[Honkai energy: 290]
Compared to the initial estimates, Leo could be said to have completely over-fulfilled the mission.
They had cleaned up almost all the [Honkai Erosion Points] in the city center. Now, in the entire [Nagazora City], only the [Honkai Erosion Points] at the edge of the city remained.
As for the school, even though a week had passed, there was still no sound from that side.
Of course, according to MEI's distant relative, the main reason was that the vast majority of students were still having nightmares, and their spirits were completely listless. Precisely because of this, the third-year students had suspended their studies collectively.
Perhaps this year, the third-year students of [Chiba Academy] would have to delay their graduation collectively.
There were, of course, some inhumane parents who, even under such circumstances, still forced their children to go to school, but [Chiba Academy] definitely wouldn't accept them. After all, if a child really died, whose fault would it be?
[Chiba Academy] didn't want cold children to turn into warm compensation money. Therefore, [Chiba Academy] would rather waive a year of tuition fees than let the students return to school... Of course, this was the current situation.
If the recovery situation was good, it was hard to say if there would be new policies.
In short, Leo and the others didn't need to think about school matters for the time being. Although if they were really told to go back to school, they would definitely just drop out directly. The way things were now was actually quite nice.
And with ample time, MEI, based on the information provided by [Higokumaru] and the fact that she herself was the [Herrscher of Thunder], successfully developed the first version of 'Stigmata'.
Of course, insisting on calling this thing 'Stigmata' was still a bit premature.
Its essence was to temporarily absorb and store the surrounding free-floating [Honkai energy], but it was highly corrosive to humans. According to MEI's estimation, an existence that used her version of 'Stigmata', unless naturally gifted, would find it difficult to survive past a year.
One could only say that even with successful experience, many things could only be done step by step. However, since she could successfully handle the prototype, she could always create true [Stigmata] by slowly adjusting it in the future. She might even create [Stigmata] superior to those of the future!
Of course, although the 'Stigmata' she developed now had massive side effects, that was only regarding ordinary people. For her and Kiana to use it, it wasn't a big problem.
After all, Kiana herself was a [Honkai] saintly body and didn't fear [Honkai] erosion at all, while she herself was the [Herrscher of Thunder] and feared it even less.
It was just that Leo and Sakura couldn't use it directly.
—This was also the reason why Leo and Sakura couldn't directly gnaw on [Honkai fragments] raw.
But if it were MEI and Kiana, then [Honkai fragments] would be disposable stimulants. And this 'Stigmata' functioned somewhat similarly to [Honkai fragments], able to serve as a backup mana bar for them.
However, for this 'Stigmata' to charge up to a usable degree, it would take at least ten days or so. In short, it still awaited further development.
***
"Tonight—"
At the dinner table, Leo said, "We will prioritize rescuing Bronya."
After a week of continuous exploration, they had finally found the path leading to the [Gymnasium].
—Whether taking the [Assembly Hall] to go deeper, or choosing the other fork in the [Medical Room], both could reach the [Gymnasium]!
If they took the former, they would run into the [BOSS] guarding the [Treasure Chest] where Bronya was located. Precisely because of this, Bronya hadn't appeared from that side. Although that [BOSS] similarly wouldn't attack Bronya, it would block Bronya, forcing her back into the [Treasure Chest]; it could be said to be fulfilling its duty conscientiously.
As for the [Medical Room] side, there were only two paths.
One led to the [75%] area, and the other was the back door of the [Gymnasium].
But it had to be said, this fork in the road was designed to be extremely confusing. Because if one wanted to walk toward the back door of the [Gymnasium], one had to walk onto a forest path filled with rot.
Furthermore, the rot here didn't mean there was a problem with the monster mechanics there, but that their bodies were literally puddles of yellow sludge. Although there wasn't much of a smell, it caused physiological nausea.
Even for the sake of farming [Imaginary Energy], Leo and the others actually didn't really want to farm such monsters... they always felt the [Imaginary Energy] became smelly because of it!
But Bronya had left information that this was the only path leading over there, so they had no choice but to rely on Kiana's long-range attacks to slowly kill them.
—They weren't like Bronya, able to avoid triggering the attacks of these yellow smelly sludges.
In short, it was only because Kiana's numerical values were already strong enough; otherwise, facing these things, they really would have had a hard time passing through. However, in the end, they successfully arrived at the back of the [Gymnasium].
It was just that after sensing the pressure of the [Gymnasium] [BOSS], they chose to retreat and plan slowly.
—Although this [BOSS] wasn't as terrifying as the [Big Shot Monster], it was still stronger than the [Eye Monster]! According to Leo's estimate, this monster was roughly around the mid-stage of [C-Rank].
Although if they gang-beat it then, they might not necessarily have been unable to defeat it. But Bronya was also still digesting power, so there was no need for them to rescue Bronya ahead of time.
However, calculating the time, tonight should be about right.
At the very least, their side was ready, and there wasn't much room left to improve their combat power further.
"Mhm."
Nodding with slight excitement, Kiana said, "Once Bronya joins the team, we can try to challenge that [Pseudo-Herrscher] tomorrow."
Since three people in the team used blades, she was the only one who didn't count as being countered, so Bronya's firepower support appeared particularly important.
"Finally, we will go clear those few [Honkai Erosion Points] that are slightly further away."
As if they had already rescued Bronya and defeated the [Pseudo-Herrscher], MEI had even planned out tomorrow's final schedule.
"Mhm, if everything goes smoothly."
Nodding, Leo thought the same.
"After that, we can go to [capture] the final area."
Although challenging a [C-Rank] area with [D-Rank] numerical values was somewhat reckless, this also depended on their configuration here.
He and Kiana could act as the vanguards, MEI's numerical values were slightly weaker but could coordinate from the center, and Sakura would act as the assassin, harvesting those with low health. As long as they had Bronya, this firepower point, their small squad could be considered fully equipped.
Even if the [Pseudo-Herrscher] Yuno could stand on their side, they would gain one more [Bond] capable of tanking damage.
It could be said that even facing the [C-Rank] [Big Shot Monster], they wouldn't be without the power to fight.
"At that time..."
Pursing her lips, MEI stated bluntly, "[Nagazora City] will also be safe."
After speaking, her expression couldn't help but be somewhat entranced.
After all, from knowing about the disaster until now, not even a month had actually passed, yet she already saw hope for solving the disaster.
One could only say... he was still the one most capable of creating miracles.
Who could have thought? The guy who was just an ordinary person not long ago now already had the strength to solve this natural disaster?
At the very least, she really didn't believe it at the start, and had made preparations to 'call' [Fire Moth] at any time. She only hoped that before [Fire Moth] arrived, Leo could become a bit stronger, thereby grasping some authority.
But now, she understood that even without calling [Fire Moth] over, they should be able to solve it.
"Don't be too optimistic either."
Noticing MEI looking at him, Leo smiled and said, "After all, there is still Mei's remnant thought waiting for us at the end."
"Although she may not necessarily be very strong, we should still be prepared for failure."
"After all, no matter what is said, that is also a [Herrscher]'s remnant."
"What's more, you should have also felt how powerful the [Herrscher of Thunder]'s strength is."
Precisely because of that power, MEI had crossed into the realm of the [extraordinary]. Furthermore, this power also constantly nourished the [Blade Soul · Herrscher of Thunder] and Leo.
Therefore—
"Indeed..."
Nodding slightly, MEI spoke up: "This is indeed a difficult hurdle."
"The difficult hurdles don't stop there."
Suddenly, Kiana spoke up: "Don't you guys forget that bright moon in the sky."
"That silvery-white moonlight may not necessarily be an old friend."
And as her voice fell, the dinner table fell into silence.
After all, compared to the [Herrscher of Thunder]'s remnant which they understood, the bright moon from that day was obviously more mysterious. Even up until now, they were only certain that thing was related to the [Honkai], but as for what exactly it was, they weren't sure.
Even Leo, this old [Captain], really hadn't seen it before!
Of course, there were corresponding speculations—
"Kiana..."
Gazing at Kiana, Leo said, "Do you really not have even a tiny bit of feeling about that thing?"
"If I did, how could I not say it?"
Spreading her hands, Kiana said with a face full of helplessness, "I can even be certain that thing isn't [Finality]."
"If I had to say, is it that world's... 'Me'?"
Although she said that, she should also have had some resonance with it.
However—
"Alright, I understand."
Seeing Kiana like this, Leo said, "Such hypotheses are meaningless anyway; let's talk about it when we truly face it."
"Anyway, for now, let's just treat it as a Field Spell."
Since hypothesizing was meaningless, then just pretend that thing didn't exist. Anyway, as long as it was an enemy, they would face it sooner or later; being anxious now didn't have any meaning.
"In short, just keep an eye out."
Fortunately, in the [Instance] they had the ability of [Resurrection]. As long as they kept a trump card when fighting the [BOSS], they wouldn't fear being backstabbed by this silvery-white moonlight.
"Mhm."
Nodding, Kiana said, "That's what I meant too."
She was also afraid everyone would ignore this issue, which was why she mentioned it, not because she wanted to spread anxiety.
"Alright."
Seeing everyone had finished eating, Leo stood up and said, "Rest for a bit, then prepare to enter the [Instance]."
As for the matter of [Level Up], he had actually maxed out MEI long ago. The current [Level Up] was merely a release after returning from the [Honkai Domain] every day.
Therefore, this moment naturally counted as rest.
The reason they would [Level Up] before running the [Instance] previously was that Leo would come back and fall asleep immediately the day before. Otherwise, he wouldn't choose to consume his own stamina before battle.
"Today, MEI and I will clean up."
Because he couldn't cook, the aftermath of the meal was generally handled by Kiana and MEI. But after the two sisters, Sakura and Rin, joined, they would sometimes take the initiative to clean up too.
And following the rotation order, it was Kiana and MEI's turn again.
"Mhm."
Regarding this, Sakura was no longer polite.
After all, having gotten along for this week, she had basically figured out everyone's temperaments, understanding that excessive politeness would instead widen the distance between both sides.
Not to mention—
"What did you learn today?"
Watching Leo, who was tutoring Rin, she hurriedly followed.
Although Leo was entirely well-intentioned, and this was also the "tutor" she originally wanted to hire for Rin, she always felt that Rin seemed to be getting closer and closer to Leo.
—No! This wasn't an illusion!
"What the teacher taught today was..."
While flipping through her schoolwork, Rin scooted closer to Leo beside her.
On the surface, she was handing the book to Leo, but in reality, it was hard for her not to be attracted by Leo.
—The modeling advantage was too strong!
Of course, if it were just a modeling advantage, that would be one thing, but she also knew what Leo and the others were doing. And at her age, it was precisely the time for loving fantasies.
After learning that Leo was doing it for the future of humanity, like Sakura, the more she looked at Leo, the more she felt he was great.
One could only say, they truly were worthy of being sisters!
So although she didn't realize her own actions, her body was extremely honest, wanting to get close to Leo.
"This?"
Looking at the content of Rin's schoolwork, Leo's expression couldn't help but be somewhat subtle.
After all, theoretically speaking, if this were [Shenzhou], this content should have been learned long ago.
No!
More accurately speaking, whether strictly middle school or high school, this time should be used for review.
But... what the hell was teaching this now?
Of course, saying that Rin hadn't reached the point of 'involution' yet wasn't quite right either.
It was just that for ordinary children, naturally, only 'Happy Education' was available. Those who really wanted to continue to higher education would run into cram schools after school. They weren't any more relaxed than the children over in [Shenzhou], and even had to spend more money.
One could only say, this was also class stratification.
It was no wonder that fault lines existed in the society here; clearly everyone lived normal lives, yet some could go bankrupt because of a small accident.
—Their ability to resist risk was truly too poor!
"So it's done like this?"
After Leo's guidance, Rin's eyes couldn't help but light up, and she hurriedly nodded to express her understanding.
Although she had serious biases in subjects and needed special methods to learn, with the arrival of [Higokumaru], it was like some part of her soul had been completed. She could interpret the text normally, no longer needing specific methods to understand like in the past.
Therefore, most of the time, MEI guided her homework. It was only when MEI was busy that she would come to find Leo.
Mainly... she couldn't go find Kiana, right?
Thus, with the increase in frequency, she also became more and more intimate with Leo.
"That's right, truly smart."
Although Rin had only done a problem type that couldn't be more basic, Leo wasn't stingy with his praise.
"Brother Leo, are you really treating me like a child?"
Hearing Leo praise her like this, Rin feigned displeasure.
Of course, in reality, those curving eyes of hers had already exposed the true thoughts in her heart.
"Speaking of which, we really are only one year apart; you aren't much older than me!"
Just as she said, she was already considered on the older side for her grade, and counted as having been held back... mainly because she used to have to watch Sakura run around everywhere, and sometimes she would miss the enrollment time.
So although she was still a middle schooler, not a high schooler, she really wasn't much younger than Leo.
"Yes, yes, yes."
Regarding this, Leo did not refute.
Of course, he couldn't refute.
Therefore, he simply shifted the topic.
"By the way, since you have [Higokumaru]'s memories, these questions shouldn't be able to stop you, right?"
"No."
Shaking her head, Rin said with a face full of seriousness: "In that case, it wouldn't be fair to everyone."
"Sigh..."
Meanwhile, a small [Higokumaru] condensed from [Honkai energy] also floated out from Rin's body. She sat on Rin's shoulder, crossing her legs and crossing her arms over her chest, sighing and groaning.
"The past me was truly stubborn, actually wanting me to seal all memories."
Although she said that, from the corner of her mouth that was hard to suppress, one could see she was actually quite proud of this.
After all, no matter what was said, she wouldn't necessarily be able to do it.
So from this point of view, she and Rin really were two different people.
"Alright."
Understanding the reason, Leo looked into her eyes with even more gratification.
"Rin truly is a good child."
After speaking, he couldn't help but reach out and rub Rin's head, feeling the softness of her pink hair.
Different from Sakura, the hair color on her forehead was red, not entirely pink.
"Heh heh~"
Listening to Leo's praise and feeling Leo's petting, Rin couldn't help but emit a comfortable humming sound.
"So—"
After caring about her studies, Leo asked again: "Have you made any friends at school?"
Due to Sakura's work, Rin had actually been in [Nagazora City] for less than a year, counting as a temporary transfer student.
Added to this time point of advancing to higher education, theoretically speaking—
"Only one... should count, right?"
Saying so, she looked at [Higokumaru] sitting on her shoulder.
"Eh?"
Facing Rin's sudden inquiry, [Higokumaru] couldn't help but freeze.
"You and she are friends... you're asking me?"
"Otherwise?"
Pursing her lips, Rin said with a subtle expression: "I don't know what a friend is either... You should know, right?"
"Uh..."
Regarding this, [Higokumaru] also found it hard to give an answer.
After all, regarding her relationship with [Yae Sakura], it was hard for her to summarize it as 'friends'. As for Theresa and Kiana and the others, she personally didn't think that counted as friends either.
So—
"Don't make it hard for her."
Seeing [Higokumaru] fall into deep thought, Leo couldn't help but be amused.
Thinking for a bit, he said to Rin: "Regarding the definition of a friend, you actually don't need to think too much."
"As long as everyone shares similar interests and can chat together, then that is a friend."
"But what if... we don't chat much?"
"Simply feeling very comfortable being together, that is also a type of friend."
Hearing this, Rin immediately understood.
"Yes!"
Hearing Leo say this, Rin hurriedly nodded and said: "It's exactly that feeling."
"At the very least when I am by her side, I feel very comfortable."
"And she draws very well too, just like a professional painter!"
"Painting?"
"Mhm."
Revealing a slightly excited expression, Rin introduced: "She is my deskmate, and often likes to sit in the corner drawing."
"Although I haven't chatted with her much, just watching her draw feels very comfortable too."
After speaking, her pretty face brimmed with a happy smile.
"Is that so?"
Having listened to Rin's account, Leo suddenly suspected if his judgment was correct.
Perhaps... they really couldn't be counted as friends?
But this wasn't the main point; what he cared about more was—
"Can you describe this friend of yours to me?"
"Mn?"
Although somewhat curious about the reason for Leo's inquiry, Rin still obediently answered: "Like me, she is a transfer student, which is why she sits next to me."
"She has sky-blue long hair, wears twin tails, has the look of a shy small animal, and is considerably cute!"
"It's just that she doesn't love to talk much, and only likes to use painting to express her mood."
"But I can be certain, she listens to me speak seriously."
Precisely because of this, she believed she and the other party should be friends.
"Alright..."
Hearing this, Leo couldn't help but ask with a complex expression: "Then is her name... Griseo?"
"Eh?"
Revealing a surprised look, Rin asked with a face full of accident: "Brother Leo, you know her?"
"Tentatively."
Seeing Rin didn't deny it, Leo understood he had guessed correctly.
But... sky-blue twin tails, shy and loves painting; if this wasn't Griseo, who else could it be?
Of course, this was limited to the [Honkai world], and furthermore, the [Honkai world] arranged by his [Tongzi].
It was just... why would Griseo appear here? And should Griseo be this age right now?
Honestly speaking, he couldn't help but be somewhat confused.
But there was one point he could be certain of: [Fire Moth] was not unaware of this place.
After all, Griseo being here could still be called an accident, but Griseo's parents being here too, that would be hard to call an accident.
—Griseo couldn't have suddenly run here alone to attend school, right?
Griseo's mother was Blanca, who used to belong to Mobius's laboratory. Because she had to give birth to Griseo, she temporarily withdrew.
But now that Griseo was already this big, she might not necessarily have not returned.
And Griseo's father was the warrior of [Fire Moth], Hen; in the future, he even became a [Fusion Warrior].
So now, no matter what was said, he should belong to [Fire Moth].
In other words, with such a combination, no matter how one looked at it, it was impossible for them to have come to [Nagazora City] unintentionally and settled here.
Therefore—
"[Fire Moth] has already set its sights on this place?"
MEI, who had finished washing the dishes, revealed a thoughtful expression after listening to Leo's deduction.
"Speaking of which... my father also hasn't had any news, but he said he was in [Nagazora City]."
Connecting it to this, she couldn't help but recall another matter.
"Furthermore, near my home, there is a ruin planning map of the city... It seems the adults are not entirely ignorant!"
After speaking, a glint flashed across her eyes.
"Mhm."
Nodding, Leo said, "Presumably, [Fire Moth] has arrangements here too."
"I'm just not sure if we have already been exposed."
"About this, you can rest assured."
Hearing Leo say this, Kiana patted her chest and said, "Based on my observation, I'm certain we haven't."
"If there was someone who could break through mine and Sakura's perception, that would inevitably be a powerhouse at the [Herrscher] level."
"However—"
"Elysia."
Not waiting for Kiana to finish, Leo said with a complex face, "Don't forget, there is still her."
"No matter how [Fire Moth] makes arrangements, it's impossible for them to call Elysia over right now, right?"
Hearing this, Kiana said with a subtle expression, "Moreover, you also said there are still two [Honkai Domains] unsolved; would she really have time to come over?"
"Not necessarily impossible."
Shaking his head, Leo said, "Although this is just a guess of mine, since [Fire Moth] has arrangements in this city, sending the strongest combat power over at first glance also seems reasonable."
"No."
And at this moment, Raiden Mei spoke up.
"Given Ellie's personality, it's impossible for her not to come find us."
As the contestant who understood Elysia best among those present, she made a definitive conclusion directly.
Admittedly, her memory was indeed missing some parts, but some memories she remembered particularly firmly; even without needing reminders, she could recall them.
Just like matters regarding Kiana; as she left the [Honkai Domain], her relevant memories gradually awakened.
And Elysia was similarly an extremely important partner of hers, so naturally, she wouldn't forget.
Of course, Bronya and the others were the same logic.
"That is true too..."
Hearing Raiden Mei say this, Leo thought about it and felt it was reasonable.
After all, with this Miss Pink Elf's personality, after seeing them, there was no reason not to come over and get to know them.
Furthermore, this was under the premise that Elysia didn't have memories of the future. If she obtained memories of the future, she would probably take the initiative to come over upon seeing MEI.
Not to mention, their side still had Kiana, an existence who would only appear in the future.
So—
"Then let's not worry about this matter for now."
After all, even if they were exposed, it would be strength doing the talking when the time came.
Thinking of it this way, he was relieved.
Not to mention, with the wisdom of Mobius and the others, after believing their description of the future, they definitely also knew to stay away from the higher-ups of [Fire Moth].
Therefore, perhaps they were only afraid of letting the higher-ups of [Fire Moth] know of their existence, but not afraid of letting Mobius and the others know.
"Mhm."
Nodding, Kiana said, "We'll just maintain normal defenses. If we really are exposed, with our current strength, we will definitely be treated as honored guests."
"After all, MEI also said that she counts as the strongest within '[Toxic Pupa]'."
"That's right."
Agreeing with Kiana, Sakura spoke up: "Although being discovered now is still a bit early, even if discovered, those people wouldn't dare do anything to you."
"They can only politely invite you into [Fire Moth]."
"That's true..."
Hearing Kiana and Sakura say this, Leo finally reacted. He was long since no longer the ordinary person from before.
But a powerhouse capable of fighting a warrior of [Fire Moth].
Of course, if he were to face Elysia, he definitely had no hope... Elysia was still too overpowered.
But under normal circumstances, he simply didn't fear any opponent.
It was just that if he wanted to achieve a cleansing of the higher-ups, with his current strength, he obviously couldn't do it yet.
So... he still had to accumulate more!
"By the way."
Turning his head, he looked at Rin and asked, "If you have time, can you let Griseo come to the house to play?"
"Eh?"
Because the topic changed too fast, Rin couldn't react for a moment.
However—
"Y-Yes!"
Being able to invite a friend to play at her own home was a rare experience for her too, as well as one of the wishes she wanted to realize.
After all, she had lived a wandering life with Sakura since childhood, rarely able to settle in one place for long.
So although it wasn't that she completely lacked friends, it was almost always hard to deepen the friendship.
—Griseo was the friend she had known for the longest time!
Therefore, if she could invite her friend home, this was undoubtedly a considerably happy thing for her.
At this moment, her small face brimmed with an excited expression.
"Start with Griseo first."
Seeing Kiana and the others looking at him with subtle eyes, Leo muttered to himself while stroking his chin, as if he hadn't seen it: "Then meet her father once."
"He is an existence who can become a [Fusion Warrior] in the future, so his current strength shouldn't be weak either."
"Only by figuring out his strength can we have an estimate of [Fire Moth]'s overall strength."
"That being said—"
"Tell us if you have ideas about Griseo or not!"
Not confused by Leo's muttering, Kiana asked the most critical question right off the bat.
"Uh..."
Facing everyone's interrogating eyes, Leo's gaze shifted slightly, and he nodded: "Yes."
"Hmph!"
Lightly snorting, Kiana said, "Then what's the point of saying all that nonsense?"
After speaking, she rolled her eyes at Leo.
"Mn?"
Seeing Kiana didn't have an opposing opinion, Leo's expression couldn't help but be somewhat subtle.
"I thought you would think your objection would be useful."
Understanding Leo's meaning, Kiana pursed her lips and said, "Besides, we know you aren't the type to mess around or force things."
"So as long as the person involved doesn't object, what reason do I have to object?"
As for age... Leo wasn't old right now either!
"...Mhm."
After being silent for a moment, Leo nodded slightly.
However—
"But those reasons of mine are also serious."
"After all, this world seems to have undergone strengthening; it's only natural that they would become stronger too."
To say he was completely paving the way for himself to see Griseo just now was not entirely making excuses either.
What kind of strength the people of this world possessed was also something he cared about.
Exceptions like Sakura naturally had no reference value.
Only a warrior within the average line like Hen could truly measure [Fire Moth]'s combat power.
"Yes, yes, yes..."
However, regarding this, Kiana didn't care.
And on the other side—
Brother Leo... is interested in Griseo?
Liberated from petrification gradually, Rin revealed an extremely complex expression.
Then... what about me?
Gazing at Leo's handsome side profile, she fell into deep thought.
________________________________________
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