Chapter 32: Gray and Black

Once we had a good meal and bought the lab squad some bubble tea, specifically Klein. We returned to the lab.

Ein: "Mobius, I need access to herrscher cores."

Mobius went wide eyed "Herrscher cores? That's a tall order. What do you plan on doing with those things? As far as we know it's the battery for their abilities."

Ein snickered "Of course a pleb like you wouldn't know." He said smugly "Listen, I already explained this to Mei. But anime facts declare that it's not only their source of energy. But the source of the power they use as well."

Mobius glared daggers at him "Huh!? Who's the pleb here you bastard!?" She then hit him on the chest, but she recoiled from the pain. "Fuck! I forgot you're hard like steel."

Klein and Fuxi stared weirdly at Ein, but Nuwa had stars in her eyes. "Ein-san... You're a fan of anime!?" She went uncomfortably close to him.

Ein: "Umu, you're one of my people? I see that you're a girl of culture Nuwa." He held her hands.

Fuxi had a realization and she stared at them with a straight face. "Klein, isn't he a bit too eccentric to be Dr. Mobius' equal? She looks like she's used to this."

Klein nodded and just sipped her bubble tea. "Fuxi, Mr. Einheri cannot be comprehended by simple minds like ours. He is in another dimension entirely, he's probably analyzing the both of you with inhuman speeds and has already made a plan to dispose of you two without evidence."

Fuxi had some cold sweat flow down her back. "Y-you're joking... Right?" She asked nervously.

Klein: "I don't joke about things like that Fuxi, and he's more than capable of doing it on his own. By the way, he can hear us at like a 100 meters away, crystal clear. So you and Nuwa better don't talk about unsavory things."

Fuxi nodded vigorously and put a massive dangerous tag on Ein. She immediately decided to talk to Nuwa later.

Ein: "Hah, why did you have to tell her that Klein. I think they won't do anything stupid, and Nuwa here is one of my people as well." He then looked at Fuxi in the eye. "You already understand right little girl? If you do, we'll get along swimmingly~" He said sweetly.

Fuxi bowed a perfect 90° "Y-yes sir. We already know the NDA and we perfectly understand." Her body was shaking.

Mobius: "So? What do you have planned for the cores then?"

Nuwa: "That's obvious Dr. Mobius, he'll use it as some kind of core to use herrscher powers through the weapon right?" She looked at Ein.

Ein patted her head "As expected of you Nuwa, we surely will be unstoppable with our creations."

Mobius: "That's a nice theory and all, but how will you make the weapon and use the core as its main power source?"

Ein: "Mei's already on the nano tech. It will harness the power of the core and manipulate it to bend physics to our will. Well, I'm already breaking it anyway, why not fuck it up more?"

Mobius grinned and licked her lips "Hmm, interesting... That indeed will help against herrschers and the more destructive honkai beasts more efficiently. Tell me, how are you going to confirm that herrscher cores are the source of their abilities?" She raised a brow.

Ein: "This is where things get ugly. The 1st herrscher was theorized that his abilities were dependent on his knowledge right? That means that it comes to them at an instinctual level, but they need to understand it to use its full potential. And to learn more... We need human trials." He said in a monotone voice, as his face turned emotionless.

Mobius: "I see, well we can have MOTH supply us the necessary subjects for trials. Let us commence with experiments immediately, this is too important to be put in the back burner."

Fuxi and Nuwa gasped "Does that mean?" Nuwa asked the obvious.

Ein: "That's right Nuwa, this will be unpleasant." He frowned "Do you see the cold looks Mobius gets at the cafeteria? Experiments with honkai energy will get ugly really quickly. Prepare yourselves, this isn't a shounen anime that gets you by with the power of friendship crap."

The twins went silent "Klein, prepare for this and I'll make a proposition to the higher ups to green light it."

Klein immediately went to work, just like clockwork. Used to Mobius' instructions.

Ein: "Call me when we start Mobius. And don't set a bad example for your assistants okay? Stop eating junk food like a NEET." He waved goodbye and went out of the lab.

Fuxi: "Nuwa, we might be new here but we're working for a world renowned scientist. Be professional when we get to work."

Nuwa: "Un, I know Fuxi, but what Ein-san said was a bit unsettling. Will the experiments we will be witnessing that scary?"

Fuxi: "I don't know. But we have to prepare, he already told us to. We just need to wait and see."

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Me and the squad went to another mission that was easily completed and we're on vacation right now. "Okay, nice work again today. We might need to take out the meaner honkai beasts next time at the rate you guys are improving."

Elysia: "Hehe~ Of course! We're the best team ever right?"

Kevin: "We might get sent to more action packed places. I don't know if I can't wait or I'm nervous."

Himeko: "Thank you Ein. We couldn't have done it without you."

Ein: "Keep it up, we might get sent to the more dangerous areas if our efficiency and performance is this high. Take a rest everyone, Kevin don't get Mei pregnant. We're working on a big project okay?" He grinned.

Kevin tripped and face planted on the ground "Shut up! You bastard. We haven't even done it yet..." He then blushed like a tomato.

Elysia: "Oya~ So little Kevin hasn't got any action then?" She snickered.

Himeko: "Elysia! That's inappropriate..." She blushed as well.

Kevin: "S-shaddup! How about you then!? I bet you're not getting it on too!"

Elysia: "Ara~ that's very rude Kevin. Asking if a maiden is still pure. But we're too busy~ We'll have some time for it in the future."

Himeko froze "You're... Such a lewd girl Elysia! You can't say that in front of Kevin."

Ein hand chopped Elysia on the top of her head. "Enough Ellie. You're going to kill them with embarrassment. Now go rest, you guys must be tired."

Elysia rubbed her head "Okay. But I'm waiting for it alright~" She then skipped away.

Kevin ran with a red face. While Himeko still lingered.

"Um, Ein. Can you teach me more about tactics so I'll be a better commando unit?" She fidgeted.

Ein: "Hmm, you're so serious Himeko. Look at you being embarrassed, ahhh~ You're such a cutie with your gap moe. Sure, I have some spare time." The experiments can wait a bit. I'm not too excited on doing it as well.

Himeko pinched his sides "Do you really mean that?" She looked at him with upturned eyes.

Ein: "Umu, you're a beautiful girl after all Hime-chan. Now let's go to the simulation room and get you started." He patted her head.

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We simulated different tactics, formations, and critical thinking exercises live and had an overall productive time. "Nice Hime-chan, you really are good at this. Your battle IQ is high and you think quick, you might just be the 1st one of you 3 that will be a squad leader."

Himeko scratched the back of her head and smiled wryly "I don't think I'm cut out for it just yet. I do want to be one though, but look at you. You practically are one already and we're not even soldiers for too long."

Ein: "Hmm, luck played a role too. But if we went for missions more you'll be a squad leader. I'm sure of it, I'll support you all the way so tell me if you need some help alright?" He smiled.

Himeko: "There you go again... I don't even know what you were thinking when you asked me to be a bodyguard back then. All I know is how to fight, I'm not cute and charming like Elysia, Eden's talent in music and singing is up and beyond, she's beautiful too. I don't know why you're so nice to me and keep me around."

Ein: "Ah, aren't you misunderstanding something Hime-chan? I'm not nice to you or keep you around because you're super amazing and useful or something. It's because you're a good friend of mine. And besides, your beauty is stunning. Your talent in fighting is amazing, you're a hard worker too and that's admirable." He patted her head.

Himeko: "Even so... That's not such a desirable trait for a girl right? Makes me look like a brute."

I hug her while caressing her long red hair. "Shhhh. You have such low confidence for an amazing girl. Shut up and listen to me, you're a human 1st of all. Being cute and cuddly isn't everything for a girl, you're smart, beautiful, and strong. The cute and submissive traditional girls are for trophies. If you don't have anything going for you besides being cute, you won't get far at relationships."

Himeko clenched her fists tight "Fine. But I refuse to be accepted just like that. I need to win it for myself. We haven't sparred for some time now Ein, I have to show my good points!"

Ein: "Hoh? What do you have in mind then?"

Himeko: "You and me 1on1, I know you're beyond my league. But I can't just quit and accept that without fighting you 1st."

Ein: "Okay then Hime-chan, be prepared though... Now come at me!" He assumed stance.

Himeko ran towards him and unleashed a high kick. He guarded it with his left hand and a dull thud echoed in the room. "Nice kick you have there missy, but that sadly won't be enough."

Himeko: "I'm not done yet!" She spun and did a back fist towards his face but he just leaned out of the way. She then tried to hit him on the head when he dodged with a roundhouse.

He grabbed her on the shin, stopping the kick and pulled. Making her drop on the ground, she rolled backwards and stood up quickly. "Tch, I'm not gonna win am I?"

Ein: "Yeah, honestly you won't. Now why don't you stop babbling and start fighting."

Himeko gave a flurry of punches and kicks but everything was either dodged or blocked.

He then caught her hand and did a judo throw that she couldn't counter. It continued for an hour, her attacking continuously without rest. While he just blocked, dodged, and threw her around.

Himeko was on the ground panting "Did... I do fine?"

Ein pondered for a bit "If I can equate your skills to something, you'll definitely be a world champion in your weight class. You can grapple well, striking is precise, but quick and heavy. I approb." He gave a thumbs up.

Himeko sighed "But I couldn't even land a single hit on you. At least I've reached the point where I could compete with the best. Except you, you're a goddamned cheat." She puffed her cheeks.

Ein sat beside her and gave her a towel. "Umu, of course I am. I work harder than anyone and I even juggle my research and soldier duties. But you are amazing Hime. You haven't even fully matured yet and you're already at that level of expertise. You'll continue to grow I'm sure of it."

She sat up and wiped her sweat. "Thanks." Her cheeks red. "You trained me after all. And I worked hard to get here." She scooted closer and leaned on his chest. "So thank you, I'm living a fulfilling life too. With you and our friends, instead of a dull mundane job. I'm very happy right now." She snuggled to him.

Ein: "Yeah, me too. I can't imagine being here alone with just Mei. Researching for days and going on missions by myself. So I'm thankful that you guys are with me." He smiled and hugged her waist from behind her.

Himeko: "Really? If you're so thankful, then I demand something nice."

Ein: "Yeah, sure. Tell me what you want, I'll give it if I can. Oh, maybe you want a huge plushie or something? That'll be right your alley." He teased.

Himeko fidgeted for a bit "I... Want you. Just like Elysia and Eden." She then touched his face and leaned in for a soft peck on his lips.

Ein: "Oh? Is that enough for you? You did ask for something nice, so I'll do the honors." He grabbed her on the back of her head and gave her a passionate kiss. His tongue slowly but sensually asking for permission to enter.

Her eyes widened in surprise, but calmed down as she let his tongue in. As they kissed and battled for supremacy. Himeko not yielding, entwining her tongue with his.

He then pinched her butt as she quickly separated, startled. "Mou~ Why did you have to do that." Her face an atomic red.

Ein: "Hehe, I can't help myself. Your butt is nice and plump, firm but soft. It's like it wants to be grabbed and pinched."

Himeko pouted and pinched his cheeks. "That's for another time you beast! Now hug me. It was nice to be in your arms." She blushed.

He hugged her tight and just sat there for a minute. Enjoying one another's presence and warmth.

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Mobius: "Ein, here's the 3rd herrscher core. It was nearby so this is the one we could procure immediately." She then gave a box to him.

Ein opened it and inside was a glowing violet crystal gem. He touched it and it glowed bright as it pulsed. "Does this thing have a will or something? It's like a cursed item that pulses in my hand."

He returned it immediately, not confident if it might try to take over or curse him. "Do we have the test subjects Mobius?"

Mobius: "We do." She grinned "This will be the 1st time I have experimented with the cores. It either will be a disaster or something interesting."

Klein: "Dr. Mobius, preparations are complete. The project is a go, and the equipment are now in place."

Ein: "Good... Forgive me Su, this is something that will be for the greater good of humanity. My oath has been left behind in the old world, be a good doctor in my stead, I must do this." He closed his eyes.

Mobius: "Good job Klein. Now are we going to do this or what?"

Ein: "The first round of experiments to unravel the secrets of the herrscher cores... Begins now."

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Thanks for reading guys. Ciao