Chapter 208: Oh, You're Blushing

Could it be that during the surgical process, mental anomalies have become a common phenomenon?

Ryan watched Coleman, who didn't seem to mind getting slapped, and he couldn't help but think that the man truly had a masochistic streak. He was certainly someone who maintained his "true self" — that confession about his sexual desires had been echoing in Ryan mind over and over.

Truly a gentleman, inside and out.

Ryan spat, smiling at Hua, who was waving at him, and then turned his attention inward.

This man was neither an enemy nor a friend; he had said he didn't want to be his enemy, but the long speech about patience and resolving issues within the framework of the Fire Moth made Ryan think.

There was no need to waste time thinking. Ryan immediately raised his head and looked at Hua, who was still waving at him.

'Finally can't wait anymore, getting ready to warn me.'

Ryan smiled and walked over, not taking it seriously. After all, his vacation was almost over; he couldn't keep lazing around.

"Did you burn everything?" he asked.

"Yeah, I remember playing with sparklers when I was very young, but I never had the chance again," Hua replied, a small smile on her face. She then glanced at Coleman. "What did he say to you? Was he here to monitor you?"

"No, he's on vacation too. We just bumped into each other and had a chat. He's a humorous guy," Ryan answered, making sure not to ruin the mood for Hua.

"Really?"

"Why would I lie to you? Come on, the main event of the festival is about to begin. Let's go to the top of the mountain." Ryan took her hand, and Hua, not thinking of anything else, just followed him up the mountain.

After climbing hundreds of steps, they reached the top. The square was packed with people, and in the center, a huge bonfire was burning. Priests wearing pointed hats were throwing some trash into the fire, which was said to have been gathered from the sea, symbolizing prayers to the sea gods to calm their anger and pray for favorable weather.

Around the bonfire, people held hands and danced as they moved in circles. In front of the bonfire, there was a wooden stage where priests and priestesses were also dancing, chanting incomprehensible prayers.

As a scientist, Ryan had never studied the folk customs of this world, but now he found himself in awe, not fully understanding but impressed by the ritual.

"I didn't expect the local religion in Neon to have such a strong influence," he remarked.

"Yeah, everyone needs something to believe in. At least they've managed to rally followers to fight the Collapse. That's already pretty good," Hua replied casually, kicking a pebble on the ground. "Senior brother, do you want to join in the dance?"

Clap! Clap!

A round of applause erupted as thousands of people clapped their hands in unison. The energy was palpable, and soon they started moving in circles, dancing with religious fervor.

Ryan immediately thought of the crazed people from Snow Prison Town, frowning. "If you want to, I'll dance with you."

"No, I'd rather watch them. Let's find a spot to sit and watch. There's going to be a fireworks display soon," Hua casually said, changing the plan that Carol had suggested.

According to the plan, she was supposed to invite Ryan to dance, then reveal her feelings during the fireworks and dance. But she had sensed Ryan discomfort and immediately gave up.

"Well, I'm not forcing you," Ryan responded.

"You've already spent the whole night with me. I can't ask for more," Hua smiled, pulling Ryan to the side of the road, sitting shoulder to shoulder. Her emerald-green eyes reflected the light from the bonfire.

It was lively, even a little fanatical. When Ryan thought about it, he realized that the fragility of humanity made them inevitably seek someone to pray to, or else they wouldn't survive in this increasingly harsh world.

Whether it was the Honkai or an unseen god.

Silence, on the other hand, seemed reserved for the strong, just like Ryan and Hua, watching the passionate dance from the sidelines.

Neither of them spoke. After a few minutes of watching, Ryan grew a little tired. He turned his head slightly to look at Hua, who was sitting next to him.

Her long skirt revealed her rounded and smooth shoulders. The collar of her dress was hollow, showing off her delicate collarbones. The skirt's folds rested on her bent knees, her white legs glistening in the light.

What struck him most was the exposed back, smooth and tender, making her appear small and delicate. The moonlight reflected on her skin, giving it a silver hue.

She looked stunning, like the long legs of Mobius. It was impossible not to stare.

Hua rested her chin on her hand, her expression focused, and her other hand remained tightly holding his wrist without letting go.

Just then, the sea breeze blew, lifting a few strands of her gray-blue hair and brushing them across Ryan face, causing a slight tingling sensation.

"It's really quiet here," Ryan said softly.

"Huh?" Hua turned her head, confused. With the noise all around them, she couldn't understand where it was quiet.

"Senior brother, do you find it boring?" she asked.

"No, I just feel that when I'm with you, it's always exceptionally peaceful. How should I put it... it feels like a quiet well," Ryan said, looking up at the sky, his expression softening.

"A quiet well?"

Hua didn't quite understand, but when she saw the smile on Ryan face, she at least felt like it was a good thing. She turned her head to look around.

The dark sea, the distant city lights, and the festive atmosphere around them. After hesitating for a moment, she asked.

"After staying at my house all these days, do you find it too ordinary?"

"It is ordinary, but that's a good thing. To be honest, I never thought that half a month would pass so quietly, like pressing the slow-motion button," Ryan said, gazing at the sky, where the half moon and the faint stars were visible.

"I've always been busy. Fighting, researching, thinking about what to do next. I rarely have time to relax."

"You're carrying the hopes of humanity. If anyone can defeat the Collapse, it must be you," Hua said without thinking, her expression extremely firm.

"Thank you for your trust. But as for the future, who can predict it? The hope I carry is something I willingly bear. It's not something forced upon me. But I often wonder, after fulfilling this hope, what comes next?" Ryan said, his voice quiet but full of thought.

"Of course, you'll become a hero to humanity, admired by all!" Hua replied eagerly.

"That's what I deserve. But I can never stop. Even if I solve the Collapse, it'll be like stepping onto the first step of a ladder. I'll have to keep climbing."

"Climbing all the way to the top?"

"This path has no summit. Or rather, I am the peak," Ryan said, his tone serious.

Hua paused. No wonder Senior Brother was always so busy. He was constantly moving forward, and it sounded exhausting. But looking at Ryan expression, there was a deep desire within him.

"Senior brother, if you like something, just do it. I'll always follow you, no matter where you go."

"Haha, so I've found the answer," Ryan laughed into the sea breeze. Just then, a cluster of 'shooting stars' shot up, exploding into the sky with a roar. The beautiful fireworks lit up the mountaintop, almost like daylight.

"I want to explore the wider world with all of you. Every time I feel tired, I'll live a few days of ordinary life with you, and my mood will instantly improve. Perhaps that's what you call balancing work and rest."

"I've experienced so much with you, and without realizing it, I've become a little unable to live without all of you."

Am I that amazing?

Hua froze for a moment, gazing at the dazzling fireworks and the man laughing loudly, her face turning bright red.

I can't live without me? Does this mean...

Her face felt like it was burning, and Carol's final strategy had been waiting for this moment.

"Ryan, I won't leave you!" Hua took a deep breath, finally calling his name with courage.

The fireworks continued, and Ryan face flickered in the changing light, but Hua could faintly see him smiling.

"If I truly left you... unwillingly," Ryan asked softly.

Hua expression froze, and her hand clenched her skirt. Amidst the cheering, gasping, and laughter, she felt an overwhelming silence. The dazzling sky seemed like a deep abyss, slowly consuming her.

Yes, in this world, there's no hope to be seen, anyone could die, and Ryan, who carried that hope, also carried the greatest risk.

Her emerald eyes lost their brilliance, but in an instant, they grew bright again, even brighter than the fireworks above. With almost a vow in her voice, she said:

"I'll wait for you, whether it's one hundred years, a thousand years, or ten thousand years. I'll wait for you, no matter..."

Before she could finish her sentence, she stopped when Ryan hugged her.

His fingers brushed through her smooth hair, and Ryan felt her warm, smooth back, gently caressing it.

"Idiot, I can't let you wait that long."

Hua mind went blank. She stood there, dazed. Luckily, Ryan didn't hold the hug for long. He could sense someone approaching and felt Hua body was tense, so he gently pulled away and placed his hand on her shoulder.

"Don't worry, the Honkai can't take me, and it can't take you either. Don't think about anything else. Just focus on the present and follow my lead. I'll take care of the rest."

Ryan tone wasn't particularly firm, but it was full of tenderness, and Hua heart gradually settled.

"Mm, I leave everything to you."

As always, a plain response. Over the past ten years, whenever there was something difficult to solve, this man would be there, and she would say the same words.

Just like the bottomless waters of Neon, while Elysia might feel despair, Hua had never worried. She knew Ryan would solve everything.

Footsteps approached, and several soldiers in Fire Moth uniforms appeared nearby. Seeing the two of them in an embrace, they seemed awkward. The captain cleared his throat.

"Lieutenant Hua, sorry to disturb you, but there's an urgent deployment order. A large Collapse event has occurred in Sora City, and we need you to move out immediately."

Hua frowned slightly, instinctively disliking these people who disrupted the moment. But she said nothing, just glanced at Ryan. He gave a slight nod, and she immediately felt reassured.

"Alright, find a landing spot. Let the helicopter come directly."

"Thank you for your cooperation."

Hua hadn't forgotten her identity as a soldier. She walked a few steps with them, then turned around reluctantly, giving a slight bow.

"Senior brother, I had a great time today. I'll remember it forever, never forgetting it."

"I feel the same, Hua," Ryan stood in place, smiling and waving as she walked away, turning her head back several times before disappearing into the bustling night.

The sounds of the world filled his ears, and the calm from before vanished. He suddenly stopped smiling.

So this is your warning?

Ryan reached for his back and gently stroked the smooth silver flute.

Over and over again.