Not long after, Elysia returned.
Her usual ornate long dress was replaced by a business suit. The blouse was a bit too small, straining to contain her high peaks. If she exerted herself, a button might pop off.
The gray pencil skirt stopped just above her knees, revealing a perfect waist and a peach-like curve to her hips. Her black-stockinged legs, paired with low-heeled leather shoes, offered an excellent proportion. Her thighs were clamped tightly, showing no gap.
The girl stood with her hands behind her back, head bowed, her slightly flushed face adding a touch of youthful bashfulness.
Perfect. Black stockings and a business suit are definitely more pleasing to the eye.
Ryan sat upright like a gentleman, his appreciative gaze slowly sweeping over her. As a hardcore man, he didn't particularly care for Elysia's usual aesthetic, feeling it had too many magical girl elements, which weren't suitable for a 'middle-aged man' like him; it always made him feel a bit embarrassed.
It was like the battlesuit Eden designed for him: a teal bodysuit with abundant, ornate decorations and a diamond-shaped cutout over the chest—it just looked too... gay.
"How is it?" Elysia asked in a low voice. The tight skirt made her buttocks feel a bit restricted, so she couldn't spin around to show it off like she usually would.
And Ryan's gaze was a little intense. So, he likes this style? No wonder Mobius refuses to change her clothes.
"Not bad. It's got some charm."
"But so many people wear this kind of clothing. There's no distinction at all."
"That's where you're mistaken. The same clothes worn by different people show different temperaments, just like what I'm seeing now."
After his eyes instantly measured her body data, Ryan immediately entered comparison mode. Just as Elysia said, many people wore this business attire, but their auras were vastly different.
On Hua, it looked like a middle-schooler wearing an elder's clothes—too immature. Mobius radiated an intellectual aura unique to scientists, clearly suggesting vast knowledge.
Even Sakura, also with pink hair, looked sharp and competent in it, practically having the word 'Professional' carved onto her forehead.
"So, what do you think of me?" Elysia puffed out her chest, radiating a confident smile.
"You have too strong a youthful quality. You look like an intern who just started work, the well-liked mascot of the company."
"Is that a compliment?"
"Of course, it is. Leaders love this kind of intern." Ryan replied with a smile, mentally adding:
Easy to trick and easy to use. How could one not love it?
Elysia didn't overthink it. She happily raised her head, trying to look serious: "Then, Your Excellency the Commander, let us begin today's work."
"No problem. And as a side note, why are you snatching Sakura's job?"
"She asked me to do it," Elysia corrected, wagging her finger. "We've known each other for so long, and I've never worked with you. It would be nice to understand all aspects of what you do."
At least she's honest. When I'm working, you're either slacking off or wandering around. You've been getting a salary for years without doing anything, and you haven't saved a penny.
Ryan suddenly realized he had a king of slackers under him, and the things she should have worried about, he had done entirely himself.
He glanced at his watch. It was exactly nine in the morning. With a feeling of unfairness, Ryan made a decision:
'I was originally planning to take a break today. Looks like I'll have to crank up the work intensity for you.'
Elysia was clever. She knew it was inappropriate to ask Ryan to relax at such a time, but she wanted to know more about every facet of him, which led to the idea of filling in for Sakura.
This brilliant idea quickly turned into a nightmare. She knew Ryan had been busy lately, but she didn't know how busy.
Starting at nine in the morning, there were three full hours of mission briefing meetings, coordinating the global net-closing process, detailing the placement of every geological detector, and then debating how the oceans should be monitored.
Elysia ran back and forth in her heels, grabbing documents one moment, looking up hydrological data the next. Before she could catch her breath, she was asked to take meeting minutes.
She finally made it to lunchtime. Just as she was happily taking two bites of curry, the specialized logistics and manufacturing meeting with Vill-V began. Ryan could talk while sipping coffee, but Elysia had to keep her head down and take notes non-stop.
After hastily shoveling down a few more bites, she wanted to ask for permission to nap in her room, but Ryan ruthlessly refused her. Moreover, he demanded that she submit the reports from both meetings within three hours.
As the sky outside the warship gradually darkened, the initially spirited girl returned, her back slightly hunched, placing a thick stack of files on Ryan's desk.
"F-Finally finished. Please take a look."
Ryan had been looking down, adjusting the data for the Tsunami Plan and revising the 'Genesis' scheme. Hearing the weak voice, he adjusted his glasses and couldn't help but smile slightly at Elysia.
Today, he had no personal feelings, only professional conduct as her superior. He had successfully given the elf-like girl a taste of the working-class life.
It proved that even the Flame-Chaser of 'True Ego,' the Herrscher of Human Ego who always cherished happiness, couldn't be happy as a working stiff.
'After all, it's about grinding away individuality and turning a person into a standardized cog in the machine, which is the exact opposite of Elysia's nature.'
Ryan chuckled internally. This was why only Sakura could excel as his 'aide.' Even Hua had tried, but she had bolted faster than anyone else. Among the Flame-Chasers, Sakura was the one with the strongest working-class aura.
"This amount of labor shouldn't make a MANTIS feel tired. Klein and the others often work overtime for days on end."
"That's why I said Mobius is a black-hearted boss! Hmph, I haven't rested for a minute today, and it's all been the same thing. It's so boring!" Elysia stretched, almost popping a button off her blouse, then rested her head on her hand listlessly.
"Ryan, I thought your work was very grand, but all day long it's just meetings, research, and reading reports. I'd much rather go out and fight."
In truth, Mei usually handled these matters, but as she was currently devoting all her energy to a crucial project, the work had fallen to Ryan. However, he didn't explain. Letting the beautiful girl feel that his work was challenging was a good thing.
"Fighting is just the climax, and the climax requires the preparation of boring work, day after day. This is nothing. Before the Wandering Humanity Plan was executed, I had to consider livelihood issues, defense issues, and oh, public opinion was very important, too."
"Stop, stop! My head hurts just listening to it. Hmm, there were indeed a lot of jobs I didn't try when I was traveling the world before."
Ryan scanned the report without lifting his head: "What did you do then?"
"Just looking around and having fun! I loved trying new foods. If I ran out of travel money, I'd do odd jobs and then hit the road again. I just kept repeating that cycle." Elysia chattered on, recounting her happy travels.
Not having to worry about anything, wholeheartedly enjoying happiness and freedom. Even when she was so poor she had to walk, she was still very happy.
"It seems you're naturally unsuited for the working life. You can't stand monotonous work."
"Not true! Super Ellie is omnipotent, you know!"
"Good. Then, Miss Elysia, please rewrite this section, this one, and the last three reports entirely. I've highlighted the errors in red. Submit them to me in about two hours."
The moment his words landed, the confident girl's face immediately fell. She just stared at Ryan, watching him gently wave the files in his hand. This lasted for several seconds.
"Oh dear, I suddenly feel so sleepy. Ryan, good night." Elysia suddenly collapsed onto the desk, so fast that Ryan couldn't react.
Then, faint snoring sounds emerged, accompanied by a subtle gaze furtively peeking at him.
Feigning sleep to avoid work, huh? Just say you don't want to do it. I wouldn't force you.
Ryan put the files back on the table, feeling that Elysia was sometimes like a child, yet in battle, she was like a goddess.
The duality of the divine and the human, presented so naturally.
He remained silent, simply looking at the girl whose back was slightly rising and falling. His gaze went past her hair, noticing the perfectly shaped curves visible in the gap of her collar. The deep valley of her cleavage was like an abyss, making it hard to look away.
Aside from the engine noise of the flying warship, the room was silent. After a few more minutes, Elysia, who felt the intense gaze, couldn't hold out anymore.
"I said no being pervy! Ryan, you really can't shake your bad habits." She lifted her head, trying to reach the button on her collar, but found the blouse was too small, and she couldn't fasten it no matter what.
"Alright, alright. It's your fault for picking a bad angle to pretend to sleep. What does that have to do with me?" Ryan shamelessly replied, then leaned forward, grabbing her collar to help, but after a moment of effort, he decisively gave up.
"Elysia, you really need to lose some weight. You can't even button it."
"It's clearly the clothes you gave me that are too small!" Elysia protested loudly. Although she hadn't paid attention to her weight lately, she probably, should, maybe hadn't gained any weight.
"But Sakura can wear it."
"She's naturally thinner than me. Wait, I was weighed last time. I was clearly lighter."
"Perhaps you're just bigger than her," Ryan replied dismissively, not clarifying where she was bigger. He stood up, walked behind the girl, and began gently kneading her shoulders.
At first, he felt a slight stiffness, but she quickly relaxed. Elysia showed a contented expression. She even took off her shoes and propped her black-stockinged legs onto the swivel chair.
"Mmm, yes, yes. Use a little more force here. I didn't know you had this skill, Ryan."
Elysia didn't play hard to get, immediately sinking into enjoyment, which ironically made Ryan feel a bit awkward. What kind of boss gives his secretary a massage?
"When I used to work overtime constantly, I often helped Mobius relax. I gradually built up experience," Ryan answered casually. He regretted it immediately afterward. This was a low-level error, akin to stepping on a landmine.
Elysia indeed opened her eyes. Her purple eyes blinked a few times, and she slightly tensed her shoulders as if to pull away, but then she relaxed again like a piece of salted fish.
Although I feel like a thief, this is too comfortable. I don't want to leave.
She decisively surrendered to inertia. She glanced at the mirror not far away and saw the tense expression of the man behind her.
"Oh, I'm not that petty, and I never participate in those kinds of battles."
"That's because you haven't decided yet. You haven't entered the game," Ryan said with a wry smile. Elysia was different from everyone else, at least in her understanding of 'love.'
"I have decided! I said before that I like you the most. Doesn't that word 'most' have enough persuasive power?"
Ryan's hands paused. He certainly knew the weight of that word and clearly understood their relationship.
"Then you mean..."
"I like Mobius, I like Sakura, I like Hua, I like Eden, and I like everyone. But in my understanding, possession is inferior to sharing. Why fight for superiority or victory?" Elysia spoke without guile, her face radiating a sincere smile.
"So don't worry! Not only am I not angry, but I've been helping you all along. Mmm, mmm, I'll be able to help you handle all of them soon."
Ryan stood behind Elysia, paralyzed like a statue. His fingers didn't move for a long time. Gradually, he came to his senses, staring at the girl in the mirror with an expression of sheer astonishment.
This must be a goddess!
A goddess, absolutely a goddess. Ryan was ready to silently chant "Amen" ten times. The title of "Gold Medal Wingman" wasn't just a fun way for Elysia to pass the time; she was genuinely helping him.
Me and my girlfriend starting a reverse harem together? Even in the genre of light novels, this is a god-tier scenario.
Surprised as he was, Ryan suddenly felt this was more in line with Elysia's character. The title of "Queen of Girl-Love" in the Elysian Realm wasn't for nothing. Stomach aches from jealousy were the most annoying things in her eyes.
No wonder whenever I encounter a scene of emotional conflict, I call upon your name. Elysia is like a lubricant, making all relationships more harmonious, even surpassing the legendary virtue of the true main wife.
"I have to admit, you are truly amazing, surpassing all mortals."
"Ryan, I feel like you're being sarcastic."
"Not at all. I'm sincerely convinced. A huge problem has been solved, and I can now focus entirely on the battle."
You never looked troubled to begin with. You just smile sinisterly sometimes and are full of wicked ideas.
Elysia was full of questions. She had no sense of coercion or malice. She thought this was the best way, so she gave it her all. Sometimes, seeing Mobius stubbornly refuse to admit her feelings, she felt impatient on her behalf.
Everyone living happily and joyfully—that was her greatest wish.
Feeling the gentle massage on her neck, she closed her eyes again. Putting all that aside, Ryan seemed very happy, even willing to act as her secretary voluntarily.
"Boss, is the pressure right?"
"You can use a little more force."
"How about this?"
"That's about right. Ryan, why did your attitude suddenly improve, and you're the boss today."
I got such a huge benefit. I'd feel guilty if I didn't try harder.
Ryan thought so but knew Elysia wasn't trying to please him. He simply changed his answer: "Rewarding excellent employees is also the responsibility of a leader."
"I'm an excellent employee now??"
"Of course! No one is more excellent than you!"
Late at night, clouds drifted outside the porthole, casting large shadows down the corridor, making the lights on the walls seem dimmer.
The exhausted Hua and Sakura walked side-by-side, their legs feeling heavy as lead.
Taking advantage of the travel time, the two had engaged in a fierce fight all day, exhausting most of their Honkai energy. According to Mobius's theory, MANTIS don't get stronger through meditation like in novels. They need to participate in high-intensity battles, constantly pushing their limits while dancing between life and death.
They had gained a lot. Sister Sakura was indeed the best opponent. She hadn't held back and was terrifyingly serious, almost severing Hua's head several times.
Hua thought this while glancing at the fox-eared girl beside her. The moonlight shone on Sakura, making her look even colder. The long sword in her hand seemed ready to unsheathe at any moment.
"Sister Sakura, are you hungry? My treat for a late-night snack."
"Feeling guilty?"
"Uh, I just feel like I made you worry. I didn't do anything, but you stayed with me all day."
Sakura stopped, looking at the scratching Hua. The images of the day's battle flashed in her mind. She understood why Elysia had given her the [Ego] Sigil.
Initially the weakest Flame-Chaser besides Pardo, Hua was knocked down time and time again, yet she rose each time, tenacious and indomitable, gradually growing stronger at a slow but steady pace.
She remembered that when Hua first became a MANTIS, she couldn't take three of Sakura's strikes. Now, they were evenly matched, forcing Sakura to exhaust her own stamina.
"Sister Sakura?" Hua felt a bit uneasy under her gaze.
"Hmm, let's go. My treat, then. I learned a lot from you today."
"What could you possibly learn from me?"
"A kind of spirit. That effort really can change fate."
I only work hard because I'm weak. What's so special about that?
Hua grumbled internally, not quite understanding Sakura's thoughts, but she was happy to be treated, so she took Sakura's hand and started jogging.
"Slow down. Aren't you tired?" Sakura called out helplessly, thinking that Hua was only nineteen. No matter how strong and hard-working she was, she was essentially just a young girl. Sakura let her get away with it.
But just as they rounded a corner, Hua suddenly retreated, bumping straight into Sakura's embrace. Fortunately, Sakura's airbags were ample enough to prevent injury.
"What are you doing..."
"Shhh, Sister Sakura, look quickly." Hua lowered her voice, pointing mysteriously around the corner.
What is going on?
Sakura was full of suspicion. She silently peered around the corner and saw another pink-haired girl emerging from the room, furtively looking around like a thief.
"Huh, is that Elysia?"
"That's Sister Ellie! But isn't that Ryan's room? And did you notice her clothes? They're completely different from usual."
Everyone knew Elysia's fashion sense. This business suit was definitely not her style. However, Sakura already knew why Elysia was wearing it, even if emerging from Ryan's room late at night was unexpected.
Her nose twitched slightly, and she immediately smelled a sour scent. She smiled and turned her head.
The young girl was hidden in the shadow. The bright moonlight illuminated half her face. She pursed her lips and frowned. The sourness and inner conflict were completely unconcealable.
"Jealous of Ellie?"
"A little. But mostly fear. I feel Sister Ellie holds too much weight in Senior Brother's heart, and she herself is far beyond my ability to handle."
They weren't blind. They knew how much Ryan had sacrificed for Elysia. The Herrscher of Human Ego incident alone was an enormous gamble on the fate of humanity. Thinking further, a large part of why he took control of Fire Moth was for Elysia's sake.
How could she not be jealous? And if she viewed Elysia as a rival, she was a true demon-level figure.
Her personality was excellent, she had deep affection for everyone, her appearance was impeccable, and her combat strength was second only to Ryan. By all accounts, they were a perfect match.
But Sakura was smiling. Even though the smile was faint, when Hua noticed it, she lightly smacked her.
"Sister Sakura, why are you still laughing? We've been robbed!"
"Why shouldn't I laugh? Mobius has tried to 'rob the home' more than once, and in terms of aggressiveness, Elysia is far less threatening than her."
"Mobius? That platypus is nothing! I'm not afraid of her," Hua lifted her chin, letting out a soft snort from her nose. "Aside from her stubborn mouth and penchant for little tricks, she poses little threat. I'm not putting her down, but Pardo could probably make her break down if she tried hard enough. She's at the bottom of the food chain."
It was a good thing Mobius wasn't present. If she saw Hua's expression, she'd likely rush out of the lab to fight.
Sakura almost lost her composure, but her thoughts were surprisingly aligned with Hua's. Mobius truly wasn't a threat. Seeing Hua's smugness always made her want to laugh.
But Elysia was different. She was born of love, embodying everything humanity defined as beautiful. Fortunately, her thinking was also different from humans.
She looked at the white moonlight spilling across the corridor and suddenly spoke: "What if I was the one who asked Elysia to fill in for me?"
"That means Ellie has no intention of joining the fight yet, which is somewhat beneficial..." Hua analyzed instinctively, then slowly widened her mouth. "Sister Sakura, why would you do that?"
This wasn't just inviting the wolf into the house; it was inviting a Tyrannosaurus Rex. If Elysia truly put her mind to it, the victory would be decided in an instant.
Because Elysia isn't as conventional as us. Since you can't win the traditional way, why not try a different approach?
Sakura thought silently, but gently shook her head at the stunned Hua: "Don't ask. This is good for you, and it's good for me too."
The sound of typing stopped. Ryan removed his glasses and rubbed his throbbing brow. He didn't know that an intellectual battle was unfolding outside the door. Taking advantage of the break, he glanced at the item on the chair beside him.
It was a pair of black stockings, freshly removed and still warm.
"Elysia, that idiot. Who did she learn that from? Wait, that Mobius bastard is ruining my reputation! She actually recorded such a ridiculous thing."
Ryan gently grit his teeth, recalling what had just happened. There was some ambiguity, but it was quickly dispersed by his rising blood pressure.
Elysia, being a proper lady, insisted on paying for Ryan's massage as a form of reward. She then took off her stockings, claiming she got the inspiration from 'someone.'
There was no need to wonder who that 'someone' was. It was Mobius, of course. Ryan could even guess the whole process:
Super Ellie infiltrated the lab, bypassed the firewall, found Mobius's top-secret files, instantly made an 'O' shape with her mouth, flushed, copied everything, and recorded it.
"To be so misunderstood as a proper gentleman is truly heartbreaking," Ryan sighed, picking up the black stockings on the chair and gently rubbing them in his hand, then silently shoving them into his pocket.
Don't misunderstand. This is a precious Flame-Chaser Fragment and must be carefully preserved.
"When I have time, I need to hack into Mobius's private computer and see what that idiot recorded. I bet there are many embarrassing moments."
After silently setting this side quest, he turned his eyes back to the screen. His hand in his pocket gently rubbed the stocking, and his expression gradually became focused.
One screen showed the global map. The 'fishing net' was tightening at a speed of several hundred kilometers per day. The movement of the Honkai Beasts was largely predictable. The other screen was a word processor, currently focused on the definition of the term "Human Complementation Project."
As expected, with the continuous deployment of geological detectors, the Honkai Beasts had limited options. As long as they couldn't hide, Ryan had a hundred ways to get rid of them. If they didn't put up a fight, the damage they caused wouldn't be significant.
They're concentrating, wanting a decisive battle with me, I see.
Other than consolidating their power, it seemed they couldn't create any more value. As for any other purpose, Ryan couldn't think of one, nor did he want to. That was for the other player to worry about. He would simply respond to the situation as it developed.
After resting for half a minute, he placed his hands on the keyboard again. The ancients said: Use writing to convey meaning. Ryan felt he was reaching that stage.
Since the cleanup was beginning, he was looking forward to seeing whether they would survive or be turned into orange juice.