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Zeke's actions outside had no impact on the girls immersed in their respective Heroic Spirit domains for further learning.
In Su's world, Seele continued honing her mind and will through various exercises.
Within Hua's domain, Wendy progressed from philosophical discussions to engaging in martial debates with Hua herself.
In Sakura and Kalpas' realms, Raiden Mei still faced setbacks repeatedly—though she wasn't genuinely weak.
Under the joint tutelage of Zeke and Einstein, along with Fu Hua's unreserved guidance, if the Herrscher of Thunder unleashed her full potential, she could hold her own against any Heroic Spirit except Kevin. However, this was a learning process, not actual combat for victory. Enduring blows is indeed an efficient form of training in battle skills.
As time passed, Zeke officially arranged meetings with several available Heroic Spirits.
In the serene elegance of a traditional bamboo tea room, wisps of sandalwood incense danced gently through the air.
The guests were seated in two rows facing each other.
At the head of one side sat Zeke, while on the opposite end was Kevin, whom he had summoned for this occasion.
Below Zeke, seated in order, were Bronya, Kiana, Senti Shi, and the Book of Fuxi perched atop her head.
On Kevin's side, Elysia and Eden followed him sequentially.
Fu Hua gracefully served freshly brewed tea to everyone present. Her pristine attire and gentle demeanor captivated Kevin and Eden, who met her for the first time—after all, she was the little sister they once accompanied during humanity's final days. Being so close now, it was impossible not to observe her current state closely.
"I'm doing quite well, so there's no need to worry about me," Fu Hua said with a smile as she placed a tiny teacup in the hands of the Book of Fuxi, under the watchful gaze of Kevin and Eden. Instead of taking the vacant seat next to Eden, she chose the last spot beside Zeke.
Elysia beamed, her eyes curving delightfully, while Eden raised his eyebrows thoughtfully.
Kevin fixed his steady gaze on Fu Hua for a moment before casually turning to Zeke. "We've already provided the engravings. What else brings you here?"
"Don't feign ignorance; it's about what I mentioned before leaving last time."
"I've already given you my answer. The current era's civilization is not our concern; we have no interest in getting involved. As far as I know, my future self from fifty thousand years hence still exists; seeking him out would be more appropriate."
"I won't force anyone, but don't project your own negativity onto others. Not everyone shares your pessimism. I desire additional pieces to test and erode Finality. Whoever among you wishes to participate will get a chance to confront it anew. If not, that's fine too—after all, serving here as both a mental barrier and source of amplified consciousness energy, assisting me in controlling Ying Long, is another form of contribution."
Zeke sipped his tea, speaking with unruffled calmness.
For the first time, he revealed the name of the secret weapon glimpsed briefly beneath the World of Elysium by Kiana and Sin.
However, this comment left Elysia visibly displeased, pouting unhappily.
"Wah! That sounds truly heartbreaking. Are we just pawns for you to manipulate at will? Look at this perfectly adorable face—can't you think beyond mere utility?"
Elysia pointed to her cheeks with both hands, tilting her head charmingly with a sweet smile.
Zeke glanced sideways at her, causing tiny black specks to appear in mid-air. They scattered luminous particles into Elysia's teacup.
Elysia's smile froze.
"I was just trying to lighten the mood—no need for that trick again, right? Fine, Miss Fairy will keep her lips sealed!"
Elysia pinched her fingers together and tugged them across her tightly pursed lips, signaling she'd zipped herself up.
Zeke then glanced toward Fu Hua.
With a nod, Fu Hua rose from her seat and poured Elysia a fresh cup of tea.
As Fu Hua handed over the new beverage, Elysia gently tugged on her clothing, mimicking the zipper gesture by her mouth once more. She then whined softly, sounding quite hurt:
"Hua, you've turned mean! You're ganging up on me with him!"
"My apologies, Ellie. He is the emperor, after all; I must follow his lead."
"Hmph! Miss Fairy is upset now! I'm removing Hua from my list of favorite friends—for at least an hour!"
"I'll apologize later. Just try to behave yourself for now. Zeke isn't unreasonable; he simply prefers not having distractions when discussing serious matters."
Smiling reassuringly, Fu Hua stroked Elysia's hair to soothe her.
Seeing Fu Hua's gentle smile and stealing a peek at Zeke's cold demeanor as he calmly sipped his tea, Elysia reluctantly suppressed her playful, dramatic nature. Once again, she silently zipped her lips shut.
At this moment, Zeke shifted his gaze towards Elysia.
"Kevin has made his stance clear. What about you? Will you leave or not? I can't guarantee your survival under Finality's onslaught, nor can I assure you won't be sent to certain death. However, at least until Finality arrives, you have the chance to truly experience what it means to live."
Elysia remained silent.
"The zipper is ready to be unzipped."
Still, she said nothing.
Elysia's response ultimately was silence, her head bowed. Neither acceptance nor refusal; Zeke couldn't discern her thoughts. However, there was no rush as she could continue considering and expressing her decision before leaving the World of Elysium.
With memories of the top two Thirteen Heroes, Kevin and Elysia, proving elusive, Zeke shifted his attention to the next, Eden.
Before Zeke could speak, Eden shook her head with a smile.
"I won't add to the troubles outside. A star that fell fifty thousand years ago needn't shine again after all this time."
"It's evident that you lack any desire for further involvement. That's understandable; I respect your choice, Eden."
"Thank you for the invitation, and my apologies if I've disappointed you."
"Not at all. As I've said, Heroic Spirits remaining in the Elysian Realm also contribute to my cause; it's merely a different form."
Zeke had anticipated this outcome well in advance.
The memory fragments of these Heroic Spirits generally held a pragmatic view. Most believed that their counterparts in reality should bear the responsibilities, while preserving their past memories and experiences within the Elysian Realm was sufficient for them. Several individuals had already firmly declined him earlier.
However, Zeke didn't see it as a significant issue. The contemporary civilization did not lack high-tier combat power; adding or subtracting a few Heroic Spirits made little difference.
Mobius, however, was an exception.
She wasn't just a fighter but a scientist. The changes brought about by science have global and lasting impacts. Losing such invaluable talent would truly be deeply regrettable for Zeke.
"Well then, let's enjoy some tea and conversation, and perhaps share a meal later. Don't refuse me, Kevin. This is a rare opportunity for everyone here. You're someone unyielding even to death and time—surely you aren't shy now?"
"...Sure." Kevin glanced thoughtfully at Fu Hua before nodding. He wasn't entirely an iceberg inside and out; regarding Fu Hua, who had persevered in the real world until now, he genuinely wished to observe her more closely—at least ensure she was truly doing well.
Then, his gaze shifted towards a pivotal figure—the one supposedly embodying Fu Hua's Herrscher Aspect, Senti Shi. The transformation of the Thirteen Heroes into Herrschers indeed presented an intriguing situation.
"Hm? Why are you staring at me, Kevin?" Senti blinked, questioning him.
Kevin shook his head. "Nothing."
The principle for memory fragments is non-interference with the real world. Since the Fu Hua from 50,000 years later chose this path, and it seemed even his future self approved, there was no need for Memory Fragment Kevin to scrutinize its merits or drawbacks further.
"You're quite the peculiar recluse, just like your counterpart outside. Speaking of which, fancy a fight? I'd love to show off my current prowess."
"No need. As merely a memory fragment, engaging with me holds no significance for you."
"Alright, I was just teasing. After all, this version of you is definitely not as strong as your counterpart outside, so winning against you wouldn't be much of an achievement."
"You're right," Kevin calmly agreed with Senti's arrogant remark.
On the other side, Elysia pulled Fu Hua and Eden close, forming a huddle where they whispered among themselves. With their deliberate secrecy, even Zeke couldn't overhear their conversation—though at one point, Eden's eyes widened slightly, casting furtive glances at Zeke in surprise. Meanwhile, Fu Hua repeatedly looked at Elysia with apparent exasperation, rubbing her temples.
The Book of Fuxi, sipping tea serenely, caught Bronya's gaze across Kiana.
Fuxi: 'What do you think?'
Bronya: 'Whatever Bronya thinks aligns with your perspective.'
Fuxi: 'Discuss further privately next time?'
Bronya: 'Bronya has no objections.'
Ending their silent exchange, the Book of Fuxi handed its teacup to Senti, then floated towards Fu Hua, Ellie, and Eden. Soon, it settled atop Fu Hua's head and joined their conversation.
Following their tea and casual conversation, everyone gathered for a delightful dinner that brought the day to a close.
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