I am, Flame-Chaser of Previous Era-Chapter 98: I won’t be back tonight

New York, the City That Never Sleeps. Manhattan, at its most dazzling, offered every imaginable culinary experience. If Kevin had the choice, he'd pick—

Ramen!

In a dark alleyway, four steaming bowls of golden tonkotsu ramen sat on the table, their aroma filling the air. Hua looked bewildered.

She'd expected a grand feast, but Kevin had scoured the skyscrapers of Manhattan to find this unremarkable noodle shop. As a Jiangnan native with refined tastes, she found it underwhelming.

"Familiar comfort. This guy loves ramen his whole life." Ryan calmly picked up his chopsticks, his expression controlled.

My wallet will be safe. Everything is accounted for.

To avoid appearing stingy, he ordered some sushi and takoyaki, along with a bottle of sake.

"But Kevin, why four bowls?"

"Because I invited someone. Just the two of you would have made me look excessive."

"You betrayed me, you son of a..." Ryan's eyes widened, feigning outrage.

"No, Mei doesn't have time for a late-night meal. I called a friend."

A friend?

Ryan paused, when the door was gently opened. He turned, his pupils contracting slightly.

The newcomer was delicate-featured, with long grey hair and narrowed, neutral yet gentle eyes.

"Su!?"

"It's been almost a year, Ryan." Su remained as gentle as ever, extending a hand in greeting before nodding to Hua. "I've heard so much about your junior sister. I'm very impressed."

"Kevin, you big mouth."

"He didn't say anything. It's obvious. Ryan, look at her gaze; it's not the same as usual, quite gentle."

Ryan chuckled awkwardly. Hua, initially pleased, pouted upon hearing the word 'sister,' watching the three warmly embrace.

Good friends were like that; even after years of separation, there was no awkwardness.

Noticing Ryan's questioning gaze, Kevin quickly pulled out a chair, explaining, "This guy arrived in New York last month; he's at the Medical Research Institute for training."

"Medical Institute? Honkai disease?" Ryan instantly understood. After the Third Herrscher, something even more dangerous had emerged: Honkai disease.

Previously, Honkai infection was like approaching the core of a nuclear power plant; only those within a certain range would be affected. But now, 'Honkai Disease' existed, spreading without Honkai catastrophes.

"Yes, a fatal infectious disease with no cure. As the infection progresses, patients gradually lose motor function until they die. It's a different kind of cancer." Su explained with a somber expression. He was a doctor; this was his battlefield.

Silence fell. Honkai disease was a slow killer; initially undetectable, until it was too late, humanity would be on the brink of extinction.

"A cure will come, but we need time." Ryan patted Su on the shoulder. He didn't know if the Previous Era ever solved Honkai disease, pouring four glasses of sake, passing them around before raising his own.

"We're all fighting Honkai in different ways, extending this fragile civilization. I believe as long as we persevere, we'll find a solution."

"Ryan, you learned to drink?" Su looked surprised.

"Alcohol clouds my judgment, but tonight, I don't need to overthink things. Let's indulge! Cheers!"

The cool, slightly sweet sake went down smoothly. They weren't sentimental; even Su, having witnessed suffering in the hospital, didn't dwell on despair.

Alcohol loosened the atmosphere; the three shared stories about their recent experiences. Hua listened quietly; she enjoyed this kind of conversation.

Kevin and Su's lives were relatively monotonous—one traversing battlefields, the other busy in hospital wards. Ryan's, however, was far more colorful.

He'd single-handedly fought Herrschers, participated in conspiracies, collaborated with Mobius on the Fusion Warrior project, and even orchestrated a crucial council meeting.

Apart from omitting key details, he shared everything, receiving incredulous stares and admiration.

"Ryan, I've wanted to ask this for a long time." Kevin twitched his lips, draining his glass. "You, before, had to attend classes, secretly dealt with Honkai Beasts, and even learned martial arts. What kind of time management master are you?"

"Right? Just in research, you can have equal discussions with Mei and Mobius, two extremely powerful individuals. Ordinary people would need endless lives to achieve that." Su was equally perplexed.

Ryan wasn't lacking in leisure; unlike Mei, who was constantly working and didn't even have time for ramen.

"That's the difference between a top student and a slacker." Ryan imitated Mobius's tone, saying calmly, "Kevin, don't look at me like that. I'm not targeting you, but..."

"But we're all trash?"

"Fine, fine, fine. I'll punish myself with a drink." Ryan didn't wait for Kevin to finish before downing a glass; his cold demeanor softened slightly from the alcohol. "Efficiency is key. I plan carefully, focus intensely, and fully enjoy the process. Like now; I'm enjoying the company of friends, but if a Herrscher suddenly descends, I'll focus entirely on combat."

Kevin seemed puzzled, but Su grasped his meaning.

"You deliberately make your life rich and varied?"

"Reality is cruel enough. How can you go on without some enjoyment?" Ryan smiled lightly; this was his personal philosophy, not some grand doctrine.

While he had mastered time management, the foundation was Path itself; his learning ability surpassed that of most humans.

"I think you're lying, calculating. I never intended to learn from you anyway." Kevin, despite his love for ramen, found the familiar taste bittersweet, a reminder of simpler times.

In just a year, the three had changed; their eyes lacked their former clarity, burdened by numerous concerns.

War, illness, the future—all heavy burdens, despite the casual conversation and relaxed atmosphere. It was fleeting comfort.

"In two months, I'll return to the Hospital. Anything you need me to do?" Su said abruptly, a hint of reluctance on his gentle face.

"Stay safe. Find someone to settle down with."

Ryan and Kevin spoke in unison, causing Su to blush slightly, catching Hua's listless gaze.

In a world where separation was always imminent, those two were remarkably carefree.

"I'll try. What about you two?"

"Wait for the Fourth Herrscher. Time is running out. Let's try to take her down together." Ryan said fiercely.

The word 'Herrscher' always tightened muscles, yet it sparked laughter.

"You're addicted to killing Herrschers, aren't you? Ryan, compared to you, our little dangers mean nothing." Kevin suddenly turned serious, saying earnestly, "I volunteer. I'll help you take down the Fourth Herrscher."

Kevin was always brave.

Ryan didn't hesitate, shaking his head. "It's not your turn to volunteer yet."

"You look down on me?"

"Maybe. The fusion surgery isn't perfected yet; we need Emperor-Class or higher Honkai Beasts for optimal results." Ryan picked up a piece of raw fish and calmly said, "I'll prepare, select the best materials. You'll all benefit."

"Including me?" Su pointed at his nose.

"Of course. We're in this together; I wouldn't leave you behind."

Su's eyes widened slightly, a mixture of apprehension and anticipation. He remembered Ryan's words before leaving: 'You're special, too.'

"Fine, if this is fate, I accept it."

Su filled his glass; he rarely drank. His delicate face flushed slightly. "Then let's hope we all go far on our respective paths."

The three raised their glasses. Just as Ryan felt someone was missing, he heard a soft thud. Turning, he saw Hua asleep on the table.

"Ryan, your junior sister is a bit weak."

"Don't be ridiculous. She's just a child. I forgot. And I didn't want her involved in this world." Ryan chuckled.

"But she's already involved. It's difficult to change that now." Su said with a faint smile.

"Wanting to involve someone and actually involving them are two different things. Ask Kevin; would he want Mei to join Fire Moth?"

Both turned to Kevin, who had a wry smile. Even if he risked his life, he'd prefer Mei maintain her peaceful life, avoiding constant overtime.

But destiny wasn't easily controlled; not even their own.

"It seems we have no choice. Let's do it!"

The three leaned forward; their glasses clinked as they emptied their drinks.

The sake wasn't strong, but apart from Kevin, who occasionally drank beer during basketball games, the others rarely consumed alcohol. Ryan slapped a wad of cash onto the table, leaning against it to feel the texture.

His thoughts slowed, strange and wondrous sensations arising. It wasn't unpleasant, though.

The pressure eased. Emotions were reciprocal; if Kevin and the others didn't die, his reckless actions were justified.

"I'll have Kevin drive me home; you handle the rest."

"Hey, wait!" As Ryan turned, the two were already sprinting out the door.

Su, with his long hair and slender build, looked feminine from behind.

In such a hurry for some gay fun? Be careful, I'll take pictures and send them to Mei.

Ryan grinned wickedly before turning and scratching his head.

I was so engrossed in conversation that I lost track of you.

Hua was slumped on the table, her loose grey hair revealing her pale neck; her mouth slightly open, breathing softly.

Is she pretending to sleep?

Ryan was suspicious but, seeing the noodle shop owner's approving expression, didn't dare to touch her face. He crouched down and gently lifted Hua.

Flat, lacking in curves.

That was his first impression. Then, his hands rested on her thighs, feeling the smooth texture, and he nodded slightly.

Finally, some feminine qualities.

He felt a surge of emotion. Despite the uniform, Hua was increasingly becoming a normal girl, thanks to him.

He carried her out of the alley. The New York autumn was cold, making him instinctively raise his collar, but he was afraid of obscuring Hua's face and had to lower it.

Her hair and breath brushed against his neck, a slight tickle. Ryan emerged from the alley, staring at the bustling Fifth Avenue.

He was here for a meeting and hadn't booked accommodation. Where could he go at this hour?

Suddenly, a cold voice. Ryan awkwardly pulled out his phone and put it to his ear; it was Klein.

"Dr. Ryan, Dr. Mobius and I are staying at the Elle Hotel on Seventh Avenue. I'll text you the room number. The doctor asked me to ask when you're coming back."

At least she has some conscience; she booked a room after the meeting.

Ryan breathed a sigh of relief. Just as he was about to speak, he felt a small white hand tighten around his neck. Surprised, he turned to see Hua awake, staring intently at him. Her gaze, hidden in the darkness, was unusually firm.

He swallowed, answering the phone.

"Tell Mobius, I won't be back tonight." free𝑤ebnovel.com