As for Mei's doting on Kevin, Chang Yuan couldn't do anything about it. It was her own business.
However, it seemed that the future "Savior Kevin" might never come to be.
But if the future were to follow the original plot, someone would inevitably have to steal the authority of the Herrscher of the End.
Then guide Kiana to defeat him.
"Tch, my brain really isn't cut out for thinking about such complicated things."
After pondering for a while and getting nowhere, Chang Yuan scratched his head and decided to stop thinking about it.
...
"Mei, is my Stigma ready? The one that's unique to me."
Elysia arrived at Mei's research lab, looking at her with anticipation.
Hearing this, Mei shook her head. "Not yet. It's a bit complicated, but we've made significant progress."
"I see. I was hoping to give Yuan my Stigma~?."
"Don't lose heart. I'll definitely finish it before then. Don't worry."
"Alright. I really want to see what my Stigma looks like and how beautiful it'll be when imprinted on Yuan~?."
...
"Klein, organize those documents, and those over there. Oh, and tell those two to stop slacking off, or I'll use them as lab rats next time."
While busy with her own research, Mobius had Klein handle smaller tasks.
Klein now had noticeable dark circles under her eyes, but this wasn't due to constant overwork.
Mobius also had dark circles.
She was working with Mei to create a Stigma unique to Elysia.
Of course, it wasn't for that pink fatty. She just wanted to create a miracle, that's all.
Klein, carrying a stack of documents taller than herself, went to find Fuxi and Nuwa.
"Stop slacking off and finish these documents and research. Otherwise, the Doctor said she'll use you two as lab rats next time."
Hearing this, the two sisters, who had been sipping milk tea and slacking off, broke into a cold sweat.
They immediately started helping Klein with her workload.
When Mobius said she'd use them as lab rats, she meant it.
They wouldn't die, but it wouldn't be pleasant either.
Blanca was also doing her best to assist Mobius.
...
Bang—!
With one punch, the specially made Divine Key sandbag shattered into pieces.
After finishing, Hua took a deep breath.
"Not bad. You're now one of the strongest in Fire Moth."
A mature red-haired woman appeared behind Hua, wrapping an arm around her neck and patting her shoulder in praise.
"Captain."
"Ahem, what did I say you should call me in private?"
"Uh, Himeko."
"Mm-hmm, that's better. We're comrades, but we're also friends. Using formal titles in private feels too distant."
Pinching her little comrade's cheeks, Himeko felt her mood lift.
"You, training so hard every day. What are you striving for?"
Thinking about how her little comrade trained before dawn every day, Himeko couldn't help but admire her perseverance.
If an ordinary person kept this up for a few months, she'd praise their determination.
But her little comrade had been doing this for years.
"To never have to choose to run away when faced with difficulties."
"...That's such a you thing to say."
It seemed that Himeko's transformation into the Herrscher of Flame had deeply affected her little comrade.
But it also moved her.
"Hahaha, then I'll train with you. Let's spar."
"Captain, be careful. I won't hold back."
...
"Su, what should we eat today?"
"Don't ask me. I'm a doctor, so my diet is definitely healthier than yours. You can go to Mei's place for a meal."
"Hey, hey, are you trying to kill me? What kind of friend are you?"
Hearing his good friend suggest he go to Mei's for food, Kevin was not pleased.
Both of them had tried Mei's cooking before.
That day, Su became the laughingstock of the hospital. A doctor, of all people, getting food poisoning.
For a whole month, Su couldn't hold his head high.
"My medical skills have improved a lot. You can rest assured."
"Get lost, you jerk."
...
"HAHAHA—! Fight, fight again! You useless lot, get up and keep fighting!"
Facing a group of new recruits, Kalpas, flames burning around him, roared with manic energy.
He was completely immersed in the thrill of battle.
The new recruits, on the receiving end of his "training," were suffering in silence.
This instructor was too intense. While he knew his limits, getting hit by him still hurt like hell.
...
"It's alright. All suffering will pass. Endure for now, for a better future. Please don't worry too much. Believe in everyone."
"Wuwuwu, Dr. Aponia, I shouldn't have been so pessimistic. I'll go back to training. I'll definitely earn Instructor Kalpas's approval."
"Mm, I believe in you."
...
"Hehe, sister, joining Fire Moth was the best decision you ever made. Otherwise, we wouldn't have time to play outside like this. It's great."
Two pink-haired figures, one tall and one short, walked together. The taller one had drooping, rabbit-like ears.
But the passersby didn't pay much attention. Instead, most looked at Sakura with deep respect.
They recognized her as a MANTIS warrior, a protector of human civilization. Without them, their peaceful lives wouldn't exist.
Sakura had grown used to such gazes.
Now, she felt grateful for trusting Chang Yuan back then.
Otherwise, she'd never have imagined that someone like her, a former assassin, could live so openly under everyone's watchful eyes.
"That's right. So, I'll protect everything we have now."
"Mm-hmm, I believe in you, sister."
...
"Mom, is Dad not coming back today? Today's my birthday."
"Sorry, sweetie. Dad's a captain now. He has to protect other families every day. He's a hero."
"Okay."
Since she hadn't undergone the MANTIS procedure, Griseo could grow up normally.
She was no longer a little girl but was gradually becoming a young woman.