Theresa's Shines
And so, the in-depth collaboration between Schicksal and Anti-Entropy was successfully agreed upon, thanks in no small part to the generous financial support of St. Freya's headmistress, Theresa.
"She didn't just provide the location for the meeting," Luo Mo said later, recounting the events to a group of four who had arrived late. "She also completely melted down during the negotiation, which actually helped things go smoothly. You could say that without her, the whole thing would have been a disaster. So let's give it up for our amazing and adorable academy head, Theresa!"
Luo Mo, who had witnessed the whole thing firsthand, spoke with a clarity and precision that left no room for doubt.
Kiana, one of the people who had arrived late, was quick to voice her admiration for Theresa. "Wow! Auntie is the best!" she exclaimed, clapping her hands together in a gesture of applause. She felt a little guilty for all the times she had annoyed Theresa in the past, and she saw this as an opportunity to make up for it. Her mother and Mei had taught her that adults appreciate being acknowledged in public, after all.
As Kiana's words echoed through the room, those present reacted with a mix of emotions. Some hurriedly left without uttering a word, while others struggled to suppress their laughter. Theresa's face turned a shade of green and red as she slowly approached Kiana.
"Ki! Ya! Na!" she exclaimed, causing Kiana to look puzzled. "What's wrong, Great Aunt? I'm complimenting you eh!" Kiana protested, genuinely confused about why her compliment had elicited such a reaction.
Meanwhile, Mei and Bronya instinctively took a step back upon witnessing the exchange. Even Fuhua retreated half a step. Theresa had managed to make both Thirteen Heroes from the former civilization and Red Kite Immortal from the current civilization retreat half a step - an achievement worthy of historical recognition!
Luo Mo declared this a moment for the history books, ensuring that Theresa's name would be forever remembered.
Meanwhile, back at the bustling academy, Theresa, a figure of authority and wisdom, could be seen guiding Kiana to a secluded corner.
Her purpose? A private lesson to impart some much-needed combat class knowledge. This wasn't an unusual occurrence. Theresa was known for her dedication to her students' growth and development.
The others in the room, upon noticing this, quietly shifted their gazes away. After all, it was a common occurrence for relatives to have private lessons. Yet, beneath the surface of their nonchalance, one could sense a hint of envy and jealousy.
Who wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of Theresa's personal attention and instruction?
Luo Mo, who had been watching the scene unfold, turned his attention to Bronya and Mei. With a wide smile, he stepped towards them, hoping to strike up a conversation. But before he could even say a word, Bronya cut him off.
"Silence! Bronya doesn't want to talk to you right now!" she declared, her voice firm. She sidestepped slightly and held out her hand as if to physically block Luo Mo. Then, scooping Mei into her arms, she headed towards the academy dormitory.
"Let's go inside and wait for Kiana, Mei-senpai!" she called over her shoulder.
Luo Mo watched them go, dumbfounded. "Did she misunderstand something?" he wondered out loud. "What's there to be afraid of?" He had only wanted to say hello. Misunderstandings seemed to be the theme of the day.
With no one paying him any attention, Luo Mo decided to bury himself in his work, retreating into the company's system information.
He walked away with a sense of purpose, leaving the others behind.
Fu Hua watched him go, and after a moment's hesitation, she decided to follow him.
Perhaps she was curious about what Luo Mo was up to.
...
Inside St. Freya Academy, Kallen and Rita were having a serious talk in an office. Rita had just come back from a trip and was telling Kallen everything she found out.
She also shared her own thoughts about what she learned, which Kallen always appreciated because Rita was smart and had a good way of explaining things.
However, something Rita said was bothering Kallen. She looked worried and asked, "Are you sure the Oceania branch will revolt? Are you sure you're not letting your feelings influence your opinion?"
Kallen was concerned because the Oceania branch was where Valkyries who worked for Schicksal went when they retired.
It was unsettling to think they might rebel.
Rita looked sorry as she replied, "My Lord Bishop, I'm afraid it's true. When I was at the lab, I saw proof that they are working with Cocolia and Anti-Entropy. They even have Anti-Entropy's newest mechs there. It looks like they are doing research together to see if they can experiment on humans with the Herrscher Gem."
Kallen rubbed her temples. The thought of them "Stealing the Herrscher powers?" she said out loud, "This is really bad!" A lab close to their headquarters had just been attacked by a Mecha group led by Cocolia of Anti-Entropy. Cocolia stole the Serenity Gem during the attack.
Now, on top of trying to negotiate with Anti-Entropy about that, Kallen had to deal with this new problem.
It seemed that more and more people were coveting the power of Honkai.
The Oceania branch had always been evasive, often shirking their responsibilities and ignoring directives from headquarters.
Their actions had become a thorn in Kallen's side that needed to be removed.
Kallen had initially planned to dismantle the branch gradually, but given the current circumstances, it seemed that a more forceful approach would be necessary.
"Rita, I need you to inform Durandal that the Immortal Blade will be taking direct military control of the branch," Kallen instructed in a stern voice.
"She will operate in the open, while you will work behind the scenes. If there is any resistance, we will not hesitate to take decisive action."
Kallen wasn't the same person she used to be. She had learned to be patient with small problems and understood that corruption happens in all organizations.
But, she refused to accept the mistreatment of Valkyries or the oppression of people.
She would not let that happen!
The Kaslana Houses had always been a shield for the people, and Kallen was determined to uphold this legacy. This was a principle that could not be compromised.
Rita then asked about the retired Valkyries, to which Kallen responded, "If they pose any obstruction, they too will be purged! However, we must ensure that their families are treated well."
Kallen had once overthrown the old Schicksal, and she was just as capable of eliminating any elements that threatened the integrity of her organization now.
Her mind was made up.
"I understand," Rita said. "Durandal is currently on a mission in Siberia, exterminate Honkai beasts. Should we call her back right away?" Rita had complete confidence in Durandal's skills.
The prospect of Durandal, known as the Immortal Blade Leader, single-handedly clearing out an entire branch did not seem to surprise Rita in the slightest. She did not question the feasibility of such a task.
After all, Durandal was the strongest Valkyrie in Schicksal today!
Durandal was unstoppable on the battlefield. No Honkai beast could survive against her incredible strength.
If she been deployed during the time of the Third herrscher Eruption, it's likely that the Third herrscher would not have survived.
Durandal was far more powerful than the other two S-class Valkyries in Schicksal. The difference in their strength was huge.
However, Durandal was born after the second Honkai war ended, which affected her relationship with Sirin. Because of that, she decided to go to headquarters to learn more.
This was something Kiana didn't know anything about.
"Let her finish her mission first," Kallen said. The situation was serious, and Kallen's tone reflected that. "Rita, why don't you stay here at St. Freya for a while and get ready to handle things?" she suggested.
"As you wish, Bishop-sama," Rita responded. She was ready to do whatever Kallen asked.
Kallen continued, "If Luo Mo has any requests, you can decide whether to grant them." She paused for a moment before adding, "Regarding Mr. Luo…"
Kallen spoke seriously, "Rita, this is a top-secret matter within Schicksal. You can know about it, but you can't tell anyone else about him." She knew Rita was smart and always wanted to learn new things, especially if the other person was willing to talk.
"I'll leave this operation to you, Rita," Kallen said, gesturing towards the limousine that was waiting outside.
"As you wish, Lord Bishop!" Rita responded. She gave a small bow as she said goodbye. Her rosy-gold eyes sparkled with curiosity, and a small smile touched her lips.
This was going to be interesting!