43. Dark Seele and the Unsealed X-10 Experiment
In the world of Honkai, being a protagonist without a split personality? You'd be too embarrassed to even lift your head in public.
Practically every girl Gao Qi knew had a second personality.
There was Fu Hua's "Little Knowledge Gem," Kiana's Herrscher of the Void, Mobius with her rebellious memory backup, and even Bronya had her "Black Duck" mode.
But the "Seele" standing warily before Gao Qi was, in contrast, the most ordinary, most standard bearer of a dual personality.
"You really did know about my existence all along. This power... you have a Herrscher's power, yet you're not a Herrscher. In any case, you're dangerous!"
Her originally deep blue hair had turned red-black, and her ocean-blue eyes seemed filled with blood. The aura Seele gave off now was completely different.
She seemed like the other side of the original Seele—no longer timid and cowardly, but instead carrying a hint of madness. She bared her teeth at Gao Qi and raised her hands, like a small beast putting on a fierce front.
But Gao Qi knew this wasn't just bluster. The power of the Stigmata flowed within Seele's body, concealing knowledge and Honkai energy.
The Stigmata Project. Before Gao Qi's last simulation ended, Mobius was already considering this plan. She and Mei began attempting to transcribe knowledge, technology, and power into human genes, using this method—different from creating MANTISes—to enhance humanity's overall strength. They succeeded, but time didn't allow the new generation of warriors to grow up.
And if the two realized the Previous Era absolutely could not defeat the Honkai, they would prepare this "gift" for the humans of the next era's civilization.
Within Seele's body lay the memory of hatred for the Herrscher of Death. Facing Gao Qi, Dark Seele clearly knew that the so-called "sense of familiarity" was actually more like a hunter's desire for prey.
"Is that so? It seems you do know quite a lot. Then you should understand, the 'demon' Seele mentioned wasn't Bronya, but you, right? That group of mercenaries... how many did you take care of?"
Crossing his arms, Gao Qi's large hand instantly became a blur, lightly tapping Dark Seele on the top of her head. Dark Seele tried to block it, but how could this youngster match the experience of an old Herrscher like Gao Qi? She still got a flick on the forehead.
"Ouch!"
Clutching her slightly aching forehead, Dark Seele glared fiercely at Gao Qi. Crimson light swirled around her, but seeing the Stigmata of Death on Gao Qi's chest, shining even brighter than her own, she wisely refrained from acting.
Her primary purpose for existing was to protect Seele. Herrschers and Honkai matters were none of her concern. And this man before her was genuinely good to Seele. They truly had no conflict—it definitely wasn't because she couldn't win!
"Hmph, I'm no demon. I'm Seele's protector, guarding her from being bullied by you bad guy."
However, even knowing she couldn't defeat Gao Qi, she maintained her hostility, eyeing him warily while uttering threats.
"Tell that rotten brat Sin Mal to stay away from Seele. If she dares to mock Seele or humiliate her to her face again, I'll break her teeth and snap her fingers!"
To this, Gao Qi merely smiled faintly and shrugged.
"If you care for her so much, why hide within her heart all the time, being a lingering spirit, a voice that troubles and confuses her? Seele... you aren't just 'another her.' If you want to help her, you need to come out yourself."
Calling out the name identical to Seele's with a smile, Gao Qi's large hand once again came down on Dark Seele's small head, giving it a firm, unresisting rub.
"You—don't call me Seele! I don't want to share the same name as her. I am her..."
Shaking her head, Dark Seele acted disgusted, but Gao Qi knew she liked this name. She also wanted to be treated as Seele.
"Enough with the tsundere act. Say that to Seele herself. Tell her you are also Seele, that you are her friend, that you want to protect her. Make it clear. This is an issue between the two of you."
As he spoke, Gao Qi snapped his fingers.
"If you need help with anything, you can ask me. Later, I'll need you to do something. For now... you two can have a good talk."
The next second, the power of the Stigmata of Death was suppressed by Gao Qi's similar power. The other half of Seele's body, from hair to eye color, suddenly reverted to its original sea-blue. One half red, one half blue—a perfect match.
"Huh?"
Seele came to her senses, opening her mouth, but two different voices emerged. One came from her vocal cords, the other seemed to materialize out of thin air.
Seele looked at her hands in surprise, then raised her head, catching her rather peculiar reflection in the windowpane.
In the past, she always knew there was "another me" hidden within her body. She would occasionally emerge, sometimes even taking control, hurting others.
Seele was afraid of hurting more people, which made her even more withdrawn and timid. Dark Seele, in turn, worked even harder to protect her. This vicious cycle would take a long time to break—but breaking it a little earlier couldn't hurt, right?
"Alright, Seele. Have a good talk with Seele. Pour out all your gratitude, or complaints and dissatisfaction towards her over the years. Honestly, I still hope you two pick different names."
With that, Gao Qi simply reached out, scooped Seele up in a princess carry, and amidst the struggles of her left side and the obedient snuggling of her right, carried the two little princesses sharing one body into the bedroom.
[You didn't participate in the two Seele's conversation, but afterward, Seele seemed to become much more cheerful.]
[Seele became even more attached to you. Whenever Bronya was gaming, she would burrow into your arms and sulk. At these times, Dark Seele would occasionally flash red eyes to glare at you.]
[Bronya became obsessed with games and also began rapidly learning about the outside world through the internet. She gradually opened up, learning to smile and how to interact with others. This change even pleased Cocolia.]
[Although her gaming addiction and frequent skipping of dinner were quite troublesome for you, Bronya quickly figured out your weakness. Every time she wrapped her arms around your waist, looked up with a sweet smile, and acted cute, your melted heart could only allow her to play for "one more hour."]
[Under your guidance, many of the children's minor flaws were gradually corrected. Compared to "Mommy" Cocolia, they preferred clinging to "Dad." This even made Cocolia a little jealous.]
[However, you and Cocolia grew increasingly in sync. She was convinced you truly loved the children as much as she did, trusted you deeply, and grew accustomed to your presence.]
[Raven completely fell in love with this job, caring for every child. From initially gritting her teeth for the sake of her cover, to later habitually calling you "bro," Raven even grew accustomed to existing as your "little sister."]
[Of course, this was also related to your "big brother" care. If the children got gifts, Raven naturally got one too. She refused a few times but eventually accepted after your persistent coaxing.]
[Bit by bit, Raven genuinely began to trust you as an older brother. Though not the biological brother she longed for day and night, whenever she had troubles, whether with the kids or work, she would always come to you to talk.]
[However, when you went out shopping with her or dragged her to town, you could still notice someone making contact with her, seemingly exchanging information.]
[You knew Raven couldn't sever ties with World Serpent, but you didn't interfere.]
[And so, a year passed. It was the summer of 2013, sweltering hot. You promised the orphanage kids a trip to the beach.]
[One day, just after you finished making dinner for the children and were bringing a portion to Cocolia, you heard arguing from inside the room. It was Raven questioning Cocolia.]
"You lunatic! Cocolia, what's this about the X-10 Plan? Your fox tail is finally showing, huh? You plan to use the children for experiments!"
"Natasha, let's not discuss first whether you, as a subordinate, have the right to question me, or where you saw my experimental plans. But I'm doing this to save more children! Don't you know ninety percent of the children we rescue die from Honkai erosion? The children surviving in the orphanage now all have good Honkai energy adaptability. Don't you want all children to have that?"
"Bullshit! You know full well this experiment is extremely dangerous with no safety guarantees! Yet you're going to take Bronya there to die! How dare you still call yourself their mother!"
"Do you think I want to?! Only girls this age can provide sufficient data! If I were still in my teens, I could undergo the experiment myself instead of letting them take the risk! Don't you know how much I love them?! I'll tell Bronya the risks and benefits, let her know why we're doing this. Are we supposed to just watch those infected children die?!"
"Pah! That's no excuse to sacrifice other children! They trust you so much, how could they possibly refuse? You sanctimonious hypocrite!"
The argument inside the room was audible in the hallway. Gao Qi stopped outside the door, silently waiting for the furious Raven to storm out.
"Zero, were you listening just now? Cocolia, she—"
Seeing Gao Qi, the anger on Raven's face faded slightly. Over the past year, she had grown to trust Gao Qi enough, believing he wasn't in cahoots with that woman Cocolia.
The next moment, she was gently pulled into Gao Qi's embrace. Long accustomed to this, Raven didn't resist much.
"There, there, calm down, Natasha. You go take care of the children first. Leave this to me. I'll have a good talk with her."
Patting Raven's back, Gao Qi soothed her a little, then gently pushed the door open and entered the office.
Inside, Cocolia was rubbing the bridge of her nose, sitting miserably in her office chair. The anguish on her face, even when she looked at Gao Qi, was impossible to hide, devoid of her usual composure.
Gao Qi sighed, looking at this complex, crazy woman who, like Otto, lacked Otto's capabilities—you blondes really leave one speechless. Might as well learn from Bianka; having an empty head is just fine.
"Mom, I think we need to have a good talk."
Note: I'm new to translating so please be kind and tell me any mistakes you all find, I will try to release a chapter a day but don't expect much
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Raw: 崩坏模拟器,你找的人是我么?