I couldn't help but feel a pang of sorrow as I reminisced about the days when my brother-in-law stood by my side. He was a true intellectual, surpassing me in nearly every aspect. His brilliance and quick thinking always amazed me, and I often wondered what he would do if he were in my shoes.
It was because of him that I fell down the rabbit hole of gacha games. Whether it was a blessing or a curse, I still couldn't decide. Unlike me, my sister and brother-in-law were both deeply invested in Punishing Gray Raven, admiring its intricate combat system. But they still spent time keeping up with both Honkai Impact 3 and Honkai Star Rail.
Even now, I couldn't help but feel jealous of my brother-in-law. We first met in secondary school. If it weren't for his introverted nature and laziness, he could have been an anime protagonist. He seemed to have everything—handsome looks, tall stature, wealth, intelligence, and a beautiful wife (my sister). Despite all this, he remained passive and somewhat lazy.
That guy didn't seem to care about anything at all. In class, he would simply sleep through lectures, yet somehow always managed to ace exams with the highest scores. With his charming appearance and exceptional academic abilities, he received countless confessions from female students and even young women he encountered while running errands for his part-time job. Sometimes, he even received confessions from men—something he nonchalantly mentioned to me one day.
Having a low-key genius as a friend came in handy. He was like a free tutor for me, and I took advantage of that privilege often. It would take me years to learn a new language, but for him, it only took a few months. He was also incredibly skilled in art and music, although he didn't dedicate much time to them.
Life truly wasn't fair at all.
And to make matters worse, he got my sister pregnant while I was undergoing leukemia treatment. If he had ever abandoned his responsibilities as a father, I would have hunted him down and dragged him to the grave with me. But luckily, he wasn't that type of person.
After my nephew was born, I didn't have many chances to meet her because I died three months later.
But, well, weeping over the past too often only brings nostalgia and can hamper your future actions. The best way to treat memories is by using them as lessons and motivation.
Yesterday, I managed to convince Rin to join my side. For now, my priority was getting through the Nagazora Third Impact and awakening Mei as the Herrscher of Thunder smoothly.
The population of the city likely couldn't be saved. That was the brutal nature of a Honkai Eruption.
Imaginary energy has always existed, both on the Imaginary Tree and in the Sea of Quanta. But it is usually quarantined by another layer of reality until the Cocoon of Finality decides otherwise.
There was no way it could happen without casualties. It must occur one way or another.
And what about me? Everyone is going to die someday. For now, I need to focus on my task and mission.
The task was freeing Elena... I mean, Elysia from her cage.
This wasn't my obligation; she never forced me to do it. Yes, she used a bit of gaslighting, but my reason was very simple—not grand things like saving the world or winning her love.
I just wanted to live.
In my young adult years, life was a ceaseless struggle for survival. The hospital became my second home, with its sterile smells of chemicals and the constant rotation of medicines and surgeries. The sharp, antiseptic scent of ethanol lingered in the air, mingling with the ever-present reminders of mortality—the hushed whispers about other patients who had succumbed, the muffled cries of pain, and the sorrowful, resigned expressions of loved ones. The most harrowing aspect of it all was the relentless awareness of my own body deteriorating, bit by bit, day by day. Each morning, I woke up with the grim realization that I was inching closer to an inevitable end.
During these times, I found a kindred spirit in Miyazono Kaori from Your Lie in April. Her story resonated deeply with me as she faced the same cruel betrayal by her own body. The anime portrayed her vibrant spirit and love for music, which were gradually overshadowed by her failing health. It was heartbreaking to watch her struggle, knowing her chances of living a full life were dwindling. This mirrored my experiences; I, too, felt the crushing weight of a life cut short by an uncaring fate.
The fear of death is a universal human experience, and I often pondered over the idea that some might claim to be unafraid of it. But in my reality, I couldn't fathom such a mindset. The fear of dying, the primal instinct to survive, seemed woven into the very fabric of our being. It is a force that drives us, shapes our actions, and influences our decisions. For me, the terror wasn't just in the prospect of dying but in the slow, excruciating decline towards it.
What haunted me most wasn't the physical pain or the constant battle against illness but the profound sense of helplessness. As my condition worsened, I found myself increasingly dependent on others for basic daily activities. My nurse, Elena, became a vital part of my existence. She was compassionate and skilled, yet every time she assisted me, I felt a deep, gnawing resentment toward my own inability. The frustration of being unable to perform even the simplest tasks without help made me feel useless and vulnerable. It was a humbling and bitter pill to swallow, watching the world go by as I remained trapped in a failing body.
And then Elysia offered me something beyond my wildest dreams, she offered me another chance to be alive.
I would never waste it. No, I must not waste it. It was like she had created an oasis in the middle of the desert after reviving me from dying of thirst. She was crucial for my being and survival.
Damn it, it sounded cliché as hell! But how could I not be indebted to her after she had given me that chance?
Although I knew Elysia was very lenient, I still didn't know if my task was fulfilling or not. Was it enough to cover the debt I owed her?
I didn't know. But I would never know if I didn't do anything.
Although Nagazora's citizens were likely unable to survive Mei's awakening, I could still help smuggle my new parents out of danger. From this body's memories, they were the best parents a child could ask for, even though they adopted me.
They reminded me of my old parents a lot.
My new mother was a nurse who used to work in Siberia for humanitarian aid during the Second Eruption. I didn't know the full story, but she said she and my new father had decided to adopt me because she had become infertile due to stress, radiation, and various other factors during her time there.
My new father was an officer in ME Corp. I heard he was quite close to Raiden Ryoma but didn't know how close. He rarely talked about his work at home.
Honestly, I couldn't ask for better parents. I was just their adopted son, but they never mistreated or were reserved toward me. They even tried their best to cure me of Honkai Radiation and waited for me to wake up from the coma.
This was so heart-touching that I didn't know how I should thank them enough.
Enough of my new family; I found myself at the gate of Senba High School.
I took a deep breath to calm myself down. This was such a nostalgic and surreal experience. That is because I would repeat high school.
The original Watanabe Kazuto had been in a coma for about a year, and he had missed his education. Now it was my turn to finish it.
The students of my age had graduated. I was set back two years in academic grade.
Well, it didn't matter. The school and the city would be doomed in the next six months anyway.
While I was walking down the corridor to find my new class, I bumped into someone, making both of us stumble to the ground.
A light purple-haired girl groaned groggily as she tried to recompose herself. I hurriedly got up and extended my hand to help her up.
"Sorry, I wasn't concentrating. Are you okay?" I asked in concern.
The girl looked at my hand and then at my face momentarily before accepting it. She grasped my hand as I pulled her from the ground.
"That's okay," the girl assured me, then her face turned to surprise when she studied my face once more. "Kazu-senpai?"
"You know me? But sorry, do I know you?" I asked back in confusion.
My memories didn't have any records of this girl. The old Kazuto didn't acquaint himself much with the juniors, so it was odd to see a junior girl knowing me.
"Ah, sorry, my bad," the light purple-haired girl apologized. "It's just you used to help me when I was a freshman. I understand if you don't remember me."
"No, my circumstance is a bit special. I just came back to school after a coma, so my memories are a bit...fuzzy," I chuckled as I scratched my head.
"What is your name?" I returned with a question.
"Yes, you...you can call me Yuna," the light purple-haired girl stammered as her ears started to turn pink.
Yuna? Did she have any relevant role in the Honkai world? I felt like this girl had some importance, but I couldn't remember if it was true or not.
"Okay, Yuna. Do you know where class..." I questioned as I scrolled down my phone to find out which class I would attend, "...2B is? I've forgotten a lot of things, including the ways in school."
Although I knew and had knowledge about this school, I was still struggling because this body had been bedridden for a whole year.
"I understand. You said you were in a coma, right? May I know why?" Yuna asked me again in curiosity.
"I had an accident while skiing, so I fell into a coma for about a year," I replied with a made-up story.
Yuna nodded sympathetically at my answer, her eyes filled with concern. "I'm so sorry to hear that. It must have been tough for you."
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Yeah, it was a challenging time. But I'm grateful to be back now, even if I've lost some memories along the way."
Yuna smiled gently, her purple hair framing her face. "Well, I'm glad you're okay and back with us. If there's anything I can do to help you adjust, please don't hesitate to ask."
"Okay, can I get your number or social network account?" I asked. Maybe one day I might need her help. Who could guess the future?
Her kindness warmed my heart, and I couldn't help but feel drawn to her genuine nature. There was something about Yuna that felt familiar, as if we had crossed paths before my accident.
She had just told me I used to help her, so that was maybe the case.
As we walked together through the school corridors, Yuna guided me towards class 2B, pointing out various landmarks along the way. Her voice was soft and reassuring, making me feel at ease in this new environment.
I would be sad if she couldn't make it through Nagazora's Eruption. From my first impressions of her, she seemed like a good person.
Despite the Honkai threat being imminent, the general population had no idea about this. Honkai was mostly dubbed as urban legends. The Second Eruption, in general public view, was seen as a disastrous asteroid rain causing the USSR to collapse. That is because the majority of damage from the Second Eruption was caused by Sirin throwing moon debris into Earth with her power, alongside her army of Pseudo Herrschers and Honkai Beasts.
In this Honkai world, the USSR fell in 2000 instead of 1991 unlike in my old world. This world's history was quite identical to my old world until one event, the Berlin Honkai Eruption of 1952, which was dubbed as a nuclear disaster in the history books. Both sides of the Cold War were accusing each other of the disaster, but there was no evidence. From that moment, world history had spiraled out of my expectations.
I bid farewell to Yuna as she studied in a different class. When I moved my gaze inside my new classroom, I saw the homeroom teacher turning her head towards me.
I walked inside and started writing my name on the board.
"Class, from now on, we will have Kazuto as the new student in our class. He had an accident that made him bedridden for a whole year, so he missed his education."
I smiled sheepishly at my new class, then gave a bow.
"Nice to meet all of you. I hope you guys will treat me well."
As I darted my eyes around the classroom, I noticed most of the seats were occupied except for one.
"Raiden Mei. Do you agree to have Watanabe Kazuto sit next to you?" the homeroom teacher asked.
The dark purple-haired girl finally paid attention to us as she was folding her book. Mei sat right in the first row, so I could sneak a peek at the cover of her book.
She was reading Kafka's literature? If it weren't for the big letters of the author's name on the book, I would never guess the book, with a purple-haired woman on the cover, was a Kafka's book.
"Yes, I am okay with it. Welcome to the class, senpai," Raiden Mei replied as she gave me a small smile.
I slightly nodded, then moved to my new seat.
I didn't know why, but I could feel a lot of jealousy from the eyes in the class. Come on, Raiden Mei was just a human, not a divine being to be worshipped. Would you guys still worship her even after her father was framed and arrested?
Well, Mei would cease to be human and become more akin to a goddess in the next six months. But most of this class would be doomed by then.
Damn it, sometimes I wished my instinct wasn't this sensitive. It was good in combat, but it was quite a nuisance when you tried to ignore things.
God Kiana and Elysia taught me a bit too well in this.
--------
Ana navigated the bustling streets of Vienna, her mind a whirlwind of unease and disorientation. This world was supposed to follow the familiar contours of Honkai Impact 3, a game she knew intimately, yet the reality was far more complex and unsettling. She had meticulously prepared herself, memorizing the plot, characters, and every conceivable twist, but living in this Honkai world brought an unexpected sense of conflict and uncertainty.
The dissonance began when she befriended two unexpected individuals. Ayla was the first—an endearing, pink-haired girl with an artistic flair. Initially, she seemed childlike and innocent, but as time passed, she blossomed into a mature and strikingly beautiful woman. Ana thought their friendship was a random occurrence, an anomaly in an otherwise predictable world. But when Ayla introduced her to Selena, everything changed.
Selena was a name Ana could brush off as coincidental. However, the girl herself was another matter entirely. A brilliant musician, Selena bore an uncanny resemblance to a character from Ana's past life, not from Honkai Impact 3 but from Punishing Gray Raven. This was supposed to be a Honkai world, governed by its own rules and characters. The presence of Ayla and Selena felt like a cosmic anomaly, and Ana couldn't help but wonder who might appear next. Liv? Lucia? The thought both intrigued and unsettled her.
Ana struggled to maintain her composure, taking deep, steadying breaths as she walked. She tried to rationalize her fears, telling herself that the world was vast and coincidences happened. But deep down, a gnawing fear persisted. These friendships, seemingly innocent, could have far-reaching consequences. She worried that her knowledge of the future, once a comforting advantage, might become irrelevant if the world around her changed unpredictably. The thought of losing that certainty, that control, was terrifying.
As she made her way to a meeting with the Overseer, Otto Apocalypse, Ana's internal turmoil only grew. Otto was a formidable figure, a man whose singular goal was to resurrect Kallen Kaslana, regardless of the cost. His relentless pursuit of this objective had made him a powerful and dangerous leader. Ana respected his effectiveness in combating the Honkai threat, but she was also acutely aware of his manipulative nature. It was a delicate balance—admiring his skills while distrusting his intentions. She couldn't afford to let her guard down around him, knowing that his goals could easily diverge from her own.
In the world of Honkai Impact 3, Otto is a pivotal character. His actions and decisions shaped the narrative, and his departure marked a noticeable decline in the story's quality. Ana knew that in three years, she was destined to become the Herrscher of Ice. The thought filled her with a mixture of anticipation and dread. She wondered how she could strengthen herself, how she could navigate the complexities of this world. Perhaps a Stigmata Awakening could offer her the power she needed, but such an occurrence was rare and unpredictable. Without the plot armor surrounding characters like Durandal, Ana felt vulnerable. The possibility of losing her destined role as Herrscher of Ice to someone unforeseen gnawed at her, a constant undercurrent of anxiety.
As she pondered these uncertainties, Ana's attention was drawn to a passing couple pushing a stroller. She glanced inside and saw a smiling infant, the innocent joy in the child's eyes striking a deep chord within her. The sight triggered a wave of longing and sadness, a sharp reminder of her own daughter. The pain was almost unbearable, a bittersweet ache that she quickly tried to suppress. There was no room for such emotions now, not when she had a mission to fulfill. That woman had promised to protect her daughter, to keep her safe.
Her thoughts drifted back to Otto's sacrifices for Kallen. The lengths he went to, the lines he crossed—would her own husband be capable of such devotion? Would he sacrifice everything for her, as Otto had for Kallen? The question haunted her, an unspoken fear that she couldn't shake.
The cacophony of Vienna's streets—the chatter of people, the sound of cars, the distant hum of city life—faded into the background as Ana lost herself in these thoughts. She was jolted back to reality by a familiar voice calling her name. Her heart raced as she scanned the crowd, her eyes finally landing on a familiar figure.
"Ana, is that you?", that familiar voice called out to her.
"Wendy?" Ana's voice was tinged with disbelief. "What are you doing here? I thought you were still in New Zealand."
Wendy's green hair glinted in the sunlight as she offered a sheepish smile. "It was a last-minute decision," she explained. "I only found out yesterday."
Ana's curiosity was piqued. "Why Vienna? What brings you here?"
Wendy hesitated, her expression conflicted. "It's... confidential," she said, looking down. "I can't share the details." She glanced at her phone, as if seeking an excuse to leave. "I have some errands to run, but it is really nice seeing you."
A sense of urgency gripped Ana. She couldn't let Wendy leave without offering support. "Wait," she called out, her voice earnest. "If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to reach out. I'm always here for you."
Wendy's eyes softened, a hint of gratitude in her gaze. "Thank you, Ana," she said, her voice sincere. With a final nod, she disappeared into the street, leaving Ana standing alone.
Ana resumed her walk, her thoughts heavier than before. After another ten minutes, she arrived at a chapel. A white-haired nun, Amber, greeted her with a respectful bow, informing her that the Overseer awaited inside.
"Thank you, Amber," Ana murmured, her voice subdued as she entered the chapel. She made her way through the quiet, echoing space just to find Overseer Otto seated at the front casually sipping a glass of wine. He gestured for her to join him and offered her a glass as well.
"You never cease to impress me, Ana," Otto remarked, a slight smile playing on his lips. "You're proving to be even more capable than Rita at your age."
The compliment stirred a mix of emotions in Ana. Pride, yes, but also a caution born of experience. Otto's praise was a double-edged sword, and she knew better than to become complacent. Gaining his favor was crucial, but she had to tread carefully. In this Honkai world, Otto was a master manipulator, and staying valuable to him meant playing a dangerous game.
"I appreciate your compliment," Ana replied, returning his smile with a measured one of her own and then taking a sip of her drink. "But I'm sure Rita would disagree."
Otto chuckled, refilling their glasses. "Perhaps," he conceded. "But let's get to the matter at hand. I hear you ran into Wendy earlier?"
Ana nodded, her curiosity piqued. "Yes, it was unexpected. What happened?"
Otto's expression darkened slightly, a rare show of genuine concern.
"It's conflicting for me to share this with you, but I believe you deserve to know," Otto said with a sigh. "Wendy has volunteered to be experimented on with the Gem of Desire."
Ana's eyes widened in shock at the revelation. She knew about Wendy's fate from playing Guns Girl Z, where Wendy had become incredibly powerful and even rivaled the Herrscher of the End in raw power. However, in Honkai Impact 3's early story, Wendy would be left handicapped after experimenting with the Gem of Desire and eventually succumb to defeat as the Herrscher of Wind under the hands of Kiana, Bronya and Mei right after they were graduated.
After spending time with Wendy during her stay in New Zealand, Ana could see that she was a carefree and sweet girl, but also fiercely stubborn. She knew that trying to convince her to abandon the experiment would have no effect.
But deep down, Ana knew that the role of Herrscher of Wind was tailor-made for Wendy. Perhaps it was best to let her go through with it, despite the inevitable suffering she would face. But then a thought dawned on Ana.
Perhaps, if she played her cards right, she could steer Wendy towards a different outcome, one that might align more closely with her own goals.
With a deep breath, Ana looked Otto in the eye. "If Wendy has made this choice by herself, the best I can do is support her," she said, her voice steady but laced with underlying tension. "I just hope you will do everything in your power to ensure her safety, my lord."
A deep laugh rumbled from within Otto, his amusement evident on his weathered face. "You have my word that I will do everything in my power to keep her safe. That is the only promise I can make," he replied confidently, taking a sip from his glass of wine.
As Ana sipped her wine, her mind raced with the implications of Otto's words. Wendy's decision, Otto's machinations, and her own precarious position. All these elements interwove in a complex web of intrigue and danger. She was acutely aware of the thin line she walked, caught between her knowledge of the game's plot and the unpredictable realities of this world. Every rash choice she made could alter the course of events in ways she couldn't fully foresee.
As the wine warmed her throat, Ana steeled herself. In a world where the lines between reality and fiction blurred, where every decision carried potentially catastrophic consequences, Ana knew she had to remain vigilant and adaptable. The future was uncertain, and the stakes were higher than ever.
"Thank you, Lord Otto. With your permission, I'll return to my duties now," Ana responded, bowing slightly before gracefully rising from her seat.
Before she could make her exit, Otto spoke again, catching her off guard.
"If it's possible, I would love for you to stay a little longer and converse with me. It's been far too long since I've had a conversation like this."
Ana's eyes widened in surprise. She hadn't expected such an invitation from the Overseer. She hesitated, unsure of how to respond. Otto Apocalypse was a master manipulator, and even the slightest interaction with him required careful consideration.
"I'm not sure what insights I could offer you," Ana replied humbly. "Most of what I know comes from your teaching and guidance."
Otto smiled, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "Ah, but your unique perspective as a Valkyrie could provide valuable insights and angles that may have escaped me as an Overseer," he said, his tone both flattering and genuinely curious. "It would be a missed opportunity not to engage in a deeper discussion."
Ana felt a mix of emotions. On one hand, she was wary of staying longer with someone as unpredictable and cunning as Otto. On the other hand, she couldn't deny the flattery in his words, which felt like a subtle yet potent compliment. It was no wonder that many female officers in Schicksal were captivated by him. His charisma was palpable, his words laced with a charm that could easily weave into the hearts of those around him. It was intoxicating, and Ana was keenly aware that it was likely the result of centuries of practice and manipulation.
Still, the opportunity to converse with Otto Apocalypse on a more personal level was rare. She could glean valuable information from him, perhaps even gain some insight into his plans and motivations. Yet, she had to tread carefully, mindful of the potential traps in this seemingly benign invitation.
"Of course, if it pleases you, Lord Otto," Ana finally agreed, a subtle smile playing on her lips. "It would be an honor to discuss matters further with you."
Otto's expression brightened, and he gestured for her to sit back down. "Wonderful. It's refreshing to speak with someone who can offer a different perspective. So, tell me, Ana, what do you think about the current state of affairs within Schicksal and the wider world? How do you see our efforts against the Honkai progressing?"
As she settled back into her seat, Ana felt a surge of inner conflict. She needed to choose her words carefully, balancing honesty with diplomacy. Her insights could intrigue Otto, but revealing too much of her true thoughts could be dangerous. She knew she was being tested, measured, and possibly even manipulated. But in this game of wits, she had to play her part skillfully. The stakes were too high to do otherwise.
Ana cleared her throat, organizing her thoughts before launching into her report. "Based on my observations, there have been numerous complaints from Valkyrie branches in West Asia and Southeast Asia (SEA) about the lack of missions and duties available to them. This scarcity makes it challenging for these squads to gain experience and achieve promotions, as their assignments are frequently intercepted by squads from neighboring regions."
She continued, her voice steady and professional. "For example, squads from Europe often take on missions that were initially designated for West Asian squads. Similarly, North East Asian squads tend to preemptively claim missions meant for South East Asian squads. In my own Snow Lotus squad, we frequently find ourselves negotiating with squads in Australia and New Zealand to ensure the SEA squads have a fair opportunity to participate in missions."
Ana's delivery was precise, reflecting her commitment and thoroughness as a Schicksal Valkyrie. She knew the importance of presenting accurate and well-considered information, especially in the presence of someone as influential as Otto Apocalypse.
"Ah, I see," Otto responded, thoughtfully placing a finger on his chin. He seemed to ponder the situation for a moment before continuing. "I'll address this problem as soon as possible. Is there anything else I should be aware of?" His tone was serious and determined, signaling his intent to rectify the issues.
Ana nodded, her expression sharp and focused as she continued her report. "That's the primary concern I wanted to highlight. Of course, there are other common issues, such as supply line disruptions and technical difficulties. I'll compile a comprehensive report upon my return home."
"I understand. I'll review those details later," Otto replied calmly, dismissing the topic with a casual wave of his hand. He then shifted the conversation, his curiosity piqued. "Now, onto another matter, I noticed Selena wearing your dresses during her performances. Are you gifting them to her?"
Ana hesitated, unsure of the nature of his inquiry. "Is there an issue with that, my lord?"
A smile spread across Otto's face, accompanied by a soft chuckle. "No, not at all. In fact, it's quite remarkable how beautiful Selena looks in your dresses. It's a testament to my talent as a tailor," he added with a hint of pride.
After a brief pause, Otto continued, his tone now carrying a trace of admiration. "And I must say, your request for me to become Selena's patron was quite bold. I never expected you to place so much trust in me at that time."
Ana stood composed, her voice steady as she responded. "I just do what I can to support my friends," she replied, meeting Otto's gaze with unwavering resolve. "And you're the most influential figure I know who can protect her."
Otto raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Indeed, and here we are," he mused. "Selena is now peacefully pursuing her dream of becoming a musician. But tell me, why are you doing so much for her?"
Ana maintained her determined expression as she responded, "I believe I've already explained this, my lord. She is my friend."
She paused, collecting her thoughts under Otto's penetrating gaze. "Selena is an extraordinary talent who deserves the chance to follow her passion without interference," she continued. "Moreover, she reminds me of someone I once knew—someone with immense potential who never had the opportunity to fully realize it. I won't let that happen to Selena. I want to ensure she has the freedom and support to thrive."
Otto nodded, acknowledging her explanation but not entirely satisfied. "I understand that," he said, leaning forward slightly. "But why do you trust her so deeply? You sacrificed everything you had at that time to secure her a future, without the fear that one day she might betray or disappoint you."
As Otto's question lingered in the air, Ana felt the weight of it pressing down on her. She took a deep breath, her ash-blonde hair catching the soft sunlight filtering through the chapel windows. The moment felt heavy with unspoken truths and the complexity of her emotions.
"Because... I feel she doesn't deserve that fate at all," Ana finally replied, her voice gentle yet firm. "A kind soul like hers often seems to attract misfortune. I just want to lessen her tragedies as much as possible."
Her words were imbued with quiet conviction, the sincerity in her tone unshakable. Ana had witnessed the hardships and tragedies that another version of Selena endured in Punishing Gray Raven, and she was determined to prevent a repeat of those events. This wasn't merely about friendship; it stemmed from a deeper, more altruistic desire to protect someone she perceived as vulnerable to the harsh realities of her potential fate. In Selena, Ana saw echoes of past tragedies and a chance to make amends, to do something meaningful, even if it was just a small gesture against the tide of adversity.
Otto studied Ana for a moment, a thoughtful expression on his face. The room fell silent, the only sound the faint rustle of his robes as he shifted in his seat. Ana could sense that he was weighing her words, possibly even reevaluating his own perceptions of her.
"Your compassion is commendable," Otto finally said, his tone softer than before. "But remember, in our line of work, sentiments like these can be both a strength and a weakness. Keep your heart open, but be vigilant."
Ana nodded, understanding the duality of his advice. Her compassion was her strength, but in a world rife with betrayal and power struggles, it could also be a vulnerability. Yet, she knew she couldn't be any other way. Protecting Selena, supporting her dreams, and standing by her side were choices Ana made willingly, knowing full well the potential consequences.
"Thank you, Lord Otto," she said, her voice steady. "I'll remember your words."
Otto nodded at her response and poured himself another glass of wine, feeling a growing temptation to use Fenghuang Down on her.
This Ana was vastly different from the one he remembered from his previous life—more assertive, determined, and proactive. It was almost as if she had been replaced.
When Otto finally used Fenghuang Down on Ana, he was filled with anticipation. To his dismay, all he found were the mundane thoughts of an average teenage girl. Worse still, Ana caught him as he delved into her thoughts with intense focus. Fortunately, Ana had no knowledge of his powers and simply assumed he was having inappropriate thoughts about her.
It was a relief for Otto to have her think that way rather than knowing the truth. Manipulating situations and reassuring Ana was easy for him; after all, he had been an Overseer for centuries, handling all sorts of predicaments. He knew he had to be cautious with a future Herrscher like Ana. The last thing he needed was another Herrscher opposing him.
In his previous life, his reckless actions had caused many Herrschers to turn against him, forcing him to become the ultimate villain to fulfill his dream. Though the plan succeeded, it left a bitter taste in his mouth as he realized he was truly alone in the end.
Theresa, Bianka, Rita, Fu Hua, Nagamitsu, and many others—they had all lost trust in him after centuries of building it. Only Elysia still saw the potential for redemption in him.
Elysia had chosen Otto for this second chance because she believed he could help her "chosen one" bring a happy ending for everyone, including himself.
He couldn't waste this opportunity. Elysia's belief in his redeemability and the possibility of fully reviving Kallen gave him renewed determination. He must make the most of this chance.
Otto lounged back in his plush chair, tilting his head to take a slow sip from his drink. The liquid glided smoothly down his throat as he let out a relaxed sigh. "Thank you for your time. You may leave now," he declared nonchalantly, giving a casual wave of his hand. The ice cubes clinked against the glass as he set it down, droplets of condensation forming on the polished wooden table. His confident posture and calm demeanor conveyed an air of ease and authority.
Ana stood gracefully, her movements fluid and practiced like a dancer's. With a graceful bow towards the Overseer, she made her way towards the door, her mind already racing with plans for completing her task. As she reached for the doorknob, her phone buzzed with a notification, drawing her attention.
Her eyes widened in surprise as she read the message, trying to make sense of it. Turning back to Otto with confusion and curiosity, she sought an explanation for this unexpected turn of events.
But the Overseer simply smirked, his blonde hair shimmering in the room's light as he took another sip from his drink.
"Relax, my dear," he said lightly. "You can take your time and enjoy yourself. After all, you have impressed me greatly with your work this past year. And it has been far too long since you've seen Selena, hasn't it?"
Despite herself, Ana couldn't help but chuckle at Otto's words.
"Well then, perhaps it would be fair for you to gift me a bottle of your finest wine as well? You gave one to Selena, after all," she teased.
But Otto's smirk only grew wider as he took another leisurely sip from his drink.
"Oh, Ana," he chuckled. "You may be talented, but you haven't quite earned that privilege yet."
As Ana emerged from the chapel, she couldn't resist checking her bank account again. Her heart skipped a beat as she saw that 50,000 euros had been deposited. She couldn't believe the Overseer had given her this much just for a conversation.
"Fighting for all the beauty in the world. Not a bad target, I suppose," Otto chuckled as he drank the remaining wine, then stood up and walked out of the chapel.