"You shouldn't have been so impulsive. Although Quantum Behemoth's abilities are limited in the real world, they can still be utilized effectively. And your machine is immensely powerful; it should not have been wasted on confronting me."
In the empty and shattered palace hall, Kevin, unscathed, frowned slightly and disapprovingly addressed Zeke.
Zeke held a worker bee no larger than a fingernail between his fingers, casually observing as he manipulated it. He replied, "I didn't want you to return with any additional power beyond my control, even if it seems insignificant. As for my own depletion... don't worry about it. They're adapting to the energy and material structure of the quantum world, and soon, they will proliferate rapidly again."
With a flick, Zeke sent the worker bee soaring into the sky, after which it vanished amidst a series of flashes.
This was also one of Zeke's objectives in entering the quantum world: once sufficient research reserves were amassed within the quantum domain, he needed to personally oversee and make real-time adjustments for the swarm's evolution into their quantum forms.
Kevin furrowed his brow once more, sensing that the remnants of the real world's presence had finally disappeared entirely.
"...Then I shall accompany you. Indeed, it has been quite some time since I last saw Su. However, I hope you've considered this carefully. Project Stigma must proceed; it represents both the only viable solution and the optimal strategy to defeat Honkai."
"Perhaps, Dr. Mei's reputation has intrigued me for quite some time now. However, until there is no other choice, I won't accept a plan that inflicts significant self-harm before even engaging the enemy. Rest assured, though—I truly intend to bring you back with us; there's no ulterior motive here. Let's go meet your old friend together; I have many things to discuss with him as well... Oh right, before we proceed, please accept this token of greeting."
Zeke handed over a deep red crystal.
Kevin accepted it, his expression subtly shifting.
"This is..."
"A strengthened Pseudo-Herrscher Core," Zeke explained mildly, "It should be enough to restore your condition fully."
Indeed, Kevin could be considered the true patriarch of the Kaslana family, and Kiana carried the Kaslana bloodline within her veins. To some extent, he was Kiana's elder, so proper etiquette demanded a thoughtful meeting gift.
Moreover, if Kevin gave his consent, Kiana's surname would finally gain legitimate recognition.
With that, she could embrace the name "Kiana Kaslana" more confidently—a name she had grown accustomed to and always cherished deeply.
Kevin grasped the core, his ice-blue eyes flickering with a faint glow.
Moments later, the deep crimson gemstone shattered and vanished, while Kevin's aura stabilized completely, reaching a new level altogether.
"Thank you," Kevin said calmly, though internally he breathed a sigh of relief.
Zeke's willingness to help him regain strength bolstered the credibility of his earlier pledge. After all, if their plan was indeed to team up with Su and banish Kevin, leaving him weakened would have been more advantageous than restoring him fully.
Zeke nodded and handed over two white pistols.
"Your swords."
"...You're really comfortable giving these back just like that?"
"I had to return them eventually. I can't wield too many Divine Keys or Herrscher Cores simultaneously. Your swords are exceptional tools, but losing them doesn't significantly impact me. Conversely, having you use them greatly enhances our combined combat power."
"Thank you."
With another expression of gratitude, Kevin felt considerably reassured. His gaze towards Zeke shifted from coldness to one containing hints of acknowledgment and admiration.
Yet another honest fellow! Look at this—after using his swords, he still thanks me!
Zeke maintained his composed demeanor, nodding slightly. He produced the green leaf capable of guiding coordinates and stepped out of the world bubble.
Amidst the chaotic and indescribable disorder, Zeke and Kevin silently advanced.
Due to the blurred concepts of time and space, even Zeke couldn't accurately gauge how long or far they had traveled. Suddenly, they arrived at an expansive meadow with blue skies and white clouds overhead.
At the heart of this vast grassland stood a colossal tree, its branches incredibly dense and reaching towards the heavens, unmistakably asserting its presence.
The two men exchanged glances.
"I sense a familiar aura."
"The coordinates indeed lead here. Let's go; he should be waiting for us beneath the tree."
Beneath a magnificent tree, seemingly straight out of a fantasy realm, stood a handsome young man dressed in deep green short sleeves, exuding an aura of pure gentleness. He was brewing tea at a white circular table.
"Kevin..."
Su sighed deeply, feeling both eager and apprehensive. For this old friend who consistently prioritized his life even in the final moments, Su harbored profound feelings of guilt.
"Ahhh..."
After pouring the tea, Su caressed the smooth white ceramic teapot and sighed once more.
This was the internal space of the Cosmic Juggernaut, a stable world bubble created and controlled by Su. As soon as Zeke and Kevin entered, he became aware of their arrival.
Shortly after, before the tea had significantly cooled, two figures came within his sight.
Su momentarily froze.
To him, it appeared as if two identical silver-haired, blue-eyed, and white-coated dashing youths approached—similar height and build, nearly indistinguishable in their aloof coldness, like twin flawless icebergs towering under the sky.
'Doesn't he really belong to the Kaslana family?'
Su immediately recognized Kevin's face, but as he looked at Zeke simultaneously, a sense of puzzlement and doubt washed over him.
"It's been a long time. I'm glad you're still alive, Su."
Approaching Su, who stood to welcome them, Kevin greeted warmly. However, his cold, expressionless demeanor betrayed no hint of genuine happiness or friendliness.
Staring at him, seemingly lost in thought for a full three seconds, Su gradually broke into a gentle smile, like a breeze on a spring day: "Long time no see, Kevin."
Kevin did not bring up past events, and Su didn't offer any apologies.
The conflict that ended with Kevin's exile held no personal animosity; it was merely a clash of ideals and positions.
Meeting again after a thousand years, Su felt only guilt, not regret, while Kevin bore no resentment towards him. They remained friends, and if necessary, Su would willingly risk his life to shield Kevin from harm, just as Kevin could unhesitatingly save Su from danger.
They were still close companions, unchanged by time.
Both Kevin and Zeke took their seats. Then, Su placed a large steaming bowl of noodles before Kevin.
"Scallion egg noodles, your favorite back then."
"Thank you. Did you make it yourself?"
"Yes, I hope my cooking hasn't changed."
"Don't mind if I do."
Kevin picked up his bowl and started eating without hesitation.
After a moment, his eyes brightened, and his expression finally showed a touch more liveliness and warmth as he said:
"It's quite good."
"I'm glad... Considering you've been wandering in the Sea of Quanta all these years, it must have been a very long time since you last ate."
Su looked at Kevin with a smile, but deep within his gaze lay profound guilt.
In the past, Su had manipulated Kevin, yet Kevin was cast into the Sea of Quanta while trying to protect him.
Since then, Su never visited Kevin. Partly, he feared Kevin might exploit Cosmic Juggernaut's power to return to the real world during such encounters. On the other hand, overwhelming guilt weighed heavily on him, making him afraid to face Kevin.
Thus, Su could only relentlessly observe the worlds as penance, knowing that defeating Honkai was Kevin's utmost priority. Only by achieving tangible results did Su muster the courage to meet Kevin again and persuade him to reconsider his stance.