I am a hero of the former civilization.

Their speed, decisiveness, and solemnity were astonishing. Even Sakura was stunned for a moment before bowing and quickly following.

Kevin stared at the bell jingling at the door, feeling a surge of resentment rising in his chest.

Good grief, now you're not even pretending to slack off anymore, huh? And what's with that 'bro, I'll give you plenty of time' look on your face? If it weren't for all this trouble, would I be able to barely exchange a few words with Mei all day long?

Despite his annoyance, he didn't chase after him. Instead, he turned to Mei and said, "Don't be angry with him. He's probably too tired from the previous battle and needs to relax a bit."

“Why would I be angry with him, Kevin? Everyone has their own role. He’s not suited for specific tasks.” May tidied up the documents and put them into a bag, then said thoughtfully, “Ryan can’t be too tense. I actually hope he spends more time with Alicia and the others. He probably realizes that himself.”

"Realized what?" Kevin asked curiously, having somehow figured out a reason for slacking off.

“Excessive power corrupts the human heart. The line between hero and god is thin. Humanity needs heroes, not gods who control everything,” Mei murmured to herself. Seeing Kevin's bewildered expression, she didn't explain further, offering only a faint smile.

"We still have an hour before work starts, Kevin, let's go for a walk in the park."

The paramecium, too lazy to ponder such grand principles, stood up excitedly.

"Okay, let's hurry!"

Ryan should be glad he left early, otherwise he would have been bombarded with dog food again. But he wasn't bad off either. He walked ahead with his hands in his pockets, and out of the corner of his eye, he could see the girl half a step behind.

Sakura remained as quiet and focused as ever, gripping her knife and keeping a watchful eye on her surroundings.

Ryan found it amusing and gently patted her hand: "Relax. I'm making you my secretary, not my bodyguard. Besides, no one is going to jump out and attack me in this underground town."

“But Dr. Mei just said that Kalis’s confidant is still hiding in the Fire Moth. Oh, and there’s something else I wanted to ask you.” Sakura obediently released the hilt of her sword, and hesitated slightly before saying, “I asked Alicia last night, and she said there are many kinds of secretaries, such as secretaries for official business, secretaries for personal matters, and so on. Which kind am I?”

Tsk, you've been infected with Hua's stubbornness, haven't you?

Ryan thought for a moment before replying, "Yes, all of them. Just follow me."

All of them, according to Alicia, involve a type of secretary...

Sakura's cheeks flushed slightly, and she quickly rejected this strange idea, while inwardly scoffing at herself for spewing weird knowledge at Alicia all day long.

Ryan didn't notice her unusual behavior because the man was standing on the overpass watching a line of elementary school students being led by their teacher across the pedestrian crossing.

Those were the family members of the employees of Moth Chaser. It was also a way for Mei to win people over, so that these people would work hard even for their own families, and incidentally, it also solved some job problems.

But looking at those innocent faces, Ryan didn't think about power struggles, and didn't feel much sense of accomplishment.

He was just watching, quietly watching.

"Look, what a beautiful lady!"

"Why does she have rabbit ears?"

"It's so beautiful, I really want to touch it."

Sakura smiled and waved, as if melting ice, her eyes filled with tenderness. Despite being an executioner, she loved children.

Ryan didn't say anything, just smiled and watched them walk past.

Missing your sister?

"Ah."

"After we finish what we need to do, let's go pick her up. Even if civilization is wiped out, this place should be the last place to suffer."

This time, Sakura didn't hesitate and nodded gently: "Okay."

The two continued on their way, crossing most of the town, and bought some snacks at a supermarket. Each of them carried two large bags to the lakeside villa.

Ryan barely spoke the whole way. He had just been discussing the future of the Firemoth with May, but that air of strategic planning vanished in the blink of an eye. Now he looked more like an ordinary office worker who had just finished get off work.

Passing through a grove of dark purple leaves, the little house came into view, and you could faintly hear a girl giggling.

“Gresh’s voice, it seems the Hen family has come too.” Ryan immediately recognized the laughter, turned the corner and saw some people playing Eagle Catches Chicks in the yard.

Himiko spread her arms, shielding Gretchen behind her. The ferocious Padofelis was relentlessly 'attacking,' causing the little girl to laugh loudly.

A parasol was set up in front of the house, and Blanca and Aponia were watching it while drinking red tea, occasionally exchanging a few words with a smile, radiating an aura that could be described as 'motherly'.

Beside them, Hua was still doing carpentry work, while Kosmo was painting with paint, occasionally looking up to wipe the sweat from his face.

Ryan's smile widened as he lifted his foot.

“I know why Dr. Mei doesn’t think you’re slacking off.” Sakura suddenly spoke up, her keen observation finally revealing the answer. “Ryan, with these things, you’re more like a human being. These are the most precious emotions of humanity. No matter how powerful the Herrschers are, they can never obtain them. As long as you have these, you can’t become a monster.”

Ryan's eyes widened slightly, but he didn't answer. He just held up the bag, and the potato chips inside made Padoflius cheer and run over quickly, which also made Gretsch shout "cheating".

His gaze finally settled on the pink-clad girl on the second floor. He didn't dwell on profound theories like 'anchor points'; only one thought silently slipped through his mind.

The king is always aloof, the gods are always mysterious, only humans need friends, only humans need—

Such a seemingly 'worthless' home.

Chapter 290 Elite Wingman Alicia

The small building became increasingly lively, and Padofelis suddenly had playmates, while Aponia also found a like-minded friend.

Of course, the happiest person was Alicia, whose 'Spring Cherry Blossom Villa' had welcomed new guests. She was busy all day preparing living supplies and arranging rooms, just like a real innkeeper.

According to her, the building is not big enough and there are not enough guests. It would be even better if people from all over the world could stay there, and she would definitely make friends with everyone.

If only I could have thousands of spacious houses, to shelter all the poor and make them smile with joy.

“You’re quite the romantic,” Ryan said, leaning against the wall and watching the lively scene in the living room. “I think my recent lethargy is influenced by you. By the way, have you discussed this with May?”

"You actually figured it out? Does that offend you?"

"Not really, but you don't need to hide it from me." Ryan shook his head, realizing this was a good opportunity, and finally asked, "So, what did you talk about when you took Mebius and the others to your room last night?"

"How about I scout out the enemy's situation for you? Want to know the result of Truth or Dare?" Alicia stared at the TV screen, but after the time limit passed, she wasn't so interested anymore.

Wow, you're a top-notch wingman, huh? Well done.

Ryan was somewhat tempted, but ultimately held back: "Never mind, it's better to keep some secrets. It's good to play dumb sometimes."

“Me too. If you know about the gift beforehand, it won’t be a surprise anymore, that’s why I kept it from you.” Alicia said in a coquettish tone, then turned to look at Paddo, who was stuffing potato chips into her mouth. “But we weren’t just having fun. Yesterday, Paddo told me that she also wants to have the super transformation surgery.”

Ryan was somewhat surprised, not expecting this timid cat to take the risk willingly. But then he felt relieved, because the noise in this little courtyard was just a facade; the trajectory of the world had never changed.

On the contrary, this harmonious atmosphere is inspiring, as if one were protecting a precious gift.

"I'll leave these things to you. Happiness is fleeting, and the only way to sustain it is through strength." Ryan clenched his fist; all that talk of laziness was just a joke.

His fighting spirit is now even more intense than before; having grown accustomed to beauty, he can no longer tolerate tragedy.

Alicia felt the same way, as the battle had gained another layer of meaning.

"Yes, we must fight on for everyone's sake. Is this what it means to cherish life?"

Ryan's heart stirred, and he turned his head slightly, feeling that this statement was absolutely right. Even when facing death, the will to live can pull a person back. He wanted Alicia to remember what he had just said.

"So don't make sacrifices lightly, so that the living are filled with suffering. Eat your food."

He walked towards the dining table, while the girl in pink kept watching his back, repeating the same phrase over and over, her eyes unusually dim.

Honestly, if that day really comes, I'll have some reservations too.

Today it was Hua's turn to cook. They cooked some simple home-style dishes, and her skills were clearly much worse than Ying's. But everyone enjoyed the meal and expressed their desire to show off their skills sometime.

Ryan wasn't picky about food, and with all those smiling faces, he felt like he was enjoying all sorts of delicacies these days. He would occasionally glance at Alicia, who was still fully enjoying her life.

Ryan never asked her what state she was in or how much she had awakened, but this gift was sincere, not rushed, and also had some underlying intentions.

It's so tragic that someone who yearns to love everything has already reached the end just as the beginning began. At least Alicia can enjoy being by his side for a very long time.

This sense of ease is the anchor point for Ryan's pioneering journey, and it is hoped that he can hold onto the elf's sleeve and make his determined steps pause for a moment.

As for how fate would change if the 'Law of Man' did not die, Ryan had not really thought about it much. Reason told him that according to the original rules, the odds of winning could reach 80%, but his emotions did not want to shatter this beautiful dream.

The courtyard was destroyed, and only one in ten people remained at the dining table. Fifty thousand years of solitude made every thought make his heart stop for a moment. Ryan simply didn't make a choice and just quietly watched the others.

"Gresh, you can't be a picky eater. Celery is very nutritious," Aponia gently instructed, putting the celery that had been on the table back into the girl's bowl.

Gretchen is only five or six years old now, her baby fat hasn't faded yet, and she's chubby and very cute. She pointed to the side and said in a soft voice:

"But Sister Pado doesn't eat green peppers either. I saw her secretly give them to Sister Hua."

"No, I didn't. It's clearly because Hua likes green peppers that I gave them to her."

Padofelis looked up somewhat guiltily and saw Aponia's gentle smile. She had no choice but to bite the bullet and pick up the green peppers again.

“That’s what a good child should do. You’re the older sister, so you should set an example.”

“Minghua is only a few years older than me, and he’s younger than me in terms of physical development.”

"Padau, what are you saying?" Aponia said even more gently, while Hua next to her clenched her fists so tightly they cracked.

These timid cats didn't dare say a word, closed their eyes and ate the green peppers with gusto, while Greta stared wide-eyed and suddenly discovered something very funny.

"Brother Kosmo is eating and playing games, Aunt Himiko just secretly drank some wine, and Sister Wilvi is feeding the robot dog. Sister Hua doesn't eat herself but keeps putting food on Uncle Ryan's plate!"

The childish voices continued, causing a commotion that forced Blanca to intervene and tell Gretchen not to complain and to eat properly.

Ryan found it amusing; a group of fusion warriors were being driven crazy by a little girl. Speaking of which, Gretchen's observation skills are quite good; she's not even in first grade yet and she's already noticed so many little things. It's true that not everyone can be a hero.

He put down his chopsticks and said softly, "Adults all have their own ideas. For example, Wilvi wants to experiment with that bio-energy robot. This isn't being picky about food. Also, you're not allowed to call me uncle."

"Is that so?" Gretchen tilted her head, swinging her thin legs back and forth. "Then was Uncle Ryan doing magic? The mushroom that Sister Hua just picked up for you disappeared before you even put it in your mouth!"

Everyone looked over, making one of them feel parched and his face flush.

"So that's why I could sense Honkai energy, you were feeding it to the Imaginary Space!"

"Senior brother, I just remembered something from the past. When I was a child, I would always see leftover mushrooms in the garden of the martial arts school."

Ryan's cheeks twitched. He hadn't expected to get himself into trouble. As an adult, he certainly wouldn't get angry with a child. He simply raised his hand and pulled Pado's original teaching materials over.

"Gresh, you're going to start elementary school soon. Uncle is giving you a set of test papers. Make sure you do them well."

The little girl took it with a puzzled look, while the others looked on with disdain. How could a dignified commander take revenge on a little girl? How shameless!

Ryan ignored them all, his face expressionless, and handed the last few mushroom slices to Alicia, freezing the smile on the girl's face.

"You're hiding too, don't think I didn't see you."

......

After dinner, Ryan sat in the living room, holding a cup of special flower tea, comfortably nestled on the sofa, reflecting on what had happened at the dinner table.

He held the teacup in a daze, a smile unconsciously spreading across his face as he pondered what would happen next.

If all goes well, I'll get together with Kevin tomorrow to stretch my legs. Once Mei finishes the project proposal, we should go out for a stroll.