In the end, no one objected. Except for anti-social individuals like Kalpas who directly left, leaving Ludicyna completely embarrassed, everyone else was getting acquainted.
Fortunately, there was Elysia, who acted like glue, bonding those who were either unfamiliar or disliked each other.
Ryan, being a pragmatist, didn't bother with any extra ceremonies. He simply issued the orders and left. Mei then directed everyone to the restaurant for a cold buffet dinner, where they could eat and mingle.
Most people actually knew each other. For instance, Hua had interacted with the twins when she was on a mission in Europe, and now seeing them again, she was very enthusiastic. Isabella even restrained her sharp tongue.
As for Elysia, she was simply a social terrorist. She had traveled all over the world and collaborated with many people, even serious figures like Zheng, whom she had only met once, found her easy to talk to.
Roughly, after a few "gangs" got to know each other, they let their guard down, and some started complaining.
"By the way, why is the Director-General bearing the [Trailblazers] designation? Logically, [Salvation] should have been given to him."
"I don't know. I heard from Dr. Mei that he chose it himself. It was supposed to be [Salvation]."
"Eh, Dr. Mobius, does [Trailblazers] have any special meaning for the Director-General?"
Mobius, with a plate full of fried noodles, stopped walking. She glanced at Andevich, then at Yun, who was blushing and dared not look at her.
"[Trailblazers] signifies an infinite path, which perfectly complements me. As for why, you can figure it out yourselves."
What complements each other? Oh, Infinity and Infinity, right? As the rumors say, these two are indeed having an affair.
Seeing their 'I understand' expressions, Mobius immediately smiled.
"Hehe, it seems you all understand."
"I don't understand at all."
Mobius was turning around rather smugly when her steps suddenly halted. She turned her head and saw Hua, in her stiff military uniform, quietly staring at her, her eyes seemingly burning with fire.
She happened to pass by and heard that sentence, immediately biting her silver teeth. This Mobius was too shameless, actually spreading rumors about herself.
"What do you mean? Is there something wrong with my explanation?"
"Playing word games is useless, Dr. Mobius. [Trailblazers] has many meanings. For example, Trailblazersing the dream of fleeting life, or Trailblazersing the path of true self. It's not just compatible with you." Hua corrected her seriously, gently wiggling her finger.
"Captain Hua, isn't this just a joke?" Andevich was a bit embarrassed.
"I don't think this is a joke, do you, Dr. Mobius?"
Mobius narrowed her snake-like eyes, her expression becoming more serious. She realized that Hua actually dared to challenge her. Where did she get such courage? And she felt a bit of regret.
I knew I shouldn't have shown off. Never mind, am I afraid of you?
Their gazes seemed to spark, startling Andevich and the others, who quickly retreated, looking at Coleman, who was holding a glass of champagne and watching the show.
"What's going on? An internal dispute?"
"Shh, women's wars are rare. They're both captain level, with equal status. It's wonderful." Coleman almost applauded, lowering his voice: "A war for the Director-General, can you understand?"
Andevich had also been young once, and he paused slightly, feeling that this was a bit undignified.
There were now a total of eleven teams, and each captain could be said to be at the pinnacle of civilization, a hero of humanity. Was it all for this trivial matter?
"Don't worry, our Director-General is very smart, he won't lose control."
Hua and Mobius continued their silent duel, one earnest and stoic, the other arrogant and eccentric. They were evenly matched, neither backing down. But Mobius was feeling a bit irritable.
I really shouldn't have shown off. Isn't this just shooting myself in the foot? But the horn has sounded. If I retreat now, I'll lose face.
Know that the entire banquet hall was filled with MANTIS, whose senses were incredibly sharp. They all turned their heads to watch. She felt a bit cornered, but the stubborn Hua wouldn't flinch. Just then—
"Hey, what are you two doing?"
Elysia flew over, wrapping an arm around each of their necks and pulling them close.
"No fighting, okay?"
"She started it with dirty tricks. I was just correcting her." Hua averted her gaze.
"I just said it casually, and you're making a big deal out of it."
"But you're going to cause Senior Brother trouble, I won't allow it. This is between us!"
"What if you don't allow it, and besides..." Mobius swallowed the latter half of her sentence, thinking that if she continued to be smug, this little girl would explode. "Anyway, you're overthinking it. I didn't mean that."
"Then what did you mean on the phone the other day?"
"What did I say? I just said it casually, alright." Mobius saw Hua deep in thought and secretly smirked, deciding that she needed to be more low-key in the future, otherwise there would be no benefit at all.
No matter what, his first time was mine, Mobius'!
When Honkai is defeated, I'll tell you few losers. Your expressions will surely be interesting then.
"Mobius, you're truly conflicted and twisted." Elysia held her forehead, as if she understood something, but then secretly smiled: "But I'm still grateful that you're willing to maintain everyone's relationships."
"Do I need your gratitude? And I'm not maintaining anything!" Mobius said fiercely, shaking her head, and turned to leave.
Elysia didn't follow, only smiling and comforting the sulking Hua, simply stopping her newly opened mouth with a cream cake.
On the second floor of the banquet hall, Ryan put down the curtain and let out a long sigh.
A gentleman doesn't stand under a dangerous wall. Staying far away was indeed the right choice. Anyway, with Elysia there, she would definitely maintain the situation, and he wouldn't need to take the brunt of it.
Speaking of which, Elysia is a lot like a commissar, specializing in ideological work.
Ryan touched his chin, almost unable to resist calling her 'Mom.'
Of course, he wasn't deliberately hiding. He turned his head indifferently, looking at the two figures standing at attention in the lounge.
With golden crosses on their collars, Aponia and Joshua stood with their hands clasped, their expressions somewhat similar—a benevolent and compassionate look. Mei had planned this during the grouping, even the assigned MANTIS were the fanatical believers recommended by the Christian church.
They constituted a considerable proportion within the entire MANTIS group, because the super-transformation surgery was too dangerous for ordinary people to attempt; only fanatics dared to disregard life and death.
These were the two religious fanatics, even if, in some sense, they were heretics to the Christian church.
"Father Joshua, you're managing the church now, right?"
"Yes, after the blasphemer's betrayal, I took up the heavy burden of spreading the gospel, and now I offer it all." The priest bowed slightly, his emerald eyes gleaming with a certain fanaticism.
Aponia had already communicated with him. In her eyes, Ryan was 'God.' Joshua had reservations about this, but 'Apostle' was absolutely fine.
"The Bible is now interpreted in two completely different ways: one is the punishment of human sins by the Almighty Lord, and the other is an invasion by demons, where humanity will resist under the leadership of apostles, just like the heroes in the great cathedral." Joshua licked his lips and made the sign of the cross on his chest.
"So you must be an apostle, and you will certainly be an apostle."
His words were full of incitement, giving Ryan a headache, but putting aside the theological veneer, purely from a rational perspective, he had to be this 'apostle.'
Because if he wasn't an apostle, then only the Herrscher would be. The role of this Christian church was similar to Eden; if you don't occupy the public opinion ground, others will naturally occupy it.
"Yes, of course I am an apostle." Ryan nodded without hesitation. A Pathstrider was originally an apostle of an Aeon, so it wasn't a lie. "But I need to oversee Fire Moth. I appoint Aponia as the interim agent. Do you have any objections?"
"Sister Aponia is certainly the best candidate. Her piety, ability, and appearance are too suitable." Joshua immediately lowered his hands.
'Discipline' was a terrifying ability in the eyes of others, but in theology, it was proof of a divine spokesperson.
"She only lacks seniority. The Holy City will probably have dissenting voices, but I believe the Sister will convince them." Of course, she can convince them.
One 'Discipline' and everyone is brainwashed. Those not brainwashed are Herrscher-controlled entities, which can then be found and eliminated.
Ryan showed a cruel smile.
The world's largest religion was now in his hands, and he had seen its terrifying ability to deceive.
This would reduce resistance to the 'Wandering Human Plan.' "Then it's decided, Aponia, you will take the [Discipline] team to the Holy City.
Anyone who can resist your ability will be considered heretics and eliminated physically." "Okay." Aponia smiled slightly.
She rarely spoke, usually only communicating with Vil-V and Blanca.
After a moment of hesitation, she added: "Father Joshua also reminded me of something. One of the two high-ranking MANTIS who didn't attend the meeting is also a member of the Christian Church."
"Oh? Is that so?"
"Yes, MANTIS CM016, Sisophus, a person from the Ascetic Monastery. Within the church, he was originally a sacrificial faction heretic." Joshua nodded solemnly.
What's this sacrificial faction stuff? Ryan didn't quite understand, so he didn't break his stern image and continued to listen.
It turned out to be a small faction within the Christian church that advocated that life was given by God, and to prevent the apocalypse, life must be sacrificed back.
If God was satisfied, the disaster would naturally be averted. Since they also regarded Honkai Beasts as lives bestowed by God, they were very enthusiastic about 'sacrificing,' and Fire Moth didn't take it seriously.
As a scientist, Ryan didn't quite understand the thought processes of these madmen, because theology could be explained in any way, and he didn't care much about it.
"You mean the sacrificial faction will betray us?"
"They have already disappeared from within the church. We found several of their bloody sacrificial sites. Even if they don't betray, they will be purged."
"I understand. This Sisophus will also be a priority target." Ryan remembered the name, then gently waved his hand,
"Father, you may withdraw."
"Yes, Apostle." He had already seen Mei at the door, holding a stack of documents, and he rubbed his temples.
What was this about using work to deal with war? I hope I didn't fall into this cunning woman's trap.