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Some events unfold naturally, like water finding its course.
For the nth time, Zeke cursed himself as a scumbag but still relished Fu Hua's tender affection for quite some while before reluctantly parting with her.
Walking alone in the corridor, Zeke felt somewhat dazed.
"I think I've done something truly significant again," he murmured to himself, yet couldn't deny that being with Fu Hua was immensely comforting.
Kiana represented an indispensable presence, someone who belonged unquestionably in his life; it was unimaginable to conceive of existence without her.
Bronya embodied an irresistible allure, always knowing how to captivate others further. Her charm, both inside and out, made one want to cherish her constantly, lingering endlessly in her company.
Sin was like honey, a relentless sweetness that upon tasting just once, left him craving more, desiring to keep her by his side forever.
Each of them was so unique and extraordinary, yet Fu Hua stood apart from the rest.
Fu Hua was like her own brewed cup of tea or the melody she played on her zither—consistently clear and beautiful, bringing relaxation and joy just thinking about her. She never clung to him, but Zeke found himself instinctively drawn to spend time with her.
Savoring the charm of each girl he held dear, Mr. Scumbag smiled warmly.
Suddenly, an alert window detailing widespread Honkai Beast activity unfolded before Zeke's eyes.
"Order: Have Armies Seventeen through Twenty-Three engage along the entire front... Kevin, take this opportunity to stretch your legs and get back into combat mode. School Commander Himeko will lead frontline command; ensure the safety of cities and critical infrastructure along the route."
Zeke issued his instructions in a deep voice.
As emperor, he rarely intervened directly these days. In fact, his position made it unsuitable for him to casually appear on the battlefield.
After relaying the orders to the central Hub and confirming swift mobilization across all forces, Zeke closed the warning window, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes.
Protect this world—for their sake, for everything we've cherished thus far!
After making significant progress with Fu Hua, their daily lives seemed largely unchanged.
Zeke had no immediate inclination to deal with his complicated harem situation, and Fu Hua wasn't yet ready to be open about their relationship with her students. Privately, they held hands and embraced, always maintaining proper boundaries—interacting affectionately but respectfully, as if still in the early stages of courtship. Strangely enough, both found this unspoken intimacy quite satisfying.
Time continued its relentless march.
Then one day, simultaneous high-energy Honkai warnings came from all directions, signaling to Zeke that the time for action had arrived.
"Kevin, Elysia, and Durandal, guard the entrance. In case anything goes awry, be prepared to confront me head-on."
"Fu Hua, Senti, Kiana, and Li Sushang will enter together. Based on Hera's or my judgment and guidance, activate Void Sword Divinity at any moment."
"Hera will lead the experiment, with Mobius assisting, and Dr. Ein providing remote support."
"The remaining units should follow their predetermined roles diligently. Ensure that while I am preoccupied, the overall stability of the world remains intact."
"For those who may need to restrain my rampage... hold nothing back. If you can survive before me, it'll prove your worth as strategic assets. Is everything clear?"
In the imperial palace, within the audience hall, Zeke issued instructions from his throne to his subordinates. Despite subtle variations in their feelings, under Zeke's cold demeanor and stern gaze, everyone nodded without hesitation, ensuring no discordance arose.
Satisfaction flickered in Zeke's eyes as he stood up, prompting Kiana to immediately open a space tunnel.
Zeke descended from the throne without pause or hesitation, leading the way into the swirling vortex. Those meant to follow entered one by one.
In no time, the group materialized on the deck of the marine base floating deep within the ocean, then descended to the laboratory below.
Present in the lab were Zeke, two science-obsessed researchers overseeing the experiment, and the four individuals wielding Void Sword Divinity—though one could argue it's only three, as Fu Hua and Senti had merged, with Fu Hua controlling her body while Senti provided power from the depths of her consciousness.
Zeke stood before the experimental chamber, his gaze sweeping across each person's face in the room, lingering slightly longer on Kiana and Fu Hua. Then he turned around.
"This isn't a final farewell; I won't waste words... Just wait for my return," Zeke declared resolutely, stepping into the experimental chamber without giving anyone a chance to offer their last-minute advice.
Hera rubbed her chin, glancing briefly at Kiana's dazed expression and then sidelong at Fu Hua, who pressed her lips tightly together. She shook her head and promptly initiated the experiment.
The process mirrored Theresa's trial: Honkai Energy infusion, insertion of the fake Herrscher Core, Stigmata activation, step by step.
Inside the fluid-filled chamber, crimson patterns of Stigmata traced up Zeke's face, and his icy blue eyes gradually transformed into a dazzling golden hue.
Unlike Theresa, Zeke's resilience was virtually unfathomable. After completing these preliminary steps, there remained one crucial element: overwhelming negative emotions that would shatter his sanity.
"Old friend, it's your turn now," Hera said to Fu Hua, who wore a look of distress on her face.
To shake Zeke's mental fortitude, no other choice existed besides Fu Hua, the Herrscher of Sentience herself.
In response to Hera's call, Fu Hua stood unmoving, yet her delicate hands trembled slightly.
"Sigh!"
Taking a deep breath, Fu Hua stepped forward and met Zeke's gaze, her eyes filled with sorrow and tenderness.
Zeke blinked, and the corners of his lips curved upward ever so slightly.
With resignation, Fu Hua nodded and whispered softly, "You're about to experience a nightmare, but remember, it's just a dream... I'll be waiting for you to return, Zeke."
A faint smile graced her lips, though tears glistened in her eyes.
She closed them, assuming a prayerful posture, as golden feathers began drifting gently through the laboratory space.
Gradually, Zeke's eyes grew vacant, and the hint of a smile vanished from his lips. An unrestrained, terrifying surge of Honkai Energy enveloped the area like the Abyss itself, weighing heavily upon everyone present. Li Sushang felt this most acutely; her knees nearly buckled under the immense pressure.
Kiana placed her hand on Li Sushang's shoulder, helping her regulate her ki to withstand the impact.
"Focus and control your breathing. Maintain composure; don't let your internal ki become disordered."
"Thank you, I understand now."
Mobius, who had been casually observing with a cup of coffee, glanced at them and raised an eyebrow.
"Hey, hey, hey! This isn't a joke, right? Even as a fragile scientist, I'm fine. You're a crucial safeguard—don't falter now!"
Li Sushang, having just regained her stability, felt utterly speechless. Although she hadn't witnessed Mobius in action herself, she wasn't blind—the caution and apprehension among the top figures towards Mobius were unmistakable.
A "fragile" scientist? Who was she trying to fool?!
Composing herself, Li Sushang surveyed her surroundings again, noticing that the lighting had inexplicably dimmed, and even the space and walls seemed subtly distorted—all due solely to Zeke no longer restraining his energy.
"What kind of monstrous entity is this?" Li Sushang murmured, still shaken, suddenly comprehending why Master Shi, capable of effortlessly trouncing her, would occasionally display fear towards Zeke—it simply boiled down to being outmatched!
Deep within Zeke's consciousness, the previously calm mirror-like surface of the lake rippled suddenly. Zeke's reflection appeared on the water, gazing at his hands with a somewhat dazed expression.
His clean and sleek black trench coat transformed swiftly into white, then continued changing until it became a set of tattered rags. Simultaneously, Zeke's tall and sturdy frame shrank into a small, frail figure.
Standing still, Zeke blinked, his pale, youthful face reflecting a hint of bewilderment.
"Hey!"
"Plop!"
A snowball struck Zeke's head, jolting him out of his stupor.
He turned to find himself amidst vast snowy peaks, and not far away, a charming little white-haired bundle wrapped warmly grinned innocently at him, her eyes filled with pure joy.
"Zeke, what are you daydreaming about? Let's hurry up, we need to go home!"
Zeke slowly furrowed his brow, his disoriented mind struggling to comprehend the situation. However, Little Kiana's smile felt so familiar, like sunlight warming his heart, gradually easing his tension. He replied softly:
"...Okay."
Zeke began walking towards Little Kiana.
"Bang!"
Suddenly, a gunshot echoed just as Zeke took his first step. The lively little girl's smile froze, and a burst of blood blossomed from her chest.
"Z...Zeke... Save me..." Little Kiana murmured despairingly, her words halting, before collapsing into the crimson-stained snow.
"No!"
Zeke's pupils contracted as he sprinted towards Kiana with all his might.
Just as Zeke was about to reach her, the man wielding the golden pistol appeared at her side. Smiling at Zeke, he aimed the gun at Kiana's forehead and pulled the trigger.
"Bang!"
"Otto!!!" Zeke exclaimed.
The meticulously scripted scene—his deepest childhood fear—unfolded before Zeke's eyes.
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