Honkai: Strijder

"Attacks infused with Honkai energy, seamless quantum data transmission, quantumization of physical existence, coupled with their overwhelming numbers, and the potential for continuous upgrades as you progress... The complete form of the Hive System will be a formidable weapon."

"In the short term, they may not be able to halt the attack of an S-rank Valkyrie. However, with the right conditions, an endless number of units are enough to wear down any S-rank Valkyrie through a kite warfare tactic."

"That's because you haven't seen the true strength of Durandal."

Sigurd pursed his lips almost imperceptibly.

That girl who could be considered the scriptwriter's favorite daughter could chop through a typical Herrscher like cutting vegetables.

If he hadn't just recently come to this world, Sigurd would have definitely tried to capture her before Otto had the chance.

"Well, we've talked enough. It's late, and you have guests. Let's end it here for today. Goodnight!"

Otto terminated the communication.

...

At the Schicksal Headquarters.

After ending the call, Otto wiped his forehead with a handkerchief.

In reality, his body made of Soul Steel didn't sweat so easily.

But engaging in a serious exchange of ideas and thoughts with others after such a long time gave Otto a sensation of exhilarating sweat.

"You seem very happy."

"He's a genius."

"I can see that."

"Therefore, his theories hold a high degree of credibility. Once they are realized, my long-held dream will be within reach!"

Covering his face with a single hand, Otto burst into laughter.

"Hahaha!"

After a long while, the laughter subsided, and Otto looked at his hands with a complex expression.

"A friend...?"

He murmured, feeling somewhat confused.

He referred to Fu Hua as an old friend and indeed had a special admiration and recognition for her—honestly speaking, if it weren't for her being unable to offer any help in reviving Kallen, Otto would consider Fu Hua more important than the vast Schicksal organization.

However, conversations that he had with Fu Hua were usually cold and discouraging. They lacked the exhilaration of intellect and wit, the mutual digging of pits and testing of each other, as well as the anticipation of further conversations that Otto experienced with Sigurd.

'So, what should a friend be like?'

Otto Apocalypse, who was over five hundred years old this year, asked himself silently in his mind, remaining speechless for a long time.

...

"Speak up, what brings you here, Cocolia?"

Sigurd closed his computer and looked towards the door, where Cocolia stood rigidly.

Cocolia took a step back.

Even though Sigurd had displayed his unfathomable technological prowess, Cocolia, after recovering from her initial shock, still believed that the time was not right. When she regained her strength from within the Anti-Entropy, she could overpower Sigurd and even bring him under her control. Those were all feasible actions.

But now she was panicking.

Cocolia's current pursuit was merely climbing higher within the Anti-Entropy, striving for more power to protect herself and her children.

Otto Apocalypse, that was an excessively distant and towering name. From the perspective of an Anti-Entropy member, that name was synonymous with the ultimate demon lord who would destroy the world in the final level of a labyrinth.

To confront Otto and be friends with him?

Even the Lord of the Anti-Entropy wouldn't dare to do such a thing.

Who the hell is he!?

"That... Was that Otto Apocalypse just now?"

"Yes. Didn't I mention that adopting those two girls would eventually bring you face to face with Schicksal? Weren't you mentally prepared for it?"

"You didn't say it would directly oppose the Archbishop of Schicksal, did you!?"

Cocolia's face turned dark.

Sigurd glanced at her and continued nonchalantly:

"Sin Mal's abilities are quite special, and Otto believes she is a suitable test subject for a particular theory. As for Kiana, her surname is Kaslana."

Sigurd didn't mention that it was actually his theory that he proposed, and Otto wouldn't have any intentions until there were actual results. He also didn't mention that Kiana wouldn't be taken back in the short term, and Otto was happy to see her go through more of life and establish bonds.

He was just casually waving big flags, snatching people from Otto's hands, and then talking and laughing with him... Such understanding was enough to make Cocolia shudder before making any decisions.

"Sin Mal... the experimental subject that Otto is interested in... Kaslana..."

Cocolia muttered, suddenly feeling a chill in her heart.

She suddenly realized that it was not the time to think about how to use Sigurd anymore. Perhaps, it was more important to find a way to get them out of the orphanage.

But.... Sin Mal already called her "Mom."

Cocolia bit her lip, feeling conflicted.

At that moment, Sigurd seemed to remember something and asked suddenly:

"Speaking of Kaslana, do you have any news about Siegfried Kaslana?"

"Who? Oh, the former head of the Kaslana family who defected from Schicksal and has a hefty bounty on his head? I don't know why, do you suddenly ask. Is he related to Kiana?"

"He is her father."

"Gasp—"

Cocolia gasped, taking in a cold breath.

Damn it!

Things are getting more and more complicated!

Where's the Antri-Entropy Lord!? I need the Lord to come to the Cocolia Orphanage! I'm afraid Otto will come knocking on the door any second now!

Who the hell can handle this!?

"Forget it, since you don't know, then do me a favor..."

...

In the end, Cocolia left in a dazed state, forgetting what she came to ask.

When she reached the door of her bedroom, Bronya, dressed in pajamas, was sitting there waiting.

Seeing Cocolia return with a dazed expression, she stood up and gave her a puzzled look.

"Matushka?"

"Ah? It's Bronya. Why aren't you asleep at this late hour?"

"What's wrong with Matushka?"

"It's... just that things are getting complicated, and I need to think it through."

In front of her daughter, Cocolia regained some composure. Yes, the situation had already unfolded, and she didn't have the power to drive Sigurd away. Now, she needed to consider... whether it would be safer to pledge loyalty to the conservatives who were clearly closer to the leader.

Although there would be fewer opportunities to climb up within the conservative faction, and switching sides would ruin her previous efforts within the radical faction. But at least, showing loyalty to the leader, he might be able to protect her from Otto's clutches.

No, no, the situation isn't that bad yet. Instead of giving up her previous efforts, the enigmatic and unpredictable Sigurd might also be a suitable partner for cooperation...

Bronya tightened her grip on her HOMu plushie and asked expressionlessly:

"Is it because of the newcomers?"

Specifically, she was referring to Sigurd.

Although Kiana and Sin Mal were also newcomers, they were girls who slept with the other children. Only Sigurd, regardless of gender, had the privilege of having a single room, or Cocolia's attitude towards him, everything was too unusual.

Bronya recalled the letter she had discovered earlier and personally handed it to Cocolia. She felt that the two might be related, and it could be dangerous.

"Bronya..."

Cocolia caressed her head.

She was one of the older children in the orphanage, with a relatively reliable personality and abilities. If there was someone who could help at this moment, it would probably be her.

"Matushka, are they a threat?"

Bronya asked in a tone devoid of emotion, as a cold aura began emanating from her.

She was someone once known as the Silver Wolf of Ural, although it had been a while since she last held a gun and killed someone, for the sake of this place she called home, Bronya wouldn't mind returning to her old ways and becoming a fearsome killer once again.

Cocolia felt reassured.

She gently hugged Bronya and thought for a moment before saying:

"Don't act rashly. During normal times, keep an eye on that boy named Sigurd for me and report any abnormal situations to me. But don't engage in conflicts with him, and under no circumstances should you lay a hand on him. Leave everything to Mom."

"Matushka..."

"Don't worry, it will be fine. I will definitely protect you all."

In the embrace filled with motherly love, Bronya, who had just picked up memories of killing, quickly softened. She sniffed Cocolia's scent, felt the softness covering her face, and gradually felt a... suffocating sensation.

"Ugh!!!"

"Ah! Bronya, are you okay?"

Cocolia released Bronya, who was struggling desperately, and seeing her regain her breath, she apologized apologetically.

"Sorry, I forgot that my breast is big."

Bronya remained expressionless, lowered her head, and directly saw her own feet, then she clearly felt her face frowning in annoyance at the lack of mountains to block her view..

"Matushka, Bronya has a hunch that her body will stay the same!"

"Don't say that, you'll grow up too... I guess."

Cocolia's gaze shifted slightly. It was difficult to say for sure. Could she tell Bronya that she had an intuitive feeling that Bronya would become a part of the Barren Chest Faction in the future?

"By the way, do you want to sleep with Mom?"

"No! Bronya doesn't want to be a pillow. Bronya will go now, Matushka, please rest early."

"Eh? Why like this..."

Without her pillow, Cocolia reluctantly went back to her room to rest alone.

Climbing onto the bed, pulling up the blanket, as she was about to fall asleep, she suddenly remembered in a daze.

"Oh, he asked me for a favor, it was to... send a message to Tesla or Einstein..."

"As for the message, i just need to say... that he wants to propose to Kiana Kaslana!??"

<+>

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