Honkai: Strijder
Select the paragraph where you stopped reading
Chapter 20 Table of contents

Although they were making a deal with a tiger, at least Vira obtained the hope to survive.

After that, Sigurd took Kiana and headed east, venturing deep into the vast and cold Siberian plains.

Over a month later, Kiana had fully recovered her health.

At least, there didn't seem to be any issues with her Herrscher abilities and physical data.

...

In the midst of winter, the Siberian forest was adorned with snow-covered branches.

Kiana wore a white Cossack hat, with her silver long hair braided into two long twists. She was dressed in a fluffy snow-white coat, leaving snow imprints with each step she took, happily walking back and forth in the snow.

Her body had finally fully recovered, and the constant pain that had been present disappeared completely in the past two days. It was evident that she was in a good mood, with a smile on her face as if she had emerged from the shadows of a month ago.

But Sigurd knew that every time Kiana walked on the street and saw little girls with golden hair, her gaze involuntarily focused on them, as if she could see Vira's figure among them.

He could understand this mindset - although, if it were the opposite gender, this behavior would be considered a bit strange.

"Stop playing around, rest time is over, let's continue on our way."

"Coming, coming!"

Suddenly, a strong gust of wind blew through the calm snowy forest, causing the branches above to bend down as if being pressed by some object falling from the sky.

"Phew, phew!"

The fallen snow from the tree piled up on Kiana's body, and some even entered her mouth.

"Sigurd!"

Kiana stomped her feet and glared at Sigurd, who stood tall above her.

There was nothing visible beneath his feet.

But Kiana knew that there was an airship there, capable of soaring in the sky, with a windscreen to shield against the elements. People could sit, stand, or even lie down inside, and it had a huge cannon that could shatter small mountains, along with various other gadgets and functions - like invisibility.

Who knows how Sigurd managed to build it, but it was definitely impressive, Kiana thought sincerely.

However, that didn't stop her from getting angry at Sigurd's prank.

"How dare you do this to me? Are you looking for a fight?"

Kiana rolled up her sleeves in a threatening manner.

Then she saw Sigurd's deadly gaze and the cannon, which revealed its prototype form. The dark and profound barrel was pointed directly at her.

"Oh, the snow is so white and wonderful. I really love it. Shh~ Shh~ Shh~"

Whistling soundlessly, Kiana stood innocently in place, as if nothing had happened.

"Get on."

Sigurd said calmly.

"Oh."

Kiana jumped on board and took a few steps forward, entering the cabin. The interior space, hidden by optical camouflage, was revealed before her eyes.

It was a small room of forty square meters, creating a cozy living space. There was a driver's area with various control facilities and large screens, as well as a workspace with mysterious instruments.

The living area was basically Kiana's domain, where she could roll around as she pleased.

The driver's area and workspace belonged to Sigurd, and usually Kiana couldn't be bothered to go over there.

The division of labor was quite clear, right?

"Take your medicine."

As soon as the airship started, Sigurd handed Kiana a glass of water and a few pills.

Kiana's expression immediately soured.

"Do I have to take it? I'm already fine."

"Don't you want dessert after dinner?"

Kiana threw the pills into her mouth and emptied the water glass.

"Gulugulu!"

"I'm done."

Kiana opened her mouth wide, trying to let Sigurd see her throat to prove that she had indeed swallowed the pills.

Sigurd flicked her forehead with his finger.

"This is the last time. These pills aren't something good, and I won't let you take them unnecessarily."

"Yes! Sigurd is right! I'll listen to you!"

Then Sigurd flicked her forehead again, producing a crisp sound, as if knocking on a watermelon, and it felt like there was water inside.

Kiana stuck out her tongue and grabbed Sigurd's arm, shaking it.

"We've been flying for so long, where are we going, and how much longer?"

"We're going to find a cunning woman. But before that, we've just discovered a promising candidate, and it's the perfect time to dig deeper."

"Huh?"

"You'll find out when we get there. Why ask so many questions?"

Sigurd pinched the chubby cheeks of the girl and frowned suddenly.

"By the way, have you gained weight recently?"

"No! Absolutely not! Ladies can't get fat!"

Kiana shivered and crossed her arms in front of her chest, excitedly refuting him.

Sigurd rubbed his chin and said meaningfully, "It's okay, you'll slim down."

...

In the city's affluent area, there was a majestic noble mansion.

Late at night, several screams suddenly rang out, followed by towering flames that engulfed the mansion, filling the air with smoke.

The surrounding residents were thrown into chaos, shouting, running, and calling for help. The various sounds merged together, but it was all part of ordinary life.

Amidst the commotion, on a seldom-traveled street not far from the burning mansion, a small figure walked slowly. She was barefoot, stepping on the snowy ground with unsteady steps. Looking up, the horrifying sight of her body being burned was visible.

She suddenly stopped.

In front of her appeared two figures.

From an ordinary person's perspective, one was a handsome boy with his hands in his pockets and a blank expression, while the other was a cute girl who looked worried and innocent.

But in the eyes of Sin Mal, it was an entirely different scene.

The girl was a massive black flame, spewing pure anger and hatred, entangled by countless dark grudges, while also hinting at an unprecedented terrifying power. (Tn: Referencing to the Herrscher inside her)

The boy was... an incomprehensibly immense void, reaching beyond sight, supporting the world with a single hand, and his eyes, high above, looked down upon all beings.

While Sin Mal stares without blinking, the void seemed to sense something and shifted its emotionless gaze towards her.

"Ah!"

Sin Mal let out a scream and sat frozen on the snowy ground.

So, am I already dead? Is what I'm seeing now a devil? Or a god?

Sin Mal pondered in a daze.

Sigurd approached her and squatted down, looking thoughtfully at Sin Mal's heterochromatic eyes.

Sin Mal had the ability to see the seven deadly sins with her eyes, as a part of the plot's setting. So, what would she see from these two individuals?

Curious, Sigurd, however, didn't rush to find out. Instead, he started from the first step of getting acquainted and asked, "Are you Sin Mal?"

"...Do I look human to you right now?"

Sin Mal didn't answer directly but asked this question instead, with a hopeful expression in her eyes, mingled with a hint of intoxication.

After a single glance from the indescribable void, Sigurd's appearance returned to that of a handsome boy, and the peculiar anomaly on him vanished.

This is the second purely human face that Sin Mal has seen, just like the one Bronya used to have—so beautiful and innocent.

Therefore, she wants to know Sigurd's answer.

She has already stained herself with blood and sins, just like any other human. Does that mean she is no longer a monster?

The Sigurd in front of her should be able to give her an answer, right?

Sin Mal raised her head, half of her face charred and grotesque, even repulsive, but Sigurd replied nonchalantly, "It's not about looking like or not, you are a human."

"Really?"

Sin Mal was pleasantly surprised, and a smile appeared on her monstrous face.

"Indeed. But..."

"But?"

Sin Mal looked puzzled, and then, a syringe was inserted into the back of her neck.

"But if left untreated, you'll be a dead person."

Sigurd said calmly and pressed the injection button.

Sin Mal didn't pay attention to what was injected into her body. She simply tried to widen her eyes, wanting to capture the beautiful scene before her for a little longer, even if it was just for another second.

But the heaviness of her eyelids gradually became overpowering.

Soon, she staggered and fell into Sigurd's arms.

"Sigurd, is this the person you were looking for?"

Kiana also crouched beside them, looking at the girl in Sigurd's arms, who was in a pitiful state, unable to bear it any longer. She took a deep breath.

It looks so painful. What has she been through?

Kiana, full of sympathy—she couldn't stand seeing little girls being harmed. They were all cute little angels to be loved, not harmed.

"Sigurd, let's adopt her!"

Kiana suddenly exclaimed with sparkling eyes.

Sigurd glanced at her.

"Sure, you can be her mother."

"And you can be her father..."

"No, I'll be her grandfather."

"Sigurd!"

. . . . . . . . .

Sin Mal had a dream.

In her dream, there were her parents lying in a pool of blood, foster parents covered in mouths of desire all over their bodies, and the angelic and pure Bronya.

Sin Mal stood in a gradually sinking black swamp and reached out her hand towards Bronya.

"Sorry... You're a monster... not a human."

Bronya said so and turned away, ignoring Sin Mal's outstretched hand, gradually moving farther away.

"No... don't go..."

"Ah!"

Sin Mal woke up screaming, holding her head in her hands, and felt not the smooth strands of her usual hair, but a rough bandage.

"Where is this?"

Sin Mal held her head, trying to recall the events of yesterday.

Ah, I remember. Yesterday, I killed that hideous pair of greedy mouths and also took care of a disgusting fat pig—this is not a metaphor or an exaggeration; in Sin Mal's eyes, her foster parents and the wealthy businessman who reached out to her looked just like that.

And then, she herself became engulfed in darkness, gathering the sins of humanity- God! Right, she also met God! God acknowledged that she is human!

"Ha- Ha- Hahaha-!"

She suddenly burst into laughter, maniacal laughter.

...

"Sigurd, do you think she's gone crazy?"

"Her mental state doesn't seem very stable."

"Do you think cakes and ice cream would help?"

"...She's a human, not a tuna."

"You're calling me a fish again!?"

"I never named anyone specifically. You just identified with the code name yourself. Is it my fault?"

...

Sin Mal turned her head, and there were two people facing each other at her bedside.

One of them is a silver-haired boy who appears beautiful and refined in her eyes.

The other is a mass of haunting black flames.

"You... me..."

Sin Mal tilted her head, trying to say something, but she didn't know what to say. It has been a long time since she had a normal conversation with someone.

Then Kiana, taking the initiative, held her hand and enthusiastically said, "Hello! I'm Kiana Kaslana! You seem to be called Simbalah, right? It's nice to meet you!"

"It's Sin Mal."

Sigurd corrected, not disappointed in Kiana's memory—because he had long given up hope.

"Oh well, it doesn't matter. I'll remember after spending a few more days together! I don't know what you've been through, but it doesn't matter. I'll protect you from now on!"

Kiana said in a carefree manner, wearing her usual bright smile—innocent and naive.

Sigurd remained noncommittal.

But Sin Mal ignored the chattering of the black flames and just looked at Sigurd with an infatuated gaze.

'Ah, why is he so handsome!'

"I'm Sin Mal. What's your- your name?"

Sin Mal casually shook off Kiana's hand, leaned forward, and slowly reached out to touch Sigurd's face with an affectionate gesture, as if in heat or seeking a mate.

Sigurd took a step back, avoiding her hand touching his cheek.

"Sigurd, just call me that."

Sigurd replied calmly.

Sin Mal's eyes visibly dimmed as she looked at Sigurd's avoidance.

At the same time, Kiana stared at her own hands, filled with question marks.

'I washed my hands today! They're not dirty, so why is she repulsed? Or does she find me ugly?'

Kiana always had confidence in her charm, but Sin Mal's reaction seemed to contradict that belief.

Just as the two girls, one feeling dejected and the other doubting her existence, Sigurd leaned down, reached out, and lifted Sin Mal's chin.

Sin Mal had mismatched eyes, one gold and one ash-gray, symbols of her unique ability. Even through the bandages covering her face, they remained beautiful.

"Your eyes are quite special. Can you tell me, in your eyes, what do I look like?"

"You... your hair is like snow, your eyes are like the sea, your skin is like milk, your nose is like an ice cream, your ears are like cotton candy- you're really good-looking!"

Sin Mal said with a dreamy expression, although her metaphors were a bit strange. She was simply trying her best with her limited language skills to express her liking for Sigurd, nothing more.

'Do I appear human in her eyes because of the special nature of the higher-dimensional world?'

Sigurd stared directly into those eyes filled with infatuation and fondness, without any emotional fluctuations. Instead, he began to contemplate the reasons behind it.

"Hahaha! Ice cream? Cotton candy? What strange metaphors!"

At this moment, Kiana burst into laughter and then rushed over, pushing Sigurd aside and once again holding Sin Mal's hands.

"Well, what do you see me as?"

"A dirty and ugly flame, a twisted and distorted soul, even darker than I am now. You must be a dark and resentful lunatic- In short, disgusting."

With the last word, Sin Mal's expression was filled with disgust, and she once again forcefully released Kiana's hands, as if trying to get rid of something dirty.

Snap!

Kiana was petrified.

After a moment, she turned to Sigurd.

"Sigurd, I think her eyes also need some treatment. Do you have eye drops?"

"Her eyes are different from yours and mine. The power of time is condensed within them, allowing her to see humans not as singular moments in time but as multiple layers of information transcending time. In a sense, what she sees is the true reality, and it is everyone else who needs treatment."

But how did Bronya escape from this perspective, and what is her uniqueness?

As Sigurd answered, he fell into new confusion.

"What do you mean her reality is the true one? Something is not right! You tell me, how can someone as fair-skinned, beautiful, and innocent as I am be considered dirty? And twisted? Disgusting? It makes me so angry!"

Kiana stomped her feet in anger, and even Sigurd's meticulously styled twin braids seemed to sprout stray hairs as a result.

Then she realized that Sigurd was simply lost in thought and completely ignored her.

Kiana became frantic, on the verge of tears from anger.

"Sigurd!"

Kiana pounced on Sigurd, trying to grab his hair, clothes, bite his shoulder, and face.

How could he be so indifferent after she was insulted like that? Did he also think I'm dirty and disgusting?

Kiana felt an uncontrollable sense of injustice and anger.

Then Sigurd placed his hand on her head and gently touched it.

"Stop it. You're beautiful."

Immediately, Kiana calmed down.

'Sigurd complimented my looks again! Yay!'

Although the word "again" could be debated, her pent-up dissatisfaction and worries disappeared like a burst balloon in an instant.

"Hehe! Sigurd has good taste after all! You must be lying to me, hehe~"

Kiana sat on Sigurd's back, sticking her head out from his shoulder, pulling down her eyelid, and making a face at Sin Mal.

Sin Mal: "(▼へ▼メ)!"

Sin Mal gnashed her teeth in dissatisfaction, looked left and right, but couldn't find a suitable weapon. So with a click, she forcibly tore off a steel pipe from the edge of the bed with her slender arm wrapped in bandages.

Then she pointed at Kiana and said to Sigurd, "Sig! This thing is dangerous. For your safety, it's better for me to eliminate it first!"

"Hey! I haven't lost my temper yet, and you want to strike first?"

How could Kiana endure her little tantrum?

She immediately jumped off Sigurd's back, casually pulled out another steel pipe from the side, weighed it in her hand, and then pointed it at Sin Mal as well.

"Simbalah, by the honor of the Kaslana family, I swear I will make you suffer!"

"My name is Sin Mal!"

Bang! Bang!

In the void, two invisible black and gilded mechanical arms appeared and delivered powerful punches to their heads.

The two girls clutched their heads in pain, and the steel pipes in their hands also fell to the ground, producing a crisp metallic sound.

As the war came to a halt, Sigurd also paused his unverifiable thoughts.

"Sin Mal, would you be interested in working for me? All expenses covered, excellent benefits, and I can arrange for you to meet Bronya. How about that?"

Sigurd extended his hand to Sin Mal, believing that mentioning Bronya would increase his chances of success.

"What about you?" Ann countered.

Sigurd was taken aback for a moment.

Ah, right- It made sense. Sin Mal was so fixated on Bronya because she was the only normal human Ann had encountered after her awakening. Now, Sigurd was the second one.

So, using seduction tactics... Well, it could work.

"You can meet me anytime too."

"Then I'll accept your offer- I like you, Sigurd!"

Ann said so, opening her arms and embracing Sigurd, burying her head in his chest.

At that moment, Kiana rubbed her head and looked up, staring wide-eyed at the scene.

"Hey! I was here first- Ugh! Hey, you wicked woman, let go of Sigurd!"

At that moment, Kiana couldn't quite describe her emotions. She just felt that she should naturally be the one by Sigurd's side, and who was this weird person named Simbalah!?

Simultaneously, Kiana knew that she had encountered a lifelong rival.

From the day they met, Kiana knew that she and Sin Mal wouldn't get along.

Interestingly enough, Sin Mal felt the same way.

..

Nighttime, outside Sigurd's room.

Kiana, clutching a pillow, and Sin Mal, also holding a pillow, faced each other, and there was an electric current flowing between their gazes.

"Simbalah, what do you want?"

"I just want to sleep with Sigurd. And also, it's Sin Mal, you foolish little tuna!"

"Huh? Do you even know what 'tuna' are, you brat!?"

"I do. A simple aquatic creature with a simple mindset, can be used to describe a stupid idiot."

Sin Mal replied contemptuously, raising her head slightly, displaying a rebellious and unruly attitude.

Kiana gritted her teeth, and a crossroad appeared on her face.

"You brat, your injuries have already healed. Now, I won't go easy on you just because I took care of an injured person!"

"That's just what I wanted! Come on!"

Sin Mal swiftly pulled out an iron pipe.

Who knows where she hid it while wearing pajamas? Was it hidden in the pillow? Wouldn't it be uncomfortable to sleep on?

With a blunt weapon in her hand, Sin Mal's mouth curled up into a smile, unconsciously extending upward, forming an incredibly sinister smile, brimming with the aura of a major antagonist.

Kiana had no weapon in hand.

But she wasn't afraid.

Rip!

Kiana tore apart her pillow, and the feathers scattered in the air, as if showcasing her strength and ferocity.

The two sides faced each other, and the sparks of conflict grew more apparent, ready to erupt.

Suddenly, Kiana's eyes rolled back, her body trembling, and after a series of strange convulsions and spasms, she collapsed at the doorstep.

Sin Mal was startled.

Although in Sin Mal's eyes, Kiana appeared as a twisted black flame, she could still sense what was happening to her.

Sin Mal crouched down and cautiously poked at Kiana with the steel pipe, but her hand went numb and the pipe clattered to the ground.

"Is it... electricity?"

Muttering to herself, reflexively retracting her hand, Sin Mal wondered.

Kiana, with her hair standing on end, face blackened, and smoke coming out of her mouth, trembled as she reached out her hand and said,

"It's... Sigurd..."

The mahogany door next to them slowly pushed open.

Creak

Sigurd walked out from the room, his back facing the light inside, and reached out, grabbing a drifting feather.

It was the pillow he personally made for Kiana.

From the choice of feathers and fabric to the polishing of height, fluffiness, and durability, and even the shaping, scent, and stitching patterns on both sides, everything was meticulously designed to provide better sleep quality for someone like Kiana who would turn the world upside down in her sleep, reducing fatigue in the neck and spine.

He still remembered a few days ago when he received the pillow, Kiana was so touched, patting her chest and repeatedly saying she would cherish it in the name of Kaslana.

Sigurd let go of the feathers in his hand, letting them fall to the ground.

He never expected that Kiana would not appreciate it, and instead...

Sigurd slowly turned his head, his gaze falling on Kiana, whose legs were twitching, and said calmly. Although he didn't say anything, Sin Mal felt a chill.

"Ouch! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!"

As if the electric shock hadn't happened, Kiana quickly changed to a prostrate position, trembling on the ground, though she didn't actually understand why Sigurd was angry.

"I made the pillow with my own hands," Sigurd stated calmly.

It wasn't about punishing her without teaching her a lesson. The purpose was for her to absorb the lesson through the punishment, gain understanding, and grow from it.

Kiana, who was still kneeling, immediately shrank her body, and her face underneath made an exaggerated expression of screaming, though no sound came out—'I'm doomed!'

"First, not cherishing the feelings of others is the behavior of scum. Second, making a promise to other and easily breaking it, not keeping one's word and lying are all terrible qualities. Third, casually destroying personal belongings is wasteful and irrational... That's enough for now. Get some sleep and remember my words."

Bang!

A rubber bullet hit the back of her head, and a large bump immediately formed under her hair. Kiana remained in the position with her buttocks raised, unconscious.

Sigurd blew on the gun barrel and lifted his other hand to gently touch Sin Mal's head.

"Don't engage in conflicts with your companions easily; it's not good."

"...I don't want to be companions with someone like her."

"In the foreseeable future, you will learn and grow together, and then fight side by side. You will become companions. Try to adapt, even if it's difficult, strive for it. Well, go back to your room and get some rest."

"Okay..."

Sin Mal stared blankly as Sigurd went back into his room and closed the door.

She thought she would also receive some kind of punishment, but nothing happened.

Sigurd didn't take any punitive measures against her; his attitude remained the same as before, neither cold nor warm, just distant.

Sin Mal held her pillow tightly—it was a high-quality item from the furniture store, very soft and smooth, but it was clearly not in the same league as the pillow Kiana had, which Sigurd had personally made.

Sigurd didn't get angry with Sin Mal, nor did he lecture her and punish her. But that wasn't something to be happy about.

This meant that she was different from Kiana.

And this difference made him feel disappointed.

Sin Mal held her pillow tightly, glaring resentfully at the unconscious figure on the ground, and then dejectedly followed Sigurd's instructions and left.

...

"I apologize for the disturbance outside, Mr. Otto. I hope it didn't inconvenience you."

Inside the room, Sigurd returned to his desk and placed the specially made handgun for Kiana on the table, while apologizing to the blond man on the computer screen.

"No problem at all. Taking care of someone so single-minded can indeed be a headache and a challenge. I understand."

Otto shook his wine glass, reminiscing.

"Your insights on the self-defense system have greatly inspired me. Thank you for your valuable advice."

"You're welcome. Is there anything else you'd like to discuss?"

"For now, I don't have any further questions. I need some time to put your advice into practice and digest it- By the way, besides discussing scientific research matters late at night, there's something else I wanted to ask you, and I assume you already know?"

"Vira Klov has passed the critical phase and is currently in a coma. She still needs a few months to purge the remnants of Honkai energy. Would you like to see her?"

Sigurd shook his head.

"No need. I trust you, Mr. Otto."

'Everyone is with you, and apart from expressing trust, what else can I say?'

Sigurd sighed inwardly, but he was somewhat relieved. He believed in Otto's abilities and believed that, at least for now, Otto wouldn't deceive him with Vira's condition. It wouldn't make any sense.

"The name Vira... and her equally mediocre aptitude, brings back some memories."

Otto suddenly said these words.

Sigurd's eyes flickered, and he replied calmly, "Vira? Are you perhaps talking about Vera Apocalypse? the ancient Valkyrie. She's... your adopted daughter, isn't she?"

Otto stared at the screen, smiling.

"Indeed, you know far more about me than usual. How did you achieve that? The thoughts about Vera... many things don't exist in any tangible form or data records. They only exist in my mind. How did you come to know? Some kind of transcendent technology? Or perhaps, you have had some extraordinary experiences, to the extent that not only do you know many things you shouldn't, but even your abilities and character have undergone a radical transformation within a short period of time?"

In general, when someone knows a lot of information that they shouldn't, Otto's first thought would be to eliminate them.

But Sigurd was different. He knew too much, which meant a mysterious unknown—a kind of freshness and curiosity that Otto hadn't felt in a long time.

Understanding this unknown would undoubtedly bring unexpected rewards.

Furthermore, Sigurd, who possessed this unknown, had the intellectual capacity to engage with Otto on an equal level and, based on that, proposed the possibility of resurrection.

Everything seemed to align perfectly with Otto's interests, prompting him to want to explore Sigurd's potential rather than simply dispose of him.

Just as Otto's interest was growing, Sigurd's lips curled up slightly, responding with an enigmatic tone, "Perhaps I have once traversed time and space, witnessing your relatively long life experiences?"

"I don't believe it."

"Why not?"

"Put yourself in my shoes. If I had such an experience, I would only want to stay as far away from Otto Apocalypse as possible. Ideally, I wouldn't want to enter his line of sight in this lifetime."

Otto confidently explained his perspective.

This caused Sigurd to raise an eyebrow and reply, "I admire your self-awareness."

"Not at all. Your courage also impresses me- So, you're heading to Siberia, let me think, is it Kiana? Do you intend to use her to gain the support of Anti-Entropy? What is your goal?"

"As you can see, in terms of scientific abilities, I am a genius. But even geniuses need sufficient resources for their growth."

"Why not come to Schicksal then? Compared to Anti-Entropy, what they can offer you is just a drop in the ocean, not even 1% of what I can give."

Otto said playfully, but he actually knew what Sigurd was thinking.

And Sigurd knew that Otto knew what he was thinking.

After a moment of silent confrontation between the two, Sigurd sighed and said, "You seem to have good self-awareness."

With self-awareness, one should know that without the support of Anti-Entropy, Sigurd wouldn't even feel safe communicating with Otto through a screen, let alone willingly offer himself.

His admiration is genuine, as is his wariness.

Otto is a cunning strategist, even an exceptional madman, but he is not a good person.

"Hahaha! Interesting, truly interesting! Do you know how long it has been since I had a conversation with someone on equal terms, even teasing each other? Those people, they're either foolish, afraid of me, or both—looking down on others from their lofty positions, it's not a pleasant experience."

Otto suddenly burst into laughter and couldn't stop, looking at Sigurd on the screen with growing interest.

Sigurd nodded and raised a glass of cold water from the table, toasting Otto through the screen.

"Indeed, conversing with intelligent people is a delight. The collision of thoughts and knowledge always brings infinite surprises. To the great wisdom, to the remarkable Mr. Otto."

"I toast to you as well, interesting young lad."

During their first interaction, Otto had also referred to Sigurd as a young lad, but it was a casual and dismissive term. However, now, the phrase "young lad" carries a sense of recognition and even deliberate closeness.

Otto raised his glass, took a sip of red wine, and responded to Sigurd's toast. Then he said:

"So, what plans do you have for your theory? I'm not rushing you, of course. After all, developing a new theoretical system and putting it into practice is no less challenging than building a modern city from scratch. However, precisely because of the high difficulty and because it's your theory, only you know the ins and outs and how to proceed, so it's best to plan ahead."

"I've found a girl."

"Oh?"

Otto's eyes lit up.

"You mean her abilities involve time, and because of this factor, her eyes can see more complex information, touching the essence directly."

Otto's expression showed his curiosity.

"You're saying that Sin Mal's ability is a suitable entry point?"

Sigurd had never mentioned Sin Mal's name.

Feeling a headache coming on, he sighed.

"Mr. Otto, how many eyes have you placed around me? I've hardly interacted with anyone along the way, so how did you track us?"

"After all, one is a valuable asset of Schicksal, and the other is a young promising genius of this era. How could I trust you to wander the world on your own? It's not malicious; I just wanted to provide you with a bit of insignificant help when necessary, that's all~"

"I don't believe you at all even for a second!"

Sigurd rolled his eyes inwardly but calmly praised:

"The Schicksal Organization truly has no bounds."

"You flatter me. Since you have a plan, I won't say too much. However, concerning Cocolia, although she is seeking cooperation and an opportunity to challenge Schicksal, her methods and schemes are not simple. Have you figured out what you will use as a bargaining chip?"

Sigurd turned his head and looked at the moon outside the window. He calmly replied:

"You don't need to worry about that. I will offer her an irresistible condition."

...

"You want me to adopt two girls with the adaptability to withstand decay, with the risk of facing Schicksal, and the condition is... a cold fusion device capable of solving the energy problem of the Titan robots, along with the accompanying research data?"

In an orphanage a hundred miles away, Cocolia looked at the small metal pyramid-shaped device, a black USB drive, and the letter in her hand, deep in thought.

The Titan robots are combat machines that utilize both decay energy and conventional electrical energy. They possess powerful maneuvering and firepower capabilities, making them the core force of the Anti-Entropy organization in their fight against the Valkyries.

The energy problem related to decay energy has been perfectly addressed by Tesla and Einstein. They wouldn't allow a subpar research team to tamper with decay energy-related matters.

On the other hand, the core technology for conventional energy remains locked in the hands of conservative scientists.

The radical faction represented by Cocolia and Anti-Entropy can obtain a certain amount of energy cores through legitimate applications to enhance their Titan forces, but they lack the ability to produce them independently.

The lack of autonomy in the production of the Titan forces is the key reason why the radical faction has always been unable to overpower the conservative faction.

The development of the core technology for conventional energy is not something that can be accomplished overnight, and there has been little progress so far.

If this cold fusion device is genuine and can solve the issue of autonomous production for the Titan forces, Cocolia, who is climbing the ladder of power, would gain tremendous prestige. By obtaining and operating it, she may even become the de facto leader of the radical faction.

This is an irresistible condition.

Cocolia pressed her forehead.

"Bronya, how did you obtain these things?"

She looked at the indifferent girl with gray spiral curls standing beside her and asked.

Because these things were brought by Bronya.

Bronya raised her eyes and in a cold tone that revealed a hint of mockery, replied, "Bronya discovered the secret code of our original organization near the courtyard. I was worried about the orphanage's safety, so I followed the code and investigated. In the end, I found these things in the forest three kilometers away. They were placed on a wooden stake, along with a letter addressed to Matushka."

After listening to Bronya's description, Cocolia instinctively doubted the authenticity, origin, and purpose of these things.

The authenticity could be verified quickly, without much need for further consideration.

As for their origin... it definitely wasn't the military organization Bronya used to belong to. If they had such capabilities, Anti-Entropy wouldn't have found it so easy to establish themselves on this land, as if they were entering an unclaimed territory.

In any case, if these items were genuine, it meant there was a mysterious and formidable client behind it, someone who possessed futuristic technology and powerful intelligence capabilities.

"This is irresistible..."

Cocolia placed the letter down, murmuring to herself.

The items were enticing, and their timing was perfect. It was precisely at a critical moment when she needed a breakthrough. It was like offering a glass of cold water to a thirsty traveler in the desert. Who could resist it?

She was already willing to adopt two children.

Confronting Schicksal, isn't that the determination every Anti-Entropy member should possess?

The only question was whether this client had deeper intentions.

Furthermore, by directly delivering these items, they must have either a deep understanding of her or enough confidence to believe that she won't back out of the deal. Well, she wouldn't. Whether out of caution towards the unknown or considering the possibility of more enticing technological trades after the cold fusion technology, Cocolia would not betray her word.

"Either they know me well, or they are confident enough to believe that I won't refuse... Well, then I'll accept it."

Cocolia picked up the pyramid-shaped cold fusion device, and her golden curls shimmered in the light, forming a beautiful gloss. On her face, there was a seductive yet dangerous smile.

"Matushka, like a cunning fox. Bronya wants to mourn for the person being targeted."

"...You, child, why do you speak such blunt truths?"

Cocolia caressed the head of the twin-turbocharged duck, indulgently saying.

...

"So, if there are any further questions, feel free to contact me. I will eagerly anticipate your results."

"Thank you for your kindness. Goodbye."

Sigurd terminated the connection and leaned back, sighing.

His exchange with Otto had yielded rich technological insights. Otto was like an artist with an infinite well of inspiration and a precise and accurate machine. Even with Sigurd's "intellectual superiority," their communication was on equal terms, and Sigurd gained a lot of inspiration from it.

But in other aspects... It was truly exhausting.

It was hard to say which of Otto's words had hidden meanings and which were simple narratives.

However, once Sigurd adjusted his mindset, he wasn't afraid of Otto.

Both of them had extraordinary minds, but Sigurd had the absolute advantage in intelligence and had knowledge of Otto's fatal weakness—Kallen. So even though Otto was trying to appear superior, Sigurd wouldn't back down.

After organizing his gains and thoughts, Sigurd decided to go out and put an extra blanket on the sleeping Kiana before finally ending a day of exertion and resting in bed.

Write comment...
Settings
Themes
Font Size
18
Line Height
1.3
Indent between paragraphs
19
Chapters
Loading...