Yang Hui opened the door and was met with the worried gazes of Sumeragi, Wang Liu Mei, and Kati. From their expressions, it seemed they had been waiting outside for a while, wanting to knock but afraid of disturbing Yang Hui.
Seeing this, Yang Hui spread her arms and pulled the three of them into an embrace, gently kissing each of their foreheads.
"Sorry for making you worry."
"Can you tell us what happened?" The three women exchanged glances, and it was Sumeragi who finally spoke up.
"Hmm, not just you, I think everyone should know. Let's gather everyone together."
"Okay."
Soon, everyone gathered again, but it was limited to the members of Celestial Being, along with Sergei, Graham, and Kati. Heli, Andrei, and Peries were absent, and even Sergei and Graham had sensed that something significant was about to happen, forcing Yang Hui to agree to their presence.
At that moment, Yang Hui shared the news about Mephis and Prometheus Fortress with everyone. As expected, all of them wore the same expression, indicating they had lost the ability to think.
"Is this… a joke?"
"Hey, hey, hey, Myer, you… this is a bit too much!"
"Does Prometheus Fortress… really exist?"
"This could be the plot of a novel!"
...
Although everyone claimed Yang Hui was joking, they were merely comforting themselves, as they knew she wouldn't joke about such matters. However, it was indeed too shocking, and they instinctively refused to believe it.
"Unfortunately, this is not a joke." Yang Hui spread his hands, looking innocent as she spoke. To be honest, he felt both joy and disdain about the existence of Prometheus Fortress.
The joy came from the possibility of traversing more worlds, experiencing more scenery, and forming more bonds, especially in worlds he was once familiar with and fond of. She had many characters he liked, and the chance to meet, communicate, and even form bonds with them was the greatest surprise for Yang Hui.
The disdain stemmed from the heavier responsibilities she would have to bear and the various dangers she would encounter. Although the final ELS in the Gundam OO world was a significant crisis, it was still easier than being enemies with various advanced civilizations across the universe, not to mention the unknown ultimate enemy.
"So, Yang Hui, do you want us to go with you to Prometheus Fortress?" Sumeragi asked, and everyone's gaze turned to Yang Hui.
Having spent so much time together, they were the closest partners and comrades. Even Tieria, who usually wore a sour face, placed Yang Hui in a very important position. As long as she nodded, everyone would agree.
"Yes, I certainly want to go to Prometheus Fortress with all of you and to other worlds. But the problem is that there are only six spots available right now, and… big brother and Kati, you can't come with me. As for the others… there aren't enough spots…" Yang Hui said, distressed, as she saw the expectation on many faces, mixed with hesitation and entanglement. After all, with so few spots, they had to choose those who could contribute the most, like Sumeragi's intelligence analysis and the various Gundam Meisters.
Sergei and Kati also consciously excluded themselves from the spots, as did Neil, Allelujah, Ian, and Linda, who had families to consider.
"I don't care about anything else; just save me a spot." Graham was the first to raise his hand, or rather, demand it, with an expression that said he would kill if he didn't get his way.
"You can't escape, right?" Yang Hui asked with a strange expression. Graham was now a hero figure, just like Sergei and Kati, the face of UNION! Countless eager young people enlisted just to follow this idol.
"I don't care about that; that's for the higher-ups to worry about. A brand new world, a brand new battle—how could I possibly miss out on this? Besides…" Graham smiled, gazing at Yang Hui, "I've always seen you as my goal. If I stay here, I'll never catch up to you!"
Hearing this, Yang Hui was at a loss for words. It seemed she couldn't find a reason to refuse Graham. This standard martial arts enthusiast, upon learning about Prometheus Fortress and the other worlds, couldn't remain calm; otherwise, he wouldn't be Graham.
"Alright, you can be one…" Looking at Graham's expression, Yang Hui had no choice but to agree.
"Then there are five spots left. How do you plan to distribute them?" Sumeragi asked.
"You definitely count as one. I need your intelligence analysis and planning."
Prometheus Fortress must have retained some intelligence. Although Yang Hui had the ability to organize and analyze it, she also had to go to other worlds to complete tasks, fight, and research technology… There were too many things for her to worry about. So with Sumeragi's help, she could completely hand over the work of intelligence analysis and planning, and Sumeragi's abilities could also be enhanced. It was a win-win situation.
"Can you give me a spot?" Wang Liu Mei asked proactively.
"Hmm?"
"Don't underestimate me. I can help Sister Sumeragi analyze and organize intelligence, and I'm in charge of the intelligence department of Celestial Being. I think no one here is more suitable than me for gathering intelligence," Wang Liu Mei said.
Everyone fell silent, waiting for Yang Hui's decision. They all knew that what Wang Liu Mei said was just one aspect; the other was that she didn't want to be apart from Yang Hui for too long.
"Alright, I'm counting on you, Liu Mei." Yang Hui finally nodded. It was really hard for her to refuse her woman's request, and what Wang Liu Mei said was also true. Perhaps Prometheus Fortress didn't need it, but when going to various worlds, the intelligence department was essential. Although most of the places they would go were familiar to her, the so-called familiarity only referred to the anime plot, which was just a part of the world.
The real existing world couldn't be as simple as the anime plot. Being able to grasp more intelligence would allow for more initiative.
"Leave it to me." Wang Liu Mei smiled sweetly.
Kati's expression dimmed a bit. She also wanted to go with Yang Hui to Prometheus Fortress, but she had her work and responsibilities. She couldn't be as carefree as Wang Liu Mei, nor could she disregard everything like Graham.
Yang Hui naturally noticed Kati's expression and tightened her embrace, whispering in her ear, "Don't be sad. I will come back for you, and after that, we won't be apart."
"Mm." Feeling the warm breath near her ear, Kati's cheeks flushed, and she responded softly.
"Ahem." Although everyone understood that Yang Hui was compensating Kati, they still needed to finish the main business first. "So, there are still three people left. How should we decide?"
"I'll pass. I don't want to be apart from my family for too long."
"I'm in a romantic phase with Feldt too. I plan to relax for a while."
Ian and Neil were the first to forfeit. It wasn't that they didn't want to go, but they understood that if Feldt and Mileina came along, it would just waste spots. They didn't know how long it would take to return, and they wouldn't leave their most important people behind to take risks.
"I'll pass too." Allelujah also forfeited. He had finally found Marie and didn't want to lose her again.
"Myer, Lichty and I will pass too. We wouldn't be of much help, so let's leave the spots for others."
"Exactly."
"Currently, the only combat personnel are you and Graham, and there are three spots left. Myer should choose combat personnel."
Next were Christina, Lichty, and Lasse. As bridge personnel, their importance was certainly not on par with front-line combat personnel. Moreover, Christina and Lichty had just become a couple not long ago. After working hard for so long, they also wanted to enjoy their romance.
"So it's just us left? Seriously, this doesn't give us a chance to choose?" Lyle feigned a mournful shrug.
The only ones left without a stance were him, Setsuna, and Tieria. Everyone's opinions pointed towards combat personnel, leaving them with no way out.
"So… are you willing? If you're not, it's fine. Mephis said that the spots can be reserved for one world cycle." Yang Hui asked. The importance of Lyle, Setsuna, and Tieria needed no explanation, but Yang Hui wouldn't force anyone.
"Of course, Myer. My brother is going to enjoy his happy pre-marital life. I don't want to stay behind as a third wheel." Lyle chuckled lightly.
"I agree. For the upcoming dialogue, for the future of humanity." Setsuna directly agreed without hesitation. He now understood that he was a crucial core of the Celestial Being plan and a key figure in the "upcoming dialogue." A sense of urgency surrounded him.
Moreover… even if they went to other worlds, the tasks would be the same: military intervention and eradicating war.
"I also agree. Going to other worlds can gain more combat power and better ensure the success of the Celestial Being plan." Tieria said seriously.
"Then it's settled. The ones going with me to Prometheus Fortress are Sumeragi, Liu Mei, Graham, Lyle, Setsuna, and Tieria."
"When are we leaving? I can't wait any longer." Graham asked excitedly.
"A week from now, we'll head to Prometheus Fortress."
"Alright, then I'll stay here. Call me when it's time."
With the important matters settled, everyone locked this information in their hearts and returned to their previous states, playing around. Even Sumeragi and Wang Liu Mei left, giving Yang Hui and Kati some space.
"Yang Hui…"
"Don't worry, I will definitely come back for you."
"Mm, I believe you."
"I'll spend this week well with you. Where do you want to go play?"
"As long as you're by my side, I can go anywhere."
"Then… let's set off!"
With that, Yang Hui picked Kati up in a bridal carry and walked toward the big bed in the room.
"Wait… aren't we going out? What are you doing?" Kati's face was almost turning red from embarrassment as she asked in a panic.
"What am I doing… shouldn't we cherish our time and enjoy our married life?"
"But… but we're not married yet…"
"Don't worry about such trivial matters. It's just a piece of paper. Besides, don't you want to marry me?"
"Of course I do, but… mm~!"
...(Swallowed by a divine beast, unable to recover)...
In the following week, Yang Hui made a complete plan, taking Kati around to play, spending every minute and second of that week accompanying her.
Sumeragi and Wang Liu Mei were a bit envious but understood. After all, Kati was different from them; she couldn't always be by Yang Hui's side.
However, while some understood, others lacked the sense to avoid disturbing Yang Hui and Kati's happy journey.
"I say… don't you think you're being a nuisance?" Yang Hui said with an unhappy expression to Ribbons, who was sitting opposite her.
"Ah? That's quite rude, Myer." Ribbons feigned an apology, but there was nothing professional about it; his expression didn't change at all.
"If you know that, then hurry up and speak. I still need to accompany Kati."
"Being able to become your fiancée is truly a wonderful thing, Myer."
"If that's all you want to say, then the conversation is over." Yang Hui didn't want to beat around the bush with Ribbons and stood up to leave. But just a few steps away, Ribbons' words made Yang Hui stop.
"Is that really okay? Myer, don't you want this happy life to continue forever?"
Yang Hui stepped forward to Ribbons, drew his gun, and pressed it against his head, his face filled with coldness, the killing intent instantly filling the entire room.
"If you dare to touch them, I'll kill you."
"Just kidding, just kidding. Myer, you're really scary." Ribbons raised his hands. Although he still wore a condescending smile, the cold sweat on his forehead proved he was indeed frightened by Yang Hui.
"Ribbons, some jokes… can be deadly." Yang Hui coldly stared at Ribbons, showing no intention of lowering her gun.
"Alright, Myer, I'll be straightforward. I'm here to invite you to join us. As the only naturally awakened Innovator at the moment, you should understand my philosophy." After saying this, Ribbons' pupils turned into colorful streams of light.
"Sorry, I can't understand." Yang Hui holstered her gun and turned to leave.
"Then how about this? Let's make a bet."
Yang Hui paused again at the door, turned her head to look at Ribbons, and wore a curious and teasing smile. "Go on?"
"In five years, I will completely unify the Earth. There will be no disputes, no resistance, and a world of complete peace according to my will. If I succeed, you, Myer, will become my subordinate."
"And if you fail?"
"Although I don't think I will fail, as a counter-condition, if I do fail, I will assist you in defeating the forces I've established, allowing you to ascend to the world as saviors, and I will become your subordinate."
"That's too long. You only have two years." Yang Hui sneered. The Earth and humanity didn't have five years; before you could achieve your small goal, the ELS would have already arrived. Without Setsuna and the Celestial Being forces, and considering Ribbons' character and ideology, humanity would only face annihilation. It might even affect the ELS, creating even more terrifying monsters.
"Two years? Heh, Myer, isn't that a bit too much?"
"What? Are you scared? Self-proclaimed savior… Mr. Innovator?"
"..." Ribbons' expression faded. In response to Yang Hui's provocation, he continuously restructured his plans in his mind and found… it might not be impossible.
"Then it's settled."
(End of this chapter)