, Mobius's voice cut in, laced with frustration. "You destroyed such a precious subject for research! Do you know how rare a judgment-class beast is?"

Kevin could almost see Mobius's irritated expression. He smirked, knowing her well enough to expect this reaction. Just then, Elysia's cheerful voice chimed in, "Kevin, you were amazing out there! That was quite a show!"

The three voices overlapped, creating a cacophony that made it difficult for Kevin to catch every word. He quickly realized it was better to end the call before it became too chaotic.

"Don't worry, I always find the loot. Mission success. I'll leave the Honkai beasts to MOTH." Kevin spoke briskly, cutting through the noise. Before anyone could protest, he ended the call with a swift tap.

As the screen darkened, Kevin could almost hear Mobius's exasperation on the other end. "That bastard," she muttered, her voice barely containing her irritation.

Mei and Elysia exchanged amused smiles. They were used to Kevin's antics and Mobius's intense reactions. There was a certain comfort in these familiar dynamics, despite the high-stakes situations they often found themselves in.

Klein, ever the peacemaker, appeared with a tray, setting down Mobius's favorite tea. "Here, Dr. Mobius. This should help calm your nerves."

Mobius took the cup, still grumbling. "He thinks he can just destroy valuable specimens and get away with it. The nerve!" But as she sipped the warm tea, some of the tension in her shoulders eased.

Elysia, ever the optimist, leaned back in her chair, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "You have to admit, Kevin does have a knack for making things exciting. And he did take down a judgment-class beast single-handedly."

Mei nodded thoughtfully. "True. And with the data we've gathered from this encounter, we can better understand the properties of the Herrscher of Ice's abilities. Kevin's actions, while a bit...reckless, have provided us with valuable insights."

Mobius sighed, finally relaxing a little. "I suppose you're right. It's just frustrating. The potential for study...but I guess we'll have to settle for the data and the core he retrieved."

Klein smiled softly. "Besides, Kevin always delivers. He may be unconventional, but he's reliable in his own way."

The group fell into a comfortable silence, each reflecting on the day's events. Despite the occasional disagreement, there was a shared sense of purpose among them.

As Kevin made his way back to base, he couldn't help but smile at the thought of his 3 girls.

Kevin returned to the MOTH base, where a chorus of cheers and congratulations greeted him.

Soldiers, their faces lighting up with respect and admiration, gathered around to celebrate his victory over the formidable ice dragon.

Among them, Kosma stood out. Ever since Kevin had saved him, Kosma had become a devoted fan, always eager to hear about Kevin's latest exploits.

After exchanging a few words and nods with the soldiers, Kevin made his way to Mobius's lab.

As he stepped inside, Elysia was the first to reach him.

Kevin are you alright. Elysia said.

She pounced on him with a mischievous grin, her hands slipping under his shirt to check for any injuries.

"Elysia, this is a workplace," Mei reminded her, though her eyes couldn't help but linger on Kevin's exposed torso. Her tone was one of admonishment, but there was a blush creeping up her cheeks that betrayed her curiosity.

Mobius, lounging on a sofa with a cup of tea in hand, watched the scene unfold with a slight smile. "The power you displayed was phenomenal, Kevin," she remarked, her voice calm and observant. "I can't begin to imagine how strong you'll become after the MANTIS operation."

Kevin looked at the her and couldn't resist teasing. "You didn't even give your boyfriend a proper welcome," he joked. "I worked so hard out there, and there's no reward for me?"

Elysia, never one to miss an opportunity, chimed in with a playful offer. "I can give you a reward," she said, her tone suggestive.

Meanwhile, Mei, struggling to find the right words, could only stammer.

Her cheeks flushed a deeper red, and she gritted her teeth when she noticed Elysia's smug expression.

"Thank you, Elysia," Kevin responded, a smirk playing on his lips. "For now, a lap pillow will do." He casually strolled over to Mobius, resting his head on her lap.

Her eyes widened in surprise, but she didn't push him away. Instead, she glanced down at him.

"How's the progress on the super AI?" Kevin asked, turning his attention to Mei.

Mei composed herself, focusing on the question. "It's near completion. I think we can start in two days after sorting out the aftermath of the Fifth Herrscher incident," she replied, her voice steadying as she shifted into a more professional mode.

Kevin nodded, satisfied with the progress. Then, with a teasing glint in his eyes, he looked up at Mobius. "You know, Mobius, you mostly eat instant noodles, yet you've got decent fat on your thighs," he remarked, his hand casually brushing against her leg.

"And your boobs are actually quite big." His hands went towards her breast and squeeze it lightly with one hand.

Mobius arched an eyebrow, unfazed. "I guess I have good genes," she replied while She let out a soft moan.

She caught off guard by Kevin's boldness but not entirely displeased.

Mei, flustered by the flirtatious exchange, raised her voice slightly. "This isn't the place for flirting, Kevin," she scolded, trying to inject some decorum into the situation.

Kevin chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Just making some observations," he said innocently, though his action suggested otherwise.

The atmosphere in the room was light, filled with the kind of camaraderie and banter that only comes from being in the trenches together.

As the evening settled in, Mobius and Mei remained engrossed in their work, meticulously handling the aftermath of the Fifth Herrscher incident.

The lab buzzed with activity, but Kevin, having nothing to do decided to take a well-deserved break.

With a mischievous grin, he approached Elysia and, without warning, scooped her up into his arms in a classic princess carry.

"Kevin, aren't you tired from all the fighting?" Elysia asked, her voice soft and filled with concern. Her arms instinctively wrapped around his neck, and she gazed up at him with a mix of amusement and affection.

Kevin chuckled, shaking his head. "No," he replied, his eyes sparkling with playful intent. "Your face gives me the energy for another battle."

A hint of pink spreading across her ears.

He carried her through the dimly lit halls of the base towards her room. The warmth of Kevin's arms and the rhythm of his heartbeat against her made Elysia feel cherished.

Reaching a secluded spot near their quarters, Kevin gently set Elysia down, pressing her back against the cool, metallic wall. The temperature contrast sent a shiver down her spine, and she looked up at him, her breath hitching slightly at the intensity in his eyes.

Kevin leaned in closer, his hands resting on either side of her head, effectively pinning her against the wall. The air between them grew thick with anticipation, and Elysia felt her pulse quicken.

Without breaking eye contact, Kevin slowly leaned down. His breath, warm and steady, brushed against her lips.

Elysia's eyelids fluttered closed as he tilted her chin up gently, closing the remaining distance between them. Their lips met in a soft, lingering kiss that sent a spark of electricity through her entire being.

Kevin deepened the kiss, his hand sliding up to cradle the back of her head, fingers tangling in her hair. Elysia responded eagerly, her hands gripping his shirt as if to pull him closer.

Breaking the kiss, Kevin pulled back slightly, his forehead resting against hers. There face was heavily blushed.

"You know," Kevin whispered, his voice low and husky, "I think I found a new favorite battle."

"You always know how to make me blush," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Her hands relaxed their grip on his shirt, sliding up to rest on his shoulders.

Kevin smiled, a genuine, warm smile that made her heart flutter. "It's one of my many talents," he said, leaning in to press another, softer kiss to her lips.