"Tap! Tap!"
The familiar sound of fingernails tapping against glass resonated within the ornate golden theater.
This was Eden's domain.
And it was Eden herself, her striking amber eyes filled with curiosity, who rapped on the glass tank containing Mobius's embryonic form.
Spectating alongside were two other members of the Thirteen Heroes, Sakura and Hua.
When Mobius visited their lab rats, they tended to lower their guard and took fewer precautions. In its infant state, its overall capabilities were significantly diminished, while Sin's fury had elevated her brute strength to match advanced levels seen in flesh-enhanced MANTIS...
Yes, Mobius had died once again. With no chance to consume life and regenerate herself before Zeke's eyes, she was forced to revert to her embryonic state.
"Just...just say what you want!" The green liquid trembled as Mobius's incredibly youthful voice, slightly shrill, echoed from within.
"Pfft!" × 3
Eden, Sakura, and Hua were typically composed individuals who wouldn't laugh at their companions—unless they simply couldn't resist. The sight of this embryo being equivalent to Dr. Mobius, a dangerously obsessed scientist who disregarded human ethics for the pursuit of infinity, was too much to keep straight faces.
For Hua, who had once been both Mobius's lab rat and subordinate, witnessing Mobius in this form shattered all her preconceived notions.
"Hmph! A bunch of fools!" Mobius spat disdainfully, causing bubbles to surge in the nutrient solution around her, reflecting her agitated mood.
"All right, all right, we mean no harm. We just didn't expect immortality could reach such extremes. Cheers, old friend."
Holding his golden cup, Eden tapped lightly on the glass enclosure with a warm smile.
Sakura and Hua returned to their seats without further lingering around Dr. Mobius.
The seating arrangement was straightforward: circular tables adorned with elegant decorations and fine pastries, each accompanied by several plush chairs. Positioned to ensure every spectator had a clear view of the massive stage ahead, that's all there was to it.
"Wow! This luxurious texture, such deep and pure color—it can't be just regular cowhide, right, Eden? What kind of leather is this? Your fairy friend is quite curious!"
Elysia rested her hands and chin on the backrest, gazing at Eden with sparkling eyes.
Having just clinked glasses with Mobius, Eden took a sip from his drink and smiled. "I'm not sure; I never looked into it deeply. All I know is that it's exclusive material reserved for royal families in the west. It was gifted to me. If you find it comfortable, feel free to take some."
"Oh, Eden, you're truly Ellie's best friend ever! I absolutely adore you!"
Elysia embraced Eden affectionately, pressing close.
Eden remained still, allowing Elysia to cuddle and nuzzle her. A hint of indulgent amusement sparkled in her golden eyes, despite the helplessness she felt.
Meanwhile, seated next to his friend Su, Kevin glanced back at Mobius for what seemed like the umpteenth time, only to catch her gaze.
"What are you staring at now, muscle ape?"
"I'm not an ape..."
"Close enough. If you want to laugh, go ahead; I don't care."
"It's not about laughter. I just didn't expect you could regress to this form while maintaining your consciousness."
"Hmph! Who do you think I am? I'm Mobius!" There was a note of pride in Mobius's voice. Since the embryo lacked facial expressions, one could discern her emotions primarily from her tone.
Kevin turned away, focusing on the stage yet to begin its performance, speechless.
At that moment, Zeke sat comfortably in his uniquely spacious seat, stroking Bronya as she rested her head on his lap. He glanced sidelong at Kevin and remarked:
"Don't let her intimidate you. She's merely exploiting the fact that the Elysian Realm preserves memories, ensuring memory fragments retain their integrity no matter what. In the real world, playing such games would mean even if her body survives, the memories, emotions, and thoughts representing Mobius as a person would vanish—personality death is still a form of demise."
"I know. I have some understanding of the limits of Mobius in the real world too," Kevin replied.
With each word, they dismantled Mobius's facade. She fell silent for a moment, but the bubbles in the nutrient solution continued to gurgle incessantly.
After a brief pause, she spoke again with a childlike tone yet unwavering determination: "Hmph! I've already found the path to resolve this issue. Just wait—you'll see me break through this tedious barrier immediately upon reaching the real world and touch the true Infinite!"
"I believe you. After all, my genetic material offers unparalleled value for inspiration," Zeke deduced, pinpointing the source of Mobius's confidence.
Mobius stopped talking, tacitly acknowledging the accuracy of Zeke's assessment.
Meanwhile, Seele and Raiden Mei were whispering to Wendy—three Fu Huas with identical appearances but distinct demeanors, ingeniously seated at one table by some genius. It was no wonder this scene piqued everyone's curiosity.
"Wendy, what's the personality like for the memory fragment's Fu Hua-sensei? Is she similar to our Fu Hua-sensei?"
"Hmm... The differences are quite noticeable. Our Fu Hua-sensei seems more composed, with a unique aura I can't quite describe. Also, the memory fragment's Fu Hua-sensei appears significantly less powerful; it feels like we could potentially match her with enough effort. But that makes sense considering there's a 50,000-year gap!" Wendy thoughtfully shared her insights with Seele.
Raiden Mei listened attentively, nodding continuously as if pondering deeply.
For them, even disregarding their recent experiences, witnessing three Fu Huas sitting side by side might have made the journey entirely worthwhile.
"Chingling!"
Three Fu Huas, three teacups. Only the Book of Fuxi, wielding the massive teapot with relative ease, hovered to pour them each a cup.
Today's gathering was quite formal, as many of the former Thirteen Heroes were present. The Book of Fuxi wasn't acting as everyone's elder but rather serving as Fu Hua's robotic housekeeper—pouring tea being one of her duties.
The Book couldn't let these heroes question the wisdom of Masters Fuxi and Danzhu or doubt Fu Hua's leadership—such were her thoughts.
"Thank you, Little Fuxi!" Senti rarely received such treatment. With trembling hands, she lifted her teacup, eyes sparkling from sheer excitement and gratitude.
"It's my pleasure. Please enjoy your tea," replied the Book of Fuxi, hovering midair with a modest smile. With a graceful sweep of her long sleeves, she elegantly descended next to the teapot, kneeling gracefully and maintaining impeccable poise.
Senti cradled her cup, taking a hearty sip. Though she barely tasted the tea, she felt so moved that she nearly wiped away tears.
It's all been worth it, she thought to herself.
Watching this unfold, Fu Hua shook her head indulgently at Senti before gently turning her warm gaze toward the Book of Fuxi. Leaning forward, she tenderly stroked the smaller book's head with fingers as pale as snow.
"There's no need for such formality. Little Fuxi is just Little Fuxi, nothing more to it."
"The immortal speaks wisely," replied the Book of Fuxi, subtly smiling with a hand covering its mouth, yet casting Fu Hua a sharp glance beneath that facade.
Play along, you stubborn fool! Dare to expose me, and I'll make sure you regret it!
Fu Hua's smile froze momentarily. After a brief pause, she withdrew her hand and cleared her throat, masking her discomfort.
Fu Hua understood the intentions behind the Book of Fuxi's actions: not only to maintain her image before these companions but also to reassure the Heroic Spirits—seeing a caring and attentive guardian for Fu Hua from five million years later was far preferable to witnessing her submissive demeanor towards an ELF, right?
Of course, Elysia and Mobius were exceptions. The former, with her keen perceptiveness, would grasp Fu Hua's well-being without needing any pretense. As for the latter, since they'd be venturing together soon, concealing things wouldn't last long, and besides, Mobius likely didn't have much concern for Fu Hua's circumstances, making it unnecessary.
"Sigh!"
Fu Hua let out a soft sigh, warmed by the Book of Fuxi's protective gesture.
Then, she shifted her gaze and finally met eyes with Hua.
Their first eye contact after fifty thousand years lasted several seconds. Even Senti, sensing the gravity of the moment, unconsciously tightened her grip on the teacup, afraid to interrupt them.
After a brief moment, Fu Hua and Hua nodded at each other with identical gentle smiles.
"Hello, Hua."
"Hello, Fu Hua."
Separated by fifty thousand years yet still one person, they exchanged greetings before everything came to an abrupt halt.
There was no need for further conversation between them.
Fu Hua knew that Hua had already spent fifty thousand years guarding the World of Elysium. With her duty fulfilled, there was no reason for her to concern herself with matters of the real world anymore.
Hua understood Fu Hua's ongoing journey against Honkai. Although sensing many changes, these were Fu Hua's trials and destinies, requiring no analysis or judgment from a mere memory fragment.
Thus, their meeting alone sufficed. Each had their own mission and path: Fu Hua must continue battling Honkai, while Hua would remain vigilant until the day the World of Elysium ceased its operation. Their paths needed not intersect any further.
Zeke observed this scene, gently stroking Bronya's hair, somewhat lost in thought.
'As expected of you...' A sentiment arose within him, filled with admiration, acknowledgment, and a hint of inexplicable tenderness. Unbeknownst to Zeke, a subtle smile began to grace his face.