Kevin returned to Mobius' laboratory expecting to find her immersed in her usual experiments, but instead, he was met with an unusual sight.
Mobius, the ever-dedicated scientist, was not working but rather cradling a small child with light blue hair, who appeared to be about a year old.
The typically stern and focused expression on Mobius' face had softened into one of rare tenderness, a look Kevin had hardly ever seen on her before.
The baby was babbling and crying, her tiny hands reaching instinctively towards Mobius' chest, as if seeking comfort or milk.
Mobius, for all her intelligence and composure, was clearly out of her depth, fumbling awkwardly with the child in her arms. Her glasses were askew, barely hanging onto her face, and her usually impeccable appearance was in disarray.
Seeing Mobius in such a state, Kevin couldn't help but chuckle. The sight of the renowned scientist flustered by a baby was too amusing.
Hearing his laughter, Mobius shot him an irritated glance. "Don't you dare laugh, Kevin," she warned, though there was no real malice in her tone, only frustration.
Kevin, still smiling, walked over to her. "Need some help?" he asked, his voice gentle as he reached out to take the baby from Mobius.
Mobius hesitated for a moment before reluctantly handing the child over. "Yes, please," she sighed, clearly relieved to have a break.
Kevin cradled the little girl, Griseo, in his arms. Griseo looked up at him with curious eyes, her cries quieting as Kevin held her close.
He began to hum softly and used a little healing energy to soothe her, making sure she was comfortable. Within moments, Griseo's eyes grew heavy, and she let out a small snort before drifting off to sleep.
"She's Blanca's daughter, isn't she?" Kevin asked quietly, glancing at Mobius. Blanca had been one of Mobius' former assistants, a dedicated scientist who had left the lab after marrying a MOTH warrior named Scar.
Mobius nodded. "Yes, Blanca is on a mission today, so I'm stuck babysitting." She huffed, her frustration clear. "Phew, if I want humans to evolve in the future, then I must make the babies obedient. This little thing was so noisy that I couldn't work at all!"
Kevin chuckled softly, glancing down at the now-sleeping Griseo. "Then you'll be thanked by many desperate parents," he said to lighten her mood.
Mobius looked at him, her usual sharpness replaced by a rare moment of introspection. "Kevin, do you think the path I'm pursuing is… devilish?" she asked, her voice quieter than usual.
It was rare for Mobius to ask such personal questions, and Kevin knew this wasn't something she did lightly.
Kevin looked at her, surprised by the vulnerability in her tone. "If you ask me, then the answer is no," he replied after a moment.
"The evolution of life over billions of years has finally created the current human beings, and it also created you, me, Mei, and Elysia. So isn't evolution beautiful enough?"
Mobius blinked, clearly taken aback by his answer. She had expected something clinical or logical from Kevin, not something so personal and heartfelt.
For a moment, she was left speechless, her thoughts jumbled as she processed his words. Then, slowly, a genuine smile crept onto her face, softening her usual stern expression.
"Mobius, you look beautiful without your spectacles," Kevin said suddenly, leaning forward to kiss her cheek.
Mobius' cheeks flushed with embarrassment, a rare sight for someone so composed.
She tried to cover her embarrassment by changing the subject. "By the way, the process of transforming me into a fusion fighter can also change my body to a certain extent. Do you want me to increase my height?" she asked, her tone a bit more defensive.
Kevin smirked, realizing what had prompted the question. "Oh, it seems my teasing, along with Elysia and Bronya's, has made
Her self-conscious about your height," he thought, though he kept that to himself.
"No, Mobius," he said aloud, his tone reassuring. "The way you look is already beautiful. There's no need to increase your height. But if you want to change anything, maybe you could try a different hairstyle—like pigtails," he suggested with a teasing smile.
"In your dreams!" Mobius replied, raising her voice slightly, her embarrassment turning into a playful annoyance.
The slight raise in volume caused a small stir in Griseo, who shifted slightly in Kevin's arms.
Both Kevin and Mobius fell silent for a moment, watching to see if the baby would wake up. When Griseo remained asleep, Kevin let out a soft sigh of relief.
After a few more moments of quiet conversation, Kevin gently handed Griseo back to Mobius. "She's adorable," he remarked softly, watching as Mobius carefully cradled the baby in her arms.
"She is," Mobius agreed, her tone surprisingly tender.
Kevin stood there for a moment, observing the two before turning to leave. "I'm going to talk to Elysia about Sakura," he said over his shoulder.
Mobius nodded. "Alright, Kevin. But don't forget what I said—I'm not wearing pigtails," she called after him, her tone lighter than it had been in a long time.
Kevin chuckled as he exited the lab.
As he walked down the corridor, he couldn't help but think about the unexpected softness he had witnessed in Mobius.
< >
Kevin made his way through the dimly lit corridors of the MOTH's underground prison, his mind focused on the task ahead.
Elysia had been pestering him relentlessly to persuade Sakura to join their side, and while Kevin understood her intentions, he knew this wouldn't be an easy conversation.
Sakura was a warrior with a strong sense of honor, and convincing her to betray the organization she once served would require more than just words.
As he descended to the third basement level, the atmosphere grew colder.
Finally, he arrived at the single cell where Sakura was being held. The room was stark and empty, save for the faint light filtering in from a small, barred window high above. In the center of the room, Sakura sat on the floor, her hands shackled, her long pink hair cascading over her shoulders as she rested with her eyes closed.
"Hey, Sakura," Kevin called out, his voice breaking the silence. "How come you're so drained after not seeing light for a few days?"
At the sound of his voice, Sakura's eyes fluttered open, her gaze sharp and focused as she looked in Kevin's direction. The smile on Kevin's face didn't reach his eyes, and Sakura could immediately sense that something was different about him.
"You've changed," she said, her voice steady, though there was a hint of curiosity in her tone. "The aura around you is different."
Kevin chuckled softly, leaning casually against the doorframe. "So, detective, you noticed, huh?"
Sakura didn't respond, but her piercing gaze remained fixed on him. Kevin took a step closer, his expression shifting from playful to serious.
"Say, priestess," Kevin began, using the title that Sakura was known by, though he knew she would disliked it. "Don't you want to come out of this prison?
Sakura's eyes narrowed slightly, the chains clinking softly as she shifted her position. "Don't call me by such fancy nicknames," she replied, her tone cold.
Kevin shrugged, unfazed by her harsh tone. "That can't be helped. Who made you this boring?"
Seeing that Kevin wasn't going to leave her alone, Sakura decided to ignore him, closing her eyes once more as if to dismiss him entirely. "Kevin, if you came here just to say this, then I won't be able to keep you company."
But Kevin wasn't deterred. He stepped closer, his voice lowering as he spoke. "No, no, I came here today for business."
Sakura's curiosity was piqued despite herself. She opened her eyes again, studying Kevin's expression. "Business?" she asked, her voice laced with suspicion.
Kevin nodded, his gaze unwavering. "Sakura, I remember you have a sister named Rin, right?"
The mention of Rin's name was like a knife to Sakura's heart. Her calm demeanor shattered instantly, and her vision turned cold, a dangerous edge creeping into her voice. "What do you want?" she demanded, her tone icy.
Kevin met her gaze head-on, his voice steady. "Just a deal," he replied.
Sakura's eyes narrowed further, her patience wearing thin. "Say the content," she said, her voice betraying nothing of the turmoil she felt inside.
Kevin didn't hesitate. He knew he had to be direct, or he would lose any chance of convincing her. "It's very simple," he said, his tone firm. "From now on, you will follow me, and I will protect Rin."
The words hung in the air between them, heavy with meaning. Sakura's mind raced as she processed what Kevin was saying.
He was asking her to betray her organization
As a warrior, the very idea of betrayal was abhorrent to her, a stain on her honor that she could never wash away.
But then there was Rin—her beloved sister, the one person who meant more to her than anything else in the world.
Sakura clenched her fists, the chains rattling as she fought the war within herself. She had denied countless offers before, refused to waver even in the face of death, but Rin… Rin was her weakness, the one thing that could break her resolve.
"What you're asking… it's betrayal," Sakura said, her voice low, almost as if she were speaking to herself.
Kevin nodded slowly. "I know," he said simply. "But think of Rin. To stop you from releasing any secrets, your organization tried to kidnapp your sister.
Now she is in our custody.
She needs protection, and I can offer that.
Sakura's heart ached at the thought of Rin being vulnerable, of her sister facing the dangers of the world alone.
Her mind faced with many scenarios.
After a long, tense silence, Sakura finally spoke, her voice filled with the weight of her decision.
Kevin promised her that she can live with her sister in MOTH building.
"I will serve you, Kevin," Sakura said, her voice steady. "As your blade, I will follow you wherever you go."
Kevin nodded.
"Welcome to the team, Sakura."
Kevin unlocked the shackles that bound her wrists, and Sakura stood up.
As they left the underground prison together, Kevin couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction.
A month had passed, and Kevin had spent his time honing his skills under Sakura's guidance.
Despite the brevity of their training, he had absorbed everything she taught him like a sponge, mastering techniques that had taken her decades to perfect.
They stood in the training room, Sakura panting slightly, sheathed her sword and turned to Kevin with a mixture of admiration and exasperation.
"I can't believe it," Sakura said, her voice tinged with disbelief. "The sword techniques that took me over a decade to master, you've completely perfected in just one month."
"I am just talented." Kevin said boasting a little.
Sakura shook her head, unable to suppress her feeling.
Before Kevin could respond, Elysia appeared at the entrance of the training room, her eyes twinkling. "Kevin, you shouldn't make a girl sad," she said, half-scolding, half-teasing as she walked up to him. "Sakura worked so hard, and you just breezed through it."
Sakura chuckled softly, her shoulders relaxing. "It's alright, Elysia."
"Well," Elysia smiled, linking her arm with Sakura's, "You deserve a break after all that hard work. How about we head to that restaurant I've been dying to try?"
Sakura hesitated for a moment, glancing at Kevin, who gave her an encouraging nod. "Go ahead, Sakura. You deserve it."
With a slight bow, Sakura allowed Elysia to lead her out of the training room, leaving Kevin alone.
He stood there for a moment, the soft rustling of the garden outside the only sound. The tranquility of the moment gave him a sense of peace.
Kevin wandered through the garden, his mind drifting to the tasks ahead. His thoughts turned to Aponia and Kalpas.
He knew he needed to recruit them. The Sundown Alley was his next destination—Aponia orphanage should be near that place.
The sun was beginning to dip below the horizon as Kevin made his way to Sundown Alley.
The narrow streets were filled with locals, their faces etched with the hardships they endured. He asked around, seeking information about any orphanages in the area.
An older man, his face lined with wrinkles, pointed him in the direction of a place called the Nursing House, about 28 kilometers from where they stood. Kevin thanked him and began his journey, his heart heavy with the weight of what he might find.
As he traveled, he passed by countless people afflicted with the early stages of the virus.
Their gaunt faces and hollow eyes were a painful reminder of the reality they all faced. Kevin knew he couldn't save them all—his resources were limited.
He had asked Su for around twenty doses of the serum, but he'd only managed to secure four. Such was the scarcity of serum. But even the serum doesn't provide 100% recovery.
With a heavy sigh, Kevin continued on, his heart racing with emotion as he tried to suppress the rising anger and sadness within him.
Three Hours Later
Kevin finally arrived nursing house, a modest building with weathered walls and a worn roof.
He watched as a nun with long, light brown hair, dressed in a traditional robe, struggled with a small trailer filled with cheap vegetables and dry bread. Dark circles marred her delicate features, evidence of her exhaustion.
Kevin recognized her immediately—Aponia.
She felt his gaze before she saw him, turning to meet his eyes.
For a brief moment, Aponia tried to use her ability to see the threads of his fate, but what she encountered left her trembling. His fate was hidden from her, shrouded in an impenetrable veil.
"That's quite odd," Aponia thought to herself, her head beginning to ache from the effort. "This youth… he's not ordinary. I cannot see his fate."
Kevin approached her with a calm, steady demeanor, carrying a basket of fruits. As he neared, he placed his hand on her shoulder, a warm, healing energy flowing from him to relieve her fatigue.
Aponia's eyes widened in surprise as the exhaustion lifted from her body, replaced by a soothing calm. "You… you healed me," she whispered, her voice filled with awe and gratitude.
Kevin offered her a gentle smile. "You work too hard. Are you running an orphanage?"
Aponia nodded, her initial surprise giving way to cautious curiosity. "Yes, it's just down the street. We're doing what we can to take care of the children, but it's difficult."
Kevin handed her the basket of fruits. "These should help.
Thank you. Aponia said.
Kevin nodded. I'll visit soon." and he left.
She watched him go, the weight of his presence still lingering in the air.
"He's not ordinary," Aponia murmured to herself, her thoughts swirling as she resumed her journey back to the orphanage. "Not ordinary at all…"
Later that evening, Kevin stood outside the Nursing House, the sky now dark with only a few stars twinkling above.
He could hear the laughter of children from within, and for a moment, the sound brought a small smile to his face. These were the moments worth fighting for—the lives that needed to be protected.
He knocked on the door, and Aponia answered almost immediately, her eyes widening in surprise when she saw him again so soon. "You came…"
"I told you I would," Kevin said with a gentle smile. "May I come in?"
Aponia nodded and stepped aside, allowing Kevin to enter the humble orphanage. The inside was sparse but clean, with children playing quietly in one corner while others helped each other with small tasks.
"They're good kids," Aponia said softly, following his gaze. "They've been through so much…"
Kevin's heart ached at the sight, but he pushed the emotion aside, focusing on the task at hand. "I've brought more supplies—clothes, vegetables, sweets for the children."
Aponia's eyes softened with gratitude. "You're very kind. I didn't expect… this."
Kevin shook his head. "It's not kindness, Aponia.
Kevin's arrival at the Nursing House brought a mix of curiosity and hope. The children inside the orphanage, who had faced hardships beyond their years, paused in their activities to catch a glimpse of the stranger.
"The people here… they say you are a witch." Kevin said.
Aponia sighed, her voice barely above a whisper. "They don't like me. But it doesn't matter... as long as I can help these children."
You seem like a good person to me. Kevin replied.
As Kevin wandered through the orphanage, he noticed several children lying in beds, their small bodies marked with strange, dark patterns. Their faces were flushed with fever, and their breaths came in ragged gasps. His heart tightened at the sight.
"These children are ill," Aponia explained, following his gaze.
Kevin knelt beside one of the children, his expression darkening as he recognized the symptoms. "This isn't just any illness… it's the Honkai virus."
Aponia's eyes widened in shock. "Honkai virus? Is there… is there a cure?"
Kevin met her gaze, his voice steady but tinged with regret. "Yes, but the the medicine is very limited —. It's not something just anyone can get."
Aponia's shoulders slumped, her hope fading. "So, there's no way I can do anything…?"
Kevin could see how deeply Aponia cared for these children. She wasn't just a caretaker; she was their protector
"There is a way," he said, a plan forming in his mind. "There's an organization called MOTH. With enough merit, you can earn medicines for these children."
He began to explain the purpose of MOTH and its ongoing battle against the Honkai. Aponia listened intently, her mind racing with possibilities. But before Kevin could finish, they both sensed a presence nearby.
A tall, muscular figure emerged from the shadows, his red eyes gleaming with barely restrained energy. Kevin turned to face the newcomer, his expression calm but alert.
"You must be Kalpas," Kevin said, recognizing the intensity in the man's gaze.
Kalpas grinned, his voice a low growl. " you must be the one who's been talking big. I've been listening... and I've gotta say, you've got my attention."
Kevin studied him for a moment, sensing the raw power that Kalpas exuded. "You're a mutant," Kevin observed, noting the unnatural strength that radiated from him.
Aponia, who had been silent, spoke up. "That's why he's so strong…"
Why don't you join MOTH and help those children. Kevin said.
Kalpas focus entirely on Kevin. "So, you're with MOTH? Are you here to recruit me? Don't fuck with me—I don't take orders from anyone."
Kevin remained unfazed, his eyes meeting Kalpas's with unwavering resolve. "I can tell you want to fight me."
Kalpas's grin widened, the thrill of battle lighting up his eyes. "You got that right. You're not like the others… you've got some brains."
Kevin smirked inwardly at the blunt comment. "If you want a fight, then let's not waste time."
"Don't fight here," Aponia interjected, but it was too late. Kalpas was already charging at Kevin, his fist raised in a powerful punch.
Kevin stood his ground, waiting until the last second before raising a hand to intercept the blow. The force of the punch sent a shockwave through the room, but Kevin remained unmoved, his expression calm as he effortlessly blocked Kalpas's attack.
Kalpas snarled, launching a flurry of punches at Kevin, each one faster and stronger than the last. But Kevin only used one hand, expertly deflecting every blow without breaking a sweat. It was clear that he was holding back, testing Kalpas's strength.
Kalpas, growing increasingly frustrated, poured all his power into one final strike. But Kevin flicked his wrist, knocking Kalpas off balance and sending him crashing to the ground with a single, decisive movement.
The room fell silent as Aponia and the children watched in awe. Kalpas, lying on the floor, stared up at Kevin with a mixture of disbelief and admiration.
"Such strength…" Aponia whispered, unable to hide her shock.
The children, who had been frightened by the fight, watched with wide eyes as Kevin knelt down and performed a simple magic trick.
A small flame danced in his hand, captivating the children and easing their fears. With a warm smile, he handed out sweets to them, earning shy smiles in return.
Kevin then turned back to Aponia, handing her four small vials of serum. "This will help. It's not a cure, but it will buy them time."
Aponia accepted the vials, her hands trembling slightly as she realized the significance of what he was offering. She quickly tested the serum on one of the children, and within minutes, the fever began to subside.
"It's working… but it's not a complete cure," Aponia said, relief mixed with concern. "What you've given me will only prolong their lives."
Kevin nodded, his expression serious. "The scientists at MOTH are still working on a permanent cure. It's only a matter of time."
Aponia looked at him with newfound respect. "Thank you, Kevin for your help."
Later that night, after everyone had settled down, Kalpas finally woke up. His body ached from the earlier fight, but his spirit was far from broken. If anything, he felt more alive than ever.
Kevin approached him, his expression unreadable. "Do you want to join MOTH now?"
Kalpas sat up, a sly grin spreading across his face. "I'll join, but on one condition."
Kevin raised an eyebrow. "What's that?"
"You fight me. Once a month.."
Kevin considered the request for a moment before nodding. "Deal."
Kalpas chuckled, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "You've got yourself a deal, then. This is gonna be fun Boss."
And with that, Kevin had secured almost all famechaser.