He's Like a War God

His Senpai… used as a blood bank, a source of ingredients for serums…?

"Impossible! That can't be true!"

Su's first instinct was denial. "An adult human only has four or five liters of blood. How could they collect so much?!"

"Unfortunately, Lee's regenerative abilities are… exceptional."

Su's words caught in his throat.

Yes, he knew about Lee's regeneration. She'd told him herself, that day in Nagazora, when she saved him…

But—

"You… you monsters, demons…!!"

Su's lips trembled, not only from sadness, but also from rage. "There's… at least six hundred units of blood here… and this is only half? What have you done to her?!"

"…It was her choice."

Mobius closed her eyes, unable to bear the sight. "Due to excessive blood extraction, Lee suffered irreversible damage. She can no longer participate in frontline combat."

"But Lee has always been restless. Being sidelined like this probably made her feel… unwanted. And…" Mobius hesitated. "Anyway, she's not doing well right now, and we… I remember you two were close, and your… foolishly—highly ethical views are similar to hers. Perhaps you can help her."

"Of course I'll help her—but you!" Su glared at Mobius, his teeth gritted. "You… animals… using her as a serum ingredient… Is this the best a renowned scholar like Mobius can come up with? A pathetic miracle drug?"

"Senpai always spoke fondly of you, said you were the person she trusted most—and this is how you treat her?!"

Mobius could only lower her head, speechless.

Su's fury wasn't directed solely at Mobius. "Those idiotic higher-ups must be involved… and Kevin! This is his idea of protecting Lee?!"

"Senpai said she had many friends. Elysia, Vill-V… where are they?! Isn't Mei a high-ranking member now? What is she doing?!"

Rage burned within Su. He'd assumed Lee was simply recovering from injuries sustained in battle, but the reality was far worse.

What had Lee done to deserve this?

Nothing! She was too kind, and those around her exploited her kindness, taking advantage of her, tormenting her!

Su took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down.

He wouldn't let those who hurt Lee get away with this, but first, he had to focus on Lee's current situation.

"…I'll do what I can for Senpai." Su glared at Mobius, then turned to leave. "But this isn't over."

Mobius was left alone in the dim room.

She'd anticipated Su's anger. Making an enemy of such a promising scholar was unwise… but if it helped Su understand Lee's situation, helped him find the right words to comfort her, it was worth it.

Mobius, Mei, Elysia, Kevin… they had all hurt Lee. To help her, they needed outside help.

Hopefully, this Su can do it.

…

When Kevin arrived at their agreed meeting place, Su was standing alone in the park, staring at the night sky.

"Su, long time no see."

"Yes, long time no see, Kevin." Su didn't turn around. "Kevin, you're my best friend. I've always trusted you…"

"So… brace yourself."

Without waiting for a reply, Su spun around and punched Kevin in the face!

"Weren't you going to protect Lee?! What did you protect?!"

"Playing the hero?"

"Sparing the Herrscher?!"

"Causing the deaths of an entire city's population, then making Lee shoulder the responsibility?!"

As if venting his rage, Su pummeled Kevin, punch after punch, knowing it wouldn't harm the MANTIS , even as his own hand began to freeze. He didn't stop.

Kevin remained silent.

He could easily subdue Su, but he didn't, nor did he stop Su from hurting himself.

He understood Su's rage, the overwhelming grief and anger.

Kevin wasn't surprised Su knew the truth. If Su set his mind to something, he could achieve it. The question was whether he had the heart to do it.

Only when Su's hand was swollen and frostbitten, his strength depleted, did he finally stop, staggering back, glaring at Kevin.

"If you can't protect her, then I will… Kevin, I won't hold back anymore."

"…Alright."

What could Kevin say?

Object? Protest?

He, who couldn't even protect the one he loved, had no right to say anything!

He could only watch Su leave.

Despite the beating, Su still considered him a friend. For that, Kevin was grateful.

…

Wow, what a haul! Today was a jackpot!

Back in her room, Lee looked at the influx of energy, giddy with excitement, rolling around on her bed.

Su was truly amazing! In just one day at HQ, he'd directly and indirectly helped her farm nearly a million energy points!

The 500,000 he generated himself aside, judging by his movements on the map, he'd confronted Mobius, then Mei, then Kevin, earning Lee another 400,000+ energy in the process… He's a war god!

Su would definitely come to see her tomorrow, probably to offer some therapy. Considering his efforts, should she let him see some "results"?

Nah, I'd rather go listen to Eden's concert~