Watching Kevin's ever-expressionless ice-block face actually show clear surprise, Grey Serpent 1904 suddenly felt all the suffering he'd endured earlier was worth it.
That's right—this exact look. I want everyone to experience that feeling of their entire worldview crumbling!
Honestly, after meeting Mobius, this particular Grey Serpent seemed to have lost a few marbles.
"What do you mean… Lynelle is Mobius's daughter?"
Kevin repeated the question: "Adopted? Or did she pick Lynelle up somewhere?"
"Ahem, Lord Kevin."
Grey Serpent 1904 lowered his voice: "Although Lady Mobius didn't state it explicitly, the implication was that Lynelle… is likely her biological daughter."
The communication line fell silent for a moment.
Kevin sat quietly under that cherry blossom tree, not saying a word.
From Grey Serpent's perspective, perhaps this unfathomable leader was deep in thought, contemplating some scheme beyond his understanding. But if Su were here, he'd probably see right through it…
Sometimes, Kevin might look like he's thinking, but in reality, he checked out a while ago.
Kevin suddenly missed Su a little.
Such juicy gossip, and no best buddy to share it with—it felt like life itself was incomplete. But… a year ago, Su had already sent him his final message.
Sigh…
Since the new era began, it had been a long time since Kevin had experienced such inner turmoil.
The last time he fell into such silence was when Griseo was confirmed missing, and the time before that, when Mobius—who should have arrived in the new era—disappeared.
Wait…
Kevin suddenly spotted the loophole.
Forget whether the Mobius Grey Serpent met was the original or a memory construct; just based on timing and circumstances, this might actually be true.
First, Mobius adored Elysia, even if she never admitted it. That was common knowledge, something anyone could tell you.
Moreover, before the final banquet, Elysia had already revealed her identity as a Herrscher to quite a few people.
If you think Mobius wouldn't keep Elysia's biological samples and genetic data under such circumstances, even fools like Fuxi and Nuwa wouldn't believe that.
After all, the previous civilization's external cultivation and reproductive technologies were highly advanced—Kevin's own descendants were created that way.
Second, despite Mobius's fondness for Elysia, when Elysia's life was nearing its end, Mobius didn't even attend the final banquet. She didn't even come to collect her green crystal flower.
Back then, everyone thought it was just Mobius's classic tsundere attitude and stubborn denial. But now… could it be that she had her own plans all along?
Moreover, the Project Regulator that Su kept completely hidden from him, combined with Mobius's sudden disappearance just before the new era began, perfectly supports this theory.
Finally, and most importantly.
Mobius—she's totally capable of pulling something like this!
Klein is still in the Elysian Realm, after all!
Kevin's eyes widened in shock—he'd completely figured it out.
Lynelle was most likely really Mobius and Elysia's child, just like the Kaslana family, cultivated from his and Mei's genes.
The difference was, he himself didn't care much about his own descendants, but Mobius seemed to be genuinely raising this one as a daughter.
As for the reason, it wasn't hard to guess—just look at Lynelle's appearance, so reminiscent of little Elysia.
"Lord…"
Perhaps because Kevin had been lost in thought for too long, Grey Serpent spoke up to remind him.
"Mm, I understand."
Kevin finally returned to his usual demeanor.
"Regarding Lynelle's background, when did she first appear?"
"Early this century, during the Second Honkai Eruption."
Grey Serpent answered immediately: "Most of the information about Lynelle has been sealed by Schicksal at the highest level. But during our earlier cooperation with Cocolia, I managed to obtain some through Anti-Entropy's channels."
"She first appeared in Siberia, and at that time, Lynelle was suffering from complete amnesia. As for her history before that, it's entirely untraceable."
"…So you believe she might have been created recently, or recently released by Mobius?"
As a long-lived species who'd lived for tens of thousands of years, Kevin's idea of "recently" probably meant the last decade or two.
"Correct."
Grey Serpent nodded: "The fact that Lady Mobius places extreme importance on her also somewhat supports this."
"Extreme importance… what did she say?"
"Lady Mobius said she doesn't care about Lynelle at all."
"Ah, so she really does care a great deal."
Kevin nodded in understanding.
"Based on my judgment… this matter is most likely true."
"Then… should I record this in the World Serpent's historical archives and announce it to all members?"
Grey Serpent probed: "After all, if it's true, then after Project Stigma is completed, Lynelle could fully take on the title of World Serpent Saintess and become the next leader. Informing the members in advance would help build her image…"
"Recording it in history is fine, but no announcements."
Kevin shook his head: "Parallel to Project Stigma, there's another plan—Project Ember. Based on the previous civilization's arrangements, Project Ember should have been Fu Hua's responsibility. But now… I think we need to re-examine this plan."
"If Mobius is introducing an unaware Lynelle into the world at this time, she must have her reasons… Perhaps, just as there was Project Regulator specifically targeting me, Project Ember also has a hidden executor?"
"Not to mention her ability to make up for regrets and the traits of Origin she carries…"
As he spoke, Kevin fell silent for a moment.
"Grey Serpent."
"Your subordinate is here."
"Without affecting the execution of Project Stigma, do your best to ensure Lynelle's safety. Although she seems to share Mobius's ability to resurrect, such powers usually come with hidden costs."
"You need not worry about that, Lord. Even without your order, one of the cadres in World Serpent has already sworn to protect her."
"Mm."
Kevin nodded: "If she interferes with Project Stigma…"
"Should we still retreat and avoid her?"
Grey Serpent asked tentatively.
"If she's a child taught by Mobius, then no one understands the importance of Project Stigma better than her. Before the final crossing arrives, she shouldn't try to stop you."
Kevin paused briefly: "You can find an opportunity to verify this yourself."
"As for after I return to the main world… all matters related to Lynelle will be handled by me."
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! Webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.