Chapter 24: Chapter 24: Encrypted Conversation with Otto
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In the familiar office, occupying his usual spot, even Otto's movements seemed unchanged. With the demeanor of a classic Western gentleman, he held a stemmed glass, its amber-colored wine shimmering beautifully under the light.
"Welcome back, Ana." The man raised his glass towards her like a nightclub playboy extending an invitation, but Ana was well aware that this wasn't Otto's true character; it was all part of his facade. He could adopt any persona as long as it served his purpose.
Therefore, Ana preferred not to beat around the bush. Time was pressing, and she couldn't afford to engage in prolonged discussions with Otto, especially since Anti-Entropy could invade at any moment.
"Lord Bishop, I wish to borrow the Abyss Flower."
"Oh?"
Swirling the contents of his glass, Otto's eyes glinted with an unusual light. He knew what Ana had been doing at the Jiuyou Ruins, though he lacked specific details since Fu Hua hadn't accompanied her.
However, Otto was well aware of every individual Ana might have encountered there.
Thus, the answer became quite straightforward.
"I wish to use the power of Creation to heal Murata Himeko, the former Valkyrie of Schicksal and now teacher at the Far East Branch."
"She served under Valkyrie Assault Squad Captain Ragna, known for her fierce combat prowess and fearlessness in the face of death. Now, plagued by old injuries, she stands on the brink," Ana explained calmly.
"Hm." Otto gently tapped his fingers on the armrest. Upon hearing Ragna's name, his eyes flickered momentarily. He held deep admiration and fondness for Ragna, unfortunately cut down by the Second Herrscher.
It was due to Ragna's recommendation that Otto nurtured Rita's talents, proving once again Ragna's exceptional discernment.
Otto had already thoroughly investigated Himeko's background, considering she was part of the original team at the Far East Branch. Although he might occasionally clash with that little brat Theresa, as her grandfather, he couldn't stoop to her level.
"I will consider it," Otto replied casually. However, when he said "consider," it typically meant he would not act on it.
He now understood his options: He could give the Abyss Flower to Ana if she needed it for herself. But if Ana intended to use it for treating Himeko, there wouldn't be enough. The one indebted to Himeko is the Anti-Entropy Alliance Leader, not him, Otto.
Allowing Himeko to retire from Schicksal Headquarters demonstrated Otto's utmost leniency. It was Himeko's own choice to continue down this path; it no longer concerned him, Otto.
Ana was well aware of Otto's thoughts and knew exactly what answer he expected. However, she couldn't provide that response. At present, she must maintain the role of a righteous, compassionate Valkyrie, dedicated to serving the people.
Now, Ana needed to subtly emphasize Himeko's importance without letting Otto realize that she was fully aware of his plans and knew precisely how to save Kallen.
So, what should Ana say?
"Lord Bishop, Murata Himeko is Saint Freya Academy's most exceptional teacher, indispensable to everyone there."
"You wouldn't want Lady Theresa or Kiana to weep, would you, Lord Bishop?"
A hint of playful amusement curved Ana's lips. Although her words could be interpreted as a veiled threat, knowing Otto understood she wasn't such a person, he wouldn't misconstrue it. This also allowed Ana to indulge in a bit of verbal satisfaction.
To ensure Otto's complete capitulation, Ana prepared one final persuasive argument.
"Lord Bishop, although Murata Himeko's innate abilities may be average, I perceive extraordinary potential within her. Her will surpasses that of ordinary individuals; even Bianka might not compare, and I must admit my own inferiority in this regard."
"Perhaps she could become a formidable weapon for Schicksal against Honkai?"
With this final punch, Ana's combination had landed effectively. From Otto's perspective, considering his experiments, he had no reason to refuse.
In the original storyline, Teacher Himeko wouldn't have required such additional treatment. However, as an early entrant into this narrative, Ana inevitably triggered a series of butterfly effects.
She feared that her presence might exacerbate Himeko's injuries, leading to unforeseen complications. Although, given the nature of game developers and scriptwriters, they likely wouldn't plot it that way.
But what if, driven by the world's underlying force, the writer decided to pull off another stroke-inducing twist?
Ana didn't mind embodying Himeko herself, but she couldn't accept losing such an exceptional person like Teacher Himeko without cause. If possible, she wanted to save Himeko and ensure her survival.
One could say, every fan of Himeko would think the same.
While "The Last Lesson" ending was acceptable, who truly wishes for their favorite character to depart forever? It's akin to fans mourning over Tingyun from the neighboring fandom.
"I think you may have misunderstood me, Ana." Otto's face lit up with a warm smile.
"Schicksal would never abandon any Valkyrie, especially one as exceptional as her."
Otto spoke with conviction and authority. If not for Ana's deep understanding of him, she might have believed his words.
However, Otto was indeed a highly contradictory individual.
His attitude towards Valkyries exemplified this duality: on one hand, he treated them as tools, sacrificing their lifespans without hesitation; yet on the other, Schicksal provided generous pensions to retired Valkyries.
Moreover, generally speaking, Schicksal did not assign missions beyond a Valkyrie's rank unless it involved sudden Honkai outbreaks.
"Furthermore, Bianka serves as a model Valkyrie of Schicksal, and her strength no longer relies solely on Abyss Flower."
"Abyss Flower has always been under the control of the Schariac family. As its current priestess, it is your duty to uphold our ancestral responsibility and continue mastering Abyss Flower."
With that, Otto summoned Amber. After giving her instructions, Bianka promptly arrived at the scene.
"Lord Bishop, you called for me?"
As soon as Bianka entered, she spotted Ana, and her eyes lit up instantly. However, mindful of Otto's presence, she cleared her throat, quickly composed herself, and respectfully turned towards him.
After understanding Otto's intentions, Bianka handed over the Abyss Flower to Ana without hesitation. At present, she found wielding the Stark Drive transformed riding lance more comfortable, so retaining the Abyss Flower held little significance for her.
During their journey, Ana had already contacted Bianka via long-range communication, informing her about the situation. Yet, Bianka hadn't anticipated Ana would arrive so swiftly. Otherwise, she might have been waiting at the airport for her friend.
In truth, Bianka didn't have many close friends; Rita was one, and Ana another. As for others, they were mostly her admirers, maintaining a certain distance from her.