Volume 1, Chapter 68: Otto's Arrogance

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"Found the Soulium computer."

"Wendy inadvertently stood up."

At Schicksal Headquarters, Otto reviewed the organized files and queried with intrigue, "Amber, do you believe in such coincidences?"

"Though reluctant to accept it, currently, it seems just that - a coincidence." Amber's tone also carried uncertainty.

"Based on Xia Chen's movements, his only suspicious activity was visiting Nagazora City. But if he truly is a spy sent by another organization to infiltrate Schicksal, why would he undertake such an arduous task without any apparent benefit?"

"No, Amber, I think you haven't grasped my point." Otto waved his hand and said, "Have you considered another possibility?

"What if Xia Chen inherently possesses the ability to assimilate the Gem of Desire? In records from the previous era's civilization, there exists a Honkai Beast named Vishnu, which could infinitely grow stronger by consuming its own kind."

Amber's eyes widened involuntarily, "Lord Bishop, are you suggesting...?"

"Yes, precisely. I believe Xia Chen isn't lying; he is indeed a visitor from another world bubble to this one. However, he may not necessarily be human."

Before Otto's computer screen, data from observations of another world were displayed.

He calmly stated, "Perhaps even he is unaware of what he truly is."

Amber was deeply shaken.

Based on Otto's explanation, Xia Chen could very well be a Honkai Beast disguised beneath human skin.

If that's the case...

"Is it necessary to inform Durandal and have him under surveillance?"

"No, there's no need for that." Otto shook his head. "Find some pretext to transfer him to the Far East Branch instead. Hmm, let him interact more with Raiden Mei. I'm quite curious if she might suddenly improve, just like Wendy did?"

It was evident that the Gem of Conquest within Raiden Mei had not gone unnoticed by Otto.

However, he chose to ignore it for now.

After all, according to the predetermined plan, recovering Raiden Mei wasn't crucial; rather, her presence at Saint Freya held greater value.

"But you can subtly inform Fu Hua about this matter, advising her to remain cautious."

"Yes, Lord Bishop."

Amber left the room.

Otto slightly narrowed his eyes.

Instead, Otto spoke slowly, "Regarding the civilization from the previous era... Void Archives, how much more have you concealed from me about this 'Vast Archive of the Void'?"

"Ah, at least on this matter, I haven't lied," a voice echoed directly in Otto's mind.

"That individual possesses the ability for infinite evolution, or so it appears based on current observations. With such power akin to Vishnu, my advice is to deal with them promptly. Ideally... you truly don't comprehend the terror of an Anarchy-level Honkai Beast."

The classification of Anarchy-level Honkai Beasts isn't solely based on strength but rather their unpredictable nature.

In the previous era, Vishnu, once an Imperial Honkai Beast, had nearly evolved into a planetary-scale Honkai Beast through continuous consumption alone, falling just short.

If it successfully devoured an entire continent, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Now, Void Archives saw another entity resembling Vishnu - Xia Chen, despite still retaining human wisdom and identity.

"Hmph, that's not an issue."

"I've heard you mention fusion warriors before; they were always teetering on the brink of losing their sanity. In that era, there was a method to prevent their descent into madness, which could potentially apply here as well."

"Tell me, who is she?" Otto's question stirred immense emotion within Void Archives.

"It's impossible now."

"She won't reappear in this era."

"But if you truly wish to know, I can only say that she was no less terrifying than a Herrscher's nightmare."

"No... she transcended humanity herself."

The uncharacteristic emotional fluctuation of the usually composed Void Archives piqued Otto's interest significantly.

It was evident that 'she', mentioned by Void Archives, instilled great fear during that time.

"I am aware that Mei created you as a means to control me, but to overcome Honkai, we need to cooperate, don't we, old friend?" Otto emphasized the words "old friend" with particular weight.

"I require Honkai to achieve my goals, and you desire to swiftly end Honkai to break free from your destiny. At this moment, we are collaborators, we are... partners."

"I need more information, not just about Vishnu."

A week later, when Xia Chen received orders to proceed to Saint Freya Academy, he was utterly speechless.

Ana's efficiency was astounding.

However, the issue lay with Otto transferring him to the Oceanic Branch, clearly indicating his intent to prevent Xia Chen from disrupting the Sirin plan. So why send him to Saint Freya now?

Could it be that Xia Chen has inadvertently become part of Otto's scheme?

As Xia Chen anticipated, after resolving Wendy's situation, he expected to be recalled to Headquarters for observation. Wendy's sudden recovery would undoubtedly raise suspicions; not questioning his involvement would have been an insult to Otto's intelligence.

However, Otto chose not to intervene.

Could it be that he is truly so confident, believing he can control everything?

"Apologies, despite pleading with Sister Amber for quite some time, I couldn't get you transferred back to Headquarters until now. But this time, your wish should finally come true. As Saint Freya's self-defense teacher, we can't have you idle without any responsibilities."

In the video call, Ana spoke slightly apologetic.

With Wendy successfully transferred to Schicksal Headquarters, Xia Chen was now the sole remaining member at the Ocean Branch.

During this week, he didn't waste any opportunity for simulations.

He consecutively died three times in Mobius' laboratory, obtaining three three-star Stigmata, which were subsequently dismantled by Ana.

"Becoming a teacher...is going to drive me insane," Xia Chen groaned, feeling overwhelmed. "And aren't you worried I might seek out other girls again?"

"Xia Chen, are you deliberately trying to annoy me?" Ana gritted her teeth, visibly upset. "Why bring up such sensitive topics? Is this your idea of emotional intelligence?" She pouted and continued, "When news of this reached Saint Freya, Principal Theresa made multiple calls to the Lord Bishop, protesting precisely about this issue."

"However, both Lord Bishop and Amber believe that Saint Freya lacks an exceptional self-defense teacher; otherwise, there wouldn't have been any outstanding Valkyrie students for years."

Xia Chen actually knew the real reason behind Theresa's opposition.

Kiana Kaslana was the daughter of Siegfried Kaslana, one of Schicksal's three most wanted criminals.

Theresa thought she had concealed it well, naturally cautious about outsiders entering.

Yet surprisingly, her stated reason was to prohibit early romantic relationships...

Well, it was indeed consistent with the excuse someone of her intellect would use.

"Additionally, I recall your swordsmanship has some deficiencies. Saint Freya is located near the Far East, which has numerous traditional schools of sword techniques. The academy should have records of them. I remember a young girl named Raiden Mei who achieved Menkyo Kaiden in Hokushin Ittō-ryū, sounding quite impressive," Ana explained earnestly. "So this decision is also for your benefit."

Xia Chen nodded, "I understand."

He genuinely lacked proficiency in swordsmanship. Sakura Petal Fall, while suitable for Yae Sakura and other female fighters, did not align with his style.

"I'll fulfill my duties diligently."

However, Xia Chen remained unaware that after hanging up the call, the person he was speaking with - Ana, transformed into someone else's appearance.

Otto Apocalypse.

"Hm, this should suffice," Otto remarked.

Witnessing the entire exchange from the side, Amber remained silent.

"Ana's explanation is now on you, Amber."

"Yes, Lord Bishop."

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End of Volume One – Author's Note:

The first volume concludes here.

Reflecting back at the end of this volume, I personally feel there were areas lacking in my writing. Both Ana and Wendy deserved more development.

Due to Ana Schariac having minimal presence in the main storyline and background information, I portrayed her as a somewhat naive yet spirited young lady. Her character traits align closer to ordinary people, capable of experiencing fear, love, concern, and jealousy.

As for Wendy, there is even less material available from "Honkai Impact." Initially, I intended to incorporate her backstory from "Honkai Academy" but failed multiple times. Consequently, I created a new narrative for her, unsure if it resonates with readers.

Regarding the main theme of this story, although there are some romantic elements, I primarily aimed to depict each character's growth journey. Due to limited information available, I will gradually add original aspects for each character moving forward.

This includes describing various Honkai Events, which I will also write myself.