A Decision Against Her Principles

The biggest obstacle to freeing Kalpas was the higher-ups. They didn't want to release such a dangerous individual, especially one hostile to the Fire Moth.

But less than a month later, the higher-ups were no longer an obstacle—because they were all dead.

One committed suicide with dozens of gunshots to the back, another decapitated themselves with a fruit knife, another drowned in their bathtub… they were all gone.

Su's explanations were so flimsy that even Lee cringed, but no one could touch him. There was no evidence linking the newly appointed Fire Moth leader to the deaths. He'd covered his tracks perfectly. Even the Poison Cocoon assassins were reportedly impressed.

And since Su was remarkably just and efficient in handling other matters, perfectly balancing various factions and resolving issues swiftly, he firmly controlled the Fire Moth.

With their own in charge, freeing someone was simple for Lee.

But the problem was—Kalpas had a short fuse.

Lee suspected that upon release, learning of the past events, Kalpas would first kill Aponia, then hunt down Mei, Vill-V, Kevin… one by one.

Kalpas' rage explosions generated energy, a good civilization—but if it caused other sheep to die, that was a bad civilization.

So, Lee made a decision against her principles…

"You're… Sakura, right?"

Before entering the prison, Lee looked at the pink-haired woman with long fox ears, sighing. "I could go alone. I can protect myself, and Kalpas would never hurt me."

"I apologize, but these are Mr. Su's orders." Sakura shook her head firmly. "I must be your personal bodyguard to prevent any… incidents."

"Ahaha, I really don't think it's necessary…"

Seeing Sakura's unwavering gaze, Lee relented. "Fine, but please don't fight each other later…"

That face, those ears, that hairstyle, that name—it's you, Yae Sakura!

Though she didn't show it, Lee almost burst out laughing. Thankfully, Kallen wasn't here, or she wouldn't be able to resist mocking Otto.

Unfortunately, in this timeline, Otto and Yae Sakura had no connection. No one would understand her jokes.

Alas, life is so lonely~

But judging by Sakura's appearance and name, Lee knew her energy efficiency wouldn't be low. And she was a powerful combatant, the same investigator who fought Kalpas to a standstill after the orphanage massacre. This further confirmed Sakura's importance.

But how to win her over? Her past actions are… problematic.

Lee understood Sakura's actions. As a Poison Cocoon operative, Sakura likely only knew one solution: her blade.

Seeing a large-scale Honkai outbreak brewing, she naturally took preemptive action… especially since the medicine had been stolen.

But would Kalpas and Aponia understand?

Alas, interpersonal relationships are so troublesome.

Future problems for future Lee. For now, Lee entered the prison with Sakura. After traversing a long corridor, they reached the cell at the very end, where a familiar white-haired figure stood.

"Kalpas, long time no see."

Hearing the familiar voice, Kalpas, who had his back to them, turned around, revealing a slightly damaged Ultraman mask.

"Lee…?"

He slowly approached the bars, staring at her for a long moment, then spoke. "What happened to you?"

[Energy +18,000]

Kalpas couldn't hear her heartbeat, nor her breathing… Humans weren't like this.

Though his voice was calm, Lee could sense the underlying rage, especially now, with her enhanced sensitivity from the Herrscher core.

"Nothing much. I got injured, so I had some… modifications~" Lee smiled, glancing at the bars to change the subject. "This cell can't hold you, can it? Why are you still here?"

"Leaving is pointless." Kalpas paused. "The orphanage is gone. Everyone was killed by the woman beside you."

Lee felt Sakura tense beside her, wary of a sudden outburst.

But Lee remained calm, simply nodding.

"Yes, I know."

"…You didn't return." Despite the mask, Lee could feel Kalpas' gaze. "You're not one to break promises. What happened?"

"I was injured, but I'm fine now…" Lee sighed, extending her hand. "So, will you come with me, Kalpas?"

Kalpas fell silent, looking at Lee, her outstretched hand reminding him of their first meeting, when she invited him to leave with her.

Finally, he scoffed. "Come with you? Want me to obey you? You know the rules. Or, you could have the woman beside you try to force me. I don't care—"

"Then let's have a contest, Kalpas~" Lee interrupted, smiling. She plucked two strands of hair, offering one to him. "Whoever breaks this hair first wins. The winner can make one request."

"Hah? Are you kidding me? What's the point of—?!"

Kalpas froze. He tried to incinerate the hair, but he couldn't.

There was nothing special about the hair. Even a child could break it, but Kalpas couldn't!

"What did you do?!"

"Just a simple mind lock." Lee easily snapped the hair in her hand, smiling. "It makes you subconsciously unwilling to do certain things."

"So, Kalpas, a bet's a bet. I get to make a request, right?"

"…Hmph, as you wish." Though still scowling, Kalpas didn't argue. Whatever Lee had done, he'd lost, and he could accept that.

"Then here's my request, Kalpas…"

Lee's expression turned serious. After a moment of hesitation, she spoke, her voice firm.

"_Do not harm your companions._"