Chapter 583 Interlude Declaration of War

It was another dreamless night - when Hua opened his eyes and faced the familiar ceiling, such meaningless thoughts suddenly appeared in his mind.

My body is slightly tired. This is not a side effect of strenuous exercise the next day, but rather, that kind of thing does not exist at all. It's just that her old arms and legs, even if there is no problem from a physiological point of view, the changes in hormone secretion caused by a long time will make the body regard itself as an "elderly". Therefore, it is not unreasonable to occasionally experience back pain, or even feel weak and listless.

It wasn't a big problem. Hua had long been used to living like this. He got off the bed a little slowly and stretched a few times - this was using painful deformation to force his body to admit the fact that he was still young.

After the muscles and bones "crackled" and moved, the old feeling of stiff muscles and loose bones disappeared. Hua stretched slightly again, and then turned to look at the bed.

The sheets were scattered on one side of the bed, but the other side still maintained its original appearance.

"Didn't you come back last night?"

Hua blinked, maybe because he got up earlier than usual, his eyes were a little sour, and he lowered them unconsciously.

I simply put some clothes on myself, folded the quilt alone, smoothed the sheets alone, finished washing myself, and then sat silently in front of the mirror.

Just one person.

Doing everything by yourself should be something that is familiar and no longer familiar.

But today, I don’t know what happened. Faced with the long hair that was messy and even frizzy after a night of dreams, Hua didn’t bother to pick up the comb in front of the mirror. He just combed it with his fingers twice, wanting to end this tedious and boring process. .

"Bang--"

Suddenly there were sporadic explosions outside the window. Hua's hands shook, and her long nails scratched shallow blood marks on her scalp.

The pain made Hua wake up a little. She suddenly thought that today is the last day of the year in the Chinese lunar calendar, or New Year's Eve for short.

Time will always flow uncontrollably in places where no one notices it, and flow unswervingly towards unknown places.

The longer one is lost in the long river of time, the weaker one's ability to perceive time becomes, but at such a critical "node", Hua feels that it is still necessary to take it seriously.

But then she was stunned again.

One year... the end of a year doesn't seem to be important to her.

An ordinary person could not live for fifty thousand days in his lifetime, but she had lived for a long fifty thousand years without knowing it, so long that she could not even remember the fraction after fifty thousand.

Shortening the timeline, a year to her is shorter than a day to an ordinary person.

But no matter what, this past year was indeed an extremely important year. Not only for her, but also for the world.

The Second Herrscher's awakening time was actually quite short, but with its powerful power, it still caused a large number of secondary disasters around the world: tsunamis that swallowed up small islands, sudden earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, and the sudden decline of the global Temperature...oh, cross out the last bit, this just helps humans solve the climate warming problem they have been suffering from.

Of course, there is also the most direct one - the number of abnormal events related to Honkai is increasing exponentially.

This is also the reason why, in the past two months, neither Destiny, Anti-Entropy, Taixu, nor World Snake seem to be holding the responsibility for the Destiny Headquarters war any longer - in order to live a good year, no matter it is Every organization has devoted all its resources to solving those abnormal events.

But so many abnormal events also mean that the intelligence blockade on the people has reached its limit. Various videos of encounters with Honkai Beasts are spreading freely on the Internet - including the video of the meteor that night in Tianzhu City. You can imagine what’s in the comments section. But whether or not to reveal the truth about the collapse to the public is a topic that needs to be discussed simultaneously by the leaders of at least three organizations: Tianming, Taixu, and Anti-Entropy.

Of course, there is no need for Hua Lai to worry about it now. The responsibility of China now falls on Su Chang's shoulders. The child she can say has grown up before her eyes. On the surface, he looks frizzy, but he is still reliable in major matters. If she gets involved forcefully, it will only increase her pressure.

Moreover, Hua had already experienced such a thing once in the distant past. She... couldn't say she was a little scared, but... she didn't want to experience it a second time.

However... there are many abnormal events to talk about, but the Second Herrscher's consciousness has now calmed down. The number of abnormal events should not continue to increase dramatically in a short period of time unless a new Herrscher appears again. And in this way, it is only a matter of time before these incidents are completely cleared up. By that time, I'm afraid everyone will have to...

Seeing that the long hair of the person in the mirror became soft again, Hua picked up the hair tie on the table and planned to tie up the usual pigtail on his left temple first.

"It's not your style to do it so hastily, Hua. Besides, you shouldn't use this hairstyle today."

Contrary to the popping sound of firecrackers, this sudden sound from behind her did not scare her. On the contrary, when the sound sounded, a certain stone in her heart fell to the ground.

Before she could say anything, she felt like she was being hugged from behind.

The warm breath rubbed her earlobes, and a hand went around her body and reached the wooden comb in front of the mirror.

"It's a little late, but there's still time to move more quickly. Leave it to me."

In the bright mirror, Hua saw her pupils trembling slightly. She controlled her gaze and looked up. Mikael noticed her gaze and deliberately knocked his chin on her head and smiled at her in the mirror.

"Actually... there is no need to be so troublesome. I haven't appeared in public for a long time. This time, if nothing unexpected happens, I will just attend a "family dinner" and chat with a few apprentices. There is no need..."

"No, this time is different."

Even though Mikael interrupted her so directly, Hua just pouted slightly, and then slowly closed her eyes, enjoying the touch of the fine teeth of the comb brushing across her scalp with just the right force.

"Today is different from the past. People all over the world are panicking. What is most difficult for people to accept is that Otto, even on such important days as Christmas and New Year's Day, only gave two boring speeches without any response to the doubts."

"So, what does this have to do with us?"

"Yes."

Hua Momo opened his eyes, but saw Mikael's ferocious posture with his teeth clenched.

"Clang——"

The chair made a harsh sound on the wooden floor. Hua stood up suddenly and turned back to hold Mikael's face.

"Are you... okay?"

The cold ten fingers rubbed gently, and the tense muscles melted like ice.

Mikael's expression returned to normal, but he did not continue speaking immediately. Instead, he took Hua's hand and held it under his armpits to warm it up before returning it.

Hua frowned slightly, and there was a smile on his face, but not much.

She soon sat back in front of the mirror under Mikael's manipulation. The sound of firecrackers in the yard outside the house suddenly became dense, like an alarm clock disturbing people's sleep, but mixed with the cheerful laughter of the Herrscher of Knowledge and Padu.

Hua took a deep breath, but still felt a little depressed. She had guessed what Mikael was going to say next.

"Hua, do you still remember how our civilization was destroyed?"

"Of course I won't forget."

Mikael's hand combing her hair stopped, and the two looked at each other through the mirror again. In just a short moment, Hua saw Mikael's unshakable determination through his firm eyes.

"I understand."

Mikael's hands moved again.

"Then... don't we need to inform Tianming and Nientropy? Are we going to act alone?"

"Didn't Suchang just come back from Tianming? Although she hasn't asked yet, with Otto's determination, she should understand what is most important at this moment. World Snake will also cooperate with your work to minimize the pressure of public opinion. As for Nientropy, they are probably the most opposed to blocking the public's information, and with Mei on their side, I don't think it will be a big problem."

"It's good that you know what to do. I also know what to do. Now I just hope that my name as the Red Kite Immortal can still count in the land of Shenzhou..."

Hua sighed softly and silently enjoyed the warmth of this moment.

"I'm sorry."

Although he closed his eyes, Hua could imagine what Mikael looked like now - he must have frowned into a frown, with a little apology in his eyes, biting his lower lip with his tiger teeth, and breathing deeply and slowly.

"I shouldn't say this at this time. It's... it's a downer, isn't it?"

"Not really."

Hua pursed her lips and wanted to shake her head, but was afraid of affecting Mikael.

"It's because you are the Mikael I like, so you will definitely say this at this time. If I can't even accept this, then I may not be qualified to say that I like you."

"...Your words... sound like Mobius' tone."

Hua's face rarely showed a clear and unhappy look.

Some things, knowing and accepting, do not mean that you can accept them happily and willingly.

"Okay, okay, let's not talk about this anymore. Do you remember Raiden Mei? I sent her to the paradise of the afterlife. You didn't see her calling Mobius' memory 'Mom'. I haven't seen Mobius's expression management lose control for a long time. Fortunately, I went back to remind her later, otherwise Mei would not have to do anything, and our past would have been told by Mobius."

Mikael, who came to his senses, could not hide his embarrassment and could only change the subject a little stiffly. However, after so many years, there is still some progress - at least he will not blush or be flustered anymore. His expression has not changed at all, and his hands have not stopped moving at all, but...

Hua closed his eyes, even if he really blushed, Hua would not be able to see it.

"The Elysian Realm..."

"...After so many years, I thought you had forgotten the common language of our time."

"I dare not forget."

"..."

"Is Alicia going to be very happy?"

"Hmm?"

"A person who becomes a Herrscher and retains his humanity. This is the gift Alicia leaves to this world. Unfortunately, the real her cannot see this future. But if it is a memory that knows the truth about herself, Alicia will be very happy to see a Herrscher like Mei, and hear the stories of the First Herrscher, Kiana, and even the Herrscher of Knowledge who shouted "Fight the Honkai" when she was born.

"And, this is also her wish - 'If there will be Herrschers in the future, if they can be as free as you and I, please let me know, okay? I will be very happy!', yes Bar?"

"Yes……"

Mikael struggled to squeeze these two words out of his mouth, and then hurriedly began to pull up Hua's hair.

"I...Alicia has saved me many times."

Hua suddenly started talking about something completely unrelated.

"How many times...twice when we were in Canghai City, three times while wandering from the Fire Chasing Moth Base to the Golden Courtyard, six times when we were on missions together...perhaps even counting the last time, if she hadn't The Twelfth Herrscher has seized power and handed it over to you. Those in our headquarters will probably not be spared."

Hua memorized the numbers calmly, but he didn't have the feeling of counting treasures that most people who have experienced it would have when recalling the past.

"In my heart, Alicia has always been a senior and comrade worthy of admiration and trust. Moreover, with her character, it is hard for anyone to hate her. It's just...just...after all, there is one thing, I think she did something wrong."

Mikael inserted a hairpin with a simple pattern into his gray bun, then bit his lower lip and listened silently to Hua's words.

In fact, you may not need to listen, as Hua always knows what he is going to say next, and vice versa.

"She was such a kind person, but at the end of her life, she made an extremely cruel decision. Mikael, do you understand what I mean?"

"..."

How could Mikael not understand.

Through the power of consciousness, he shared with Hua that past that he never wanted to mention, and he naturally understood what she was talking about.

From Hua's standpoint, she certainly wasn't talking about Alicia taking away his chance to complete the cocoon of the end. Rather, regardless of everything else, Alicia chose to let Mikael, who watched her disappear, face the future alone, and left behind "a vow to support him no matter what he does and not to blame him." .

The most important thing is that she left the beauty of humanity in Mikael's body, so that even if he maintained a posture without a heart for a long time, he could not give up the emotions of being a human being.

Although she needs to thank Alicia for this, in any case, this is indeed too cruel for Mikael himself.

But……

"Hua, didn't we agree... not to talk about this again?"

There was no blame in Mikael's words. He just used the power of fire to heat his palms and then gently applied them to Hua's eyes.

"I'm not blaming her, Mikael, I... forget it. I won't mention it again."

Hua realized that he couldn't hold it back after all and had crossed the tacitly agreed boundary between him and Mikael.

Because I am unwilling...

But that's not important.

"Since you asked me to publish those, it means...Mikael, the last day you collected your answer sheet..."

"Today...well, do as the Romans do. According to China's calculation, it will be next year."

Hua never made a sound again, but just grasped every minute and every second of this moment, enjoying the warmth that he could still enjoy now.

"I'm sorry, Hua. In the end, I have to hand over such a cruel fate to you... Even for humans, after a very short period of time, you will have to face the unknown future alone. Although I really want to say, There will still be many people accompanying you, but I said this 50,000 years ago, and it makes no sense. However, the Herrscher of Knowledge is a special existence, and she should be able to continue living with you. "

"..."

Hua's lips were separated by a certain distance, but no sound came out.

Whenever you want to say something but can't say anything, you will realize the weakness of language.

In the end, Hua's lips were slightly raised, and she said half helplessly, half reluctantly:

"Didn't you agree not to mention these things?"

Mikael smiled slightly and put down his hands.

Hua took the opportunity to open his eyes, wanting to treat Mikael's current smile as his last smile and treasure it in his memory forever.

"Then again, Mikael, is it really okay to announce those things today? I think, maybe... will it disturb everyone and make it difficult to live in peace during the New Year?"

"Hmm... This is something I didn't think carefully about. It's up to you to decide. Tianming and Anti-Entropy are just casual notifications."

Hua raised her lower lip, closed her eyes again, thought for a moment, and finally shook her head.

"That's alright. There are always excuses. Don't say it today, New Year's Eve, tomorrow, New Year's Day, and don't say it when the day after tomorrow is a holiday. In the end, it becomes tomorrow after tomorrow, and there are so many tomorrows. Besides, we Not releasing information does not mean that people will not be anxious about it. This year will be miserable no matter what, except for the two heartless people outside. But if we announce the information about Honkai, at least many people will feel more at ease - at least the people guarding us are not ignorant of this anomaly, at least they have been trying their best to avoid this anomaly. For most people, the first reaction to having us protected in their hands is this sense of security, maybe?”

The noisy firecrackers set off Dehua's slight voice, but the more so, the more mature and solemn it feels.

Mikael closed his eyes with relief, leaned down, and hugged Hua from behind.

His face pressed against Hua's cheek, and he said softly:

"I hope this different choice can bring different results."

"Yeah."

Hua hurriedly responded, and then closed her eyes again, and her lips moved up again, as if she was expecting something.

But nothing really happened.

Mikael just tightened his arms for a moment, and then quickly loosened them, raised his hands to touch her long hair again, but looking at his bun, he smiled bitterly and helped Hua to put her heavy bangs aside.

Feeling the soft hair flowing through his palms, until he finally had nothing to hold, Mikael laughed silently.

He wanted to say something, but in the end he swallowed back the apology he had repeated twice.

People will find excuses to indulge themselves at all times, but occasionally they also need to be sensible-although sometimes they are just self-righteous.

He patted Hua's shoulder gently, walked around the screen quickly, and opened the door with a "whoosh".

The sound of firecrackers became louder, and the smell of gunpowder became stronger.

The sound of Mikael and Padu joking soon came from the yard. No matter what time it was, Padu was still sticking to him as always, even though she was no longer the ignorant kitten.

Occasionally, the disdainful voice of the Herrscher of Knowledge would be heard. She was the one who had the most fun just now, but now she still had to pretend to be indifferent. I don’t know if she inherited the frankness of her father or mother.

Suddenly, Padu and the Herrscher of Knowledge screamed together. It was Mikael who gave the lucky money in advance - he threw a handful of sparkling gems directly into the air. That was Padu’s favorite thing. Although the Herrscher of Knowledge didn’t understand, she would definitely join in the fun.

After a while, Su Shang also shouted to watch the fun, and she didn’t know what gift Mikael gave her.

Listening to it, Hua’s mouth, which had sunk because of regret, rose again.

It's hard to explain. She likes quietness so much, but she feels happy from the bottom of her heart just by listening to the noisy voices of several people.

But... regrets are regrets after all.

She has experienced too many regrets. On second thought, it's not bad to be able to reach this point before everything ends.

At least, she can accompany him and walk the last part of the way. Then, she will bury him and the long memory with her own hands.

At 8 o'clock that night in Shenzhou time, when the Spring Festival Gala was supposed to be broadcast, a guest blessing that was not in the rehearsal was inserted for the first time. It was the first time that the Red Kite Immortal, who had protected Shenzhou for thousands of years, appeared in front of the people of Shenzhou in this way, but what she said, except for the last sentence, had nothing to do with New Year's blessings.

Mikael's comment on this was - "I heard that no one has watched the Spring Festival Gala in recent years. Is the director going to give money to Hua?"

At 9:03 pm that evening, Shenzhou time, Walter, the leader of the Anti-Entropy Alliance, made an emergency speech through CNN, affirming all the content about "collapse" released by the Red Kite Immortal on Shenzhou Central Television an hour ago, and promised to release some of the information about collapse in the Anti-Entropy Archives before 12 noon the next day.

At 8 o'clock the next morning Greenwich Mean Time, Archbishop Otto Apokalis, who had remained silent for 20 hours, directly updated the public content in the Destiny Database and issued a two-hour "Declaration of War on Collapse".

Since the disaster called Collapse came to this world, hundreds of trillions of epochs have passed, and countless civilizations have been like bubbles floating in silt water, extinguishing and reborn, but as the only existence in the world that knows all this time, this is the first time He has received a declaration of war from humans.

There was no moment of sadness for Mikael, and the penultimate volume of this book came to the battlefield immediately afterwards!