The inspection team dispatched from Anti-Entropy Headquarters consisted of three young girls.
Of course, nobody dared to underestimate them.
In a world with Valkyries, could three girls emerging from the Headquarters possibly be ordinary individuals? Not even the devil would believe it! Moreover, their title as members of the First Executor's Guard spoke volumes about their capabilities.
"How is your progress in researching the remnants of the previous civilization?"
"We've discovered some technological debris, and the research department has achieved notable results. The conversion rate for military-grade 'Selene' technology increased by 0.3 percentage points, while the stability of civilian versions saw significant improvement; there were also advancements in standard armor performance. Additionally, we found Honkai-inscribed artillery shells—a relatively new discovery currently in the experimental phase... However, for more detailed information, we hope Sir Zeke can visit personally, as these matters cannot be resolved quickly."
As Chen Tianwu expressed his wish for Zeke's presence, his expression subtly twisted, unseen by the others around him.
Bronya nodded while walking alongside him and responded:
"The findings are promising, but not substantial enough to warrant Zeke's visit. How is the construction progress of various combat facilities?"
The less he comes around, the better... Chen Tianwu swallowed this honest thought and continued, "Overall, it's been progressing smoothly. Later, I'll take you to see the model representing the overall construction progress stored in the core's confidential archive. Afterward, you can select specific areas for inspection, and we will arrange guided tours accordingly."
"What if we want to inspect everything?"
"Well, considering the scale of structures on the lunar surface is already immense, that's just the tip of the iceberg. The primary facilities are mostly underground. To personally examine each one—please understand, unless the esteemed officers plan to permanently reside on the moon, it would be best to reconsider."
"No issue, I have my swarm," Bronya stated expressionlessly.
Given the vast distance between Earth and the moon, Zeke's swarm deployed here had merely been expanding and reproducing autonomously through its independent subroutines as a contingency measure.
Before Bronya arrived, apart from periodically exchanging evolutionary signals with the hive on Earth, the lunar swarm remained entirely isolated from the outside world. Even Lunar Base personnel were unaware of its existence. However, once Bronya reached the moon and established real-time network connectivity, the swarm could become active again. Assisting with base inspections posed no problem at all.
"I see. Then let's proceed according to your plan." Chen Tianwu scratched his hair and stifled a yawn, unable to resist the weariness creeping over him.
He hadn't slept for three days straight. Physically, he was holding up fine; after all, his body had been transformed into that of an Asgardian, the male counterpart to Valkyries. However, mentally, it was starting to take its toll.
Stealing a glance at the serious trio, primarily focusing on Bronya, he felt slightly uneasy.
There was no specific reason; it was just that he saw glimpses of Zeke reflected in her demeanor.
"Shiver..."
Chen Tianwu rubbed his arms, feeling a habitual tingling sensation on his scalp.
Recalling years ago, Chen Tianwu used to be a carefree and laid-back teenager. Due to his family's expectations, he reluctantly took the entrance exam for Anti-Entropy's "Young Elite Program."
And then, he passed.
Following that, he rapidly advanced through grades, swiftly graduating as the top student alongside many older peers.
Subsequently, the Three Giants of Anti-Entropy Technology—Zeke, Einstein, and Tesla—came forward to recruit students and assistants. As everyone anticipated, Zeke picked him out immediately.
The subsequent years were ones Chen Tianwu preferred not to remember. Even now, just thinking of Zeke's name sent a chill unconsciously through his heart. It was from that time onwards that Chen Tianwu, who had always maintained at least eight hours of high-quality sleep since childhood, began developing dark circles under his eyes, which grew more pronounced with each passing year.
To be honest, when first assigned as the overseer of the Lunar Base, Chen Tianwu nearly teared up with emotion upon boarding the rocket.
Good fucking riddance, esteemed mentor!
"What's wrong? Your steps seem unsteady," Bronya asked, lifting her head and speaking in a composed tone.
"Nothing, I might just be too tired. Please follow me."
Chen Tianwu wiped away the slight tear welling in his eye, unsure if it stemmed from those exhausting formative years or this recent overtime stint.
Ah, forget it—it's all behind him now.
Initially, when he heard about Headquarters sending inspectors, Chen Tianwu's heart skipped a beat, relieved only after learning that Zeke himself wasn't coming.
As long as it isn't Zeke, everything is fine.
Knowing that the great First Executor, his revered mentor Sir Zeke, would not visit the moon, even a few extra days of overtime couldn't dampen Chen Tianwu's spirits; they remained clear and bright like a cloudless sky.
"Hm?"
Amidst the swarm enveloping him on the lunar hills, Zeke suddenly looked up.
The bees surrounding him, resembling a dark storm, dispersed instantly and submerged into the moon's sandy surface, granting him an unobstructed view of the distant horizon while revealing the exceptionally clear starlit backdrop against the pitch-black cosmos.
Noticing Zeke gaze off into the distance, Fu Hua lightly hopped over to join him as she adjusted to the low gravity. Telepathically, she asked:
"What is it? Any unexpected developments?"
"No, not at all. It just occurred to me that the head of the Lunar Base seems to be one of my students," Zeke casually replied, summoning another worker bee with a wave of his hand. A series of data windows materialized once more, overwhelming Fu Hua's vision.
A faint hint of exasperation crossed her delicate yet striking features. "Your student? Shouldn't something like this not come as a sudden realization?" she retorted, somewhat annoyed.
"His name is Chen Tianwu. Performance-wise... barely satisfactory, I suppose. Although called a 'student,' he's essentially a highly useful tool for me."
"Saying such things behind someone's back isn't very fair, you know."
"I say these exact words both to his face and even in front of Welt. By the way, you too are an incredibly handy tool, immortal. I have high hopes for you."
Zeke took a moment to pat Fu Hua's shoulder, his tone cold yet straightforward.
Glancing at the hand resting on her shoulder, Fu Hua couldn't help but roll her eyes. Shaking off Zeke's hand, she responded with mixed emotions:
"As expected of you, always so blunt! By the way, since he's your student, meeting Bronya and the others, and eventually even seeing you again, should make him quite happy, right?"
"Actually, because he's incredibly useful, I've been constantly employing him. He hasn't formally met Bronya and the others; they don't know each other. As for me... during our last parting, I could see his sheer joy, like a husky finally breaking free from its leash."
In other words, upon reuniting with Zeke, that person might not be pleased but rather, could potentially burst into tears instead?
And what kind of analogy is "dog chain" and "husky"? Are you the devil incarnate?
Fu Hua covered her face, letting out a silent sigh.
"...As expected of you. Anyway, let's change the topic. What have you been doing here all this time?"
"Firstly, we'll check on the swarm's breeding status. Secondly, I'll inspect the Lunar Base—though officially this is Bronya and their team's duty, since I'm here anyway, it gives me peace of mind to see for myself. Lastly, there are some data points that need verification."
"By summoning the swarm with such fanfare, won't we be discovered? Kiana might learn of our arrival?"
"Do you think I'm just anyone?" Zeke retorted nonchalantly, his response matter-of-fact as he turned back to continue working.
Fu Hua nodded firmly in agreement.
Indeed, overlooking the possibility of being detected or failing to suppress signs of activity was simply unthinkable when it came to Zeke.
In recent years, outsiders have hailed him as an all-knowing polymath: proficient in technology, politics, societal affairs, economics, military strategy, philosophy, arts, and more. Fu Hua found this assessment quite accurate—aside from his lack of understanding human emotions, which made him even worse than herself in that regard.
She stopped probing further and instead gazed upon the magnificent blue planet, a complex and profound sentiment stirring ripples within her tranquil heart.
"That...is home."
It was beautiful yet fragile. If people like them did not remain steadfast and resilient against Honkai's threat, even such beauty could crumble into desolation at any moment—just like the barren moon beneath their feet, leaving nothing behind.
Standing with her hands clasped behind her back, Fu Hua faced away from Zeke. Her calm eyes reflected unwavering determination and fearlessness. In truth, nothing had changed; she merely needed to continue along this arduous path she'd walked for fifty thousand years without pause. And now, after millennia, she no longer stood alone.