I am, Flame-Chaser of Previous Era-Chapter 63: Your fault

"I've conveyed the Council's request to Dr. Ryan."

In the corridor, Chalice was speaking with the faraway headquarters; the voice on the other end was slightly muffled, as if a meeting was in progress.

"What was his response?"

"He agreed. His requests didn't overstep any boundaries; he's quite shrewd."

A sigh of relief came from the other end. Ryan, unlike Elysia, wasn't easily manipulated. He was unpredictable, capable of turning hostile, and no one could stop a Herrscher-level being.

Because such a being could kill anyone unimpeded. Everyone couldn't just hide underground, the cost would be too great.

"How's your investigation progressing?" The Director remained unconvinced.

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"Adieto, Moshang, the Herrscher of Thunder's core—analysis complete. It's inert. We can largely confirm that he didn't grow by absorbing energy."

This was crucial. If Ryan could absorb Honkai energy to grow, then that secret had to be discovered. Humanity could potentially use the Honkai as sustenance, a path to godhood.

The Director felt a mix of regret and relief, speaking after a long pause. "Then let him be humanity's blade, burning himself to illuminate humanity's future. I need to discuss command authority with the UN. You're dismissed."

"Farewell."

Chalice hung up, a self-mocking smile playing on his lips. The higher-ups still underestimated Dr. Ryan. He wasn't as easily controlled as Elysia. Just as Fire Moth could sacrifice Shanghai for humanity's future, Ryan possessed a similar resolve.

The kind of determination that would stain one's hands for a goal, the cold and decisive methods – not just a warrior, but a strategist.

At that moment, he saw a pink figure descending the stairs and quietly turned away.

Look, they haven't even issued the credentials, and here it begins.

Huh?

Elysia tilted her head, catching only a departing back, a vague familiarity. She didn't dwell on it, gently pushing open the door.

"Ryan, look what I brought!" Elysia saw the man lying in bed, looking at her with resignation, and approached with concern. "Your wounds aren't healed yet? Should I call a doctor?"

This concern was genuine, a stark contrast to Chalice's insincere smile. Ryan, somewhat irritated, sat up.

"I'm fine. Mobius's bio-regeneration chamber is effective; my wounds have mostly healed."

"That's great! I need to thank her later."

"Why thank her?"

"For healing my friend; I should thank her, of course." Elysia replied matter-of-factly, placing her gifts on the table and pointing at each item.

"Look, I brought you fruit, a bowl of soup, fried dumplings, and hot soy milk..."

"Wait, the fruit is fine, but what's with this random assortment? I'm not a picky eater."

"But injured people need extra nutrition."

"It depends on the timing. It's past lunchtime; I can't eat all this."

Ryan scratched his head, unable to bear Elysia's enthusiasm. He watched as she paused, then opened a plastic container, picked up chopsticks, and popped a fried dumpling into her mouth with a blissful expression.

"What are you doing?"

"Helping you eat. We can't waste food." The girl held up her index finger, adopting a preachy tone.

"Didn't you have lunch?"

"I did, but this is about avoiding food waste."

Ryan studied Elysia; she was as beautiful as ever, like a spring rose emitting fragrance. But he had a strange feeling.

"Ely, it's only been a few months, but you seem..."

Before he could finish, chopsticks were placed on his lips. The girl looked slightly annoyed.

"Don't be rude."

Fine, beautiful girls never get fat.

Ryan hypnotized himself. He didn't know what to say to Elysia; she was one of the few people he couldn't fully understand. She seemed to see through everyone's thoughts and malice, yet could equally love everyone.

Call her a saint, she knew what was important and never hesitated when confronting the Honkai.

"Ryan, stop staring at me; it's embarrassing." Elysia gently set down the empty container, opened the fruit basket, and popped a banana into her mouth. "Speaking of, I should thank you."

"Shouldn't I be thanking you? If you hadn't arrived in time, the Herrscher of Thunder would have finished me off." Ryan was confused, then watched Elysia eat a banana.

She licked her lips, savoring the familiar flavor, then ate slowly and delicately, though the banana disappeared rather quickly.

"I would have gone after the Herrscher of Thunder anyway. What's there to thank me for? It's Mobius you should worry about. She tends to get involved in dangerous situations."

Elysia tossed the banana peel, peeled a tangerine, and, seeing Ryan shake his head in refusal, popped it into her own mouth.

"So, it's good she's focused on you. I don't want her getting into trouble."

Mobius, dangerous situations... Ryan considered this and had a rough idea.

Given her personality, she was likely secretly studying the Herrscher's remains—dangerous work, leading to nothing good.

"Then she got me involved."

"Is that so bad? Mobius is a very beautiful girl, and you're quite handsome. There's a saying in Shenzhou..." Elysia tilted her head, thoughtfully clapping her hands. "Heaven made a match!"

Ryan enjoyed this flattery and didn't correct her wording, simply shaking his head with a smile. "You think so much of Mobius, but you two don't get along."

"What does that matter? I like her, and I'm sure she likes me too. Yes, definitely." Elysia leaned on the hospital bed rail, resting her head, smiling. "Don't you like me, Ryan?"

Ryan stared at her bright pink hair, beautiful face, and slightly squashed dimple, unsure how to respond.

She fit every ideal of femininity, yet she was more than just a pure object of desire. His feelings for her were complex and difficult to articulate.

"At least, I don't dislike you."

"That's liking me. That answer makes me happy."

"So, you came here just to thank me on Mobius's behalf?" Ryan regained his composure, having forgotten his initial purpose amidst the casual conversation with Elysia.

"No, I just came to visit. Of course, I noticed you had something to say." Elysia put on her glasses and sat up straighter, a playful expression on her face. "Go ahead. Professor Ely is ready for your questions."

Ryan couldn't help but laugh; he'd come prepared with many questions and probes, but he'd forgotten them in this relaxed atmosphere.

"Ely, what are your thoughts on Fire Moth?"

"Hmph hmph. Asking questions before even joining, huh?"

Actually, I joined before you, just without an official position.

Ryan inwardly cursed, nodding. "Fire Moth is too complex, full of factions and power struggles. There are always 'geniuses' who think they are right, and they don't trust you."

"Whether they trust me is their problem. I only need to stay true to myself." She adjusted her glasses, smiling slightly. "I've traveled the world, seen much that's bad, and much that's good. If I hated everything bad and changed based on the good, that would be too much trouble. It's better to simply stay true to myself."

A typical Elysia response; she didn't care about betrayal or intrigue; she focused on what she wanted to do.

Ryan scratched his nose; he couldn't be so carefree. As he pondered, Elysia spoke again.

"You think you're too unique, causing unease. The solution is simple: create more of us."

More of us?

Ryan was momentarily stunned, then his eyes lit up. Right, the best camouflage was blending in. Those warrior fusion projects were producing increasingly bizarre individuals, making unique abilities commonplace. However...

"How do you know about the warrior fusion project?"

"Hehe, don't underestimate this pink special ops agent." Elysia chuckled playfully.

Such a sly and innocent act. She definitely learned about it from Mobius. That wasn't the point.

Ryan didn't dwell on it, propping his chin, sighing. "Actually, I'm not worried about myself. The situation is just beginning; things will worsen, and these factions may become obstacles, diminishing humanity's chances of survival."

"We haven't reached that point yet. For now, nobody can replace Fire Moth." Elysia blinked, seemingly seeing through Ryan's thoughts.

"Right, so Fire Moth has value, but it needs optimization. I'll proceed step-by-step, making the changing future more controllable." Ryan looked up, seeing Elysia smiling at him; her gaze was clear, without suspicion or interrogation, and no desire to participate.

She simply smiled, a genuine smile. "Ryan, I'm truly happy. You've changed since our last meeting, seemingly understanding things a little better?"

"We're all on the same boat. Solving the Honkai and my goals aren't contradictory, so I'm choosing a more efficient method." Ryan nodded, then shook his head thoughtfully. "It's not about enlightenment, but about changing the trajectory of fate, bringing a deep sense of joy."

"Satisfaction from saving lives?"

"No." Ryan shook his head, flexing his fingers, providing a vague answer after a pause. "Turning the known into the unknown, and then exploring that unknown—that's the joy."

He understood now. The Previous Era was the "known" for him. His butterfly effect was turning that known into the unknown, and exploring that unknown was his instinctive desire.

Somewhat idealistic, somewhat indescribable, but that was his true feeling.

Therefore, his thoughts on Fire Moth weren't wrong; he didn't resent sacrifice, but almost becoming a sacrifice was unpleasant.

"Is this the latest cryptic speech model?" Elysia blinked, seemingly unconcerned, pouting slightly. "Ryan, sometimes you're more cryptic than Mobius. I can see into people's hearts, Mobius is constantly changing, but you..."

"Are ultimately inscrutable."

Elysia's tone was sincere, but Ryan only smiled; it wasn't intentional obfuscation; even he didn't fully understand the intricacies.

Path weren't like systems that provided answers; his Path had awakened when he was ten, and the connected threads lacked context.

"That answer is also an unknown to me, but my attitude towards the Honkai won't change. It's an instinctive 'human' response."

"So, you've set me a riddle? Excellent, I'm happy to accept the challenge." Elysia stood lightly. "I have to go to Shanghai this afternoon; I'll be leaving. Call if you need help."

"Wait..." Ryan raised his hand, but only saw her departing back. He sighed heavily.

Elysia was indeed clever; she left without providing answers. And...

He looked at the messy table, his blood pressure rising slightly.

Could you please take your trash with you?!