After finishing Bronya's treatment, Chen Tiannuo moved the medical pod into the infirmary.
"Theresa, I'll leave the medical pod here."
Chen Tiannuo reminded her, "Oh right, remember to keep the pod's nutrient fluid topped up at all times."
"Got it."
Theresa curiously examined the medical pod and asked, "Can this thing really repair a body corrupted by Honkai energy?"
"In theory, yes. As long as the person isn't dead, the nanobots can bring them back," Chen Tiannuo explained briefly. "Since they're nanobots, they replace, then cultivate, and finally transplant. As long as the brain isn't corrupted, it should be fine."
"Uh… makes sense." Theresa didn't know what else to say—after all, their methods were completely different.
"Alright, you guys take your time to try it out. I'm going back to rest now, today was exhausting…" Chen Tiannuo had been busy all day—designing and modifying the pod last night, then moving it to the infirmary after Bronya's treatment in the afternoon. It was such a hassle that he'd only had a quick bite for dinner.
"Thanks for your hard work, Chen Tiannuo." Theresa expressed her gratitude. With Honkai suppressants still in production, Himeko's condition was becoming dire.
"No worries, it's the least I can do. After all... this place pretty much feels like home now." Chen Tiannuo smiled.
Returning to his dorm, Chen Tiannuo collapsed onto his bed, thinking about when he should take another trip to a different world. After all, some Warframes with special abilities required rare materials to unlock their powers.
…
In the infirmary
Himeko lay inside the medical pod, undergoing treatment.
[Repairing body. Estimated completion in 1 hour.]
Theresa stared at the screen's estimated time, shocked. That fast?
She didn't just sit around waiting. Once Himeko came out, she'd definitely want something to eat.
She went straight back to her dorm kitchen to cook a meal for Himeko.
An hour later…
"Hmm-hmm~ Fried rice is actually pretty easy~ Let's pack this and bring it to the infirmary." Theresa looked at the dish she had prepared and said confidently.
Carrying the packed fried rice, Theresa returned to the infirmary just as the pod door opened and Himeko stepped out.
Stretching, Himeko said, "Mmm~ I haven't felt this comfortable in ages."
"Himeko, I brought you some fried rice." Theresa raised the box in her hand.
"Thanks, Theresa." Himeko smiled and took the box.
"No problem~ So, how's Chen Tiannuo's medical pod working for you?"
"My body feels a lot lighter. This thing's pretty useful." She patted the pod.
"Good to hear."
The next day…
Chen Tiannuo received an invitation to a gathering from Kiana and the others, saying it was to celebrate Himeko's discharge.
He arrived at Himeko's dorm, where Mei said the party would be held.
"I'm here." Chen Tiannuo pushed open the door and walked in.
A burst of party poppers showered him with confetti, leaving him a bit stunned.
"Well, you were the biggest contributor recently," Himeko explained with a slight smile.
"Alright then…" Chen Tiannuo still wasn't used to it—this was the first time in his life he'd ever been this appreciated.
"Come sit down, we've been waiting for you." Mei was busy preparing the food.
"On my way, on my way." Chen Tiannuo casually found a seat.
Mei brought the last dish to the table and sat down as well.
"Wow, such a feast!" Chen Tiannuo exclaimed as he looked at the spread.
"Well, you're from Shenzhou, right? So, we made some traditional Shenzhou dishes just for you."
"That's thoughtful of you."
Chen Tiannuo picked up a slice of meat, popped it into his mouth, and savored the flavor that was worlds apart from the cafeteria's food.
"How is it?" Mei asked nervously.
Chen Tiannuo gave a thumbs up. "It's fantastic!"
"Glad to hear it. I haven't made this kind of dish much before."
…
Partway through the gathering, Fu Hua received a special assignment.
"What's the mission, Fu Hua?" Theresa asked curiously.
"Don't worry, Headmistress. It's just a simple infiltration and investigation, but I need to leave immediately." Fu Hua stood up.
"Sorry, everyone. I've got to go." She patted Mei's shoulder. "Sorry, Mei, I won't be able to finish the meal you made."
"Don't worry, I'll eat it all for you!" Kiana said as she stuffed her face.
"Don't even think about it. You're coming with me," Fu Hua said, adjusting her glasses with a smile.
"Huh? Why do I have to go?"
"Think about your poor credits. Finish this mission and you'll make up the shortfall."
With that, Fu Hua dragged Kiana out.
Leaving only Kiana's protests behind…
Mei and Bronya could only watch helplessly as Kiana took the door with her.
Watching the two leave, Chen Tiannuo turned to Theresa and said, "Headmistress, I'll be leaving for a bit too. I'll be back in at most a week."
"Alright, understood." Theresa nodded without asking where he was going.
"Another mission?" Mei looked at him curiously.
"Not a mission. You'll know what it is one day. For now, let me keep it a little secret." Chen Tiannuo didn't tell Mei or Bronya the truth.
"???", Bronya looked at Chen Tiannuo but said nothing.
Chen Tiannuo patted Bronya's head and said, "Don't worry, it's not dangerous."
"Bronya wasn't worried about you." She turned her head, no longer looking at Chen Tiannuo.
"I'll leave after I finish eating…" Chen Tiannuo sat down and resumed eating.
Everyone stared at him speechlessly.
"I said I have things to do, not that it's urgent…" Chen Tiannuo's voice trailed off.
"We thought you were leaving right now." Theresa looked at him with an exasperated expression.
…
After the meal, Chen Tiannuo went to the armory, equipped himself with gear. As for weapons—thinking of ammo issues—he brought a Gorgon, a set of kunai, and his Skana. Syncing into his Warframe, he summoned the system.
"System, time to get to work."
"Ah~ coming." The system had already absorbed enough Honkai crystals to fully recharge.
[Destination: World of Black Bullet]
[Transfer Method: ?? Transfer]
As the system's final words fell, Chen Tiannuo lost consciousness.
…
Waking up groggily in a ruin, Chen Tiannuo blinked. Looking around, he was stunned—he'd been dropped right into a monster-infested area again.
"System, why do you always throw me into enemy swarms? Seriously…"
"Oh come on, you're not afraid of these grunts. Don't be so dramatic."
"Fantastic!" Chen Tiannuo stared at the surrounding creatures, lifted his Skana, and charged in.
"What the hell—"
After mowing down the horde like chopping vegetables, Chen Tiannuo successfully cleared the area.
Sensing the Skana's improved sharpness, he grinned. 'Finally, the Skana is maxed out!'
Its edge and power had improved significantly—now even slicing through Anti-Entropy mechs would be like cutting butter.
But staring at the now-maxed Skana, earned only by slaying so many Gastrea, Chen Tiannuo deflated again. With so many Warframes and weapons to level up… it was never-ending.
Suddenly, Chen Tiannuo caught a flash of movement in the distance.
"That is..."