"Okay, everyone. This video is quite long, so I divided it into several parts, please enjoy," Eve announced as everyone turned their attention to the screen.
Second Key – Ephemeral
Both Biankas immediately widened their eyes when they saw the title of the video. The name Second Key was quite familiar to them because of events that occurred in the past.
"Durandal-sama, could this be discussing about that event?" Rita asked Bianka. She remembered that Bianka experienced an event related to the second divine key.
"Maybe," said Bianka with a little doubt because maybe this was discussing a completely different event from what she experienced.
"Is this video about the 2nd divine key?" HUA said wonderingly.
"Given the title, that's probably it, although I don't know what ephemeral means," said MEI.
"Whatever it is, let's keep watching, I'm curious about this video," said VILL-V excited to see one of her creations become the main topic.
Another leaf has wilted.
Prior to the demise of our world.
In contrast to the reactions of the others, the Flame-chasers and MEI immediately recognized the voice of the person speaking on the screen. They then turned towards SU who was staring at the screen with interest after hearing his own voice coming from the screen.
Under a shady tree, several leaves fell. One of the leaves landed in someone's palm.
That person is Su, one of the pioneers of the new era and also a MANTIS who has lived since the Previous Era. He was currently sitting under the falling tree while watching the leaves fall into his palm.
"So this time it's about SU, but where are you now?" ELYSIA asked SU, but she didn't get an answer from SU because the man was lost in thought.
"Ah, he's in the 2nd divine key," answered VILL-V in SU's place.
"What is he doing there?" EDEN asked.
VILL-V just shrugged, "I don't know, maybe observing something?"
"Let's keep watching, there's no point in guessing now," said MEI.
Mei entrusted plans to fight the honkai to a group selected pioneers. I was one of them.
MEI watched the screen carefully, her future self had made plans for her friends to carry out. For now she is not thinking about any plans and she will use this opportunity to study the plans made by herself in the future.
Project: ARK. An ark of retained knowledge bearing a copy of the human genome library. The ark was launched to seek another habitable planet for humanity.
Many were surprised to see the contents of the project, including among the Flame-chasers themselves. But for MEI, she agrees with her future self. The war against Honkai has wiped out humanity at a crisis point, so she will use any plan to keep human civilization alive, even if it means going to another planet.
"A-Another planet!? Is that possible?" Asked Kiana (2016) who was surprised.
"The universe has unlimited possibilities, so it is possible that there are other planets that humans can inhabit," explained Einstein (2000).
"Conducting an expedition into space requires enormous resources, especially if you are carrying out an expedition to look for a new planet," said Himeko.
"Indeed, but it seems like they can handle it. The question now is how long this project will last, looking for a planet to inhabit is not a young thing, it takes years or even decades to do it. This is not something an ordinary human can do."
Everyone pondered the words of Einstein (2000), they agreed that this project was not a project that could be carried out by ordinary people. Therefore, only one answer remains.
"It seems that this project can only be carried out by MANTIS," concluded SAKURA.
"Yeah, I think so. Hua and Su said that I left several projects that had Flame-Chaser members as implementers," said MEI nodding.
Project: EMBER. An emergency mass backup, evacuation, and revival plan. The responsible pioneers were to pass on knowledge and technology to the surviving humans who would rebuild civilization.
As for me, I was placed in charge of VALUKA. My task is to perform virtual analysis of other worlds.
"So that's how it is, that's why I'm in the 2nd divine key," said SU nodding.
"But why would SU-niichan pay attention to another world?" PARDO asked confused.
"To see an alternate universe, my future self probably created this project to see the possibility of humanity winning in the war against honkai," MEI answered.
"I see. With so many alternate universes, there might be a universe where humanity wins against honkai…" VILL-V said crossing her arms, before her face creased, "Or maybe there isn't."
"That means I am the Project EMBER implementer and SU is the Project VALUKA implementer. Now that just leaves KEVIN and GRISEO," said HUA calculatingly.
It was at that moment that all the members of Flame-chaser and MEI felt goosebumps on their spines as they came to one thought.
"W-Wait, if SU-niichan and HUA are implementing EMBER and VALUKA. Then who is implementing Project ARK?" PARDO asked a little stuttered.
"KEVIN was still on earth during the New Era. That means…" APONIA couldn't continue her words because she felt uneasy.
Everyone understood what APONIA meant, they all turned their attention to the youngest of the Flame-chasers, GRISEO.
"No, that's impossible!" said KOSMA immediately denying it in a rather strong voice, something he rarely did.
Many would like to agree with KOSMA, but all evidence points to the fact that GRISEO is the implementer of the Project ARK.
"It seems like you guys have already made your own conclusions, then there's no need to delay any longer. I will tell you about the Project S.A.V.E, a project proposed by MEI for the survival of human civilization. Please listen carefully," Eve said to everyone.
"MEI left several projects for the remaining Flame-chasers, all of them are called Project S.A.V.E. Each of the projects was led by Kevin, Su, Hua, and Griseo."
Eve paused to take in everyone before continuing.
"Project EMBER was implemented by Fu Hua, Project VALUKA was implemented by Su, and the last two were… Project ARK implemented by Griseo and Project Stigma implemented by Kevin."
"…"
Silence fell. Those outside the Flame-chasers had the decency not to say anything.
For them, sending a girl on a space expedition where safety is not guaranteed is of course something cruel, even though GRISEO is a MANTIS who has a long life, but when the Project ARK was started, she was still a little girl.
"Why…?"
In the midst of the silence, KOSMA's voice, which was full of anger mixed with sadness, could be heard.
"Why, Dr. MEI!? Why did you choose GRISEO to do that!? Why should it be her!?" said KOSMA who stood up and looked at MEI with a painful expression.
"KOSMA, I..." MEI wanted to reply but whatever she wanted to say got stuck in her throat, she also didn't know why she chose GRISEO.
"Calm down, KOSMA," said KEVIN, but KOSMA ignored him.
"You could have told me to do it. I was the one assigned to look after her, I was the one who had to do it. Why did you order her to undertake a mission that is impossible to complete? She is still a child!"
MEI couldn't say anything, the other Flame-chaser members also couldn't say anything because they very rarely saw KOSMA this emotional, but this was natural because this all concerned GRISEO's safety.
"KOSMA." GRISEO suddenly stood up and held KOSMA's shirt, the boy looked at her in surprise, "Don't fight."
"…"
Just from that one word, KOSMA fell silent. All his anger and sadness gradually subsided when he saw GRISEO standing in front of him. In the end he sat back down with his head bowed quite deeply.
Seeing the situation ease, MEI decided to speak.
"KOSMA," MEI said softly, trying not to arouse the boy's anger, "I don't know what really happened but I'm pretty sure that I wouldn't choose GRISEO for no reason just like that."
That's what MEI concluded when she thought about all these issues, under normal circumstances she definitely wouldn't have chosen GRISEO, according to her there must be a reason why her future self chose GRISEO to carry out this unreasonable mission.
"Ahem." A cough from Eve caught everyone's attention, "I can explain about that. Actually I haven't finished talking but since you guys are already getting into an emotional scene, I don't feel comfortable stopping you."
KOSMA looked down embarrassed because of his emotional outburst, he then looked at Eve to hear further explanation.
"Actually, the person appointed as the implementer of the Project ARK is you, KOSMA. Not GRISEO."
KOSMA's eyes widened hearing that, "B-But why did GRISEO end up doing it?"
"That's because GRISEO herself wanted to replace you, she asked to VILL-V so she could replace you as the executor of the Project ARK."
"Why is she begging me?" VILL-V asked confused.
"To carry out the Project ARK, an ark is needed that can last a very long time in space. You are the one who designed the ark."
"I see. Then… how do I respond to GRISEO's request?" VILL-V asked carefully.
"Of course you immediately rejected it. But GRISEO is a persistent child, she doesn't just give up. Every time she meets you she will always ask the same thing and you give the same answer. Of course your refusal has limits too."
No need to think long about it, in the end GRISEO is still the implementer of Project ARK. There was silence in the room as everyone pondered that fact.
"Why… did you do it, GRISEO?" KOSMA asked weakly.
"…" GRISEO didn't answer, she herself was actually confused by this whole situation. But one thing she understands is that currently KOSMA is sad.
"The answer is simple. She doesn't want you up there alone, that's why she wants to take your place herself."
KOSMA's expression was sad, he should have known about that, when he was worried about GRISEO, GRISEO was also worried about him.
A hand held his hand, he raised his head and saw GRISEO looking at him worriedly.
"Are you angry, KOSMA?" GRISEO asked.
KOSMA's expression froze after hearing that innocent question, of course he wasn't angry at GRISEO, never. The girl he was supposed to protect was now worried about him, if he could, KOSMA would have laughed wryly by now.
"No, I'm not angry," said KOSMA, he then reached out his hand and placed it on GRISEO's head, "Sorry, I made you worry."
"Hn, it's okay," said GRISEO nodding.
"I apologize for my words earlier, Dr. MEI," said KOSMA bowing his head.
"No, it's okay. I understand why you're angry," replied MEI.
After that, the tense situation between the people in the Previous Era slowly faded, ELYSIA, who had been silent for a long time, smiled with satisfaction seeing everyone returning to peace. Actually, she wanted to step in as a mediator to defuse the situation but GRISEO's actions made her give up her intention and leave everything to the little girl.
Now that the situation had calmed down, ELYSIA wanted to ask something that had made her curious for a long time.
"Eve, you said Kevin was the implementer of Project Stigma. What is Project Stigma?"
Except for those from 2018 who shuddered at ELYSIA's question, everyone looked at Eve curiously.
"I can't explain it now, all I can say is that it is a project that will be implemented if all other projects fail. Project Stigma is the project of last resort and the implementer is Kevin himself."
"Why would that project be a last resort?" Ask Tesla (2000).
"That will be explained later," Eve said, then she sighed, "Okay, everyone. Let's move on, we've stopped for too long."
At Eve's notification, everyone turned their attention back to the screen. In the corner of the room, Hua breathed a sigh of relief because her past colleagues didn't ask about GRISEO's fate.
Because she had absolutely no answer for that.
Each leaf represents a likely alternative universe in the honkai war.
Su pointed the leaf up and looked at it deeply, in his gaze he could see the appearance of the Final Herrscher.
Everyone widened their eyes at the performance of the Final Herrscher.
"Who's that?" Ask Welt (2000).
"That is the Final Herrscher who ended human civilization in an alternative universe, she has the same appearance as the Final Herrscher in your world," answered Eve.
"Hoo, so that's how she looks," MOBIUS said interestedly.
"Wow, she has Halo, she looks like an angel," said ELYSIA, who for some reason was beaming.
"Angel of death," snorted KALPAS, earning a sullen look from ELYSIA.
"Somehow she looks like me," said Kiana (2016).
"Y-Yeah, at first glance I thought you were there, Kiana-chan," said Mei (2016) confused.
"To be precise, she looks more like the girl named Celine, their eye color is even the same," said Bronya (2016).
They then turned their attention to Celine who was crossing her arms. They wondered where Celine came from, when they would meet her, and why she looked so much like Kiana.
These questions are a mystery that they cannot yet solve.
Alas, this universe has lost the war. And like all the other defeated universes.
Su took a deep breath before letting go of the leaf so that it was blown away by the wind.
It has wilter, falling from the tree to become a mere husk of itself.
I have kept my vigil for millennia. The leaves that wilted and fell are just as numerous as the sand grains of the ganga.
"That means the scattered leaves are an alternative universe," said Cecilia, remembering Su's words.
"T-That much," said a surprised Kallen.
"Is there any possibility of humanity winning against the honkai of so many universes?" Lixue asked.
"I don't know about that, Lixue," chuckled Cecilia.
The leaves that had been blown by the wind began to burn and burn to ashes.
I've yet to find a leaf that never wilts.
SU sighed, "Even after thousands of years, there hasn't been an alternate universe that could defeat honkai."
"Even so, there are definitely results you can achieve from all this, SU. I believe that," said HUA consolingly.
"I hope so, HUA."
Nothing lasts. Countless civilizations eventually fell after brief moments of brilliance.
But whenever I raised my head, I would only see that the crown of this tree remained as green and lush as before.
"That means the universe has an infinite number," thought Cocolia, even though she already knew about it, she was interested enough to delve into it.
While withered leaves fell with the breeze, fresh buds srpout to take their places.
Nothing lasts, not even me, yet the leaves are beyond counting. Then fortune smiled at me, I have found the answer.
Everyone tilted their heads, wondering what Su's last words meant.
Su got up from his seat and walked towards the river in front of him, not far from the tree earlier.
Millennia have passed. I wonder if you've found the answers you seek, my friend. Perhaps you remain entwined in the visions of the past.
From the reflection of the river water, Su could see Kevin who was trapped in the Sea of Quanta.
"That's Kevin. He's still in the Sea of Quanta," said ELYSIA.
"That means this video occurred before the previous video," concluded EDEN.
Yes, I was the deceiver who trapped you in the Sea of Quanta. And I've chosen to imprison myself in the 2nd key as an act of redemption.
"!"
All members of the Flame-chasers were shocked to hear this news, SU even opened his eyes because he didn't expect what his future self said.
"E-Eeeh!? What happened? I don't understand," said a shocked ELYSIA.
"I'll explain briefly," Eve said attracting everyone's attention, "Su and Kevin had a difference of opinion on an issue, as a result they had to fight and the result was as you already know."
"What are they arguing about?" MEI asked. She didn't like the two friends fighting.
"That will be explained later," Eve said. Meanwhile KEVIN and SU stared at each other, wondering what they were arguing about that they had to fight.
For every thousand leaves that fell, I'd walk to the river for brief glance of you. But having betrayed your trust, I dare not speak a word.
"No, you didn't betray me, Su. You only did what you thought was right, that's the kind of person you are," Kevin thought regretfully.
Su sat by the river while looking at the reflection of the water but he was shocked when something happened.
"!?"
"!?"
Everyone reacted the same as Su on the screen.
"What happened?" Senti asked while leaning lazily in her chair.
"I don't know but we will find out soon," Hua answered.
The river water was rippling quite fast.
"!"
At the same time, Kevin who was in the Sea of Quanta felt something strange but he just stood still and didn't do anything.
"Kevin felt it too. Did he feel the same as Su, or did he feel Su's presence watching him," said VILL-V curiously.
"It's not important, I'm more curious about what Su feels," said MOBIUS.
"Whatever he feels and looking at his reaction, I don't think he's ever experienced something like that before," said MEI.
SU agrees with MEI, he is the person who knows himself best, so he knows that his reaction on the screen was pure shock.
Su remained silent for some time after the strange phenomenon, before long he smiled.
"Hmm, looks like what I've been waiting for has finally come," Su said, then he turned away from the river, "Sorry, Kevin. I have to go. Take care of yourself, my friend."
"It looks like you do have other duties, SU," said HUA in conclusion.
"I think so, HUA. It seems like a pretty important task judging from my reaction on screen."
While everyone was wondering what Su was waiting for, the two Biankas had their own guesses.
"Could he be waiting for my arrival?" they thought simultaneously.
- SCHICKSAL HEADQUARTERS –
Everyone blinked their eyes at the sudden change of venue.
"Ho, shall we see more details about this organization?" MOBIUS said interestedly. She and the others from the Previous Era were quite interested in seeing the Anti-Honkai organization that existed in the New Era.
"The 2nd divine key is still a mystery," said Otto Apocalypse, surrounding him were several hologram screens, "The data entry within the soulium of this divine key does reveal several things."
Almost everyone who knew Otto's cruelty glared at the screen when the man appeared, Sirin even growled and thought about launching her spear at the screen, but now she had the patience to restrain herself.
Kallen unconsciously smiled at her old friend, even though her last meeting with Otto was not good, she still considered him her friend and he had also helped her a lot, something she would never forget.
"Oh~, is he researching my creation?" said VILL-V who looked at the screen with interest.
Otto then noticed a hologram screen showing visual data from a tree.
"Over the past thousands of years, this key has been used to analyze other parallel universes in the Imaginary Tree. No other soulium data entry includes or explains these 2 terms. Just thinking about these 2 terms makes me quite excited. My wish no longer seems like a mere fantasy," said Otto with a chuckle.
"Wish? So he has a wish now, I wonder what his wish is," Kallen said interestedly, without realizing it, several people flinched at her words.
"You'll find out later, Kallen," Eve said, hiding her pity as she said that.
"The 2nd divine key is indeed the holy grail of my quest. The two terms that were revealed forced me to immediately activate this device," continued Otto while twirling the glass in his hand, "It even felt like a trap. Whatever. As always, I will make the necessary preparations for whatever might happen."
He then turned to Amber who was standing far away from him, "Amber, inform Durandal that the first trial of the 2nd key will begin in 12 hours. Tell her to prepare herself. She will take part in this test."
"It looks like this video is about my meeting with Su," concluded Bianka.
"Fu fu, for me this is a good opportunity to see you meet him in person," said Rita smiling.
"Honestly, it was quite a complicated meeting. My memory was also quite confused at that time because there were many things that confused me. But seeing the meeting again from a third point of view sounds quite interesting."
- SCHICKSAL HEADQUARTERS, BASIC PHYSICAL TRAINING FACILITY -
In one of the Schicksal training facilities, Bianka is exercising using the treadmill provided. Her gym clothes were wet with her own sweat, it seemed like she had been doing that for quite a while.
After a few moments she finished using the treadmill, she then took a towel to wipe the sweat that soaked her body.
Only then did she realize there was a girl lying on the floor helplessly. The girl was Susannah, a Schicksal Valkryie like Bianka.
Susannah immediately looked down in shame when several people started staring at her, her face reddened at the embarrassing appearance of herself on the screen.
"I'm dead..." Susannah groaned weakly on the floor, her body sweating worse than Bianka.
"Is that girl trying to imitate Durandal's training?" said Theresa (2016) while raising her eyebrows.
"She's pretty great at not fainting," Himeko said while crossing her arms.
"Fu fu~, if it were me, I could do it twice as much," said Kiana (2016) puffing her chest proudly.
"What you need is brain exercise, not muscle," said Bronya (2016) unimpressed.
"Huh!? What are you saying, Bratnya!"
"Don't fight, you two," said Mei (2016) to break up her two friends.
"Are you alright?" Bianka asked while kneeling beside Susannah.
Susannah tried to lift her body and sat on the floor, still panting, "Thank you, Durandal-sama. I feel better already."
Then Susannah embarrassedly scratched her cheek, "I thought I could get stronger by copying your training routine, but I guess I was too hasty. He heh… I couldn't even get through the first circuit."
Susannah then put her hands together and looked at Bianka with sparkling eyes, "Please, Durandal-sama. Can you teach me how to become as strong as you? Are there any shortcuts to training? Is there a special diet?"
"Ha ha, this brings back memories," said Cecilia with a small chuckle, remembering her own experience with the young Valkyrie in her timeline.
"The title 'Strongest' is often a role model for the Valkyries," said Lixue smiling.
Bianka just sighed before smiling amusedly, "Okay, Susannah," said Bianka, then she raised her index finger and pointed it at Susannah's forehead.
"This is lesson number one, remember it well," said Bianka, "Don't be a copycat. You have to find what you are good at and work hard to perfect that particular skill."
"Wise words, Bianka-san," Cecilia said to the two Biankas, surprising them.
"Thank you, Cecilia-sama."
"T-Thank you…"
Two similar but not identical responses caught the attention of several people. Bianka (2016) responded politely while smiling at Cecilia, while the older Bianka responded with a stammer and a low voice.
"Is something wrong, Bianka-san?" Cecilia asked, realizing the difference.
"N-No, it's nothing," said Bianka, forcing her smile to look awkward.
"I… understand," said a confused Cecilia.
Bianka (2016) raised her eyebrows when looking at her future self, "Why is she like that?" she muttered.
Rita (2016) who was sitting next to her also looked confused at the future Bianka, it was very rare for her to see the strongest Valkryie nervous. But then she looked at her future self and was surprised when her future self put her index finger to her lips while blinking.
It was at that moment that she understood everything, the reason why the older Bianka looked nervous talking to Cecilia. She involuntarily smiled at the thought.
"Hn? What's wrong, Rita?" Bianka asked (2016) when she saw her partner smiling.
"It's nothing, Durandal-sama. I just feel like everything will be more interesting from now on," said Rita (2016) with a smile, Bianka (2016) tilted her head in confusion.
Meanwhile, the older Bianka sighed as she leaned back in the chair to calm herself, she didn't expect herself to be nervous about talking to her own mother.
"Hey, you okay?" Siegfried asked gently.
"Yeah, I just… feel nervous," Bianka said honestly.
"Don't worry, Onee-chan. There's still plenty of time," said Kiana comfortingly.
"Kiana is right, Bianka. You can prepare yourself for when she finds out the real you," said Theresa smiling. She was happy because now she called Bianka by her real name, not Durandal. After all, Bianka is her niece, there are no more formalities.
"Fu fu, you don't need to rush, Durandal-sama," said Rita smiling.
Bianka looked at everyone fondly, she was happy that she had such a good family.
"Thank you, everyone," she said gratefully.
Shortly after, everyone was having their own casual conversations until Eve's voice caught their attention.
"Okay everyone, that's the first part of our main video this time. Before continuing to the second part, please watch this short video."
With that announcement, everyone looked back at the screen as it lit up again.
The Plan
"For your information, remember the previous Project Stigma? Here there will be a little explanation about that," said Eve.
The notification shocked everyone, except for those from 2018 who already knew what Project Stigma was, the others stared at the screen with intense gazes while wondering why Project Stigma was called a project of last resort.
"Project Stigma?"
"SU?" HUA said raising her eyebrows.
"It seems like this is happening in the future, I don't know anything about that project yet," SU said shaking his head.
It seemed like the surprise in his voice was what caught Dr. MEI from behind the scenes. The dim light reflecting on her glasses made her expression unreadable.
"Yes. We must prepare for the worst before our decisive battle with the Final Herrscher. If we lose, we retreat to the shelter until the next civilization grows. Each Pioneer will take over a different project to exhaust all possibilities. This is the last resistance that can be overcome by our civilization."
Even though they haven't experienced it yet, the Previous Era group can feel the tension of the situation on screen from their seats.
"So this project was announced before the fight against the Final Herrscher," concluded APONIA.
"Considering this will be the final battle, it is the right time to announce a contingency plan," EDEN said.
"Could this Project Stigma be..."
"Yes, it's the project I'm assigning to you. It agrees with your research field, so I believe you're the best candidate."
Everyone blinked their eyes in confusion, previously Eve said that Project Stigma was assigned to Kevin, but now MEI assigned the project to Su.
"Um, Eve? Didn't you just say that Kevin would be the implementer of Project Stigma?" asked ELYSIA who asked everyone's confusion.
"There will be an explanation for that later," Eve said. ELYSIA nodded in understanding.
"In accordance with my research field? What are you planning, MEI?" SU thought.
"But according to its forecasts, we'll sacrifice far more people than we can save..."
Everyone except the 2018 group fell silent hearing that, they couldn't believe what they heard.
"W-What…!?" Kallen said in complete surprise, she didn't expect what her ancestors had planned.
"Sacrificing more people than can be saved, that is the same as not saving humanity," Lixue said seriously.
"Yeah, it wouldn't be a victory if humanity itself was wiped out," said Cecilia hardening her expression.
MEI leaned back with a sigh, she then rubbed her temples to clear her mind.
In fact, she already knew that one day she would use very terrible methods just to maintain human civilization. Of course she knew that it was the worst plan and she hoped that it would never be carried out.
"Fu fu, that is definitely the worst plan for humanity's victory. I knew you would come up with a plan like this someday," MOBIUS said amusedly.
"That's only a last resort, Dr. MOBIUS," said MEI flatly.
"What a terrible last resort. Well, I also don't deny that plan is also an option."
"Actually, you and MEI are the ones who planned this project, MOBIUS," Eve said, MOBIUS blinked for a moment before snorting.
"Well, I expected that," MOBIUS said with a mocking smile.
There was a tense silence in the room after that, some people even showing their hostility for not agreeing with Project Stigma. If it continues like this, the situation will become even more tense.
And among all those people, there is one person who doesn't want disputes to occur.
"Okay everyone~, let's stop there. Let's stop this gloomy atmosphere and enjoy a relaxing moment now in peace, shall we? Remember what Eve said? We are not here to burden our minds with heavy thoughts, but we are here to see those who fight for all that is beautiful in the world!"
ELYSIA stood up and said all that loudly, making everyone stunned to see her.
"And that doesn't apply to the two of you, but to everyone in this room!"
ELYSIA nodded in satisfaction when everyone looked at her and forgot about the tension that happened just now, in fact she had been holding back these words since KOSMA's emotional outburst, she was holding back because of GRISEO's intervention. But now no one would stop her, that's why she was so direct now.
Mei smiled when she saw ELYSIA, no matter which ELYSIA she met, they were still the same.
ELYSIA is still ELYSIA.
A Herrscher who really loves Humanity.
Shortly after, everyone came out of their stunned state and looked back at the screen.
"I know, Su. This is the worst kind of project, so it's strictly a last resort."
Needless to say, everyone agreed that it was the worst option.
"So as long as other projects are still running, this Project Stigma will not be carried out," said Himeko.
"It seems so, Su is still running Project VALUKA in the video earlier," said Hua (2016), she was still a little strange calling her old friend's name even though she didn't remember him.
"Does the Project really have to be implemented?" Tanya Kiana (2016) frowned, she still didn't expect that it was her own ancestor who planned the project that sacrificed so many lives.
"Sometimes sacrifices are made to achieve victory, but this project is too bad to do," said Theresa (2016).
"What if one day this project is implemented?" Asked Mei (2016) worried.
"Then we will stop it, even though this plan was made to defeat Honkai, but it's all useless if humanity is wiped out."
Kiana (2016) and the others nodded quickly, they agreed with the words of the Principal of St. Freya.
"…"
"I know your conscience as a doctor disapproves of this project. Forcing you to execute it is essentially torturing..."
It was at that moment that SU's eyes widened, he now understood why Project Stigma that was handed over to him suddenly transferred to Kevin.
Of all the members of the Flame-chasers, he is the one who has known Kevin the longest, so he knows things about Kevin that no one else knows. Even if his heart was frozen due to the effects of the surgery, Kevin still cared for his friends.
Therefore, he knew the reason why the implementer of Project Stigma suddenly changed to Kevin, was because Kevin didn't want him to bear the burden that had to be borne by being the implementer of Project Stigmat.
"KEVIN, you…"
"Keep watching, SU," said KEVIN, who continued to stare at the screen. Even though there was no change in KEVIN's expression, SU knew that KEVIN was trying to change the conversation.
With a bitter expression, SU looked back at the screen to respect his friend's wishes.
He shook his head and sighed. There was a moment of silence, followed by the creasing of papers.
"...I understand. I will do it. Besides...we have no other choice."
Video ends.
"…"
There were several gasps in the room as everyone let go of their fatigue, the information they were carrying was quite burdensome on their minds.
SU leaned back tiredly in his chair, he had just received a very difficult task for him. Even though he didn't know anything about Project Stigma at the moment, hearing that it cost more lives than it could save was quite torturous to him.
"SU, I'm sorry to burden you with that project," said MEI feeling guilty.
SU shook his head with a small smile, "It's okay, MEI. I know that your burden was heavier when you decided to make that plan."
"Even so, we still don't know what plans Dr. MEI actually made," said HUA wonderingly.
"All we know is the consequences of the plan," APONIA said.
"Sacrificing more people's lives than saved, huh. What kind of plan has Dr. MEI prepared," said VILL-V crossing her arms.
"To be honest, I don't know at the moment, this might be a plan I made far in the future," said MEI shaking her head.
"Well, whatever it is let's think about it later. I'm sure Eve will broadcast it eventually," said ELYSIA with a smile.
The others agreed with her, then they relaxed their bodies on their chairs and waited for the Overseer to show the next video.
Thanks for reading!
This time we are entering the Second Key manga. Before entering Second Key we should have read London Holiday first. London Holiday was good but I didn't see anything interesting to react to so I went straight into Second Key.
That's all I want to say for now. Sorry if there are mistakes in words, repeated words, or language errors during writing.
See you in next chapter.