The Challenger

Shu's fist clenched and unclenched, finally falling limp at his side.

What defined [humanity]?

He couldn't give a definitive answer. He'd never seriously considered it.

It was a question rendered moot by peacetime, a question he hadn't had time to ponder in this apocalyptic era.

"Hah…"

All his chaotic thoughts dissolved into a sigh.

He couldn't bring himself to delve deeper.

He knew he was prone to tunnel vision, clinging stubbornly to his own conclusions.

Most people were like that, following their own logic and fiercely defending their beliefs.

After "careful" consideration, they'd dismiss differing opinions with, "You might be right, but you're full of shit."

Or, more often, they'd just attack outright.

Of course, such confrontations usually happened between equals. With a power imbalance, it became "authority" crushing "ignorance."

Shu's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched.

Did a difference in status automatically render the lower level "ignorant"?

He shook his head violently. He'd almost gone down that rabbit hole.

"Alright, let's not get into that…" He looked down at Little Tian.

The old man, using his multiple arms, had picked up a crayon and was scribbling on a piece of paper.

Shu followed his gaze, studying the "unusual" drawing.

It was a classic beginner's family portrait. A horizon line, buildings and trees—stylized, but recognizably ARC City.

In the center, a group portrait. Despite the crude lines, Shu could identify the figures based on their features and Little Tian's color choices.

A short-haired, lavender girl, beaming, hugging a round robot. That was Sora.

A black-haired boy striking a ridiculous pose with a stoic expression. Adam.

A short, gray-haired kid grinning like an idiot, giving a thumbs-up. Lyle.

Flanking the children were two adults. A woman in a black cloak, holding a large chili pepper, looking menacing. Natasha.

On the other side, a man in a white coat, holding a bloody scalpel. Even more menacing than Natasha. That had to be Vakh.

Shu scanned the almost-finished drawing. One person was missing.

Little Tian wasn't there.

His gaze settled on a blank space in the center of the group, the spot a child would typically reserve for themselves.

But Little Tian was blankly drawing flowers on the green grass, trying to make the world more beautiful, without including himself.

"Ethics, tell me…" Shu felt the feedback from Little Tian weakening. The old man was becoming more like the other mutants.

His movements were slowing. A simple flower, requiring only two strokes, now took nearly two minutes to draw.

"What will you do with the last surviving mutant?" Shu asked softly. "Or… what will you *have* it do?"

"It will proceed to the eleventh level and engage in combat with the previous [Champion], resulting in the emergence of the most… evolutionarily advanced specimen."

"And what will the other party do with this ultimate creature?" Shu watched as Little Tian's drawing speed slowed to three minutes per flower.

"That information was not disclosed. However, we have formulated hypotheses," Ethics replied.

"Tell me."

"The most plausible theory—they seek to create a perfect organism, to supplant humanity as the dominant species."

"They want to create a god to rule over humanity?" Shu's tone was surprisingly calm. "Using… humans?"

"Perhaps."

Shu said nothing.

Little Tian's hand stopped. He'd stopped drawing.

He could no longer hold the crayon.

The mutant, once known as Little Tian, looked around blankly, then locked onto Shu. He lunged, flailing his uncontrolled arms, trying to strike.

Shu silently raised his hand, the golden chains re-wrapping around the mutant, dragging him away.

He knelt where Little Tian had been, picking up the unfinished drawing and staring at it thoughtfully.

After a moment, he carefully folded the drawing and placed it over his heart.

And he received a new [wish]:

[From Little Tian: To see flowers blooming beneath a blue sky once more.]

"Mr. Shu?" Shu's soft murmur went unheard by Ethics.

"Let's go," Shu said, straightening up and gripping the chains binding the mutant. He turned towards the door.

"To the tenth level?" Ethics asked.

"To the eleventh," Shu replied, striding purposefully out of the building, its architecture identical to those outside in ARC city.

"You intend to confront the [Champion]?" Ethics's mechanical voice sped up slightly. "Mr. Shu, I must advise you."

"The [Champion]'s biological parameters are… unprecedented. Every aspect far exceeds any known biological limits."

Shu stopped. Pet stopped behind him.

Ethics felt a surge of hope.

Shu slowly turned, looking down at the tiny robot.

"Is it stronger than an Emperor-class Honkai Beast?"

Ethics fell silent.

"Then let it see…" Shu turned and continued walking.

"Let it see if humanity can be so easily dethroned."

"I accept this challenge… on behalf of humanity."