"Aoki, push the research progress further. I'll see what I can do—but don't get your hopes up too high," Selene said lightly. If she wanted something done, she'd do it herself. Time was short, after all. With a snap of her fingers, she disappeared from the lab.
In the next moment, space warped—and Selene reappeared inside the dimly lit interior of the Windowless Building.
"Selene?"
The familiar dark chamber greeted her once more. The massive glowing cylindrical tank stood silently at the center, filled with its faintly shimmering fluid. Within it, Aleister—upside down as always—opened his eyes, calm yet faintly curious. He hadn't summoned her this time, so her sudden visit was... interesting.
Judging by his years of experience with people, Aleister knew Selene well enough. She was a consummate egoist—cold, precise, and ruthlessly practical. She wouldn't appear before him unless she wanted something. Which meant, without a doubt, she was here to ask a favor.
"Chairman Aleister," Selene greeted respectfully, bowing slightly before stepping forward with her usual composed smile. She stopped before the glass tank.
Aleister gave a slight nod, acknowledging the gesture. "Well then, Miss Selene. To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit this time?"
"Chairman, I've brought some data for you to review. It contains several of my institute's latest products and research projects." As she spoke, Selene extended a small drive toward him.
A faint, invisible force lifted the drive from her hand. It drifted forward through the air and slotted itself neatly into a port on the control panel beside the tank.
Beep. Beep.
Instantly, dozens of holographic displays appeared before Aleister.
"Hm... let's see..." Within seconds, the data flashed across the screens in rapid succession—far too fast for an ordinary human to process. It was impossible to tell whether Aleister had actually read them, but somehow, he had. "Oh? Miss Selene, it seems your experiments are progressing rather quickly."
Then, after a pause, his voice echoed softly from within the tank. "If I'm not mistaken, you've come to request assistance with the humanoid robot's intelligent operating system, haven't you?"
Indeed, among the files Selene had provided, every product—except for the military robots—was clearly listed with descriptions and pricing. The pattern was obvious.
"That's right," Selene replied, her tone polite, almost deferential. "Chairman, do you perhaps have a solution?"
Aleister's emotionless gaze fixed on her. "I might. It's certainly within my capabilities. But tell me, Selene—why should I help you? What do I stand to gain?"
Selene gave a practiced, charming smile. "Because it would strengthen Academy City's technological foundation—and contribute to maintaining urban order."
"Not enough," Aleister interrupted flatly.
Selene sighed. "Then... what are your terms?"
She knew better than anyone that Aleister cared little for the city itself—or its people. His purpose was singular, absolute: to shatter all phases and end all mysticism. He didn't move for politics or morality. To him, only results mattered.
And the most valuable thing she could offer him... was herself.
"I don't have any particularly unreasonable demands," Aleister said, as though reading her thoughts. "I merely want you to remain loyal to the scientific side. Always."
Selene froze for a brief moment. The faint smile on her face faded as she met his inverted gaze. "So... you want me to stand on the side of science. Meaning, you want me to stand on your side."
"Precisely." Aleister's tone remained calm, almost amused. "And don't play dumb. I know you're aware of the other side—the magic one."
Hearing this, Selene's expression turned serious. There was no point in pretending anymore. "I know," she admitted quietly. "So, if I agree to stand on the scientific side... what exactly do you plan to do?"
"That's not something you need to know yet," Aleister replied calmly. "So—do you accept my condition?"
Selene thought for a moment, then nodded firmly. "Fine. I accept."
"Good." Aleister's voice seemed to ripple through the air. "Then it's settled. The intelligent operating system you requested will be delivered tomorrow. As for your research funding—consider it covered."
Selene blinked, surprised by how easily he agreed. "You're not worried I'll go back on my word?"
"Betray me?" Aleister tilted his head slightly, a faint smile curling on his lips. "And you, Selene—aren't you afraid I might tamper with what I give you?"
A low, amused chuckle escaped the tank. "We are the same kind of people, you and I. Both believers in power, both driven by purpose. Tell me then, Selene—what is your ultimate goal?"
Selene said nothing. Her eyes grew cold, and a dark, ominous aura began to emanate from her form.
Seconds passed in silence. Aleister's expression remained unchanged as he quietly studied Selene, saying nothing. The longer he observed her, the more certain he became.
That power within her—though still weak for now—its essence was no less than that of the Magic Gods residing in the Hidden World... perhaps even surpassing them. Was it an illusion? No. He knew instinctively that it was real.
I will shatter all phases and end all mysticism. That was the sole creed that kept Aleister alive.
Facing the Magic Gods, he needed overwhelming power. Until recently, he had only one path—to face them alone. But after meeting Selene, he realized there was another possibility: a living force already growing in strength, one that could serve as a powerful ally.
That was the true reason Aleister chose to support her. Selene's potential was vast enough to increase his plan's chances of success.
As for the source of her power—Aleister didn't bother to investigate. This world was full of anomalies anyway. Each era birthed new beings of power: Saints, Angels, Demons, Imagine Breaker, Magic Gods... endless irregularities. To him, Selene was merely another one—perhaps a naturally divine existence, but not beyond reason.
"I admit," Aleister said calmly, "what I value most is your strength, Miss Selene. I need your cooperation to ensure my plan succeeds. To be perfectly frank—I am willing to offer all of Academy City in exchange. Do you accept?"
Selene smiled faintly, suppressing the dark aura around her. "Alright, I accept."
"Oh? No hesitation?" Aleister sounded mildly amused. "You won't even think it over?"
"No need." Selene's smile sharpened. "But Chairman, you should remember—you'll only get one chance."
"That's more than enough."
"Anything else you wish to add?"
"..."
"In that case, the deal is struck."
Having gotten everything she came for, Selene gave him a long, knowing look before bowing politely and vanishing in an instant.
...
Back at the Schicksal Research Institute, Selene exhaled softly.
Aleister was clearly trying to manipulate her with promises—but Selene wasn't naive. She understood the game perfectly. Yet, the truth was, she was using him just as much. Mutual exploitation—perfectly natural.
Selene needed time and resources to quietly strengthen her foundation. Aleister, on the other hand, was investing in her potential. If his plan to destroy the Phases and eliminate magic succeeded, what harm was there in granting her control over Academy City afterward? The city itself was just a byproduct of his grand design.
And if he failed? Well, then everything would simply perish together.
During their conversation, aside from the unspoken core of their mutual understanding, several secondary agreements had also been made.
Aleister had requested her help in purging threats within Academy City and resisting attacks from the magic side when necessary.
Selene, in turn, secured commitments to expand weapons manufacturing, fund the Schicksal Research Institute's ongoing projects, and secure long-term production contracts.
To Selene, this was all part of a larger strategy. Possessing personal power and influence wasn't enough—she needed a network behind her, a shared-interest alliance that would protect her institute's future. The Board of Directors was the perfect starting point.
By sharing a small portion of her profits, she could tie those with wealth and power to her side. Once their interests were aligned, no one would dare to obstruct her ambitions.
Of course, this "alliance" wouldn't remain confined to Academy City forever. Eventually, it would expand—encompassing major conglomerates around the world. But for now, her top priority was simple: survive and grow.
And the cornerstone of that alliance—the keystone product—was the T-R Series Serum.
Selene was certain that those aging, decaying tycoons clinging to their wealth and power would pay any price for it. The older and richer one became, the more desperate one was to live longer. No one would refuse a chance to extend their life, no matter how corrupt or despicable they might be.
After all, the world was full of billionaires who had long lost their humanity, yet still spent fortunes on untested longevity drugs—desperate to survive another day.
And even if they tried to steal her research, what of it? Without the specialized Honkai-infused raw materials she controlled, replication was impossible.
Selene's purpose remained unchanged: within the rules of the game, exploit every resource available—always move upward. Not the strongest, but ever stronger.
She never considered herself a good person. In truth, she was far from it. Her methods were ruthless, her morality flexible. She possessed ambition, power, and an unyielding will to achieve her goals.
Her kindness existed only toward those who didn't stand in her way.
...
Inside the Windowless Building.
"Tell me, Aiwass... what do you think?" Aleister asked quietly after Selene's departure, breaking his usual silence. His tone carried rare curiosity.
A faint shimmer appeared in the air before the tank. A hazy golden form began to take shape, speaking in a distorted, neutral voice that echoed faintly. "If I'm not mistaken... she noticed me earlier—but chose not to expose it. How amusing."
The light solidified into a tall, radiant figure—golden hair cascading down her shoulders, a loose white garment covering her glowing form. Though her features were beyond human distinction, her silhouette resembled that of a woman.
Aiwass drifted closer to Aleister, her tone filled with a childlike wonder and delight. "Her potential... even I cannot see its limit. If she truly reaches her peak, Aleister, your plan might actually succeed."
Aleister's expression did not change, but his gaze grew sharper. "Then it seems the age of Magic Gods... is finally coming to an end."