Chapter 69: Redemption

There are many Aeons above the starry sky, each representing a Path. Walking on such Paths grants one a bit of power, giving them special abilities.

But Paths is not something that can be changed easily.

After all, certain beliefs, certain desires, are reasons why people embark on their destinies. If one feels that the world is meaningless, they might truly tread the path of Nihility, then be glanced by ?? of Nihility and become self-annihilators.

"Sis, how do you feel about this lesson?" Bronie asked.

Bronya listened to Bronie's lecture in a state of confusion. Although she understood every word, when they were strung together in a sentence, she became confused.

"It's very interesting. Humans are not alone; there are Aeons walking among the stars, and there are many powerful civilizations on the Imaginary Tree. Moreover, there are many pathstriders with fantastic ideas. Isn't that a good story?"

Okay, Bronya really saw this as a story.

But young Bronya wouldn't understand what Bronie's information truly represented.

She only saw the nervous expression and worry in Director Cioara's eyes.

"Does Elysia know about this? Did you tell them about these things?"

"If it's Su who's currently carrying out the Project, he should know by now. However, his goal is to deal with the Honkai, not to explore other universes, so..."

Bronie shrugged, and the matter of the universe was something she had only recently learned about.

While developing her own abilities, through the fragments of information drifting in the Sea of Quanta, Bronie learned about it. This provided her with a lot of inspiration and even opened up new paths for her ability development.

After all, Paths sounded very much like something idealistic. Even the imaginary abilities on Path were essentially manifestations of will.

"So, The Flamechasers doesn't know about this for the time being?"

"I only found out recently, but it doesn't matter. I haven't found the location of the Cocoon of Finality, but wherever there's existence, there must be traces. My abilities have a very high advantage in the informational dimension. Perhaps in the next Honkai Eruption, or the one after that, there will be a way after all."

"I really admire you. So, are you going to stop caring about the game and focus on confronting the Honkai and exploring the universe in the future?"

"No, the game still needs to be made. Oh, do you want to play Kirby? It supports multiplayer!"

"No, let's do it another time. I feel sleepy after class. I didn't sleep last night, so I'll take a nap first."

Cioara promptly declined Bronie's invitation to play, which Bronie understood.

"If you don't mind, come to my room. The bed in my room is quite big."

"Okay."

Bronie then took Cioara back to her room.

Although staying up late was already commonplace for mercenaries, it was still tiring. After changing into pajamas, Cioara quickly fell asleep.

Leaving her room, there were children playing in the corridor.

But Bronya was alone, and Seele seemed to be absent.

"Is there any command?"

Sensing Bronie's gaze, Bronya looked up and asked.

Bronie just silently shook her head.

"Is this how you usually rest and relax?"

"Because you always have to be ready for battle, so rest can't involve any unnecessary activities. Bronya will obey orders."

"Come with me to the game room. There are many ways for children to relax, whether it's playing around or playing games. These are the real ways to rest and relax. There won't be any battles nearby, and there won't be much combat training in the future. You don't have to fight anymore."

Silently, Bronya followed Bronie to the game room.

"Next door is my office. If you can't find me elsewhere, you can come here."

"Yes!"

This child, it's really heart-wrenching.

"That... you can call me Sister Bronie."

"Sister Bronie, can I ask you anything?"

"Yes, most questions are fine."

"Then... what does Sister Bronie usually do? Why are you so powerful in battle?"

Since following Bronie, Bronya had never seen her with any subordinates. Maybe Cioara looked like she could fight, but that was the entire Silver Wolf squad!

"I usually work as a game developer, handling programming, writing, music, and art aspects. Of course, some smaller tasks are delegated to others in my company. As for combat, it's a skill I use to navigate the Sea of Quanta, and without some combat prowess, it's impossible to travel such distances."

"What's wrong? Still don't believe me? No problem, I'll take you to play the game I've been working on lately. It's quite suitable for kids to play. Tonight, I'll have Cioara bring 'Homu's Big Adventure' over for you to watch together!"

Standing in front of the TV, Bronie opened the game, much to Bronya's surprise, and directly entered the game.

...

[ Hey! Welt, where have you gone, you damn ghost! ]

[ [Auto Reply] Hello, I'm currently busy, please contact me later. ]

Looking at the history on his phone, Welt sat alone in his teacher's dormitory, feeling regretful.

"I'm sorry, Tesla. For the next while, I'll sever ties with Anti Entropy and focus on finding important things within St. Freya Academy. Besides, the Valkyries' educational philosophy is also crucial..."

As Welt spoke, he resumed playing Kirby.

"Hmm, I didn't expect Haxxor Bunny to be able to create such a fun game, and it's for kids too? Guiding children to discover the beauty of the world through games and casually mentioning the cautionary aspects of cosmic ecology when civilizations enter the universe, this guy is extraordinary. But how could she be an unknown game developer?"

Welt usually liked to call himself an animator, but because of his love for history, he used the identity of a history teacher within St. Freya Academy.

So Bronie's identity actually made Welt, who was sensitive, feel a little something.

How should he put it?

There's a sense of resonance, as if traveling on the same path, making similar choices.

If she knows about the Honkai, then Haxxor Bunny is probably also taking action against the Honkai in secret, apart from AE, perhaps only Schicksal?

Then his phone vibrated again.

[Me and Einstein got robbed! Do you know a mercenary called Haxxor? They stole fifty kilograms of gold from us!?]

The auto-reply appeared again, infuriating Tesla, who smashed her phone, while Welt noticed this so-called Haxxor.

Is it a coincidence?

"It seems necessary to test Haxxor Bunny, but how should I proceed while undercover within St. Freya Academy?"

From Haxxor, Welt saw many doubts, but from the game, he also saw the positive qualities of Haxxor.

Although robbing gold, especially such a large amount, completely stumped Welt.

Although the money wasn't much, it could at least buy him a ticket to a Arahato movie.

"Perhaps, during the holidays, I'll use the excuse of being the author of 'Homu's Big Adventure' to meet with her. The sudden creation of a game for kids likely means she has kids nearby..."

After making up his mind, Welt temporarily stopped replying to Tesla and continued playing the game.

Once the game ended and St. Freya Academy went on vacation, he would then go find Haxxor and understand the situation better.

Reading Tesla's message, it was very likely that Haxxor broke through Titan's defenses and directly found Tesla and Einstein. Although they were frightened and robbed of the gold, nothing more extreme happened.

On the other hand, the new partner found by Anti Entropy had completely disappeared.

Obviously, the other party's goal was that partner of Anti Entropy. If it weren't for her, Haxxor probably wouldn't have shown up.

As for Bronie, who didn't intend to devote herself, she was happily playing with Bronya.

Cute Kirby, thrilling adventures, and seemingly meaningless gaming activities completely opened up a new world for Bronya.

Soon, Bronya became immersed in this round, pink little creature. Plus the relaxed atmosphere and Bronie's comforting presence, she gradually forgot her unease and threw herself into the game.

Watching every little monster she ate, gaining new abilities each time, and exploring more fun in every new map, a smile gradually appeared on Bronya's face.

Cioara watched this with envy in her heart.

She envied how easily Bronie could win over Bronya.

And herself?

When she went to see her in the morning, she was immediately grabbed by the hand and almost got hit in the face.

And the water brought over had to be splashed into herself first before she could drink it.

There was so much distrust.

From her toy box, Cioara found her long-cherished 'Homu's Adventure'. Cioara was determined to make Bronya let go of her guard.

After all, those behaviors could only indicate that her past was indeed very unpleasant. Cioara also wanted to make her own effort to let Bronya feel the beauty of the world.

Just like what Bronie did.

"Alright, Bronya, let's end the gaming session for today. I'll save your progress, and you can play it again later. Of course, it's also okay to play alone. This game was initially designed for a single player."

Pausing the game, Bronie saved the progress, and Bronya's face clearly showed a lonely expression.

Happy times are always short-lived, but those eyes that once had no hope for tomorrow gradually gained some expectation, at least for tomorrow, Bronya had some anticipation.

Although she couldn't understand the text in the game, through Bronie's explanation, Bronya roughly understood that the pink Kirby she was controlling had a heroic identity in her hometown, rescuing and protecting others.

Kind of cool.

"Now Bronya believes that you're a game developer. Can I watch you make games sometime?"

"Making games is quite difficult. You'll need to pay attention in class and accumulate basic knowledge to a certain extent before you can develop games. But don't worry, I'll adjust the teaching speed according to your learning pace. Let me tell you a secret, Anila is the most sensitive to math among all the kids. Although she's not recognized as Einstein, if she's nurtured properly, she might actually pioneer a new path in scientific research!"

"Okay..."

"Don't be shy to approach her. Anila loves math. If you discuss problem-solving strategies with her, she might even forget about time and eating. Math is the foundation of gaming. Without programming skills, you can't connect graphics, music, plot, and everything else together."

Seeing Bronya let go of her guard, Bronie excitedly said a little more.

At this moment, Cioara also woke up and watched Bronie and Bronya interact with crossed arms.

At this point, Bronya also noticed that there was actually a stranger behind her!

Then Bronya, frightened, hid behind Bronie, and Bronie, like a mother hen protecting her chick, stretched out her hand.

"Seeing your expression, do you want me to go to the Elysian Realm and talk to them?"

"After all, this matter is quite serious. A direction determines the future direction of research. The existence of the Aeons may help us get through the Honkai."

"The Aeons can definitely solve the Honkai, but would you bend over and reach out for a mere earthworm? It's impossible. The fleeting glance of the Aeons on the path of destiny is the only intersection between mortals and the Aeons. Otherwise, Su would have solved the Honkai!"

Because she believed in Bronie's words, Cioara seemed very anxious.

There's no way around it, the game's settings, though light, are of great importance.

Who wouldn't want to quickly solve the Honkai?

"Although it sounds easy, these things are observed and summarized by other civilizations after countless changes, right? It's still too far-fetched to come into contact with them now..."

Cioara calmed down, and Bronie also gave Cioara a hug.

"Don't worry, my determination to solve the Honkai is not much different from yours. We still have plenty of time."

Indeed, there's still plenty of time.

At least six years.

The third Honkai Eruption without Cocolia is definitely going to be postponed by quite a bit. Of course, Bronie doesn't know the current situation of Raiden Mei.

Worst case, she would take over the position of Origin in the future and elevate Kiana the little princess to the position of Finality.

"Alright, I trust you. But afterwards, you need to organize a document for me, in electronic format. I'll deliver it to the Elysian Realm myself, preferably with all the information you've seen from your dimensional vision."

"Of course, scientists value rigor. I'll record what I've seen, but don't expect me to figure out anything. After all, I don't know the principles."

"Yes, yes, yes, I'm just a tired soul. It seems that I'm doing something voluntarily for the first time, without expecting any rewards. When I come back, you'd better make me something delicious."

"That goes without saying."

"One more thing."

Suddenly, Cioara stopped Bronie again.

This Miss Raven speaks like a dad!

"Kiana said she really misses you. If you have time, go see her. But Bronya is here, so you might have to wait a while."

"I know, I know. When I have time, I'll definitely go see her."