Isn't That a Good Thing?

"Huh?"

Kalpas was baffled by Lee's cryptic request. It made no sense.

He didn't feel any different, but after the hair incident, he knew Lee had placed a "mind lock" on him.

But Lee, despite her penchant for bad jokes, never did anything without a reason—if she used her abilities to restrict him, there must be a reason.

And Kalpas knew it was connected to Lee's current state.

"You're afraid I'll kill someone?" Kalpas scoffed. "If you're so worried, you should have placed a broader restriction—like forbidding me from harming innocents!"

"That's not necessary, Kalpas. Though you always act tough, I know you would never harm innocents." Lee sighed. "It's just… something happened. I'm worried you might… lose control and hurt them."

"Like Aponia?"

At the mention of that name, Kalpas' voice hardened. "Trying to help others without the ability to actually solve anything, only making things worse, then making others bear the consequences! Self-righteous, hypocritical… she deserves to die!! If she hadn't taken in those infected people, I wouldn't have… again…!"

"I understand your anger, Kalpas."

Lee lowered her eyes, her voice soft. "I still remember everyone's names at the orphanage… John, a former teacher, who continued teaching the children even after retirement. Ram and Mike, childhood rivals who bickered constantly even in their old age, but cared deeply for each other. Linda, who dreamed of becoming a fashion designer, and wanted me to be her model. Anthony and Davey, who wanted to be soldiers, but after hearing my stories, kept saying they wanted to be like the Emperor of Earth…"

"Aponia's actions, her disregard for the consequences, led to their deaths. But before that, most of them survived because of her… Sometimes, those without power can't see the bigger picture. They can only focus on the present—and that sometimes leads to unbearable consequences."

Lee's eyes filled with a profound sadness. "Sometimes, this world gives people a kind heart, then shows them suffering but denies them the power to change it…"

"Kalpas, I'm not asking you to forgive or understand Aponia, but… I'm selfish, Kalpas. I don't want to see my friends fight to the death." Lee smiled bitterly. "If you still choose to seek revenge on Aponia, I won't stop you. The lock I placed on you isn't permanent. It will disappear after my death, so… at least wait until then."

Lee, the victor of their contest, capable of subduing Kalpas at any moment, was now pleading—not even asking him to forgive, but to postpone his revenge until after her death.

How could Kalpas refuse such a plea?

He couldn't.

"…Idiot." He finally grumbled. "Fine, I'll let her live."

Seeing him relent, Lee smiled. "Thank you, Kalpas."

"But if you just wanted me to spare Aponia, you could have just said her name. You used the word 'companions'." Kalpas wasn't letting it go that easily. "There are others?"

Though phrased as a question, it was a statement.

Lee paused, then smiled casually. "It's nothing. Just some… minor disagreements with the former leaders… They're gone now, so don't worry about it."

"So it's settled. My companions are your companions. Don't hurt them, okay?"

"Hmph, fine."

Seeing Kalpas nod, Lee smiled, satisfied. Sakura, standing beside her, shifted uncomfortably.

She was the one who killed everyone at the orphanage. She had no excuse. Now, being caught between two victims, listening to them discuss another victim… It would be easier for someone thick-skinned, but Sakura wasn't. She felt like she was sitting on pins and needles.

Thankfully, it's almost over. I hope Mr. Su won't assign me these kinds of missions anymore. It's so awkward…

After Mei relinquished her leadership to Su, the Fire Moth's efficiency improved drastically. The days of rampant corruption were over.

And Mei, freed from the burdens of politics, could finally focus on her research.

Unburdened, humanity's chief scientist flourished, her genius blossoming. New designs and breakthroughs emerged rapidly, advancing Honkai research significantly.

First, she confirmed the total number of Herrschers: fourteen. This gave humanity a clear goal in their seemingly endless war against the Honkai, boosting morale significantly. Shortly after, she proposed Project SELENE, which could convert Honkai energy into other forms of energy, providing humanity with a powerful weapon.

And in today's meeting, she revealed the true nature of the Honkai—but unlike her previous discoveries, which inspired hope, this revelation was… difficult for many to accept.

"Lee, what do you think about what Mei said today?"

Kevin, one of the few warriors present at the meeting, approached Lee afterward. "The Honkai… another civilization searching for its kin…"

"Have we… suffered so much, struggled so hard… for such a ridiculous reason?"

But to Kevin's surprise, Lee seemed remarkably calm about this disturbing revelation.

"Isn't that a good thing?"