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Two close friends reuniting after many years apart, their last separation marked by intense conflict—in theory, such a reunion should have led to endless conversation.
However, reality was different. One had spent thousands of years secluded within a little world, becoming a super introvert, while the other, grieving over the loss of his wife for fifty millennia, now solely focused on "Project Stigma" and "defeating Honkai"—a lonely old... young man.
In short, there wasn't much they could discuss, and the topic swiftly shifted to the ever-present theme—the Honkai phenomenon.
"So, Su, after all these years, have you come across any worlds where Honkai was successfully defeated?"
"Unfortunately, not yet."
"Then Project Stigma remains our only option. You know Mei's capabilities, Su; only she could ensure there would be no mistakes." Kevin spoke calmly while sipping his tea.
After so many long years, Kevin finally managed to discuss matters involving Mei with composure.
However, Su understood that this calmness was merely superficial. The grief and sorrow never truly faded from Kevin's heart—otherwise, the once life-loving Kevin wouldn't have resolutely executed such a horrifying and inhumane plan.
Kevin had been driven mad by Mei's death.
With a sorrowful sigh, Su felt utterly helpless. Despite his high spiritual attainment and cultivation, he found himself incapable of reaching Kevin's hollow soul. After a moment, Su hesitated before asking:
"Kevin, do you really believe it's just a plan to defeat Honkai?"
"...What else would it be?"
"You hesitated there for a moment. Deep down, you're uncertain too, aren't you?"
"What are you trying to say?"
"Upon careful thought, rather than being a method to defeat Honkai, Project Stigma... seems more like Mei's way to ensure your survival."
Su let out a long sigh.
Perhaps at the final moments of her life, concerns about civilization and Honkai had ceased to matter to Mei. What truly mattered was finding a path for Kevin to continue living, filled with hope, as a human should.
Thus, Mei left behind a child carrying both her and Kevin's genes, along with Project Stigma.
When considering it closely, these two things were inherently contradictory.
If Kevin chose to become the child's father, he could not execute Project Stigma, as it would inevitably affect the child's descendants.
On the other hand, if he proceeded with Project Stigma, only one in a hundred humans would survive in the future, leaving behind a small group of exceptionally powerful Stigma bearers. In such a scenario, the child's existence essentially lost its value because, regardless of whether the child lived or not, the outcome would be the same.
"I've been here for quite some time, and occasionally I would ponder... If Mei was certain to execute Project Stigma, she wouldn't have left behind that child because it could potentially make you hesitate, refuse the plan, or introduce uncertainty. So, why did she leave both the child and the plan? It couldn't be simply due to a momentary oversight by a genius, right? As you yourself said, only she never made mistakes."
Su smiled, his expression filled with reminiscence of Mei as well as profound resignation towards her exceptional talent.
The child and the plan were likely two alternative paths reserved for Kevin.
Either become a father, find healing from the warmth provided by the child amidst the pain of Mei's departure, and continue living meaningfully.
Or become the Enforcer of the plan, forsaking compassion but possessing a long-term goal, still able to live on purposefully—perhaps even finding other bonds years down the line?
Upon considering this, Mei's true intentions seem not primarily focused on combating Honkai; at its core, everything revolved around Kevin. For Mei, the fate of humanity in future generations likely held less importance than Kevin's life itself.
"...I don't know what you're talking about," Kevin responded after a prolonged silence, feigning nonchalance.
Su shook his head.
"No, you do know. Even I, over the long years, managed to discern Mei's intentions; surely, you realized it much earlier than me. Yet, you ultimately chose to execute your plan. For you, choosing your child meant letting go of Mei—her will and actions would come to an end... You couldn't accept that."
"Su, I'm not here to listen to your nonsense."
"You chose the plan because it was an extension of Mei's wisdom and will, as well as a means for revenge against Honkai. But Kevin, if Mei saw who you've become today, so drastically changed, she wouldn't be pleased..."
"That's enough!"
Like the Abyss itself, even Chiyou, the colossal beast of yore, paled in comparison to the terrifying surge of Honkai Energy momentarily flashing within Kevin's relatively unassuming frame. The sky of the world bubble trembled instantly, developing fissures across its expanse.
Moments later, Kevin regained his composure. Near the shattered porcelain cup remnants, tea had soaked through his hands resting on the table.
With a wave of Su's hand, the cracks in the sky gradually healed, and the shattered white table restored to its pristine state.
Then, Su offered another cup of tea, placing a dry towel beside Kevin's hands. His gaze remained composed yet carried deep sorrow, his eyes clear like the sky itself.
"Kevin, if given the choice, I would have preferred seeing you perish on that final battlefield... Perhaps leaving with Mei might have brought you greater happiness?"
Su spoke gently, devoid of any malice, only reflecting concern for his dear friend.
Kevin fell silent, unable to respond to these words. As Su rightly suggested, departing alongside Mei would indeed have satisfied him profoundly.
In truth, after learning about Mei's departure, Kevin had contemplated joining her in death. However, just as Su observed, Kevin understood Mei's intentions—she wished for him to live on. Even if it meant losing himself, since it was Mei's wish, Kevin chose to endure, despite carrying a heart riddled with wounds and shattered pieces.
At that moment, Zeke finally finished his tea and put down the empty cup before speaking up:
"So, Mei loved Kevin, while you were merely his close friend."
Zeke observed both of them, realizing these words echoed Su's sentiment about preferring Kevin to die honorably in battle.
Zeke had never met Dr. Mei nor deeply pondered her arrangements. However, after hearing Su's analysis, he felt some resonance.
Putting himself in her shoes, if faced with death, Zeke too would likely have taken similar actions to ensure Kiana could live on—something akin to what Mei did.
How could he just stand by and let that little fool commit suicide?
Only by living is there hope!
To keep Kiana alive, whether it involved creating artificial children or devising heartless plans, Zeke was willing to harden his resolve once for this foolish girl, as long as she wouldn't self-destruct.
Su momentarily paused, then nodded.
"You're right. Perhaps, this is something I didn't fully grasp... what they call love. Love can be beautiful, but at times, it can also be incredibly terrifying."
"Speaking of understanding that great genius's thoughts, why not try resurrecting her?" Zeke suggested nonchalantly.
"Hmm..." × 2
"Hmm??" × 2
"Hmm!!!" × 2
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