I am a former Flame Chasers

In the end, Hua didn't hide. First, she could have avoided it today, but not tomorrow, and second, as a soldier, how could she run away from the battlefield?

So, she slowly took off her clothes and folded them neatly. After a moment of thought, she stuffed the children's underwear at the bottom of the pile, then wrapped herself in a towel, opened the third door, and couldn't help but complain inwardly.

"Elysia really is a troublemaker. She didn't even mind building three doors. If they really want to peek, a hundred doors won't help."

She felt it was unnecessary. Senior Kevin was a pure love war god—he wouldn't sneak a peek. Kalpas had no interest in that sort of thing. Kosma was quiet and just a child—she couldn't help but laugh thinking about it.

'Seems like the only one I need to worry about is my senior brother, but he's always been a gentleman, so he wouldn't do anything tasteless. Then again, Elysia did say he's really shy...'

Lost in thought, Hua opened the door and immediately found herself in a thick white mist. This area had been dug out by Vil-V's robots. It took up a large space, but the decor was minimal, giving it a very primitive look.

Exhaust pipes lined the ceiling of the expansive basement. In the middle of the room was a square pool, with hot spring water flowing out of a girl statue holding a bottle in the center.

"Why does this statue look more and more like Vil-V? Isn't she ashamed?" Hua muttered, bewildered. She walked through the mist and neared the pool, tightening her towel.

Usually, she wasn't particularly concerned about modesty when dressing, but now, standing there with all the others, she felt self-conscious. She squeezed her legs together, feeling out of place among the others.

The whole scene felt overwhelming—the misty air, the soft bodies in the warm water. Mobius reclined comfortably in the corner, a towel on her head. Her fair skin was slightly flushed, and the water only reached her chest, unable to submerge her impressive figure.

Aponia and Vil-V beside her were even more exaggerated. It wasn't a mountain; it was a giant peak. You could practically place a tray on them. Himeko, Sakura, and Destobia weren't small either. Even Pardofelis, swimming in the middle, seemed to be growing rapidly.

Hua lowered her head and saw her crystal toes, suddenly feeling like she didn't belong.

'Ah, this… why don't I go to the bathroom to wash instead?'

Just as she turned to leave, she felt a vague shadow emerging from the white mist. A pink figure with bared fangs and claws suddenly lunged at her.

"Hua, where are you going♪"

"I suddenly remembered something, so I won't bother you for now."

"Don't bother me. We're all girls. Why are you embarrassed?" Elysia pulled Hua back with a grin, snatching her towel away. Hua instinctively crossed her arms, trying to cover herself.

"Ellie, what are you doing?" Hua asked, confused.

"Hehe, I'm letting you join us!" Elysia teased, her fingers running lightly along Hua's collarbone. "You're really beautiful, Hua. I envy your skin."

"Really? But I…"

"Small is cuter, that's your advantage," Elysia praised, then pulled Hua into the pool. Once inside, she took a seat by the edge, a wet towel in hand, and began observing the others.

"Everyone looks so happy. It's like heaven," Hua muttered as she shrank deeper into the water, leaving only her head above the surface. Aside from Pardo, who was clearly enjoying herself, everyone else seemed relaxed, but Hua couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. "Ellie, why do I feel like you're a female pervert? You have bad intentions for building this hot spring."

"Really?" Elysia's eyes sparkled as she jumped into the water with a laugh. "I just appreciate beautiful things. It makes me so happy."

Plop.

Water splashed everywhere as Hua covered her face in shock. By the time she looked up, Elysia had disappeared. Just as she started to feel confused, Elysia suddenly emerged from the middle of the pool and pounced on Pardofelis, who was swimming.

"You're not allowed to swim in the hot springs. Hehe, your skin has gotten so smooth all of a sudden."

"Itchy, Sister Ellie! Please spare me, no—don't touch that!" Pardofelis' screams echoed in the foggy room.

Mobius, sipping wine in the corner, frowned at the noise.

"These idiots are so noisy," she muttered under her breath, setting the wine glass on a tray beside Aponia's chest. She stood up, her gaze narrowing toward the commotion.

A few seconds later, she turned her head suddenly.

Puff.

Pardofelis leaped out of the water and pressed herself against Mobius's shoulders, who was confused to see a pink fairy flying from the other side.

"Mobius, watch out!" Elysia shouted mischievously.

"Elysia, you dare? Stop! Stop! It's so itchy! Let me go!"

"Hehe, dear Mobius, you're really well-developed," Elysia teased, her voice dripping with amusement.

"Aponia, come help me! Let's deal with this crazy woman together!" Mobius groaned.

Laughter echoed through the bathhouse as Hua, who had been cautiously observing, felt a mix of amusement and exasperation.

Sure enough, Elysia had ulterior motives. No wonder she said it felt like heaven.

Hua sighed, retreating weakly toward the edge of the pool. As she neared the side, she bumped into a soft body.

"Captain, what are you doing…?"

"Since Elysia wants to play, let's join her. How about we take her down and tickle her?" Himeko grinned, her eyes full of mischief. Without giving Hua a chance to react, she pulled her out of the pool. "Come on, let's take on Sakura and Vil-V's group first!"

Hua suddenly realized that the other pink-haired girl and Vil-V were preparing for battle. Their bodies glistening in the water, they rushed forward in freestyle.

Her mouth twitched in resignation. She knew she wouldn't be able to escape unless she played along until the end of the night.

Meanwhile...

"What are these women doing?" Ryan stood by the railing, his ears catching strange sounds coming from the bathhouse. He had finished his phone call and was about to write a couple of chapters when he heard the noise. Curiosity got the better of him, and he quickly stepped out to investigate.

Laughter, begging for mercy, screams, and even the sound of rolling waves. Even Ryan, who was usually composed, was stunned. He couldn't quite figure out how such sounds could be made in a hot spring.

The noise was certainly... suggestive.

Automatically, Ryan imagined a scene of intense physical combat. His face flushed with anger, and he quickly turned away.

Kosma and Kevin, who had been standing nearby, also looked over at the same time. The three of them exchanged silent glances, then simultaneously looked away.

"Ahem. It's really lively. It's nice to relax like this occasionally," Ryan muttered, trying to act nonchalant.

"Mei had long expected that Elysia's motives weren't pure," Kevin added sullenly. "She originally said she would stay here tonight, but changed her mind. She's really smart."

Kevin slapped himself quickly, his face full of regret. "How could I imagine Mei in such a 'dangerous' situation?"

"You are a pure love war god. It's really boring," Ryan teased. "Sometimes, letting Mei break through the defense would help you advance."

"Bullshit! You're not as good as me, and you still have the nerve to say that. At least I've kissed her!" Kevin shot back.

Ryan froze, his expression going blank. Kevin's satisfied expression made Ryan grit his teeth.

"Boy, I haven't given you psychological treatment for a long time," Ryan muttered under his breath.

"You're angry because of shame, right?" Kevin smirked. "I was telling the truth. You're more procrastinating than me."

Ryan blinked, the world suddenly feeling like it was crumbling. Kevin's smug expression made him want to throw a punch.

"Forget it, you pure love war god will never understand my difficulties. After all, I have many goals. The most important thing isn't progress."

"What's that?" Kevin asked, suddenly interested.

"Balance," Ryan said, his voice dropping. "Only balance can maintain a relationship. This is about keeping pace. We can't let someone's progress get too far ahead. That will cause a chain reaction and be detrimental to the overall situation." He paused, looking up at the ceiling, his face a picture of loneliness. "If it weren't for the damn Honkai involving too much energy, I would have become the god of strategy long ago. A little impatience ruins the whole plan."

Kevin looked confused but nodded along. "I don't really understand, but you seem really powerful."

Ryan sighed. "Exactly, I'm a master of strategy, but no one appreciates it."

Kevin raised an eyebrow. "Envious, huh?" He grinned.

Ryan laughed, "You were jealous just now! Don't think I didn't notice. Believe it or not, I'll tell Mei tomorrow."

"I'm not, I don't have it!" Kevin protested, but the blush on his face betrayed him.

"Obviously, you do."

"Ryan, believe it or not, I'll fight you to the death!" Kevin said with mock indignation.

Ryan chuckled. Just then, they heard a faint noise behind them. Both men turned to see Kosma, who had stopped covering his mouth and looked at them with a blank expression.

"Don't pretend. You're not a good person. Tell me, how far have you and Destobia gone?"

Kosmo hadn't expected this human hero to be so gossipy, so he blushed as well:. "No, Destobia's like my sister," he stammered.

"I get it. Sister-brother love, huh? You really want to drive a big car," Ryan teased, snapping his fingers.

Kosma's eyes twitched as he processed the meaning behind Ryan's words. It seemed like the two of them were kindred spirits.

"Not bad," Ryan murmured, relaxing in his seat. "Seems like you've appreciated the art too."

Kosma simply nodded, though still looking flustered.

Ryan yawned, feeling lazy. "Anyway, no need for a thick mask here. No heroes, no general manager, just us."

"By the way, can you two sleep?" Ryan suddenly asked, looking at them both.

Kevin and Kosma exchanged glances and shook their heads.

"I can't sleep either," Ryan said, then added with a sly grin, "How about this? I have some nice things in my room. Want to come see?"

"Nice things?" Kosma asked, looking intrigued.

Ryan adjusted his glasses with a mysterious smile. "I downloaded the classic works from the Fire Moth central server. It'll definitely be worth your while."

"Wow, I must see that," Kevin said with a grin. "Haven't seen you so confident for a while."

"Kosma, go get some snacks. You'll probably enjoy it too."

Kosma didn't fully understand, but when he saw Ryan's serious expression, he instinctively stood at attention.

"Yes, Mr. General Manager."

He left, and Ryan and Kevin exchanged a look, both grinning.

"Not bad, he's a good seedling. We'll be friends in the future."

"Should we call Kalpas?"

"Forget it. He's already angry. What if he doesn't help us?"

"Well, you're the general manager. Isn't it bad for your image to do this?"

"Humph, who says a general manager can't appreciate art? It's my job to seek benefits for my subordinates."

Kevin was dumbfounded. He didn't expect Ryan to come up with such an excuse.

"Come on, let's go," Ryan said, walking to his room with a grin. "Hey, are you coming or not?"

Kevin hesitated for a second, then followed him with a laugh. "I'm coming."