After spending the day training Taixuan Blade Mantra with Hua, Silas didn't expect immediate breakthroughs. Still, he could clearly feel his control over Honkai energy improving.
Was it because he was now a Herrscher?
Mobius's tests had already confirmed that he was an as-yet-unawakened Herrscher. He had the body of a Herrscher, the resistance of a Herrscher—yet lacked the innate control over Honkai energy that Herrschers normally wielded.
From what he knew, most Herrschers manifested their mastery through their authorities. Elysia was a rare exception.
As for him, his authority had all but been confirmed as the manipulation of time and space. But according to calculations, his authority would only unlock with the appearance of twelve Herrschers.
Which meant, for now, he couldn't rely on authority to command Honkai energy.
In his past life, wielding Honkai energy had come to him almost instinctively, like second nature. Right after undergoing surgery and fusing with Agni, his control over flame had been effortless. It was as if fire simply bent to his will.
But now… he couldn't do a thing.
Strange. If Elysia, a Herrscher herself, could condense crystalline flowers from Honkai energy, why couldn't he?
Maybe he just hadn't grasped the proper way to channel it. Not that it mattered—he was learning Taixuan Blade Mantra now.
After feeling the Honkai energy circulate through his hands, Silas decided to end the session. "That's enough for today, Hua. Let's head to the cafeteria."
"Mm." Hua nodded. She watched his hands, thoughtful. His progress in Honkai control was undeniable—faster than even what she'd managed in her previous life.
"After all, Silas isn't like me," Hua thought. "He's more like a chosen hero. Even beginning Taixuan Blade Mantra right before adulthood, he'll surely master it in no time. The world needs his strength, and he has chosen to protect it. For our world to have someone like him… we are truly fortunate."
Though, those who had been cut down by Silas in the past—or would be in this life—would probably disagree.
As a transmigrator, Silas could do what others could not. Detached from this world, he had always acted with the cold perspective of a god, making the most rational choices.
If forced to choose between two ships—one carrying elites of society, the other crowded with common folk in far greater numbers—he wouldn't hesitate. He'd personally sink the second ship. Without a shred of doubt, without a flicker of guilt.
Ask him to empathize? Please. He was alone in this world. He had no family here.
And without ties, he was without restraint.
That was the truth of his past self. But in this life… he turned back and realized, without knowing when, he had already become deeply entangled with this world.
With Elysia and the other Flame Chasers. With Lilith and the thirteen Fallen Angels. With others whose fates had crossed his own.
That was why Vincent's sacrifice shook him.
That was why, when Dystopia opposed him and urged him to ask Mobius to attempt something nearly impossible—something that was almost certainly a waste of time—he agreed.
He had once been warm, passionate, and kind. But that was when he was still young. After watching life and death again and again—after failing to confess to Elysia and then exiling himself to Europe—his mindset had completely changed.
Merciless methods, because they were the optimal choice.
Sacrificing innocents, because they would die to the Honkai sooner or later.
But now, he felt fragments of his younger, naïve self returning.
When he and Hua arrived at the cafeteria, Elysia had already found a table and was waving. "Silas, Hua—over here, over here!"
Silas glanced at the seats and naturally sat down beside Elysia. Looking at her, he asked, "The others aren't here yet?"
"Mm… Sakura went to pick up Rin. They'll be a little late. Felis dragged Kosma along to fetch Dystopia from Mobius, so maybe Mobius herself will come and join us for dinner later. As for Kevin—" Elysia smiled mischievously, "—I already sent him off to dine with Mei. With Mei's personality, it's better to leave Kevin there for one more round of experiments than have her come here for dinner with us."
Silas: "…"
With a girlfriend like this, Kevin really had it rough.
Then again… at least Silas didn't have to worry about his blockheaded brother's survival for now.
As long as he didn't eat Mei's cooking, anyway.
"Oh, right! I already told Sakura that I'll be joining you when you play games with Rin later" Elysia rested her chin on her hands, smiling sweetly. "And just so you know—I'm actually really good at games too"
Of course you are, Elysia… Silas thought helplessly.
That Sakura agreed didn't surprise him either. It was Elysia, after all. In their past lives, she had even been willing to shoulder all the blame just to help Sakura rescue Rin. Any request from Elysia, Sakura was basically incapable of refusing.
Not to mention… Sakura seemed a little nervous about being alone with him.
Silas had no idea what that was about. Whatever. Let them do as they pleased—he'd just keep playing the role of the indifferent bystander.
A little while later, Mobius did in fact arrive with Pardo, Kosma, and Dystopia in tow. Kosma and Dystopia stood on opposite sides, carefully avoiding each other's eyes. Mobius, on the other hand, naturally slipped into the empty seat right beside Silas.
Pardo: "…"
Wait—since when does Snake act like this? With her personality, shouldn't this be… impossible?
Kosma glanced over the seats, sneaking a quick look at Dystopia. He was trying to figure out where to sit. The truth was, he wanted to ease the tension between them. Walking together without speaking, without even looking at each other—it felt so unnatural.
But if he sat directly next to her, wouldn't that make his intentions too obvious? She'd definitely say something like:
"Oh my, didn't you tell me before that we should go our separate ways? And yet you still can't manage without me, can you, Kosma? How cute~"
Just imagining it made his scalp tingle.
While he was still hesitating, Dystopia casually pulled Pardo down beside her, signaling with her eyes for Pardo to follow her lead. She didn't spare Kosma even a glance.
(Damn. They've already taken their seats… I have to choose quickly. If I hesitate too long, it'll just look suspicious…)
Kosma looked at the three seats left. Two were reserved for Sakura and Bell. He and Rin at least had something in common—gaming. That was fine, right? He could always invite Rin to sit next to him when she arrived.
Besides, he liked kids. Sakura would definitely understand.
(Yeah… that works. If Dystopia asks later, I'll just explain it that way.)
With that thought, Kosma took the seat beside Pardo.
Pardo: "…"
I don't really get it, but I feel like I shouldn't be sitting here.
Silas: "…"
Kosma, the way you and Dystopia are acting… what is this? Are you two trying to reenact some kind of "Dystopia-sama: Love Is War" drama right in front of me?
________________________________________
15+ advanced chapters available on Pat/NoobyIdiotka