I am a former Flame Chasers

This was Ryan first time chatting face-to-face with Eden, and the feeling he got was entirely different.

In his daily life, such extremely sensitive and artistic young women were too rare. He was always accustomed to processing various matters with data, and determining the survival of each region with rigorous reports.

Eden was precisely the opposite of Mei. The latter focused on things with practical significance like food, land, and strategic positions, and simply couldn't comprehend music, painting, or antiques. In her view, these broken things just took up space in a warehouse.

But no matter how you look at it, art is an important part of a splendid civilization. As Eden said, value cannot be measured rationally. If only rationality remained, then it could no longer be called 'human.'

For example, a calligraphy painting might be too rough to wipe one's bottom with in an apocalypse, yet every stroke on it is a treasure of human civilization, difficult to measure in value.

Ryan attitude was neutral. He didn't deny the value of spiritual sustenance; otherwise, he wouldn't have built so many entertainment facilities in the underground fortress.

"This is also a part of human civilization that should indeed be preserved. How about this: I'll designate an area to preserve historical heritage, put all the museum collections in it, and then allocate a section from the central database to digitally store movies, music, and so on."

"It's wonderful that you understand." Eden clapped her hands lightly, showing a knowing smile: "I'll donate 10 billion Euros for construction costs, and the excess will be an unconditional gift. I will also personally participate in this grand project. Please don't refuse; this is something I want to do."

So poor that she only has money, how convenient.

"Alright, consider it the Fire Moth' thanks to you."

In the recent turmoil, Eden had also contributed. Her single word was much more effective than the public relations department, calming many unfavorable rumors.

"Then I need to quickly produce a report. Hmm, right after the last two tours."

Having concluded a deal, Eden seemed very happy, thinking that this General Supreme Commander was indeed a top composer, like a kindred spirit.

She placed a hand on her collar, leaned forward, refilled Ryan teacup halfway, and then smiled: "Since you have something to discuss with me, please speak directly."

How clever! She strung me along first, settled the business, and only then got to the main point. Her emotional intelligence is truly maxed out.

Though played, Ryan felt no aversion at all, and nodded gently: "It's like this, the Herrscher might target you."

"Herrscher?" Eden almond eyes widened slightly, a little puzzled: "I'm not a member of the Fire Moth, nor a MANTIS. Why would they target me?"

Ryan didn't answer immediately, only glancing at the low-key luxurious room: 'Is it safe here?'

"Safe. This hotel is my property, no one comes to the top floor, and the residential area on this street is also under my name."

Alright, I underestimated you, rich woman.

Ryan was choked. He had privately investigated out of curiosity before, and Eden was not just a singer, but also a skilled investor, the kind whose real estate could crush people.

He didn't waste words, simply snapped his fingers, and the room immediately echoed with the screech of air. Before long, some black button-like objects flew over.

"This is..."

"Military wiretaps. Don't worry, I destroyed them with my authority before coming in." Ryan picked one up, playing with it in his hand, having recognized it as professional equipment from the intelligence department.

"The work of Chief of Staff Kallis? No, my room's security is very thorough; ordinary people can't get in."

"So either it's not an ordinary person, or it's someone close to you."

"That's impossible."

"Before Honkai, anything is possible."

Ryan glanced indifferently, crushing the black button into powder. He had already confirmed two things.

Eden had not yet been controlled, but she had been targeted. He couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief, because he didn't know if he could save her once she was controlled by a Herrscher.

It was somewhat unbelievable, but Eden psychological quality was excellent. She only panicked for a moment before returning to normal, her expression also becoming serious.

"So you're here to protect me?"

"More or less. For both public and private reasons, I can't let the Herrscher lay a hand on you."

And for private reasons?

Eden amber eyes lit up slightly, and she smiled elegantly again: "It's my honor to have the General Supreme Commander of the Fire Moth protect me. Please tell me if there's anything you need me to cooperate with."

Indeed, she speaks very well. She clearly knows I'm not just protecting her, but she's smart enough not to say it.

"You are truly courageous."

"Courage is the anthem of humanity. Do you think I am cowardly?"

"Of course not, beautiful lady." Ryan bowed his head. It seemed he didn't need to explain the danger himself.

He wanted to use Eden to fish, gather enough Herrscher clones, and then fully 'understand' Them. Otherwise, this hide-and-seek game could go on until the End.

A rhythm master isn't fatal, but like a fly, it's very annoying. As expected, those who can become Flame-Chasers are not ordinary people; they can even feel excited amidst such towering waves.

Eden was a little excited, even though she knew this involved a war between several Herrschers and the Fire Moth, and in this huge wave, she was not even a small sampan, easily shattered to pieces.

"But I consider myself a warrior, even if I don't fight with swords in a hellish battle, hmm? I seem to have an inspiration."

She suddenly stood up and walked to the golden harp by the window. Her fingers plucked the strings, producing mellow sounds. As her speed increased, this elegant harp actually emitted sounds of clashing weapons and charging horses.

If it were anyone else, they would be baffled, but Ryan, being half a musician in his previous life, couldn't help but light up.

Listening to the music, Ryan narrowed his eyes, hearing a hint of helplessness and the readiness to be shattered at any moment. He suddenly recalled Eden fate.

She clearly could have lived to the next generation, yet she chose to perish with civilization, like a captain going down with his ship, possessing an inexplicable courage.

Bang bang.

A knock on the door suddenly sounded, and the impassioned harp music paused. Eden slightly furrowed her delicate brows with some displeasure.

"Eve, I told you not to disturb me."

The woman who entered had a serious expression and wore rimless glasses; she was indeed the assistant Ryan had met once before.

She glanced at Ryan, who was sitting upright, but didn't ask anything, only bowing slightly: "Excuse me, Miss Eden, the concert organizer would like to invite you to dinner, and also to meet the accompanying band."

Eden didn't answer immediately. She caught a glimpse of Ryan shaking his head, and she understood.

"No need to meet. Major Coleman said someone wants to launch an attack on me. Please ask them to understand."

"Ms. Eve, please hand this document to the assigned Fire Moth squad and tell them to disperse. My people will take over. From now on, Miss Eden safety will be my responsibility." Ryan pulled out a document, mimicking the 'kidney-deficient warrior's' manner, and blinked flirtatiously.

The Southern Shenzhou Branch would soon issue a formal order; this was pre-arranged.

Eve eye twitched slightly, revealing a disgusted expression: "Please keep your distance. If anything happens to Miss Eden, you can't bear the responsibility."

"I know, I know, but how can I keep my distance with close protection? Please trust my gentlemanly demeanor."

"Gentlemanly demeanor? Major Coleman, I'm well aware of your reputation."

"Then you've completely misunderstood. Miss Eden is safest by my side, to be honest." Ryan propped up his chin, his 'kidney-deficient' face full of seriousness, "Actually, I'm gay, the perfect male best friend."

Ryan had no psychological burden in slandering Coleman like this; this was originally the resentment of a single dog towards a playboy.

Eve cheeks began to twitch, and she looked blankly at Eden, who was also somewhat surprised, covering her mouth and nodding with a hint of amusement.

"Don't worry, the Major is indeed a gentleman, very polite to me."

"If you need anything, you must call me." The woman nodded, leaving with frequent glances back, and finally locked the door.

Pfft.

Eden finally couldn't help but laugh out loud, her beautiful amber eyes looking at Ryan: "You truly have a thousand faces. Was what you just said true?"

"Of course it's false. I can not only write songs, but I'm also a performance artist, best at inspiring humanity's dark and profound fantasies." Ryan picked up his teacup, taking a proud sip. He had never been on the big screen, yet he could fool the Herrscher and the entire Fire Moth.

"It's a pity I couldn't act opposite you, but what you just said might also be false."

"What's false?"

"It's about your orientation. A friend once told me that you and a young man named Kevin..."

Cough, cough.

Ryan choked on his black tea and coughed, almost losing his gentlemanly composure.

Oh, Elysia, you dare to secretly badmouth me behind my back!

"Hehe, actually, I didn't believe it. Elysia is sometimes too unrestrained. You are very popular with girls, at least much stronger than this Major." Eden chuckled, easing the tense atmosphere.

"Coleman isn't even fit to carry my shoes, so don't take the acting seriously." Ryan quickly gave a warning shot, lest he inadvertently lean towards the perverted side.

"Be careful of that Eve."

"Is something wrong with her? She's my most trusted assistant."

"I haven't seen anything, but this Herrscher is just too unpredictable. Let alone an assistant, even a lover who sleeps in the same bed every day might not be real."

Eden slightly opened her mouth, somewhat unable to comprehend, but fortunately, her imagination was good, and she only hesitated for a moment.

"You mean this time it's an invisible enemy?"

"At least difficult to discern with the naked eye. Not trusting anyone is the most basic thing. We must try to keep them in sight, or they might become puppets with just a turn."

Ryan wasn't joking. Now all high-ranking MANTIS were in pairs, just in case they fell victim inadvertently.

No wonder he didn't bring Elysia; she would be very sad.

Eden silently lowered her head, looking at the serious man, and made a joke in the solemn atmosphere.

"Ryan, actually, it would be more convenient for you to cross-dress. And there's one more thing I need to remind you: the person who was previously responsible for protecting me was named John."

That cross-dressing guy from the Australian branch?

Ryan was stunned, and sweat immediately flowed down.