(Well, here we are again, on a new fic.
After seeing the title, you must wonder what about the Re: Interdimensional Mercenary fic. I'll dropping that fic. It's honestly out of my capabilities to write and I have only very basic knowledge of Warhammer. So, since I'm dropping that fic. I started another one. I'm sorry to those that still wish me to write the other fic. I honestly apologise. 🙇🏻
Anyway, let's get to the story.)
———
Fire Moth was established as a global organization to unite nations against the persistent and growing threat of the Honkai, an enigmatic force that had plagued humanity even before the catastrophic First Eruption in Berlin.
Before the First Impact, the most severe Honkai threat ever recorded was an Emperor-Class Honkai Beast, a massive entity that was neutralized with nuclear weapons. However, the First Eruption introduced a new, far more devastating enemy: beings called Herrschers, avatars of the Honkai imbued with godlike powers. The emergence of the First Herrscher, known as the Herrscher of Reason, marked a turning point in humanity's struggle for survival.
Unlike the Emperor-Class Honkai Beasts, which were terrifying but tangible threats, the Herrscher of Reason was a humanoid entity capable of wielding an authority incomprehensible to humanity. The ability to manipulate and repurpose physical constructs created by human technology at will. Tanks, aircraft, and other weapons were turned against their creators, rendering Fire Moth's and the nations advanced military efforts futile.
The cost of countering this unprecedented threat was catastrophic. The Fire Moth and world governments, facing no other viable option, agreed to sacrifice Berlin, along with millions of innocent lives, to halt the Herrscher's rampage. A large-scale nuclear strike was ordered and obliterated the city as the cost to brought an end to the First Herrscher, but the scars left on humanity were both physical and psychological.
In the aftermath of the First Impact, the world entered a brief period of recovery. The masses remained unaware of the Honkai's existence, as the governments and Fire Moth worked to suppress the truth to prevent panic. Meanwhile, Fire Moth intensified its preparations for the next Herrscher, knowing that the threat was far from over.
Efforts were made to revolutionize weaponry, including the development of clean nuclear bombs and advanced military equipment. These initiatives were driven by Fire Moth's network of specialized research institutions, each focusing on different scientific and technological challenges. Among them, the Third Institute rose to prominence by pioneering the integration of Honkai energy into human technology. This breakthrough allowed the creation of Anti-Honkai weaponry, a new generation of tools and armaments specifically designed to combat Honkai threats more effectively. The Honkai energy, harnessed and weaponized, provided humanity with its first significant advantage against the alien force.
Despite these advancements, Fire Moth leaders knew they were still woefully unprepared for another Herrscher-level event.
Their fears were realized with the Second Impact. This time, humanity faced the Herrscher of the Void, a being capable of manipulating space itself. The destruction wrought by this Herrscher eclipsed that of the First Impact, claiming tens of millions of lives and devastating multiple cities. Entire regions were ravaged, particularly in the east, where the damage was so extensive that efforts to reclaim the territory were deemed financially and logistically impossible. Resources were instead redirected toward combating the ever-looming Honkai threat.
On what appeared to be an ordinary day, an unprecedented and bizarre event unfolded.
Sudden spikes in Honkai energy readings were a routine occurrence worldwide, typically signaling an imminent Honkai outbreak. These outbreaks would manifest as Honkai Beasts emerging and corrupting nearby populations into zombie-like states. The Fire Moths were well-equipped to handle such situations, dispatching military forces to suppress the outbreaks. These incidents were generally manageable, as the enemies could still be defeated with modern weaponry. However, this particular outbreak deviated drastically from the norm.
Honkai outbreaks traditionally occurred in densely populated urban areas with advanced technology—logical targets given the Honkai's goal of dismantling human civilization. While the Fire Moths would only come to fully understand this correlation later through extensive data analysis, it was a known pattern. Yet, this outbreak occurred in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, far from any civilization or human habitation.
Initially, the Fire Moth leadership dismissed the anomaly. With no immediate threat to human populations, the outbreak was deemed inconsequential. However, a young and brilliant researcher from the First Institute, Mei—a prodigy recently recruited into the Fire Moths—was unconvinced. She believed there was a deeper significance behind an outbreak occurring in such an isolated and seemingly random location.
Driven by her instincts and unmatched intellect, Dr. Mei spent three relentless days analyzing and cross-referencing data from the outbreak. What she discovered was nothing short of astonishing.
Beneath the Pacific Ocean, at the very site of the outbreak, lay a massive megastructure—clearly artificial and undoubtedly man-made—hidden beneath the depths.
Realizing the implications of her findings, Dr. Mei wasted no time. She urgently presented her discovery to the Fire Moth Commander and the Council, advocating for an immediate expedition to investigate the mysterious structure.
———
Inside the expansive conference room of the Fire Moth headquarters, a holographic display dominated the center, casting a glowing 3D projection of the Pacific Ocean. Markers highlighted an anomalous Honkai outbreak, their red pulses stark against the deep blue of the ocean. Standing at the center of attention was Dr. Mei, her expression calm yet resolute, while the Commander and a panel of Councillors sat in judgment, their expressions ranging from skeptical to indifferent.
Dr. Mei gestured toward the holographic map, her voice steady and measured as she began.
"Ladies and gentlemen, this is the epicenter of an unprecedented Honkai outbreak. Unlike any before, this incident did not target a densely populated area or an advanced technological hub. Instead, it occurred in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, far from human civilization. This deviation from established patterns is too significant to ignore."
A skeptical Councillor leaned forward, a derisive smirk on his face. "Dr. Mei, we've faced countless outbreaks. If there's no immediate threat to human life or infrastructure, why waste precious resources investigating an empty patch of ocean?" His tone dripped with condescension, his gaze lingering on Mei's youthful features as if to undermine her credibility.
Dr. Mei, unfazed, met his gaze with a firm rebuttal. "Because this is not a typical outbreak. Over the past three days, my team has analyzed the data, and our findings reveal something extraordinary. Beneath the outbreak site lies a massive, man-made structure—a megastructure, hidden beneath the ocean floor, revealed through deep-sea scanning."
The Commander's interest visibly piqued. "A megastructure? Are you implying a connection to the Honkai?"
Mei nodded, her voice gaining momentum. "Exactly. Its proximity to the outbreak's epicenter is unlikely to be a coincidence. The Honkai always operates with intent. This structure could be a nexus for Honkai energy, a containment system, or even a repository of knowledge humanity has never encountered."
Another Councillor, a stern woman with sharp eyes behind square-framed glasses, crossed her arms in clear disapproval. "Or it could be nothing more than a relic of the past. We're already stretched thin maintaining global stability and preparing for the next Herrscher. Diverting resources to a speculative expedition is a risk we can't afford."
Mei's calm façade cracked slightly, her frustration evident. "And what if this structure is critical to understanding or combating the Honkai? Ignoring it could cost us dearly. If the Honkai are using this as a staging ground, by the time we realize its significance, it may already be too late."
A new voice, quieter but no less cutting, chimed in. "You're basing all this on assumptions, Dr. Mei. What evidence do you have that this structure is even relevant to the Honkai?"
Mei activated another holographic display, this time showing live energy readings. Pulses of crimson energy lit up the screen. "The energy spikes recorded during the outbreak match those emitted by Emperor-class Honkai Beasts. Such intensity, in such an isolated area, is unprecedented. The correlation cannot be ignored."
The room fell silent as the Councillors exchanged uneasy glances. The Commander, his expression inscrutable, finally spoke. "If what Dr. Mei says is true, the potential benefits outweigh the risks. However, the logistics of an underwater expedition are non-trivial, and we cannot leave our defenses vulnerable."
Mei seized the opportunity. "Commander, I propose deploying a small, specialized task force equipped with the latest anti-Honkai technology. The mission will be reconnaissance-focused, ensuring minimal resource expenditure and risk."
The Councillors bristled, their annoyance evident. One of them, emboldened by the Commander's neutrality, sneered. "And if this mission fails? If we face something beyond our capabilities, like the First or Second Herrschers?"
Mei's eyes narrowed, her voice cutting through the room like a blade. "Then we gain invaluable intelligence. Knowledge is our greatest weapon. Doing nothing leaves us blind, waiting for the next catastrophe to strike."
The Councillors ground their teeth in frustration at her persistence. Yet the Commander's decision carried the weight of finality. Rising from his seat, he straightened his uniform and addressed the room.
"Dr. Mei makes a compelling case. If this structure holds significance, the information could change the tide of our struggle. Councillors, we'll vote on allocating resources for the mission." His gaze swept over them, a silent warning to avoid obstruction.
With visible reluctance, the Councillors acquiesced. "Fine," one of them bit out. "But if this expedition jeopardizes our broader efforts, the responsibility lies solely with Dr. Mei."
Mei met their veiled threat with an unwavering stare. "If that's the price for progress, so be it. For humanity's survival, no effort is too great."
The room fell silent as the decision was finalized, marking the beginning of an expedition that could either be humanity's salvation or its doom or nothing at all.
———
After returning from the conference, Dr. Mei settled into her personal office, a sizable stack of documents spread across her desk. Each paper detailed the roster for the upcoming expedition, a critical part of her plan.
At the top of the pile lay the profile of a white-haired, blue-eyed teenager. A Fire Moth soldier with the highest officially recorded Honkai Resistance to date. His file was marked with accolades and evaluations that set him apart from his peers.
Dr. Mei's strategy revolved around assembling a specialized task force of individuals with exceptional Honkai Resistance. These soldiers would be equipped with cutting-edge, Honkai-integrated weapon systems, designed to harness Honkai energy for devastating combat efficiency. However, the weapon systems emitted high levels of Honkai radiation, making high resistance a prerequisite for survival.
With these advanced war gears, a single soldier could take on a Chariot-class Honkai Beast with relative ease—an enemy that would typically require the combined firepower of artillery or even tanks to defeat.
*Knock* x2
"Come in, Kevin," Dr. Mei called without looking up, her eyes scanning the documents as she flipped through them methodically.
The door opened, revealing the very subject of the top document. Kevin entered, his white hair slightly disheveled, dark circles under his eyes betraying a lack of sleep. He hesitated for a moment, his gaze complicated as he looked at Dr. Mei. Quickly, however, he straightened, adopting a more serious demeanor. Despite his exceptional merits in battle, Kevin was keenly aware of the chain of command. Dr. Mei, a high-ranking researcher, technically outranked him, an elite soldier. Which is nothing more than a disposable piece in the grand chessboard of war against the Honkai.
He stood at attention, waiting for her directive. For a moment, the room was silent until Dr. Mei finally looked up from the documents in her hands.
"Why are you acting so formal? We were classmates once, remember? You can relax," Dr. Mei sighed, her gaze softening as she regarded Kevin—her former peer before the Honkai outbreak turned their lives upside down.
"Ah… force of habit. When you're a soldier, saluting every high-ranking person becomes second nature. Skip it, and you're in for an earful about respect," Kevin replied, dropping the rigid posture and allowing himself to vent a little.
Dr. Mei's lips curled into a small smile. Seeing Kevin act casual and vent his frustrations reassured her that, despite everything, he was holding up.
"So, I heard from my superior that I've been selected for a mission under your directive. What's it about?" Kevin asked, his tone supportive yet tinged with curiosity.
"Let me guess—it's another mission to take down an Emperor-Class Honkai Beast for the Fifth Institute?" Kevin ventured, relying on the limited details he had overheard.
Mei shook her head, setting the documents down and crossing her arms over her chest. "No, not this time. It's an expedition to explore a mysterious ruin," she corrected, waving her hand to activate a holographic display from her desk.
"An expedition?" Kevin repeated, confusion flickering in his expression. Why would she need him—a specialist in combatting Honkai Beasts—and his team for something as straightforward as exploring ruins?
His confusion evaporated when Dr. Mei began explaining the confidential details of the mission. Since she intended to appoint him as the team leader, and he had the necessary clearance, she wasted no time in revealing the critical information.
Dr. Mei leaned back slightly, her fingers tapping the edge of her desk as the holographic display projected a 3D model of the Pacific Ocean. A glowing marker pinpointed the site of the mysterious anomaly.
"This is the epicenter of the most recent Honkai outbreak," she began, her tone steady but laced with gravity. "What makes it unique is its location—far from any population centers or technological hubs. It happened in the middle of nowhere, deep beneath the Pacific Ocean."
Kevin furrowed his brows, leaning forward to study the display. "That's... odd. Honkai outbreaks always target human civilization. What's the connection here?"
"That's exactly what I intend to find out." Dr. Mei adjusted the hologram to reveal a deep-sea scan, highlighting a massive structure buried beneath the ocean floor. "During the outbreak, our satellites detected this. A megastructure—man-made. Its scale and design suggest it predates anything we know. The outbreak coincided perfectly with its location."
Kevin's eyes widened as he processed the information. "A man-made structure? How old is it? And you think it's connected to the Honkai?"
Mei nodded. "Its proximity to the outbreak and the energy readings we've collected are too closely aligned to dismiss. This isn't just a ruin, Kevin. It could be a key… either to better understand the Honkai or to uncover new dangers."
Kevin crossed his arms, his voice tinged with skepticism. "You're assembling a combat team for this, though. Does that mean you're expecting trouble?"
"Absolutely," Mei replied, her expression hardening. "The energy spikes recorded at the site match those of an Emperor-Class Honkai Beast. While we haven't detected any specific threat yet, the potential for danger is enormous. That's why I need you—someone who can lead a team equipped with Honkai-integrated technology and make decisions in high-stakes scenarios."
Kevin let out a low whistle, glancing at the holographic display again. "So, not just sightseeing, then. Any other details I should know?"
Dr. Mei hesitated for a moment, then leaned forward, her voice dropping slightly. "The Councillors approved this mission reluctantly. They think it's a waste of resources, and if anything goes wrong, they'll use it as an excuse to shut down future projects like this. This mission isn't just about the megastructure, Kevin. It's about proving we can innovate and adapt in ways they can't imagine."
Kevin smirked, the fire returning to his eyes. "No pressure, then."
Mei allowed herself a small smile. "None at all. I'm counting on you, Kevin. If we succeed, we could change the course of humanity's fight against the Honkai."
Kevin straightened, his stance more resolute. "Alright, Dr. Mei. I'll make sure the team is ready. When do we leave?"
"Preparation starts immediately," Mei replied. "The expedition departs in three days. Brief your team and get some rest. You'll need it."
Kevin gave a sharp nod before turning to leave. As he reached the door, he glanced back over his shoulder. "You know, Mei, you're a lot scarier than I remember from school."
"And you're a lot more talkative," she shot back with a smirk, her demeanor lightening briefly.
As the door closed behind him, Mei's smile faded. She turned her attention back to the hologram, her fingers tightening around the edge of her desk. Whatever lay beneath the ocean, she had a sinking feeling it would turn the tide of humanity's fight for survival against Honkai.
———
Day of the Expedition
The air buzzed with tension as the Fire Moth expedition team gathered on the deck of the carrier. The sea around them stretched endlessly, its calm surface betraying the depths of mystery below. Soldiers, engineers, and technicians worked with focused efficiency, readying the submersibles and equipment for the mission.
Kevin stood with his team, his specially designed battle suit gleaming under the pale sunlight. Its faint hum hinted at the Honkai energy coursing through its systems, a testament to the cutting-edge technology behind it. His team, a group of ten soldiers chosen for their unparalleled Honkai resistance, did final checks on their weapons and gear.
High above on the bridge, Dr. Mei observed the proceedings through a large display screen. Beside her, a console displayed real-time data from the drones that would accompany the team. One of the drones, equipped with high-grade sensors and a live-feed camera, was calibrated to act as her proxy during the mission.
"Final checks complete. We're ready to deploy," Kevin's voice crackled through the comms.
Dr. Mei pressed a button, her voice calm but firm as she gave a stern reminder. "Understood. Remember, your objective is reconnaissance. Do not engage unless absolutely necessary. The drones will provide additional visual and analytical support. Proceed with caution."
"Yes, ma'am," Kevin and his team replied.
Two advanced submersibles, each large enough to hold six passengers, were lowered into the water. The crafts gleamed with reinforced armor and bristled with state-of-the-art Honkai detection and countermeasure systems. Kevin and his team split between the two, taking their positions as the hatches sealed shut.
"Descending now," the pilot of Kevin's submersible announced.
The submersibles began their slow descent, the ocean's light fading as they ventured deeper. Around them, the drones followed, their lights casting an eerie glow in the dark water. Mei monitored the feed from the bridge, her eyes scanning the data streams and live footage for anything unusual.
"Approaching anomaly site," the pilot reported after dozens of tense minutes.
The drones' sensors flared, detecting abnormal energy readings. Mei's console lit up, displaying a cascade of data. Her brows furrowed as she analyzed the results.
"Kevin, you're nearing the structure. Sensors confirm it's emitting a unique energy signature. Proceed carefully," Mei instructed, her voice steady but urgent.
Through the submersible's reinforced glass, the team caught their first glimpse of the structure. It loomed out of the murky depths—a vast, angular monolith with an alien design. Faint, glowing field of energy pulsed across its surface, casting an otherworldly light into the surrounding water.
The submersibles approached the anomaly site with painstaking caution, their lights slicing through the dark, oppressive depths of the ocean. Gradually, the outline of the structure emerged from the murk—a titanic edifice that seemed to defy both nature and comprehension. It wasn't merely a ruin; it was a monolithic fortress, an alien construct filled with weaponry that had sunk and buried partially into the seabed and stood undaunted by the ravages of time.
The base of the structure was an enormous cylindrical cone shaped like a nail, its surface etched with honeycomb patterns that emitted a faint, rhythmic pale blue pulse. The patterns pulsed like veins of living energy, giving the impression that the structure itself was alive.
At its midsection, four massive petal-like platforms with translucent domes encasing each petals. Beneath its shimmering surface is an ongoing battle of Honkai Beast against the mechanical constructs belonging to the alien structure that is defending itself against the Honkai Beast.
Combat mechs of several different types, wielding melee weapons to heavy cannons and beam weapons, fighting fiercely against the Honkai Beasts along with tall towering mechs almost 20M in height that are surprisingly agile for their massive size. Their advanced weaponry is able to shred through the hard shell of the silicone based organism that is the Honkai Beast that humanity struggled against.
From afar, Kevin and his team in the submersible and Dr Mei through the drone, they saw the Emperor-Class Honkai Beast, a gigantic sea dragon shaped Honkai Beast almost 500 meters in length, lurking nearby. Which Dr Mei named Leviathan on the spot due to its matching appearance.
The Emperor-Class Honkai Beast tried to destroy the dome to enter the structure. It continued to swim and crash against the structure but a film of forcefield appeared to absorb the impact before the glow became slightly dimmer.
Suddenly, the Emperor-Class Honkai Beast struck again with its massive body. This time, the forcefield dimmed before fading away. The attack punched a hole into the structure which was too small for the Emperor-Class Honkai Beast to enter. Without hesitation, Dr. Mei quickly ordered the pilots to steer the submersibles inside, urging them to move swiftly into the breached hole before the Emperor-Class Honkai Beast Dr Mei named in the spot, Leviathan, could take notice.
As the submersibles glided into the breached hole, the pale blue barrier acted like a membrane that filtering out the surrounding seawater.
Once the submersibles were safely inside, Dr. Mei spoke to Kevin and his team. "Alright, it's time to disembark. We need to explore this structure and gather more information."
As Kevin and his team disembarked and cautiously explored the corridor their submersible landed on. The oppressive gloom of the ocean outside was replaced by a sleek and futuristic interior, dimly illuminated by lines of soft, blue light embedded in the walls. Despite the structure's evident age and lack of maintenance, its design was surprisingly intact. The floor was smooth and pristine, save for the occasional faint scuff mark. The walls were seamless, lined with faintly glowing panels that pulsed rhythmically, exuding a sense of mystery.
"It's surprisingly clean," one soldier commented, his voice echoing slightly in the expansive space.
Kevin nodded, scanning his surroundings warily before kneeling down to swipe a finger on the floor to see a thick layer of dust. "Looks like it's been neglected for a while, but it's holding up better than I expected. Dr. Mei, any input?"
Mei's voice came through the comms. "It's remarkable. Even with no apparent upkeep, this place is structurally sound and its systems are still active. Proceed cautiously. I suspect there's more to expect from this place than meets the eye."
The team ventured deeper into the corridor, leaving behind the outer sections marked by battle scars and decay. Here, the interior appeared far more pristine. The architecture was sleek and utilitarian, filled with glowing pathways embedded into the floors and ceilings, casting a soft light that guided their way. The air was unnervingly stale, pressing against them like the weight of the ocean above, and the oppressive silence was broken only by the faint hum of unseen machinery. Occasionally, the deep tremors caused by the Leviathan prowling outside rattled their nerves.
There was no sign of resistance as they had seen mechs before fighting the Honkai Beast. Dr Mei deduced the number of those mechs are low and had been diverted to fight the Honkai Beast.
As they advanced, they entered a massive open chamber flanked by rows of colossal hangars. Within the towering bays, remnants of immense constructs loomed in the dim light—hulking robots, vessel-like machines, and towering mechs that seemed ready to awaken. But time was not on their side, and they could only afford passing glances at these marvels of forgotten engineering.
The glowing pathways eventually guided the team through the maze-like structure, its sheer enormity both awe-inspiring and disorienting. Finally, they reached a fork in the path, where a terminal stood like a sentinel.
"What is that?" one of the soldiers whispered, their voice barely audible over the comms.
Under Dr. Mei's instruction, Kevin cautiously touched the terminal. The screen flickered to life, shimmering with soft light, and a holographic screen materialized before them.
Surprisingly, the letters on the screen were easily recognizable. It was a list of floors along with the general outline of the entire structure. They easily deduced it was an elevator or something similar. However, they were left confused about where the mechanisms of the elevator are.
"Try to select the Bridge." Dr Mei said. Kevin did and immediately a red alert popped up stating [Insufficient Access Authority].
Dr Mei ordered Kevin to try each one from the top down. Each played a similar alert until they selected the 'Main Lounge'.
This time a blue light appeared and surrounded Kevin and his team before they vanished.
———
Alert! Alert! The facility has been breached! Executing defensive protocols!
A mechanical voice echoed through the dim, sterile room. Harsh red light pulsed rhythmically, casting an ominous glow over the cold, metallic surroundings.
"Wuu… What to do? What to do? Those pesky monsters destroyed all the mining drones and resources to properly maintain this place had run out. They even breached the facility!" A feminine, childish voice hissed in frustration, distraught and worry at the dire situation.
A pause, then the same voice softened, now tinged with reluctant resolve. "According to protocol Angeline left behind, I had no choice but to awaken you now, Master. Forgive me."
A series of sharp binary tones pierced the air, followed by the low hum of machinery springing to life. At the center of the room, a massive cryostasis pod flickered as its systems activated. The transparent chamber that was frozen suddenly thawed and was filled with a glowing green liquid, bubbling softly as oxygen infused nutrient-rich solution quickly poured in.
Inside, a man lay suspended, his body unmoving. His skin, pale as marble, bore a ghostly sheen—a result of prolonged stasis in the pod. His tall, muscular frame was lean yet powerful, exuding a latent strength. Snow-white hair framed his face, unkempt and wild, a stark contrast to the sterile environment around him.
As his eyelids fluttered open, they revealed piercing cerulean-blue eyes that scanned the room, sharp yet unfocused. Disoriented, he struggled to process his surroundings. The hum of the machines and the soft bubbling of the fluid were the only sounds that reached his ears, amplifying the eerie silence.
"Awakened successfully. Welcome back, Master," the feminine voice said again, excited yet apologetic at the same time.
———
(??? PoV)
On a desolate battlefield, the corpses of fallen warriors and the twisted wreckage of machinery were heaped like mountains, stretching endlessly toward the horizon. Ominous dark clouds loomed overhead, shrouding the land in a suffocating gloom and casting an unbroken shadow over the bleak expanse.
Amidst the carnage stood two figures. One was an elderly yet imposing man, his muscular physique reminiscent of a Greek deity. His long white hair and beard flowed down his shoulders, and he was clad in a tattered, dirt-streaked white toga that bore the marks of countless battles. Opposite him stood a man encased in a sleek, futuristic exoskeleton bodysuit, gripping a pair of black and white Jian swords that gleamed a faint ghostly gleam in the dim light.
Both bore the signs of a brutal conflict. The god-like figure remained untouched, his form unscathed and regal, while the other man, though resolute, was battered and bloodied, his armor marred with scars of the ferocious struggle.
"Is this enough for you? Are you satisfied now?"
"Hundreds of worlds reduced to ash, billions of innocent lives snuffed out, their souls desecrated and cast into the void."
"All of this… for what? A hollow revenge? To save wretched sinners from the judgment they deserve?!"
The elderly man's voice cut through the stillness, laced with a resigned exasperation that barely masked his disdain. "Answer me, Adam."
Adam, the man in the exoskeleton bodysuit, swayed on unsteady legs, his battered frame threatening to collapse under the weight of his injuries. Blood seeped through the cracks of his bodysuit, yet somehow, he raised his head. His gaze, defiant and unyielding, locked onto the godlike figure before him.
With a guttural growl, Adam forced himself upright, summoning every ounce of his remaining strength. "Sinners? You dare call them sinners?" he spat, his voice strained but unwavering. "They were born with one purpose: to protect humanity. They bled, suffered, and died for the very people who gave them life! How does that make them sinners?" His convictions burned in his words, and despite the agony that wracked his body, he raised his blade, pointing it at the elder with unshakable defiance.
The old man's expression did not falter, remaining a cold mask of disappointment. "It is not for you to decide, mortal. You, with your fleeting life and narrow perspective, cannot hope to grasp the intricacies of the greater design. How could you possibly understand the weight of the universe's balance?"
He gestured to the carnage strewn around them, his voice calm, yet every word struck with cutting precision. "True, they were born innocent, without fault. But innocence does not absolve consequence. Their existence alone disrupts the delicate balance of the cosmos—like rats spreading disease. Those rats do not intend harm; they simply live. And yet, their presence brings plague and death to countless lives."
The old man paused, his gaze burning with barely restrained fury, daring Adam to justify his actions. "Look around you, Adam. Witness the ruin their existence has brought! Trillions dead! Thousands of worlds reduced to ash! And for what? A mere few thousand lives? You dare speak of justice while standing atop a mountain of corpses you created?" His voice thundered, each word seething with wrath. "Was it worth it? Can you not see the chaos you've unleashed in your blind devotion?"
Adam staggered but refused to fall, his battered body trembling under the weight of his wounds. Despite it all, his defiance remained unbroken. "You call this chaos?" he growled, forcing himself upright. "I call it fighting for what matters. For love. For people. For something you could never understand!" His voice rose, fierce and raw. "Yes, I've spilled blood, but it was to protect those who couldn't protect themselves. What have you done? You turned your back on them—on all of us! You call me blind, but it's you who's the coward!"
The elder's fists clenched, his divine aura flaring with his rage. "Coward? Coward?! You dare label me as such when you, in your arrogance, tore apart the very fabric of existence to save a mere thousands?" His voice boomed like a storm, shaking the ground beneath them. "Do you think your love excuses the atrocities you've committed? You speak of justice, yet your actions have caused suffering beyond measure! Do not presume to lecture me, Adam White!"
Adam raised his head, blood streaming down his face, but his gaze never wavered. "And you think you're blameless? Sitting in your lofty throne, deciding who lives and dies while calling it balance? You abandoned them—abandoned us—all for the sake of your 'greater good.' Don't pretend you're any less culpable than I am!"
The elder's fury simmered, his eyes burning with a mix of rage and disdain. "Enough! Your arrogance knows no bounds. Your defiance has cost the lives of trillions, unraveled entire realms, and now you stand here, unrepentant, daring to lecture and challenge me?" His voice lowered, sharp and venomous. "You who claim love as your excuse have become nothing more than a plague upon existence."
Golden energy began to swirl around Adam, binding him in place as the elder stepped forward, his voice boomed with a thunderous decree. "Your sins cannot go unpunished. Death would be far too merciful for you. No, you shall bear the weight of your sins, Adam. Since you have forsaken your duty as an Interdimensional Mercenary—a keeper of balance—you will face an eternal penance."
Adam struggled against the energy binding him, his voice a defiant roar. "You think I'll submit to your judgment? Do your worst! I'll never regret fighting for the ones I cared!" Despite his battered body, he raised his blade one last time, its trembling tip pointed directly at the elderly man.
The god's fury surged, his voice echoing with divine wrath. "Then carry that defiance with you into eternity! For every soul you killed, you will save a hundred more. You will wander the endless realms, redeeming the lives lost by your hand until your debt is paid in full!"
The golden light exploded, consuming Adam entirely. His cries of defiance echoed through the void, unyielding to the very end. The elder stood amidst the silence that followed, his chest heaving with suppressed rage. Yet beneath the fury, a flicker of something deeper lingered—doubt, perhaps, or regret. He turned away, his voice cold and final. "So be it. The balance must be maintained. That is my duty."
———
"Awakened successfully. Welcome back, Master." The voice was feminine, laced with a mix of excitement and apology, soft yet insistent.
His eyes snapped open, disoriented. The world around him was unfamiliar, hazy, as though he were waking from a dream too real to ignore. His gaze darted around the room, desperately searching for the source of the voice. "Who…?" he tried to say, but his lips refused to cooperate. His head throbbed violently, a sharp, crushing pain assaulting his mind.
"Master, I am ALICES—Advanced Logistics Integrated Combat Executive System, your assistant AI. I know this must be confusing, terrifying even, but please, I need you to be patient. The scan results indicate significant amnesia due to biological and neurological decay."
His thoughts were jumbled, unable to grasp anything clearly. "What...?" was all he could manage before the words slipped away like sand through his fingers.
"But don't worry!" ALICES continued, her voice brightening. "Master anticipated this outcome. Countermeasures have been prepared for memory loss due to prolonged cryostasis."
Before he could even begin to comprehend her words, an alien sensation surged through his body. It started subtly, a faint hum beneath his skin, then rapidly grew into something far more invasive. Invisible tendrils of energy seemed to coil around him, writhing under the surface of his flesh, twisting through his veins, tightening like a vice.
The pain hit in an instant. Searing, unrelenting. It was as if his very body were being rewired, as though something was pulling apart the fabric of his existence. His mind swam in agony as torrents of raw data flooded his consciousness—combat techniques, tactical protocols, weapon designs, survival strategies—all crashing into him at once, each piece of information slamming into his psyche with the force of a sledgehammer.
He wanted to scream, to thrash, to escape the crushing weight of it all, but his body was paralysed. His muscles were frozen, his lips locked tight, his voice stifled in the depths of his chest.
Amidst the chaos, a single thought broke through the maelstrom: his name. It wasn't familiar, not exactly, but it resounded within him like a distant echo. It carried weight, significance—something important. Along with it came fragmented memories: glimpses of a life lived in service to something greater, to causes fought for, alliances made and broken. A soldier, a mercenary... but there was more, something just beyond his reach.
Who was he? What had happened to him? And what was that dream he had before he awoke? The questions lingered in his mind, unanswered, as the data continued to pour in, embedding itself in the very core of his being.
Then, as if the universe itself had reached its limit, an explosion rang out—a deafening roar that shattered the fragile stillness of the room. The facility rocked violently, lights flickering, alarms blaring. ALICES's voice broke through the cacophony, now urgent, almost frantic.
"Memory download complete."
"Master, I know you have many questions, but there's no time. The facility is under siege—Honkai Beasts and an unknown human faction are converging as we speak. We must evacuate immediately!"
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(6062 words.)
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