Mobius spent a few days at the holy residence in Kjera's domain.
During her stay, Kjera treated her to one of Kjerag's specialties—cheese fondue.
In return, Mobius demonstrated a few of her own culinary skills.
As an immortal who had lived through countless eras and wandered through every corner of the world, it was only natural that she had picked up a few local dishes along the way.
With a long lifespan and the ability to operate multiple bodies simultaneously, Mobius had ample time to indulge in whatever caught his interest.
Victoria sponge cake from Victoria, barbecued pork buns from Lungmen, frozen meat delicacies from Ursus...
If circumstances allowed, she might even attempt the legendary Manchu-Han Imperial Feast of Yan.
"The outside world sounds fascinating," Kjera remarked as the two cleaned up after their meal.
It wasn't as if they could just send word for the Saintess to help with the dishes—
Inviting someone over for dinner only to make them clean afterward? That wasn't something Kjera could bring herself to do.
And as for Mobius, she didn't mind in the slightest.
Trivial tasks like these had never bothered her.
"If you're that curious, why not go out and see it for yourself?" Mobius said, rinsing a dish.
"You're not bound here anymore. The residual divine power should be enough to suppress any natural disasters for the time being."
She paused, then added with a light tone,
"Besides, I'm planning a grand festival for myself next year. Want to drop by?"
Kjera dried a plate and set it aside.
"Wouldn't that cause you trouble?"
"Not at all. In fact, I plan to cause a bit of trouble myself when the time comes."
"…Haven't you learned anything? Weren't things just chaotic not long ago?"
Mobius laughed.
"See, that's where you misunderstand. These short-lived species—we don't see them the same way they see themselves. And they rarely learn from history."
"…Are you asking me to come?"
"I am."
"Alright. But how will I get there?"
"Just conceal your identity. Someone will come to fetch you."
"Those loyal followers of yours? The ones you call the Snake Scales?"
"I wouldn't go so far as to say they're truly loyal—or even faithful believers. We're just using each other, really… but when it comes to harmless matters like this, they can be quite useful."
"…Mobius, you might consider trusting them a bit more. I've met some of your subordinates. I saw real admiration and respect in that young boy's eyes."
"…Have you considered the possibility that your eyesight is failing you?"
"You really know how to ruin a touching moment, Mobius."
They let the conversation trail off.
Some things were better left unsaid.
---
Mobius remained at the holy residence in Kjera for a few more days before finally departing.
Of all her living kind, Kjera is probably one of the easiest to get along with.
Using Mobius' body, Kashchey boarded a aircraft bound for Columbia.
This is a promising breakthrough...
A breakthrough that could one day unite the Feranmuts and the Immortals.
Seated by the window, Kashchey gazed thoughtfully into the distant sky.
Now that the nations of Terra are rising with unstoppable momentum, the Feranmuts and Immortals will soon realize the power of unity.
They've never truly accepted the gods as one of their own, have they?
He chuckled softly to himself.
"They allow emperors and presidents to dictate their lives, yet they reject the guidance of the gods?"
That gives me a chance...
A rare opportunity to exploit the shifting balance of power.
---
After disembarking in Columbia, Mobius made her way directly to her private laboratory at Rhine Lab Science.
As an honorary consultant, a key patent holder in cloning technology, and a significant shareholder in the company, she was granted her own exclusive research facility.
The atmosphere inside the laboratory was cold and unnerving—quiet and clinical, yet vaguely unsettling.
Lining both sides of the corridor were rows of large test tubes filled with greenish liquid. Suspended within them were human figures—each bearing a strong resemblance to Mobius.
Some appeared to be children. Others were adults. A few looked elderly.
Each one looked like Mobius from different stages of life.
A researcher in a white coat stepped forward, holding a clipboard.
"Report: The clones' lifespans have been significantly improved. They can now survive up to one year. However, they still fail to develop self-awareness."
Mobius responded with a warm, reassuring smile.
"That's fine. Scientific progress isn't achieved overnight. What matters is that we're making headway."
She glanced at the figures floating in the test tubes.
"There's no urgency in giving them self-awareness. That would only invite a whole host of ethical concerns. If possible, we should avoid that discussion altogether... For now, the priority is to continue optimizing their lifespan."
"Yes, Doctor!"
The researchers nodded in unison.
"By the way, Doctor," one added, "the General Manager has requested your presence at Rhine Lab headquarters. She said she'll brief you in person."
"I understand."
Mobius turned her attention to the stack of research reports and scanned them carefully.
Cloning technology was advancing—albeit slowly.
But that was just as well.
The clones still lacked any trace of independent thought. That suited Mobius perfectly.
If they were self-aware, she would have to spend energy to suppress or overwrite their consciousness when transferring her will into their bodies.
But there was another problem.
These clones were physically fragile.
Mobius' original body had never been particularly durable, and her strength never lay in direct combat.
As a result, the clones produced from her genetic template were even less resilient.
While they wouldn't shatter from a single blow, they also couldn't withstand sustained or intense physical exertion.
"It seems this technology will still take some time to perfect," Mobius murmured as she set down the report. "For now, it's usable—but its practicality remains severely limited."
She signed off on several experimental applications, outlined future development plans for key technologies, and then left her personal laboratory to head for Rhine Lab's headquarters.
---
"Dear Ms. Kristen, what is it you'd like to discuss with me today?"
Dr. Mobius smiled politely as she stepped into the General Director's office.
The office was expansive and imposing, its high ceiling and minimalist decor betraying nothing of the hidden "small devices" stationed discreetly around the room—security mechanisms designed to protect the director's life at all costs.
Kristen Wright, seated behind her desk, didn't return her smile.
"I heard you're currently compiling a research report," she said, her gaze sharp. "Any results yet?"
Despite her piercing stare, Kristen wasn't particularly concerned about Mobius's intentions—so long as they didn't interfere with her own research.
In truth, she was famously lenient with her subordinates—sometimes to the point of indulgence.
Mobius had never bothered to conceal her goals: to utilize Rhine Lab's resources—its advanced technologies and scientific minds—combined with her own expertise, to pioneer cloning technology.
Beyond overseeing that project, however, she had seldom appeared at Rhine Lab in person.
"Yes, just a bit of progress," Mobius replied smoothly. "Though I must say... I'm rather curious about the genius behind this work. Would it be possible for me to meet them?"
"The 'genius' you're referring to was actually a recent graduate," Kristen replied coolly. "Unfortunately, he died not long ago—an experimental accident."
"Ah…"
Mobius trailed off, a faint frown forming on her lips.
"Enough small talk," Kristen cut in. "I called you here for one reason—this document."
She reached into a drawer and slid a folder across the desk.
Mobius took it and glanced at the cover.
Two words were printed in bold:
Project Diαbolic