Dreams

The Eighth Herrscher's attack targeted human consciousness, but that didn't mean physical defenses could be neglected.

The Herrscher's physical body still existed in reality. If all MANTIS entered the dreamscape, and the Herrscher attacked in the real world, humanity would be defenseless.

So, while most MANTIS were in the dream world, Kevin remained at HQ, patrolling, vigilant.

Fortunately, Lee seemed unaffected by the Herrscher's attack, perhaps due to her unwavering will, despite her lost power.

But Lee was still an ordinary person, unable to withstand prolonged exposure, and the remaining Fire Moth members were dwindling… Kevin could only pray that Su and the others would find the Herrscher quickly.

When will the Honkai finally disappear from this world?

Kevin sighed softly, then continued his patrol—

"Kevin, what are you spacing out for?"

"…Lee?" Kevin turned sharply, seeing Lee, whom he'd just been worrying about, standing behind him.

She was smiling brightly. "Why are you still standing here? Let's go!"

"Go?" Kevin asked, puzzled. "Go where?"

"To celebrate with Su and the others, of course! Didn't you see the message? Su found and defeated the Eighth Herrscher!"

"?!"

The news was shocking. Kevin quickly checked his communicator. Mei's message, delayed as usual, finally arrived, confirming the Eighth Herrscher's defeat and the end of the Honkai Eruption.

"So fast…?"

"Did you doubt your friend's abilities?" Lee walked towards Kevin, beckoning him to follow. "Come on, Kevin! The Doctor is thrilled. She said she has good news for you~"

"Good news?" Though confused, Kevin followed Lee, drawn by her cheerful demeanor.

How long has it been since I've seen her this happy?

But…

When they arrived at the command center, everyone was cheering. Even the usually stoic Mei was smiling.

"The Eighth Herrscher has been defeated! And according to Prometheus' calculations, she was the last Herrscher! I declare—humanity has triumphed over the Honkai!!"

The already joyous atmosphere intensified. People hugged, some wept with joy. Amidst the celebration, Kevin's silence seemed out of place.

"What's wrong, Kevin? Aren't you happy?" Lee asked, concerned. "Or are you feeling unwell?"

"No, I just…"

"I bet he's just worried that Su's outstanding performance stole your thunder, and now he'll never have a chance." Mobius, a rare sight in such a crowded setting, was her usual sarcastic self.

"Doctor, what are you talking about?!" Lee blushed, glancing at Kevin, then playfully covered Mobius' mouth.

"Alright, alright, Lee, I know you like this boy." Mobius pried Lee's hand away, pulling a vial from her lab coat pocket. "If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have bothered making this… Pay attention, Kevin. This serum will cure the side effects of your MANTIS surgery. After injecting this, your body temperature will return to normal, and you can finally touch Lee."

"Let's try it now. Though I could inject it myself, it's more fitting for Lee to do the honors, don't you think?"

Lee took the syringe from Mobius, then gently held Kevin's hand. "Be careful, Kevin, it might sting a little."

Kevin remained silent, then, as Lee was about to inject him, he suddenly grabbed her wrist, his other hand reaching for Judgment of Shamash at his waist—

BOOM!!!

Intense flames engulfed the command center. Mobius, Mei, Su, and all the celebrating Fire Moth members were incinerated in an instant. Only Lee, her wrist still gripped by Kevin, remained.

"Wh-what are you doing, Kevin?!"

Lee screamed in anguish, trying to pull away and reach for Mobius' charred remains, but Kevin's grip was too strong.

"Kevin, are you crazy?! Why did you attack everyone?!"

"Stop pretending, Herrscher." Looking at Lee's tear-streaked face, Kevin tightened his grip, almost crushing her wrist. "You're nothing like her."

"…Really?" After a brief silence, Lee—or rather, the Eighth Herrscher—replaced her grief with a chilling smile. "But I'm based on your conscious image of her. If there's any difference…"

"Did you see through me because you know she doesn't actually love you?"

Kevin: "…"

Seeing his silence, the Eighth Herrscher laughed. "You poor thing. But then again, how could anyone truly love someone who turned them into… that? She was a celebrated hero, and because of you—"

The flames of Judgment of Shamash cut her off, but her laughter continued.

"Why resist, human? You're all doomed. Wouldn't it be better to indulge in pleasant dreams, rather than face such a cruel reality?"

"Shut up."

Kevin gripped his weapon tighter. He'd clearly fallen prey to the Herrscher's power. Though humanity's strongest warrior, he had no mental defenses, only his willpower.

The dream world the Herrscher created was indeed beautiful, almost tempting, but…

In the real world, the Honkai wouldn't disappear so easily, and Lee wouldn't smile at him so shyly, but that world was real.

The real Lee lived there, and she needed his protection.

Even though he knew he was killing a mere phantom, it still weighed heavily on his heart.

I've seen through the dream. Can I wake up now?

Suddenly, Kevin jolted awake at his desk.

"Awake?" Su, sitting beside him, looked at him, exasperated. "Sleeping through morning classes until lunch break, impressive… Are you too excited about confessing to Lee today?"

"This is… school?"

Kevin looked around. It was Chiba Academy.

"Still dreaming… why…?"

"What dreaming? Where else would we be? Did you hit your head or something?" Su stood up and patted Kevin's shoulder. "Let's go. Senpai is waiting."