Chapter 21: Snake

The director of the fifth institute.

She is a special existence within Fire MOTH. She was one of the oldest members within the organization. She was also the one who recruited the “strongest human” to Fire MOTH. It wasn’t wrong to say that she has a considerable influence within the group.

Unfortunately, she focused more on her research instead of the usual influence development route. Before she knew it, most of the councilors began cutting the fifth institute’s fundings. 

A considerable chunk of it goes to the councilors. When the fundings comes down, each of the personnel who oversee it will secretly get a portion of it. That goes on until the amount that she receives was less than half of what she should’ve gotten.

It became an open secret that the fifth institute is bullied like that. Add to that the fact that their main direction didn’t hold much appeal compared to the other four institutes, there were “justified reasons” to cut their fundings down.

‘Someone like her
 There’s a second case.’

Mobius did not care about Fire MOTH’s internal affairs. The results of her research was what mattered the most.

‘A new specimen.’

A tinge of excitement rose up in her mind.

*****

‘Doctor Mobius
’

The moment their gazes met, Aleph felt something.

‘She’s just like Sakura. No, she’s stronger..?’

These internal thoughts were hidden to himself.

“Good afternoon, Doctor Mobius. I heard you came for me.”

“Who wouldn’t? After all the fuss you made, the higher ups began placing more attention here.”

“That’s inevitable.”

“Oh? You already planned for everything, no?”

“That, I wouldn’t deny.”

With just this conversation, Aleph compared Mobius to the one from his prior impression.

‘Snarky, has a high ego, disregards the higher ups. Has a strong personality and couldn’t be easily persuaded.’

In short, she’s unpredictable.

“I presume you must be curious about my strength.”

“Previously, yes.” She frankly admitted. “Now, I’m curious as to why you are in that condition.”

Aleph felt her piercing gaze linger on him. He made up his mind not to show his weakness this easily. That way, the unpredictable woman in front of him would take him more seriously—which is conducive to the sincerity of their expected negotiation.

“It’s nothing much. I worked too hard the past few days.”

The moment he replied, Aleph chose to slowly enter his APS (Active Power State). Gradually, there seems to be an invisible pressure starting to emerge from this guest lounge. He continued doing so until the purple lines were a tad bit short from extending beyond his elbow.

“Let’s get straight to the point, Doctor Mobius. Your visit must be related to your fifth institute. To be exact, your main research project.”

Mobius fell silent for a while. It wasn’t known when, but a thin smile appeared on her rosy lips. Her gaze became more concentrated to him, as if she wasn’t afraid of direct eye contact for prolonged periods of time.

“I want your help with it.”

“What kind?” Aleph asked.

“Your blood samples. I want to study your uniqueness. It will be even better if you come with me personally.”

Aleph expected everything he had heard. 

Her current research project was the initial stages of the “MANTIS” project. It was a research project that aimed for humans to be embedded with genes coming from honkai beasts. That will be the basis for humans to wield the power of honkai as their own.

Unfortunately, the project didn’t see much success after several years of investment. The higher ups thought that this project would not wield the results they desired, hence they are collecting back their previous investments in the form of budget cuts.

‘Another thing to note. She’s greedy.’ He thought. ‘But her project
’

Aleph foresaw that if it succeeded, it would become one of humanity’s foundations to go up against honkai beasts on their own. There is even a chance that the solo-kill of Emperor-class honkai beasts could be enacted by undergoing this project.

‘There's a possibility of a huge achievement appearing.’

He did not forget where his current strength came from. The ones related to combat were cleared up by him during the Sapphire City eruption. The next best place to farm achievements was to work on Fire MOTH as a researcher.

As such, he chose to be more sincere by showing a part of his “strength” that she was interested in.

Numerous thoughts passed in his mind. His silent state fell on Mobius’ eyes. For some reason, she did not remove her gaze on him. It was unknown whether it was a simple examination or not.

Tap.

Tap.

Aleph’s fingers stopped tapping the hand rest.

“Can we change it? Instead of samples, how about I work with you?”

“Hum?”

Mobius’ eyes widened in intrigue.

“Five days in a month. I will work with you in the fifth institute for five days every month. I will help you with your main research project.”

A few seconds later, it was met with her light laughter. Her legs were crossed, revealing a portion of her smooth white thighs. She lazily held her head with her arm atop the armrest. 

“That surprised me. This is my first.” She said. “You must have heard everything about me.”

“I did. Except for your extreme conditions, there isn’t anything detrimental.”

Mobius flashed her signature smile. It might have seemed sinister to others, but Aleph had the leeway to appreciate her charm. 

“Well, if you really want to work with me, I don’t mind.”

She stood up from her seat. Although her coat was oversized—which hid her figure—Aleph’s eyesight and intuition told him about Mobius’ true figure.

‘Ugh, these stupid thoughts
’

Despite his inner reprimanding, he could not help but compare Mobius to Mei.

‘What am I even thinking?!’

Fortunately, this internal struggle was only represented outwardly by the tip of his mouth twitching.

Soon, Mobius gestured for a handshake. Aleph caught onto her intentions and shook her hands.

‘It feels cold
 and soft.’

“I am looking forward to working with you.” She said with her usual smile.

“Same goes for me.”

After a set of formalities, he watched as Mobius left the guest lounge.

“She’s unpredictable
 but beautiful?”

It’s not as if he hadn’t seen a fair share of beautiful women. 

‘It’s her charisma. It’s completely different from others.’

Aleph felt like her gaze was akin to a snake—one that is eyeing her prey. She also exuded a certain charisma that set her apart from the others in this world.

Yet


‘Why did I feel some familiarity with it?’

*****

Nagazora City.

The third eruption turned the bustling city into a ghost city. No signs of life could be seen except the occasional troubles caused by honkai beasts.

Inside Aleph’s room, several items were messed up due to the earthquake. The charts, maps, and paintings hung on the wall are all loosely scattered on the floor. His desk was a complete mess.

Underneath his bed lies a black metal box. His precious diaries were stored in it along with another item—a broken silver mirror. Its silver square frame was intact, but the mirror itself was badly shattered by some force.

Hum-!

The broken fragments of the mirror briefly glowed with silver light. A vague phantom of a clock could be seen from the mirror itself. Unfortunately, it was doomed to fail.

Soon, everything returned to the previous stillness.