Honkai: Star Rail — Kamen Rider!

"They went out of control because they detected the presence of a breeding swarm…"

Serus stared at the error messages flickering before him, deep in thought. "That means the swarm has finally appeared nearby."

As he spoke, his mechanical form seemed almost pleased, his hands quickly tapping in midair as if performing precise calculations.

"This proves my actions were absolutely correct—the margin of error was less than twenty percent."

"What a pity that this Iron Cavalry from outside turned out to be genetically defective…"

"If she had been genetically complete, I could have proceeded to the next stage already."

He released a mechanical sigh.

Such emotional fluctuations were astonishing from Serus, whose demeanor had remained stable and emotionless throughout his earlier interactions with Sora and the others.

But soon enough, he composed himself again, reverting to his usual detached state.

"It doesn't matter. At worst, I'll just have to wait a dozen more days or so. Then I can initiate the next phase."

"In the meantime, I should reinforce the Unified Consciousness Matrix. Even if it temporarily loosens some consciousness restraints, it's better than prematurely drawing the swarm here."

"If they come too early, it'll attract unwanted galactic attention. That would ruin everything."

Following Serus' decision, the area suddenly trembled violently.

Deep below, heavy mechanical sounds echoed—machinery activating, or perhaps shutting down.

"I've waited this long already; a few more days won't make a difference. Stabilization is now the top priority."

Serus quietly concealed everything around him once more.

"When my final step is completed, insect disasters will be forever eradicated from this galaxy."

"And then…I will claim the reward I deserve."

Still, her arrival couldn't have come at a better time.

Serus summoned an image, focusing his vision module on Robin's face.

The Swarm…and the Harmony.

Two perfect cards he'd never before held simultaneously were now gathered by sheer chance.

"It's truly too perfect."

Therefore…

"I absolutely cannot allow you to escape."

Not that escape was possible anyway—just one knight of the Knights of Beauty wouldn't be enough to protect her completely.

"But before that, let's see if your abilities truly qualify."

He departed swiftly.

Unbeknownst to him, a blazing crimson flash flickered briefly in the room he'd just left, burning silently in the darkness.

---

"Please teach us your close-combat techniques!"

Sora stared blankly at the short-haired girls standing in perfect unison, bowing deeply at his doorstep.

Am I still dreaming?

Waking up abruptly, only to find himself surrounded by Serus' guards right outside his bedroom door, Sora shut the door again, lay back down, blinked, then reopened it cautiously.

Yep. The scene hasn't changed. Apparently, I'm awake.

"Wait—aren't you guards supposed to be protecting Serus? Why are you all here?"

His expression turned utterly bewildered. Why were these guards at his door instead of safeguarding their leader?

Their response was another perfectly synchronized plea: "Please teach us your close-combat techniques!"

Great. Clearly, they wouldn't budge without a proper reply.

"I suppose teaching you something isn't impossible," Sora finally conceded.

Hearing this, one of the girls eagerly raised her head, eyes sparkling hopefully. "Really?!"

"But first, answer my earlier question. Why are Serus' guards here instead of doing your jobs?"

"We're actually Reserve Squad Two. The ones you fought yesterday were our seniors," the girl stammered nervously, growing quieter under Sora's skeptical stare.

"Hmm?" Sora's gaze sharpened. "You sure that's the truth?"

"O-Okay, actually…we're…" She faltered again, wringing her hands nervously. "We're actually off-duty reserves…"

After a quick explanation, Sora understood the situation clearly.

Serus' guards were divided into four squads: squads one through three handled active duties, while these girls belonged to the off-duty reserve squad, stepping up only when regular squads suffered injuries or shortages. Promotions depended entirely on martial ability.

Due to their identical appearances, hairstyles, and uniforms, Sora hadn't immediately noticed they were different from yesterday's guards.

And their reason for seeking him out now was simple—they'd witnessed firsthand yesterday how he'd subdued Squad One using only a sword.

Their voices brimmed with admiration: "Please train us thoroughly, so we can become strong like you!"

Sora's response was simple: "I'm just an ordinary guy who doesn't know anything special. If you want advanced martial training, ask the gentleman next door."

As he spoke, he leaned close, whispering conspiratorially into the girl's ear:

"Just tell him, 'Idrila, Aeon of Beauty, is unparalleled in splendor,' and he'll teach you anything you want."

Knowing Argenti's personality, he would indeed generously teach them all he knew without reservation.

Sora himself had other priorities today, such as getting a medical exam to prove he wasn't sick at all.

But shortly afterward, he learned firsthand the meaning of persistence. As soon as he stepped outside again, the same girl nodded decisively as if she'd finally grasped something crucial.

"I understand now! My sincerity must've been insufficient to move you!"

Sora's lips twitched involuntarily. What martial arts novel have you been reading…?

"So from today onward, we'll follow you everywhere, senior! Wherever you go, we go!"

Thus, Sora soon found himself walking out accompanied by an entire entourage of short-haired girls.

Robin, watching from afar, momentarily froze in astonishment. Then a smile appeared on her lips.

"As expected of Sora. He really makes friends fast."

Afterwards, she too stepped outside. Serus had requested a meeting with her, supposedly to discuss something important.

"Something that could greatly benefit our patients," he'd said.

If that was the case, Robin certainly couldn't refuse.

Stepping outside, she found Serus had already prepared transportation. After boarding, the self-guided shuttle swiftly brought her to their meeting place.

"I've invited you today because I've heard that the power of Harmony can soothe patients' emotional distress," Serus began, inviting Robin to sit across from him. "For a long time, I've been considering whether Harmony could even be harnessed to cure certain illnesses."

"Miss Robin, I would greatly appreciate your assistance in this matter."

Robin considered briefly, quickly evaluating his proposal.

"If it genuinely helps patients, I'd certainly be willing to assist."

She agreed without hesitation. If she could help even one more person, why wouldn't she? Individual power was limited, but if everyone willingly contributed just a little, the entire universe would become more harmonious.

"Thank you, Miss Robin. I'll be sure to notify your brother and the Dreammaster about your valuable assistance."

"It's merely a small matter," Robin hurriedly declined. Her brother, Sunday, as the family head, was endlessly occupied. There was no need to trouble him with trivial issues.

"Please inform me in advance when you need me," she added after a pause. "Though ideally, before my companion finishes his treatment."

After confirming Sora's recovery, Robin planned to return home. She hadn't seen her family in so long; she truly missed them.

"Oh?" Serus' usually emotionless voice wavered slightly.

Instantly connecting his consciousness to Zieltworth's network, he quickly pinpointed Sora's current location and activity.

A physical exam?

Scanning the medical data pouring in, Serus swiftly evaluated the young man.

No Path-related power detected; just an exceptionally healthy ordinary human.

Yet this ordinary man had become the key tying Robin to this place.

Then…

...

"Hey, are you absolutely sure this diagnostic machine is state-of-the-art?"

Sora stared in disbelief at the medical report in his hands, boldly labeled with a definitive diagnosis: Entropy Loss Syndrome.

"We even have purchase records directly from the Interastral Peace Corporation," the medical technician patiently explained. "We guarantee this equipment is the galaxy's newest and most advanced."

"But—but I really don't have this illness," Sora muttered helplessly. How was it possible that even on Zieltworth, the galaxy's leading medical hub, he'd been diagnosed with Entropy Loss Syndrome?

Had he perhaps used his omnipotent power so excessively that he'd begun to exhibit all the symptoms associated with this condition?

If that were true…

Sora's eyes drifted thoughtfully toward the short-haired girl who'd persistently followed him all day.

Could these Iron Cavalry girls also possess such infinite potential?

Vivid possibilities suddenly flashed across his mind.

Wait…when he thought about it, this theory actually made some twisted sense.

His gaze suddenly sharpened, scrutinizing the girl up and down suspiciously.

Should I perhaps test out this theory and see if I can raise a genuine Flame Swordsman?

It'd at least be an interesting way to leave behind a legacy for future generations.