275. Mobius Surpasses All
"A discussion will be held regarding Kevin's momentary leniency on the battlefield against the Sixth Herrscher, which led to the destruction of two cities."
The Supreme Judge was a highly respected old man, his white beard indicating his advanced age.
Therefore, the election of a new judge was about to begin.
"What's there to discuss? The facts have already been stated! The sinner Kevin, acting on a whim, disregarded the lives of three million people. How can such a mistake be so easily forgiven? My proposal is, according to military law, immediate execution!"
One of them slammed his fist on the table, his face filled with rage.
If Kevin had pulled the trigger, three million lives could have been saved!
As a soldier, Kevin's leniency towards such a dangerous being was something he could not accept under any circumstances.
"Kevin was, after all, a warrior who rendered outstanding service in the Fourth Honkai Impact. Isn't it inappropriate to execute him like this? Perhaps it would be better to balance his merits and demerits, allowing Kevin to continue his missions while still bearing the consequences of his actions," another person objected.
Kevin was, after all, one of the most outstanding warriors within the Fire Moth, with indelible contributions in numerous Honkai battles, large and small. To execute him for a single mistake would be excessive.
Although this mistake was indeed too great to accept…
"What if he hesitates again next time? What if millions die because of his hesitation?"
"No one anticipated the Sixth Herrscher's desperate counterattack this time. Moreover, Dr. Mobius's examination revealed that the Sixth Herrscher died from excessive energy depletion, leading to life-threatening exhaustion. Furthermore, the Sixth Herrscher's authority demonstrated powerful regenerative abilities. Even if Kevin pulled the trigger, he might not be able to kill her," Dr. Mei calmly countered.
"Based on the combat data provided by Kevin, a rough calculation shows that this Sixth Herrscher was hit by approximately three fixed armor-piercing rounds, twelve small Honkai energy rockets, and countless other bullets. However, when I obtained the body, these marks seemed to have never appeared on her body."
"Even in death, the Sixth Herrscher's cells still retain a certain level of activity. With that kind of vitality, even if you shot her between the eyebrows, she probably wouldn't die."
Mobius said calmly.
"But this is all based on the premise that Kevin didn't fire that shot, isn't it? At that time, the Sixth Herrscher was already at her limit, and her power would naturally be greatly reduced. Therefore, all these consequences were caused by Kevin; that's an indisputable fact."
The two sides argued endlessly about whether Kevin should be punished, unable to reach a consensus.
"Dr. Mei, if Kevin weren't your boyfriend, would you speak up for him like this?" one of them suddenly asked.
"You jest. Kevin is here as the strongest warrior within the Fire Moth, not as her boyfriend or girlfriend." Dr. Mei deflected the man's attack casually.
"Alright, let's not talk about such things openly," the old man glared at the man.
Seeing that the attempt was unsuccessful, the old man suddenly looked at the silent Ling.
"Dr. Ling, what's your opinion?"
The surrounding discussion instantly fell silent, all eyes turning to Ling.
As the most renowned scientist within the Fire Moth, his words naturally carried great weight.
"...This incident resulted in the loss of approximately three million civilians, in addition to the Second and Fourth Anti-Herrscher teams. These two teams are the most elite teams within the Fire Moth. I believe everyone agrees with what I've said, right?"
After glancing around and seeing no one speak, Ling continued.
"Given the current severe shortage of combat power within the Fire Moth, arbitrarily executing a combatant is unwise. However, inaction threatens military discipline. Therefore, my proposal is a compromise."
"When the Herrscher appears in the future, Kevin must serve as the captain of the vanguard squad, leading the team to confront the Herrscher head-on."
The vanguard squad has the highest casualty rate; they usually die.
Because they are unaware of the Herrscher's authority, the vanguard squad is also known as the suicide squad. Their purpose is to gather as much information as possible about the Herrscher so that the Fire Moth can devise a countermeasure.
Ling stated his point of view and then fell silent.
"I second that," Mobius raised her hand.
"I second that," Dr. Mei also raised her hand.
Immediately, more and more people agreed with Ling's idea. Those present were not fools and would not blindly follow suit.
They agreed because Ling hit a crucial point: the Fire Moth organization couldn't afford any more losses.
Training even one elite soldier required immense effort, let alone Kevin, who was the Fire Moth's strongest warrior.
Kevin had indeed committed a grave error, but considering the Fire Moth's current situation, executing him would only worsen the situation.
Although many were still resentful, seeing more and more people agree to let Kevin atone for his crimes, they had no choice but to comply.
At least they couldn't think of a better solution.
Moreover, the vanguard squad's mortality rate was as high as 90%, which coincided with their desire to execute Kevin; it was just a matter of time.
"Then it's decided. Kevin, do you have any objections?" the old man asked Kevin.
"No," Kevin said coldly.
"Good. The Fire Moth officially appoints you as the vanguard squad leader. As for the team members... you'll have to find them yourself."
The old man passed the title to him.
Most of the Vanguard Squad members were assigned to their posts during times of crisis, so they didn't have a fixed roster. Therefore, Kevin had to find suitable candidates himself.
This was, of course, a form of punishment, since joining the Vanguard Squad was practically a death sentence, and Kevin had to personally select these people.
Regardless of who he chose, Kevin was dragging them into danger; it had nothing to do with the Fire Moth!
Kevin nodded without speaking.
"This meeting is over. Dr. Ling, come here for a moment." The old man kept Ling behind and then dismissed everyone else.
Mobius stood there, seemingly curious to see what the old man was up to.
"It's alright, he wouldn't go so far as to attack me at this critical moment," Ling reassured her.
"You think I'm worried about you? I just wanted to stand up for a while after sitting for so long," Mobius pouted and walked outside.
"You and Dr. Mobius's relationship is still as good as ever," the old man joked.
"Heh, Mobius would love to tear me apart." Ling shook his head.
"Let's not talk about that. How's your consideration of what I told you last time?" The old man patted his shoulder.
"Become a leader? Forget it. I'm a self-serving person, but this position doesn't allow self-interest to outweigh reason, so I'm not suitable." Ling refused without hesitation.
"That's precisely why I chose you. I don't want to get involved in the disputes between you conservatives and reformers; I'm too old." The old man waved his hand.
"So you chose Dr. Mei? She is indeed a very outstanding person, but isn't she a bit too young?" The old man seemed somewhat hesitant.
"This world will ultimately be handed over to the young, won't it? Believe me, Dr. Mei will definitely not disappoint you. She may become the most outstanding leader in the history of the Fire Moth."
Ling's words did not attempt to hide his praise for Dr. Mei.
Even if future rifts develop between the two, it would be unfair to consider this when recommending talent.
Ling also possesses excellent leadership skills, but he is definitely not better than Dr. Mei.
Because in his heart, Mobius always comes first.
Mobius...surpasses everything.
...
T/N: Had been busy with work lately, will change the update schedule and amount from 2 chapters a day to 1 chapter a day if I am not too busy