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"This is the moment of ascension!"
No longer just a customary proclamation, these words resonated deeply within Mobius' heart.
Zeke's physical body exhibited near-perfect perfection, beyond anything Mobius had ever encountered. If she could devour his form and achieve rebirth, her potential for power would be unimaginable.
Succeeding in this endeavor would directly elevate her existence to a new level. With Zeke's intellect added to her arsenal, her future capabilities would know no bounds.
The colossal snake beast materialized before them. With one arm securely around Sin's waist to prevent her from falling, Zeke looked up at the massive creature, analyzing its structure and Honkai Energy intensity to glean specific data.
"It seems you've made more modifications—results from my blood?"
"To fully utilize your biological materials, research is indeed necessary."
"But you still won't defeat me."
"Defeat you? Why bother fighting when all I desire is your physical form? Ha ha ha!"
From within the giant beast's abdomen, Mobius erupted in maniacal laughter.
Among the Thirteen Heroes of Pyre, Mobius was never known for sheer strength but rather their bizarre life form, unpredictable abilities, and inexhaustible vitality.
The snake beast raised its scepter high, casting a green glow over the surrounding area.
Zeke allowed Mobius to display their power, then shook his head, saying, "I still suggest achieving cooperation through dialogue, Dr. Mobius."
"Give me your physical body, and we can talk."
"If our conversation goes smoothly, it might not be out of the question."
"Really? I don't believe you!" Skeptical, Mobius promptly rejected Zeke's olive branch, intensifying the eerie green light emanating from the scepter.
On one hand, Mobius' nature and mindset prevented them from relying on others. On the other, they indeed held more cards up their sleeve, confident they wouldn't lose.
Mobius decided to take matters into their own hands and secure the key they needed.
A dim emerald radiance flooded the space, bringing with it detrimental effects like viruses, corrosion, decay, and more. Zeke involuntarily furrowed his brow.
"Hmm?"
With a frown, Zeke removed his coat and draped it over the unconscious Sin, shielding her body. Simultaneously, he activated the power of the Corrosion Core, neutralizing all negative factors near Sin by corroding them away.
Suddenly, Sin's eyes snapped open just as she had calmed down moments ago.
"Hissss—"
With an almost inhuman sound, Sin bit into Zeke's side and greedily gulped down his blood.
As the blood flowed down her throat, it further ignited her ferocity. The indescribable black entity once again emerged from her left eye, entwining around Zeke like a life-draining vine. Rapidly absorbing his strength, it began to grow larger.
"Heh heh heh!"
Unbeknownst to Zeke, the surrounding space had turned ominously dark, akin to ink staining everything with a jade-green hue. No trace of Mobius's behemoth form was visible; only her silvery laughter echoed through the gloom, carrying a chilling and dreadful undertone.
"Your skin, mucous membranes, every capillary, even your consciousness, the internal Honkai Energy circulation... Zeke, my most beloved lab rat, don't show the slightest weakness or you know what will happen!" Her words sounded playful, reminiscent of a lover whispering lazily in bed.
But Zeke understood—it was a clear threat on his life.
"Are you that eager for my body?" Zeke pressed his hand on Sin's head, gently stroking her as she instinctively consumed his blood and vitality. With a faint tone, he asked.
Mobius chuckled seductively, responding unconsciously amidst the darkness:
"Of course... Wait, is there something inappropriate about your question?"
Despite not being familiar with contemporary internet slang, the phrase itself carried suggestive undertones.
"...Those with nothing to hide needn't worry."
"Hmph! Regardless of what you meant, be prepared to have your soul stuffed into an ELF doll!"
"Oh? Not planning to finish me off completely now?"
"As if I'd let you take my life even if you were victorious. Zeke, we both know this isn't an irreconcilable battle to the death; it's merely a struggle for complete dominance! The winner takes all, the loser becomes subservient—it's as simple as that!"
Zeke fell silent.
Doesn't this serpent beauty understand everything? Why pretend to fear for her life from his threats?
She understood! Though she still didn't fully trust Zeke, by going along with his invitation, at least she kept her options open. If things truly escalated and she couldn't handle Zeke, it might increase her chances of achieving a favorable outcome.
"The Thirteen Heroes each have their distinct personalities; some can be swayed by words and appeals to justice, while others like you require discipline... Have you had your fill yet? It's time to wake up - didn't we agree that you'd be my dog for life..."
Zeke stroked Sin's hair, despite the black substance continuing its relentless spread across his body and the incessant loss of blood and vitality from the wound in his abdomen. Even amidst this, he remained lucid enough to sense something amiss about those words.
After a pause, Zeke patted Sin's head, completely ignoring her fierce expression and hostile gaze. He warned, "I'm getting angry."
"Ha ha ha! You, arrogant one, actually believe in emotions? Science should be cold and rational. Perhaps I overestimated you?"
Mobius sneered disdainfully, lurking in the darkness and vigilantly watching for any weaknesses Zeke might reveal.
All of Mobius's attempts were devoured by Zeke's corrosive power, rendering their infiltration futile.
But that was no concern; snakes are remarkably patient creatures.
In this confrontation, Mobius played the aggressor while Zeke defended. Prolonged defense inevitably leads to failure. Moreover, Sin continued consuming Zeke's strength through her bite, forcing him to divide his attention to protect her. Otherwise, seizing control of Sin's body would be another option for Mobius.
Additionally, no matter how perfect the physical form, sustaining Herrscher abilities without being an actual Herrscher for an extended period is simply impossible—such feats transcend human capability!
"Advantage lies with me," Mobius thought confidently, remaining utterly composed.
Suddenly, the golden right eye of Sin, its bestial glow gradually subsided.
"Ze... ke..."
She released her bite, dazed, and collapsed softly into Zeke's arms. The black substance clinging to Zeke swiftly hardened into chunks before crumbling and falling away.
Holding Sin close, Zeke's lips curved upwards.
"I believe in emotions. Is there a problem with that?"
In this crumbling world, intangible sentiments were endowed with tangible power. In a peculiar sense, Honkai Energy and human emotions formed a unique symbiotic relationship.
Even from a practical standpoint, using emotions to combat Honkai was scientifically sound logic. Even Otto had employed such methods, so naturally, Zeke believed in them as well.
Of course, Sin's willpower was crucial, but he didn't reveal to Mobius that he had been subtly using his corrosive power to counteract some of her manipulations on Sin—this played a significant role in allowing Sin to regain consciousness promptly.
"...Ha! It's just a coincidence. Hand over your body! This is essential for reaching the Infinite and pursuing truth!"
Mobius' cold voice echoed from all directions, devoid of any trace of amusement.
The sight pierced Mobius' heart: someone close being controlled by external forces, turning against him only to be swiftly rescued—a seemingly happy ending.
'Klein... No, what am I thinking?'
Shaking his head, Mobius dismissed distractions and focused solely on his impending duel with Zeke.
"Jingle—"
At that moment, Zeke held Sin close, the Key of Judgment ring emitting a purple glow from its knuckles. The Herrscher Cores of Corruption and Rock at his waist trembled, producing a delightful metallic chime.
With an expressionless demeanor, Zeke slowly raised one hand.
"You can come to me, or I'll go to you. Choose."