Honkai, why do you only throw me into high-level battles?

Lin Wei had thought that their chance encounter was just a subtle interlude. Although the memory was deep, it was insignificant, and there would most likely not be another chance to meet. Therefore, he didn't think much of it and continued his quiet life.

He continues his lifestyle of not knowing whether he is living alone or with a roommate:

For example, whenever Lin Wei goes to the toilet or takes a shower, he can't help but wonder: Why isn't Yae Sakura talking?

Is she peeking?

Should I ask her if she is?

Will I get beaten up if I ask?

Et cetera…

During his time in Singapore, life was generally peaceful. He watched the sun rise and set, people come and go. Everything seemed like an ordinary modern city, where they enjoy all the wonders of modern technology.

If it weren't for the daily news broadcasts, which dedicate a fixed time to talk about various disasters around the world. An island volcano erupted again, an earthquake occurred somewhere; or a tsunami engulfed a village, or a gas explosion caused severe damage in a city...

All of these kinds of news are constantly reminding Lin Wei that the world's peace and beauty are just castles in the sky after the truth is covered, small and fragile.

These news broadcasts usually end with a stern warning, reminding citizens not to approach dangerous areas to avoid any danger.

Do those news agencies and media know something about the truth of this world?

Lin Wei listens to the news report on TV as he hits a speed bag, his mind wandering.

He remembers some of the TV shows and movies he watched, where there are always some journalists who think they are heroes. They go into places that are off-limits, try to take advantage of the situation, look for "hidden truths," thinking they are doing something great.

In reality, they're just creating a chain reaction that they can't handle, so they have to rely on a government that is "bad," or a protagonist that represents "good", to clean up their mess.

Does that exist in this world too?

Lin Wei had observed the residents of this city and found that they seem used to the fact that the world is full of fires and disasters. They don't think it's anything scary and nobody thinks that there could be a shocking secret behind all of this.

It's the same on the internet. "Honkai" isn't a censored word, but there are no posts linking it to "disasters" or "the apocalypse."

Everything is so calm, so calm it's abnormal.

The "brave" who dare to investigate and reveal the truth must have been dealt with silently.

Schicksal, Anti-Entropy, World Serpent, and even governments around the world probably have a silent consensus on this issue. Each of them is probably covered in blood.

Lin Wei shrugs and punches the speed ball, then dodges the powerful rebound, ending his workout for the day.

His physical fitness and reflexes are more than enough to deal with this level of "attack."

Lin Wei's life is quite disciplined. He goes for a run and does some exercises in the morning, reads or plays games at night, and when the weather is nice, he goes out or fishes by the sea.

If it happens to be a rainy day, then he just stays home all day, playing games the entire time.

Lin Wei doesn't know how effective this kind of exercise is, which feels more like a workout. It's probably better than nothing. But Lin Wei doesn't really care. This isn't a good time to spar with Yae Sakura anyway. There's no need to create trouble for himself.

He replenishes his water supply, turns off the TV, and prepares to go downstairs—

The weather forecast said it's a nice day today, good for going out.

...

The air by the sea is moist, the sea breeze is cool, and even the usually scorching tropical sun has become gentle.

The Malacca Strait is a major waterway with cruise ships coming and going. It's very organized. Lin Wei sits on a reef by the sea, holding a fishing rod, watching the trading scene in the distance.

"If a Honkai Eruption destroys a city like this, the loss and chaos would be incalculable."

But this city doesn't have any Schicksal or Anti-Entropy organizations stationed here, and it even refuses any of their forces to enter.

What does this all represent?

Lin Wei can't help but ponder, but can't find the answer. But this has made his "hiding" here easier.

"Ding-a-ling!"

Lin Wei is interrupted by the tremors from the fishing rod. He lightly shakes the rod, letting the lucky fish go free, then reels back his line and casts it again, resuming his bored posture.

"It's really strange," Lin Wei looks across the busy shipping lane, to the island that's vaguely visible in the distance.

"It's too peaceful."

"Is being peaceful bad?" Yae Sakura's voice echoes in his heart.

"It's usually good, but now that I know a major Honkai eruption is about to occur not too far away in the Philippines, it's strange that the energy level in this area remains stable at an extremely low level no matter when I check it…" Lin Wei explains.

"Before a storm, there's a calm. Before a tsunami, the water recedes. Before an earthquake, birds and animals become restless and try to escape. A serious Honkai disaster should have some telltale signs, which is why Schicksal can predict the upcoming Honkai Eruptions."

"But everything is normal now. The energy in the sea, the habits of marine life—everything is as it always has been. Maybe the Honkai Eruption in Manila is indeed man-made... Or perhaps, I'm using my Divine Key incorrectly."

Lin Wei looks up at the sky. He gets ready to leave. He puts away his fishing rod, and it disappears in a flash of black light.

"...Are you planning to get involved?" Yae Sakura asks, her voice hesitant. She doesn't like the idea of him putting himself in danger.

"I'm not sure. Right now, I'm just trying to observe and gather information. As for more, we'll talk about it when the time comes. If necessary, I wouldn't mind getting involved." Lin Wei never intended to act like a hero. His best option now is to watch from Singapore and act accordingly when the time is right.

He speaks seriously, "Sakura, it's a fact that I'm a transmigrator; it's also a fact that my reckless actions a year ago made me a 'troublemaker' to some people. It's no longer a matter of 'us being in the dark,' I've already caught the attention of some people. While I've yet to be noticed by others, it's only a matter of time."

"Therefore, it's pointless to run away and act dumb. Elysia is right. My existence has already changed many things, so I can't do nothing and I can't act rashly. I need to try to take the initiative."

"We know about what's going to happen before others do. This information gap is our advantage, but if we allow it to trap us, then it will become a prison." Lin Wei's smile is relaxed.

"Isn't the biggest enemy we face ourselves? All things have two sides. Although the future is uncertain, some inevitable events, like the Honkai Eruption in Manila, the reawakening of the Herrscher of the Void, Kevin's return, and the arrival of the Finality… these will all happen no matter what."

"Then, our advantage remains."

"Since the progression of events has started to diverge from the original plan, if we actively guide it, make it go in the direction we want, so the future won't deviate too much from that 'predetermined future', won't the result be the same?"

Listening to Lin Wei's calm words, Yae Sakura sighs helplessly, "It wasn't easy to make that decision, was it?"

"If you gain something, you have to lose something in return. It's fair, isn't it?" Lin Wei's expression freezes, and then he laughs, unburdened.

"Power, Stigmata, Divine Keys, a chance to live... I've gained too many things that don't belong to me. I've coerced and extorted, I acted like a madman, stopping at nothing… You are also one of my victims, aren't you?"

"..." Yae Sakura doesn't know how to respond. Remembering what Lin Wei did to her back then, she doesn't feel any anger.

Who doesn't have selfish desires? I'm also a selfish woman.

"So, people have to pay the price for their actions. I was unwilling to die silently, so I have to bear the cost of being a 'troublemaker.'" In the distance, a cargo ship sounds its horn, setting sail and joining the bustling waterway.

Lin Wei is drawn to the sounds of vibrancy and life, feeling at ease.

"Thinking too much will make you lose sight of things. It's better to be direct and 'accept reality.' It's that simple, and the rest is just 'doing your best.' See? It's that simple."

After a moment of silence, Lin Wei doesn't get a response from Yae Sakura, and he doesn't know what she's thinking.

After pondering, he remembers his "former leader" that he had met on the subway and sighs again, "If I can manage to save more people along the way, that's good too."

After all, everyone is just struggling for survival in the face of the apocalypse and death. No one is nobler than the other. No one is required to die for others.

Even when life is fragile as melting snow under the sun, before the Honkai,

That's no reason to become cold and aloof!

Another moment of silence passes, and Yae Sakura sighs.

Her world is small. She doesn't want to get involved in a bigger world. She only wants to protect her village and her simple happiness, living day after day until the end of time.

But she can't escape from change and conflict…

She suddenly understands why Lin Wei took her to ride the Ferris wheel, to the museum, and to look at those strange sea creatures.

He actually feels guilty towards her,

For destroying her dream and making her relive her past hardships;

For dragging her back to reality and facing the disasters and wars that have nothing to do with her,

As well as the issue of humanity's survival, hope, and the future...

This guy, he always does things like this, making decisions without consulting others.

He's truly irritating…

Yae Sakura sighs again, saying nothing more, not intending to stop him either, knowing that Lin Wei won't change his decision so easily.

At most, we'll just have to walk another path.

Lin Wei rubs his nose. He knows he is despicable. He always uses coercion or semi-coercion to get things done.

He counts on his fingers. It seems that everyone he knows is his victim…

(°ー°〃)

It's getting late, Lin Wei stands up to go home, ending his fishing trip that was both pointless and full of meaning.

He walks through the tree-lined seaside garden, then a bustling street, before arriving at the subway station. After a moment of waiting,

Lin Wei looks around when he enters the car. He doesn't see a familiar figure, which makes him feel a bit disappointed.

I wonder how that "old friend" is doing now?

Although he had shown great aversion to him, Lin Wei doesn't think that his reaction was unjustified.

Perhaps, in his heart, Lin Wei, who knew about the disaster beforehand, is no different from a demon.

Lin Wei didn't intend to be repaid for his good deeds, so he doesn't feel wronged.

It's just that with this vast sea of people and strange world, and a strange city, it's rare to encounter a "former acquaintance," so this encounter makes Lin Wei happy.

But since they're destined to just be passing ships, he shouldn't think too much about it. He won't let the past bind his feet and disturb his mood.

The train arrives. Lin Wei gets up to leave, but at the exit, he sees that something is wrong.

A disheveled man stands at the exit, looking around anxiously, visibly disturbed. The moment he sees Lin Wei, his bloodshot eyes light up, and he rushes to Lin Wei's side, falling to his knees. He sobs hoarsely and incoherently.

"Lin Wei, I finally found you! I know you can do it… I beg you, save my daughter… You can do it, right? I beg you, I'll do anything for you! Lin Wei, save my daughter! Hurry, save my daughter!"

Lin Wei is taken by surprise. He looks around at the onlookers who are gathering. Helplessly, he reaches down to help the dirty man up. "Brother Liu, please get up. Tell me what happened, so we can talk it out…"