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Ten minutes later, Sirin sat munching instant noodles while staring intently at the television screen.
It's worth mentioning here that the original Sirin's memories primarily revolved around her confinement and experiments at Babylon Labs; she had never watched TV before. The current Sirin, born synchronously with Kiana, experienced some overlap in their lives. After being cared for by Zeke, Kiana indeed had leisure time to watch TV. However, Sirin spent most of her existence half-dreaming within the depths of consciousness. Even when occasionally breaking free from her prison, her focus was solely on destroying the world, not watching television.
Regardless, despite calling it childish earlier, the reality now was that Sirin's eyes were fixed unwaveringly on the Homu cartoon playing on TV, as absorbed as if she were a statue.
Bronya observed this scene, her gaze shifting subtly. She suddenly stood up, leaned close to Zeke, and whispered quietly into his ear:
"During her previous outings, she secretly snuck off to watch TV, thinking no one noticed. Based on the data I monitored, it seems like she's particularly fond of idol competition shows and possibly children's animated films."
"Huh?!"
A pair of murderous golden eyes shifted towards Bronya, staring at her as if gazing upon a corpse.
Bronya wrapped her arms around Zeke's neck, calmly meeting Sirin's gaze with a silent challenge—If you've got the guts, make your move. If Zeke doesn't take you down, consider me defeated.
Such arrogance comes from having someone powerful backing you up!
And Bronya clearly had a firm grasp on the situation; Sirin was intelligent enough not to court unnecessary trouble.
"Hmph!"
Sirin silently harbored resentment, letting out a cold huff. She continued eating instant noodles, maintaining an expression of disdain while watching the cartoon intently.
Zeke reached over, gently pressing Bronya's head back into his embrace. His indifferent gaze then turned towards the unfamiliar girl standing behind Sirin, awaiting orders with her head bowed.
Her striking features included gray hair, blue eyes, and a delicate face adorned with an exquisite feathered headdress. She wore a long white coat, black-and-white striped thigh-high stockings accentuating her slender, shapely legs, paired with white high heels below—a vision of beauty, icy yet subtly endearing.
"Benares?" Zeke murmured the name.
Benares, the Arbiter-class Honkai Beast and companion to the Herrscher of the Void, had been granted human form by the six-core Sirin years ago. After the Siberian battle, Benares plummeted into glaciers as a dragon until its reawakening during the second Void Incident half a year prior, thanks to the current Sirin.
Surprisingly, it still retained the ability to assume humanoid shape—possibly bestowed upon it by either the present Sirin or Kiana through some means?
Incidentally, Sirin's instant ramen was prepared by this loyal dragon. With precise timing—five minutes for the noodles, three minutes to add the flavor packet—it showcased the dish's full deliciousness.
As Zeke pondered, Benares subtly shifted her gaze, directing her sky-blue eyes towards him.
'So he is Zeke?'
Benares silently scrutinized the enigmatic figure whom Queen Sirin feared deeply and Lady Kiana adored passionately.
Being a MANTIS Fusion Warrior, Zeke possessed enhancements rivaling that of a Herrscher. At his waist hung three golden orbs resembling decorative baubles; two contained the Cores of the Herrschers of Rock and Corruption, while the third seemed to harbor an indescribable, terrifying power. On his left ring finger rested a black ring, rumored to be the Key of Judgment. Additionally, there were whispers about him carrying an unspecified number of Keys of Domination... Well, in summary, his capabilities were indeed formidable, validating the Queen's caution.
Moving on from her power, let's discuss appearance—she has a delicate yet cold and stern youthful face, but it's her unflappable, icy aura reminiscent of an immovable mountain that truly captivates attention. Overall, not bad at all; no wonder Lady Kiana is always smitten with her.
Benares noticed Zeke directing his gaze towards her—a deep, tranquil stare as if attempting to see right through her soul.
"You, come over for a chat," commanded Zeke.
Benares stood frozen, hesitating.
Sirin, holding a cup of instant noodles, turned her head, frowned, and interrogated icily:
"She's my follower; you have no say here."
"I'll grant you an additional 24 hours of freedom this month, plus a box of new-flavor instant noodles. You know, in these times, I could effortlessly make such food disappear from its very source if I so desired."
"...Go, hear what game he's playing." After a moment's hesitation, Sirin instructed Benares.
Six months ago, she wouldn't have entertained such carrot-and-stick negotiation tactics, dismissing them outright. But now, having been swayed by Kiana to sign their Covenant, she had managed to coexist peacefully with them for nearly half a year. Despite various frustrations, Sirin had begun to appreciate the taste of being alive.
In any case, since resistance was futile, she decided to make the best of it. After all, half of Benares belonged to Kiana, and with that safeguard, Zeke wouldn't dare dissect her, right?
With the Queen's consent, Benares approached behind Zeke's seat.
"What do you wish to discuss?"
"Let's start by drawing a tube of your blood. I'm intrigued by your method of shape transformation, as I've been exploring similar avenues myself. However, while you underwent this metamorphosis under the scrutiny of the Will of Honkai, I've had to figure it out independently. There must be valuable insights we can share... Speaking of which, my fusion experiments primarily utilized genetic material sourced from you."
"..."
Benares accepted a massive syringe, so large she needed both hands to hold it, roughly the size of her thigh. The corner of her mouth twitched slightly.
She expected some warning about not betraying them or perhaps terms akin to the Queen's three rules. She never anticipated a request for blood extraction.
"You're unwilling?"
"I..."
"Or would you find it easier if Kiana asks?"
"No objections; let's proceed."
With a stern expression, Benares lifted his coat, held the blood collection tube with both hands, and inserted the automatic sampler near his abdomen. The vivid red blood rapidly filled the tube before their eyes.
Lady Kiana cared for him, but whether that concern could withstand Zeke's directives was uncertain. Regardless, once Zeke spoke, the kind-hearted Lady Kiana would undoubtedly be put in a difficult position—and Benares wouldn't let his master face such distress.
Soon, Benares handed over the syringe filled with blood to Zeke.
A mechanical arm extended from the high ceiling, taking away the needle tube.
As Zeke observed Benares, after a long moment, the scrutinizing look faded from his gaze.
Excellent, very obedient! It seemed consistent with the plot: as long as Kiana is present, restraining Sirin like an unruly wild cat, Benares becomes a docile and loyal dog.
"Although I doubt this loss matters much to you, here's a replenishing agent for Honkai Beasts' vitality. You can use it to recover."
Zeke handed Benares a cup containing a green liquid while speaking.
Benares furrowed his brow but obediently drank it down. Having already given blood, he didn't concern himself with any medication—silently acknowledging that this was Lady Kiana's caretaker and currently also half-caretaker to Queen herself, Benares displayed remarkable compliance.
Zeke, though showing no change in expression, felt thoroughly satisfied internally.
"Good. From now on, you'll continue under Kiana's supervision and act together with her. Of course, occasionally, I might have some requests as well. Don't worry; I won't intentionally burden you."
"...Understood!" Benares slightly bowed, demonstrating respect.
Thus, Benares—the Judgment-class Honkai Beast who had twice unleashed chaos alongside the Herrscher of the Void—finally stepped fully into the open, completing his allegiance shift.
"Sliiiip!"
At that moment, Sirin slurped a noodle, eyes fixed on the TV screen, blinking nonchalantly.
[Sirin, thank you. Later, I'll talk to Zeke and do my best to help Bella compensate for past events... As much as we can manage, at least. Hopefully, Bella will be able to live peacefully here from now on.]
Kiana's voice resonated within their consciousness, carrying a sigh and hint of resignation.
Kiana's voice echoed from the consciousness realm, filled with resignation and a sigh. She understood all too well that given the countless lives lost due to past mistakes, there was no way to truly make amends. However, she had her personal feelings; Bella stood by her side, always obedient without reservation. Kiana couldn't simply stand idly by.
Sirin narrowed her eyes.
"Hmph! I just wanted to come out for some noodles. Whatever you're saying, I don't understand."
"Don't play coy! You knew Zeke was in a good mood, so you purposely brought Bella back here, hoping he would acknowledge her, right? Come on, we know each other better than anyone - do you think I wouldn't catch on?" The tone of Kiana's voice in the consciousness world carried a hint of amusement as she shrugged nonchalantly.
Considering Sirin's temper, if not for her intention to help Bella gain acceptance, Zeke's mere act of drawing blood from Bella would have been enough to provoke this fiercely protective figure to confront him directly.
"Get lost!" Sirin snapped, causing the disposable fork in her hand to break. Unfazed, she pulled out a new fork from the void and continued slurping her noodles effortlessly.