Chapter 128: let’s sing together again~

[The battle between Kalpas and the "Seventh Herrscher" lasted for several days... The "Seventh Herrscher" that was born from Himeko inherited some of her thinking and combat capabilities. With this foundation, it quickly found a way to deal with Kalpas and began to use its own power to suppress Kalpas in turn.]

　[But Kalpas was not so easy to bully. As he laughed wildly, his fighting style became more and more violent. He relied on his extremely terrifying fighting instinct to continuously fight with it. If it relaxed even a little, it would be hit by a violent storm.]

　[In addition, the rain that fell along with your song did not stop. Instead, it got heavier as time went on, directly curbing the spread of the "Seventh Herrscher", allowing Kalpas to fight it back and forth.]

　[In the end, Kalpas completely ignored his own injuries and forcibly killed it... But Kalpas also paid a very painful price.]

　[Others still remember that moment, when Kalpas, whose body was badly burned, dragged a corpse with missing limbs and a distorted face, stepped on the ground that looked like lava, and walked out of the flames step by step... That scene deeply shocked everyone.]

　[Unfortunately, Kalpas just threw its body at the feet of everyone in the end, as if to indicate that the crusade had been completed, and then fainted.]

　[But fortunately, Kalpas's "inhuman" physique allowed him to survive... But when he woke up from Mobius's laboratory, he unexpectedly made a big fuss again. It was obvious that he really didn't like Mobius.]

　[However... even if the Seventh Herrscher is defeated, this disaster is not over yet. Or rather, it is far from over.]

　[Although the rain has curbed the spread of the fire, the flames of the "Seventh Herrscher" still burned most of the Australian continent. In addition, almost all cities have been destroyed and ravaged by Honkai beasts. Only one in ten places can be rebuilt.]

　[Even if the Fire Moth wants to rebuild the city, it will be difficult because even if the Seventh Herrscher disappears and the Honkai energy stops rising, there are still Honkai beasts wandering around, and small Honkai will break out from time to time, making the already bad situation even worse.]

　[This incident also made "Fire Moth" put aside those useless reservations and begin to implement Mei and others' "Fusion Warrior Plan"... Humanity now needs more and more powerful forces, and no longer has the mind to discuss whether those are "inhuman" issues.]

　[Those who originally opposed this plan all shut up. In the face of the cruel and crisis-filled reality, their words seemed so... boring.]

　[Soon after, Kevin and Elysia became fusion warriors one after another. Even Mobius violated the rules and performed the operation privately, becoming the third fusion warrior to successfully complete the operation... But so far, no one has succeeded except these three.]

　[But now I can't care about that anymore. After witnessing the super high combat power brought by the fusion warriors, "Fire Chaser" vigorously promoted this plan and began to select those who have a high genetic compatibility with Honkai beasts... such as Sakura, and you.]

　[Ah... yes, there is also your problem, a problem that the "Fire Moth" doesn't want to mention but has to deal with.]

　[Although your actions during the "Seventh Eruption" allowed many people to survive... After all, the "Seventh Herrscher" was indeed attracted by your song and also focused on you. In other words, you successfully played the role of "Mocking Puppet".]

　[In this "punitive war", the casualties of ordinary soldiers were only 30%... Compared with previous punitive wars, this is already an outrageous figure.]

　[And this time, "Fire Moth" also realized that your singing can indeed attract the "Herrscher", but it will not have any stabilizing effect on it. Instead, it will make it target you... So letting you try to sing in "Great Eruption" is undoubtedly a wrong decision, both for you and "Fire Moth", it is wrong.]

　[You shouldn't have proposed staying and singing, the soldiers present shouldn't have agreed to this proposal, and "Fire Moth"... shouldn't have agreed to this attempt.]

　[But people are like this, with a bit of luck in their hearts, hoping to get that faint possibility. Everyone hopes that your song can have an impact on the "Herrscher", and hope that your song can comfort the "Herrscher"... But it is this hope that brings everyone's "hope" and you into the abyss.]

　[When you return to the base of the "Fire Moth", the soldiers escorting you are silent and just walk forward with their heads down. The others look at the light purple lines emerging on your neck and want to speak, but don't know how to start. In the end, they can only sigh helplessly and hurriedly call you into the nursing room to check your physical condition.]

　[Should they blame you for anything? Not really, because your actions did benefit the soldiers. Before Kalpas arrived, the casualties among ordinary soldiers were only 30%, and most of them died when facing the Herrscher. Before that, the soldiers saved many survivors.]

　[Even thanks to you and Kalpas's containment of the "Seventh Herrscher", troops in other regions also saved a lot of people, making the number of survivors in this "Great Honkai Eruption" far exceed expectations.]

　[Should they blame you for anything? Not really. After all, you have good intentions, and this proposal has been agreed by the soldiers present, as well as the "Fire Moth". During this process, no one objected to your proposal, and everyone hoped that your song could trigger a "miracle".]

　[It can be said that it was the expectations of everyone that pushed you to this point, and it was the expectations of everyone that caused you to become like this... Everyone is wrong, but no one is wrong.]

　[As for this, they can only sigh, feel sorry, and sigh.]

　[The final result is as expected. Honkai is gradually eroding your body, and because of the slight Honkai energy you already have, the erosion speed is gradually accelerating... In other words, your life has entered the countdown.]

　[Of course~ There is some good news. At least your voice is still fine. Singing is completely OK~ In addition, there has been some progress in the research on your singing voice. This means that your singing voice can be "copied" from now on~ Haha~]

　[…But this news doesn't make them happy at all.]

　[The drug that can cure Honkai erosion has not been researched yet. Although it has reached the final stage, it is still an unfinished product... In other words, the only thing that can "cure" you and save you from the pain of Honkai erosion is the Fusion Warrior Surgery.]

　[But this proposal was opposed by everyone. The success rate of the fusion warrior surgery is too low. What if you die on the operating table? At least... at least we have to "copy" a few of your songs as a "backup", right?]

　[Everything is just so coincidental, just like the rain in the fire, too... coincidental, making people complain about why this world is so ruthless, making people see hope while also seeing the cruelty that follows, covering up the glimmer of hope.]

　[In the end, after everyone discussed it, they could only say... delay it as much as possible. Use your own songs and Mobius's medicine to delay your symptoms as much as possible. See if you can hold on until the research of the healing medicine is successful. In the meantime, try to "copy" your songs as much as possible. Then... use the fusion warrior surgery as a last resort.]

　[Although no one wants to, compared to the inevitable death in the end, it is undoubtedly better to strive for the tiny success rate of the fusion warrior surgery, isn't it?]

　[So... let's just wait quietly... for the final moment to come.]

　————————

　"Help..."

　A weak voice came from under the ruins.

　"Hey, I found it! There's another one here!"

　It is the sound of joy.

　"This is Pardofelis. I found another survivor. Can someone help me?"

　After saying that, Pardofelis turned around and spoke to the people under the ruins.

　"Don't worry, you will be saved. The main force will be here soon. Just hold on!"

　"Okay...but my legs..."

"Is your leg pinned? I see. I'll have the team bring some tools."

"Thanks..."

"Well~ It's okay, this is our duty~"

While clearing away the debris around her so that she could move, Pardofelis tried her best to comfort the other person in a light-hearted tone. Talking in this tone seemed to convey a sense of relaxation to the other person, preventing him from becoming too nervous and eventually breaking down his own spirit.

"Ah, did you hear that? Someone's coming? Uh... wait, why are you here too, Brother Nozomi?"

When she heard the hurried footsteps, Pardofelis was still speaking to the people buried under the rubble in a rather happy tone, but when she turned her head to look, her body stiffened again.

"What's wrong with me? What's wrong with me coming here? I'm not welcome?"

"No, no, no, it's just... um... Brother Nozomi, you've finished your work, right? We've also cleared out the Honkai beasts around here, so... shouldn't you take a rest?"

"I want to help."

"But your body..."

"I want to help!"

"...Sister Sakura, Brother Hen, please try to persuade him!"

"......"

Sakura, who came with Nozomi, remained silent and did not respond to Pardofelis's request. She just silently worked with others to move the debris from the building and rescue the people buried underneath.

"...Just let him be, Pardo... After all, it has come to this point, there is no difference."

Hen looked at Nozomi, who was excitedly going up to others to help, shook his head helplessly at Pardofelis, and smiled bitterly.

"But..."

Pardofelis opened her mouth and wanted to say something in rebuttal. Mainly because everyone let Nozomi act according to his own wishes without any intention of stopping him. This kind of behavior always gave people the feeling that they were letting Nozomi fulfill his last wish... Pardofelis hated this feeling.

Especially since the time Nozomi confirmed the countdown of his life, apart from normal rest, he has been running around with the rescue team, even going to the patient placement site to sing as before to calm the patients' emotions. He even actively cooperated with Mobius and others' experiments, assisting the "Fire Moth" in "copying" the song.

He even had time to comfort Eden, who had suffered severe psychological trauma from the "Seventh Honkai Eruption," and tried to get her to play with him. Unfortunately, given Nozomi's current situation, his comfort was not entirely useless but was of little help.

There is no way. As soon as they realize that Nozomi's life is already counting down, they always feel an inexplicable sadness when they look at the smile on his face.

In the face of the cold and cruel reality, any words of comfort seem pale and powerless.

As for the cure being developed in time? It would be great if that were the case... but the problem is that it hasn't, it hasn't!!!

And the Fusion Warrior Surgery as a last resort? To fight for that tiny success rate? Ha... You know, even Mobius herself resisted this method, requiring it to be performed only when "absolutely necessary."

But now...

"......"

Pardofelis looked at Nozomi, who was trying hard to help but was out of breath after a while, and pursed her lips. Nozomi seemed to notice her gaze, turned around and smiled at her slightly embarrassedly as if feeling sorry for his poor health.

But this made Pardofelis feel even worse. She couldn't help but feel distressed and... unwilling.

If I had been there, would things have been different? After all, I can run fast and I know how to hide... No, no, judging from the situation at the time, it would have been the same whether I was there or not. It would have been the same with or without me. The "Great Honkai Eruption" is not something that can be changed by one person.

But... if it's just to save people... we... should be able to do it, right?

Pardofelis always thinks so, or many people think so, whether it is Kevin, Elysia, or other warriors. They always fantasize in their hearts: if they were there, would the result be different? If they did "this or that" at that time, would it not be like this?

But in the end, they abandon such naive ideas. The outcome of the "Great Eruption" will not be changed by a certain person, and it was impossible to take Nozomi away in advance.

It's very simple because Nozomi wants to use his song to help the soldiers improve their survival rate and reduce the pressure of combat, and the soldiers agree to this in order to survive. The "Fire Moth" even intends to take this opportunity to test whether Nozomi's song can be effective on the Herrscher. After all, the "Great Eruption" happened to be born next to him... In this case, how could he be taken away in advance?

And his songs will attract the attention of the Herrscher...

Just like what was said before, it was everyone who pushed him to this point, and it was everyone who led to this outcome for him... even if he did it voluntarily.

But sure enough, there is still a little bit of reluctance...

"Ah, it's you!"

Nozomi's voice sounded somewhat surprised.

"Long time no see, Elga~"

"Ah... um... um, long time no see... Nozomi."

The rescued woman opened her mouth and dodged a familiar look, but facing Nozomi's smile, she could only look away, nodded dryly, and responded.

"I haven't seen you since high school..."

"Yes…"

"Don't be nervous, don't be nervous~ You've been saved, you're safe~ Well... let's go, let's continue~"

"Nozomi, it's OK now."

Hen spoke softly.

"...Is that so? If I calculate carefully, it seems that the time is almost up..."

Nozomi tilted his head and sighed as if feeling a little regretful.

"Oh, yes, and this... I need to give her an injection."

"Nozomi, that's yours, keep it well. We have inhibitors here... and we've already injected them into this young lady."

"Oh, sorry, I forgot. Hehe~"

Nozomi scratched his face a little embarrassedly, took Sakura's hand as if to apologize, and took the lead with her to start the journey home.

"Let's go home~"

Everyone followed in silence. Along the way, only Nozomi's cheerful singing could be heard from time to time.

...

.........

"It's been a long time since we last met, Elga-san."

"Eden... you're here too."

Elga lay on the bed, looked at the person who came and smiled bitterly.

"Come to think of it, I've heard that you two are very close, so it's only natural that you're here..."

"Ha... I'm glad you said that, but... that kind of thing... will probably stop soon."

"...What?"

Seeing Eden's sad look, Elga was stunned.

"…Nothing, let's talk about you, Elga-san. How are you doing? And… I remember you had a very good friend. How is she doing?"

"Elena... died. I was able to survive the previous disaster thanks to her..."

"I see... Sorry for bringing up your sad story."

"It's okay... Compared to my previous experiences, this is nothing."

Elga's face was bitter, but her tone was exceptionally calm, so calm that it was a little scary.

"My parents died... They both left... My husband was just arranged by the family, and we didn't get along, so that's it, he was fooling around outside all day... Then he died, he deserved it... Finally, Elena died too... That's it, it's nothing."

"Not to mention, I'm dying now, just like them, it's nothing... it's nothing."

Elga looked at the purple lines all over her body, whispered to herself, and emphasized it again at the end as if to comfort herself, but she still shed a few tears unconsciously, which she quickly wiped away.

"You've changed a lot."

"Yeah, time can always change a person... Forget it, let me talk about you. Although I always see you active on the Internet, what is the real situation? I'm quite curious, tell us about it and make us happy. And what are your recent progress? We all care about it."

"......"

"...Sorry."

Seeing Eden's silence, Elga realized that she might have mentioned something she shouldn't have and apologized softly.

"No... it's okay. I just estimated that Nozomi's performance was about to begin, and I didn't want to miss it... Sorry, this is my problem."

"Nozomi's performance? Here? And... aren't you joining in?"

"No, this is his time to show his [characteristics]. I can't go on stage with him. Besides... I am not suitable to play with him right now."

Eden smiled bitterly and shook her head. Given her current state of mind, the emotions expressed in the music must be very sad. It was not in line with the music she needed now, and it was also different from the tune played by Nozomi. At this moment, she... was not suitable to be on the same stage as Nozomi.

"What's more... as Nozomi's possible last song, I don't want my music to disturb him. I hope to be a listener, witness it, and remember it."

"…Wait, what's the meaning of the last song?"

"Nothing... It's hard to say for sure about that kind of thing, so it's better to have a little hope, even if it's weak... By the way, don't worry about your condition, you won't die. There's enough medicine here, and his songs are often heard here... You'll be fine."

"Wait, don't go!"

Elga wanted to shout, but Eden looked at the time and left in a hurry. It was the first time she behaved so rudely. Obviously, she couldn't care about so many things at the moment. She... just wanted to go to Nozomi, listen to his songs, and witness his performance.

"..."

Elga also realized something and moved anxiously, but her weak body and disabled legs made her unable to leave the bed.

Before, when she first met Nozomi, she was still a little frightened and kept avoiding his sight. What happened at that time was still in her heart, so she didn't dare to look him in the eye. Even if she wanted to apologize to him, she didn't know where to start.

What if he still cares? What if he no longer cares? What if he doesn't accept the apology?

These questions always lingered in her mind, making her stop in her tracks, and ultimately, they also prevented her from saying this belated apology, which has been delayed until now.

But Eden's appearance and the discussion of those people when he was rescued... all seemed to indicate one thing—Nozomi's condition was not good.

This made her feel a little anxious. At least... at least she should tell him this apology, this belated apology?

But how could she get to him now?

When I was rescued before, why didn't I have the courage to apologize to him...

As expected, I... missed the best opportunity again.

Hmmm~

There was a soft singing voice coming from outside, and Elga knew that it was Nozomi's singing.

"......"

Elga gritted her teeth, called for medical staff, asked them to take her away, and begged them to bring her to Nozomi.

Others couldn't persuade her, so in the end, they had to take her to Nozomi... and this time, she caught up with him. She caught up with him just before Nozomi finished playing and was about to leave.

"Elga? You should rest now. Otherwise, your condition will get worse."

Seeing her coming, Nozomi stopped and was about to leave with the troops, and said with some surprise and concern.

"…I'm sorry, Nozomi."

These were the first words she said. She was glad that she didn't hesitate this time, and she was glad that she seized the opportunity this time.

"Whether it was before... or now, I'm sorry, Nozomi."

"Regardless of what happened back then, or... this belated apology... I am... sorry."

She said so, and that's all she could say.

"...Hmm? It's okay. I forgive you~"

Nozomi seemed to realize what she was saying and just smiled and spoke softly.

"I accept your apology. Please take a good rest now. Otherwise, your condition will get worse. I am very happy to see that you are still alive and well."

"...Thanks."

"Hehe~ Then... see you later?"

"Okay... bye."

Elga watched Nozomi's figure go away, praying that they could meet again.

...

.........

"Hmm~"

"I say, can you show any emotion other than happiness?"

Listening to the cheerful tune hummed by Nozomi, Mobius said a little irritably.

"Hmm? But keeping a happy mood before the operation can increase the success rate of the operation, right? And being too nervous is not good for your health~"

"No, that's not the case... Tsk... I mean, can you please pay a little more attention to your own life?! Realize that you are special!"

"hehe"

"…You're still laughing?!"

"Well...it's just that your attitude reminded me of someone, Dr. Mobius~"

Nozomi shook his head happily and spoke briskly, seemingly unaware of his own situation.

"But I'm really happy that you guys care about me~"

"Since you knew that, you shouldn't have made us worry so much... Also, the way you look makes me feel sick and disgusted. The way you don't value your own life makes me feel disgusted."

"I'm so sorry... But don't worry, the operation will be successful. After all, you are Mobius, right?"

"..."

"And... Dr. Mobius, I'm not always happy, you know? I'm also a human being, and I get sad, too~"

"I didn't see that."

"Because there's no need for that. Everyone is already sad. If I show this kind of emotion again, everyone's emotions will be immersed in sadness and they won't be able to recover... That would be too bad."

"Then you really underestimate people's strength... And even if you die, there's still Elysia, so you don't have to worry."

"Ah… that's right."

Nozomi thought about it and agreed with what Mobius said.

"But... I still won't show my sadness or anything like that... because that's too dangerous."

Nozomi said softly.

"I'm worried that I won't be able to stop all of a sudden... I'll get sad or something... If that happens, then my songs won't bring hope to others anymore."

Nozomi's eyelids drooped slightly.

"Also... I'm also afraid that I'll be immersed in sadness, my mind will be filled with despair, and my heart will be torn into pieces by myself... If that happens, won't the people who care about me and like me be even more sad?"

" right, Eden?"

Nozomi looked at Eden who had just walked in and asked softly.

"If that's the case."

Eden replied.

"If that's the case, I will pick it up piece by piece, put it together piece by piece, and tell myself: this piece is mine, that piece is also mine... these are all mine."

"Really? That's great~"

Nozomi smiled happily.

"But, don't bother you~ I will give this heart to you intact and complete~"

"...Yes, I know."

"Alright, alright, stop being so annoying here... If it weren't for the good relationship between you two, I wouldn't let her in!"

Mobius interrupted the conversation a little irritably.

"If you have anything to say, say it now... Humph, this is the last bit of time, you have to think carefully, maybe this will be your last words, okay, little white mouse?"

"No."

Nozomi didn't mind Mobius's slightly annoyed remarks, he just shook his head and said.

"We will succeed, and I...will survive."

"After all... I am Hope. How can it be extinguished so easily? Right?"

After saying that, he looked at Eden who came to his side, gently took her hand, pulled her body in front of him, lightly touched her lips, and looked at her with eyes full of smiles and expectations.

"Let's sing together later, Eden."

"...um."

Eden nodded in agreement.

......

.........

When the operation began, all irrelevant personnel were isolated and everyone who cared about Nozomi was anxiously and nervously waiting for the results...a researcher came running over.

He seemed very anxious and in a hurry. When he first arrived in front of the crowd, he didn't even have the strength to speak and could only gasp for breath.

"Mei... Doctor Mei... the test kit has been... successful! The effect is remarkable! It can definitely save him!"

He took out a sealed reagent and spoke excitedly, even forgetting where he was and why everyone was waiting here.

"...I see...Thank you for your hard work."

Dr. Mei nodded and pinched her eyebrows with a headache.

"But it is no longer necessary now. The operation has already begun."

"...I'm sorry."

"This is not your problem. It's just a little bit short, just a little bit short..."

In this regard, one can only sigh and feel regretful. Everything was just a little bit off, everything was just... a little bit late.

"It doesn't matter."

Eden spoke softly, her eyes never leaving the locked operating room.

"It will work."

She believed so.

After all, we made an appointment, and later... we will sing together.