Last time we left off…
Klein left the lab to fetch the two new assistants.
Mobius remained in the laboratory, staring intently at the holographic projection of a genetic sequence.
Unexpectedly, right then…
A purple-haired girl wearing glasses walked in, while Mobius was still lost in thought about what to do next…
"Dr. Mobius."
"Hm?"
Mobius turned her head in mild confusion. Upon recognizing the visitor, a playful smile curled at the corner of her mouth.
"Well, well, what brings you here today? Found some free time?"
She turned around, leaning against the lab bench, the hem of her white coat swaying gently. "Shouldn't you be spending your break looking for your little boyfriend?"
Mei adjusted her glasses on the bridge of her nose. Her long purple hair was neatly tied back, and she wore standard research attire.
"Don't tease me, Dr. Mobius."
She replied with a smile.
Mei was now a rather well-known figure within the base. Despite her youth, her capabilities were undeniable for all to see.
A genius isn't scary; what's scary is a genius who's also hardworking (>_<).
Mei was precisely that kind of person.
She was no longer the girl she once was; her bearing had changed, radiating a certain… confidence.
They say times create heroes, and that's truly the case.
"Young people these days just don't understand the importance of balancing work and rest. Have you been neglecting sleep again recently?"
Mobius scrutinized her.
Mei subconsciously touched the area under her eyes and smiled wryly. "Is it that obvious?"
"Mhm. Take better care of yourself, or your little follower might start worrying about you."
Mobius teased.
"Doctor…"
"Alright, alright. So, what matter is important enough to bring you here in person?"
Mobius turned her head back, her gaze returning to the virtual computer screen.
"It's about the Fifth Herrscher."
"Haven't you all already discussed this? The conclusion was 'cause unknown, continue observation,' correct?"
"Yes, that's right."
Mei smiled. It seemed Klein had reported the meeting results quite thoroughly.
She walked over to stand beside Mobius, her eyes also falling on the virtual screen.
Upon closer look, she also gave a slight start.
"But I still wanted to hear your personal opinion."
Mobius's fingers paused over the controls. She tilted her head to look at Mei. Their eyes met, and the laboratory fell silent save for the soft hum of equipment.
Between clever people, there's no need to beat around the bush.
"Hmm…"
Mobius slowly began, her voice low.
"…To kill a Herrscher in an instant."
"It must be a being more powerful than a Herrscher. Human? Or a Honkai beast?"
"Mei, what do you think?"
"Perhaps it's similar to the Honkai beast that appeared unexpectedly during the Fourth Herrscher incident."
Mei suggested.
"I think… it's not a Honkai beast. It seems more like… a 'person'."
"Why?"
Mei frowned slightly.
"It eliminated the target swiftly and left immediately afterward, without being detected the entire time."
Mobius turned fully to face Mei, looking directly into her eyes. "Do you think that sounds like the mindless beasts we usually encounter?"
Mei contemplated for a moment. "But we cannot rule out the emergence of an intelligent type of Honkai beast."
"You're right."
Mobius suddenly smiled, a smile that gave Mei a faint sense of unease. "But the reason I think this way… is more based on intuition, actually."
"But—"
Just as Mei was about to object, Mobius raised a finger and lightly pressed it against Mei's lips.
"Shh… I know what you want to say, Mei."
Mobius's voice suddenly became soft. "You must understand, sometimes intuition is correct. Especially concerning the things we are dealing with now."
Mei took half a step back, creating some distance. "Then what kind of person could kill a Herrscher so easily?"
"Well…"
Mobius glanced back at the virtual screen.
"We can't do it now. But that doesn't mean we won't be able to in the future."
"Mei, come take a look at my new discovery. I'm sure you'll find it interesting."
Mobius beckoned. Mei said nothing, simply moving a little closer.
"This genetic sequence… I've temporarily named it the 'Harmony Factor'."
…
…
Elsewhere in the base, Klein encountered Vya and the two others.
"So… you two are the new assistants, Fuxi and Nuwa, correct?"
Klein said, looking at the two figures behind Vya.
"That's right, I'm Nuwa!"
Nuwa quickly waved.
"I am Fuxi. It's nice to meet you, Senior."
Fuxi spoke at a measured pace.
"Mhm, welcome aboard."
"But, Vya, why are you here too?"
Klein asked.
"Oh, I met Sister Nuwa and Sister Fuxi. I heard they were looking for Sister Mobius, so Vya offered to show them the way."
"Yes, we really must thank this little sister~"
Nuwa said with a laugh.
"Mhm."
Fuxi also nodded.
"Alright, Vya did very well…"
Klein turned her attention back to Fuxi and Nuwa.
"Before I take you to meet the Doctor, I should first go over some important points with you."
"Okay, okay!"
Nuwa promptly replied.
"..."
Vya watched as the three older girls talked, starting to feel a bit bored.
But she had gained two more sisters, which secretly made her quite happy.
And so, the girls' group within MOTH was almost fully assembled.
Led by Durandal and Carole, with Hua joining in, plus the newly arrived Fuxi and Nuwa, and Pardo who would be arriving here not long after…
…
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