132. Kalpas is Angry
After listening to the advice of many people, Ling still maintained a resistant attitude towards this matter.
Especially since Elysia emphasized to him that the so-called 'having a child' required mutual affection and acceptance from both parties.
He wasn't quite sure what affection felt like, but he probably hadn't experienced it yet.
Elysia's descriptions of a racing heart and blushing upon seeing someone were things that had never happened to him.
And because of this inquiry about 'having a child,' he completely solidified his 'blockhead' personality.
This person had never even considered such a thing.
Although many people in this era shared his thoughts, it was the first time they saw someone who was so uninformed about such a matter.
Perhaps it was also largely related to his childhood experiences and upbringing.
Mobius kept her promise and granted him a 'privilege.'
Because internal strife is forbidden within the Fire Moth faction, and given the constant possibility of missions and the fact that Ling and Kevin weren't close, there had been no opportunity for them to spar.
However, now there was an opportunity.
Mobius, using the pretext of "testing the limits of the Stigmata" and her latest research result, "Artificial Cascade," obtained a privilege from Dr. Mei: he could fight Kevin once a week.
Kevin, the strongest warrior of the Fire Moth, according to Mobius, could consistently suppress Ling.
Ling was filled with anticipation, as neither Kalpas nor the simulation training room had allowed him to improve his strength much anymore.
The stagnation in his strength growth made him somewhat uneasy.
Ling officially made contact with Kevin, who wielded the Key of Destruction—Judgment of Shamash—and also possessed the ability to control ice.
He was indeed the strongest opponent Ling had ever encountered.
However, his personality was cold and taciturn, and their interactions were almost nonexistent.
However, he indeed is strong; Mobius had underestimated Kevin's strength.
Ling even felt a sense of powerlessness, as he had felt when he was facing Sakura for the first time at Sanotarium.
Although there was only one chance to fight Kevin per week, each battle greatly benefited Ling.
"You've been getting quite close to that ice block lately," Kalpas asked casually.
"Yeah, he's strong." Ling nodded, knowing she was referring to Kevin.
Suddenly, he seemed to realize something.
"Kalpas is more important."
"I'm not angry, you don't need to explain anything to me." Kalpas's voice rose slightly, as if she were concealing something.
"Yeah, I believe you, Kalpas. Want to go to the hot springs together?" Ling's eyes held a hint of inquiry.
"Go by yourself." Kalpas turned and left, as if making a decision, never looking at Ling again...
Ling tilted her head. It was obvious Kalpas was angry, but what was the source of her anger?
Was it just because he fought Kevin?
That couldn't be it...
Kalpas walked down the street, her already unfriendly appearance combined with her now somewhat intimidating aura making her unapproachable.
Kalpas was indeed angry.
But not toward Ling, she was angry toward herself.
She felt it was because she was too weak that Ling had gone to spar with others...
She always took the blame upon herself gently.
Even though Ling had never had such a thought.
Despite her arrogant exterior, she was actually just a sensitive young woman.
"Kalpas, I was just looking for you," Sakura suddenly called out to Kalpas.
"?" Kalpas looked at her, puzzled.
"I've already withdrawn from the Cocoon. Is there anything else?"
"The Cocoon... has disappeared. Never mind, let's not talk about that for now. I came to go on a mission with you," Sakura explained.
"A mission? With you?" Kalpas was even more confused.
"To be precise, there's also Su. This is the latest mission arrangement for the Fire Moth, with missions carried out in three-person teams. This allows for better coordination and reduces unnecessary trouble," Sakura explained to Kalpas.
"Oh, that blind man." Kalpas vaguely remembered Su.
"…I should at least be glad you didn't say 'blind man' at the person himself." Sakura subconsciously retorted.
Sakura led Kalpas to the mission rendezvous point, where Su was already waiting.
"Where's Ling?" Kalpas continued to inquire.
"Ling received the news about the mission from Dr. Mobius a while ago and has applied to form the only solo team. Due to his physical condition and Dr. Mei's approval, Dr. Mobius allowed it."
Sakura seemed to have anticipated her question and had already inquired about Ling beforehand.
After all, the best outcome would be for Ling, Kalpas, and Sakura to form a team.
They knew each other well and were aware of each other's strengths.
Especially Kalpas, whose temper was easily ignited, and Ling was the only one who could control her. This is no secret within the Fire Moth organization.
In someone's bestselling book, "One Hundred Questions About the Mask of a Kalpas", the first line is, "Never speak ill of Ling in front of Kalpas, or you'll taste the flavor of Kalpas's fists" firsthand.
Their romantic relationship has also spread within the Fire Moth organization; this kind of male-male romance is quite rare.
Currently, only a handful of people within the Fire Moth Organization know that Kalpas is actually female.
Aponia, Mobius, Klein, Dr. Mei, and a certain Miss Pink Fairy, who wishes to remain anonymous, secretly infiltrated Mobius's lab and accidentally saw Kalpas's examination report.
Therefore, in some yaoi (boys' love) groups, the two have been the subject of intense speculation.
Besides, some people believe that Su and Kevin are actually a couple, and Dr. Mei was just an accident...
Oh, she digresses.
Now that Ling isn't around, Sakura finds it hard to imagine Su and Kalpas getting along harmoniously.
Sure enough, what Sakura predicted truly happened.
They traveled to the Far East on a mission. Initially, they didn't interfere with each other, but problems quickly arose during the mission.
The two soon got into an argument.
When the mission target appeared, Su tried to persuade Kalpas to awaken to enlightenment, while Kalpas cursed and swore...
In the end, Sakura completed the mission alone.
But as the Honkai Beast fell, Kalpas seemed to hear its cry.
This Honkai Beast... was named 'Asura'.
It formed a strange connection with Kalpas's body.
Kalpas seemed to feel its pain, its joy, everything about it.
But it... was already dead.
Kalpas stood before 'Asura's corpse, and was unable to calm down for a long time.
Who was she? Who was 'Asura'?
Why could she sense its emotions?
Kalpas could no longer know the answer to any of these questions.
The mission ended, and 'Asura' was retrieved.
Mobius looked at the uninvited guest outside of her laboratory with surprise.
She never expected Kalpas to come looking for her.
"Help me perform the 'MANTIS Warrior' surgery."
"…No."
Mebius wasn't going to indulge Kalpas. Such a cocky way of asking for favors, and this was her attitude when she asked for favors?
…