Chapter 107: Volume 2, Chapter 39: Theresa's Personal Request
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"Kiana has already encountered Durandal, and Sirin's consciousness hidden within her is growing restless."
"It's time to assess how much the seed I planted has grown."
At Schicksal Headquarters on the floating island, Otto reviewed all the documents Amber had compiled.
He spoke aloud as if talking to someone or merely thinking out loud:
"The Moonlight Throne project? Who knew Anti-Entropy still refuses to give up? Joyce certainly has some devoted friends."
"But this isn't necessarily bad. After all, our world needs selfless individuals; otherwise, it would become unbearably dark. Joyce... Ah, Joyce."
"However, Einstein's methods remain rather naive. No matter, for my plan, playing along with your little drama won't hurt. In the end, Anti-Entropy is just another pawn in my calculations. Being momentarily foolish doesn't concern me."
"This tedious and monotonous drama swiftly approaches its climax. Despite some unexpected incidents during rehearsals, they're inconsequential."
"Let's see who can observe till the very end."
"You truly are cold-blooded," Void Archives taunted. "Manipulating heroes, exploiting successors, controlling everyone - Otto Apocalypse, you are indeed both admirable and terrifying."
"No, your thinking has transcended the human realm entirely."
Otto smiled faintly, listening to Void Archives' assessment.
"Thank you for the compliment," he replied mildly. "However, I'm not the first to do this, am I?"
"Heh, her objectives were vastly different from yours."
"She loved humanity wholeheartedly, but you only love one person."
"It doesn't matter; as long as the outcome is the same, it isn't an issue." Otto Apocalypse maintained his placid smile. "I've always focused solely on results."
When destiny no longer adheres to fate,
the opportunities to break free from the constraints of tree and sea will gradually begin to emerge.
The Moonlight Throne incident concluded with Kiana, Raiden Mei, and Bronya successfully resolving the crisis. Bronya, due to unexplained loss of control, was restrained by Kiana and Raiden Mei, then taken back to the Far East Branch for medical examination.
Although Xia Chen already knew the outcome of this event, he was still somewhat surprised upon hearing the details unfold.
Having been in this world for quite some time, he naturally sensed the strangeness surrounding the Moonlight Throne affair.
Undeniably, the Moonlight Throne was a battleship gifted to Saint Freya by Einstein and others, but why would they choose such a perilous method for its operation?
If Anti-Entropy and Saint Freya had established cooperation, there was no need for Einstein to take such risks, as it could only invite scrutiny.
And more importantly, it would easily attract Otto's attention.
While others might not know what the Moonlight Throne entailed, surely Otto did? Additionally, the presence of Zombies aboard... carried significant implications.
However, Xia Chen refrained from asking about these matters.
His curiosity, at least for now, wasn't particularly strong.
Instead, he focused on another piece of information, specifically Theresa's request.
Currently, the Principal was trying to bond with him over dinner, hoping to strengthen their relationship.
However, her attempt failed due to the presence of bitter melon in every dish.
Xia Chen glanced at the green vegetables and couldn't help but sigh, "Principal, you've been very considerate towards me. If there's something on your mind, please just say it; there's no need for all this."
Theresa's approach seemed rather naive.
She lacked the diplomatic skills typically expected of leaders, even the most basic ability to make others feel warmly welcomed. Despite her genuine kindness, she truly wasn't suited to be a leader.
Feeling awkward, Theresa looked at the dishes on the table and apologized, "Sorry, I only served what I personally enjoy."
"I'll add more dishes right away."
"No need, I'm not hungry at the moment," Xia Chen smiled and said, "Let's get straight to business, Principal."
"Business? Ah, oh yes, almost forgot." Theresa furrowed her brow as she continued, "Xia Chen, you used to be part of the Immortal Blades, didn't you?"
"I received a message from Bishop Otto that a member of the Immortal Blades will visit Saint Freya Academy to assess performance. You must be quite familiar with the vice-captain of the Immortal Blades, right?"
"Not exactly familiar, but we've crossed paths during training a few times. In fact, she has helped me significantly with both my training and daily life," Xia Chen said sincerely.
His words were true.
Xia Chen was initially brought to Schicksal by Rita, and later within the Immortal Blades, it was her guidance that helped him adapt to their routines. However, the process left quite an impression on him.
Over time, he gradually kept pace with the main forces of the Immortal Blades, eventually participating in monthly Honkai incident cleanups. Without Rita's special attention, he might not have persevered until obtaining the simulator.
At that time, Xia Chen had only recently crossed over, still carrying the mindset of a college student. He lacked deep-seated hatred for Honkai, nor did he feel any sense of belonging to the Immortal Blades.
It is undeniable that Rita's care played a significant role, even if it was part of her duties as vice-captain.
"Principal Theresa, mentioning Vice-Captain Rita, is she arriving soon?"
"Yes, indeed." Theresa explained, "Vice-Captain Rita will be visiting to assess the performance of the Far East Branch Valkyries, but we couldn't find a suitable host for her stay."
"As you know, everyone at the Far East Branch is quite busy. Himeko has numerous responsibilities, and other teachers must prepare for their classes. So, I'll need your help to entertain Rita."
"Is Principal also occupied?"
"Yes, I still have to investigate that battleship incident," Theresa stammered.
She truly struggled with lying convincingly.
Xia Chen didn't press further.
If he were still his former self as Captain, he might have enjoyed teasing Theresa, but now, he clearly had no such inclination.
"Well then, just one question - are there any specific things I should be mindful of while hosting her?"
"Oh, nothing particular." Theresa sighed in relief before enthusiastically adding, "If possible, it wouldn't hurt to let Rita provide some guidance to our students; if she declines, that's fine too."
"Right, since you took Ana out earlier, feel free to do the same with Rita. The expenses will be reimbursed by me."
Xia Chen hesitated momentarily. "I think going out for leisure might not be necessary; we don't want any misunderstandings."
Theresa genuinely seemed oblivious, likely considering outings merely as expressions of friendship.
"Ah, I hadn't thought about that possibility." Theresa blushed, realizing her oversight.
Being reminded by his junior on such matters was truly embarrassing.
"Alright then, I'll leave it to you," Theresa hastily thanked him. "After Rita leaves, consider it settled for me to treat you to dinner - anything you want."
"Sounds good." Xia Chen smiled warmly.
As he left the dining hall, Xia Chen couldn't help but sigh.
The Moonlight Throne.
Rita's visit.
Everything unfolded exactly as per the storyline sequence.
If this is attributed to historical inertia, it's quite coincidental indeed.
"So, from the beginning, Otto orchestrated the Moonlight Throne?"
"In reality, Otto might be the true Herrscher of Dominance, controlling the fate of the entire world."