Time to Unleash My Inner Resilience!

The Eighth Herrscher was faster than anyone anticipated.

Less than three days after Mei announced the sleeping sickness as the Eighth Honkai Eruption, the Herrscher attacked the Fire Moth. After identifying the keywords targeting the organization, in a single instant, all personnel without mental training fell into a coma.

Administrative, logistical, and most of the scientific departments were paralyzed. The global anti-Honkai organization lost eighty percent of its operational capacity in an instant.

Fortunately, Mei had made preparations. Su's Fifth Science Division quickly distributed the "Mind Shackles", a drug that induced targeted cognitive impairment, allowing users to subconsciously filter the contaminated keywords and maintain normal function.

But the drug had its limits. As the Herrscher expanded her vocabulary of contamination, the drug would eventually fail. Humanity had to find and eliminate the Herrscher before that happened.

But this was incredibly difficult. Tracking the Herrscher online required exposure to the contaminated keywords, which induced coma and trapped the victim in the Herrscher's dream.

So, humanity was left with only one option: have someone use the Fifth Division's "Observation Hub" to disable their Mind Shackles, then willingly enter the Herrscher of Sentience's dream world and search for her.

It was a foolish plan, sending human consciousness into a dreamscape controlled by a mind-controlling Herrscher… but it was the only option. If enough moths flew into the flame, one might eventually extinguish it.

Using ordinary people was pointless. Their consciousness was too fragile. They would be crushed by the Herrscher the moment their Mind Shackles were removed. Only MANTIS were suitable, but there weren't enough.

So, there was only one choice left.

"All eligible candidates must undergo the surgery…?" Looking at the armed soldiers at the door, Lee instinctively shielded a trembling Pardofelis. "But… Pardo is just a child!"

"We apologize, Ms. Lee, but these are the orders from above." The soldier's voice was apologetic. "If I could, I would take this child's place, but I'm not qualified."

"Pardofelis, you are a member of the Fire Moth. This is your duty."

"I don't agree! This is too much…" Lee gritted her teeth. "Wait here. I'm going to see Mei!"

The soldiers hesitated, then stepped aside. One of them said, his voice filled with sympathy, "Ms. Lee, you've always been our idol. If you insist, we'll wait. But I don't think even Dr. Mei can change this. She proposed this plan."

"Even so, I have to try! Even if I have to beg her…"

Pardo, hiding behind Lee, saw Lee's lip bitten raw and heard her desperate murmur.

"At least… spare Pardo…"

Pardofelis wasn't stupid. After six months living with Lee, she knew Lee wasn't the same.

She understood. The Big Sis Lee who could punch through buildings was gone—but so what? Even weakened, Lee was still her Big Sis Lee, always protecting her, shielding her from worries.

Because Lee wasn't as strong, her status within the organization seemed to have declined, so Lee entrusted Pardo to Eden. Eden was kind, wealthy, and respected. Pardo was treated well, even receiving expensive gems!

But she still preferred Lee.

That day, when they reunited, Pardo, unaware of Lee's situation, asked her to save Kalpas and Aponia… Lee, knowing she couldn't, still tried to ask for help because of Pardo's request.

Even Pardofelis knew how awful it felt to beg and be rejected. Lee wasn't heartless. She'd been clearly heartbroken when she returned.

I said I would protect her… did I?

Pardofelis reflected on the past six months, realizing she'd still been under Lee's care.

Like now, facing danger, her first instinct was to hide behind Lee, even though this had nothing to do with Lee.

What should I do? Keep hiding behind Big Sis Lee? Let her beg that Mei person again, only to be rejected? Let her watch me being dragged away, crying, while she can do nothing? Let her be heartbroken?

Looking at Lee's despair, Pardofelis made up her mind.

"Big Sis Lee, I… actually want to go."

"…Huh?"

Lee turned, her eyes wide with confusion. "What are you talking about, Pardo…? That's the MANTIS surgery! The mortality rate is still over ninety percent!"

"It's fine, Big Sis Lee. Don't you remember I'm always lucky?" Pardofelis puffed out her chest, her voice filled with bravado. "Bullets couldn't kill me, so a little surgery is nothing~"

"Once I become a MANTIS , no one can bully me anymore! I've always wanted to do this surgery!"

"…You're lying." Lee stared at Pardofelis, tears welling in her eyes. "You were terrified just now!"

Big Sis Lee is sad.

Seeing Lee on the verge of tears, Pardofelis wavered.

She didn't want the surgery, and she didn't want to upset Lee… but if the surgery was unavoidable, at least pretending to be willing would make Lee feel better, right?

And if she truly became a MANTIS , she might be able to protect Lee.

"Come on, Big Sis Lee, let me make my own decisions~" Despite her fear, Pardofelis walked towards Lee, forcing a smile. "Don't worry, I'll be back soon!"

As she followed the soldiers, Pardofelis felt a hand grab hers. She paused, then gently pulled away, walking on.

Lee was left alone in the empty corridor.

Su also sent a cryptic message yesterday. He's probably going for the surgery too…

Okay, that's enough pressure! Time for action!

Though her heart pounded with excitement, Lee's face was calm.

Artificial Herrscher, here I come~

What, you think she was worried about Pardo and Su's safety?

Please, look at their energy generation efficiency! Important characters like them wouldn't die getting a power-up.

She was more concerned about whether Vill-V had finished researching that artificial Herrscher technology…