"Wow, we've crossed into the future."
Cangxuan and Dan Zhu encountered no obstacles in joining the Starsea Empire's research division.
In the research department, they worked alongside lolis and Grey to study things related to Honkai energy.
The research area reserved in the space station was immense, nearly equivalent to a small city on Earth.
It far surpassed any research organization of the Previous Era.
"Well then, welcome to the research division. By the Commander's order, I'll guide you around."
Kayo Senju led the two of them, touring the research base on the space station.
Along the way, they saw countless hurried research lolis and Angeloids flying back and forth, all casting curious glances at Cangxuan and Dan Zhu.
"In your research department… are there only children?"
Dan Zhu couldn't help but ask.
She couldn't imagine that an interstellar empire's research work was entirely entrusted to lolis.
"Mhm! The FTL engine was researched by us, the Eternal Snowfall was designed under Teacher Grey's guidance, and shipgirl hulls were also designed and modified by us."
A little loli smiled brightly as she introduced the fruits of their labor to the two ancient ancestors.
"Any questions?"
"No, thank you."
Cangxuan and Dan Zhu were filled with newfound respect for Setsuna and the lolis of the Starsea Empire.
As they walked, Kayo Senju continued her explanations.
"Currently, in Honkai Station-1, our focus is mainly on research related to the Honkai world."
"This includes fusion warrior technology, Honkai energy, the Imaginary Tree, and the Sea of Quanta."
She said this as she led them aboard a shuttle, heading toward a corner of the research base.
There, dozens of Honkai Beasts were being kept on a wide platform.
Unlike their ferocious appearance on Earth, here the beasts were all under Setsuna's control or even created by his authority.
They were as docile as livestock. Research lolis and Angeloids carried instruments, drawing blood and conducting comparative analyses.
Among them was also Chiyou, brought back from 3000 years ago.
Its size was so enormous that Bulin had been forced to construct an additional section of the space station to house it.
"Ugh—"
Seeing dozens of Honkai Beasts gathered together—including Emperor-class ones—and even the same Chiyou that had nearly killed them not long ago, Cangxuan and Dan Zhu shivered involuntarily.
"We are attempting to create fusion warriors for the Starsea Empire."
Kayo Senju explained.
"The research division is studying pairings between ordinary humans and Honkai Beast DNA."
"We hope that through genetic modification, everyone will be able to match with one or even multiple Emperor-class or higher Honkai Beast DNA."
"If you're interested, you can join this project."
"Wha—!!!"
Cangxuan was dumbfounded.
"Wait! Everyone matching with multiple Emperor-class Honkai Beasts?! Are you talking about mythology?!"
"This is science."
The little loli raised her hand, shaking it proudly.
"We've already decoded most of Dr. Mei's research on fusion warriors and stigmata technology. The Starsea Empire's science is even more advanced than the Previous Era. With their records, we can go even further."
"Ideally, we could execute a mass-produced Chimera Project. By integrating Judgment-class Honkai Beast DNA, we can create fusion warriors stronger than Kevin."
"Good heavens…"
Dan Zhu had thought she was well-versed in Honkai-related technology, enough to guide these research lolis.
Instead, she realized that, much like when she had once guided primitive humans in Shenzhou thousands of years ago, before the research division of the Starsea Empire, she was just another primitive.
"Do you have simpler research projects?"
Cangxuan asked cautiously.
"Of course."
Kayo Senju began counting on her fingers.
"Teacher Grey is researching how to construct mathematical models of the Honkai world to manipulate and deduce the future."
"The physics department is attempting to reverse-engineer Herrscher cores by analyzing residual Herrscher energy from the Divine Keys."
"The engineering department is planning to use the Second Divine Key, the Cosmic Juggernaut, to create a vessel capable of reaching the Imaginary Tree, or even crossing into other Tree and Sea worlds."
"Which project would you like to join?"
"???"
The two girls, who prided themselves as top scientists, felt their eyes spin in confusion.
Weren't they supposed to be researching Honkai energy? What were these people even talking about? Why couldn't they understand a single thing?!
Couldn't they offer something a little simpler?!
It took them a while to recover.
"Do you… have any remedial classes here? I'd like to start with some basics…"
"Tsk, looks like not only Jingwei, but we also have to let the slow bird fly first…"
...
Elsewhere.
After spending a few days settling the ancestors brought from 3000 years ago, Setsuna finally had a short break.
Since arriving in the Honkai world, he had solved the Fu Hua issue, then unexpectedly ran into Senti, salvaged Griseo, searched for the Second Divine Key, and rescued the ancestors.
One task after another—it was no wonder he felt a little tired.
Fortunately, most of the work had already been handed over to the various departments. For research matters, as a leader, he didn't need to get into the details. If the research division needed something, he provided it, then just patiently waited for results.
Life became simpler.
During the day, he would do routine inspections of the space station's projects.
He teased the Yae sisters, Sakura and Rin, who were receiving supplementary lessons with Jilin from the lolis.
One was a primitive native from ancient tribes, the other a shrine maiden from an island fishing village.
From the perspective of a spacefaring civilization, they were both just natives—no essential difference.
He could also spend time raising Griseo.
Little Griseo had already received sufficient basic education during the Previous Era and her time drifting aboard the Ark.
With her natural cleverness, she quickly grasped the fundamentals of the Starsea Empire.
Griseo was usually very quiet.
She often sat for long hours on a tall chair, brush in hand, painting the colors she saw in her heart.
Setsuna had no talent for painting, but simply let Griseo indulge in her hobby.
When she grew tired of painting, if Setsuna was nearby, she would stretch her small hands toward him:
"Commander, carry me down."
"Mm."
Setsuna held out his arms.
Little Griseo, petite and delicate, felt soft in his arms.
"So which is better—big or small?!"
This soul-twisting question often popped up in Setsuna's mind.
Each had their own merits… and both were dangerous.
"Commander-nii, you're thinking of strange things…"
Griseo said earnestly.
"The colors on you… sometimes they change. From the look of the starry sky, I sometimes see a strange pink."
"Pink?!"
Setsuna found that description frightening.
"Just a little, only a little. Most of the time, it doesn't appear."
"It only shows up when you're in contact with other people."
Griseo added seriously.
"Huh?"
Setsuna felt even more puzzled.
Then he suddenly thought of something and pointed toward a nearby shipgirl.
"What about Taihou?"
"Taihou…"
"Eh? Normally she's black, but whenever she sees you, she turns pink with little hearts floating around. Isn't that strange, Commander?"
Griseo tilted her head as she replied.
"…I see…"
"No, that's not strange. That's just Taihou."
...
"The Life Sciences Division has completed the first phase of the Chimera Project. We are currently mixing Chiyou's DNA with that of other Emperor-class Honkai Beasts… we hope to create Vipralopa-level Honkai Beasts…"
"The Engineering Division is using the Cosmic Juggernaut to observe the Tree and Sea worlds. We've discovered many parallel worlds with different timelines…"
"The Physics Division is attempting to reverse-engineer the Tenth Divine Key, the Xuanyuan Sword. The project is extremely difficult and will require a long time…"
Several days passed quickly.
On Honkai Station-1, reports from each division were delivered one after another into Setsuna's hands.
Research into Honkai world technologies was progressing smoothly.
From the research content, it was clear that after fully mastering the knowledge left behind on the Ark, their research on Honkai energy had already gone further than the Previous Era.
"Not bad, not bad…"
Setsuna reviewed the reports, nodding with satisfaction.
Beep—
A message came in from the space station.
Kayo Senju's tender yet serious expression appeared on the holographic interface:
"Commander, a new batch of Honkai Beasts and magical beasts has arrived at the base. The Life Sciences Division requests your assistance~"
The little loli made a playful face.
"Alright."
Setsuna rose and headed toward the docking bay.
A massive transport ship slowly descended.
As its hatch opened, Angeloids carried down dozens of alloy cages.
Inside were all kinds of dangerous species and magical beasts.
Some were from the Akamae ga Kill world, where Danger Beasts were farmed for mass-producing Teigu.
Others were from the Goblin Slayer world, where expedition teams regularly hunted for equipment, farmed world coins, and captured magical beasts to bring back for study.
"This batch contains 45 in total. We'll leave them to you, Commander!"
A research loli saluted Setsuna.
Nearby stood Cangxuan and Dan Zhu, watching curiously.
"A small matter."
Setsuna stretched out his hand, releasing intense corrosive energy that wrapped around the roaring monsters.
Before long—
On the open ground, a pile of large and small Honkai Beasts appeared.
They all lowered their heads in submission. Before the Herrscher who had created them, Honkai Beasts were as docile as livestock.
"Hmm…"
Cangxuan counted carefully.
"Five Emperor-class Honkai Beast, nine Templar-class Honkai Beasts… not bad."
"Send the Emperor-class to the Life Sciences Division for study. The rest, dump into the breeding facilities."
Setsuna gestured casually.
The Angeloids quickly began driving the beasts away.
Among the many Honkai research projects, the one with the highest expectations—and the one likely to be applied first—was the Chimera Project.
By fusing multiple Honkai Beast DNA samples, they aimed to create super fusion warriors whose power would far surpass that of ordinary Herrschers.
It was a genetic ascension of the highest order.
Setsuna often came to assist the Life Sciences Division, creating Honkai Beasts with his authority.
The stronger specimens—those that reached Emperor-class or higher—were selected and sent to extract DNA for pairing.
From each batch of Danger Beasts, sometimes one or two Emperor-class specimens could be produced, sometimes none at all.
Fortunately, with the Starsea Empire's vast territory and resources, the sheer numbers ensured there would always be a few successes.
In the original Honkai world, each Emperor-class Honkai Beast was rare and bore a unique name.
For example, Fu Hua's fusion partner Garuda, or Parvati, Mahamayuri, and others.
But under this mass-production system, Emperor-class Honkai Beasts were as common as cabbages. They couldn't all be named, so they were simply designated by numbers: 01, 02, 03, and so on.
A Chimera composed entirely of Emperor-class and Judgment-class Honkai Beasts—the final result of its power was something everyone eagerly anticipated.
Cangxuan unfurled a scroll before her, smacking her lips as she recorded the situation:
"The 12th batch of experimental subjects has produced one Emperor-class Honkai Beast, designated 011. Its form resembles a mammoth, and it seems to possess ice-element abilities…"
She glanced at Setsuna, then thought of how humanity in the Previous Era had struggled desperately against Honkai Beasts. Her expression grew complicated:
"Damn it… if Dr. Mei ever found out the Starsea Empire was creating fusion warriors like this, you'd scare her to death…"
"No—wait, does the Will of the Honkai know you're playing with Herrscher powers and Honkai Beasts like this??!"
...
After helping the Life Sciences Division create Honkai Beasts, Setsuna took a stroll around the space station. Everything was proceeding in good order.
He didn't need to concern himself with details. Until the projects reached their next stage, he had some free time.
With nothing better to do, he wandered over to where Fu Hua lived.
The immortal was also temporarily residing on the space station.
Her quarters, not far from Griseo's, were designed in the style of the Previous Era.
Light gray walls paired with sleek, futuristic furniture and decorations.
Fu Hua herself wore her flowing cloud-ink robes, seated by the porthole, reading something on a holographic screen.
From time to time, she sipped from a teacup at her side.
Her ancient attire, set against the brilliant starry expanse outside the window, gave off a strangely harmonious feeling.
"You're here?"
Fu Hua looked up and greeted him.
"You're reading astronomy?"
Setsuna sat down across from her, slightly surprised as he glanced at the holographic display.
The room's terminal could access much of the Starsea Empire's public archives: the empire's situation, history, academy textbooks, and more—
Convenient for new companions to familiarize themselves with things.
"Yes. The Starsea… is a realm we had never set foot in before."
Fu Hua nodded lightly, gazing at the stars beyond.
"Stars, thousands or tens of thousands of light years away—what might they be like?"
After saying so, she shook her head with a self-mocking smile.
"Since my revival, my life has been nothing but fighting against Honkai and Finality. It's been so long since I let myself imagine such distant things."
"Leave fighting Honkai to us. As for the Herrscher of Finality, I'll lock her in a little dark room and beat her into a plush toy."
Setsuna chuckled.
"If you want to see the stars, just pick any one in the sky. I can take you there."
"Ah…"
Fu Hua blinked in surprise.
"Whichever star you want to see, I can take you there."
It was the most romantic, and at the same time the most weighty, promise she had ever heard.
And without a doubt—Setsuna could truly make it happen.
With the Starsea Empire's advanced technology, even seizing the stars and moon was within reach.
She had heard countless tales of romance over her thousands of years, but never such a grand vow.
And it was said to her.
"Forget it."
Fu Hua shook her head.
"Stars are best admired from afar. Once you approach them, they cease to be stars."
"Like the moon—ancient people imagined Chang'e, the Jade Rabbit, and so on. But only we know: aside from the battlefield against Finality, there is nothing on the moon."
"You're more poetic than I expected."
Setsuna laughed.
"We do plan to explore and develop this moon. Dr. Mei and the Herrscher of Finality left some things there."
"Mm."
Fu Hua nodded. At first, she had intended to monitor Setsuna, to make sure he didn't act against Shenzhou's interests.
But after spending time with him, she realized she had worried too much.
"So then? You came just to chat with me?"
After some idle talk, Fu Hua looked at him.
"Of course not, Hua."
Setsuna had calculated that he had a few days of free time.
"I came to learn Taxiuan Eminence."
—
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