After the first test of Black Armor 8.0, that night, through a communication network designed and encrypted by Sigurd himself, four individuals from all corners of the world joined a video conference.

Sigurd, Welt, Einstein, and Cocolia—these four individuals essentially formed the core of the current Anti-Entropy force, both in terms of combat prowess and intelligence.

Welt was in St. Freya and had just finished work.

He glanced at his capable subordinates, rubbed his brow slightly in weariness, and said, “I won’t hold a grudge for you against what you did against Brolon. Although he contributed significantly to Anti-Entropy in its early days, he has been compensated well over the years. I’ve had thoughts of dealing with this parasite for a while now, so this might be a blessing in disguise. However… Are you really planning to attack the Oceania branch?”

Cocolia spread her hands in a helpless gesture. “I don’t agree either, but Lord Sigurd is determined, and Dr. Einstein also supports his plan. There’s nothing I can do.”

Since following Sigurd, Cocolia’s path had been relatively smooth sailing, and she didn’t take extreme risks like the original storyline. Now, she just wanted stability.

But Sigurd was the leader, after all. If he spoke up, what could she say as a subordinate?

Muttering to herself, Cocolia harbored a hint of resentment—after all, it was Bronya, Kiana, and Sin Mal who were going to the front lines. In a way, they were all her children!

Einstein sipped fragrant red tea from a very expensive, high-quality cup, saying nothing.

In her view, this was mainly a discussion between Welt and Sigurd, and she and Cocolia were just adding numbers.

Seeing both Einstein and Cocolia silent, only Welt furrowed his brow slightly, expressing his disagreement.

Sigurd responded, “I admit there’s risk involved, and there’s an element of gambling. But if I’m the one to obtain the Core, Otto shouldn’t pursue it excessively.”

“Why do you think that?”

“Based on my value alone, which to him, is above the Core.”

“I still don’t agree. If you want to research the Herrscher Core, Einstein has a Gem of Conquest in her possession.”

“Pfft!”

The one who reacted was Cocolia, and she even splattered red wine onto the camera lens.

At the same time, Einstein’s gaze shifted slightly.

Welt: ???

Within Welt’s puzzled expression, Einstein sighed and dryly said, “The Gem of Conquest is gone.”

“What do you mean by ‘gone’?”

“The gem was implanted into Raiden Ryoma’s body, she did it.”

In the screen, Einstein pointed downwards, precisely at Cocolia’s image.

In the image, Cocolia was wiping the red wine that had soaked her top.

Hearing this, she suddenly dropped her handkerchief, pressing her face excitedly against the camera, and exclaimed, “I was forced into it! The radicals had knives at my throat. If I didn’t comply with their demands, what would happen to my children? Besides, even Dr. Einstein and Ryoma agreed to do it. Why is the blame placed on me? Say something, Dr. Einstein!”

Einstein… agreed? Even Cocolia… Welt’s expression entered a trance, as if the situation had exceeded his imagination.

“I need an explanation, Einstein.”

Welt’s face turned serious, a mix of confusion and disbelief swirling within him, unsure if he felt more disappointed or angry.

Raiden Ryoma was Mei’s biological father, and he had even held the little girl when she was younger.

Moreover, to think that such a thing happened, and even Einstein had kept it a secret from him?

What were they thinking?

Einstein set down her tea cup.

After a moment of silence, she spoke in a vague tone, recounting, “At that time, Cocolia had just joined the radicals, and the radicals had long been planning the implantation of the Gem of Conquest into Ryoma. Their chosen vessel was Ryoma. Back then, Cocolia lacked the power to take the Gem from my possession, and she couldn’t possibly move Ryoma’s daughter. She just happened to be in that position, becoming the chosen executor of the radicals. If she succeeded, she’d officially join their ranks; if she failed, she’d bear the consequences herself. She truly had no choice. As for me… I did indeed approve of it.”

If it wasn’t for her approval, who else could have taken the heavily guarded gem from her?

Welt’s expression went through a series of changes, finally coming to terms with this reality. Then he asked, “…Why?”

“Why should I answer that?”

“You must answer!”

“You’ve grown up, and you’re starting to be disobedient, Yang.”

“Einstein… answer me, why?”

For a moment, Welt was lost in his memories, recalling that unique period of growth.

Einstein was always like this, silently standing behind him, as if she would never leave, giving him an overwhelming sense of security.

But in the end, he persisted with his inquiry.

Because of Welt’s ideals, his dream of protecting the world, and all these incredibly precious things that Einstein had passed on to him bit by bit, how could he not press for answers?

“For your sake.”

Then, Einstein provided this brief response.

Before Welt could react, Einstein lifted the tea cup with both hands.

Her eyes shimmered with a color that Welt couldn’t quite understand, and she continued, “During the Second Eruption, you miraculously survived despite being on the edge of death numerous amount of time. At that time, you kept dying and returning time after time… Tesla later said that you were like an indestructible cockroach, which is quite amusing. I don’t find it amusing. I am simply grateful… grateful that you came back.”

“And then, just during the Second Eruption, you almost didn’t return, just that… tiny bit. But what about the next time? How many more Eruptions are there, how many more Herrschers are there, and how far can you hold on?”

“I don’t want a day to come when an Eruption strikes and you’re gone forever.”

Snap!

Einstein spoke in a soft tone, simultaneously releasing the cup.

The precious teacup shattered on the table, much like how Welt’s life might shatter at any moment.

Hot tea splashed onto Einstein’s thin clothes, but she remained composed. She continued to sigh softly, “So, do you understand my thoughts now?”

“…You should change your clothes. You could get burned.”

“No need, it’s already cooled down.”

“Einstein…”

Welt opened his mouth, unsure how to continue.

He understood Einstein’s intentions.

Einstein wanted to nurture a new Herrscher-level force, fight alongside him, and even replace him, all for one purpose—to ensure Welt’s survival.

“Even so… even so, we can’t…”

We can’t trample upon the oath we once cherished, the line we agreed upon together!

Welt clenched his fists.

He could face the Herrscher of Void without fear, and laugh in the face of death.

Yet at this moment, he couldn’t confront this version of Einstein, the Einstein he didn’t recognize. He couldn’t even articulate the reproach he had meant to voice.

Einstein looked at the screen, or more accurately, at Welt’s lowered head.

After a long while, she revealed a soft smile.

“Justice and righteousness, or you and Tesla… Sometimes, I can’t even distinguish which I’m living for. I only know that after Joyce left, there are just the two of you left in my world… Let it be this way. What do you want to do to me, I have no objections, if you want to, I would volunteer to step down from my position. I probably don’t have the right to… ”

“No. As the leader, I reject your application.”

“…Yang?”

“Making mistakes isn’t frightening. Yes, everyone makes mistakes. What’s frightening isn’t the mistakes themselves, but not knowing and not repenting for them. Besides, we still have the chance to correct everything. Tell me, Einstein, have you ever regretted? Do you feel guilt and the need for compensation towards Ryoma?”

Welt raised his head, his expression resolute.

There was a burning and tenacious flame in his eyes.

At this moment, he wasn’t a lost boy but Welt Yang, a man radiating with brilliance.

Einstein looked at him in a daze, as if seeing another man with a smile as warm as the sun through him. Then, her focus shifted back, and before her was the familiar Yang—Welt Yang.

“. . . . .I have.”

Welt let out a sigh, then said with unwavering certainty, “Then, make amends for your mistakes, save that girl. Tell Ryoma my stance. I am the leader of Anti-Entropy, the First Herrscher. I’m a man who can crawl back from the world of death at any time. I’m not so weak that I need him to sacrifice his daughter. Count it as one major mistake, and we can find a chance to discipline him later.”

Raiden Ryoma was Welt’s friend, it’s not wrong to call him his brother in all but blood.

Welt could understand Ryoma’s intentions—to save the world, protect his friends, and give his daughter, who was naturally endowed with stigmata, the power to defend herself. These were all probably there, not bad intentions.

But, he crossed the line.

Einstein nodded slowly, very compliantly saying, “Understood. I will convey it to him.”

Then, Welt turned to Sigurd, who had been quietly listening all this time. He softened his tone and said, “If we obtain the gem, I hope your first research project will be how to extract it from a person harmlessly.”

“It’s fortunate. The one I’m searching for happens to be a girl with the Herrscher Core implanted. So, this will undoubtedly be my first research project.”

Welt raised an eyebrow, sounding somewhat sighing.

Is she also that kind of girl?

Then there’s no need for much hesitation.

A glint of sharpness flashed through Welt’s eyes, and he nodded, saying, “Alright, I agree with your plan. Capturing the Oceania branch isn’t difficult. What’s difficult is dealing with Otto’s possible actions and his subsequent retaliation… I can intervene. Think about what action is more suitable.”

“If possible, could you help me watch over those three kids on-site? As for Otto… no need. When the war starts, he’ll be at headquarters, busy entertaining a friend. He won’t have time to handle the Oceania branch’s plea for help.”

“Entertaining a friend? Otto has friends? Who?”

“Me.”

Sigurd said lightly, then towards the screen, he slowly revealed a faint smile.