I've already said this isn't a life simulator!

Compared to that, you need to deal with the problem of the Moths that Chase Fire... or more precisely, the problem of their attitude towards you.

Because you, Aponia, and Padofelis have all successfully become "Fusion Warriors," and because of the "abnormality" you possess, Mebius is paying close attention to you, and even seems to be subtly favoring you... This makes the Firemoth feel a sense of unease.

[Then, you encountered Alicia... the girl who had stayed overnight at the church. She also showed you a friendly attitude, which terrified the Flame-Chasing Moth even more.]

To lower their unnecessary guard, you must take action.

First, following "His" instructions, you went to negotiate with a high-ranking official and expressed your willingness to accept command and help the Firemoth fight against the Honkai—provided that the Firemoth's orders do not contradict "His" will.

As a gesture of goodwill, you helped the Firemoth resolve the unrest caused by those "leaders"... Just as you were talking to the Firemoth, all those "leaders" who were either causing trouble outside or enjoying themselves in their strongholds died, burned to ashes by some unknown flame.

[Including the "leader's" confidants and guards, all those who actively participated in the riot and committed unforgivable "crimes" died, turning to ashes in the raging flames and amidst the deafening cries of agony.]

Those who witnessed it all screamed in terror. Those who knew the inside story immediately recognized it as you returning. You were dissatisfied with their rebellion and their "crimes," and thus you brought down the "judgment."

The people hastily laid down their weapons, lay prostrate on the ground, and prayed towards the empty space, their faces filled with terror as they closed their eyes and begged for mercy, hoping you would spare them and not subject them to "judgment."

The riot caused by the "leaders" came to an abrupt end... all the "leaders" died because of your "abnormality," which seemed to have been enhanced by the "fusion warrior surgery."

This strange and powerful force both amazed and terrified the Fire Moths, but considering your apparent goodwill, they decided to accept your offer to join them and fight against the Honkai.

[After that, you participated in several battles and gained the trust of the Firemoth with your outstanding performance... Of course, more importantly, compared to the other two, you were simply too useful and too "obedient".]

Compared to you, Padofelis, also a "fusion warrior"... it's not that she's weak; having undergone the "surgery," she naturally gained superhuman strength. However, her personality and behavior destined her to be unsuitable for combat... After discovering that countless efforts couldn't change her, the Firemoth abandoned the idea of ​​sending her to the front lines and instead put her in charge of logistics.

However, later, Moth of the Flame also discovered that Padophilia was very good at "finding things," so in some operations, she would be assigned to the rescue team and sent deep into the disaster area to find the trapped survivors... and Padophilia did a very good job, so Moth of the Flame was willing to accept this girl who had a little "collecting obsession."

But when facing Aponia... the Firemoth seems quite averse to it.

For some reason, she always seemed to do some inexplicable things, even... an excessive amount of "sympathy." Although later signs indicated that her initial intentions and expectations were good, the results... were still terrible, and even led to several "malicious incidents."

In short, she subjectively intended to do good, but objectively, her actions pushed things in a bad direction... Although she didn't actually kill anyone, it ultimately caused quite serious consequences.

However, even knowing all this, the Moth that chases the flame cannot stop her... because she possesses the ability to "persuade" others, or more accurately, "commandment."

This ability seems to suit you quite well. For example, you can set the "rules" and ensure the "punishment" after committing a "sin," while Aponia can impose "commandments" to ensure that people do not commit "sins"... It can be said to be a very powerful combination.

[But the Firemoths won't accept the two of you acting together, because the restrictions they face are too terrifying... And more importantly, Aponia can restrain, limit, and even... manipulate a person's actions through "commandments," which is far more frightening than your ability to "judge" someone only after they've committed a "sin."]

However, the Firemoths cannot directly attack Aponia... Not to mention the issue of "commandments" they cannot avoid, even if they did attack, they would worry about incurring your hostility... The ability to send down flames and "judge" from thousands of miles away is still somewhat chilling.

[Therefore, the situation has temporarily stabilized... No one from the Fire-Chasing Moths is bothering you, nor dares to.]

However, one day later, a physically and mentally exhausted Aponia found you, confessed her sins, and received punishment from you.

She was really tired and frustrated, with a hint of despair in her expression—you would immediately notice this when you saw her.

She recounts the "sins" she has committed, her slightly vacant eyes fixed on you, never looking away... like someone sinking into an abyss looking at the last glimmer of light, like a sinner yearning for the last remaining ray of redemption; her gaze lingers on you, unable to look away.

It seemed that only in this way could she find some solace and move forward with determination.

You remained silent, simply listening to her outpouring of emotions, and "He"... had no objection to it either.

Immediately, Aponia received her "punishment" from you and bid you farewell... To restrain herself, to appease the Firemoth, and to bring about the inevitable "end," she decided to leave for the "Deepest Place," the place that buries sins, to manage the "sinners" for the Firemoth.

The moth that chases the flame was happy to agree, and you... indicated that you understood.

[After that, your life became regular again... You would get up early to pray, then go out to carry out tasks until you returned in the evening, pray again after dinner, and then go to sleep.]

Compared to the unique and quite active Padofelis and the need for restraint and the terrifying Aponia, you are really "obedient," making the Firemoth feel at ease... As long as their orders do not contradict the will of "He" that you speak of, then the Firemoth only needs to assign you tasks, and you can complete the Honkai Beast extermination and Honkai cleanup tasks perfectly, and even lead the team to resolve them without taking any damage.

[Hmm... Aside from requesting a prayer for the deceased each time you return after completing a mission, you don't have any other unreasonable demands.]

Even on ordinary days, you mostly stay in your room praying, or go to the "deepest place" to talk to Aponia about mysterious topics. Apart from that, the only other time I see you is in the cafeteria during mealtimes.

Of course, you might occasionally find yourself listening to someone's "confession" in the church... Ah, don't worry, this church was converted from a room, a "privilege" you earned from the Fire-Chasing Moth with your combat achievements.

[Thanks to this, your reputation within the Firemoth is still relatively positive... Although you carry the stigma of being the "instigator of the Twilight Street collapse," your achievements are undeniable—as long as you go on a mission with someone, there's no need to worry about casualties; those who follow you will always return unscathed.]

[And you're not really averse to gatherings and socializing. As long as it's not during "prayer" time or when you're carrying out "His" will, anyone can invite you out... Whether it's Alicia, who's loved by everyone, or Mebius, who's feared by everyone, you've never refused.]

In addition, your unusual way of speaking, yet consistently polite manners, makes people feel that you are surprisingly easy to get along with.

[There was even a time when Alicia hosted a party for her friend Eden, and you were pressured by the crowd to sing a couple of lines. Not only did you not complain or resist, but you sang very well and even received praise from Eden.]

[Later, at a birthday party hosted by Alicia for a "fusion warrior" named Kevin, you were also invited and gave Kevin a very unique gift—you held his hand and left a slightly distinct special mark on his palm, indicating that this was a gift for a "hero".]

Then Kevin discovered that the marked hand no longer radiated coldness, but instead became warm... In other words, he could touch his lover, May, again, and hold her hand once more.

[This made Kevin and May very grateful to you, and they expressed their thanks... However, your actions only aroused the curiosity of Alicia and Möbius, especially Möbius, who came to see you several more times, wanting to study you.]

[But in the end, you didn't manage to research much before leaving, and Möbius didn't stop you... because she knew that no one here could stop you.]

It seems that you are thriving among the moths drawn to the flame, under "His" guidance. You have shown goodwill to everyone, and everyone is willing to reciprocate.

However, this idea will soon change... because the "Eighth Herrscher" has appeared.

At this crucial moment, you refused to fight. The reason is simple: "He" did not give the order, so you did not go. No matter how much the people ordered you, demanded of you, or even humbled themselves to beg you, you did not make the slightest move.

[Only then do people realize that the reason you are friendly to them is because "He" allows you to be friendly to them. If "He" does not allow it, or if the commands of the moths that chase the flame contradict "He"'s will, then you will not hesitate to refuse to carry out their commands.]

Faced with the "Eighth Herrscher" who possesses the power of "spirit," Moth had no good solutions and could only search for other methods while heading to the "Deepest Abyss" to ask Aponia for help—she was Moth's only "spiritual fusion warrior" at this time, and the only one capable of fighting against the "Eighth Herrscher."

Although you successfully dealt with the "Herrscher" in the end, people also saw through your "hypocrisy," and your reputation began to polarize.

Some people believe you are devout, and that fighting alongside you is like divine assistance, because there has never been a single casualty in your combat squad—this is undeniable.

Some people think you are cowardly and twisted, only willing to fight Honkai Beasts, but you shrink back when facing "Herrschers" and even fabricate a "god" to evade responsibility, which is undeniable.

[But one thing everyone knows is that they cannot force you. Anyone who tries to force you has been punished by the flames, and they have to admit that they feel safe as long as they are in your squad—because your combat squad has never suffered a single casualty.]

Therefore, every time a mission begins, someone subconsciously prays to be assigned to your team, regardless of whether that person hates you or supports you... Nobody wants to die, right?

[Perhaps that's why they're so eager for you to participate in the "Herrscher Extermination Campaign," because if that's the case... wouldn't the people in your party also be able to complete the battle without taking any damage?]

[You should know that your method of leading battles is like prophecy. You can always know the location of the Honkai Beasts in advance, and you know the places where the Honkai Beasts are concentrated. Even if a powerful Honkai Beast appears, it will be burned to ashes by your flames... This is why everyone says that fighting alongside you is like having divine assistance.]

Because it really feels like there's a "god" guiding you.

[But this time, your refusal to participate in the operation against the "Eighth Herrscher" caused people pain and betrayal. After everyone discovered the "Eighth Herrscher's" powers, they had no choice but to seek Aponia's help... They even began to temporarily recruit people to perform "super transformation surgery" to deal with the "Eighth Herrscher." It can be said that at that time, Moth of the Flame needed Aponia's help and had no choice but to accept her help.]

After defeating the Eighth Herrscher, although Aponia kept her promise and returned to the Abyss, some people still speculated that her absence from the operation was because she already knew about the Herrscher's abilities but didn't tell them, ultimately forcing Moth to seek Aponia's help. This way, Aponia could use this achievement to gain leverage for going out to fight, at least not having to stay in the Abyss indefinitely.

This speculation was accepted by some, but the vast majority didn't care. After all, everyone knew that you were an extremely devout believer, and if "God" really didn't allow you to take action, or didn't tell you about the "Herrscher," then you indeed wouldn't do anything.

[Or perhaps it's because you were tired and weak after launching multiple attacks and using that "precognition" ability that you didn't participate in the "Herrscher Extermination Campaign"? Many people are making excuses for you like this.]

[Although they don't believe this argument either, because if that "precognition" were truly an ability, then it would definitely involve consumption, and consumption would lead to fatigue. And if it were truly fatigue, it would have appeared during your previous high-intensity battles, not just now during the "Herrscher Extermination Battle."]

Although most people don't really care, these remarks have still taken root and left a seed in people's hearts, creating a slight barrier... even if you don't care.

Chapter 18 [Skadi]...That's its name (5868)

[Time has passed, and the "Ninth Herrscher Extermination War" has ended. This time, it's the same; you didn't participate. Although the people didn't say anything, their expressions weren't very pleasant when they faced you. The doubts from before have been nurtured and are sprouting in their hearts.]

After all, this campaign cost the Fire Moth the entire Mu Continent, and humanity's industrial capacity suffered an unprecedented blow.

Even though you were guided before the war, found the Mark to carry out the mission, and left a "mark" on him... thanks to this, the Mark survived the attack of "Heavenly Judgment," but in any case, the Fire Moth still lost its most crucial industrial capabilities, and even its scientific research capabilities suffered a significant blow.

"This loss could have been avoided"—this is the opinion of many.

[With your almost precognitive abilities, Moth of Flame could definitely take down the Ninth Herrscher beforehand. At the very least, you could directly "judge" it, thus avoiding the sacrifice of the entire Mu Continent—many people think so.]

Discussions and discontent about you have begun to spread among the members of "The Moth Chasing the Flame." Although it hasn't been made public, people have started to ostracize you in secret, and there are even many rumors about you...

[For example, the reason why Aponia is the way it is is because of your instigation and indulgence; for example, your previous friendliness was just an act, a "mask" you wore to join them... In addition, Thousand Calamities, who came out of Twilight Street with you, kept causing trouble, and people's suspicions about you became more and more malicious.]

Finally, after an operation targeting a special Honkai Beast... it erupted.

This was a special operation; according to higher-ups, it was a crucial operation to "reclaim the seas."

It is said that after the "Fourth Herrscher Extermination War," the ocean began to change. First, a large number of marine creatures began to kill and devour each other, and wavelengths similar to those of Honkai Beasts quickly appeared. When the Fire Moths tried to eliminate these Honkai Beasts in the sea, they found that the entire ocean seemed to have "come alive," and their movements were repeatedly hindered, to the point that the entire ocean became a forbidden zone.

[Furthermore, the focus was later drawn to the "Herrscher" and various Honkai eruptions on land, which ultimately delayed the operation to "reclaim the ocean" until now.]

Although they didn't understand why the ocean had become much calmer after defeating a giant aquatic Honkai Beast codenamed "Vrona," at least ships wouldn't be attacked by Honkai Beasts within a clear view of land, and they also didn't understand why the Honkai Beasts in the ocean had become unusually rare (but correspondingly unusually powerful)

But one thing they were very clear about—they had to "take back the sea."

After suffering such a devastating defeat as the sinking of the Mu Continent, the Fire Moth desperately needs a major victory to restore public morale. "Reclaiming the ocean" is currently the most suitable option... Defeating just a few powerful Honkai Beasts is enough to regain humanity's initiative on the seas. Compared to the "Herrscher Extermination Campaign," this task is already quite easy.

【The Fire-Chasing Moths can also take this opportunity to go to sea and salvage some remaining fragments of the Mu Continent】

And you, naturally, will be assigned a task... As for whether you come or not, that depends on the situation.

Fortunately, you accepted the mission and participated in the battle... Although your actions have once again attracted gossip, with many secretly accusing you of being a coward who doesn't want to face the Herrschers and only targets Honkai Beasts... However, they dare not say these things to your face.

[As I said before, although rumors about your misdeeds have been circulating among the Firemoths and your reputation has been declining, it must be said that the fact that "your squad has always suffered zero casualties" is enough to shut everyone up, especially during combat.]

This time, the mission entrusted to you by the Flame Chaser is to defeat a Honkai Beast that resembles an "orca"... As for a codename? There is no codename. At least no one has the time to give Honkai Beasts codenames right now. The Flame Chaser desperately needs a quick, decisive victory with a big enough gimmick.

The soldiers assigned to your team seem quite relaxed, since their safety is practically guaranteed as long as they're in your ranks.

However, this campaign... doesn't seem to be going as the Firemoth had anticipated.

--------

tick-

Rain falls from the sky, making a soft sound on the sea surface and stirring up tiny splashes. Soon, the rainwater merges into the vast ocean, becoming part of the azure blue.

The gloomy weather made many people feel depressed, but Xiwang didn't feel that way.

He loved this kind of weather, this slightly damp rainy day, and being in the ocean made the water seem even more abundant, which made him feel happy... as if he should be a fish swimming in the sea, rather than a person standing here with an umbrella.

"........."

Xiwang stood on the ice surface constructed with special equipment, holding an umbrella in one hand and slightly tightening the cross pendant in the other, silently waiting for the arrival of the special Honkai Beast... The Fire Moth had already deduced the route of the Orca Honkai Beast, so it arranged for them to wait here, and "He" also guided Xiwang to this place.

As for why only Xi Wang is here now... all his team members are on the aircraft, providing only remote support, while he is in charge of all other operations.

After all, not everyone is a "fusion warrior".

tick-

The rain continued to fall, and the surrounding "water" conveyed expressions of concern and joy, which Xiwang ignored.

Finally... on the horizon, on the sea, the group vaguely saw the figure of the Honkai Beast... It was indeed an "orca," almost just an "orca" whose size had been enlarged to thirty meters.

Immediately, Xi Wang's strange tricolor eyes, mostly dominated by gold, lit up slightly, like stars twinkling in the night sky.

Flames appeared out of nowhere on its body, scorching it.

"嘤——"

It cried out as if in pain, its voice filled with grievance and confusion, before sinking back into the sea to extinguish the flames burning on its body.