A haunting voice echoed in a child's mind, the voice was like a shadow, ever-present and inescapable. "Do you really have to face this alone?" it asked, a hint of concern threading through the words.
The child, barely more than a figure draped in the oversized cloak of responsibility, felt a flicker of determination ignite in their eyes. He narrowed, a resolute glint piercing through his youthful facade. "That's the Herrscher of Corruption," Otto replied, his tone laced with a surprising maturity. "I can't trust anyone else to handle it properly."
There was a pause, the air thick with tension and unspoken words. The inner voice, seemingly disembodied, pressed on with a note of skepticism, "What about Bianka or Rita? They've proven themselves capable."
The child Otto shook his head, the movement sharp and definitive. "I trust them least of all," he snapped, his voice carrying a surprising weight for someone so young. "They have their own ideals. To them, this is just another mission." He paused, his eyes darkening with a mix of determination and vulnerability. "But for me, this is personal. It's my only work, something I have to do on my own terms."
A sigh, laden with the weight of centuries of weary resignation, reverberated through the mental space, heavy and forlorn. "You're still a foolish clown, Otto," Void Archive murmured, its tone a complex mix of pity and frustration. There was a tired edge to the words, like someone who had witnessed the same mistakes replayed countless times. "Always the lone wolf, always taking on burdens that aren't solely yours to bear."
Void Archive paused as if searching for the right words to convey a point that had been made countless times before. "You've always had this misguided need to work yourself to dead alone," it continued, the voice softening, tinged with a hint of melancholy. "You isolate yourself, thinking that facing these challenges alone somehow absolves you or gives your actions more meaning. But it doesn't. All it does is make you vulnerable, blind you to the support you could have."
The presence of Void Archive seemed to fill the space around them, not just as a voice, but as an ancient entity burdened with knowledge and memories. It had seen Otto in many forms, through many trials, and yet the patterns remained the same. "You're not just a man with too much weight on your shoulders," Void Archive continued, its tone now almost pleading. "You're part of something larger. And yet, you insist on carrying the world on your back, like Atlas carrying the Earth, unable to see that sharing the burden doesn't diminish your strength. Doesn't your meeting with Elysia and your past experience teach you anything?"
There was a moment of silence, filled only with the distant echoes of the past and the uncertain shadows of the future. Void Archive's sigh seemed to resonate with all the regrets in Otto's eyes. "Always the lone wolf, Otto," Void Archive repeated softly, the words lingering in the air like a somber farewell. "Always thinking that facing the abyss alone is the only way for you to achieve your dream. But at what cost? How many more times will you sacrifice your own well-being, your own sanity, your own soul for a cause that demands more than one pair of hands?"
Otto stood firm, unyielding in the face of the ancient AI's judgment. His small frame seemed almost defiant, an immovable object against the tide of Void Archive's words. He took a deep breath, the weight of the conversation pressing down on him, but his resolve did not waver. "Maybe," he admitted, his voice softening slightly, a flicker of doubt crossing his face. It was a rare vulnerability, a brief crack in the armor of his self-assuredness.
He looked down, as if searching for the right words among the shadows at his feet. "Maybe you're right," he continued, his tone contemplative. "I am just a foolish clown, thinking I can carry this burden alone. But this isn't about proving myself or seeking redemption, not anymore. It's about doing what's necessary, no matter the cost." His eyes hardened, and he lifted his gaze, meeting the unseen presence of Void Archive with a quiet determination. "I can't afford to doubt myself now. Not when so much is at stake."
The silence that followed was thick with unspoken emotions.
"You know," Void Archive finally said, its voice softer, almost gentle, "being strong doesn't mean never asking for help. It doesn't mean shouldering every burden alone. Even the strongest foundations can crack under too much weight. Schicksal needs you. Teri needs you. You cannot imagine how much burden your granddaughter has to carry in your stead after you are gone." The words hung in the air, a last attempt to reach the stubborn heart of the child before it.
Otto's expression softened, a ghost of a smile touching his lips. "Maybe. But for now, I have to keep moving forward, even if that means walking this path alone. Sometimes, the cost of involving others is too high, and the risk... too great." He took a step back, the decision made in his mind clear. "This is my responsibility, my choice. And I'll see it through, no matter what."
Void Archive watched him, a silent witness to the boy's unwavering resolve. There was a sadness in its unseen eyes, a feeling of deep, abiding sorrow for the paths chosen and the burdens borne. "Just remember, Otto," it said quietly, "even an immortal like you has its limits. Don't wait until it's too late to realize you're not as alone as you think."
With those words, the connection faded, leaving Otto standing alone, yet more determined than ever. The path before him was daunting, the future uncertain, but he walked it with the quiet confidence of someone who had accepted their fate, for better or worse.
Otto stood before a shattered shrine, his youthful body a stark contrast to the ancient, crumbling structure. A mix of excitement and trepidation coursed through him, electrifying the air around him. He knew he had come to the right place.
The shrine's broken pillars and worn steps spoke of a long-forgotten reverence, now overshadowed by the darkness that clung to its remnants. Otto couldn't help but feel a deep sense of anticipation; the setting was perfect for the next step in his plan. His thoughts drifted back to the moment Theresa returned from her mission in Nagazora and bearing strange stigmata. The discovery had piqued his curiosity, setting off a chain of events that led him here.
As he delved deeper into the mysteries of the stigmata, Otto was stunned to uncover the identity of their previous owner. The woman, a key figure from a tangled past, had not yet met her end in this timeline. This twist of fate was an opportunity he couldn't afford to miss.
Otto understood the value of allies sharing his priorities. However, Bianka and Rita, despite their formidable skills, did not share his vision. Their training and ideals aligned with nobler, more conventional goals, thus making them ill-suited for the fulfillment of his personal selfish ambitions. They were bound by principles that would inevitably clash with his own, and Otto had no intention of letting them compromise his plans, not anymore.
But this woman, Yae Sakura, was different. He was certain she harbored desires akin to his own. After all, both Yae Sakura and Otto Apocalypse were driven by a common, unyielding love for the same woman. It was this shared passion that made her a potential ally. In the chaotic dance of fate and power, Otto saw a kindred spirit in Yae Sakura. The more allies he could gather who understood and shared his goals, the closer he could come to achieve his ultimate aim.
Otto took a deep breath, the cool air of the shrine filling his lungs. The atmosphere around him was heavy with history and the weight of his own burgeoning ambitions. He was ready to make his move, ready to embrace the alliance that would help him navigate the perilous path ahead. In this moment, he felt a strange kinship with the forgotten relics of the shrine—both standing as symbols of a past not yet fully erased, and a future still unwritten.
As he stepped forward, Otto felt the gravity of his decisions and the shadows of the past converging in this place.
"I am still extremely curious about Elysia's child," Void Archive inquired.
Otto's thoughts lingered on the child who held a special place in Elysia's heart, a child she had specifically instructed him to guide. He found it intriguing that someone as discerning as Elysia would take such an interest in a random boy.
"That boy must be quite remarkable if even Elysia has taken him under her wing," Void Archive mused, its cube form exuding a sense of smugness. Otto merely rolled his eyes at the AI's antics, his thoughts focused on the mission at hand.
"But do you have any information about him?" the Overseer asked.
"I am curious too," Void Archive continued with a sigh. "But Elysia didn't reveal much. She only mentioned that his unique ability is understanding his own strengths and limitations. I can't quite grasp what she meant."
"Is that all?" the Overseer asked, a hint of disappointment in his voice.
"I can't tell you how many times I wished I could shut you down. You must have a backdoor somewhere in your code," Otto grumbled, frustration evident in his tone.
"Only the Flamechasers know of it," Void Archive responded smugly, its confidence unshaken.
"Hmph...I know a Flamechaser," the blonde-haired child smirked, a plan forming in his mind.
"You really think that old hag chicken knows it?" Void Archive retorted smugly, clearly enjoying the banter.
"Anyway, have you disabled all the surveillance cameras along our path? I don't want to risk being noticed by Theresa," Otto sighed, adjusting their disguise. His caution was warranted; their presence needed to remain undetected.
"You've come all the way to Japan and haven't even visited your granddaughter?" If Void Archive had a human form, it would surely be rolling its eyes at the perceived neglect.
"That's enough," Otto said, as the golden cube slowly manifested in his tiny hand. His focus was unwavering.
The cube transformed into a golden handgun, resembling the 3rd Divine Key, Judgement of Shamash.
As he stared at the weapon, memories flooded back. The last time he used it, he had betrayed Fu Hua then slowly sacrificed his soul for his selfish desire and becoming a False God at the end. Only then did he realize how twisted his previous life had been, consumed by obsession until Elysia freed him from his curse.
"You could shoot her again you know. It would be satisfying if Herrscher of Sentience were born in that old hag's body again," Void Archive taunted mockingly, its tone dripping with sarcasm.
Otto didn't respond. He simply aimed at the shrine and took a deep breath before pulling the trigger. A ball of fire shot out, reducing the shrine to nothingness in an instant.
After the shot, only a mysterious black box remained, its presence both ominous and intriguing.
"Otto, let me remind you, she was the Herrscher ended the Previous Era," Void Archive cautioned, its tone serious for once.
The PE Herrscher of Corruption had hacked nuclear warheads to destroy the remaining cities on Earth, resulting in the deaths of Flamechaser SAKURA and crushing any hope for survival in the Previous Era. The survivors were forced into hiding from the Herrscher of the End, with only eight MANTIS members left to delay their ultimate enemy. Their mission succeeded, but at great cost.
Almost all the remaining Flamechasers died alongside Dr. MEI, the final leader of PE. For thousands of years, there had been no information about Flamechaser Griseo and Project ARK. Only Kevin Kaslana, Fu Hua, and Su survived to see the next Era.
"I know," Otto nodded, his understanding deepening. "But I have this."
He revealed a pink crystal flower in his other hand, its petals gleaming with an otherworldly light.
"Come to me now," Otto muttered as the petals on the crystal flower began to bloom and shine, casting a gentle glow. The black box slowly opened, its secrets about to be unveiled.
"I hope no Facehugger comes out," Void Archive chuckled, comparing the opening box to an alien egg hatching from Elysia's favorite horror movie.
"What's a Facehugger?" Otto asked curiously, intrigued by the unfamiliar term.
"It's from Elysia's favorite horror movie. She said it originated from another space outside our Imaginary Space. It was an excellent movie. You should watch it when you have the chance, Otto. Elysia has great taste," replied the sentience inside the golden cube, its tone surprisingly animated.
"I'm surprised! I didn't know you could enjoy movies. For 500 years, I thought you only planned to take over my mind and body," Otto replied sarcastically, shaking his head at the thought.
After their bickering, the black box fully opened, revealing an unconscious pink-haired woman in a miko outfit with long fox ears. The sight was both unexpected and significant.
"Wait...where is the Herrscher of Corruption? I can't sense her," Void Archive questioned, scanning the box but finding no trace of the notorious black mist that usually accompanied her presence.
"Sakura," Otto whispered as he was gazing the unconscious girl.
Due to Sakura's long captivity with a Herrscher, she was coated in thick layers of Honkai energy. She would have turned into a zombie already if not for the set of stigmatas on her back that kept her alive.
Otto noticed something strange. Along with the usual Honkai energy, there were a few pink grains of dust on Sakura's ears, shining brightly and standing out against the otherwise dark aura.
Otto carefully collected the dust and placed it in a test tube. He used his crystal flower to absorb the Honkai energy coating Sakura, ensuring it didn't leak into the environment. The flower's ability to contain and utilize Honkai energy was unparalleled, a gift from Elysia that Otto had learned to wield with precision.
Elysia's crystal flower, like a powerful Honkai battery, could be used for various purposes involving Honkai energy. Implanted in Otto's soul by Elysia, it allowed him to summon and use it as needed. This connection to Elysia was both a boon and a constant reminder of his mission.
He threw the handgun to the ground, which then transformed into a door, a portal to another place.
Carrying Sakura, Otto walked through the door where a white-haired nun with a yellow visor waited on the other side.
As Otto entered his office, the white-haired girl took Sakura and carried her to the medical bay, her movements efficient and careful.
"Amber, make sure she receives proper treatment. Let me know when she wakes up," the young blonde boy instructed before heading to his Soulium chamber. His concern for Sakura was genuine, and he trusted Amber to handle the situation.
"Understood, Lord Otto," Amber replied, nodding slightly. She carefully placed Sakura on a medical bed and wheeled her out of the room, her focus entirely on the task at hand.
Meanwhile, Otto climbed into the chamber, and as it closed, another opened, revealing an adult with blonde hair in a seamless transformation.
Otto Apocalypse emerged in his adult form and made his way to his desk. He opened his interface and began his duties as Overseer, his mind already planning the next steps.
"We have yet to locate the Herrscher of Corruption. What is your next move, Otto?" Void Archive asked, its curiosity piqued.
"While she may have escaped, there have been no reports of unusual activity. If she were causing chaos, we would have been alerted," Otto explained while examining the test tube. The contents inside the tube held the key to their next move.
"The Black Box is still sealed, despite apparent damage. I can't imagine who could release her without leaving any trace. World Serpent is unlikely, as they fear her greatly," Void Archive reasoned, its logic sound.
"It was Yae Sakura who originally opened the box," Otto revealed. "Kallen resealed it with the Oath of Judah. While it seems she has escaped due to the wavering seal, I don't think that's the case." As he spoke, Otto scanned the test tube contents, his mind racing with possibilities.
"How is that possible? No one can release her while the seal is intact," Void Archive questioned skeptically, struggling to reconcile the information.
"In fact, you may be onto something with your earlier suggestion," Otto replied, a hint of satisfaction in his voice.
He summoned a pink crystal flower and placed it on the table, its presence was a reminder of Elysia's influence.
"I've noticed increased activity involving this flower at the shrine, similar to the one Elysia gave me," Otto explained. The connection was too strong to ignore.
According to the information on his interface, the pink dust in the test tube matched his crystal flower perfectly. The implications were significant.
And there was only one other person besides himself with access to that sacred object from Miss Pink Elf.
"The boy Elysia mentioned had already appeared in Nagazora, and it seems he is accompanied by the Herrscher of Corruption," Otto concluded. The pieces were coming together, and the next step was obvious.
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"Kazuto, come down! Dinner is ready," my mom called from downstairs, her voice carrying the warmth and comfort I had grown accustomed to in this new life.
"Yes, mom," I replied, my attention still focused on the pink crystal jar I held in my hand. Inside, a swirling black mist writhed violently, eager to break free from its confines.
How did I end up as Watanabe Kazuto, reborn and living in Japan? It felt surreal. At least my surname wasn't Kirigaya, or I'd be forced to adopt a gaming nickname like Kirito, which would have been unbearably cliché.
The circumstances were bewildering, but considering the new me was born and raised in Nagazora, I suppose it made some sense. It provided an unexpected opportunity to interact with Raiden Mei, a chance that intrigued me greatly.
Despite the perplexing nature of my new identity, there were undeniable positives. Elysia had kept her promise, placing me in a loving and wealthy family. This kindness was a blessing in this strange new world. However, the body I inhabited had a tragic history—the previous owner had fallen into a coma due to Honkai radiation exposure. His consciousness was gone, yet his memories remained, now embedded within my mind, similar to the Herrscher of Sentience inheriting Fu Hua's memories.
Raiden Mei's life had been upended ever since her father's arrest. She endured relentless bullying, which fueled a burning hatred and resentment towards her tormentors. The emergence of the Herrscher of Thunder persona within her led to chaos and destruction during the Nagazora Impact. She struggled to control it, yet part of her reveled in the raw power it provided. She was torn—caught between the desire for revenge and the need to halt the devastation caused by her alter ego.
The Imaginary Tree, which housed countless worlds, had strict rules governing each realm. Each leaf represented a world sphere, and attempting to alter its predetermined fate was a futile endeavor.
Certain events were best left untouched, for altering them could lead to an unpredictable future. The Nagazora Impact and Herrscher of Thunder's awakening were pivotal events that I wished to preserve.
As I reflected on Raiden Mei's journey to becoming the Herrscher of Thunder, conflicting emotions surged within me. On the one hand, sacrificing her happiness seemed necessary to advance the predetermined events. On the other, I couldn't bear to witness her agony and suffering, especially when I had intimate knowledge of it. Was it truly worth sacrificing her happiness and the lives of Nagazora's victims for the greater good? Was there really no alternative path?
A sudden voice shouting, "LET ME GO!" jolted me from my thoughts. I realized the pink crystal jar was still pressed to my ear.
Normally, a simple crystal jar couldn't contain a being as powerful as the Herrscher. But this was no ordinary vessel.
Crafted from Elysia's crystal, it shimmered with an otherworldly light. It was meticulously created by Elysia herself, infused with her unique magic and enchantment.
Elysia must have put immense effort into this, crafting the jar and other objects for my rebirth. The jar was merely part of a larger package prepared for me.
I struggled to comprehend the mechanics of this package. God Kiana had attempted to explain that it was linked to Elysia's crystal flower, which in turn was connected to my soul. But how could a tangible object like a flower be attached to something as intangible as a soul? It was beyond human understanding. I wasn't a scientist, and trying to grasp this metaphysical concept would only lead to mental exhaustion.
Holding the jar tightly, I spoke with determination. "I understand your power and the danger you pose. But I will release you if you promise to obey me."
The voice inside growled menacingly in response.
"How dare you try to control me, human?!" it spat, its tone dripping with contempt.
"I don't want to control you," I replied calmly, "but I cannot allow your anger and instability to harm others. It's for everyone's safety that I keep you imprisoned. Besides, I hope we can become partners," I explained, staring intently at the swirling black mist within the jar.
"Partners? Why would I want a partnership with a mere human like you?" the mist mocked, its disdain evident.
"Because I know how to bring back Sakura, Kalpas and the Flamechasers, Rin. You can reunite with them," I replied earnestly, hoping to reach the heart beneath the anger.
The swirling mist stopped abruptly, slowly transforming into a tiny girl with bright pink hair. She curled up in the small jar, looking at me with sad, longing eyes.
"You know about my sister and the Flamechasers. So you must know what I am, right?" she asked bitterly, her voice laced with pain and disgust.
"Yes, Herrscher of Corruption," I replied evenly, causing Rin to shrink further into herself, "But I also see you for who you truly are—a broken soul. If I were in your position, I can't say I wouldn't have acted the same way."
"Even if it meant deploying nukes to wipe out humanity?" Rin stared at me through the jar, her voice a mixture of accusation and despair.
"I know what your final moments were like, Rin. Those soldiers were trying to kill an innocent child. And they succeeded," I responded darkly, causing the pink-haired Herrscher to visibly shudder, "That era deserved to be buried under the ground. The Honkai is meant to be the ultimate test for humanity. But unfortunately, they failed at the most critical moment."
Rin fell silent at my words, turning her gaze away from me to avoid eye contact.
"Please, listen to me," I pleaded, and she reluctantly turned her attention back to me.
"What happened to you wasn't entirely your fault. It was like a snowball rolling down a mountain, with Honkai and Herrscher situations escalating until they were unstoppable. You were forced to bear that burden alone. It was too much for any human to handle, and I can't blame you for breaking under its weight," I explained patiently.
The pink-haired Herrscher stood with her eyes fixed on the shimmering glass jar, tears streaming down her face, a poignant reminder of her painful past.
"It might be as you said..." she started, her voice faltering, a painful recognition of the truth dawning on her. No matter how hard she tried to deny it, everything that had happened was triggered by her actions.
"I killed my sister and everyone with my own hands," Rin muttered, staring at her palms. Tears poured down, staining her accursed hands with countless lives' blood, including her sister's.
"Yes, but the barrier between the dead and the living can be faded away," I declared, hoping to instill some hope in her broken spirit.
Rin's eyes widened at my statement, a flicker of hope igniting within them.
"Elysia is more than just a cheerful woman. Do you recognize this?" I questioned Rin, manifesting a pink crystal flower that bloomed before her eyes.
Rin's eyes widened in amazement as she stared at the pink crystal flower slowly blooming before her. She reached out to touch it, but her hand was blocked by the jar. She continued to stare at it intently, unsure if it was even real.
"I don't understand," Rin said, looking back up at me. "How can you do it? Only she could make it bloom. How do you have it?"
"I was chosen and picked up by her," I said. "She wants a happy ending for everyone, and that includes you. So she picked up my soul and gave me all the knowledge and power needed to make her dream come true. This crystal flower is her gift entrusted to me, and I want you to be my partner in this journey."
She looked at me skeptically, her eyes narrowed as she processed my words. I sensed her hesitation, knowing that convincing her to join me would not be an easy task.
"I'm not sure," she finally said, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "What exactly is this vision you're talking about? And why do you think I'm the right person to help you achieve it?"
I took a deep breath and prepared to lay out my plan. I had to be convincing if I wanted her to come on board.
"The vision is simple—a happy ending for everyone. You are a Herrscher, so having you by my side can help me tremendously," I said, my words measured and deliberate. "We can... No, we need to bring Miss Pink Elf herself back to life."
"You... you mean resurrecting Elysia?" Rin asked, her voice quivering with a mix of doubt and hope.
"Yes," I nodded, "But of course, it won't be easy. There will be many obstacles along the road."
Rin turned silent at my answer, unsure of what to think. To Rin, the boy who stood before her had Elysia's crystal flower and could even make it bloom. That was solid proof that this boy had met and was entrusted by Miss Pink Elf.
"So, are you with me? If you don't trust me, I completely understand," I asked the pink-haired Herrscher again with uncertainty.
"Okay," Rin decided after a deep breath, "If Elysia trusts you, I believe I should trust you too."
I smiled at Rin's statement, my eyes shining with relief and gratitude. I knew I had been fortunate to receive Elysia's trust, and I was very glad that Rin had decided to trust me too.
"Thank you, Rin," I said gratefully. "I promise I won't let you down."
Rin nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "I hope so," she said. "Because if you do, I won't hesitate to make you regret it. Just to remind you, I used to cause an apocalypse, and I am the Herrscher of Corruption."
My smile faltered slightly at her words, but I knew Rin was just being cautious. I couldn't blame her, considering the world she used to live in was filled with dangers and betrayals.
"I understand," I said with a firm voice. "I will do my best to achieve a happy ending for us and everyone."
Rin nodded again, her expression softening a little.
Then, I carefully opened the jar to release the Herrscher who had destroyed the Previous Era.
After I twisted open the lid of the jar, Rin transformed herself into a swirling mist and gracefully flew out. In a matter of seconds, she solidified into a petite chibi figure with bright pink hair, dressed in a traditional miko outfit.
Rin had transformed into Higokumaru.
"Kazuto, I've been waiting for you for so long. Are we having dinner tonight?" My mother's voice echoed in my ears as her footsteps approached my room.
"Sorry, Rin. Please find a place to hide from my mother. I'm not ready to introduce you just yet." I pleaded with the Herrscher, hoping she would understand.
With a slow nod of her head, Rin dissolved into mist once again and disappeared into my running PC like a digital virus.
Just as my mother opened the door, she let out a disappointed sigh.
"Kid, are you going to eat or not? Your father is getting impatient." Her voice held a hint of annoyance as her green eyes met mine.
"I apologize... I lost track of time. I'm still trying to relearn everything," I replied sheepishly while scratching my head.
My computer screen displayed notes and teachings, and I still clutched a pencil in my hand, giving off the image of a studious student.
In reality, I had taken a break from studying to have a conversation with Rin.
"Alright then, make sure you eat when it's time. Skipping meals isn't healthy," my mother scolded before leaving the room.
"Don't worry mom, I'll be there soon," I said quickly, typing something on my computer before hurrying downstairs for dinner.
As we sat down at the table, I couldn't help but feel anxious about keeping Rin hidden and ensuring she didn't do anything to expose her true identity.
She was crucial to my plans during this delicate time, and I needed her more than ever.
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A pink-haired woman with fox ears abruptly opened her eyes and sat up. She found herself lying on an incredibly comfortable bed, possibly the most comfortable she had ever experienced. The softness of the mattress and the warmth of the blankets contrasted sharply with the harsh reality she had known for so long. She looked around the room, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings and feeling a sense of unease mixed with curiosity.
"Lord Otto, Yae Sakura has woken up," a voice called from behind her, causing her to turn quickly.
"Kallen...?" the fox girl stuttered in shock, seeing who was sitting in the chair behind her. It was unmistakably the woman Sakura had longed to meet for so long. She could never forget the beautiful face and long white hair of that foreign woman she had once found unconscious near the river.
"I'm sorry. I'm not Kallen Kaslana, although I bear her appearance," the white-haired woman stood up and bowed elegantly.
With just that sentence, Yae Sakura's hope was crushed, and despair quickly flooded her mind.
"My name is Amber. My lord is on his way and wants to have a conversation with you. The world has changed a lot in the last 500 years," Amber added, her tone courteous.
"So, you are her descendant, I suppose," Sakura sighed and glanced at the black box on a table in the corner of the room. The black box seemed to pulse with a mysterious energy, a stark reminder of her long captivity.
Had she really been sealed and confined in that box for 500 years? It felt as if the events that had transpired were just yesterday, like waking from a long slumber.
Amber observed Sakura's troubled expression and spoke gently, "I know it's a lot to take in. If you have any questions, I'll do my best to answer them before my lord arrives."
Sakura hesitated before asking, "What exactly happened while I was sealed away?"
Amber nodded, understanding the weight of the question. "A lot has changed. The world has seen the rise and fall of many powers, and technology has advanced far beyond what you might remember But it's best if my lord explains the details."
Before Sakura could respond, the creaking sound of the door opening interrupted her thoughts. She turned to see a tall man with long blonde hair tied in a ponytail walking toward her.
Amber quickly prepared another chair and placed it next to Sakura's bed. The blonde-haired man then sat down.
"Leave us," Otto ordered. The white-haired assistant bowed and headed to the door. Before exiting, she donned a yellow visor.
"Hello, Yae Sakura," the Overseer of Schicksal greeted with a friendly smile.
Sakura eyed the man cautiously, unsure of what to expect.
"Sake or wine?" Otto asked, lifting two bottles from the table.
"What is wine?" Sakura asked curiously. She knew about sake but was unfamiliar with wine.
"It's a liquor from the West, similar to sake," Otto explained, opening the wine bottle and pouring it into two glasses. "Why don't you try it?" he offered, handing a glass to Sakura.
The fox girl sniffed the dark liquor, the aroma filling her nostrils.
"So this is what Kallen drank in her hometown," Sakura muttered. She had never smelled a liquor like this before.
"Ah yes, Kallen Kaslana," Otto sighed at the mention of her name.
"You know her?" Sakura asked hopefully.
"Yes, she is very famous and legendary," Otto replied sadly. "Let's raise our glasses in her memory."
Both Sakura and Otto raised their glasses and drank the wine. Sakura noticed that it was much lighter than sake, with a unique fruity aroma she couldn't quite identify.
"Now, it's time for business," Otto said, setting his glass down. "My name is Otto Apocalypse," he introduced himself.
Upon hearing his name, Sakura's eyes widened in surprise, and her ears perked up.
"My name is Yae Sakura, but I believe you already knew that. Kallen used to talk a lot about you," Sakura eyed the Overseer cautiously. "She said you were once a great boy with beautiful dreams and ambitions, but the world tainted you."
"The world tainted both of us," Otto said solemnly, downing his glass of wine. "She held onto her ideals too tightly, and the world went against her. I succumbed to darkness and obsession in the name of a better world," he added, refilling both their glasses.
"Has it really been 500 years? How can you still be young and alive?" the pink-haired woman asked curiously.
"I am a man of focus, commitment, and sheer fucking will," Otto chuckled. "I won't allow myself to die until my target is reached."
"And what is your target?" Sakura asked, her curiosity piqued as she emptied her glass. She was incredibly thirsty.
"Tell me, Yae Sakura," Otto began as he refilled their glasses again, "if I told you I had ways to bring Kallen and even your sister, Yae Rin, back to the world of the living, would you work with me?"
"You want to bring back the dead? Absurd!" Yae Sakura snorted, incredulous.
"I understand your doubt," Otto nodded slowly. "Allow me to enlighten you. You will see that my claims are not empty promises. If you wish, I will show you the true nature of our world," the Overseer said seriously, summoning a golden cube into his hand.
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"Ana, Ana, what do you think of these dresses?" Ayla's voice rose above the excited chatter and rustling fabric that filled the boutique. She twirled around, displaying two dresses to her friend Ana, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. Ana, with her long ash-blonde hair cascading elegantly down her back, reluctantly pulled her attention from the vibrant array of garments to focus on Ayla's question.
"You'd look stunning in anything, Ayla," Ana replied, a gentle smile gracing her lips. Her voice was warm, filled with genuine admiration.
Ayla pouted, but there was a playful glint in her eyes. "I know I'm beautiful, but I need your opinion. Which one do you think suits me better?"
She held up the two dresses—one sleek and black, the other pure and white—each offering a distinct allure, and awaited Ana's verdict.
Ana pondered the choice, tapping a finger thoughtfully against her chin.
"Why not both? You can afford both of them after all. It'd be a shame to leave one behind. Both colors look perfect on you," she suggested with a casual shrug, acknowledging Ayla's generous budget.
Ayla let out a resigned sigh as she was surrendering to Ana's practicality. She handed the dresses to the clerk, who began packaging them with care. When Ayla turned her gaze back to Ana, curiosity alight in her eyes.
"Aren't you tempted to buy anything for yourself?" Ayla inquired, genuinely interested. She knew Ana rarely indulged herself when it came to shopping.
"Duh," Ana responded, rolling her eyes with playful exasperation. "Have you forgotten how packed my wardrobe is? I've lost track of all the dresses and suits I haven't worn yet."
"But you've given so many away to Selena," Ayla pointed out, her tone gently probing. "Don't you feel the need to replenish your collection?"
Ana shrugged, her gaze drifting over the colorful selection of clothes. Her voice was steady, her decision firmly made. "I'm comfortable with what I have. Selena needs them more than I do. She's a performer, after all. She has to look stunning on stage."
Ayla sighed wistfully, an envious glance cast in Ana's direction. Thoughts of Ana's wardrobe, filled with exquisite and high-quality dresses, lingered in her mind. "Yeah, I guess you're right. I'm still jealous of how the Overseer gave you so many high-quality dresses," she said, her pink hair tumbling in playful disarray around her face.
"It wasn't just a gift," Ana explained, a hint of pride weaving through her words. "He said they were rewards for my excellence in Valkyrie training."
"Too bad Selena can't join Valkyrie training or our team would be complete. What a pity!" Ayla lamented, a touch of regret in her voice.
"But she's living her dream now. Perhaps it's for the best," Ana replied with a small smile, her violet eyes reflecting understanding and acceptance.
"I think you're right," Ayla nodded, finally stepping up to the cashier to pay for her dresses. The transaction was swift, and the clerk returned with the neatly wrapped packages, handing them to Ayla with a polite nod.
As they exited the boutique, Ana's attention drifted through the bustling market. Her eyes fell on a stall overflowing with colorful children's clothes. Among the myriad options, she spotted a small dark green coat. Its sight triggered a cascade of memories, pulling her back into the depths of her past life.
That coat was identical to the one her husband had bought for their daughter during their first winter together as a family. The memory was bittersweet, a snapshot of a life she had lost.
A wave of sorrow washed over Ana, and she relived the heart-wrenching moments that had torn her from her beloved family. The loss of her brother to leukemia, followed by her own untimely death, had left her husband to raise their daughter alone. She could not shake off the overwhelming guilt and regret for leaving them behind.
Yet, fate had not abandoned her entirely. In her final moments, a mysterious pink-haired woman with piercing grey eyes had appeared before her soul, offering a chance at new life in the Honkai world. Ana had been shocked to realize who this enigmatic figure was and why she had chosen Ana for this opportunity.
That woman had promised Ana many things, contingent upon her completing an important task in this new world. Ana knew she could not waste this second chance.
With every fiber of her being, Ana prayed that fate was real and that she could complete her mission and reunite with her beloved family once again. The hope of such a reunion fueled her resolve, giving her the strength to face the unknown challenges ahead.
Ana's thoughts were abruptly interrupted by a hand waving in front of her eyes. "Ana, are you there?" Ayla's voice cut through her reverie, bringing her back to the present.
"You zoned out while looking at these children's clothes," Ayla remarked, reaching out to touch the fabric, examining it with interest.
"I was just trying to figure out what kind of fabric they use. Children's clothing can be surprisingly comfortable," Ana quickly explained, hoping to cover up her brief lapse into memories.
"Ah, you're right. This fabric feels incredibly soft. I might have to try sewing with it," Ayla agreed, her fingers running appreciatively over the material.
"I look forward to seeing what you make," Ana replied with a small smile, grateful for Ayla's understanding and enthusiasm. The exchange rekindled her focus on the present, reminding her of the friends and new life she now cherished.