"What do you mean 'that's my inner voice'?! Just wait and see!" In her mental image world, Vendy reclined lazily on the sofa, propping up her head while munching on potato chips and watching TV. She casually scratched her left calf with her right foot's toes, rolling her eyes dismissively.
"If you have time to roar in your mental image world, why not focus on more productive tasks, dear Miss Wendy?"
"As if a soft-hearted sheep like you could scare me!"
"Sigh, better concentrate on the show instead. I'll bet a monthly ticket that until the very end, that coward won't make any progress whatsoever!"
Vendy popped another chip into her mouth, then lazily yawned.
In the real world, Wendy had just climbed to her feet, straightened her dress, hesitated momentarily, took a small step forward, then another, ultimately approaching Zeke.
Zeke's Fusion Fighter Experiment was a resounding success, enabling him to reach his full potential height.
Wendy, with their four-year age gap and her naturally petite stature, stood next to Zeke, embodying the epitome of adorable height differences.
"So tall..." Wendy murmured unconsciously as she tilted her head back to look up at him.
Zeke raised his hand.
Instinctively, Wendy clutched tighter onto the beret she had just received.
"What are you doing? Don't mess around, I've had enough for now! Wait until next time!" She knew that any further trimming would truly ruin her hair.
With wary black eyes brimming with innocence, Wendy watched Zeke closely.
Instead of roughly tugging at her hair, Zeke simply patted the top of her beret-covered head.
"???"
Relieved yet slightly puzzled, Wendy let out a sigh.
Zeke silently observed her peculiar behavior, bemused by this little girl's antics.
"Having another paranoid delusion episode?"
"Who's having paranoid delusions?! Think about whose fault it is!"
"Mine."
"Well, aren't you aware now?!" Wendy gritted her teeth, ultimately succumbing to resignation.
It had been clear for a long time—this guy was just like this: walking with radiant brilliance on life's grand stage. Despite his unyielding tongue, people couldn't help but follow him because standing by his side offered hope.
"...If you need anything, let me know. I understand the immense research value and strategic importance of studying Herrschers; it's crucial for our world." Leaning against the railing, Wendy spoke somberly, removing her hat and fidgeting with it, revealing her awkward hairstyle to Zeke's gaze.
Let him laugh if he must; Wendy didn't care too much. This sacrifice was beneficial for the greater cause against Honkai—a few strands of hair were a small price to pay, even an honor.
"Thank you," Zeke replied calmly.
Don't be misled by Wendy's constant grumbling around him or his usual harsh demeanor towards her.
In terms of aligning with Zeke's ideals, Wendy resonated most closely among these girls.
Whether it was Kiana, Sin, or Bronya, while some genuinely pursued justice, others had no interest in saving the world. Regardless, their allegiance to Zeke stemmed primarily from emotional ties.
Only Wendy harbored a sincere desire to save humanity and actively engaged her thoughts and actions towards that goal. Her commitment to Zeke wasn't merely driven by emotions; after comparing various ideologies and capabilities, she ultimately endorsed his path.
If one day she discovered Schicksal's approach to be more correct, Wendy would bid farewell to Zeke, tears streaming down her face but without hesitation.
Wendy alone took the time to understand Zeke's perspectives, pondered the issues he faced, considered the objectives behind his actions, and reflected on their implications for the world—comprehending him wholly as a person.
Thus, Wendy wouldn't truly get upset over Zeke's brusque behavior; she understood its significance and necessity.
Returning to the topic at hand, upon receiving Zeke's gratitude, Wendy clutched her hat tightly and slowly turned away, hiding the blush creeping across her cheeks from Zeke's view.
"W-wh-why bring this up all of a sudden..." Wendy felt flustered.
"The recent skepticism surrounding Herrschers has grown louder," Zeke abruptly changed the topic.
Wendy paused, her brows furrowed.
"True, even if Zeke trusts us, it doesn't mean outsiders will accept Herrschers without reservations. Having more Herrschers on humanity's side can be beneficial but also stirs unease like landmines waiting to explode."
"No, I share doubts about the nature of Herrschers too. Each of you is constantly monitored by numerous worker bees."
"Not just monitored; they protect you as well, right? Stop pretending to be tough—I know you better than that." Wendy nudged Zeke with her elbow, leaning against the railing and turning towards him. Her smile blossomed like a fresh flower, vibrant, energetic, radiant, carrying an unwitting allure.
The corners of Zeke's mouth curved slightly upward.
"I'll handle this wave of unrest, but it won't disappear anytime soon—it'll persist for quite some time. Don't let it affect your mindset. Also, please keep an eye on Seele; she's not nearly as mature as you."
"Mm-hmm, got it, I'll be careful... Wait, come to think of it, why do you only mess with my hair? Why is Seele's always so neat?"
"Because... she's very well-behaved; I can't bring myself to."
"So, I'm just asking for it then?!?" Wendy pointed at herself, hopping indignantly, her expression incredulous—as if unable to believe Zeke could show such favoritism.
"Oh, and by the way, Kiana now counts as one of us too."
"What?"
"The full story is quite complex, starting from the Second Honkai Eruption..."
Zeke narrated slowly, devoid of personal bias, presenting the facts logically and comprehensively like recounting history.
This straightforward approach allowed Wendy to grasp the gravity of the situation clearly.
"Gah—without you, I shudder to imagine what might have happened to Big Sister Kiana. The more we learn about Otto Apocalypse, the stronger the urge to dismember him becomes, yet also the more chilling he feels." Wendy spoke with profound emotion, deeply moved by Kiana's experiences.
Zeke looked at her and coldly remarked, "Without me, you wouldn't have fared much better."
"...I suppose that's true," Wendy admitted, scratching her cheek.
Without Zeke, she might still be trapped in the depths of the Oceania Branch, crippled, surrounded by malicious individuals, or perhaps even dead from the Gem of Desire's corruption long ago.
"It's all behind us now—both for Big Sister Kiana and myself. In any case, thank you. You've had it tough too, starting with your cunning dealings with Otto when you had nothing, then joining Anti-Entropy to inspire Welt's ideas, continually advancing scientific research, managing every aspect of this vast organization, enriching humanity's foundations step by step... Bearing such immense responsibilities unimaginable to outsiders... Does it ever feel overwhelming?"
Wendy smiled warmly, gazing at Zeke with eyes that seemed to sparkle.
Zeke studied her intently for a moment before gently tapping her on the head.
"Trying to comfort me, little girl? Maybe focus on drinking more milk and growing taller first."
"Aghh!! You're such a pain! Can't you just graciously accept someone's kindness for once?!"
"Truth is, sometimes it does feel overwhelming. I'd rather live quietly without all these worries. But this is the era we're in, and since I'm here, I have no choice but to step up. Honkai may be ever-present like a shadow, but humanity will ultimately prevail—that much I know."
His words were calm, devoid of any fervor, yet they managed to dissipate Wendy's irritation about her height comment. With a softened expression, she gently took Zeke's hand.
"I understand. We'll all strive alongside you."
"All right then, it's lunchtime. Let's go eat."
"Great idea!"
Together, they walked indoors, descended the stairs, and headed towards the dining area.
Along the way, snippets of various conversations reached their ears.
"You know, if you're not wearing the hat, give it back. The materials were quite expensive; they could still be used elsewhere."
"Don't even think about it—it's mine now!"
"But you never wear it."
"It doesn't matter; it's still mine, and I won't let you have it, nyah!"
"Ahh, forget it. It's fine if you don't wear it; you still look cute—even with a bald head. If anyone says otherwise, just punch them."
"Who're you calling bald?! Miss Wendy will always be the cutest, no matter the hairstyle!"
"...Shameless much?"
"What did you say?! Wait, do those words imply that next time, you'll completely shave off my hair?"
"Not exactly, but given how eager you seem, I wouldn't rule it out."
"Don't even think about it, Zeke, you jerk!"