Look, Kevin's Over There!

Conservatively, the blood extracted from Lee was enough for the Fire Moth to produce over ten million doses of anti-Honkai serum.

Even after saving an entire city's population, there would be millions left over.

But the Fire Moth apparently deemed using so much serum on ordinary citizens inefficient, preferring to stockpile it for future use.

Lee had no objections—even if she did, no one would listen. It had been several days since the incident, and she hadn't left her room.

Apart from Mei and Elysia's occasional visits, no one else could get in, supposedly to ensure her rest and recovery.

This made Lee quite upset. If she couldn't see Kevin and the others, how was she supposed to farm energy?!

And Vill-V! Her affection had successfully reached max level, but Lee hadn't seen her since.

Still, Lee wasn't too worried. There would be opportunities. Besides, even though she was stuck in bed, doing nothing but watching TV and playing games, energy kept flowing in from somewhere.

Sometimes a few thousand, sometimes even over a hundred thousand… There were no names attached, so Lee didn't know the source, but she guessed it was those few high-efficiency energy generators.

Mei's efficiency was a bit too high, though. Lee had only asked her to keep Kevin and the others in the dark, to spare them from worry. But Mei had actually managed to keep them completely away, not even letting Lee see their faces.

Honestly, Lee just wanted to maintain a "doesn't want to worry anyone" image so she could get a bigger energy payout when Kevin and the others learned the truth. But Mei was so thorough that Lee couldn't find an opportunity to "accidentally" reveal it.

If I hadn't asked Mei to block the news, I'd have at least a million energy by now, right? Especially from Kevin and Vill-V. If they don't each give me at least a million, I'll just have a sudden relapse and fall into a coma.

"Lee, how are you feeling today?"

Mei, dressed in a white lab coat, entered the room as Lee was lost in her energy-farming schemes.

"Good morning, Mei! I'm great! Aside from being a bit weak, I feel no different~" Lee grinned, flexing her fist. "Even if I can't be as strong as before, I think after a few more days of recovery, I might still be able to handle some Honkai beasts."

Looking at the optimistic Lee, Mei felt a pang of guilt, but she had to tell her the truth. Otherwise, the disappointment later would be even greater.

"Lee, your body can't fully recover… Your injuries were too severe. Your regenerative abilities are completely gone, and many of your normal bodily functions are also disrupted. Maintaining your current state is already the limit."

"…I see."

To Mei's surprise, Lee's expression remained unchanged. She simply nodded with a smile.

"I did consider that possibility."

"But since this is the limit, it also means I've recovered, right? Can I go out now?"

Lee turned over in bed, preparing to get up. But feeling her still-weak legs, she awkwardly looked back.

"Um, could you pass me the crutches by the bed?"

[Energy +18,000]

"…Your life isn't in danger, but your stamina hasn't recovered." Mei paused before continuing. "Rest for a few more days. Things are still unstable outside."

Though she didn't know who had started the chaos, too many higher-ups had tried to exploit it, and with those Honkai cultists fanning the flames, the Fire Moth had been greatly destabilized. A significant portion of the leadership had died in the conflict.

The turmoil hadn't ended yet. The deaths created power vacuums, and many were vying for control… For Mei, this was an opportunity to consolidate her own power.

If the Fire Moth were united, with shared goals and beliefs, such disasters wouldn't happen. Mei didn't enjoy power struggles, but if she wanted to save humanity from the Honkai, it was a necessary evil.

Though Lee had suffered, objectively, Mei had gained a significant opportunity to gradually control the Fire Moth.

"I'm sorry, Lee."

The words slipped out unconsciously. Mei didn't even know if she was apologizing for failing to protect Lee or for exploiting Lee's tragedy.

She saw Lee's eyes widen, as if surprised by the apology.

"I don't think you have anything to apologize for. But if it makes you feel better… I forgive you, Mei."

[Energy +10,000]

Was there really any fundamental difference between her and those who used Lee?

"…Thank you."

Looking at Lee's gentle gaze, Mei lowered her eyes.

"I'll be busy lately and probably won't be able to visit… But Elysia is in charge of security here, so don't worry about safety. Since you've mostly recovered, others won't notice anything amiss when they visit. Mobius and the others should be coming to see you starting tomorrow."

"I see. You should take care of yourself too, Mei."

[Energy +30,000]

Mei paused, then left the room without another word.

Watching the door close, the smile on Lee's face faded.

Good, daily energy harvest complete. She'd been living off Mei and Elysia's wool lately.

"I can see everyone tomorrow…"

Her premium customers were finally arriving!

Rolling over in bed, Lee reached for the crutches leaning against the wall, then propped herself up and slowly moved to the window.

Thankfully, though weak, she wasn't wheelchair-bound yet. She could still manage on her own.

Lee opened the window, enjoying the breeze on her face.

What a beautiful day! Look at the blue sky, the flowers, the grass, the little white-haired guy climbing the wall below—

Wait, is there something odd?

Lee leaned out, bewildered, staring at the figure clinging to the wall beneath her window.

Isn't that Kevin?