[After finishing your conversation with Eden, you treated the entire research institute to milk tea.]
[That night, you went to see Mobius and obtained the latest model of the anti-Honkai drug from her.]
[According to Mobius, this version of the drug can control the progression of early to mid-stage Honkai Sickness with near-zero side effects, but it is even more expensive to produce.]
[You thought about it. Most of the children Aponia took in were in the early or mid-stages of the illness. Only three were in the late stage.]
---o---
"Although I personally feel it's not worth the risk, if you want to save the late-stage patients, you can only take a gamble. Gamble on how many of the children will survive the MANTIS surgery."
Inside the laboratory, Mobius packed a case of Honkai medicine, pushed it in front of Fu Li, and stated the only possible solution.
"Is that so?"
Fu Li's brow furrowed. He looked at the dark red medicine in his hand and couldn't help but sigh internally.
"I understand. Thank you, Sister Mobius."
"It's fine. Here's your work ID. Don't forget what you promised me—you have to come in at least four days a week."
"Don't worry, Sister Mobius. To be honest, I really enjoy scientific research. You know that."
Having achieved all his objectives, Fu Li continued to chat idly with Mobius. Seeing that it was getting late, he took his leave.
Walking up the stairs, Fu Li only stopped after he had left Laboratory No. 1. The happy smile from having met an old friend faded from his face.
The MANTIS surgery had a success rate of one in ten thousand.
In all the previous simulations, why were there no new members added to the Thirteen Flame-Chasers after the Tragedy of "Binding"?
Was it because the surgical techniques were lost? That was impossible.
The real reason was the pitifully low success rate. No one dared to risk creating new MANTISes.
And the only child Flame-Chaser he knew of was Griseo.
He had to discuss this with Aponia.
With that thought, Fu Li knocked on Aponia's door in the middle of the night.
The door opened quickly. As if she had been expecting him, Aponia invited him into the room.
Fu Li noticed two cups of steaming hot black tea sitting on the table.
This was the terrifying power of someone with the talent for fate. Although, in Aponia's view, this so-called gift was probably more like a curse.
"You came because you have something you want to say, Priest."
Aponia sighed and pushed one of the cups of tea toward Fu Li.
"That's right." Fu Li nodded. "I'm here about Ania, and also about Ivan and Windsor."
"Those three children…" Aponia's hand paused as she was about to drink her tea. The light in her eyes grew dimmer.
Fu Li nodded and got straight to the point.
"Exactly. Aponia, I know you have an ability akin to seeing the future, so I want to ask, of those three, who will survive?"
"You… know about my talent?" Aponia asked back, a little surprised.
"I do," Fu Li admitted with a nod.
"Alright… fine…" Aponia calmed down quickly. "It's Ania. Ania will survive. As for the other two, their deaths are only a matter of time."
She had never told this secret to anyone before. Firstly, because she was powerless to change it, and secondly, because she was afraid of being seen as a monster.
However, although she didn't know how Fu Li knew—perhaps he had guessed?—it didn't matter.
What mattered was that even after knowing her terrifying secret, he did not shy away from her. That was enough.
"I see. Then after Ania returns, I'll prepare her for the surgery."
Fu Li nodded, stating his decision.
As for the other two children, he finally had a chance, however small, to save them as well.
"What surgery?" Hearing the word, Aponia was clearly nervous.
Seeing her anxiety, Fu Li could only explain what the MANTIS surgery was in terms she could understand.
"You don't have to worry. Since you know she won't die, the surgery will almost certainly be a success."
As he spoke, Fu Li pointed to the top of his head, where two black and gold horns slowly emerged.
"See? I'm a MANTIS too. The only side effect is having a few extra organs, and they can be retracted freely."
Aponia stared at the horns, slightly stunned. She subconsciously wanted to reach out and touch them.
"Um, may I touch them?"
This… Fu Li's expression froze. He was about to refuse when he saw the look of hopeful caution in her eyes.
She was like a timid child.
"F-fine… but just for a moment…"
In the end, Fu Li yielded to her gaze. He closed his eyes and leaned his head forward.
A cool sensation traveled from her fingertips into his horns. Feeling Aponia's gentle touch, Fu Li clenched his teeth, forcing himself to endure the feeling of embarrassment.
Finally, her hand was removed.
"Fu Li, I actually have a request. Can you promise me?"
"Hm? Go on." Fu Li opened his eyes and saw Aponia's serious expression. She spoke each word with deliberate care.
"No matter what, I am those children's guardian. So, even if it's surgery, I have to experience it before they do."
"So, can I ask you… to perform that… MANTIS surgery on me?"
Sensing the seriousness and resolve in Aponia's words, Fu Li's hand trembled slightly. Then, he slowly nodded.
"Of course. In that case, Sister Nia, I will be in charge of your surgery."
[You agreed to Aponia's request. That very night, you began to search for information on the Honkai Beast 'Mitra'.]
[The next day, you took Aponia for a comprehensive physical examination. After confirming she was in perfect health, you performed the surgery for her.]
[Within the confines of the fence, we uphold civilization; only by standing still can we perceive the future. This was Aponia's conviction.]
[She is a devout listener to the divine in the darkness, half mired in shadow, half dwelling in light.]
[She needs no candle, for her very existence is like a flame.]
[Thus is inscribed—the Signet of 'Discipline'.]
---o---
Darkness… endless darkness…
She felt herself sinking endlessly. In the dark, it seemed as though countless hands were trying to drag her down, to separate her from the light forever.
However, a faint glow still flickered in the abyss.
Aponia knew they were the threads of fate. But this was the first time she felt she could touch them, perhaps even pluck them.
Yet, the threads intertwined and wove themselves into a cage, trapping her within.
The light did not want to lead her from the darkness, but rather to devour her along with it.
For the first time, Aponia felt a true, deep-seated terror.
She prayed that in this viscous darkness, which concealed a bizarre, rainbow-like iridescence, someone would come and lead her out.
Finally, a sharp pain pierced through her.
Aponia struggled to open her eyes. She saw a pair of eyes filled with undisguised worry, and a familiar, gentle smile formed on her lips.
"Priest, I'm back."