Before returning to Earth, Takatsuki released the other eight space stations in space. The Commander also began arranging for YoRHa members to board, coordinating with Pods to operate and move the space stations into their designated orbits. The YoRHa's understanding of this world was still insufficient, and their equipment had not yet been fully debugged.
Among other things, these space stations were originally controlled by the Moon server. Now, bringing them under YoRHa's own management would also take some time.
From the ground to space, the quickest and most economical method for material transport was through Takatsuki's abilities.
Anti-Entropy promised to provide the YoRHa with material support and some technological assistance, such as fuel and Anti-Entropy's specialty, optical camouflage.
Because YoRHa models do not come with communication and shooting functions, ground-based units on missions need to be equipped with Pods for communication, detection, and data support.
However, this is not like that world where humanity was extinct. Carrying a Pod on the street would certainly attract a lot of attention.
Takatsuki's idea was to let these YoRHa members integrate into society, live normal lives, and then intervene whenever a Honkai Energy event occurred.
Their weapons could be downloaded and manufactured on-site by the Pods. As for clothing, the YoRHa uniforms had no special features, as their bodies were the best defensive armor.
After agreeing on a time, Takatsuki led the group back to Earth.
After throwing the spaceship that took them to space back into Anti-Entropy's warehouse from the Gate of Babylon, Tesla exclaimed from the side.
"I can't believe robots can be made exactly like humans! I just carefully studied the body structures of those YoRHa members. At least to the touch, they are identical to humans."
Einstein, with a sarcastic tone, quipped: "I didn't realize Dr. Tesla had such hobbies? Then please stay far away from me when we return to the lab."
Saying this, she even made some disgusted gestures, which made Tesla immediately bristle.
"That was for research! And their AI and bodies are indistinguishable from humans. If we Anti-Entropy..."
"Let's not."
Welt suddenly interrupted: "Anti-Entropy's original intention cannot change. Although these YoRHa androids are not biological, they still involve ethical issues. Our current mech AIs are sufficient."
Anti-Entropy's original goal was to eliminate Honkai Energy without harming humans.
Therefore, they had been developing combat mechs.
Unfortunately, it later split into two factions, with the radical faction even conducting human experiments. He wondered if Welt's return had improved the situation.
"Alright, alright, you're the leader, you call the shots."
Tesla said helplessly, though even with that tone, Welt's brow relaxed slightly.
"However, we can learn from their weapon systems and energy systems and apply them to our mechs."
Einstein nodded: "I think so too. However, the YoRHa mostly use close combat and are more inclined towards human anatomy. But their AI systems, called Pods, and their shooting mods, can be studied."
"Good, then I'll leave it to you, Einstein."
Einstein nodded: "Just call me Ein."
To interface with the YoRHa, Welt still needed to prepare a lot of things, from fuel resources to some Honkai Energy native technologies, such as Honkai Energy reaction monitoring devices.
These things also needed to be researched on how to miniaturize them and install them on the Pods, allowing them to detect the Honkai Energy concentration at their location in real-time—all considerable troubles.
As for Bronya, Welt let her go back with Takatsuki, of course, she needed to be sent back the next morning.
But when he returned, Takatsuki found a small problem.
It seemed the small device he had previously thrown into the sea to act as a beacon...
had sunk to the bottom of the ocean.
At least the Nen's feedback indicated its location was the seabed...
Considering the water pressure at the bottom of the sea, Takatsuki gave up on recovering it. After all, it was just a small mechanical boat drawn with the Brush Brush Fruit, used as a beacon.
"Takatsuki, what's wrong?"
Mei asked with some confusion, seeing Takatsuki still hadn't opened the return portal.
"Nothing, just a small issue. I'll handle it."
Saying this, Takatsuki opened his system. Seeing that his Nen was already at Lv8, he invested three thousand crystals to raise it to Lv9.
After Lv6, every level-up was a significant enhancement. Surging life energy instantly filled Takatsuki's body.
"Alright, let's go back."
The enhancement of the Nen not only boosted life energy but also improved the effectiveness of its abilities.
At this point, [Close at Hand Yet Worlds Apart] was unlikely to undergo any qualitative change, but its range had increased again. However, Takatsuki could no longer estimate the current coverage. Still, at least, he could now sense and directly reach all the places on Earth where he had previously left beacons.
"Alright, let's go back."
Instantly locating the beacon left at St. Freya Academy, Takatsuki opened the portal leading to St. Freya Academy.
As usual, the portal's destination was Takatsuki's own room.
"Speaking of which, Bronya, have you explained it to Seele?"
Takatsuki only remembered this after passing through the portal.
"Hmph, Bronya has certainly explained it, and she also told Seele that you could have contacted Welt to bring me back, but you didn't tell her."
Bronya snorted, then Takatsuki's large hand pressed down on her head, ruffling her smooth gray hair. "Still trying to sow discord, huh?"
As the few of them pushed open the door and looked into the living room, the people at the long table in the living room instantly shifted their gaze.
"Mei! You're finally back!"
As soon as Kiana saw Mei, she immediately jumped off her chair and rushed over.
"Ah… Kiana, what's wrong?"
Mei somewhat strangely hugged the pouncing Kiana.
On the other side, Seele was much more reserved.
"Welcome back, Sister Bronya."
"Mm, I'm back, Seele."
Seele suddenly laughed, "I feel like our roles have completely swapped this time."
"Indeed…"
Takatsuki looked at the dining table and realized there was a lot of food on it, very…
Takatsuki didn't know how to describe it.
It wasn't until he asked Fu Hua that he learned that since Mei hadn't returned and they weren't sure when she would, those still at the villa decided to prepare dinner themselves, with each person making one dish.
Under Fu Hua's guidance, Takatsuki saw Kiana's burnt cheese toast, which was an explosion of calories. Takatsuki took one look and didn't want to eat it.
Fu Hua had prepared pan-fried dumplings. With a flick of her finger, a dumpling floated into Takatsuki's mouth.
"The taste isn't bad."
It was ordinary pork filling, though it couldn't compare to his and Mei's cooking.
Himeko had prepared regular noodles with an egg, serving as the main dish.
And Seele had prepared pan-fried salmon.
The fried potato balls were clearly prepared by Hestia.
Next to them was a fruit salad, simply cut fruit from the tree mixed with salad dressing.
However, the fruit pieces were uneven in size, and many parts seemed to have been crushed from too much force.
Takatsuki: "This is… Ais's work, right?"
Fu Hua nodded.
And finally, there was… a bitter melon platter and bitter melon juice.
Well, there was no need to ask who made this.