The next morning, Hera departed from the temporary command base in the Far East, her expression icy cold.
As staff members passed by, they couldn't help but glance sidelong, yet all suppressed their voices, wary of provoking this influential Schicksal leader.
However, considering last night's Honkai Energy eruption, the golden glow illuminating half the night sky, Hera's current demeanor, and notably the absence of any Anti-Entropy high-ranking figures seeing her off—humans excel at filling gaps with imagination. Conspiracy theories, scenarios of power struggles, and violent conflicts were already taking shape in the minds of many.
Meanwhile, at the seaside several miles away...
Theresa, who had been standing there all night, looked up toward the direction Hera had departed. Sensing that familiar presence receding, she sighed softly.
"Are you okay?"
A small head resembling a snowball suddenly popped out beside her. The girl lowered it, worry etched in her crystalline blue eyes as they reflected Theresa's somber face.
"Kiana, what brings you here?"
"Zeke said you might be feeling down, so I came to check on you... Even though I'm not your niece yet, we're still friends, right? If something's bothering you, feel free to talk about it." Kiana blinked and smiled gently.
Taken aback for a moment, Theresa's lips curved upwards, and she affectionately tapped Kiana's forehead nearby.
"You little rascal, did Zeke kick you out because you disturbed his sleep?"
"No way! Not really... Okay, fine, he did boot me out of the room. But that's not important. You genuinely seem upset; did something happen?"
Kiana twiddled her fingers, pouting.
It was true that she had disturbed Zeke's sleep by pestering him so early in the morning. But what could she do? As soon as she woke up, all she wanted to see was Zeke—and once she saw him, she couldn't resist hugging him! How could she be blamed for any of this?!
Shaking her head with amusement, Theresa felt much lighter-hearted after witnessing Kiana's childlike demeanor. Her mind, which had been troubled throughout the night, finally found some peace.
"Seeing you happy like this brings me comfort."
"...I've already told you not to treat me too kindly; I can't handle it," Kiana said stubbornly, shaking her head.
In truth, she harbored her own reservations about accepting the affection meant for the other Kiana.
As clones, both Kianas likely looked extremely similar... She didn't want Zeke to develop special feelings for the original Kiana solely based on their resemblance.
Here's how she reasoned: If she refrained from enjoying the care reserved for the original Kiana, wouldn't Zeke's affection then belong exclusively to her, without needing to share it with the other girl?
Hmm... But her stinky dad had been quite good to her too; she felt obliged to repay his kindness somehow... This was giving her a headache!
Tugging at her hair, Kiana began sensing a vague sense of crisis regarding this mysterious young lady she'd never met.
"Actually, just like you, I'm also a clone grown from a culture tank."
Theresa turned towards the sea and spoke calmly amidst the refreshing ocean breeze.
Kiana blinked innocently, then her jaw dropped open.
"Huh?"
"Our origins are similar—we were both subjects of my grandfather's experiments. So, I truly understand how you feel. Don't reject others' care because of your identity. The people who choose to care for you do so not for any other reason but simply because you're you, Kiana."
Without turning around, Theresa's slender figure as a nun carrying the Cross exuded a quiet sorrow.
But Kiana pursed her lips, feeling warmth spread within her heart.
"Thank you."
"You're my niece, whether you accept it or not, that's what I consider you. So, there's no need for thanks." Theresa smiled gently, her voice tender.
Just as Cecilia had done years ago, regardless of Theresa's background or lineage, Kiana cared for and acknowledged her simply as Theresa—nothing more.
Kiana rubbed her nose, turning away to avoid seeing Theresa's smile. But despite herself, the tips of her ears flushed pink.
After a moment, she seemed relieved and said, "Looks like you're feeling better now. Want to head back for breakfast together?"
"Let me watch the sunrise over the ocean a bit longer. I had a long dream where I let go of many sorrows... but it wasn't genuine happiness. There are so many things I need to accept: losing my most cherished person, failing to protect another important one, hiding like a turtle for eighteen years... Yet, I owe that person so much. What should I do?"
Theresa raised her hand toward the distant horizon, as if trying to grasp the newly risen red sun. Naturally, the gesture was futile; there was nothing within reach.
Kiana watched helplessly.
Kiana couldn't quite grasp what Theresa was saying. Nor did she have any inkling of what experiences had shaped Theresa's thoughts or what she might be contemplating now. Perhaps Kiana should first return and consult Zeke to understand better before attempting to comfort Theresa properly.
Regardless, Theresa's current state made Kiana uneasy.
"...The tide from the Far Eastern shores brings news today; at last I know..."
"I am who I am!"
In that moment, Theresa lowered her hand, aimed toward the rising sun, her lips curving upward with serenity.
Kiana blinked slightly, mulling over these words, then murmured,
"Is this...a Buddhist verse?"
"Oh? You're familiar with it?"
"It's not like I'm dumb. My grades are excellent, you know. You haven't seen how strict Zeke is when it comes to academics. Not only are his courses numerous and challenging, but he also frequently adds extra lessons on a whim... Sometimes I can barely remember everything I've learned."
As Kiana spoke, a hint of grievance crept into her voice. Recalling those sleepless nights spent catching up on coursework, she couldn't resist the urge to kick Zeke—though perhaps not, as she cherished him too much, and he'd likely suspend her for punishment anyway.
Theresa burst out laughing.
"Hahaha!" She clutched her stomach, tears welling up from sheer amusement.
Clutching her sides, she laughed until tears welled up.
"Ha-ha-ha! I can just...I can imagine that scene—so typical of him, well done! My niece should indeed be so well-rounded and knowledgeable!"
"You're laughing too much... If you don't stop soon, I'll get mad."
"Stop complaining already; Zeke truly means well. Besides, with his brilliant mind, how else will you find common ground if you don't learn more from him? You wouldn't want to be discussing cake and ice cream while he's pondering the universe and truth, would you?"
"I guess you have a point." Kiana mulled it over, then smacked her palm with realization, nodding in agreement.
She was right!
While Zeke probably wouldn't think less of her for being slow on the uptake, she still couldn't afford to fall behind completely. At the very least, she wanted to offer support when Zeke faced challenges. Otherwise, even she would lose respect for herself.
"Let's head back now. I'm feeling better. Plus, there are several matters I need to discuss with the Anti-Entropy team."
"I heard something significant happened last night. Was it your doing? That's why you're out here reflecting on your actions early this morning?"
"Sort of; I was involved."
"Oh... As we were leaving, I overheard Mei tallying up the damages. The cost for the destroyed machinery and drones from yesterday is quite high. Remember to repay your debt!"
"Hey! You aren't even married yet, and already thinking about helping your little boyfriend by dipping into Auntie's pocket?"
"Hehe, just stating the truth, but at least we won't be shouldering all the costs!"
With laughter and banter, they walked away.
Kiana neither denied the mention of marriage or her "little boyfriend," nor did she contest the reference to their familial relationship with Auntie.
The reddish morning sunlight cast upon the figures of one tall and one short, creating intertwined shadows that exuded a warm and comforting scene.