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

Xi Wang gently gestured for silence and softly reminded him.

"........."

"Kevin, let me give you a little reminder."

Seeing Kevin fall into a long silence, Xi Wang smiled happily.

"To eliminate the Honkai, save humanity, and continue civilization—this is the core principle of 'The Moth Chaser.' Everything we do is for this goal. To achieve this goal, any sacrifice is acceptable, any price is worth paying, and this applies to everyone."

"So... do you understand now, Kevin?"

"........."

"It's all for humanity, Kevin."

"Why……"

"Well?"

"Why... can you say such things so calmly?"

Kevin's voice was filled with sorrow... He suddenly understood why Mebius had been annoyed by Xiwang's attitude.

This disregard for one's own life evokes both pity and... anger.

"Why can you still say 'It's all for humanity'? Why can you say it so casually? If I were in this situation, I wouldn't even know what to do, or how to cope..."

Everything was done for the benefit of everyone, everything was done for humanity, but a single act of "suspicion" destroyed everything. The "trust" was gone, and now, no matter what you do, you will be criticized and suspected. The "trust" has been utterly shattered and can never be rebuilt...

And all of this is because of that high-sounding statement—"Herrschers" must be "punished," and it's all for the sake of humanity.

...Just thinking about this makes Kevin feel like he's going crazy.

"...It's so good, Kevin. Seeing you like this really gives me a sense of reality, a sense that... I've really changed a lot."

Xi Wang leaned closer, her eyes, as bright as stars in the night, meeting his gaze with gentleness, comfort, and a touch of...joy.

"You're not that cold and aloof anymore...that's good."

"Dawn..."

"Okay, I'll answer your question. Of course, in exchange, you'd better answer my question properly too, okay?"

Xi Wang shook her head and said softly.

"Because... I'm really happy to have met Eden, to have met Sakura, to have met... all of you."

"[This time], you stood by my side, supported me, and protected me... I am really happy."

"So... if you're wondering why I can say this so easily, it's because... we are [human beings], aren't we? In order to continue, in order to survive, someone always has to sacrifice, someone always has to make a sacrifice."

"If my life alone could save the future of countless people, then... I would be very willing to do it."

"Ah, of course, if there's a way to have the best of both worlds, I'll definitely try my best—after all..."

After a moment of silence, Xi Wang laughed again.

"I don't want to die either, do I?"

"I want to continue to stay by their side."

"........."

"Now, Kevin, can you answer me?"

"........."

Kevin gripped the flaming sword in his hand, slowly closed his eyes, and spoke softly.

"If that day ever comes..."

His voice trembled.

“I will [punish] you, Xiwang.”

"very nice."

Xi Wang gently hugged him... His body was cool, and she believed that it would be very comfortable to hug him in the summer.

"If that day ever comes, I'll be counting on you, [Great Hero]."

"........."

tick-

"Hey, don't cry. What's a grown man like you doing crying... Really, you're not the same as before. Tears don't freeze, you know?"

"Sorry……"

"Alright, alright, let's go~ It's time to go back~"

"it is good."

…………

………………

"came back?"

"Hello, Dr. Mei!"

"Sigh... I really don't know why you can still laugh... Never mind."

Mei pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed helplessly.

"The discussions within 'Moth Chasing the Flame' about your problem have become increasingly intense... You know, we must resolve this issue, so..."

"Yes, I know, I need to be [detained], right?"

"……Correct."

Mei's voice was filled with deep weariness.

"This is the best outcome we could achieve for you... at least it can prevent you from being directly [punished]."

"Thank you~"

"As for where you are being held... on the moon, you... should know that, right?"

"Yeah, I know. After all, my powers are wind and water, which are too dangerous on Earth... I'd be useless if I were just thrown onto the moon, right?"

Xi Wang tilted her head and said with a smile.

"Congratulations, Dr. Mei, your preparations have come in handy as promised."

"……Oh, yes."

Mei's words were increasingly heavy with weariness.

"Now, little lab rat, you should tell me, right? What do you want to do with our [help]?"

Beside him, Mebius, his face grim, asked in a low voice.

"And...don't you have anything to say to us now?"

"Of course, Dr. Mebius."

Xi Wang responded softly.

"Dr. Mebius, I hope you can research how to surgically remove the [Herrscher Core] normally... and make sure it's done while the [Herrscher] is still alive?"

"...Huh? Hey?"

"As for the [materials] to try... you'll have them later."

"Um?!"

Möbius narrowed his eyes, lost in thought.

"Dr. Mei, although I'm going to be detained soon, I hope... no matter what happens afterward, you can tell me, or at least communicate with me, okay? That way I'll know if there's anything I can do to help."

"Sure, it's not difficult at all..."

Mei nodded, then frowned as she thought of the "Moths of Fire" and spoke in an uncertain tone.

"……perhaps."

"As for the information about the [Herrscher] that you are concerned about... I can tell you a little, but I won't go into too much detail."

"Why... Oh, I see... Tch, those guys are just causing trouble, you tell me, little mouse."

Mebius frowned subconsciously, but quickly realized that Xiwang was worried about the higher-ups of "Moths of Fire".

If they learn detailed information about the [Herrscher] from Xiwang, they will definitely take action. At this point, the people of "Fire Moth" will definitely notice their actions and then... do something not so good.

In addition, there is another problem: Xi Wang must have considered his current experience. If their actions cause those who have not yet become Herrschers to go through Xi Wang's experience again and be suspected and distrusted by everyone... that could easily cause some problems and even lead to some "tragedies".

You have to understand, no one else has as many supporters as Xi Wang...

Tsk... Damn it, those "Moths of Fire" higher-ups are just causing trouble. If it weren't for this "suspicion incident," Xiwang might have told them the detailed information.

"First of all, I can tell you that there are a thousand [Tenth Herrschers], and note that there are a thousand [Herrscher Cores]. You must find them all. Although I have taken some precautions, I am not sure if those [Herrschers] will become stronger as a result."

"Secondly, the Eleventh Herrscher. I haven't been involved much with it before, but it's dangerous, especially for Fusion Warriors... If you find it, please let me know and I'll help."

"........."

May and Mebius looked deeply at Xiwang... Even if he were imprisoned on the moon, could he still help?

But they didn't speak, because at least for this moment, they believed in Xiwang.

"Finally, [Twelfth Herrscher]... I hope you will do everything in your power to save her, and especially not kill her."

"……Can."

Mei pondered for a moment, then nodded... She vaguely guessed that this [Twelfth Herrscher] must be someone Xi Wang knew.

"I have another question... How can you guarantee that these [Herrschers] are all the people you envisioned? Guinea pigs?"

"Because [Fate] is trying to correct everything back to the beginning, Dr. Mebius."

"...Don't try to be like Aponia, your rambling nonsense is giving me a headache."

"Okay~"

"So what about the [Herrscher] after that?"

"........."