You're So Thoughtful!

Mu Continent. A relic of the Previous Era's prosperity.

Towering skyscrapers pierced the sky, and futuristic vehicles zipped through the streets. It was a world apart from the rest of the planet—one plagued by poverty, conflict, and the shackles of the old order.

"Wow… so this is Mu Continent…"

A sweet voice, laced with wonder, escaped the pink-haired girl. A bright smile illuminated her lovely face as she took in the sights.

While Elysia had been here before—through the memories of Elysia of the Elysium she was now inhabiting—experiencing it firsthand was different. A sense of novelty, perhaps.

Her blue eyes, speckled with pink, landed on a figure standing near the landing pad.

A blue-haired woman, about 1.6 meters tall, dressed in a smart suit. A face Jiang Qiao recognized.

EINSTEIN. The Previous Era counterpart of Anti-Entropy's future scientist, the one with perpetually messy hair.

Time hadn't diminished her genius. Even in this era, Einstein remained at the pinnacle of human intellect in scientific research—on par with MEI and Mobius.

Of course, MEI still had some catching up to do. When talent was comparable, the deciding factor was time.

"Dr. Einstein, hello." The girl offered a polite greeting.

Mu Continent housed the former headquarters of Fire Moth. Its strategic importance ensured its continued relevance.

Even though Einstein wasn't a founding member—joining slightly later—her prestige had secured her position as head of the Mu Continent branch. She oversaw both the former First and current Second Research Divisions and held significant sway over the scholarly faction within Mu Continent.

This influence had even allowed her to halt the "Equipment: Living Form" (ELF) project. The Fire Moth higher-ups wouldn't have abandoned such a costly endeavor simply out of Einstein's compassion for her creations.

But compared to other high-ranking officials, Einstein was remarkably reasonable. If not, a newcomer like Dr. MEI wouldn't have gained control of the Mu Continent faction with just Mobius's backing.

"Hello, Elysia," Einstein greeted with a small smile.

Though she led the Second Research Division, she was one of the most approachable among the Fire Moth research leads. As a high-ranking member, she was naturally familiar with the decorated Flame-Chaser hero before her, having met her during high-level meetings at the new headquarters.

"MEI informed me of the situation. Follow me."

Einstein, like most researchers, valued efficiency. No time wasted on pleasantries or introductions. Every second was precious—best spent in the lab.

Normally, she wouldn't personally greet a visitor, even someone of Elysia's stature. But this matter was of utmost importance. Crucial to humanity's future. Einstein understood the gravity of the situation.

"Where's Dr. Yssring?" Elysia asked, puzzled.

His primary objective was to meet Yssring—the researcher behind the terminal AI for Project: Stigma. Einstein wasn't involved in that project.

Einstein's expression turned apologetic.

"I'm sorry, Yssring isn't feeling well today."

"Oh, that's alright. It's not that important." Jiang Qiao was understanding.

They navigated through multiple security doors before arriving at a spacious laboratory.

At the center stood a massive, eerie cultivation tank, filled with what looked like human nerve networks. The dim glow of machinery cast long shadows across the lab.

Before the tank, a green-haired girl in a lab coat stood motionless, seemingly engrossed in something.

Intrigued, Elysia placed a finger on her chin, signaling Einstein to stay quiet before tiptoeing toward the girl.

Oblivious to their approach, Yssring Leavtruth was lost in her own world—her gaze locked onto a matcha parfait overflowing with Sankor tree fruit.

Sugar was pure bliss.

While most people found matcha… acceptable, Yssring adored its subtle earthy flavor—especially when combined with the Sankor fruit, a Mu Continent delicacy. The flavor combination was explosive!

The only downside? The calorie count.

But to Yssring, such concerns were trivial.

"Matcha parfaits are rich in sugar, which fuels brain activity—essential for researchers."

That was her personal philosophy.

I work so hard. I deserve a treat!

She'd heard someone from headquarters was visiting. Dr. Einstein was handling the greetings. Yssring was supposed to be there too, but…

She'd Faking illness and claimed "urgent data analysis"—a convenient excuse to indulge in her guilty pleasure.

Usually, her diet was strictly controlled, but today? Freedom!

Heehee~ sweet cream~ blue jelly~

Gazing at the towering parfait, Yssring drooled, spoon at the ready.

"Ooh, a dessert! It looks delicious~"

"Hmph, of course it is! This is a limited-edition mixed-flavor matcha parfait! I waited in line for hours!"

Hearing the sweet voice, Yssring—still unsuspecting—puffed up with pride.

This parfait was from the most popular dessert shop in the city. The line was always a mile long, and this particular parfait was limited to just one hundred servings per day!

She'd woken up early just to get her hands on one.

Basking in her accomplishment, Yssring froze.

Slowly, she turned toward the source of the voice.

A fairy-like girl stood before her, a gentle smile on her lips. Pink hair swayed slightly, framing her delicate face, and her blue eyes—flecked with pink—shimmered under the lab's soft lighting.

The girl raised a delicate hand, pink lips parting slightly.

"Hi~"

"Waaah!"

Startled, Yssring fumbled, the giant parfait tilting precariously.

But before disaster could strike—

A pink blur flashed by.

The parfait landed safely in [Elysia] hands.

"Oops! Can't let good food go to waste~"

Her sweet, bell-like voice held a hint of seriousness.

Yssring, still dazed, felt a surge of gratitude.

"Tha… thank you…"

Though the near-disaster was caused by the sudden appearance, she was just relieved her hard-earned parfait was safe.

If it had splattered on the floor before she even took a bite…?

She didn't even want to think about it.

Reaching for the parfait, her fingers stretched out—

A hand gently stopped her.

"Yssring~"

Einstein's friendly face held a knowing smile.

Yssring froze, a chill creeping down her spine.

"D… Doctor! Why… why are you here?!" she stammered.

A single thought echoed in her mind:

I'm toast.

There was one area where Yssring caused Einstein constant headaches—her insatiable love for sweets.

Perhaps due to her parents' obsessive focus on research, Yssring lacked all self-control when it came to sugar.

While research did consume mental energy, it was also a sedentary occupation.

Yssring, mirroring Einstein's lifestyle, got little to no exercise.

Her reasoning?

"Isn't mental exercise enough?"

The result?

A period of rapid weight gain.

Soaring blood pressure.

Terrible sleep habits.

Irregular meals.

And occasionally… starvation.

If the research staff hadn't intervened, she might have joined her parents sooner than expected.

Even then, it was only thanks to Mu Continent's advanced medical technology that she'd fully recovered.

Since then, Einstein had imposed strict dietary restrictions—even personally supervising Yssring's exercise regimen to help her shed the extra pounds.

Yssring, of course, snuck out for treats whenever she could.

But if caught…

Gulp!

Yssring panicked.

If she was caught now, her already meager weekly dessert allowance would be cut even further!

And knowing Einstein…

Her punishment might escalate from a temporary ban to a lifetime of deprivation!

No more sweets?!

That was a fate worse than death!

And there was no doubt—Einstein was not happy.

Yssring had skipped such an important meeting for a sugary treat.

Einstein had even considered checking on her, thinking she was actually unwell…

This called for severe punishment.

She was prepared to unleash her wrath.

But—

Thinking fast, Yssring devised a plan.

"D… Doctor! It's not what you think!"

"Oh?"

Einstein chuckled, crossing her arms as she gestured toward the limited-edition parfait in [Elysia] hands.

Caught red-handed, and she still wants to argue?

Still, she was curious to hear what ridiculous excuse Yssring would come up with this time.

Yssring straightened up, clearing her throat with a dramatic ahem.

"Doctor! I didn't buy this for myself!"

She declared it righteously, chest puffed out with conviction.

"I heard someone was coming from headquarters—all the way here! They must be tired and hungry after such a long flight. So… I went and got them a parfait!"

A noble sacrifice. A selfless act. A grand gesture of hospitality!

Or so she hoped Einstein would believe.

"Eh? This is for me?"

The pink-haired girl Faking a surprise, her eyes twinkling mischievously as she pointed at the parfait.

…

Yssring hesitated, her gaze darting between Einstein's unreadable expression and the dessert in [Elysia] hands.

Then—under Einstein's sharp scrutiny—she nodded miserably.

Her forced smile looked more like a grimace.

"Mhm~ You're so thoughtful~ Getting me a dessert… Oh my, I am a bit peckish. Thanks~"

[Elysia] beamed, then added with a teasing lilt:

"Well then, if you insist~"

Before Yssring could change her mind, the spoon—laden with pale green cream and blue jelly—vanished into [Elysia] mouth.

The girl closed her eyes in bliss, savoring the flavor.

Yssring's heart shattered.

She'd waited two whole weeks for this.

She'd strategized, planned, and executed the perfect sugar heist.

And now…

She could only watch in horror as her glorious matcha parfait feast disappeared—one sweet, creamy bite at a time.

My limited-edition parfait… I waited hours for this!

The pain! It was unbearable!

"Mmm~ This is so good… Sweet, with a hint of matcha~ And the Sankor fruit jelly… Three flavors in one bite…"

The pink-haired girl let out a satisfied sigh, savoring every spoonful. Then, as if twisting the knife, she turned to Yssring with a bright smile.

"Here, you should try some. It's really delicious!"

Yssring, practically salivating, yearned to snatch the spoon. But Einstein's presence kept her frozen in place.

"Really? You won't have any? Or… do you want me to feed you?"

She leaned closer, holding the spoon just inches away. The creamy matcha temptation lingered in the air like a little devil whispering in Yssring's ear: Eat it! Eat it!

"No… I'm… I'm on a sugar-free diet…"

Under Einstein's watchful eye, Yssring forced a painful smile, stepping back to emphasize her resolve.

"Oh… that's a shame. Guess I'll just have to enjoy it all by myself~"

The pink-haired girl sighed dramatically before proceeding to devour the parfait with sheer delight.

Mmm, so sweet~

Tortured, Yssring averted her gaze, struggling to staunch the bleeding in her heart. She dared not look.

Instead, she turned to Einstein, pleading silently. Surely, after such a display of selfless hospitality, she wouldn't be punished? This wasn't for personal indulgence—it was for a guest from headquarters!

Einstein, amused by Yssring's desperation, decided to let her off the hook.

"Alright, let's get down to business."

Relieved, Yssring licked her finger, savoring a stray bit of cream. But then, her expression turned serious. Her sweet tooth might be a weakness, but when it came to work, Yssring was nothing if not dedicated.

She faced the dark screen and called out, "Femirins, come on out!"

The screen flickered, and a playful, energetic voice filled the lab.

"[Excited] Heehee~ Here I am~"

A golden-haired girl in a white dress appeared on the screen, red eyes sparkling with mischief—a true little imp.

"This is the AI I created—Femirins," Yssring introduced.

"…She's… certainly unique."

[Elysia] studied Femirins, chin in hand. He wasn't a stranger to oddities, given his… extracurricular activities. But in a world with such a vast population, doppelgangers were inevitable. Seeing the little imp in person was still a novelty, though.

After Prometheus, surprises were few and far between.

Still, his main concern wasn't appearances—it was the AI's capabilities. That was why MEI had sent him here. Aside from potentially bringing Yssring back to the new headquarters, his real mission was to assess her progress.

Only a handful of people—MEI, Mobius, and Jiang Qiao—could truly determine whether Femirins met the requirements for Project: Stigma. That was why neither Elysia nor Sakura had been sent.

Elysia was clueless, and Sakura was busy and out of her element.

Jiang Qiao, however, could judge if Femirins was ready to serve as the core AI for the all-domain connection.

And he had to admit—Yssring was impressive.

Femirins, while seemingly simple, possessed something special—a spark, a sentience that far surpassed MEI's Prometheus.

"I took a different approach than Dr. MEI," Yssring said, her eyes shining with a mix of pride and excitement.

The prevailing theory in AI development focused on increasing neural network complexity to create self-awareness. That was the path her parents, the Levius couple, had pursued.

But young Yssring disagreed.

To her, it was a naive understanding of neural pathways. Correlation didn't equal causation. Simply making an AI more complex wouldn't guarantee true intelligence.

So she chose a different path.

Rather than relying on brute-force complexity, she developed a method that combined neural electromagnetic signals in a non-mechanical way, replicating their frequencies in a completely new manner.

"I call it the 'seed.'"

She gestured toward Femirins, her excitement barely contained.

"As long as it can react to external stimuli, the seed can continuously iterate and evolve. Within the bio-chip's transistors, this evolution happens exponentially faster than in humans—until it finally stabilizes."

Yssring grinned.

"Femirins, born through this method, can infinitely iterate and self-evolve under the right conditions."

Project: Stigma required interaction with the will of over eight billion people.

Such a massive, chaotic influx of thoughts and consciousness was beyond the capacity of any ordinary AI—even Prometheus.

Even during the final battle, Prometheus had used a workaround—a far cry from true success.

But Femirins was different.

With her capacity for infinite self-iteration, and given sufficient resources, she could potentially handle the cognitive load of eight billion minds. A feat so immense that even the Composite Divine Key system struggled with it.

After all, the Will of the Honkai relied on the power of the Imaginary Tree to achieve such a thing.

And the Imaginary Tree's power was self-evident—a "miracle" that humanity, through normal technological development, wouldn't reach for centuries… perhaps millennia.