"That covers most of it. For more detailed information, you can refer to the relevant documents yourself."
Einstein concluded her presentation and took a sip of tea to soothe her throat.
Her narration was comprehensive, filled with detailed data, and provided a well-analyzed overview of the current global situation.
Welt slowly nodded, pondering deeply for several moments.
Einstein and Tesla remained silent, giving Welt time to reflect.
After a few minutes, Welt let out a long breath and said calmly:
"Overall, it's quite optimistic. However, I noticed one point—you mentioned that Zeke plans to share some control permissions from the Hive System?"
"That is indeed part of his proposal."
"What are the potential benefits and drawbacks?" Welt asked, his expression serious.
Holding her teacup, Einstein lowered her gaze in thought before responding:
"With worker bees evolved to their current level, they are virtually omnipresent and capable of handling almost anything. Sharing such technology has multiple advantages: first, as a powerful tool for education and re-education; second, significantly stimulating public creativity; and third, greatly enhancing the survival capabilities of ordinary people. The benefits are numerous. As for drawbacks—sharing this system would introduce entirely new modes of living and production, leading to substantial management costs becoming a heavy burden."
"It aligns with my concerns, but there's another issue troubling me."
"What issue?"
"Zeke has given too much."
Welt tapped the table, then rested his chin on interlocked fingers, striking a commander's pose. Even his plain black-rimmed glasses seemed to glint with sharp intelligence.
Tesla: "Chew-chew-chew... Burp!"
Einstein: "Sip—"
In truth, Welt had a touch of youthful idealism, and it was best understood as such—mainly referring to Einstein here. As for Tesla, he likely never outgrew that phase.
Anyway, Tesla continued being adorably naive, while Einstein gradually began discerning the implications.
"You mean... apathy, along with insatiable greed?"
A simple truth etched in history: once people acquire more, they tend towards laziness; when continually given much, they start taking it for granted, even becoming ungrateful and blaming those who provide for them.
"I respect the light within human nature, but objectively speaking, humans are prone to deviation, whether towards the positive or negative side. And often, falling into corruption is hundreds of times easier than maintaining virtue."
Welt sighed, leaving this topic lightly touched upon, as delving deeper would lead to another endless debate.
Throughout his life, Welt remained an idealist; however, earlier, he had naively admired and trusted the light within humanity. Now, with a more pragmatic perspective, he focused on guiding and nurturing human nature rather than blindly observing and maintaining unwavering optimism. This was his current stance.
"People inherently possess goodness, but they require proper education and guidance. We need effective governance mechanisms to curb corruption, as well as long-term ideological motivation to propel civilization forward, instead of being hindered by excessive material desires. However, let's set this topic aside for now. We must engage in serious discussions with Zeke before formulating any strategies."
With these words, Welt once again displayed his warm, gentle smile, reminiscent of a caring mentor.
Einstein nodded in agreement.
Tesla continued munching on her snacks—when discussing topics like enhancing machinery power and firepower, Dr. Tesla could eloquently speak for days without pause. However, when it came to sociology and analyzing human nature, apologies were due, as she ventured into areas beyond her expertise.
"Tesla, you've finished your snack. Would you like more?"
"Yes... No, no more!"
Privately, Tesla pinched her waist, feeling the softness of her flesh.
Beautiful young girls don't gain weight easily, especially after being reshaped by the Abyss Flower's influence. Neither Tesla nor Einstein could age or put on extra pounds—but what if there was a chance?
As a beautiful young girl, Tesla maintained strict discipline over her figure.
"Yes, I'm full, no need for more! Give them all to mophead!"
Tesla flashed a radiant smile, revealing her sparkling white teeth.
Indeed, let Einstein have all the sugar—just in case any weight gain occurs, it would show up on Einstein's belly instead. How convenient!
Einstein paused mid-sip, glanced at Tesla, and narrowed her eyes slightly.
"Dr. Tesla, did... you perhaps work too late last night and haven't rested well?"
"Are you questioning my mental clarity?"
"No, I'm simply concerned about Dr. Tesla's health."
"Hmph! I'm perfectly fine, thanks for your concern!" Tesla slapped the table, glaring discontentedly at Einstein.
Welt covered his face with exasperation, sighing tiredly once again before forcing a smile. "Well, since you ask, I am feeling a bit hungry myself. I'll eat some, is that alright?"
Welt picked up a pastry and popped it into his mouth.
It wasn't made from rare or expensive ingredients, but as someone focused on public welfare, he understood food's fundamental importance... In short, skilled chefs were readily available now, ensuring the pastries indeed tasted delightful—sweet yet not overpowering, pairing wonderfully with the black tea for a truly enjoyable experience.
Initially meant to ease the atmosphere, Welt ended up devouring all the pastries on the table.
Only after finishing did he notice Einstein watching him with a smile, her teacup cradled in her hands. Tesla also gazed at him tenderly, her ruby-like eyes filled with a warmth rarely seen before.
"What? Why are you both staring?" Welt scratched his face, feeling slightly flustered.
Despite being well-acquainted with these two—almost like elders or mentors—he couldn't overlook that they were charming and lovely young women. As a grown man, Welt was still conscious of such matters. Under their smiling gazes, it felt somewhat awkward once he realized the situation.
Einstein and Tesla exchanged glances, shrugged simultaneously, but offered no explanation.
They understood Welt's ambitious aspirations and how tirelessly he had worked throughout his journey, leaving few moments for rest. Witnessing this childlike display of indulgence from him was rare indeed, making it a precious sight for them.
"Ahem! By the way, how much time is left until the most critical moment?" Welt cleared his throat to alleviate the discomfort and swiftly changed the topic.
"Thirty-two hours, seventeen minutes, and twenty-three seconds!"
Realizing he could finally answer one of their questions, Tesla instinctively raised his hand and blurted out the response before Einstein could open her mouth.
Einstein paused with her jaw hanging slightly agape, then silently nodded, confirming Tesla's calculation.
Welt smiled warmly and gently patted Tesla on the head. "As expected from Tesla—you're still remarkably attuned to numbers."
"D-d-duh, no need to state the obvious! Stop patting my head; I'll never g-g-grow taller at this rate!" Tesla stammered, eyes wide as circles, cheeks flushed red like sunset clouds.
In the next instant, a mechanical glove soared through the air and struck Welt's right eye, catching the unsuspecting Herrscher of Reason off guard and making him stumble backward.
"Thud!"
Quickly grabbing hold of the attacking robotic arm, Welt rubbed his unharmed right eye. When he looked down again, Tesla had already vanished without a trace.
Welt blinked in confusion.
Einstein observed the scene, shook her head, took a sip of tea, and remained unfazed internally.
One was a staunch, emotionally oblivious steel-man, while the other, though somewhat better—aware of their feelings—was overwhelmed by excessive pride, reserve, and bashfulness, resulting in them not even being able to find a starting point for romance.
One was more extreme than the other.
"Eins, what's gotten into Tesla? Did I do something wrong?"
"Recently, I've been considering Zeke's—well, His Majesty's suggestion—the feasibility of implementing therapy with medication."
"Huh?" Welt blinked, puzzled.
Why had the conversation suddenly turned to Zeke? And what medication therapy? Was someone sick?
"It's nothing; both of you are doing fine. Dr. Tesla might have eaten something bad or realized his makeup wasn't quite right. In any case, it's not important. Oh, would you like to join us for tea tonight?"
"Ah? Sure, why not? It'd be nice to relax one last time before everything wraps up."
"Agreed. I'll make preparations then."
Einstein sighed and got up, leaving the rooftop... Not because she was impatient, but because the signs pointing towards the final battle were becoming increasingly clear. No one knew if they would ever again have such moments to sit together and share a cup of tea.
She didn't want her two most cherished friends to be left with regrets, never having the chance to embrace each other once more.
Left behind, Welt tilted his head, confusion lingering in his brown eyes beneath the glasses.
"Something feels off... Oh well, while we still have time, let's quickly check if there's any unfinished work..."