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Year after year, as migratory birds flew southward, time relentlessly aged all... Well, perhaps it wasn't that long, but indeed, some time had passed since Zeke revived four deceased individuals at once.
This operation had far-reaching consequences.
Despite the pioneering credibility of figures like Zeke endorsing resurrection as an unprecedented reward mechanism, people's willingness to believe varied greatly. Verbally promising a million merits versus presenting them physically in full view—the motivational impact differed significantly between the two.
In life, especially for Valkyries and Anti-Entropy soldiers who frequently confront Honkai, who hasn't yearned for their departed loved ones? And even among those without such regrets, who could resist the allure of gaining an extra chance at life? Even if one were unafraid of death themselves, they would surely have cherished individuals they wish to see live on peacefully, wanting to secure this opportunity for them.
In summary, the resurrection of these four figures significantly bolstered the cohesion and motivation within human society. The efficiency of numerous construction projects and anti-Honkai missions noticeably improved.
For instance, Kevin, once seemingly unmoved by any persuasion and solely focused on dissuading Zeke from initiating Project Stigma, after much hesitation and contemplation, finally showed up at his doorstep one day.
"Thirteenth Herrscher? I absolutely refuse to let you take on this role! Zeke, you're well aware of your current value. As long as you remain here, the entire human empire can stand united with one purpose. Nothing is more important than that!"
"I need greater combat power! Hera, you understand what the Young Lady...what her potential signifies. Only by becoming stronger can I face whatever challenges may arise in the future."
"At the end of the day, you just don't want Sin Mal to risk it! I've already said it—given her unique physiology and innate ESP surpassing even natural-born Stigmata, she has a high likelihood of bearing the Thirteenth ability! You simply fear the unpredictability surrounding the final Herrscher before Finality and don't wish to endanger her!"
"I won't deny there's some truth to that. However, the most crucial reason remains my necessity to enhance my strength, ensuring control over our destiny!"
In the audience hall, Welt, Fu Hua, Einstein, and Mobius—the influential leaders from various domains—observed Zeke and Hera's heated debate. The first three were unsure whom to support, while Mobius was solely focused on when the experiment would commence, not concerned about specific individuals involved. Thus, they all watched silently without intervening.
At that moment, Kevin entered the room.
All eyes turned toward the unexpected intruder.
In theory, such crucial meetings shouldn't be disturbed by outsiders. However, someone present sought to halt the increasingly heated dispute between these two key figures.
Hera believed Zeke's existence was pivotal, and as the Thirteenth Herrscher—the last of the regular Herrschers—she anticipated even greater scrutiny from the Will of Honkai compared to when Theresa emerged. With her strength severely weakened, she no longer felt confident enough to risk a one-for-one exchange to bring Zeke back. In case anything went wrong, would humanity truly destroy its own emperor? How could they face the Finality then? And who would ensure Kallen's future?
Zeke, on the other hand, saw the presence of the Young Lady as a warning about potential life-threatening dangers ahead. Unless he relentlessly enhanced his power, he might not escape a fate that seemed already validated once. To secure victory, taking risks was necessary.
It was difficult to determine who was right or wrong between them; Hera sought stability, while Zeke pursued strength. Both intentions directly aimed at this world's future, making it hard to judge their merits.
Regardless, both needed an opportunity for reconciliation; their escalating confrontation couldn't continue unchecked.
"Uh... Am I interrupting something?" Observing the gathered individuals, Kevin's usually cold demeanor showed a hint of uncertainty.
He had never entered the power hierarchy because Zeke didn't trust him, and Kevin himself lacked interest or ambition for it. Consequently, witnessing this solemn gathering of leaders, Kevin felt as if he inadvertently disturbed something crucial and considered leaving.
Welt stood up, adjusting his glasses, and said, "No, your arrival is quite timely... Zeke, let's set aside this topic for now. I know that once you decide to act alone, none of us can stop you. However, since we're still able to convene and discuss here, it shows you yourself are genuinely hesitating. Therefore, take more time to consider it. Let's adjourn for today, shall we?"
Zeke fell silent.
Hera also ceased speaking, her lips moving slightly before she ultimately bowed her head dejectedly.
Welt was right; Zeke was the emperor, and the decision rested with him. Hera understood she had overstepped, suppressing any further attempts at persuasion. Given their stubbornness and pride, holding onto their respective views, it was best to leave the matter to time, lest it lead to unfavorable outcomes for all involved.
With the meeting concluded, everyone except Zeke left the hall one by one.
After only two remained, before Kevin could speak, Zeke, showing no inclination to dwell on the previous discussion, absent-mindedly remarked:
"I attempted to capture Dr. Mei's Infomorph, but it was impossible."
"Why?"
"She died before Finality withdrew. To intercept her Infomorph for resurrection, we would first need an extraordinary energy output to penetrate the intervening Final Herrscher... Unfortunately, at present, I cannot risk depleting our resources for this endeavor. Moreover, recent intelligence suggests that the Final Herrscher's power may transcend time. I'm uncertain if hastily interacting with her could cause the past Finality to reach into our current era."
Too great a consumption and too high a risk—in other words, it was technically feasible.
Kevin comprehended these implications, and finally, a hint of emotion flickered across his icy face.
Zeke had once told him that theoretically, resurrection was possible.
And Zeke himself had indeed demonstrated the technique of resurrection.
Even Mobius never denied the feasibility of resurrection technology. According to private information shared by Elysia, the cunning and perilous Infinite Serpent now displayed extreme enthusiasm for all research related to resurrection and diligently accumulates merits—Kevin knew well that although Mobius never openly admitted it, he was genuinely striving to resurrect Klein.
Thus, even Mobius acknowledged the authenticity of resurrection!
Regardless of Kevin's unwavering belief in Dr. Mei's casual denials, he could no longer doubt Zeke's ability to bring about Klein's resurrection.
He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and then calmly said:
"Give me a specific timeframe and what I need to provide."
"The time will be after defeating the Finality of this era. Only with one victory secured will I have the spare time and resources, along with the confidence, to challenge the unimaginably vast information aggregate that is the Final Herrscher. As for the cost... it is everything you possess. I require your all-in commitment for my victory. If I win, regardless of whether you live or die, I guarantee you a reunion."
Zeke did not make promises lightly, but when he did, they were highly trustworthy. Kevin, now aware of this, paused briefly before nodding.
"Agreed."
"Then stand by until called upon. Right now, I'm not in the mood to entertain you further."
"Yes, sir."
For the first time in front of Zeke, Kevin bowed deeply, emulating the deference others showed during formal occasions, expressing submission and obedience.
As for Project Stigma... it no longer held such importance.
Zeke's demonstrated abilities thus far were sufficiently promising. At least, after the emergence of the Twelfth Herrscher, the previous civilization had entered its countdown to doom, lacking the vitality and hopefulness seen in the current era.
Therefore, Project Stigma could take a backseat. With this thought, Kevin convinced himself and exited the audience hall.