I am, Flame-Chaser of Previous Era-Chapter 100: Rin

Hmph, even Mei won't be able to outmaneuver me.

Seated on the plane, Ryan gently swayed his right leg. The moment Mobius appeared, he realized it was Mei's revenge; that mischievous woman certainly resented his words to Kevin.

'I was trying to achieve a harmonious coexistence; I was clearly trying to help, yet she doesn't appreciate it.'

Therefore, seeing Mobius, he understood immediately. As an intelligent person, he wouldn't be manipulated, not even by Mei.

'She's not stupid. Willingly accepting Mei's instigation, she aims to exact revenge, exploiting my weaknesses.'

She underestimated me. I'll counter her schemes. As for Hua and Mobius fighting?

Honestly, with Hua's stubborn nature, she's a perfect counter to Mobius's manipulative behavior. As long as she's cautious, Mobius can't deceive her.

Even if they fought, Mobius would likely lose, being overwhelmed by that stubborn girl.

'A perfect counterbalance. Perhaps, under Mobius's pressure, Hua will mature more quickly. I've worked so hard.'

He felt a sense of pride. He could outwit and outfight anyone. This hasty trip also allowed him to escape Fire Moth's surveillance.

This golden cicada shedding its shell wasn't easy; it hinged on Fire Moth's response. This wasn't a turn-based game; Ryan had proactively promoted inter-Institute cooperation, removing obstacles for the Fusion Warrior project, ensuring a response from the upper echelons.

"The Fusion Warrior project is a double-edged sword. It gives them the power to oppose me and Elysia. Even under Mobius's leadership, they can exert control."

The fusion surgery isn't overly complex; with the right conduit, anyone can perform it. The 13 Flame-Chasers were designated as such because only thirteen Fusion Warriors existed at that time; it didn't mean only they could accept high-level Honkai Beast genes.

Mobius holds the technique, but Fire Moth Council controls the resources.

Ryan leaned against the side, understanding the Council's thinking. This wasn't about backstabbing; everyone wanted power. Before he could completely consume Fire Moth's assets and guarantee the absence of civil war, he wouldn't turn against them.

"Using the guise of research, I'll secure the resources. This falls within Mobius's authority, so no one can object. However, coordinating intelligence and combat departments will be difficult."

But I don't need coordination.

Killing two birds with one stone, ensuring everyone is left unsatisfied. As the plane began its descent, Ryan looked out the window, seeing the bustling Shiga Airport, filled with passenger planes.

After the third Honkai incident, East Asia became a high-risk zone. Despite Fire Moth's repeated claims of safety outside the disaster zones, public panic remained.

People aren't stupid. Seeing abandoned cities and retreating front lines, everyone knows Fire Moth is struggling.

Everywhere, people were fleeing, many choosing the quieter Australia or the heavily fortified Mu continent, making Shiga a transit point.

This was pointless; Honkai's random nature meant nowhere was safe. Furthermore, in the later Honkai events, Mu and Australia fared worse.

That was the logic, but Ryan couldn't change anyone's mind; he had to let them cling to false hope.

He collected his luggage and disembarked, passing through customs to find Sakura and the others. Her pink hair swayed as she walked, her T-shirt and skirt revealing a mature elegance. She wore earphones, seemingly listening to music.

Ryan paused momentarily, recalling the black thigh-highs and mentally cursing Mobius.

Sakura saw him, a strange flicker in her violet eyes before she forcibly suppressed it, acting as if nothing had happened.

"Dr. Ryan, you're punctual."

Feigning amnesia? So gentle...

Ryan, equally acting nonchalant, walked past. "Did you finish everything so quickly?"

They shook hands. Sakura hesitated, bowing slightly. "Thank you for your help."

She had first traveled to Japan to bring her sister, Rin, to Shiga, which was comparatively safer due to its strategic location—small area, heavy Fire Moth defense.

However, residency was difficult; permits were practically priceless.

Fortunately, Ryan had arranged everything—a luxury apartment in the city center and a long-term residency permit.

"I merely kept my word; don't overthink it."

"But there aren't many who uphold 'integrity' in this world."

Ryan paused, nodding in agreement. He picked up his luggage and left the airport with Sakura, who was already waiting with a car.

The car started, heading into the city. Shiga was known for its prosperity even before Honkai. It had many skyscrapers, excellent security, and well-developed infrastructure; parks and shopping malls were plentiful.

"The green spaces are nice. It's not as chaotic as New York. No wonder the UN rated it as one of the most livable cities."

"Shiga has a small area and a strategic location. Now occupied by the Pacific Branch, Honkai Beasts struggle to survive here." Sakura kept her eyes on the road.

The Pacific Branch consisted of elite mobile forces, supporting the Asian front lines with rapid response and excellent coordination.

Ryan didn't dwell on it, asking, "Was your journey smooth?"

"Far East Branch surveillance was detected but evaded. They didn't pursue." freёnovelkiss.com

"Naturally. You're the Security Department head of Research; you formally requested leave from Dr. Mei. They couldn't issue a warrant." Ryan adjusted his seat and reclined comfortably. "We followed procedure; no one can find fault. I also took proper leave."

Of course, they were undoubtedly monitored, but Sakura and Ryan were both high-level operatives; this was why he didn't ask Kevin for help.

Sakura was an assassin—strong and discreet, unwilling to reveal her sister's location.

Procedure?

Sakura glanced at Ryan's complacent expression, knowing he was already scheming. For instance, Dr. Mei secretly obtaining Honkai Beast data from intelligence—that wasn't exactly following procedure.

Fortunately, they'd cooperated before; even complex situations could be effortlessly resolved. This time would be no different.

Sensing her gaze, Ryan didn't dwell on it. If they suspected his movements, they could ask Mei and Mobius. And afterwards? If I encounter Honkai Beasts, I can't just wait to die.

It's all for humanity; who wouldn't do the same?

"Do you know why I had you join Fire Moth?"

"To maximize my effectiveness?"

"That's one reason. I also wanted to test their limits. While I don't want to clash with Fire Moth, they also don't want to oppose me."

Sakura withdrew her gaze, showing agreement. Only after meeting Dr. Mei did she understand Ryan's influence.

There was no exchange of benefits, no blood oaths; maintaining this group was something far sturdier—

Hope.

Fighting for human survival. Under this belief, they didn't need benefits to form alliances. Like ripples spreading outwards, this influence would gradually affect Fire Moth's young progressives, influencing all those unwilling to surrender.

'Even those who walk in darkness cannot escape this.'

She wanted to create a safe world for Rin; Honkai had to be eliminated.

The car sped along the elegant streets, soon stopping beneath a high-rise building in the city center. Ryan leaned back, looking out the window at the pleasant surroundings.

A nearby park showed children playing on the lawn, parents watching nearby—no different from before the third Honkai incident.

"This is...?"

"It's your home. After all you've done, it's only right you see it." Sakura unbuckled her seatbelt and opened the door.

Such an honest person.

Ryan was genuinely surprised, realizing Sakura didn't intend to hide her sister, seeing no need for secrecy.

"Wait two minutes."

Sakura was puzzled but waited patiently. Soon, Ryan returned, carrying a large plush rabbit doll.

The girl was taken aback; this image hardly matched the terrifying one in her mind. Even the pantyhose incident only showed Ryan's strange tastes, not negating his power.

He'd crushed the Cocoon like bugs, outmaneuvering even the cunning Fire Moth leadership.

But as the man approached, holding the doll, his slightly widened violet eyes softened, and he bowed slightly.

"Thank you for your kindness."

"You can't visit empty-handed; it's basic etiquette." Ryan didn't mind, seeing Sakura hesitate. He chuckled ruefully. "Don't worry, I'm not a pervert; that misunderstanding was because of Mobius."

"Her belongings?"

"Yes. Mei mentioned she's quite the gossip. That woman is even more eccentric than Vill-V. You know my pain."

They entered the apartment building's elevator; Sakura pressed the button for the fifth floor. As they ascended, she cleared her throat.

"You and Dr. Mobius... are truly a match made in heaven."

How many times had he heard something similar?

Ryan rolled his eyes, whispering, "Are you saying I'm also strange?"

"No, no. I'm grateful to you. Dr. Mobius might be eccentric, but she's a beautiful woman."

Perhaps because she was about to see her sister, Sakura was less restrained. Reaching apartment 502, she used her fingerprint to unlock the door.

"Rin, I'm home."

Her voice was gentle, unlike her usual coldness. Ryan heard footsteps; an eleven or twelve-year-old girl with pink hair, barefoot, rushed out from the center of the room.

"Sis! Sis!"

With a childish sound, she threw herself onto Sakura, burying her face in her sister's chest and nuzzling, as if washing her face, before noticing something amiss.

"Ah, who is he?"

A wary look appeared in the girl's clear eyes, a maturity beyond her years.

"This is..."

"I'm your sister's colleague, Ryan. Here's a gift." Ryan smoothly interjected, gently lowering himself and offering the plush rabbit. "Rin, you're smart and well-behaved. Your sister told me you're a good student and a hard worker."

He was dressed in a black coat, wearing rimless glasses, appearing harmless.

"Sister, did you really say that about me?" Rin hugged the rabbit, looking at a stunned Sakura, who nodded instinctively after a moment's hesitation.

"Wonderful! Mr. Ryan, here are your slippers."

The girl was overjoyed, carefully presenting the slippers.

"Welcome to our home! Wait, I'll make some tea."

Hugging the rabbit, Rin skipped down the hallway. Ryan smiled, stepping into the entryway, only to have his arm grabbed by Sakura.

"Wait, I never mentioned Rin to you."

Hard-working, she'd admitted. A good student? Even Sakura doubted that.

"When I met Hua, she was about Rin's age. I have experience. Just let children be children. Don't worry; I'll be friends with Rin quickly enough."

Sakura inhaled sharply, unable to connect the gentle man before her with the cold killer from the desert.

Unfathomable. Truly unfathomable...