"What's wrong with him?"
Fu Hua leaned against the transparent glass of the isolation chamber, gazing at the sleeping Siegfried and asked, bewildered.
She wasn't close to Siegfried, nor would Kiana casually share such embarrassing truths with others.
Thus, naturally, "Fu Hua" had no knowledge of Siegfried's ordeal.
However, "Fu Hua" did know that the individual inside was a key figure documented in Schicksal's central archive—the organization's once mightiest knight later turned most wanted traitor—presumably possessing formidable strength. Most importantly, he was Kiana's father.
Cecilia-1415 first performed routine checks on various vital signs, made some notes, and replaced certain worn-out components. Finally, she approached the glass barrier face-to-face with "Fu Hua."
"Lady Fu Hua," Cecilia-1415 began politely, hoping not to trouble her esteemed guest, who herself was a pitiful worker without even a wage, "There are confidentiality restrictions regarding information here. To access detailed records, please apply for verification privileges through the System. Until your authorization is confirmed, I cannot disclose any further details; kindly understand my position."
"What?! Zeke doesn't even pay you? How heartless is that?" Lady Fu Hua's eyes widened, her focus abruptly shifting as she gazed sympathetically at the exquisite beauty within the glass enclosure.
Cecilia 1415 responded with a stoic expression: "Due to the high cost of restoring our bodies back then, all Cecilia instances currently operate under significant debt. Our wages, aside from covering basic living expenses, go entirely towards repayment... Although, when there are genuine needs for additional spending, it's quite easy to apply for—"
Cecilia 1415 sighed anxiously, worried about Master Zeke's lack of financial acumen. "Just maintaining our current lifestyle already exceeds our meager wages. The longer we work while indebted, the greater his losses become. I'm deeply concerned; if Master Zeke goes bankrupt due to poor financial management, where would we find new employers?"
"Uh, don't panic. If he does go bankrupt, come to me. Taixuan Mountain can certainly support you."
"Thank you for your support"—Cecilia 1415 bowed excitedly, planning to promptly inform everyone about this potential backup employer.
Lady Fu Hua blinked, momentarily taken aback. After a moment, she vigorously shook her head and pointed at Siegfried, saying:
"No, no, you're getting sidetracked by my words! What happened to him? Is he sick? How serious is it? Does Kiana know?"
"Please verify your authorization first. As a courtesy to our esteemed guest and potential employer, 1415 will summon System Icarus, the gang boss"—Cecilia 1415 initiated a complex procedure to call upon the gang boss, primarily just to showcase her skills; most of the time, a simple request would suffice.
Listening to Cecilia 1415's distinctive manner of speaking, "Fu Hua" felt both exasperated yet amused. If these two could provide witty commentary amidst the emptiness of Taixuan Mountain, wouldn't it make things far more entertaining?
Reflecting on this, she realized those previous millennia had been wasted, spending so long guarding a solitary mountain alone. Although she occasionally took disciples, for the most part, it was excessively quiet—a complete underutilization of an immortal's extraordinary abilities! Wouldn't it have been delightful to at least have some young maidservants around for amusement?
Ah, thinking about disciples reminded "Fu Hua" of little Lixue from years past—never mind acknowledging the others, they were all traitors, and sparing them instead of crushing them herself now seemed like sheer folly back then. In any case, poor little Lixue deserved better. Isn't Siegfried researching resurrection methods? Perhaps when the time comes, she could ask him for help. Surely, as the venerable Red Kite Immortal, she should have enough influence, right?
Once again, "Fu Hua's" thoughts wandered.
Meanwhile, Cecilia 1415 and Icarus were engaged in their own conversation.
"This is System Icarus at your service. Lady Fu Hua, Individual No. 1415, how may I assist you?"
"Icarus Eldest Sister, Lady Fu Hua requests information about Siegfried Kaslana. Applying for decryption authorization—Cecilia 1415 explains."
"...Authorization granted. Decryption allowed. Relevant data and files have been sent to Individual No. 1415's personal terminal; please check your inbox. Note: This series of information may negatively impact Schicksal Archbishop's public image. Considering the collaboration between our organizations, please use with caution and strictly adhere to confidentiality protocols."
"Yes ma'am"—Cecilia 1415 salutes solemnly.
Icarus falls silent as Cecilia 1415 steps outside the isolation room, summoning a series of virtual screens before "Fu Hua."
"Lady Fu Hua, all detailed information is here. Please ensure utmost confidentiality. Would you like me to provide an explanation?—asks Cecilia 1415."
"Let me review this first. There's a video explanation too; I'll start with that..."
The Mediterranean battle unfolded before "Fu Hua," from Otto manipulating Siegfried through underhanded means until he broke down to Welt's intervention, Amber leading her squad to raid and capture Einstein and Tesla, up to Zeke's sudden interference forcing Otto to abandon his plan—a comprehensive account of these events played out vividly.
"Bang!"
"Fu Hua" punched straight through the sturdy outer wall of the hospital room, her expression darkening intensely as intense killing intent brewed within her crimson eyes.
"What is this garbage? That bastard Otto truly deserves hell!"
"You're not the first person to say that..." Cecilia 1415 replied slowly, omitting her usual self-introduction ending. None of the Cecilia clones could remain indifferent to that video, after all, they shared the same existence as those sacrificed clones.
"So, Siegfried refuses to wake up due to psychological trauma?"
"That's just one aspect. On another note, the Kaslana family traces its origins back to the previous civilization as descendants of Mei and Kevin Kaslana's IVF procedure. Dr. Mei's intellect couldn't be reliably passed down through stable genetics, but the Honkai Beast genes from the MANTIS program flow within every generation of the Kaslanas.
Originally, Siegfried Kaslana possessed a stable, albeit small portion of Honkai Beast genes. However, during the Siberian battle, he injected himself with a potent gene fusion serum left by the previous civilization, causing his genetic stability to deteriorate ever since.
In the Mediterranean conflict, Siegfried repeatedly overused Honkai Energy, leading to a loss of control over the serum's effects. The activity of the Honkai Beast genes overwhelmed the stable human genes... In short, he was continuously transforming into a Honkai Beast at that time.
The systemic collapse caused by genetic instability is the primary reason for Siegfried Kaslana's prolonged unconsciousness.
However, this issue has been resolved. After numerous adjustments and treatments by Master Zeke, new specialized genes have been introduced into Siegfried Kaslana's body, facilitating the stable fusion of the original two types of genes. According to Master Zeke's plan, Siegfried Kaslana will soon complete the gene fusion process, becoming a MANTIS warrior of the new era. Once achieved, conventional methods can then be used to awaken him."
Cecilia 1415 meticulously explained while quietly observing the peacefully sleeping man through the glass enclosure—this was the man chosen by their original self; all Cecilia clones had conducted thorough research on him.
It would be absurd to suggest that this observation sparked romantic feelings within them. Cecilia is Cecilia, and her clones are separate entities—a distinction must be made. Nonetheless, these circumstances made it challenging for anyone to view Siegfried objectively.
"...Alright then, I'm leaving now."
"Where do you wish to go? Would you like a guide?" asked Cecilia 1415.
"I want to flatten Otto!"
"That's not advisable. Mr. Otto has ample backup bodies; you cannot kill him. Moreover, he holds significant value to Master Zeke's plans," Cecilia 1415 cautioned pragmatically.
With a scoff, "Fu Hua" kicked down the outer wall before her, stepped over the rubble, and departed, radiating an aura of intense anger.
"What are you thinking? Do you really intend to assault Schicksal Headquarters?"
"Old relic, don't tell me you're not tempted either? I am you, after all—I refuse to believe you can remain indifferent!"
"...I cannot. But more importantly, I understand the bigger picture, and I also recognize... that Otto's contributions outweigh his transgressions. While I don't condone absolving sins with merits, sometimes compromise is necessary. Rest assured, there are plenty who seek retribution from Otto, so the time for reckoning will come."
"Hmph! That's why I said it before—past me lived shackled by countless constraints, afraid to take any action! Look at yourself, past me: failing to confront evil, hesitating to vanquish demons, concocting justification after justification just to convince yourself—you were nothing but a spineless waste of space, do you know that?!"
As this "Fu Hua" bluntly berated her, within the consciousness domain, Fu Hua remained silent, unable to respond.
This time, "Fu Hua's" righteous indignation even made Fu Hua feel a twinge of envy. The pure, unrestrained fury was something Fu Hua had been forced to relinquish long ago.
"Fu Hua" approached the high walls surrounding the base perimeter, below which lay Benares impaled securely into the ground. She gazed up at the sky, her weapon—a greatsword-shaped sheath concealing hidden blades—materialized on her back. Occasionally, she gripped the hilt, only to release it moments later.
After a long moment, the stony-faced "Fu Hua" turned and descended from the city wall.
"You...gave up?"
"Just realized it's futile. Otto may be average in strength, but his survival skills are uncanny. Once our grand mission to save the world is near completion, when it's time for proper reckoning, I'll crush that repulsive man's head without hesitation!"
"That sounds very rational."
"I don't want to be so rational; excessive restraint leads to being overly cautious like you."
"...Perhaps you're right."
In the consciousness domain, Fu Hua sighed softly.
She suddenly understood why those classified documents were accessible to the uncertain existence of "Fu Hua." It was likely part of Bronya's plan, possibly even devised by Zeke, to test "Fu Hua's" character.
"Could you share your thoughts on this matter? Is it purely hatred towards Otto or sympathy for Siegfried?"
"Huh? Are these conflicting emotions? Aside from Siegfried being Kiana's father, Otto's actions have undoubtedly caused immense harm to her. Even if—even if he were a complete stranger with no connection to me, how could I remain indifferent to Otto's deeds?"
"Righteous indignation... born from compassion for humanity and hatred of evil—that's my original intent. You truly are Fu Hua, as long as this purpose remains within you."
Upon hearing this acknowledgment from the consciousness domain, "Fu Hua" paused.
"You... forget it. I'm not in the mood to argue with you right now. I'll go find someone to spar with first; maybe that will help me cool down later."
"All right, let's continue our discussion when you have more time."
Within her own consciousness domain, Fu Hua watched "Fu Hua" rush toward the training grounds, gradually breaking into a smile.
After teaching so many Herrscher students, Fu Hua had grown beyond any biases against their nature. As long as this child possessed a good heart, nothing else mattered.
She could become a new ally, Fu Hua realized.