Three days later, at a plaza within Anti-Entropy Headquarters, a tall silver-gray rocket stood erect amidst the crowd of people preparing to depart and those there to see them off.
"Kiana, Kiana, I'm leaving now, so you better remember to think about me, okay?! And don't you dare go chasing after other little fairies while I'm gone, got it?"
"Kiana, what are you talking about again? It's just a trip to the moon, no big deal—you'll be back soon enough. Remember to listen carefully when you're out there."
In response to teary-eyed Kiana clinging tightly to her, along with her usual flirtatious banter, Raiden Mei could only helplessly stroke the silvery-white head, unsure whether to laugh or cry.
Having studied under Dr. Einstein for several years, Raiden Mei had experienced numerous grand events. To her, going to the moon was merely routine; although outsiders might find it extraordinary, she didn't consider it significant at all.
Firstly, the rocket technology itself posed absolutely no issues.
Secondly, even if something went wrong, as powerful fighters equipped with black armor, they were more than capable of ensuring their safety. Furthermore, Anti-Entropy possesses advanced capabilities for space rescue missions.
Lastly, both Zeke and Welt possessed the ability to traverse space. And as a last resort, they could always seek help from Schicksal.
"Stay safe, Big Sister Bronya."
"Mm-hmm, I'll be back soon, Seele."
"Big Sister Bronya..."
"Seele..."
Here we go again.
Bronya, the orphanage's most dependable boyfriend material, and Seele, its strongest girlfriend contender, began their daily ritual of gazing deeply into each other's eyes—a sight so beautifully sweet it felt like overindulgence.
Only Sin stood alone nearby, gritting her teeth at the scene, her wide-eyed envy turning them red with bloodshot veins.
"Be good now."
"Zeke?"
"Outer space is different from within a planet. Just stay alert and keep yourself out of harm's way."
"Yes, sir!"
Initially, Zeke only meant to comfort Sin with a gentle pat on the head, but she quickly wrapped her arms around his arm, inching closer until she nestled against him, blushing adorably like a delicate bird seeking protection.
Kiana, who had been playfully acting cute toward Raiden Mei, witnessed this exchange.
"Ack!" A flying kick sliced through the air, intercepted by Sin's raised hand.
"Let go of Zeke! You dare sneak away while I wasn't looking?!"
"As if you have any say, little paramecium! Why don't you go cling to Raiden Mei instead?"
"Mei is Mei; Zeke is Zeke—they're completely different!"
"Hmph!" Sin scoffed disdainfully.
A vein popped on Kiana's forehead as she swung a punch at Sin without hesitation.
Sin clenched her fist too, surging with power despite her small stature.
Pow! Pow!
In less than a second, both Kiana and Sin collapsed at Zeke's feet, large bumps swelling on their heads where they cracked fissures in the steel floor upon impact.
"Whew—" With a blank expression, Zeke casually blew on his knuckles and surveyed the scene around him. Bronya remained impassive, Seele obediently lowered her head, Raiden Mei continued trembling nervously, Wendy's gaze wandered aimlessly, and the Vodka Sisters stood frozen like statues.
Only Theresa, who had been watching from the sidelines, charged towards Zeke, arms swinging wildly. "How dare you bully my beloved niece?!"
"Pow!"
Zeke blew on his knuckles again, leaving yet another young loli sprawled at his feet. This time, there was no further commotion.
"Bronya, check the rocket's status and confirm the launch sequence."
"Yes, sir."
Bronya saluted smartly and jogged over to the rocket's control panel, swiftly inputting commands.
"Everything is nominal, ready for departure at any time, sir!" Bronya reported, jogging back to Zeke moments later with her head held high.
It was quite intriguing—over these past few years, Kiana and Raiden Mei had visibly matured, yet Bronya, who wasn't much younger than them, showed hardly any signs of growth. The term "shortie" aptly described her current stature, albeit being a sensitive topic for her.
Gazing down at his adorable little secretary barely reaching his chest, Zeke gently patted her on the head.
"Hmm. There are 30,000 worker bees standing by within the rocket. If needed, use them to handle any troubles. On the moon, the swarm has grown significantly; feel free to mobilize them whenever necessary. Keep an eye on those two, ensure they don't cause trouble or embarrass themselves out there."
"Yes, sir!"
"You may go now. Safe travels."
"Thank you, sir!"
With one final salute, Bronya grabbed Kiana by the collar with one hand and Sin with the other. With a leap from bent knees, she effortlessly pulled both girls into the elevated cockpit above.
A few minutes later, amid mechanical rumblings, the tall rocket shuddered once and slowly ascended, propelled upward by its smokeless blue flame.
"Kiana, make it quick—see you soon!"
"Big Sister Bronya! Everyone! Safe travels!"
"Niece, take care now~"
Raiden Mei, Seele, and Theresa waving oversized bags overhead shouted their farewells at the rocket, but their voices likely wouldn't reach those inside.
At that moment, Wendy bent her arm to nudge Zeke's elbow with her own.
Zeke glanced down sidelong at Wendy, who wasn't even as tall as Bronya.
"What is it?"
"You're really okay letting them go without a proper goodbye? Aren't you worried?"
"It's too complicated to explain scientific matters to someone illiterate like you."
All necessary calculations and preparations had been checked multiple times; there was nothing wrong with the rocket. As for Sin and Kiana—the reliable Bronya was there to keep things under control, right?
Wendy's mocking grin froze. "Who're you calling illiterate?! I always ace my theory exams!"
"Exams and research are two different things. That's why I said it's futile trying to explain this to someone as ignorant as you."
"...Keep pretending if you want. It's obvious you're worried; your unease is written all over your face!" Wendy rolled her eyes, spreading her hands wide.
Having known Zeke for so long, she could easily discern whether his stoic expression concealed anxiety or tranquility—yes, definitely not because she constantly observed him; it was just her keen intuition.
Wendy silently nodded, her mind drifting off again—now that the closest trio of black-armored warriors had departed, perhaps the next half-month would be less crowded around Zeke... Not implying anything untoward, merely considering the current situation.
Shaking her head, Wendy slapped her cheeks lightly and exhaled deeply to prevent any unusual warmth from showing on her face.
Zeke frowned at her peculiar behavior. "Did you forget your meds? Having another episode?"
"Get lost!" Wendy retorted, rolling her eyes.
Can't you ever give me some credit? Damn you, Zeke, you insensitive jerk!
Zeke looked up, patted her head, and abruptly changed the subject:
"Stay with Mei and help guard Headquarters; Dr. Ein will also return to oversee things."
"Oh... Wait, you're leaving?"
"Yes."
"Where to? How long?"
"I have an appointment with the Red Kite Immortal. Probably around half a month."
"Half a month... Ah?!" Wendy's eyes widened as if struck by lightning out of the blue.
Half a month... That means upon returning, I'll be inseparable from that trio in black armor again?!
["Idiot! I've already told you, just take off your clothes, slip into his bed at night, and everything will fall into place!"]
"Shut up! I'm not even an adult yet!"
"Hm?"
"It's nothing. Just chatting with my other self."
"Engaging in dialogue is always beneficial. Once the time is right, I can entrust the Gem of Desire to you. As long as you stay true to yourself, being a Herrscher isn't inherently bad. After all, didn't many willingly follow Welt?" Zeke remarked, missing Wendy's subtle expression as he turned to leave.
["If you keep fixating on age, you really won't get a chance."]
"Ahhh! I told you to shut up!"
"Hmph! Well, it doesn't bother me, but let's hope someone else won't cry too bitterly when the time comes. Ah, first love—so bittersweet!"
"I've never been in love! Just stop talking already!" Wendy tugged at her unique short hair, streaked with black and green, unable to control her rising volume. Unaware, she noticed that those around her were now looking at her with pity.
"What a sweet child. She used to gaze upon me with such admiration back then. Even though she barely acknowledges me now, it's understandable... How did she become so confused? Could there have been more lingering effects from that experiment? It's all my fault... Why didn't I think things through properly?" Theresa lamented, clasping both hands over the large lump on her head, overwhelmed by guilt. After Cecilia passed away, had she truly fallen too deeply into despair?
Raiden Mei and Seele exchanged glances, simultaneously scratching their faces awkwardly.
It's hard to explain, but perhaps only they truly understood Wendy's condition—having another person inside her body.