Fu Hua extended her hand, gradually approaching Zhuge Kongming's forehead amidst her stunned expression.
Zeke watched impassively, seemingly devoid of any emotion.
With one arm supporting Zhuge Kongming's delicate body, Senti glanced at the unfeeling Zeke, then looked towards Fu Hua with a complex expression before silently closing her eyes.
This time, even someone as audacious as Senti couldn't muster any arrogant words. She indeed had many limitations, such as being unable to defeat Zeke or... saving this world that had already perished once before.
"I'm sorry, I was too naive. These matters truly should not have been revealed to you. Perhaps... leaving things as they are might be better..." Fu Hua spoke slowly, filled with sorrow. Just as she was about to touch Zhuge Kongming's forehead, she saw the struggle and pleading in her eyes.
Then, Fu Hua paused.
"Zeke, there must still be another way, right? Since the flow of time is different here, theoretically, we could stay indefinitely. Let's consider it as gathering experience for our own world. Is that not acceptable?"
"...Has your compassion clouded your judgment to this extent?" Zeke continued staring at Fu Hua, his face devoid of emotion.
"I...I'm very sorry. I tried so hard not to become attached to this world, thinking that if I didn't involve myself, I wouldn't feel empathy. But ultimately, I still..." Fu Hua sighed with a bitter smile and took a deep breath, preparing to bury her vulnerability once more.
Yes, in the war between civilizations and Honkai, there was no room for such sentimentality. The burden of ensuring their civilization's survival already weighed heavily on Zeke; how could she add further complications and jeopardize their world's future?
Just as Fu Hua steeled herself, Zeke grabbed her wrist.
"Zeke?"
"A bit of compassion now and then isn't necessarily bad."
Zeke finally shed his cold demeanor, looking deeply into Fu Hua's eyes.
He understood what this immortal—a warrior from the previous civilization—had endured.
For millennia, she had been cold and unyielding, burying her once sincere and kind self to focus solely on protecting their civilization. Even when it lay shattered, she crawled out of hell, persevering until humanity could face Honkai head-on—this person had sacrificed more than enough already. And now, she was about to relinquish the precious tenderness she had only just rediscovered.
Who could bear witnessing such heartbreak?
"Zeke... you don't have to do this. Just follow your own plan; my stubbornness shouldn't burden you."
"Don't be so stubborn at a time like this, Old Antique! This bastard is insanely strong, but I'm here with you! No more hiding behind that turtle shell—I won't allow it!" Senti firmly grasped Fu Hua's other hand, her fierce expression belying the determined tears welling up in her eyes.
No one understood Fu Hua's pain better than Senti. If this old relic—who now laughed, got angry, and even experienced headaches—were to revert back to the sorrowful, lifeless puppet from memory, Senti would rather see the world destroyed! In that moment, Senti realized saving the world was merely for the sake of allowing the Old Antique to live a slightly easier and happier life. She didn't harbor deep love for the world itself!
"Senti..."
Fu Hua gazed intently at those tear-filled eyes, her heart melting instantly.
Amidst this sorrowful yet warm atmosphere, Zeke released Fu Hua's wrist and reclaimed Zhuge Kongming's plumage fan.
"Once you've rested enough, please rise," Zeke said. "We have a new research topic to discuss—saving this world."
Instantly, Zhuge Kongming broke free from Senti's support, straightened her clothes, wiped away blood from her lips with a handkerchief, and declared solemnly:
"Speak, Your Majesty. Whatever your needs, all within the Empire shall comply without hesitation!"
A glint of murderous intent flashed across her eyes.
The nation was improving, an undeniable fact. Yet remnants of decay could not be purged overnight, and new corrupting forces would always emerge. However, she had already discerned the truth: if necessary for the survival of the entire world, thousands upon thousands could be sacrificed without counting the cost.
Zeke waved his plumage fan, admiration evident in his gaze.
Her strong will swiftly regained composure, and her clear mind acknowledged the price that must be paid. The late emperor indeed made the right choice in selecting his successor. At least, Kiana on their side wouldn't reach such resolve so quickly.
Fu Hua echoed, "I feel the same way. Please don't hesitate to ask if there's anything I can help with."
"And me too," Senti chimed in eagerly. "This time, I'll fully cooperate!"
Fu Hua, for this world and her own momentary soft-heartedness, and Senti, to prevent Fu Hua from once again suffering deep emotional wounds, both expressed their commitment simultaneously.
Zeke nodded, gazing at the altar ahead with its intricately engraved patterns. He explained, "As mentioned earlier, this is just a prototype, the first step. The second step has two directions: searching for connections to the Imaginary Tree or creating a similar anchor structure independently. However, both paths ultimately lead to the same outcome. Even when constructing it autonomously, as soon as it reaches the point of providing elemental aspects to the world, it naturally falls within the realm of the Imaginary Tree. The scope of the Imaginary Tree is boundless yet singular; once such a structure succeeds, it effectively connects to the Imaginary Tree. In summary, connecting to the Imaginary Tree is the only path—differing merely between actively seeking connection or passively being absorbed by it."
The group listened intently, striving to digest and comprehend the implications of Zeke's explanation.
Even Senti, usually known for her carefree boldness, appeared unusually serious this time, stroking her chin with a thoughtful demeanor. How much she could comprehend with her simple-minded nature was something only she knew.
Zeke continued, "Judging from the structure beneath this altar, the previous civilization chose the first direction of the second path: actively seeking connection with the Imaginary Tree. In fact, it's the more feasible approach, albeit still reliant on luck. As I mentioned earlier, relying solely on the meager strength of the world bubble itself makes both directions dead ends. However, now we three represent external forces beyond the world bubble... This is the world's fortune, introducing a new possibility."
As Zeke spoke, tiny black specks barely visible to the naked eye emerged in various corners of the altar. A clear blue glow began emanating from its intricate patterns.
After a moment, a condensed, soft, and pure white light coalesced at the altar's center.
Zeke lifted his hand, and the orb of light leisurely floated into his palm.
"This is what you call the power to fulfill wishes—the core of this entire world, known as the 'Universal Wishing Machine.' Would you like to give it a try? Immortality, invincibility, prosperity and peace—all achievable with just a single word."
Zeke waved his plumage fan with one hand while presenting the glowing orb to Zhuge Kongming with the other.