Honkai Impact: I, The Herrscher of Ice, Am Loved By Players

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As Bianka departed, Ana's expression returned to calm.

On the surface, she appeared anxious and emotionally drained, longing to escape this corporate grind lifestyle. However, deep down, she had grown quite accustomed to it.

Moreover, she knew that during this period, no significant Honkai events were imminent. Ensuring her daily safety was of utmost importance.

Nevertheless, it was now time for her to take proactive action.

Of course, perhaps Ana wouldn't need to initiate anything herself.

Because soon, Otto would make a major move - heading to London in search of the Second Divine Key, Unnamed Locomotive.

The Unnamed Locomotive is crucial to Otto's plans; only with it could he attempt to breach the Imaginary Tree.

In the official comic storyline, Otto mobilized Schicksal Headquarters' elite forces solely for the Unnamed Locomotive quest, ultimately resulting in substantial financial losses due to the extensive search across London and the destructive battle between Bianka and ELF Heaven's Fire, damaging numerous buildings.

For Ana, this presented an opportunity to gain recognition from Otto and secure more significant involvement in the storyline.

With these thoughts, Ana massaged her temples and looked down at the document in her hands.

The file was titled: Investment and Collaboration with Divine City Pharmaceuticals.

On the surface, Divine City Pharmaceuticals appeared as a newly emerging pharmaceutical giant. In reality, it was a subsidiary of the World Serpent. The Schariac family has always been one of Schicksal's three prominent clans, accumulating considerable wealth as nobility over time.

However, much like the Kaslanas, most members of the Schariac family did not live long enough to enjoy this wealth. Consequently, their affairs were managed by the Apocalypse family under Otto's control for generations.

Now that Ana had assumed the position of family head for the Schariacs, this wealth fell into her hands. Honestly, she couldn't quite believe that Otto would genuinely entrust such vast resources to her.

It's worth noting that even Otto, as the Schicksal Bishop, wasn't extraordinarily wealthy. The primary reason being his research projects required exorbitant funding; otherwise, he wouldn't have needed to cut the budget for "Kallen's Fantasy."

Additionally, during the Second Honkai Eruption, Schicksal had aggressively liquidated its inventory. Even after so many years, they hadn't fully recovered.

In any case, utilizing the wealth of the Schariac family, Ana discreetly made some strategic moves. Of course, to Otto, these actions might not seem minor but rather just routine investments.

Before World Serpent truly revealed itself, who could have predicted that its Lord was actually Kevin from the previous civilization?

Only Ana, as a unique transmigrator, foresaw this unfolding ahead of time.

However, these moves were merely precautionary steps—to establish connections with Gray Serpent. Having multiple avenues for influence can never hurt.

"Ah..."

Ana sealed the documents, placed them in the 'completed' pile, then leaned over her desk, sighing at the still mountainous stack awaiting her attention.

"I really wish I could go to the Far East Branch."

Regardless of whether it's being a student or a teacher, anything would be better than wasting time here. Plus, it'd mean distancing myself from Otto... Although, whether that is entirely good or bad remains debatable.

Time flies like an arrow, swiftly passing by. Bianka has already returned from Dubai, and as Ana anticipated, it was merely another Emperor of Honkai.

With Bianka's prowess, she effortlessly dispatched the Emperor.

Shortly after her return to Schicksal Headquarters, Otto arranged for Bianka to take a vacation in London. He also sent Rita there, presumably with both working covertly to investigate Unnamed Locomotive's situation—one overtly, one clandestinely.

Feeling both disappointed and helpless, Ana lamented not being able to go to London herself. Her inability likely stemmed from not being considered one of Otto's trusted confidants.

Before becoming an S-rank Valkyrie, Ana had primarily been stationed away from headquarters. Moreover, she suspected that Otto might harbor some lingering reservations about the Schariac family due to Cecilia's significant actions in the past.

Originally, according to Otto's plan, neither Cecilia nor Siegfried should have survived. This could be one reason why he hesitated to entrust the Abyss Flower to Ana.

Of course, these were merely Ana's speculations; she wasn't Otto, so she couldn't truly know what went on inside his mind.

"However, considering the time, it should be about right now," Ana murmured to herself as she glanced at the documents before her.

Just as she finished speaking, knocking echoed outside her office door. Moments later, a white-haired girl wearing yellow glasses entered—the unmistakable figure of Otto's secretary, Amber.

"Lady Ana, Lord Bishop summons you."

Ana's gaze sharpened instantly. Although she had anticipated this, hearing the news still made her somewhat nervous. After all, facing Schicksal Bishop Otto meant confronting one of the most terrifying individuals in this world.

Even Mei, the renowned doctor from the pre-Honkai civilization, paled in comparison to Otto.

Moreover, Ana could surmise that this meeting might significantly influence her future path.

"I understand." Taking a deep breath, Ana responded and stood up.

Amber did not leave but waited quietly near the door, maintaining her utmost respectfulness. Despite being Otto's secretary, conventionally exempting her from such formalities, she consistently upheld this demeanor—perhaps ingrained by Otto himself or stemming from her own sense of inferiority.

"Please follow me, Lady Ana."

With a gesture inviting her to proceed, Amber led the way for Ana. Her movements inadvertently reminded Ana of that cunning Rita.

Since Rita was currently on a mission, Ana found herself missing her somewhat—no wonder Bianka couldn't resist her charm.

Rita... She truly understands people's hearts too well. Perhaps only old-timers like Otto can remain immune to her allure. Rita is indeed the epitome of an ideal partner.

"We're here, Lady Ana."

As Ana pondered, Amber's voice timely interrupted her thoughts. Before her stood a sensor-activated door, undoubtedly leading to Otto's chambers.

"The Lord Bishop summoned you alone, so I won't accompany you inside." With those words, Amber bowed courteously and turned to leave.

Ana gazed at the door, swallowed nervously, took a deep breath, and stepped forward...