I am, Flame-Chaser of Previous Era

Chapter 92: Congratulations

Chapter 92 - Congratulations

Considering the Previous Era survived until the Herrscher of the End, the fusion warrior project was always Ryan's most important research. Without it, human civilization would have ended during the Seventh Herrscher's reign.

He'd been in this world for over 20 years, not only participating in theoretical research but also personally battling Herrschers, understanding Honkai's targeted nature.

Therefore, relying solely on scientific research wouldn't work. Before humanity could develop an Ark to escape, they'd be annihilated. To survive this catastrophe, they needed to seize the momentum.

The best approach was to proactively embrace Honkai.

Due to Ryan's influence, Fire Moth's internal resistance was gone. Mobius could finally work at full capacity, but the impending breakthrough was beyond expectations.

They entered the deepest laboratory; Klein was comparing data. Seeing them, she bowed politely. Ryan returned a nod; Mobius ignored such formalities.

She simply pulled Ryan's arm, dragging him towards a specimen preservation room.

"Hurry, you'll be awestruck by the miracle of life once you see it."

Feeling the friction of her ample chest against his arm, Ryan raised an eyebrow, thinking that Mobius, with her regal demeanor, was like a little girl eager to show off her favorite toy.

Fine, satisfy your exhibitionism.

Ryan feigned excitement, being pulled to an electron microscope. He peered into it, his expression becoming increasingly focused.

"What do you think?"

"Two types of genes have reached a stable state. The Honkai factor no longer has corrosive properties; it's like it's contained. This is the foundation. It ensures humans won't become zombies, yet they'll retain the ability to control Honkai energy."

Having spent so long beside Mobius, Ryan had become a biology expert. The image under the microscope couldn't fool him; he looked up in amazement.

"You succeeded."

His gaze swept over Mobius; her initial awkwardness gave way to a triumphant smile. She flicked her long hair proudly.

"Ha ha, that's a given for me. Of course, this is only preliminary success."

"Preliminary?"

"Yes, I need to solve two things." Mobius paced back and forth, extending two fingers. "First, the side effects of High-Rank Honkai Beast integration aren't completely suppressed; it causes some mutations in humans. Second, the Supervariable factor remains unstable, requiring extremely complex surgery."

"I thought copying this factor and injecting it would solve the problem."

"It's not that simple, at least not yet." Mobius rolled her eyes at Ryan, continuing, "Animal testing is complete, and preliminary human testing has been... conducted on me..."

"What? You used yourself as a test subject? Are you trying to die?"

Before he finished speaking, Ryan had pulled Mobius close, frowning, his grey eyes filled with anger and concern. Compared to him, she looked slender, almost swallowed by his embrace.

Her chest pressed against his, rising and falling with her breath. Their eyes met; Mobius's green eyes held a trace of surprise, but upon closer inspection, her pupils seemed to have become vertically slitted, like a snake's.

Ryan watched those snake-like eyes shift from surprise to amusement, finally tinged with a hint of teasing, before instinctively releasing his grip on her shoulders.

"Ahem, I apologize for my outburst. However, if you die, I'll be greatly inconvenienced."

Only inconvenienced?

Mobius raised an eyebrow, gently rubbing her shoulder. Ryan had gripped her firmly, causing a slight ache, but this was an instinctive reaction, devoid of any pretense.

She reflected on the moment—physical pain, yet spiritual satisfaction. This illogical contradiction made her murmur.

"Actually, the feeling of being cared for is quite nice."

"What did you say?"

"I said, do you think I'm stupid? I wouldn't use myself as a test subject without being certain of success. Unlike your brute force approach, every step is meticulously calculated." Mobius lifted her chin, a smug, mocking expression on her face.

This woman really is incorrigible.

Ryan gritted his teeth, his expression turning cold. "So, the results?"

"I used a special 'Honkai Beast' as material. Of course, the level of that Honkai Beast is insufficient for me; I only verified the possibility. The results..." Mobius covered her face; her snake-like eyes, peeking from between her fingers, had an eerie allure.

"It's amazing! My stamina and spirit have greatly increased. It's been five days and twelve hours since I've eaten or rested, and my aging cells have stopped deteriorating. This frail body is becoming more and more beautiful!"

Ryan heard pure joy in her voice. Mobius had finally taken her first step after years of research. If she hadn't just been so foul-mouthed, he would have applauded.

Faster, stronger, longer lifespan—these were Mobius's goals. She was gradually transforming.

"If intelligent, Honkai Beasts are perfect beings. They use energy as food, transcending the limitations of the flesh. There's something you missed: a significant increase in my physical strength."

Ryan realized his oversight. In the heat of the moment, he hadn't noticed. Even someone like Sakura would have broken bones.

"Ah, that's just an insignificant side effect for me. Speaking of which, aren't you curious why I made such rapid progress?"

Ryan pondered for a moment, asking, "My blood sample?"

"Correct. You..." Mobius approached, her slender finger teasing Ryan's chest. "Are truly an incomprehensible treasure, tempting one to devour you."

Her finger brushed against his pectoral muscles, sending a shiver down his spine. Ryan took a half-step back, ignoring the ambiguity, his mind racing.

Does it really work? No, my body's composition has been examined using the most advanced tools; it's no different from a normal person. In terms of cellular activity, it's not even as good as Kevin's athletic physique.

His mind was filled with question marks. He knew many things science couldn't explain; human scientific understanding was simply insufficient. For example, Honkai energy's adaptability—why a petite girl surpassed muscular men in physical capabilities.

Path. The problem must lie within the Path.

This was Ryan's only answer. As for why, he didn't know. The Path was subjective and didn't explain itself like a system.

'Does the Path affect not only the soul but also the body? No, it seems to transcend both, going beyond the material realm, approaching the nature of the Imaginary.'

Unable to reach a conclusion, he formulated dozens of hypotheses without the means to verify them. Unless he could question an Aeon directly, and not a frivolous Aeon like Aha or a nihilistic Aeon like IX.

"So, what are you thinking?"

Mobius had somehow appeared before him, nearly pressing against his face, causing Ryan to instinctively lean back.

"Fine, you're doing this on purpose, leading me on. Clever tactic."

Darn, seen through.

Mobius smirked, her expression turning serious. "It's true. I used your blood to cultivate a new factor with extremely high stability. Even low-adaptability Honkai samples can have a higher success rate. But when I tried to replicate it, I failed completely. What kind of miraculous treasure are you?"

"How much of an increase?"

"30%. Amazing, isn't it?"

Great, now I'm like Tang Sanzang—everyone wants a bite. 30% is pretty good.

Ryan raised an eyebrow. "You find it unscientific?"

"Of course, it's unscientific. You're a normal human, yet you possess extraordinary effects, sparking endless curiosity; people would want to swap bodies with you."

"Brain transplants are useless. I can only tell you this transcends the material realm."

"Could it be the soul?" Mobius's eyes gleamed.

"Beyond that." Ryan replied casually, not knowing the answer himself. Feigning surprise, he said, "I thought you'd use this to threaten me."

The fusion warrior selection process was stringent; besides combat prowess, it offered near-infinite lifespan, driving Fire Moth's upper echelons mad.

"I'm not that stupid. A single blood sample yields limited factors. I wouldn't let you become desiccated. All data has been erased. Don't believe me? Check yourself."

Ryan glanced at the computer, tempted to verify, given his personal safety. But he shook his head. "No need. I trust you."

Mobius's tense expression softened into a smile, genuinely pleased by his trust, though she wouldn't show it.

"Rest assured, I wouldn't dare give such a treasure to someone else."

"Don't flatter yourself; you just dug yourself a hole." Ryan didn't believe her; Mobius was probably afraid he'd discover the truth and was preemptively explaining.

It was fine; if he'd investigated, things would have been far worse.

"So tell me something, even a hint. I won't reveal anything." Mobius leaned closer, placing a hand on Ryan's shoulder, gently blowing air on his face.

The warm breath was distracting, but Ryan was prepared and wouldn't fall for such tricks.

"Cut it out. You benefited from my presence; let's call it even. Unless you have a more convincing reason."

Irritating; she remained uncooperative.

Mobius bit her lip, her eyes darting around, before an idea struck her. She slowly placed her hand on her flat stomach.

"There is. My body now contains something of yours. Is that reason sufficient?"

"Doctor, the data is ready..."

Klein, looking like an ascetic, approached, witnessing the close embrace. Her gaze flitted from a shocked Ryan to a pleased Mobius, finally settling on her hand on her stomach.

The girl's brain worked at maximum speed, almost freezing. She frantically grabbed her documents and fled, returning just as quickly.

Clutching the documents, she bowed deeply.

"Congratulations, Dr. Mobius! Congratulations, Dr. Ryan!"