Chapter 91: Ch-91 < preparation- II >
The moon hung low in the sky as Kevin and Mei finally stepped out of the lab, their faces still flushed from the intensity of their prolonged session.
They had been at it for five hours, losing themselves in each other until a sudden notification from Mobius on Mei's terminal brought them back to reality.
With a shared glance, they silently agreed it was time to focus on their duties. They cleaned up quickly and dressed, making their way to Mobius' lab. Upon arrival, Mobius was waiting, arms crossed, and a stern expression on her face.
"Five hours? " Mobius started, her voice sharp as she scolded them. "I understand you're both in a relationship, but you can't afford such distractions with the Final Herrscher's arrival so close."
Kevin chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his head. "Apologies, Mobius. We'll be more careful."
Mobius huffed but decided to move on to the more pressing matters. "Let's talk about the new base on the moon. It's nearly complete, and the Final Herrscher is expected to descend there in less than two months."
Mei's expression turned serious as she glanced at Kevin. "You barely managed to defeat the Herrscher of Light. Are you sure you can handle the Final Herrscher?" Concern laced her voice.
Kevin sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I'm not sure, Mei. But with my new suit, I might have a chance."
Mobius interjected, her analytical mind already working on a solution. "Then perhaps you should undergo a new surgery. This one would incorporate all the Honkai essence we have available. It might enhance your strength significantly."
Kevin shook his head. "I've already consumed all the flesh of the Honkai beasts available. Any further surgery wouldn't benefit me."
Mobius frowned but nodded in understanding. "Very well."
Kevin spent the next three days caught up in the chaos of preparing for the upcoming battle. Between managing the squad, planning strategies, and training, time flew by, leaving him exhausted. Finally, after the hectic days, he found a moment to return home.
As he stepped inside, the familiar sight of Jyahnar greeted him. She was sitting on the couch, happily watching TV, her eyes lighting up as soon as she saw him.
"You're back!" Jyahnar exclaimed, jumping up from the sofa and running towards Kevin.
Kevin smiled at her enthusiasm. She opened her arms wide, and Kevin, slightly amused, asked, "Do you need anything?"
Jyahnar shook her head, her eyes sparkling. "I need a hug! I saw in that box thing," she pointed at the TV, "that you should welcome someone special with a hug when they return home."
Kevin couldn't help but chuckle. He complied, wrapping his arms around her waist. As he pulled her close, he caught the sweet scent of roses in her hair. It was a calming and comforting smell that reminded him of simpler times.
But then Jyahnar surprised him by pushing his head into her bosom and gently petting it as if he were a small child. Kevin's mind raced as he realized she might have mixed up a mother's hug with that of a grown person. Despite the odd situation, he allowed her to continue, knowing it was her way of showing affection.
After the hug, Kevin asked her, "Is there anything you want?"
Jyahnar thought for a moment before answering, "Anything you like."
Kevin smiled and ordered a chocolate cake for her, something simple but sweet, while he opted for a bowl of ramen and some paneer. As they ate together, Jyahnar eyed Kevin's food curiously, and he offered her a bite. Her eyes lit up as the flavors exploded in her mouth, and she eagerly accepted more.
Once they finished eating, Kevin lay on the sofa, his mind still occupied with thoughts of the impending battle. Jyahnar lay beside him, noticing his pensive mood.
"What are you thinking about?" she asked softly, her voice full of concern.
Kevin sighed, staring at the ceiling. "Just thinking about the Final Herrscher. She'll be here in two months."
Jyahnar nodded, understanding his worry. "I can tell you her patterns, how she fights."
Kevin turned his head to look at her, intrigued. "You've fought the Herrscher of the End many times before, haven't you? Can you defeat her now?"
Jyahnar's expression turned somber. "No. Even at my prime, we were evenly matched. Now, I only have about 60% of my original strength."
Kevin's brow furrowed in thought. "What about your true body? Is it still intact?"
Jyahnar shook her head. "It's already destroyed. Only some pieces might be left, deep in the ocean."
An idea sparked in Kevin's mind. He gently took her hand, his eyes meeting hers with a serious yet intimate gaze. "Can you bring a tiny piece of it?"
The way Kevin looked at her, his closeness, and the warmth of his touch caused Jyahnar's heart to beat faster. She didn't fully understand these new feelings, but she was happy to help him. She nodded eagerly. "Yes, I'll bring it immediately!"
Kevin smiled, grateful for her willingness to assist. "Thank you. I appreciate it."
Without another word, Jyahnar flew into the sky, her power breaking through the building and shattering barriers as she ascended. Alarms blared, and Kevin was left standing there, knowing that he would have a lot of explaining to do once the others arrived.
******
Kevin stood amidst the rubble, pieces of concrete and shattered glass scattered around him as alarms blared, signaling the damage caused by Jyahnar's abrupt departure. The lab's sophisticated barrier systems were in tatters, and he knew that within moments, Mobius and Mei would be rushing to the scene.
As expected, the heavy steel doors to the room slid open with a hiss, and Mobius entered first, her expression a mix of irritation and curiosity. Mei was right behind her, her face showing equal concern and confusion.
"Did that girl finally decide to wreak havoc?" Mobius asked, her eyes scanning the destruction. Her voice was sharp, though Kevin could tell she was more interested in the cause of the damage than in reprimanding anyone.
Kevin sighed, raising a hand to rub the back of his neck sheepishly. "No, it's my fault. I forgot to tell her not to destroy the building on her way out."
Mobius raised an eyebrow, her gaze settling on Kevin with a mix of suspicion and exasperation. "Where did she go?"
Kevin glanced over at Mei, who was still taking in the scene. He knew they were both waiting for an explanation.
"Well, you guys remember that Jyahnar was originally a Honkai beast, right?" Kevin began, and both women nodded, their expressions serious.
"Go on," Mobius prompted, crossing her arms.
"There's a rank higher than Viprolopa-class beasts that existed in previous eras," Kevin continued, choosing his words carefully. "It's called the Planetary-class."
"Planetary-class?" Mei and Mobius echoed in unison, their eyes widening.
Kevin nodded, understanding the gravity of what he was saying. "Even the strongest Herrschers pale in comparison to a Planetary-class Honkai beast. They're... well, they're on a completely different level."
Mei's brows furrowed in concern as she processed this new information. "So, where did she go?"
Kevin hesitated for a moment, then decided to be upfront. "I asked her to retrieve a portion of her body... a piece of her true form that was left behind in the depths of the ocean."
Mobius's eyes narrowed as she considered his words. "You're planning to use it in your next surgery, aren't you?"
Kevin nodded, his expression resolute. "That's right. If I'm going to stand a chance against the Final Herrscher, I need every advantage I can get. Including the essence of a Planetary-class Honkai beast could give me the edge I need."
Mei and Mobius exchanged a glance, a silent understanding passing between them. They knew how high the stakes were, and while the idea of incorporating such immense power into Kevin's body was daunting, it might be their only shot.
Mei asked, her voice tinged with worry. "This is dangerous, even for you."
Kevin gave her a reassuring smile, though there was a hint of seriousness in his eyes. "I know it's risky, but we don't have many options left. The Final Herrscher will descend in two months."
Mobius nodded, her analytical mind already calculating the potential outcomes.
Kevin looked at Mei, sensing her concern. He reached out and gently took her hand, squeezing it reassuringly. "Mei, I'll be fine. I promise."
Mei bit her lip, her eyes searching his and soon she nodded.
Just then, the remnants of the lab's security system crackled back to life, and the alarms finally silenced. The lab's automated repair drones began to work on patching up the damaged sections, though it would take time for everything to be fully restored.
Mobius glanced around, her mind already shifting gears. "We'll need to monitor Jyahnar closely when she returns. The integration process could be tricky, especially with such a powerful essence."
Kevin nodded.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone