Honkai: Star Rail — Kamen Rider!

The insect-infested planet eventually found salvation.

Since the swarm attacking the planet was relatively small, the surviving Iron Cavalry managed to eliminate them after some effort.

All that remained were signs of the devastation wrought by the swarm, and the departing figures of the Iron Cavalry.

Those figures were engraved deeply into a young boy's heart.

The child gradually grew up and entered academia, pursuing knowledge. During his studies, he stumbled upon something within the galaxy's database.

"That was Entropy Loss Syndrome—it's also why my planet has become the galaxy's foremost research hub for this disease," Serus explained calmly. "I sought ways to cure them completely, thus I dedicated my life to this research."

He spent his entire youth on this pursuit, turning from a young man to middle-aged, and finally into an old man.

"In the end, I discovered human capacity is inherently limited. Therefore, I decided... to cease being human."

Sora's lip twitched involuntarily.

Why does that phrase sound oddly familiar?

"I uploaded my consciousness to become an inorganic lifeform, allowing me to continue exploring cures for this disease."

"I've now spent exactly nine hundred and thirty-four years researching Entropy Loss Syndrome. My published studies alone could fill an entire library."

"But centuries ago, I learned of Glamoth's legacy. Upon investigation, I established a new planet directly upon their heritage."

"At first, this planet specialized solely in treating Entropy Loss Syndrome. Eventually, we expanded to encompass other conditions, becoming the medical planet we are today."

"And this—is the origin of Zieltworth."

Serus had meticulously explained everything about the planet's history.

Because his home had once been saved by the Iron Cavalry, after discovering their inherent flaw, he'd dedicated his entire life to resolving it.

Recognizing the limits of his human form, he became an inorganic lifeform to continue his unfinished mission.

Upon discovering Glamoth's legacy, he founded this planet upon it, turning it into the galaxy's most famous medical world.

Everything fit neatly together.

"And these soldiers," Serus gestured toward the short-haired girls behind him, "were created by Glamoth's legacy—an endlessly operating production line. I've granted them equal rights, allowing them to live on this planet as ordinary citizens."

This also explained why so many identical girls had appeared here.

They were originally manufactured to combat the insect swarm. Even though their creators had long vanished, their factory had never ceased production.

"I see."

Actions motivated by admiration were common in the galaxy, but few had gone to the lengths Serus had, eliciting genuine respect from anyone who heard it.

"It's nothing worth mentioning," Serus continued. "Recently, we've finally achieved a breakthrough toward permanently curing this disease."

"Miss Ruan Mei of the Genius Society truly deserves her reputation as the leading expert in life sciences."

Serus' synthetic voice seemed genuinely admiring. "I've had intermittent contact with her, and recently our collaboration has finally yielded significant breakthroughs."

"This new technique is nearing maturity. Clinical trials have confirmed the possibility of fully curing their illness!"

As if to confirm his words, the short-haired girls simultaneously raised their arms, each limb perfectly intact without the slightest sign of deterioration.

It all seemed perfectly logical: someone inspired by admiration striving to solve the incurable illness afflicting his childhood saviors, eventually succeeding after dedicating his life. What could be more perfect?

Yet, Sora couldn't help but sense a subtle, persistent feeling of unease.

He carefully reconsidered every detail of Serus' story, yet every piece fitted together seamlessly, as though everything had naturally unfolded this way.

It seemed as if it should all make perfect sense, yet where exactly was the problem?

Sora sank deep into thought, pondering intensely until his eyes suddenly fell upon something capable of resolving all his confusion.

[Planetary Library linking: Zieltworth Progress—5%]

Only now did Sora recall this ability. Had the [Planetary Library] begun connecting as soon as he'd landed?

Once the link was complete, all these mysteries would unravel themselves effortlessly.

At that realization, Sora temporarily set aside his concerns.

After all, within the [Planetary Library], no secret could remain hidden.

As Serus finished his explanation, he turned toward Hotaru.

"You appear to be part of the Iron Cavalry as well. Would you consider living on our planet?"

Hotaru startled at being directly addressed, frantically weaving gestures with her hands, attempting to explain.

Seeing this, Sora quickly intervened. "Apologies. She's indeed Iron Cavalry, but her vocal system seems impaired."

Hearing this, Serus shifted his gaze away from Hotaru. "I see."

"Well then, having explained everything clearly, you both should now have sufficient understanding."

He turned to depart. "Please follow me."

Robin watched Serus' back in disbelief. "Was that supposed to be an invitation?"

After becoming inorganic, had he lost even basic courtesy?

Serus offered no reply, leading them instead to an extravagant hotel.

"As compensation for the earlier disturbance, please stay at our planet's most luxurious hotel. Unlimited duration, unlimited access."

"Naturally, in addition, all your medical expenses here will be completely waived. Your reservation fees will also be refunded in full."

"Consider it a sincere apology for today's inconvenience."

"Then, two treatment slots remain reserved. Your appointment will be in two days—I will contact you then."

Having said this, Serus promptly departed.

Sora watched him leave, staring thoughtfully until the figure vanished from sight. Finally, he used his communicator to inform Argenti everything was concluded here. All that remained was waiting for the Library's connection to fully synchronize so he could uncover this planet's hidden truths.

Let's see if your actions truly match your words.

With this in mind, Sora stepped into the luxurious hotel.

But in the dead of night, he jolted awake, realizing something obvious yet utterly crucial:

Wait—I'm not even sick, why would I need treatment?!