Breakfast was swiftly laid out on the table, featuring Shenzhou-style soy milk, fried dough sticks, and steamed buns—simple fare yet enticing with its mouthwatering aroma.
Su picked up a crispy fried dough stick with chopsticks, took a bite, and savored the rich, crunchy flavor spreading across his tongue.
Kevin also quietly began eating.
Though ordinary dishes, the lively chatter among the gathered group transformed this breakfast into something special.
Opening his eyes, Su affectionately glanced around at these endearing children before finally focusing on Kevin, who ate silently. From him, Su sensed an unusual calmness. It dawned on Su that Kevin genuinely enjoyed such an atmosphere; he simply never showed it due to his habitual aloofness.
"Why are you staring at me?"
"Oh, no reason. Just enjoy your meal while it's hot. They've been very thoughtful, ensuring all the cooking utensils they prepared for you were specifically designed to withstand extreme cold. Noticing such details during our first meeting is quite impressive," Su said with a warm smile.
Kevin paused momentarily but then continued eating as if unaffected.
After taking a bite of his fried dough stick, Zeke put down his chopsticks and gestured toward them both, addressing the girls present: "This is Kevin Kaslana, a former MANTIS fusion warrior, the progenitor of House Kaslana, and the original wielder of Judgment of Shamash. A few years ago, I intercepted him just as he was about to return from the Sea of Quanta. To be honest, back then, I feared his overwhelming power and unyielding iron will forged over millennia, lacking confidence in subduing him. Now, however, he stands among our friends."
"Hello, Mister Kevin!"
"Kaslana... Big Sister Kiana's patriarch?!"
"Even Zeke fears him? That's impressive!"
The girls chattered excitedly for a moment before individually greeting Kevin. In terms of etiquette, Zeke's education covered all bases; even the quirky Vodka Sisters displayed impeccable manners at this time.
Kevin's hand holding the chopsticks froze mid-air, his expression cold. After a long pause, he slowly nodded, almost reluctantly.
"Hm..."
Su and Fu Hua exchanged glances, sharing a silent smile, recognizing the subtle confusion beneath Kevin's demeanor.
Both observed the faint hint of bewilderment and helplessness in Kevin's eyes.
Then, Zeke gestured towards Su, catching him off guard with his surprised stare, before introducing him:
"This is Su, a former Fusion Warrior from the previous civilization, bearer of the Divine Key 'Cosmic Juggernaut.' He voluntarily endured thousands of years alone within the Sea of Quanta for the sake of our civilization's future, risking everything to search the imaginary branches for even the slightest glimmer of hope. If one day, while strolling through town, he encountered a pitiful soul suffering from grave illness, knowing that giving away all his blood could save them, he would do so without hesitation. He and Welt share the same spirit."
"Hello, Mr. Su!"
"Hi, Big Bro Su!"
"Dumb sister, it should be 'Mr. Su,' right?"
"Greetings, Mr. Su!"
Another wave of greetings echoed around the room. Su responded warmly, putting everyone at ease with his gentle demeanor:
"Hello to you all! It's wonderful meeting each of you. You can call me anything; as long as we're happy together, that's what matters."
In truth, some had already learned about these two individuals during earlier communications across the Sea of Quanta. However, Zeke's formal introductions once again stirred emotions among everyone present.
With a serious expression, Zeke continued:
"Like Fu Hua, they have endured countless ages and faced the most devastating defeats. After enduring immense changes over millennia, they've returned to continue fighting for this new era, once again confronting the heart-wrenching despair from their past. Without a doubt, when facing the Finality, anyone might choose to flee, but these two will undoubtedly give everything to tear open a breach in their adversaries. I urge you all to respect and trust them; it is what they truly deserve."
Zeke's private interactions were often blunt and sarcastic due to his personality. However, during formal occasions, he never hesitated to express his admiration and esteem. The reason was simple, as he himself stated—these individuals were indeed worthy.
Additionally, Zeke hoped they could genuinely integrate into this era rather than solely fighting out of a desire for revenge against the previous one. Only by acknowledging and embracing this age could they become true allies upon whom everyone could rely.
"Well... that's quite an exaggeration..." Su scratched his face, feeling slightly embarrassed despite having transcended worldly concerns with his Glass Heart long ago.
Kevin remained expressionless, showing no reaction—at least not visibly, maintaining his unchanging iceberg persona for fifty thousand years.
Zeke nodded towards both Su and Shi before gesturing in Senti's direction.
"The Herrscher personality of Fu Hua, Herrscher of Sentience, possesses all of Fu Hua's memories and emotions. In a sense, you can consider her another version of Fu Hua. Due to Fu Hua's good-natured temperament and inherent abilities, she often emerges for a stroll. Typically, calling her 'Senti' suffices to distinguish between them. However, her personality isn't as likable—impulsive, restless, and prone to causing trouble. Overall, she's quite the mischievous child. If she gets into any mischief, feel free to report it to me or Little Fuxi."
"Hey!"
Senti, who had been standing with hands on her hips, head held high awaiting praise, suddenly burst into anger and moved to slam her hand on the table.
But then, from atop Fu Hua's head, the Book of Fuxi's eyes flickered, casting a cool gaze at her.
"Hm?"
"I... I am Fu Hua! Yes! And just this once, I'll forgive you for ganging up on me earlier; circumstances warranted it, after all. From now on, if you face difficulties, come seek my help—the immortal is omnipotent! Also, don't listen to that scoundrel—ahem, I mean, don't take Zeke's words seriously. My temper is perfectly fine, just like the Old Antique's!" After carefully choosing her words, Senti refrained from slamming the table. Once she noticed the Book of Fuxi's gaze shifting away, she discreetly patted her chest and let out a cautious sigh of relief.
Upon hearing this introduction, some girls nodded silently while others seemed bewildered but still greeted Senti warmly. With an air of proud aloofness, Senti reciprocated each greeting, creating a lively atmosphere.
Next, Zeke's gaze shifted to Yae Sakura and Higokumaru, who were also seated nearby—Higokumaru having been recently calmed by Yae Sakura.
"These two, Yae Sakura and Higokumaru, can be understood as Jizo Mitama sword spirits. Though it might not be entirely accurate, their relationship somewhat resembles that of Xuanyuan Sword and Miss Ji Lin. They have their own stories; feel free to pry them out if you're interested. However, many among your acquaintances carry significant pasts, with hardships far deeper than theirs. Regardless, they are my subordinates, valuable allies, so make sure to maintain good relations."
"Yes!" came multiple enthusiastic responses.
The girls individually greeted both Yae Sakura and Higokumaru.
Then, Kevin set down his chopsticks, his icy blue eyes fixed on Higokumaru perched atop Yae Sakura's shoulder.
"I remember you. Once upon a time, didn't you go by Rin?"
His words momentarily silenced the room. Suddenly, the bun held by Higokumaru began disintegrating under an unseen force, her eyes turning ominously crimson.
"I remember you too, Thirteen Heroes! What, ready to continue our war?"
The Jizo Mitama beside Yae Sakura trembled slightly, emitting a chilling Honkai Energy that raised goosebumps.
Simultaneously, Kevin remained motionless, yet ice crystals and snowflakes slowly drifted around him, turning the warm room bitterly cold within moments.
"Take your fight outside. Don't damage the Dishāng Mitama," Zeke interjected while maintaining the temperature of the breakfast table.
In response, Kevin lowered his gaze, causing the icy chill to dissipate instantly. Higokumaru, soothed by Yae Sakura's gentle touch, also dissipated her corrosive power. Sitting on Sakura's hand, she bowed her head, appearing unusually quiet and subdued.
Kevin said, "Right or wrong, grudges from the past are behind us. All I care about is if you're willing to assist humanity."
"I'm only cooperating with this guy for Eldest Sister's sake; humans hold no interest for me."
"It doesn't matter; I judge based on actions alone."
"Hmph! With that arrogant air, who do you think you are?" Higokumaru scoffed, holding a steaming large bun, as she resumed eating silently.
Meanwhile, Su placed a hand on Kevin's shoulder, his gaze filled with concern.
Kevin shook his head. "I'm fine."
Su opened his mouth but ultimately sighed. As a close friend for over ten thousand years, could he not tell whether Kevin was truly alright?
The rampage of the Herrscher of Corruption during the previous era stemmed from humanity's own missteps. The wrongful killing of Rin, who had no intention to harm humans at that time, unleashed the uncontrollable power of the Herrscher. This resulted in the destruction of the last three human cities, countless lives lost, and even led to the death of another hero, Yae Sakura. It nearly extinguished all hope for humanity's survival.
That calamitous event unfolded with intricate twists and ended in tragic consequences.
A crucial aspect often overlooked was that during this disaster, Dr. Mei briefly suffered corruption herself, leaving lasting health complications which eventually contributed to her demise.
Kevin claiming he was "fine" sounded like the worst joke, leaving Su utterly unable to laugh.
But confronting Honkai was indeed fraught with such grim realities—filled with tragedy and helplessness.
Breakfast continued amidst an unusual awkwardness.
******
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