I am, Flame-Chaser of Previous Era-Chapter 62: Join

The third Honkai impact was a turning point, altering everyone's destiny, accelerating the trajectory towards Finality.

The outside world was in chaos. Ryan sat in his hospital bed, flipping through various news channels. The broadcasts showed government officials speaking and citizens protesting.

Some demanded accountability, others accused the government of lying, some were looting, others engaging in physical confrontations with riot police.

Unsurprising, perhaps this was humanity's instinctive response. A thousand explanations wouldn't change it; only time could mend things.

From anger to apathy, then apathy to despair—this was just the beginning; worse was yet to come.

Ryan turned off the TV, sitting up straight, his fingers tapping against the headboard as he considered the future.

"After the third Honkai impact, the higher-ups' plans have succeeded. From now on, no force will stand to impede them."

This was a good thing. Fire Moth, though full of strange and powerful individuals, was the only organization capable of uniting humanity against the Honkai. Ryan had considered creating his own organization, but dismissed the idea.

It would require astronomical funding and resources, and government support. Forget everything else, the sheer fleet power needed to face the Herrschers was beyond individual capability. Besides, Ryan didn't have the energy to manage an organization.

Therefore, Fire Moth had to exist; he had to rely on its strength. Mei and Mobius needed vast resources and countless researchers to achieve results.

Modern society relies on high-level cooperation; research directions branch into countless avenues. Unless an Aeon intervenes personally, a few heroes can't withstand the onslaught.

"But Fire Moth is a mess. The internal factions are beyond my comprehension, and I don't want to become a disposable blade."

Ryan's gaze grew cold. This near-death experience was unforgettable. If he and Elysia hadn't defeated the Herrscher, they would have faced a nuclear strike.

The Honkai's influence was deepening, and Ryan felt a desire—to cleanse Fire Moth, using the city as a base to combat the Honkai on his own terms.

The thought flickered, then he quickly dismissed it.

"It's not time yet. Fire Moth is still powerful and useful, and the stakes are too high. I'm not ready for that, and triggering a human civil war would only amuse the Honkai."

The Thirteen Flame-Chasers haven't appeared yet. He could only influence a small group; even Mobius and Elysia wouldn't follow his whims. For now, he needed to rely on Fire Moth, quietly developing his strength.

At least, he had acquired the Herrscher of Thunder's Authority, although he couldn't use it instinctively like a Herrscher; he needed to study it further.

Ryan spread his hands, purple electrical arcs leaping in his palms—his greatest gain. With the core fragments, further research would be simpler.

"The power must remain hidden; otherwise, those higher-ups will eliminate me."

He understood the danger. Stealing power was easier than imagined. When there's 'one', greed reaches for 'two'. Among the higher-ups was a 'faith faction' that considered the Herrschers the ultimate evolutionary goal of humanity.

The laboratory is my final refuge, but I can't ignore this power.

Ryan rubbed his temples, his head aching. He wasn't afraid of confronting the world, but Kevin, Mei, Su, Hua, and even Mobius would be implicated; there was no need to reveal himself now.

He needed a way to utilize this power effectively without arousing suspicion. The problem was taxing; after hours of contemplation, he gave up on finding a solution, picking up pen and paper to doodle.

1000HW. That was his current Honkai energy level. Honestly, he could handle a newly ascended Herrscher of 300HW without breaking a sweat, but he'd grown accustomed to such things over the years.

Honkai energy was already "known" to Path; the difference lay only in how close they were to the Truth. It wasn't anything new; the Authority, however, was unknown, completely in his hands for analysis and exploration.

Ryan enjoyed this process of exploring the unknown, like a connoisseur preferring novelty. He wasn't interested in hunting Honkai Beasts, but the power required Honkai energy to function, hence the need to gather "mana."

"Each Herrscher's Authority is different; the level of weakness should be relatively low. Ultimately, each power is unique and unknown."

He chewed on his pen, eager to test his hypothesis on the Fourth Herrscher. But as his thoughts expanded, they suddenly stalled.

Extraterrestrial...

The Third Herrscher's dying words were a dagger to his heart, fueling his anxiety. He reflected on saving Kevin and guiding Hua—butterfly effects, but his wings weren't strong enough.

Without his intervention, many fewer people would have died. Like a nun who foresees the future but can't change it.

But the Herrscher of Thunder's actions were like a whirlwind; Ryan had deeply intervened in the timeline, even touching the Herrscher Core, witnessing ominous images.

As the Honkai scholar said, the Honkai is targeted. It wouldn't deliberately target me because of my existence. So, what would it target?

Ryan had no answer, but he wasn't afraid or regretful; instead, he felt unusually excited.

Today was a good day; so much "unknown."

He softly hummed a tune; Hua would likely think he'd gone mad—ordinary people couldn't understand a Pathstrider's pursuit.

But before he finished humming, Ryan frowned, looking towards the doorway.

Leather shoes tapped on the metal corridor. He recognized the sound, transforming the blank paper in his hand into Nihility using Honkai energy. He stood from the bed and sat in a nearby chair.

Before he was fully seated, the ajar door opened, revealing the attending physician and a blond, blue-eyed man behind him.

Chalice entered with a polite smile, but Ryan remained expressionless, still slightly irritated by the Shanghai incident—understandable but not acceptable. And this guy...

His appearance resembled a certain bishop, instantly raising suspicion.

"Dr. Ryan, you should be resting more." Chalice noticed the displeasure but maintained his smile.

"I assume you're here to deliver orders from above, Assistant Director." Ryan scowled, mirroring Hua's expression.

"Indeed, but first, my apologies." Chalice bowed politely, smiling. "The credit for defeating the Herrscher of Thunder cannot be attributed to you. This is a unanimous decision of the Fire Moth Council."

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Ryan showed a hint of sarcasm, a cold smile playing on his lips. "Predictable. Victory should be attributed to humanity. Two monsters shouldn't be hailed as heroes. But I'm curious—what's your definition of a 'monster'?"

"Possessing incomprehensible and terrifying power. Is that definition sufficient? Some within the organization believe you are no different from the Herrschers."

An honest and rational answer; Ryan didn't refute it. The definition of a Herrscher was indeed vague; the most basic definition was simply an existence capable of controlling Honkai energy.

"I don't care about the credit, though it is somewhat irritating."

"The credit is deserved. Without you, the situation would have been far more difficult. This is the latest intelligence from the Technical Department."

Ryan took the report, his pupils slightly contracting. "A Judgment-Class Honkai Beast? It escaped after the Herrscher of Thunder's defeat?"

"Yes. Fortunately, you dealt with the Herrscher swiftly. Otherwise, the consequences would have been unimaginable if they had joined forces."

Ryan inhaled sharply. He hadn't expected Shanghai to host a Herrscher, an Emperor-Class Honkai Beast, and a Judgment-Class Honkai Beast. He certainly hadn't expected this Judgment-Class being, dubbed 'Śeṣa', to act so decisively.

"Good. But this little incident didn't require a personal visit from you." Ryan waved his hand dismissively.

"True. The main issue is the commotion you caused. The higher-ups decided to put you in a less prominent role. Future extermination operations will be handled by others." Chalice sat down, a wry smile on his face. "This way, everyone has a way out."

Ryan had already withdrawn from those operations. The higher-ups couldn't force him, nor dare dismiss him; he remained nominally attached, this incident serving as a reminder.

Despite Elysia and the military's assistance, the Herrscher of Thunder was ultimately killed by this man. Humanity could defeat him, but not contain him.

Ryan could kill anyone, should he choose to ignore the consequences.

"Is this an order, or a request?" Ryan leaned back slowly, his expression unreadable.

"Both, to a degree. But personally, it's a request. You and Miss Elysia are invaluable assets." Chalice leaned forward, emphasizing each word. "The defeat of the three Herrschers is just the beginning. Humanity must change to survive. I fully support Dr. Mobius's plan. Only those with lingering emotions and instincts can be called New Humans."

New Humans, huh.

Ryan couldn't fully fathom this man. Joining Fire Moth seemed the most sensible course of action; the world had changed, and he wouldn't be left to his own devices. Furthermore, official status would make his actions easier.

"I have a few requests."

"State them."

"First, I demand a high degree of autonomy and the right to refuse orders. Of course, I won't shirk my duty against the Honkai."

"No problem. You're not merely a combatant; using you in frontline battles would be wasteful." Chalice nodded, clearly having received information from Mobius.

"Second, I will not be assigned to any unit; I will report directly to the Fire Moth Council."

"Naturally. We will grant you the same treatment as Miss Elysia."

"Third, don't investigate my abilities. I don't have time for endless inquiries."

Chalice hesitated for a moment, then replied with a wry smile, "I personally guarantee this."

Seeing his expression, Ryan scoffed. Until the danger is immediate, these high-ranking geniuses have no idea how to "attach themselves to a powerful patron."

"Any other questions?"

"Not for now." Ryan stopped while he was ahead; he wasn't pushy. However, another matter came to mind.

"Keep an eye on 'Cocoon.' I don't want to eliminate potential forces that could oppose the Honkai."

"You're afraid of the so-called King of Assassins, 'Owl'? Based on their world rankings, you're not far behind her, Blood Demon." Chalice maintained his polite smile, though prolonged observation made it seem insincere.

Afraid? Well, he had been slightly apprehensive. Assassination wasn't a fair fight, and this King of Assassins surely had unique abilities like Aponia, though the name was rather childish. He wasn't interested.

"Do you think I'm afraid? Or that she's stronger than a Herrscher?" Ryan's gaze sharpened. "Such talent shouldn't die at the hands of their peers."

"Agreed. I'll report to the council immediately, register your information, and have someone deliver your credentials." Chalice stood, bowed, and left, closing the door behind him.

No gifts for a hospital visit. Some people are truly pragmatic.

Ryan shook his head, slowly lying back down. His injuries were almost healed; he could rest and reflect. But as he closed his eyes, his brow furrowed.

So many visitors today?

He heard brisk footsteps, laughter, and greetings from a doctor. He tilted his head and saw Elysia arriving with a large pile of gifts.