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"Alright... I think that's enough for now..."
As the sunlight streaming through the window began to feel somewhat scorching, Zeke murmured while massaging Sin's head with one hand and finally pausing his data adjustments with the other.
Sin blinked and lifted her head from Zeke's embrace.
"Is it done, Zeke?"
"Yes, our current focus is construction; it's not yet time to fully expand on other aspects. So let's stop here. Is there anywhere you'd like to go?"
"As long as I'm with Zeke, Sin is happy to go anywhere!"
"You should occasionally express your own desires instead of relying solely on me or Bronya."
Zeke gently pinched Sin's cheeks, the soft sensation causing his gaze to involuntarily soften.
However, Sin had always been this pure-hearted. After considering it, Zeke decided not to press further and simply said:
"Why don't we take a stroll outside? Perfect timing actually, would you accompany me to meet someone?"
"Sure!" Sin nodded enthusiastically, her face lighting up like a blossoming flower, revealing a sweet smile.
Twenty minutes later, dressed in their usual attire—Zeke in his white trench coat and Sin in her black-red Gothic loli dress—they held hands and ascended to the rooftop observation deck.
Moments after, a streak of red light pierced the sky, disappearing into the distance.
"Vera, it's time for a break and lunch!"
"I'm coming, Captain!"
High atop a towering steel-framed building, a black six-legged spider-like construction robot clung to its edge. The cockpit hatch popped open, revealing a blonde-haired girl whose head emerged amidst her flowing tresses. She responded cheerfully to the middle-aged squad leader overseeing the rooftop construction team, punctuating her reply with a clear, bell-like laughter.
She then slid back into the cockpit, maneuvering the spider engineering vehicle to descend vertically down to the ground. After reaching the base, she moved alongside a neatly arranged convoy of construction vehicles before finally emerging from the cockpit and jumping onto the pavement.
"Another perfect performance today! You've earned an extra chicken leg reward—just as expected from me!"
Standing on the ground, Vera's form-fitting black pilot suit accentuated her slender, youthful figure, drawing attention effortlessly.
"Here, your boxed lunch with an extra chicken leg." With a jovial smile, the squad leader handed over a black metal lunchbox. Seeing Vera's sparkling eyes, his grin grew even warmer.
This was Yordle City's Third Engineering Squad, responsible for construction projects within hundreds of kilometers around the city. Everyone in the team adored the charming, intelligent, and capable blonde girl before them.
Vera accepted the lunchbox, licking her lips, and was about to open it for a satisfying meal when she heard the Captain beside her say:
"Let's call it a day here. We've already met our planned progress; now we need to wait slightly for the other teams. After all, this is a systematic project, and if we move too quickly, there won't be proper coordination with subsequent stages. It just happens to be the weekend, so let's finish early today. Would you like to come over for dinner at my place? My wife keeps asking about you every day."
"Oh, I see... No, thank you. I'd rather spend time with my dad, so I'll pass on visiting your home, Captain."
"All right then, take care of yourself. If you need anything, remember to contact me. See you next week."
"Bye, Captain!" Vera waved cheerfully with a bright smile towards the sturdy man before her.
He reciprocated with a smile but sighed inwardly—what a wonderful child, tragically orphaned at such a young age. How did she manage alone until now? Damn this cursed Honkai!
As she watched the Captain depart, Vera turned around, effortlessly hopped onto the six-meter-high construction vehicle, and found a comfortable spot to sit.
"Sigh... Many people died again this time, but we will continue moving forward nonetheless. Dad, you must be watching over me too, right?"
Vera sighed, and her lovely youthful face lit up with another smile. She opened her lunchbox, took a whiff of the food's aroma, and began eating daintily.
Her chewing was meticulous, with rhythmic movements of her cheeks complementing her focused expression as she savored each bite—making her look incredibly well-behaved and endearing.
Just as she finished swallowing the last morsel from the box, an apple appeared beside her.
"Here's your dessert fruit."
"Oh, thanks... Wait?!"
"It's been a while, Vera. You've grown taller." Zeke sat next to her, with Sin by his side holding onto his arm. He raised his other hand, gesturing at Vera's head height.
Vera blinked in surprise for a moment before reaching out with her small hands, grabbing the apple, and eagerly biting into it.
The crisp, sweet sensation made her close her eyes in delight, resembling a contented little kitten.
Zeke, experienced as a father, couldn't help but beam with warmth and satisfaction upon witnessing her charming, non-picky eating manner.
After finishing the apple, Vera placed the core in her empty lunchbox. Turning towards Zeke, she smiled and said:
"As for Big Sister Kiana, there isn't much I can tell you, Big Bro Zeke. She has many secrets and seems burdened with incredibly heavy responsibilities. Her power is profoundly terrifying; even when she exerts all her effort to suppress it, various effects still ripple through her surroundings. However, she's genuinely kind-hearted and treats me wonderfully. I suggest taking her warnings seriously, as she definitely means no harm."
"Alright, understood."
"I heard that you ventured into the Sea of Quanta, Big Bro Zeke. Did you just return? Were there any dangers? Is the Sea of Quanta fun?"
"Not dangerous for me, but certainly so for others. It contains myriad world bubbles, each showcasing diverse civilizations and landscapes from human perspectives. One could argue they're quite intriguing, hence 'fun' in some sense."
Zeke gazed ahead at the nascent outlines of various architectural frameworks, his silver hair fluttering in the wind. With his tall, upright stature, he emanated a steadfast stability akin to an unyielding rock.
Vera rested her chin on one hand, tilting her head to observe Zeke's profile, a gentle smile playing on her lips.
"Welcome back, Big Bro Zeke, and it's been too long."
"You should've greeted me when I first appeared."
"It's not too late now! By the way, is Big Sister Kiana not here with you? And this child is... Sin Mal? The one you mentioned earlier?"
"Yes. Sin Mal and Vera Crowe, please meet each other."
The two girls exchanged glances. Sin studied her counterpart, who seemed a couple of years older, assessing if she posed any threat. Meanwhile, Vera smiled warmly at Sin, exuding a clean, friendly, and approachable aura.
After shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries, they officially became acquainted.
Once introductions were complete, Zeke quietly turned to Vera and asked, "So, what do you think about Kiana?"
"...Is that why you sought me out, Big Bro Zeke? Hmph! You only care about Big Sister Kiana, not about Vera at all! I'm upset!"
Vera pouted, turning away sulkily.
Zeke fell silent for a moment, pondering his options. Then, he retrieved from his pocket a small ball wrapped in golden foil.
"Chocolate?"
"Nope!"
"With milk candy?"
"I don't want it!"
"And here's a fruit-flavored lollipop; that's all I have in my pocket."
"Thank you, Big Bro Zeke! You're the best!"
Vera eagerly took the candies and chocolates from Zeke, her sly smile betraying no trace of her earlier discontent.
Zeke's lips curved upwards as he gently patted Vera on the head.
"It's not that I don't care about you. However, I knew you were doing well. The issue between you and Kiana is indeed complicated, and I simply wanted to see if there was a way to resolve it."
"Really?"
"Absolutely."
"Okay, then I forgive you, Big Bro Zeke... considering how many treats you brought!" Vera smiled warmly.
But soon, her grin faded.
"Dad died partly because of Big Sister Kiana losing control of her powers, right, Big Bro Zeke?"
"You could say that."
"...I don't really know what to say. I understand Big Sister Kiana very well; I can't hate her, but pretending nothing happened is also impossible. Big Bro Zeke, even I'm unsure of what to do, so I've stayed with the Yordles instead of going to the new continent to find her. I imagine Big Sister Kiana doesn't know how to approach me either, right?"
"Then continue doing what you believe is right. Whenever you're ready to talk, we'll be here for you," Zeke said calmly as he stood up.
This nonchalant response caught Vera off guard.
"I thought Big Bro Zeke would try to persuade me somehow."
"There's nothing to persuade you about. You've lost your most cherished family member, and I won't force you to let go of that pain. Just focus on living well. As for everything else, time will decide its course. It's okay if you can't reconcile; Kiana has long accepted this. She will silently bless you from afar."
"Big Bro Zeke..."
"Now, stop lingering in thoughts. Since you're here, let's go visit your father together."
With the sunlight behind him, Zeke extended his hand towards Vera. His composed and steady demeanor always brought a sense of reassurance, and within his serene gaze, there flickered a rare hint of warmth.
After a moment, Vera brightened with a radiant smile and firmly grasped his strong, reassuring hand.
"You two really are quite similar, Big Bro Zeke...and...sister."