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

[Besides, many people don't want to be your enemy... because if you think about it carefully, you'll understand. Back then, the situation was on the verge of life and death. Everyone was about to be wiped out by the "Ninth Herrscher," but in the end, you stepped forward and defeated the "Ninth Herrscher" in a bizarre yet overwhelming manner... Putting aside your combat strength in that manner, your desire to save others is enough to make people understand your current situation.]

After all... everyone can guess that you couldn't have obtained this power without paying a price.

[And everything you've done before... Your "song" alone has saved many people. In a sense, all the fusion warriors who successfully underwent surgery owe their lives to you. Therefore, no one here wants to be your enemy.]

Even after returning to "Firemoth," no one was willing to identify you as a "Herrscher." Not even the traitor mentioned by the "Ninth Herrscher" was reported to anyone, lest "Firemoth" make any strange speculations.

[Moreover, almost everyone has agreed to call your strange behavior "berserk," speculating that the Honkai Beast genes within you are too active, causing some mutations.]

[Mebius further confirmed this claim after simple experiments, saying that your posture should be a kind of "overweight mutation," or to put it more politely, "artificial collapse." It is a special mutation caused by the overactivity of Honkai Beast genes in the fusion warrior's body and the deep absorption of Honkai Beast genes by the fusion warrior himself.]

This anomaly is enough to allow Fusion Warriors to unleash even greater power, but it's also enough to cause them to lose their minds... Mebius personally demonstrated this, and with everyone's explanations and Alicia's earnest persuasion, "Fire Moth" gradually came to believe that your state was a "man-made collapse," rather than... becoming a "Herrscher."

[By the way, in the process of persuading the "Fire Moth," the one who contributed the most was not anyone else, but Alicia. She seemed particularly concerned about this matter, even showing more care than Eden and Sakura, which made people wonder if she had some secret... But upon closer inspection, she is Alicia, and everything seems to make sense.]

[So, thanks to everyone's efforts, "Fire Moth's" assessment of you is fairly normal... Well, although you exhibit wavelengths similar to those of a "Herrscher," that's only due to the effects of "man-made collapse"... After all, it's an unknown anomaly, so some special circumstances are understandable, right?]

[Not to mention that you not only defeated the "Ninth Herrscher," but also saved the Fusion Warriors on the battlefield, and even left the "Herrscher Core" to "Firemoth"... Apart from the fact that you ran away without returning to the base, everything seems to be fine. You could even say you did a great job, since if you had come back, it might have caused some... well... "minor problems."]

So, let's just say all of this was caused by your "man-made collapse"!

Although it's obvious to anyone with eyes that this explanation is nonsense, it still managed to get by to some extent, and it provides some explanation for your special situation... Moreover, as a major contributor to the "Ninth Herrscher Extermination Campaign," "Moth Chaser" cannot let the warriors down. Responding to the requests of many Fusion Warriors, she began the search and rescue operation for you, and took the opportunity to salvage the wreckage of Mu Continent to see if she could recover some of the losses.

However, on this point, some people have expressed some... rather incomprehensible "dissatisfaction".

[Because these people are criticizing you for not saving the equipment on Mu Continent. You could have calmed the tsunami caused by Mu Continent's fall, but you didn't stop it from sinking to the bottom of the sea... This indirectly led to the loss of a large amount of research results from the "Fire-Chasing Moths," and many of their plans to defeat the Honkai were halted or even completely failed.]

So...it's obvious you have a problem.

To be honest, while this kind of talk has some merit, it's still chilling, even disgusting. It carries a typical "If you've already done this badly, why not do it better?" implication, which is rather nauseating.

Therefore, with the opposition of Wright and other supporting members of the council, as well as Mebius, Alicia, Eden, Sakura, and others, such remarks quickly disappeared from within "Moths of Flames" and did not cause any major impact.

[However, this rhetoric still influenced quite a few people... especially the higher-ups of "Fire Moth." They were just smart enough not to say it outright, because if they really did, it would probably cause dissatisfaction among all the fusion warriors, which could really lead to widespread internal strife, and that was not the result they wanted to see.]

So let's put this matter aside for now, and deal with it after things calm down, or when we find you. Right now, the more important thing is to salvage the remains of the Mu Continent, and... strengthen our combat capabilities.

The "Ninth Herrscher incident" once again sounded the alarm for the "Fire Moths," making people realize that relying solely on fusion warriors is not enough; the power of the "Herrscher" cannot be resisted by sheer numbers of fusion warriors... They need a more powerful, decisive force that can rival the "Herrscher."

So... what kind of power can rival a "Herrscher"?

[Without a doubt, that is another "Herrscher"]

Therefore, the "Divine Key Project," driven by the power of the "Herrscher Core," was launched. At the same time, your ability to construct a "defense circle" using "Song" was also valued by May, who proposed the "Sanctuary Project"... This is a plan that exists as a backup plan, a "fallback" that will only be activated when humanity confirms that it cannot defeat the Honkai.

Although the "Ninth Herrscher Incident" dealt a major blow to the world, and many of the "Fire Moth's" plans were ruined as a result, fortunately, the combat personnel did not suffer too many losses, so everything is still relatively safe... It is the sinking of the Mu Continent that has severely damaged the morale of the people, and the whole world is filled with an atmosphere of confusion and helplessness.

[Please... humanity's research and industrial centers have been completely destroyed, and even the base where the "Firemoth" was located has been blown up in several places... How can anyone cheer up after such a blow?]

[Moreover, a somber and dejected atmosphere permeates the "Moth of Flames"... After all, you are gone. Many who received your kindness and saw you as their "hope" have become depressed because of this. In addition, all the signs in the "Ninth Herrscher Incident" indicate that you seem to be a "Herrscher," which has plunged many people into an extreme state of confusion.]

On one hand, they fear becoming your enemy, fearing that you are truly a "Herrscher," and that they will then go to attack you... If that were the case, they wouldn't even know whether they should raise their blades against you.

On the other hand, they are acutely aware of their duty, knowing that they have a right to punish you... and if you truly become a "Herrscher," giving you a swift and decisive death would be a kind of "relief" for you.

[And many people fantasize, what if you became a "Herrscher" and remained friendly? After all, you never attacked or harmed them...maybe you were still "sane"?]

But soon, everyone will return to the cold reality... None of the previous "Herrschers" showed clear self-awareness; many even disguised themselves, causing even greater destruction... What if you are like that? They can't take that risk.

Furthermore... setting aside the previous Herrschers, the countless casualties caused by the Ninth Herrscher alone, in the face of such a blood debt, do not allow them to act recklessly or attempt even the slightest possibility.

The "Herrschers"...must be defeated!

[But...but...if that "Herrscher" is you...it seems like everyone is hesitant to do it, because so far, you've never harmed anyone, and you've even saved countless people, directly or indirectly. In that case...]

In short, most people maintained similar thoughts, becoming increasingly depressed and their minds becoming more complicated, creating a restless and oppressive atmosphere throughout the "Moths to a Flame" group.

[If even the interior of the "Fire-Chasing Moths" is like this, then the "Deepest Place" must be even worse. Although you rarely go to that place that is known as the "burial ground of darkness and evil," you always ask Aponia to bring your care and special "songs" to the people there from time to time, trying your best to soothe their spirits.]

On one hand, it relieved the pressure on the "Moths of Fire" to watch over them, and on the other hand, it alleviated the various effects of the Honkai Beast genes on them as "failed products"... It can be said that your "song" is a "necessity" for them, your "song" is the only ray of light in their darkness, and only under your "song" can they be freed from the effects of the Honkai Beast genes in their bodies and obtain some peace... And you yourself can be considered their alternative "savior".

So... when the news that you were suspected of being a "Herrscher" by "Firemoth" reached the "Deepest Places," they unsurprisingly launched a riot to protest against "Firemoth's" "unfair judgment."

[It took considerable persuasion from "The Moths of Fire" to convince them that this was merely an unreasonable speculation by a small group and did not represent the overall intentions of "The Moths of Fire"... After much earnest persuasion and Alicia's full-fledged negotiations, the people of "The Deepest Place" finally calmed down again.]

However, what the people of "The Deepest Place," or rather, no one in particular, could not have foreseen was that... this riot in "The Deepest Place" instead aroused suspicion among the higher-ups of "The Moth Chaser."

[Because "The Moth of Fire" suddenly discovered... that your influence within "The Moth of Fire" seems to be too great.]

[Leaving aside the people in the research department, the leader, Mebius, is your friend, and Mebius even has a strong preference for you. Most of the fusion warriors also lean towards you, since your "song" indirectly increased their success rate in surgery. In other words, it was because of you that they were able to successfully complete the surgery and survive.]

[And the equipment research department too. As the head of the department, Velvi is a big fan of yours. She'll drag you along to watch her new magic tricks all the time, and then ask you to come up with a matching performance music for her... When needed, she'll even design a set of equipment just for you. Her regard for you is self-evident.]

[And among the rank-and-file warriors of "Moths of Flame," your reputation is even greater. After all, your "song" has healed countless people infected with Honkai, and you have saved countless people on the Honkai battlefield. Among these rescued people are, to varying degrees, the families of the warriors. They are grateful to you, willing to believe in you, and willing to stand by your side to support you.]

[Besides, among the middle and upper management of "The Moth That Chases Flames," there is also your friend, Congressman Wright, who doesn't even try to hide it, and has very clearly shown his bias and support for you.]

The reason is simple, blunt, and irrefutable—your "song" saved countless lives, you defeated the "Ninth Herrscher," and prevented further disasters caused by the disappearance of the Mu Continent. With such achievements, you should not be labeled an "enemy" based on a vague inference.

Furthermore, Representative Wright criticized "The Moth That Chases Flame," stating that "The Moth That Chases Flame" should not delude themselves into thinking they can recreate the situation of the "Seventh Herrscher," namely Himiko.

Himiko, the "Seventh Herrscher"... Originally a member of the "Fire Moth," she eventually became a Herrscher herself, even burning down the entire Australian continent. For this reason, the "Fire Moth" gave her a bad reputation after their campaign against her. Hua, who was among the survivors of her team, was also targeted and even monitored to varying degrees, and was eventually sidelined, with very few opportunities to return to the front lines.

[Even if Himiko had made any contributions to "The Flame Chaser" in the past, or trained many outstanding combat personnel... all of these were ignored by "The Flame Chaser" simply because she became a "Herrscher" and an "enemy of humanity." Therefore, all her achievements "vanished."]

Therefore... Light will absolutely not allow Himiko's situation to repeat itself in your case.

After reviewing the current situation of "Moth Chaser," the leadership of "Moth Chaser" realized that you had almost "controlled" "Moth Chaser" in a sense. You had a voice in every area, and there were bound to be people who favored you... This was not what they wanted to see.

Perhaps they should reconsider their opinion of you... especially after suspicions arose that you might be a "Herrscher."

However, perhaps it was just too much of a coincidence, but right after the leadership of "Moth Chasing the Flame" made this decision... your "song" traveled on the wind to everyone's ears, carrying a familiar and comforting melody.

Clearly, you were informing everyone of your location, and amidst joy and worry, they boarded their aircraft and headed towards you.

Everyone silently prayed—please don't become a "Herrscher"!

Chapter Sixty-Three: I Will Protect You, My Blood Kin (6730)

"嘤——"

It was a joyful chirping sound.

[Blood relative, singing, beautiful! Skadi, so comfortable!]

"Ha... I'm so glad you like it."

Feeling the joyful emotions emanating from Skadi, and understanding the meaning behind its calls, Xi Wang smiled, reached out and stroked its massive body. In her tired eyes, all she could see was affection and tenderness.

"My [blood relatives]".

[Blood relatives! Happy! Skadi! Happy!]

Skadi happily wiggled her tail fin, rubbing against Xi Wang's palm as carefully as possible, and then opened her mouth to let him touch her pink tongue. As the cool seawater rushed into her mouth, it was rippled by Xi Wang's back and forth touch, causing Skadi to let out another happy cry.

"Alright... Skadi, you should go now, or you'll be in big trouble if my companions find out."

Xi Wang gently patted Skadi's tongue, indicating that it could close its mouth, and smiled as she softly reminded it.

【don't want! 】

Skadi refused the request without hesitation.

[Blood relative! Weak! Skadi! Protect!]

"My companions won't hurt me..."

[Blood relative! Lying! Skadi! I know!]

Skadi responded to Xiwang in a somewhat unhappy tone, gently swaying her tail fin and conveying a message to him with seawater... It was a scene from "before," when Kevin and the others attacked Xiwang... and several times at that.

“There’s a reason for that… Skadi, you saw it too, didn’t you? I wasn’t quite right back then, so it’s understandable that my companions attacked me… Besides, you love two-legged creatures the most, right? Don’t be so wary of them, this time… it’ll be alright, this time everything will be alright…”

【don't want! 】

Skadi's voice carried a hint of sadness, even a faint sob, as she anxiously slapped the seawater with her massive tail fin, like a child.

Blood relatives are important! Blood relatives! Losing them! Dislike them! Skadi! Heartbroken!

"...Okay...don't cry, don't be sad, I'm right here."

Xi Wang gently embraced its massive body, resting her forehead lightly against its head, and softly comforted it.

“I’m right here now, aren’t I? Don’t worry, my… [blood relative].

Manipulating the azure water, I used my own hands to gently caress its body and soothe its restless heart.

[Blood relative, Skadi, protect her!]

"Okay, okay... I love Skadi the most~"

[Blood relatives! I like it!]

Skadi happily wiggled her tail fin twice, conveying a relaxed and cheerful mood... Look, she's still so cute, still so silly. A simple sentence can make her so happy. She's really lovable.

"but……"

Xi Wang's eyelids drooped slightly.

"Skadi, won't you try to persuade me to stay? Maybe... I'll be willing to stay?"

The voice was as soft as water, as gentle as the wind.

"After all... blood relatives are important, aren't they?"

【………】

Skadi was unusually silent for a moment before letting out a soft cry that sounded both aggrieved and reluctant.

Blood relatives, land, home... Blood relatives, liking, land... Blood relatives, companions, on land...

It gently nudged Xiwang, then submerged to the surface, lifting him up so he could ride on its back. It slowly swayed its tail fin, carrying him as it swam leisurely in circles.

[Return to land, blood relatives, wishes, Skadi, blessings]

[Blood relatives, happy, Skadi, happy]

"Is this so..."

Xi Wang smiled, stroked the thing beneath her, slowly lay down on its body, feeling the sound of the waves lapping against her ears, and murmured softly.

"As expected... Skadi is the best."

【Hmm! Skadi! Blood relative! I like her!】

Skadi responded to him with cheerful chirps, wanting to sway her body happily, but quickly became cautious again, and quietly carried him on the sea.