Destination: Australia

"Doctor, I don't think I can stay here any longer."

Lee gazed at the setting sun outside the window, speaking suddenly. Behind her, Mobius was startled, wondering what Lee was planning now.

"Staying in the hospital every day, I feel like I'm going to grow mold…" Lee sighed, turning to Mobius. "Since I've recovered, I think it's better to go out and do something."

"It's too dangerous outside now, Lee. You're not as strong as you used to be. You can't charge into the front lines against Herrschers like before." Mobius tried to persuade her. "You've done enough for humanity. It's time to rest. Spending time with Griseo here isn't so bad, is it?"

"I know, Doctor, I'm not very useful now—I'm well aware of that." Lee shook her head earnestly. "But I still want to do something, even if it's just small tasks… Griseo is almost kindergarten age. Being with other energetic children would be better for her development than staying cooped up in a hospital room with me."

"It's dangerous now. Most kindergartens are closed—"

"HQ has a kindergarten and school specifically for the children of staff members. Surely you know that, Doctor?"

Looking at the silent Mobius, Lee smiled. "Doctor, I know you're worried about me, but I really can't stay idle… Even if I can't join the front lines, I can do logistical work, right? For example, although my physical condition has deteriorated, my combat skills are still there. I think being a combat instructor for new recruits would be a good fit~"

"Staying in this room every day is so boring. Aside from Griseo, no one visits much…"

"Lee, this is the safest place… I'll try to make more time to see you." Mobius tentatively suggested, knowing Lee wouldn't agree. The "loneliness" was likely just an excuse.

She probably just didn't want to be confined, wanted to contribute more to humanity…

"I really don't want to stay here anymore. Please help me, Doctor~" Lee moved closer to Mobius, giving her a pleading look. "Please, talk to Mei for me! I feel like I'm going to get depressed if I stay here any longer—or I could be a cleaner in your lab?"

For Lee's safety, Mobius should have refused her plea. Though it seemed heartless, it was the best arrangement. Last time, she'd respected Lee's decision, and Lee ended up in this state, filling Mobius with regret. She wouldn't let Lee be so reckless again.

That was what Mobius thought, but…

Lee was giving her the puppy-dog eyes, practically brimming with tears.

Reason and emotion clashed. After a struggle, Mobius succumbed to this unprecedented attack.

"Alright, I'll talk to Mei…" Mobius sighed in defeat. "I'll find the safest place for you."

If it were up to Mobius, having Lee in her lab as a cleaner—no, as a mascot!—would be perfect!

But reality was often disappointing. Due to the new serum, Mobius' lab was now a prime target. Countless eyes were on it.

Some tried to recruit her, some tried to plant spies, some tried to steal data and serums, others tried to assassinate her to prevent her from being used by rivals… Mobius found them all ridiculously stupid.

But Mobius could handle these dangers and retaliate fiercely. But Lee? She currently had no self-preservation abilities. If she joined the lab, she might "accidentally" die in a fire someday…

To protect Lee, besides keeping her in the safest place—the HQ hospital—the only other option was to send her somewhere inconspicuous, like that time Mei sent her to the Twilight Street.

But that place was too dangerous for Lee now.

A place far from the Fire Moth's power struggles, with infrequent Honkai incidents, but with Fire Moth troops stationed nearby for safety…

An idea struck Mobius.

"That's how it is, Griseo. Sister Lee is going to Australia to be an instructor. I won't be able to play with you anymore~"

Lee wanted to lift Griseo and spin her around, but her body couldn't handle such strenuous activity. She settled for patting Griseo's cheek.

"If you miss me, video call me, okay?"

"Okay." Griseo nodded obediently. Though there was a hint of sadness in her eyes, she didn't cling to Lee's leg and cry.

"I'm leaving HQ tomorrow, but saying goodbye to everyone individually feels a bit sad, so please tell your dad, Kosma, Aponia, and the others for me." Lee helped Griseo pack her drawing board, smiling as she watched her leave.

Mobius is so easy to manipulate. Asking those tough-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside types is always the quickest way. I asked Mei ages ago, and she wouldn't budge.

I also asked her to arrange regular deliveries of anti-Honkai serum to the Dusk (or Twilight or Sundown? Which one do you like?) Ward orphanage. I wonder how that's going. The blood I left should have run out by now. It would last longer as a raw ingredient, but its effectiveness is reduced without processing.

Australia, huh…

For most Fire Moth members, being sent there was like exile. Vast and sparsely populated, even Honkai incidents were less frequent. Once there, any hope of climbing the ranks was basically gone. It was a good place to retire.

For Lee, it was perfect.

Not only could she slack off freely, but she could also plan big things.

After all, both Hua and the Seventh Herrscher came from there. And Hua's affection level still needed work~

But before leaving HQ, there was one more person to deal with…