"You've destroyed more stuff again! One door, two walls, made from special materials with integrated electronic networks—the total cost equals nearly half a year's worth of your damn food expenses! How many times have I told you? Do you think money grows on trees? And reversing all creation? I'd rather twist your neck instead! You're driving me insane! Absolutely infuriating! I wish Zeke hadn't woken me up at all; let me sleep forever then!"
In Fu Hua's room, the obediently kneeling "Fu Hua" faced scathing rebukes from the floating Book of Fuxi.
Despite its small size, each word carried an intimidating force, leaving the recently destructive "Fu Hua" silently kneeling, shrinking away and daring not to utter a single retort.
After venting her frustration for quite some time, the Book of Fuxi leisurely floated towards a chair—a massive object from her perspective—and knelt upon it with a weary sigh.
"Pour me tea!" The Book of Fuxi lifted a tiny cup, demanding assertively yet adorably fierce.
A sudden jolt ran through "Fu Hua," and she hastily stood up.
"Coming! Coming!"
She swiftly grabbed a long-spouted teapot from the table and carefully poured a small amount of tea into the Book of Fuxi's cup.
"Here you go, Little Fuxi—premium Biluochun, enjoy your sip!" Bowing respectfully, "Fu Hua" extended her fingers to gently touch the Book of Fuxi, her crimson eyes, typically filled with menacing aura, now brimming with a pleading expression.
"Your attitude is somewhat acceptable, but why can't you just be more obedient?"
"I simply wanted to take a stroll outside and maybe slay some demons along the way... Honestly, there's nothing wrong with my body; I don't want to spend every day stuck here for medical checks anymore!"
"No way!" The Book of Fuxi crossed its hands firmly, denying her request with a stern face. Then, sighing, it continued, "You know as well as I do that although your body appears fine, ever since waking up this time, you've completely changed. I may not understand what enlightenment you had exactly, but until we're absolutely certain it's safe, you won't be allowed to recklessly wander off. Unless, of course, you plan on dismantling me first!"
"How could I ever harm Little Fuxi? Fine, I'll endure it for now. But seriously, how much longer?"
Fu Hua squatted down, her cheeks puffed with frustration, expressing her discontent in a visibly distressed manner.
The Book of Fuxi rubbed its chin and replied:
"The first three rounds of physical examinations showed no issues. For the next step, I've entrusted Otto to create specialized equipment that will assess your mental stability. Considering the timeline, the apparatus should arrive within the next few days. If after a comprehensive evaluation, we confirm that your consciousness is also healthy and stable, then I won't hold you back anymore. You can go ahead and do as you please!"
"Tsk! Otto, what a detestable name. Next time we meet, he'll get a taste of his Soulium face being shattered!"
"Best not to be hasty; after all, he's somewhat reformed... Let's brainstorm a suitable excuse first; having a justified reason for our actions would be more prudent."
"You mean like that? Alright, Little Fuxi, quickly help me think - what excuse would work best?" Fu Hua's eyes lit up eagerly as she asked.
The Book of Fuxi glanced sidelong at her, gesturing with a small wave for her to lean in closer.
Thus, the two figures, one tall and one short, huddled together, whispering conspiratorially amidst their discussion.
If not for the numerous worker bees diligently repairing the shattered gate and walls' edges, it would seem as if nothing had transpired.
Meanwhile, near the window where the Xuanyuan Sword hung, another conversation was taking place.
"Quaa~"
In the ethereal lake pavilion, Fu Hua sipped her tea and casually asked, "So, what's going on with that situation outside?"
"...We were hoping to ask Elder Immortal ourselves; it seems you're not fully aware either." Ji Lin shook her head, her brows furrowed anxiously.
She then proceeded to explain in detail: "A week ago, Elder Immortal's body suddenly awakened, startling everyone with the surge of malevolent energy and true qi. Master Fuxi rushed to the scene and miraculously managed to restrain the outsider. Upon seeing Fuxi-sama, she swiftly suppressed her aura, displaying immense obedience. Consequently, Master Fuxi confined her inside, citing a need for physical examination, while awaiting your return."
"Why wasn't I contacted immediately?"
"Gaining communication through the Sea of Quanta isn't straightforward, especially after the war. All external support systems around the base were destroyed, and the primary equipment within was exhausted by suppressing Benares. In short, we only recently regained our ability to connect with the Sea of Quanta, just before your arrival."
"I see..." Fu Hua nodded understandingly.
With the real-world campaign reaching a temporary pause, Zeke had wrapped up some loose ends and shifted his focus elsewhere. Missing this incident was unavoidable—though wait, Bronya, Otto, and Welt should all have direct means to contact Zeke. Perhaps they judged it wasn't urgent enough.
Zeke was preparing to assume control over civilization's affairs. His attention to the real world, primarily for the Herrscher Squad... well, mostly for Kiana, was indeed his choice and reasonably justified. However, disturbing him without first assessing the issue's priority level seemed inappropriate.
The being awakened within Fu Hua must be incredibly powerful, but compared to the grand scheme of civilization—it likely falls short.
Consider this: At present, just within this base alone, there are four Herrschers alongside Durandal, the strongest Valkyrie, standing guard. Coupled with the base's formidable war reserves, "Fu Hua" hardly constitutes a significant threat.
"Don't misunderstand; Miss Bronya isn't dismissing your situation lightly. She intended to fully understand the problem before taking action. If no other solution presented itself, she would directly communicate through the Sea of Quanta."
"?"
Ji Lin seemed to grasp what Fu Hua was thinking and hastily explained why Bronya hadn't yet resorted to emergency measures, only receiving a puzzled look from Fu Hua.
Then, Fu Hua chuckled despite herself.
"You've become quite considerate, Ji Lin. But I'm not that narrow-minded, am I? Naturally, I wouldn't dwell on such trivial matters. Getting back to the topic at hand, does this mean the other me outside has already interacted with everyone here at the base?"
"Yes, they came to assess the situation on the first day. During their conversation, the outsider insisted she is indeed you. Although everyone felt something was off, Miss Bronya reasoned that without proof otherwise, based on the available facts, we should temporarily accept her as genuine... Those words seemed quite effective, calming down the outsider significantly."
Ji Lin patiently elaborated.
Fu Hua nodded.
It appeared that Bronya had astutely picked up on the external "Fu Hua's" fixation on her identity and promptly managed to soothe her.
Fu Hua then asked, "So during this time, have they all been treating her as if she were me?"
"Not exactly. Only Miss Seele, Rozaliya, and Liliya believed she was genuine and visited her regularly. The others likely sensed something amiss; aside from their initial encounters, they generally avoided contact with her."
"What's her personality like?"
"Impatient and energetic, confident to the point of arrogance, quite self-centered—almost childlike, one might say. While interacting with everyone, especially in front of Master Fuxi, she displayed no aggression. However, beneath these outward appearances, I could sense an incredibly intense malevolence, as if...as if..." Ji Lin glanced at Fu Hua, her voice gradually becoming hesitant.
Fu Hua fell silent for a moment before calmly stating, "As if she were a Herrscher."
Ji Lin's intuition resonated with Fu Hua, who, being intimately familiar with Herrschers, had already formed a similar suspicion.
With a silent nod, Ji Lin agreed with Fu Hua's assessment.
Meanwhile, Fu Hua rubbed her temples, feeling somewhat overwhelmed.
What was this? For countless millennia, she had been deeply ingrained with the conviction that Herrschers must be eradicated, constantly prepared to slay them.
First—All Herrschers were my students?!
And now—I myself am a Herrscher?!
Fu Hua's emotions were extraordinarily tangled.
"Elder Immortal, what do you plan to do?"
"...Let's observe and see how things unfold for now. From the current situation, it's clear that a Herrscher's power can be used for good. Hastily eliminating her might not be appropriate. Moreover, given her ability to endure until now, she isn't likely someone driven purely by irrational hatred towards humans. Perhaps there is hope to guide her onto the righteous path."
"I actually think the chances are quite high. She keeps mentioning defeating Honkai and such."
"We cannot rely solely on her words; actions matter too. We must consider the possibility that she's merely putting on an act, concealing deeper schemes beneath."
"Elder Immortal is wise," Ji Lin responded obediently.
After some contemplation, Fu Hua proposed, "Here's what we'll do: I have a small plan that requires your cooperation. Listen carefully..."