The Vixen's Gambit: Tonight We Hunt

"Kevin, what are you thinking about?"

Kevin was still standing there, lost in thought.

Lee patted him on the shoulder from behind. As he turned, she poked his cheek.

"Standing here like a scarecrow, spacing out."

"Lee…"

Kevin was still listless. Even the presence of the person he cherished most couldn't dispel his gloom. Usually, the mere sight of Lee would banish any unhappiness, but today…

Gazing blankly at the bustling crowd in the distance, Kevin felt only dread.

These people were all going to die.

Though they were alive and well before him now, in a few days, they would perish in agonizing despair. And it was all because of his weakness.

"If I…" Kevin stammered. "If I made an irreversible mistake… what should I do?"

Kevin didn't immediately hear Lee's reply. She simply looked at him with an unfathomable tenderness in her eyes and said lightly,

"Then learn from it, and use that experience next time."

"There's no need to be afraid, Kevin. Everyone makes mistakes, especially young people. They might sometimes commit acts they can't bear the weight of, but that's only because of their immaturity.

As long as they remember every stumble, I believe that one day, these children who make mistakes can rise above them and soar."

"But what about those hurt by their mistakes?"

Kevin gritted his teeth, struggling to keep his emotions in check.

"What about those who were harmed?"

"…That's the job of their elders," Lee murmured, lowering her eyes.

"After all, cleaning up after the younger generation is also a kind of responsibility."

"You're not that much older than me, Lee, yet you always speak like an elder…"

"Even two or three years older is still older, Kevin. Besides, you're my junior, and you followed in my footsteps to join the Moths. So, of course, you're my junior. How can I not look after you?"

"However, this might be the last time."

Lee's smile was as warm as ever, but her words filled Kevin with an inexplicable anxiety.

"Last time… what do you mean?"

Without answering, Lee looked up at the aircraft approaching the camp in the distance and chuckled.

"They came quickly."

"Well then, I'll be going now, Kevin."

"Wait, Lee, where are you going? I'll go with you—"

"Kevin."

As Lee turned to leave, Kevin instinctively tried to follow, but she stopped him with an unfamiliarly stern expression.

"Since you're currently on security duty, don't leave your post. You're humanity's strongest warrior now. Before you do anything, you need to consider the consequences of your actions."

"I can't help you again next time, Kevin, so I hope you can do better—and I believe you can do better than me."

Looking at the stunned Kevin, a faint, almost imperceptible smile touched Lee's lips, but it seemed tinged with sadness.

"…See you later, Kevin."

"Lee—"

Kevin wanted to say more, but Lee didn't turn back. She boarded the aircraft and disappeared into the sky.

A deep unease gripped Kevin's heart, but he didn't know why.

What was Lee going to do?

---

"Lee, as one of the Fire Moths' higher-ups, I appreciate your contributions to humanity. Your blood will become a powerful weapon against the Honkai. It's far more valuable than a single powerful warrior."

In the Fire Moths' headquarters, Mei stood before the experimental capsule, looking at Lee lying inside, her expression impassive.

"As a leader of humanity, I also thank you for your willingness to save the people of that city."

"…But as your friend, I hate what you're doing."

No need to say that, I already know.

After all, you blasted me with a full 100,000 energy when you first heard the news.

But Lee didn't let her inner feelings show. She simply wore a resigned smile.

"Sorry, Mei, for making you angry… But, I think this is necessary."

"One life versus millions of lives; the choice is clear. And I won't necessarily die. This risky endeavor could save far more than just those millions… I believe you all can do it."

Mei fell silent. Then, after a moment, she spoke.

"You won't die, Lee. I'll shut down the procedure before your body reaches its limit… But even if you survive, your body will suffer irreversible damage."

"Mobius sent me all of your relevant test data. Based on my calculations, even extracting the minimum amount of blood needed will cause enough damage to completely collapse your regenerative abilities."

"In addition, your other physical attributes will also be affected. Even in the best-case scenario…"

"Whether it's your powerful regeneration, your strength, or your reaction speed… all of your abilities will deteriorate. You'll likely become an ordinary person."

"Isn't that great? At least I'll still be alive."

Lee beamed.

"I can train harder then, and maybe I can rejoin the combat troops. Even if I can't, I can work as a cleaner in your or Dr. Vill-V's lab and continue contributing to humanity~"

…I'd rather you go somewhere quiet and live a carefree life.

Mei didn't voice these words, knowing Lee would never accept such a life.

She was like a blazing flame, radiating light and heat for humanity in the darkness—until she burned out completely.

But I don't want you to become ashes after sunrise, Lee…

Mei gently closed the capsule door.

"Lee, sweet dreams."

That's for sure. After all, the burst of energy made me feel great~

Lee didn't reply, only smiling as the transparent door separated them.

Several needles pierced her body, drawing crimson blood and transferring it to the complex machinery behind her.

Destroy my regenerative abilities?

Perfect! Now I'll definitely be considered for the Meta-Morph surgery!

Excitement flickered in her eyes before she finally closed them, anticipation swelling in her heart.

Still… she had a feeling things wouldn't go as smoothly as Mei thought.