One person's sorrow can change nothing.
Even the resolve born in the era will be extinguished in the torrent.
...
Time remaining until the Fifth Honkai Eruption: Twenty-three hours.
The headquarters' transport plane landed on the tarmac. After the generalization of the Delta flying device, its first application was on these transport planes, greatly increasing transport efficiency and safety, making operational support more flexible.
Squads one by one stepped out of the transport plane. After five Honkai Eruptions, Moth of the Flame was finally able to be fully prepared to deal with the advent of large-scale Honkai Eruptions and Herrschers. Even the original order for Lin to pilot the Titan was canceled.
But even if it hadn't been canceled, Lin wouldn't be able to fight.
"Where... is Lin?" Kevin looked somewhat distraught as he stepped off the transport plane.
When concealed truths surface, people's emotional backlash will intensify exponentially.
When the news of Lin's complete physical breakdown reached his ears, he was processing Kosma's temporary reassignment. He didn't even notice the pen dropping from his fingers, just staring blankly at the information in the communicator.
Lin has severe Honkai energy erosion?
The word severe meant Lin was not infected with the Honkai disease just recently, and he actually hadn't known that his friend beside him was suffering?
The same situation occurred with Himeko. She, who was usually carefree and even laughed during operations, was now silent as she walked off the transport plane with Hun.
But she wasn't like Kevin, because there were others around her who needed comfort more.
"Seele, are you alright?" Himeko asked softly.
Seele carried a giant scythe disproportionate to her size with one hand, her head lowered, her bangs covering her eyes. After hearing Himeko's soft words, she slightly raised her head but didn't say anything.
Ato saw them from afar. After a moment of thought, he walked slowly toward Himeko, and in her puzzled gaze, he said: "Lin is already on the transport plane back to headquarters."
"...I see. That's good. He should rest now." Himeko nodded.
"Captain, now, let's focus on the Honkai Eruption." Seele carried her weapon and hurried towards the exit with her head down, causing the bewildered Himeko to reach out but grasp nothing.
...
After the thrust of acceleration, the transport plane stabilized between the stratosphere and the troposphere.
Lin closed his eyes, leaning on the soft cushion. His helmet functions were suspended, and he rested quietly in the dark.
He wasn't thinking about anything. There was nothing left for Lin to do now.
"Thirty-two minutes, four seconds, and three milliseconds, Mr. Lin, your brain waves haven't fluctuated much, yet you remain awake. That means you haven't been thinking or fallen asleep for this entire half-hour, and you have maintained consciousness."
"..."
Lin's rest was interrupted. His helmet reactivated at the same time he opened his eyes. Through the visible window, Lin saw a blue-haired woman standing in front of him with one hand in her pocket.
Her hair was bizarrely both messy and neat. She wore dark red framed glasses. Contrary to her overly short stature, she had a mature and intellectual demeanor, a quality Lin hadn't even seen in the oldest person he knew, Mobius.
Lin hadn't seen her when he boarded the transport plane.
"I apologize. I am not physically here. This is merely a holographic projection. If there are no surprises, Mr. Lin, you will be able to see me in person in about two hours." The blue-haired woman held a tablet in her left hand, her gaze not on Lin. She said faintly, "Of course, 'if there are no surprises.'"
"Who are you."
"Oh, I almost forgot to introduce myself." The woman put down the tablet, pushed up her glasses, and said calmly to Lin, "Hello, Mr. Lin, my name is Einstein, the head of the Sixth Branch, and I am currently at the headquarters of Moth of the Flame."
Einstein of the Sixth Branch...
Lin vaguely remembered Delta mentioning Einstein. She had made significant achievements in the research of the Second Herrscher, and many inventions, including the Phase Shifting Device, were developed based on her theories and results.
"Well, the small talk hasn't begun, but I don't intend to start it, or else Mr. Lin, you'll arrive at the headquarters soon."
"..."
"Mr. Lin, after arriving at the headquarters, I was invited to conduct small-scale research on a weapon device. After the final stage of debugging yesterday, it is ready for combat. Today, Dr. Mei and I placed it on the transport plane heading to the continent of Mu, and had someone place it inside another aircraft upon arrival."
"Its output is inferior to the Titan, but I believe Mr. Lin will be able to maximize its capabilities."
"Whether or not to use it is entirely up to your will."
...
Time remaining until the Fifth Honkai Eruption: Two hours.
"Phew... Finally..."
Anna wanted to reach out and wipe her sweat, but before she could touch it, it had already frozen on her skin, making a cracking sound and causing bone-chilling pain.
Everyone from the orphanage had reached the outskirts of Turin. According to the notice, they were to evacuate to the open shelter. Although not absolutely safe, it was much better than staying in the city.
"Anna, what exactly happened? Are you keeping something from me? Why are you suddenly making us go to a shelter, and why is Turin locked down?" Hina, also breathless, walked up to Anna.
Anna shook her head: "I'll tell you later. You all leave here first."
"Wait, what about you?"
"I still need to check if others have left. There must be people at my workplace and school who haven't gone." Anna picked up the megaphone and ran back towards the city. Hina couldn't stop her. "Just hurry and go! I'll be back soon!"
"Anna!" Hina failed to grab Anna. She ran back like a gust of wind, making Hina extremely anxious.
Anna couldn't just stand by. She knew the truth of all this, so she had a corresponding responsibility. The Old Man told her these things not just so she could stand idly by.
She didn't know what that person had gone through, but their meeting at that moment, whether by destiny or chance, was an opportunity for Anna to re-examine herself.
Lin yearned for an answer from her, so Anna wanted to be the one who could give Lin the answer, a person who could follow through on what she said.
"Old Man, we are a destined pair." She reversed her direction against the fierce cold wind, smiling as she curled her lips. "A perfect girl like me is hard to find. You've sacrificed so much for humanity already, so don't die before you agree to marry me."
She rushed into the cold current without hesitation.