"Ahh! This is delicious! And this too! Why is everything so tasty?!"
After the intense battle came an extravagant feast.
In reality, for MANTIS fusion warriors and Herrschers, Honkai Energy formed their very essence; the physical nourishment from food could be largely disregarded.
However, satisfying one's appetite isn't merely about eating to survive; it symbolizes life, brings enjoyment, and is ingrained as a human habit.
"Fu Hua" became utterly captivated by the exquisite dishes from Su's ten-thousand-year existence.
She even abandoned utensils like knives, forks, and chopsticks, using her hands directly. Like a famished tiger pouncing on its prey, she continuously stuffed food into her mouth, cheeks bulging, nearly shedding tears of delight.
"...Um, have you been starving her lately?"
To avoid getting splattered with flying soup droplets, the remaining three had retreated several steps away from the table. Su couldn't help but whisper to the hovering Book of Fuxi beside him.
Fuxi placed a hand on his forehead, letting out a long sigh.
"Ah, not at all."
"Then why is she acting so...so...unrefined?"
"Please don't ask Little Fuxi; I can't comprehend what goes through that fool's mind... However, Lord Su, could you spare some time later to teach me these dishes?"
Rubbing its tiny hands, the Book of Fuxi floated towards Su with an awkward yet ingratiating smile—Ugh, if not for this brat, would little Fuxi ever stoop so low? But what choice do I have? Dealing with a stubborn head and a mischievous kid is truly exasperating.
Su momentarily paused, gazing at the small doll whose long hair nearly reached its feet. Involuntarily, her clear eyes widened from their habitual squint, revealing a warm smile.
"Sure, no problem. Just the other day, Zeke also asked me about recipes. I've already compiled them, so I can give you a copy."
"Even young Zeke? Well, it makes sense considering Kiana's similarities with my charges to some extent. Regardless, thank you very much, Lady Su," replied the Book of Fuxi, bowing courteously.
With a laugh, Su shook her head and waved dismissively.
"Now, now, it's just a small favor; there's no need for such formality. Kevin and I aren't accustomed to all these 'Lady' pleasantries; you don't have to be so reserved."
"But how could I not show respect? Both of you are among the Thirteen Heroes of the pre-epoch, your achievements etched gloriously in history!"
"You're exaggerating too much. I've already observed that from the beginning, neither Fuxi nor Nuwa brought you to this world merely as a tool. And Hua has long considered you her cherished family. As friends' kin, you are our friends too; there's no need for such formality... Besides, we genuinely aren't accustomed to these formalities, right, Kevin?"
Su turned and smiled at Kevin, who was engrossed in eating his bowl of egg noodles.
Kevin paused briefly, swallowed his noodles, and nodded. "Yes."
To be fair, it was only Su, with his naturally gentle demeanor, who found such formality unusual. For Kevin, as a former officer of the World Serpent, being addressed with terms like "Lord" or "Sir" was commonplace—he had grown quite accustomed to it.
However, Su's point made sense: since Fu Hua held Book of Fuxi dear as family, there was indeed no need for excessive formality. Moreover, Su clearly hoped Kevin would support him in persuading Book of Fuxi, so fulfilling his friend's request was a given.
Thus, Book of Fuxi rubbed her chin, eyebrows furrowed in contemplation.
Adhering to etiquette and rules was still important to her, but seeing Su's warm smile and Kevin's agreement, Book of Fuxi recalled snippets from Fu Hua, Fuxi, Nuwa, and others about these two individuals. Eventually, with some hesitation, she nodded.
"Well then... Little Fuxi won't be too formal."
Su approvingly smiled and gently tapped the top of Book of Fuxi's head.
However, Book of Fuxi's eyes quickly shifted, revealing a cunning grin as she began flying around them.
"Now that we're friends, I expect both of you to take good care of Little Fuxi hereafter. After all, one of you is the Lord of the World Serpent, undoubtedly possessing exceptional entrepreneurial skills; the other wields the Cosmic Juggernaut, implying access to abundant resources. Our household is different - Lady Fu Hua... though I usually call her Stubborn Head, truly lacks any understanding of worldly affairs. It falls upon me, Little Fuxi, to diligently manage our family's finances, which is quite challenging. In the future, if there's ever anything I need from either of you, please be generous. Rest assured, Little Fuxi will be immensely grateful!"
The Book of Fuxi circled around them both, its tiny hands gently patting Su's face one moment and tapping Kevin's shoulder the next, like a mischievous sprite darting amidst flowers—the only issue being this sprite had an uncanny knack for climbing social ladders, with dollar signs practically gleaming in its eyes.
Initially speechless, Su chuckled softly and once again lightly tapped the Book of Fuxi on its small head. "Alright, alright, I'll definitely help you when the time comes."
Kevin, holding his bowl of noodles, remained silent for a moment before the corner of his mouth subtly lifted, nodding slightly.
"Fine," he agreed.
But Su's eyes widened in surprise.
"Kevin, did you just smile?"
"...Did I?"
"Yes! Looks like you really need to interact more with people; otherwise, you'll stay perpetually icy, barely seeming human."
"It's simply not necessary. I don't wish to invest my emotions in irrelevant individuals. They can't keep pace with our lifespan, nor are they guaranteed to survive within our plans, so there's no point. She... Little Fuxi, reminds me of seeing a friend's child—very endearing. And since her body is mechanical, she has nothing to do with Project Stigma."
Uncharacteristically, Kevin spoke at length while holding his bowl with his left hand. He set down his chopsticks with the right, raised it, and gestured towards the floating Book of Fuxi.
The Book of Fuxi blinked, obediently moving onto Kevin's palm and gently kneeling, exuding an endearing demeanor.
Kevin gazed intently at the tiny spirit resting on his hand, the corners of his lips curving up again. His usually cold voice now held a hint of warmth.
"Looking forward to working together. Now, we're friends."
"Mm-hmm, please take care of me... Kevin," the Book of Fuxi responded cheerfully, suppressing its lingering reserve.
Its greed for profit was more a facade shaped by its character than anything else.
With the Book of Fuxi's keen insight, it naturally detected from these two individuals a similar aura reminiscent of Fu Hua—a loneliness forsaken by time.
Surrounded by strangers, save for a few old acquaintances, they shared no ties with anyone else—both Kevin, seemingly devoid of emotions, and Su, appearing warm and open-minded. Just like the Fu Hua the Book of Fuxi had served all its life, they had given their utmost kindness to the world, only to receive none in return.
If possible, the Book of Fuxi wished to be of help—even if just as a small, amusing presence—to provide these lonely souls with even a modicum of solace. Such an endeavor would undoubtedly be worth every effort.