I am a hero of the former civilization.

Furthermore, Ryan discovered a hidden danger: starting with the Third Herrscher, Herrschers began to mutate due to his relationship with them, and this Seventh Herrscher might be even more powerful than the original timeline.

"There's another piece of news. I've checked the data, and the global Honkai energy movement is becoming more active." Mei suddenly delivered another piece of bad news.

Ah this...

Ryan kneaded even harder, which was even worse news. It proved that the intensity of the accumulated Honkai energy was getting greater and greater. Putting aside Honkai disease and such, the most direct impact was that the interval between Herrscher appearances would become shorter and shorter.

"They can't outsmart me, so they're resorting to physical attacks."

"Yes, I've noticed that too, so I often think about what the world would be like without you." Mei's tone didn't sound like she was joking; she had genuinely considered it.

Without me, not to mention how many cities and warriors would have been destroyed before, humanity was already in dire straits when the Seventh Herrscher appeared. If it weren't for your boyfriend's cheat code, the world would have been destroyed.

Ryan answered in his mind, and by the way, he thought that these people from the previous civilization were really tough. If we're talking about dragging things down, the Fire Moth from the original timeline was definitely more powerful. May had even fewer resources at her disposal, and at least she was still a researcher at this point.

They actually managed to hold out until the end, and even left so much legacy for the post-civilization era.

As he pondered, the unease miraculously vanished. He suddenly realized that even without himself, the previous civilization had survived to the end. All he had done over the years hadn't been good, but they had definitely been the right things, and things couldn't have gotten any worse.

"Without me, there would be no Fusion Warriors. Even if the strength of the Seventh Herrscher were reduced by half, humans still wouldn't be able to defeat her. They might even have to rely on someone's protagonist aura."

"You sound very confident, like a savior?"

"I dare not claim to be a savior, but I never hesitate to act decisively and I foresaw our current predicament."

"So that's why you decided to take drastic measures?" Meh paused for a moment, finally understanding Ryan. "You're right. It would have been too naive of me to choose a safer approach. We shouldn't take chances when dealing with the Honkai."

“You didn’t agree but you still provided help, so there’s no need to apologize.” Ryan advised his old classmate, and said sternly, “When dealing with the Honkai, we should go all out. I really don’t want to play detective games with these idiots anymore, so I might as well put them all on the enemy’s side.”

Mei's lips moved slightly. She really didn't know how Ryan would accomplish his plan, how he would ensure the stability of the Fire Moths, how he would shut up those idiots, how he would overthrow everything, and how he wouldn't become a traitor.

Logically, this is impossible. Suppressing her curiosity, she said calmly, "The strength of the Seventh Herrscher is very useful to your plan. Her appearance proves that no city in the world is safe anymore. No matter how strong the fortress is, it may not be able to hold out until reinforcements arrive. Sending high-ranking fusion warriors to guard various places is tantamount to sending them to their deaths."

"so?"

"Therefore, the forces should be concentrated on protecting the most important locations and people. 'Coincidentally' the council's central server broke down. At this critical moment for the survival of humanity, Councilor Fire Chaser must take responsibility."

Of course they have to take responsibility. At the very least, they need to find a way to control the situation. Otherwise, every time a city is destroyed, their assets will be lost. More importantly, they need to save their lives, because May's words are not entirely accurate.

Wasn't that underground fortress built for this purpose? With the addition of a large number of fusion warriors, there's no safer place in the world than New York.

Those people's positions are not important, because they represent the fundamental interests of most members of parliament.

"It seems the Seventh Herrscher has been a great help, greatly speeding up the progress." Ryan sighed, realizing that he actually had to thank the Herrscher one day. "When you are all dispatched abroad, the time will probably come."

“That doesn’t include me. In any case, they need a hostage who is weak enough, and that’s not easy to solve,” May replied sarcastically.

May is the key point; she is too important, both to Parliament and to Ryan, and this is a dead end.

Without Kevin by her side, she would just be an ordinary researcher. Let alone a fusion warrior, even a few agents could take her life. At most, Wilvi would leave her some self-defense tools.

"Because you are important, as long as you are still under control, the Moth of Fire is certain that I won't dare to make a move?"

"So, Ryan, do you care about my safety?"

"Nonsense, all those people's lives combined aren't worth as much as one of your hands."

"So you're going to endure it? Or are you going to play some kind of trick?" Mei's tone was very calm, as if it had nothing to do with her.

"Tricks can only fool the mentally challenged, but don't worry, I've already prepared a backup plan. When you have time, go see Mebius, and she will give you a gift, a gift that will be enough to solve your current predicament."

A gift that could break the deadlock?

Mei felt a surge of curiosity, but then skillfully concealed it.

"Okay, then I'm really looking forward to your gift."

After hanging up the phone, Ryan glanced at the darkness outside, took a deep breath of the cool air, and a faint smile appeared on his lips.

You wouldn't believe it, but from the moment I joined the Flame Chaser, I started planning to become the second-in-command, no, I meant to optimize the organizational structure and reduce internal friction, and then the Herrscher even came to help.

The Seventh Herrscher greatly accelerated the process. As May said, whether they genuinely cared about humanity or wanted to protect their lives, those councilors would go to the underground fortress in New York.

There were definitely precautions, and they were very strict, but guess what?

The one in charge of the construction was Vilvi. I know better than you where the emergency exits are in the underground fortress; the foreshadowing was laid long ago.

"Is there any progress?"

"Well, an unexpected event actually sped up the progress." Ryan turned around casually, his eyes freezing for a moment.

Aponia was not wearing her nun's habit at this time, but had changed into a purple slip dress and wrapped herself in a brown shawl.

It wasn't too revealing; in fact, she was quite covered up. Only a deep cleavage could be vaguely seen reflecting the bright moonlight, so white it was almost dazzling.

It is precisely this ambiguity that is so captivating; it is the absence of any allure, yet it is like a pipa half-held, subtle and quiet.

Aponia paused, her mole at the corner of her eye curving upwards slightly, making her appear quite pleased.

"I never expected that fate would start to move so quickly. It's amazing how something always seems to give you a push whenever you hesitate."

"Are you waiting to see a good show?"

"That's precisely why I'm here by your side."

Talking nonsense.

Ryan ignored her, gripping the railing as he looked at the Tiber River not far away and the enormous shadow on the other side.

"The real show is still a while away; they still have some time to play their power games, so we'll have to stay in Rome for now."

“No rush, I’m quite content with my life now, but I’ll be prepared,” Aponia replied softly, pursing her lips slightly. “However, Mr. Ryan, I have a small request.”

"Just call me by my first name. We're practically a community of shared interests now."

"Well, I've been a bit bored after staying here for a few days. If it's alright, could we go and take a look at the cathedral?"

Ryan frowned, but quickly realized that Aponia had no ulterior motives. After all, she was a real nun and had never left Twilight Street.

As a clergyman, he naturally yearned for the holy city of Rome. Moreover, Aponia was too straightforward, and he always felt indebted to her, since there was no 100% success rate for fusion surgery.

“Okay, I’ll go with you tomorrow. Qianjie and Paduo will watch the house.”

"This is an unexpected surprise, but can Qianjie really stay here?" Aponia was pleased, but also full of doubts.

Qianjie is good at destroying houses, but definitely not good at guarding them.

"Don't worry, I already know how to deal with him. This guy is extremely competitive. I'll have another match with him tomorrow."

"Contest?"

"Hmm, let's see who can teach Pado high school math first. Qianjie has a bad temper, but he's very determined to win and will definitely stick to it."

puff.

Aponia couldn't help but laugh out loud. Ryan had completely grasped Qianjie's psychology and was exploiting it to the fullest extent. She thought about it and realized that Ryan had been subtly changing a certain principle lately:

Battle and victory are more than just fighting; winning is winning.

But if you can grasp Qianjie's competitive spirit, it's actually quite wonderful; it might even temper that person's temperament.

"But doing this might be a bit of a waste of the apprentice's time."

“Pado can’t stay timid forever; she has to grow up. Besides, Qianjie isn’t that scary. He may seem violent, but he’s actually very sensitive. After spending time with him these past few days, he may not say it, but he’s already accepted us.”

Ryan stood with his hands behind his back, looking like he had a lot on his mind.

Pado, who was inside the room, rolled over and immediately felt a chill run down her spine. She glanced warily at the side.

Nia isn't here, so we can't go to the bathroom anymore.

She smacked her lips, feeling empty without being able to hug the voluptuous nun, so she turned inward and hugged the blanket.

Ugh, I can't eat anymore...

Chapter 254 Even a Star God is a God!

Just past noon, even though it was approaching November, the Mediterranean climate didn't feel particularly cold.

A few vines fell from the retro balcony, brushing against Ryan's hair and causing a slight tickle. His leather shoes trod on the stone path, and he looked around with a contented gaze.

The city remains unchanged; the cafes are still filled with people enjoying the sunshine, the clanging of bells drifts through the air, and horse-drawn carriages carrying local specialties slowly pass by.

There would have been no change anyway. The people of the Fire Moths aren't stupid; how could they possibly reveal anything about the Seventh Herrscher? Given her terrifying destructive power, hiding from her is practically impossible.

Ordinary people can't help at all, but if the Herrscher really comes, dying in ignorance would seem more humane.

You, on the other hand, have a really good attitude. Is this the composure of a bystander?

Ryan stopped his rolling eyes and saw a nun sitting by the alley, with a drawing board in front of her, gently sketching with a pencil.

Passersby would occasionally stop and make a prayer gesture toward the nun, and Aponia would return the gesture with a smile.

A stunningly beautiful nun, a perfect charlatan.

Behind her was a wall of blooming flowers. Her expression was neither serious nor frivolous. Despite her stunning figure, it was impossible to feel any sense of desecration from her.

The most deadly temptations are the invisible ones, and they barely apply to her.

Ryan watched with an appreciative expression, not worried that Aponia would expose her identity. The matter of Twilight Street was already difficult to investigate in depth. As for her identity as a nun, it might attract attention in other places, but in this holy city, it was simply too common.

Oh well, as long as she's happy. But her personality is really quite mysterious.

They both came out in the morning. Aponia toured the city's famous historical sites, then found a corner to quietly paint, even more composed than him.

I'm at least fretting about what to do next, but she can just quietly observe. But you're the one who's suffering, my good apprentice.

Ryan recalled the scene when he left; Paddo's big eyes seemed to speak volumes, filled with the message, "Teacher, you tricked me."

You're definitely going to get scolded, and Qianjie doesn't have my patience, but don't worry, Brother Jie is a good person too.

It is a bit irritable, but what Qianjie wants most is not killing. Well, I am here to help you guys communicate.

If Qianjie were truly a murderous madman, he wouldn't have willingly allowed himself to be tied up and bled dry by a group of natives, and wouldn't have sought revenge for them after the village was destroyed.

"Want a home? You're just being a bit too stubborn."

Ryan smiled unconsciously, and when he looked up, he saw Aponia put down her paintbrush, so he walked over curiously.

"Did you finish the painting?"

"Well, sorry to have kept you waiting."

Ryan peeked out and raised an eyebrow. The drawing was quite good, showing a certain level of skill in sketching, but the content was somewhat horrifying.

It was a shattered building, with flames burning all around. Some monsters with octopus-like faces were wandering through the ruins, which made him look up and around.