MTLNOVEL Chapter 3: Fire Moth
Whoosh—
The helicopter rotors whipped up dust and debris, causing Ryan to squint slightly. He looked around.
Floodlights converged on him; six-barreled cannons on the helicopter hatches were trained on his position. Soldiers in black combat suits and tactical armor unclipped their ropes and swiftly occupied vantage points. Snipers and spotters were vigilant, scanning the surroundings.
"Typical Fire Moth professionalism," Ryan mused, recognizing them instantly.
As a clandestine, supranational organization dedicated to combating Honkai, Fire Moth possessed cutting-edge weaponry, ample resources, highly trained soldiers, and numerous exceptional individuals.
They maintained branches worldwide, intervening whenever Honkai energy reached dangerous levels. This abandoned industrial zone, for example, would be thoroughly sanitized before dawn, ensuring most of the world remained blissfully unaware of the turmoil.
Returning to the present, Ryan watched as more than a dozen soldiers, armed with large-caliber weapons, closed in from all directions. He felt no urgency, no awe at the military might; he simply shouted:
"Hey, this isn't funny."
He realized he'd become a "red dot," his body outlined by laser pointers. His crisp white shirt stood out against the fully armored soldiers before him.
No one hesitated, perhaps everyone had been fooled by a unique Zombie before. Fire Moth's operations were straightforward: capture or kill. There was little room for discussion. Fortunately, a female voice came from the rear.
"Stand down, he's one of ours. Lower your weapons."
The voice was assertive, and the Fire Moth operatives, well-trained, lowered their weapons almost simultaneously.
Several individuals emerged from behind them. The leader, also in black combat gear, was clearly female, judging by her physique. She waved her hand, signaling her troops to spread out. Approaching Ryan, she removed her heavy helmet.
Long red hair cascaded down, revealing a strikingly beautiful face. Exposure to such high concentrations of Honkai energy was extremely dangerous, but she didn't seem to care.
She stood before Ryan, leaning forward to assess him, a teasing smile finally gracing her lips. "Ryan, my little brother, why are you stealing my kill?"
"Himiko, you know I have a kind heart. So close to the academy, casualties would be bad." Ryan shrugged, calmly disassembling his spear.
The red-haired woman was momentarily speechless. Upon receiving the report, she'd launched an immediate response. Clearly, he'd provoked the Honkai, but she didn't dwell on it; young men playing at heroism were commonplace.
"Kind heart? Let me see… you did wipe out that illegal organization two years ago, didn't you?"
"They were researching Honkai energy without the proper technology, causing significant casualties. Punishment was necessary." Ryan touched his shirt pocket, retrieved his glasses, and put them on. He calmly asked, "Killing a few to prevent a greater catastrophe—isn't that a good thing?"
With the spear stowed and his glasses back on, Ryan transformed, leaving the corpses as if he were just another student on campus.
Himiko was momentarily taken aback. She couldn't quite decipher the young man before her, settling for a smile. She gestured. "Then how about you write me a report on tonight's events?"
"Hold on, it was just a minor Honkai incident. Besides, I'm not an official Fire Moth member, so not claiming a reward is good enough." Ryan snorted, checking that his clothes were clean, lifting his duffel bag.
"How will you handle the aftermath?"
Himiko folded her arms, staring at the dilapidated buildings. "Standard procedure: gas explosion. I'll have Team B pose as gas company workers to seal off the area. Once the Honkai energy is neutralized, everything will be smooth sailing."
Professional, indeed.
Ryan chuckled silently. Fire Moth, as a specialized Honkai countermeasure organization, had a meticulous process—from gas explosions and mass hypnotism to staged chemical incidents, even a specialized online disinformation department. He preferred collaborating with professionals.
Peace, for now, was desirable.
"Leave it to you. I have classes tomorrow. I'll be going."
"Wait."
Ryan turned back. The casual woman was staring intently at him, pointing towards the dimly lit academy.
"Why haven't you joined Fire Moth? Or is it more interesting playing it this way? Your talents could significantly reduce casualties, even during the Herrscher of the Void incident…"
"Look, how much can one person do? Or do you think courage alone can eradicate Honkai?"
The red-haired woman fell silent; there was no easy answer. Honkai was like storms or hail—a constant, never-ending threat, not a singular enemy.
"We're simply playing defense. One day, Honkai might surpass Fire Moth's capacity, so I'm not just playing games. I need to understand Honkai's nature to find a solution."
"But Fire Moth also conducts research; you could join them." A clear voice came from Himiko's side, another female soldier.
Ryan shifted his gaze, watching as she removed her safety helmet, revealing ash-blonde short hair and a youthful, almost childish face, her side-swept bangs partially obscuring one eye.
He paused, realizing he'd made the same mistake he had when he first met Mei and Himiko. Seeing the girl's questioning expression, he raised his black duffel bag.
"But Honkai creates monsters. Even understanding its nature, we must still confront it physically. Goodbye."
He didn't elaborate, turning and walking toward the slope in front of the academy before turning back.
The 'gas company' cleanup team was rapidly approaching, switching off their headlights, plunging the industrial zone into darkness. Ryan's true motives were, in fact, far more complex, hidden deep within his heart.
Path couldn't be revealed to the public; greed often exacerbated matters. After all—
Honkai is terrifying, but human hearts are even more so.
"Team Leader Himiko, why did you let him go?"
As Ryan returned to the academy, the female soldier who'd questioned him earlier finally spoke.
"Rose, do you have a problem?" Himiko, preparing to give instructions on the cleanup, turned her head, a surprised expression on her face.
You're surprised?
The young woman, frustrated, pointed to the Honkai Beast corpses. "He effortlessly handled this minor incident, fully meeting the organization's criteria for 'Exceptional Talent Management.' According to regulations, we should apprehend him."
"Then what? Send him to the First Research Institute to be dissected, or integrate him into the combat forces?"
"That… that would, of course, be according to higher-ups' instructions."
Himiko looked at the earnest young woman and couldn't help but smile. Perhaps, in the eyes of their frontline combat personnel, Ryan's freedom was something to be envied.
"Don't overthink it. He has a point. In terms of surpassing normal combat capabilities, aren't I the same?" She paused, then recalled something. "I heard the headquarters has a new recruit, Elysia. She's even more extraordinary than I am. Why wasn't she sent to be dissected?"
Elysia?
Rose's eyes shone with admiration. It was said that she possessed incredible strength, playing a crucial role in the battle against the Herrscher of the Void, saving countless soldiers, becoming a beacon for them, their hero.
"There are always exceptions… No, you're all within the organizational framework. Why does he get to roam freely, mingling with such vermin? How can that protect the world?"
"Exceptions? I think it's different. He likely has his own reasons, and his background isn't simple. Besides…" Himiko pointed towards the night sky, a hint of dissatisfaction in her eyes, a knowing smile playing on her lips.
"Some people don't need to follow the rules. Don't overthink it; just do your job."
Rose lifted her head, gazing at the starless sky, a mixture of confusion and understanding in her eyes.