Just as Enoxia had guessed, Kiana’s birthday was merely an excuse to bring everyone together. After days of meetings and battles, everyone truly needed a short break.
Of course, there was also the intention of leaving a good impression on Kiana. In any world bubble, the combination of Kaslana bloodline and Schariac bloodline represented extraordinary talent. The heights she could reach might even surpass those of Cecilia. In the future, they would still need Kiana’s strength to protect them. Because of this, in all of Atlantis, she was the only child who could receive such treatment.
As the black and silver-white cars came to a stop one after the other, Angelia stepped out holding Kiana in her arms, greeting various representatives on her behalf.
“Lady Cecilia, seeing you safe and well is a blessing for all of Atlantis,” said Karl Apocalypse, extending his hand with great respect.
“I’ve spent the entire year at home taking care of Kiana. What danger could I possibly be in?”
Cecilia understood that Karl’s plea for her not to go into battle also carried another layer of meaning: to have her, their strongest combatant, protect Kiana’s safety and ensure her healthy growth.
Amid the cheers of the crowd, the three of them entered the Special Affairs Bureau building. Meanwhile, Enoxia stepped out of the silver-white car, and Karl politely shook her hand as well.
“Miss Eno, your strength and contributions to Atlantis are as captivating as your beauty…”
As the flood of praise continued, Enoxia found it a bit strange but, just like her other self, responded with an awkward yet polite smile. Her smile only drew even more cheers from the crowd.
Over the past ten months, [Enoxia] had single-handedly resolved more than half of the Honkai incidents. Using her authority and memories from another world, she had driven technological advancements across Atlantis, refined the theoretical framework of the Honkai, and warned everyone of the imminent threat of Herrschers, urging them to prepare in advance. It could be said that [Enoxia]’s personal contributions, in some ways, surpassed the combined efforts of everyone else in Atlantis. Receiving flowers and applause was only natural.
“Well, if I were the one born in this world bubble, I’d probably do the same… After all, the Special Affairs Bureau’s combat capabilities and understanding of the Honkai are no match for Schicksal’s. That gap can only be filled by me.”
“But she didn’t tell anyone she’s a Herrscher, did she…? Of course not. Right after warning everyone about how terrifying Herrschers are, turning around and saying ‘I’m a Herrscher’ would raise eyebrows. Even Elysia had to mentally prepare herself before revealing her true nature to her close companions back then, let alone now.”
Thanks to [Enoxia]’s efforts over these ten months, no mob showed up to protest outside the Special Affairs Bureau on Kiana’s birthday.
This effort manifested in two ways. First, of course, was the positive image Enoxia had built, making it clear to everyone that the Special Affairs Bureau could both save costs and deliver results. Naturally, public criticism shifted to other departments.
Second, [Enoxia] had completely changed Angelia and Cecilia’s approach to dealing with troublemakers—directly eliminating the ringleaders of any riots. When people learned of an organization that would protect everyone’s interests by fighting the Honkai if left alone, but would kill without consequence if provoked, any sane person would think twice before crossing them.
Special Affairs Bureau Reception Hall
As the last to arrive, they had just taken their seats when melodious music began to play. Kiana, nestled in Angelia’s arms, watched as over a hundred people eagerly wished her a happy birthday. Though she didn’t fully understand why, her heart was bursting with joy.
“Today marks the third birthday of Kiana Kaslana, daughter of Cecilia Schariac. We are delighted that everyone could take time out of their busy schedules to join us, especially Miss Enoxia and Guardian Karl Apocalypse. We also extend our gratitude to…”
Enoxia observed Kiana’s chubby little face. Clearly, her beaming smile was far more interesting than the host’s endless stream of thanks.
In Angelia’s arms, Kiana’s excitement quickly waned. Her tiny head swayed left and right, her eyelids growing heavier until they finally closed. Her head slowly drooped, bobbing like a chick pecking at grain before she jolted awake again, shaking her head vigorously, her twin braids swinging along. Enoxia found her drowsy demeanor even more adorable.
“Eno, would you like to hold Kiana for a while?”
Noticing Enoxia’s gaze fixed on Kiana, Angelia offered her up.
“Uh…” Enoxia hesitated outwardly, but her heart was brimming with anticipation.
“It’s alright, Eno. Kiana really likes you too,” Cecilia chimed in.
With Cecilia’s approval, Enoxia didn’t hesitate any longer, scooping Kiana into her arms.
“Since your mom and aunt agreed, don’t blame me for helping myself, hehehe… A cute little kitten like you was born to be devoured…”
Unable to hold back any longer, Enoxia first pinched Kiana’s cheeks, then stroked her bare feet, and finally couldn’t resist planting a kiss on her left cheek. Only after did she realize—no story prompt appeared. That meant [Enoxia] had done the exact same thing back then.
“Heh, as expected of me.”
Admiring Kiana’s delicate, flawless skin, Enoxia couldn’t resist kissing her right cheek as well, nuzzling her face affectionately. Kiana, for her part, showed no resistance to Enoxia’s antics, behaving like a docile little kitten happy to be pampered.
Watching the two of them interact so harmoniously, Cecilia smiled. “It seems you really like Kiana too. Kiana, how about having Sister Eno be your teacher in the future? She can teach you amazing things.”
“Okay!” Kiana nodded enthusiastically.
Finally, the lengthy opening remarks came to an end, and carts laden with food were wheeled in.
“Mom, Auntie, when can we have cake?”
“Kiana, be patient. Look, the dishes are already being served. The cake will come soon—eat your meal first… Eno, let’s have Kiana return to her seat.”
Reluctantly, Enoxia handed Kiana back to Angelia. The moment Kiana left her arms, she sensed something strange—something new inside Kiana’s body.
Just then, a faint beeping sound came from a backpack belonging to a colleague at the next table from the R&D department.
Under the sudden attention of the room, the woman flushed with embarrassment and pulled out the device making the noise.
But the moment she saw the readings on the screen, her blush drained away, replaced by pallor. The device’s needle pointed straight at Kiana, its light flashing red.
Enoxia knew this device well—it was one [Enoxia] had personally designed and developed over the past ten months. This reaction could only mean one thing.
What had appeared inside Kiana was a Quantum Singularity.
