"Not really that long, though? The Sea of Quanta contains various fragments from different worlds; finding something to eat isn't too difficult."
Kevin's straightforward response made Su's mixed emotions freeze.
"...That's good."
Su turned away, feigning nonchalance.
Hmm, slightly awkward.
Due to his guilt towards Kevin, Su had unconsciously imagined Kevin's circumstances as increasingly dire. Combined with constantly accelerating observations of parallel worlds, his mind was somewhat overwhelmed... He unexpectedly overlooked the existence of those world bubbles.
Kevin slurped down the noodles, set the bowl down, and let out a contented sigh.
"This taste brings back fond memories."
"If you want it anytime, I can make it for you," Su said with a smile, warmth radiating from his gaze while looking at Kevin.
An invisible yet harmonious atmosphere flowed between the two handsome young men—one reserved, the other gentle.
Zeke lifted his eyes, uncomfortably rubbing his chin.
"Can you guys pause the spread of that gay aura for a moment? Once I'm gone, feel free to indulge." Zeke expressionlessly uttered these words, shattering the warm scene of old friends reuniting.
"I love Mei," Kevin stated.
"We're just simple friends!" Su quickly added.
Both spoke simultaneously in explanation.
Zeke remained expressionless, making it impossible to discern whether he believed them or not.
After a moment, Su shook his head helplessly and said, "In any case, it's great to see you, hero of the current era... Or perhaps I should address you as Your Majesty, Emperor?"
"The meeting was held at dawn, and it hasn't even been a full day yet. Otto already informed you? You two seem quite closely connected." Zeke furrowed his brow slightly.
To revive Kallen, two keys were needed: The first was the method of resurrection, specifically the "Life Equation" controlled by Zeke. The second key involved reaching the precise temporal point five hundred years ago, ensuring that the revived individual is the original Kallen as Otto desires.
Otto himself was currently researching the second key, with Cosmic Juggernaut being crucial to this endeavor.
Therefore, ever since finding Su initially, Otto had consistently managed their communication and utilized the power of the Cosmic Juggernaut through him.
Zeke provided Su with life-extending technology, and later, seeing merit in Project VALUKA, he allowed Su to continue working on it. Since Su willingly committed to the demanding schedule—well, technically 24/24/7 rather than 996—Zeke maintained minimal contact with him.
However, Otto's close connection with Su raised Zeke's suspicions—was that sly old bastard up to something more? Perhaps planning to revive Kallen and then immediately escape with her using the Cosmic Juggernaut for her safety?
Su chuckled and shook his head.
"Don't misunderstand; it has nothing to do with Otto. Although I'm not present in the real world, whenever I wish to observe, I can still glean some knowledge of what's happening there. In any case, your decisions have significant impacts, naturally drawing my attention."
"I need control authority over the Cosmic Juggernaut... It's not directed at you, but you know Otto's character well enough; we must be prepared," Zeke stated firmly, maintaining a composed expression.
Su scratched his face and nodded agreeably, appearing entirely amicable.
"Alright, I'll add you to the authorization sequence."
Zeke nodded satisfactorily, his frown dissipating.
'Otto, truly a reliable scapegoat. As expected from my dear friend.'
Inwardly, Zeke praised the increasingly unorthodox archbishop, feeling quite pleased.
At that moment, Kevin hesitantly raised his hand and spoke:
"Um, and I..."
"No, controlling Cosmic Juggernaut requires exceptionally strong mental power and intellect. Kevin, you do not meet these criteria."
"...Understood."
Whatever Su said went; Kevin couldn't argue, as he lacked understanding on this matter.
With his request fulfilled, Zeke temporarily settled down, refraining from further comments.
As two long-separated friends, they couldn't resist continuing their conversation.
"Kevin, drifting through the Sea of Quanta all those years must have been tough for you. It surely wasn't easy, right? Come, here's some tea and pastries that Otto brought earlier. I've kept them well-preserved, hoping to serve them to you someday." Su spoke apologetically while carefully pushing the refreshments towards Kevin.
Kevin took a sip of the tea and replied mildly, "Not really. The chaotic energies and Quantum Fiends posed no threat to me. In fact, it allowed me to learn how to harness quantum energy, enabling me to command quantum beings comparable to Honkai Beasts. Additionally, exploring various peculiar world bubbles exposed me to many unique sights. I even learned how to construct my own world bubbles."
"In summary, aside from slightly struggling with Honkai Energy demand, my overall gains have been substantial. I feel significantly stronger than before."
Kevin clenched his fists, appearing composed yet content.
Then, Su's expression froze once again.
Wait, this script seems off somehow.
While it genuinely brought relief to Su that Kevin was doing well, easing his mind considerably, he couldn't help but wonder... What do you mean by 'even stronger'? Back then, Kevin could already effortlessly overpower Su, who wielded two Divine Keys. Now, several times stronger? How monstrous is this guy?!
During the previous era, Su had always felt as if Kevin, also a MANTIS fusion warrior, belonged to a different species altogether. And now, it seemed like that might truly be the case. Seriously, Mr. Kevin, your sheer prowess puts immense pressure on fellow Thirteen Heroic Spirits like me!
"Ah, so that's how it is. That's good, very good... cough, cough. In any case, I'm truly grateful to see you again. Speaking of which, I haven't properly thanked young Zeke yet. Without his healing techniques, I would likely be dead, and we wouldn't have this opportunity to speak."
"Your lifespan... shouldn't have been much shorter than mine, right?"
"The Cosmic Juggernaut can anchor to parallel worlds. However, from a quantum physics perspective, when I observe those worlds, they too can observe me simultaneously. In simpler terms, during observation, my time synchronizes with the time of those worlds.
"I cannot use the Cosmic Juggernaut to skip directly to outcomes; instead, I must continually search for suitable parallel worlds and accelerate their observation. Consequently, my own time rapidly passes alongside theirs. Combined with the mental toll... In short, my lifespan was exhausted years ago, nearly leading to my death filled with regret at not seeing you again."
"So that's how it is..."
Kevin raised his hand and patted Su on the shoulder, expressing similar sentiments of immense relief.
Then, Kevin turned towards Zeke, his eyes softening slightly.
"Thank you. For Su, many thanks."
Kevin expressed his gratitude twice, deeply indebted for saving his dear friend.
Zeke calmly nodded, accepting this heartfelt thanks.
What excellent support!
True to form, Su first agreed to share control of Cosmic Juggernaut, then helped maximize Kevin's impression points, all while willingly serving as a model employee dedicated 24/7 to Project VALUKA—Su truly is a great comrade!
Zeke made a mental note: upon returning, he would find some fine tea and snacks to send to Su as a reward.