Ryoma Raiden was completely bewildered by his son-in-law's flurry of questions, but since Simon offered no explanation, the old man chose not to pry.
Having finished his inquiries about the worldview, Simon pivoted to asking his father-in-law about martial arts.
On this topic, Ryoma finally regained some confidence.
"When considering martial arts, the first thing to consider is suitability. For instance, the characteristic of our Hokushin Itto-ryu is observing the opponent, countering after defending, and winning with a single strike. Or rather, most martial arts in the world focus on 'winning with a single strike,' they just differ in execution. Ming, what kind of martial arts do you want to learn?"
Ryoma's observation was sharp. He knew Simon asking this likely meant he found Hokushin Itto-ryu difficult to use or unsuitable, so he asked for Simon's preference directly.
"I want to learn a martial art that allows for prolonged combat and can maneuver against enemies that are stronger and physically larger than myself."
Exactly. Simon felt Hokushin Itto-ryu wasn't suited for Honkai combat. Although he had killed a few Deadwalkers, the experience of being pounded into paste by a Titan made him realize he would frequently face enemies with higher stats than himself. Enemies whose stats and mechanics surpassed his own were countless.
Mei, who studied Hokushin Itto-ryu, could rely on her Herrscher authority and martial talent to brute-force her way through ("One strike equals big damage"). But Simon couldn't guarantee he had any special mechanics.
So, he had to build a foundation based on pure technique first.
"This..."
Ryoma looked troubled. He understood what his son-in-law was asking: He wanted to learn how to Slay Dragons.
Of course, "Dragon Slaying" was an exaggeration, but most martial arts in the world were designed to fight humans. Therefore, they naturally focused on seizing weaknesses and killing in one blow. Only fighting fantastical enemies fit the characteristics Simon described.
However, Ryoma was experienced. After careful consideration, he pointed Simon toward a clear path.
"Miss Hua from the Ancient Martial Arts Department of the World Serpent Group. I once had the honor of seeing her in action. Splitting mountains and cracking rocks was child's play for her. Her technique might fit your requirements."
Why does it always circle back to World Serpent?
Simon made a "grumpy cat face."
He asked his father-in-law specifically because he didn't want to go to World Serpent. How did it end up leading him back there?
"Hmm... Is there a difficulty? I thought your relationship with World Serpent was quite good..."
"It's nothing, Father-in-law. Thank you very much for your help. I apologize for troubling you so much."
Simon instinctively slipped into the formal politeness typical of the Far East.
"No trouble, no trouble..."
The two exchanged pleasantries until Mei came to call them for dinner.
Although it was just dinner, the whole family was present (Joke: Simon, Mei, and Ryoma are literally everyone on the household register), so Mei had prepared a sumptuous meal.
Ryoma tasted a dish and praised: "Mei's cooking is as good as ever."
"Mei cooks at home usually, so it's normal for her skills to stay sharp," Simon responded.
"I still remember when I got out of prison, I found Mei suddenly knew how to cook. I didn't know why back then, but thinking about it now, she learned it for you, didn't she, you brat?" Ryoma teased.
"Eh? Really?" Simon was puzzled. Mei hadn't started making him bento boxes back then.
"Father! Don't talk about that!"
Mei was embarrassed. Originally, she was a Young Miss who never touched spring water with her ten fingers. When she first started learning, her food tasted terrible. naturally, she was too embarrassed to bring it to Simon. She had practiced bitterly until she mastered the culinary arts before daring to let Simon taste her cooking.
"Oh—seems I spoke too much. Haha, I'll stop, or Mei will hate this old man."
"So Mei started learning cooking that early? It's a pity I missed out on a year of Mei's cooking. And I missed witnessing the growth of her skills. I kind of want to taste what it was like in the beginning~" Simon sighed.
"You and your glib tongue."
Mei was shy and annoyed, so she secretly pinched Simon's thigh meat.
"Hahahaha. You two children, talk nicely, don't fight."
Seeing the young couple acting so lovey-dovey, Ryoma laughed heartily. Then, mid-laugh, he suddenly remembered something.
"Oh, right. How is your consideration regarding having children? I don't want anything else now, just to see a grandchild."
It appeared. The Parent's "Hurry up and breed" phase.
"Didn't you just rush us last time? Don't be so anxious."
Mei covered her face. She and Simon were still young; being urged to reproduce by an elder face-to-face was a bit awkward.
"We are working hard on it, Father-in-law."
Simon was pounding Mei every night, filling her up every single time. It could be said he was working day and night. But despite such high-intensity "injections," Mei's belly showed no movement. Because of this, he suspected Mei might still have a Herrscher constitution, preventing pregnancy for now.
"Then work harder. Try to let me see a grandchild by next year," Ryoma encouraged.
Since the topic shifted to baby-making, Mei clearly didn't want to stay longer. She secretly urged Simon to finish eating quickly.
"Father, we're going back now~"
"Goodbye, Father-in-law!"
Simon and Mei waved goodbye.
"Come visit more often when you're free—"
Ryoma personally saw them to the mansion gate, watching their retreating figures until they disappeared.
"Busy. Being busy is good."
Back home, responding to the Father-in-law's call for grandchildren, Simon gave Mei another fierce pounding.
To be honest, with both Strength and Agility increased, he felt Mei was significantly... moister.
Afterward, Mei was clearly exhausted. She left Simon a kiss and fell into a deep sleep. Simon looked at Mei's satisfied sleeping face and stole another kiss.
What? Is it illegal to sneak a kiss on my own wife?
Everything was ready. Simon held Mei's soft body and closed his eyes.
Dungeon, Launch!
[Dungeon Loading...]
After going through the dizziness procedure, Simon returned to the familiar starting point.
Today's mission: Farm the Zombie Sister, then look around to see if there's a Chariot-class Honkai Beast to practice on.
He found the familiar Zombie Sister. This time, her back was turned.
Good chance. I'm going in!
Simon executed a Salty Fish Thrust (Lazy Thrust) and collected 20 XP.
Exploring forward along the corridor, ignoring the fire escape stairs leading to the first floor, Simon gently pushed open the partition door of the corridor.
Creeeeak—
Just like when you wake up at night to use the bathroom and try to open the door quietly to avoid waking your parents, but the damn door decides to scream—whereas pushing it hard makes no noise—this door emitted a piercing screech.
Simon entered and looked left and right. Finding nothing near the door, he breathed a sigh of relief.
Thank god this is the Honkai set. If this were some horror game or "Rules of Horror," that would've been a guaranteed jumpscare.