Honkai, why do you only throw me into high-level battles?

Schicksal HQ, Floating Island

Otto sat in the dimly lit lab, tapping his finger on the armrest, his gaze fixed on the projected image of Lin Wei enjoying his meal under Rita's attentive care.

Lin Wei, now finished eating, stood up, changed into a well-tailored outfit with Rita's assistance, and requested a walk in the afternoon sun.

Rita readily agreed, following closely behind like a professional tour guide, explaining the history of every brick and beam.

The image on Otto's screen shifted with their movements, the camera always focused on Lin Wei, capturing his every gesture, expression, and glance. He was being constantly monitored.

Rita had informed Otto immediately upon Lin Wei's awakening, rushing to his side to offer hospitality while subtly facilitating Otto's surveillance.

One hour, two hours… Otto remained motionless, scrutinizing his screen, analyzing his recent adversary, assessing the threat.

Throughout, his expression remained impassive, except for a slight frown when Lin Wei mocked Rita about the Manila incident.

He had no need for anger. The man was in his grasp. He could even afford a bit of admiration for his "cleverness," regardless of whether his words were true or false.

He had to admit, the seemingly weak young man on the screen was intriguing. But he still couldn't understand Fu Hua's cryptic warning against bringing him to Schicksal HQ.

He found no answers. The man who'd just bought a coffee, taken one sip, and tossed it in a trash can was brimming with human emotion. Otto saw only vulnerabilities, no clear threat.

"Overseer…" Amber entered quietly, as if afraid to disturb him. "Anti-Entropy has sent a formal request for Mr. Lin Wei's return." She wouldn't interrupt unless the matter required his direct attention.

"Oh? Have those missing individuals returned?" Otto's eyes remained glued to the screen, his tone now laced with curiosity. "Are they calling him by that name?"

Was that his real name, or were they still trying to hide Welt's identity? Otto was intrigued.

"Yes," Amber confirmed. "They even offered their only Divine Key in exchange."

"Star of Eden? Hmph, a pointless gesture." Otto scoffed. "Tell them no. A mere Divine Key pales in comparison to this esteemed guest." This unexpected request only strengthened his conviction that he had Welt. He couldn't let him go.

"Yes, sir." Amber bowed and withdrew.

"Ah…" Otto turned back to the screen, a strange smile playing on his lips.

Anti-Entropy's desperation, coupled with Lin Wei's earlier remarks about Manila, confirmed his suspicions. The Honkai eruption there was connected to Anti-Entropy.

Considering their internal struggles and Welt's inability to maintain full control, it was possible he'd been kept in the dark, just like in Nagazora. Then, this "Lin Wei" had sensed trouble in Manila, going to investigate, and coincidentally encountering Otto.

Perhaps Otto's own "flushing out" operation in Southeast Asia had startled Welt, making him suspect Otto or World Serpent. Coupled with their long-standing animosity, Welt had decided to sabotage Otto's plan and abduct World Serpent's people…

Then, having disrupted Otto's plans, Welt's own agenda had been delayed, leading to the inevitable Honkai eruption.

Filled with regret and rage, Welt had stepped in to rectify his mistake, ending the disaster in a spectacular, self-sacrificing manner, and landing in Otto's hands…

A pyrrhic victory for both sides? The logic was sound, compelling. Otto was both enlightened and exasperated.

One final question remained…

...

"Rita, the view from that mountain looks lovely. Why don't we go there?" Lin Wei, strolling along the riverside path, pointed towards a distant peak.

Wary of an escape attempt, Rita smiled politely. "It's getting late, and the mountain paths are damp and treacherous. You've just recovered. Such exertion wouldn't be wise."

Changing the subject, she added, "The historic cathedral is just ahead. The locals often visit to admire the statue of the saint and remember its poignant history. It's a rare opportunity. Allow me to show you."

"Fine." Lin Wei nodded, feigning disappointment, following her towards the cathedral.

Hmph, trying to escape? Otto chuckled, seeing through his ruse. Seeking a secluded spot to overpower Rita and flee, is he?

Putting him there, surrounded by innocents, was the right decision. The more he wants to leave, the less I'll let him. Otto's mind was made up.

The old HQ and the new—a single word, a world of difference. Schicksal's core assets, Otto's most crucial systems, resided on the floating island, not in this historic European town.

Ironically, Lin Wei wanted to be at Schicksal HQ, hoping to wake up in a room on the floating island. He'd be ecstatic. But he was stuck in the old HQ, much to his disappointment.

"Didn't realize Otto was so cautious…" Lin Wei mused. The man's plans were usually insane, extreme, and irrational. Why this sudden "observation period"?

Delaying was risky, but he couldn't show his eagerness to reach HQ. Otto was paranoid. Any hint of anticipation would raise suspicion.

Being invited in was vastly different from forcing his way in.

I'm a hero. I can't barge in like a villain, he thought. I'm the innocent victim, acting in self-defense against unlawful imprisonment!

He couldn't let Otto, a master manipulator, claim the moral high ground.

If he wants to watch, I'll give him a show! Lin Wei knew he was being observed. Otto, having the upper hand, would naturally want to solidify his advantage.

So, Lin Wei would play along. The more Otto saw, the more confident he'd become.

And the more confident Otto became, the greater Lin Wei's opportunity.

Time to let loose.

Unaware of Anti-Entropy's recent intervention, Lin Wei fully embraced the tourist role, letting Rita lead him through the old city.

The mountain suggestion had been twofold: to mislead Otto, and because he genuinely wanted to enjoy a panoramic view.

Too bad it was rejected.

"You seem down, Mr. Lin Wei." Rita, despite their opposing sides, felt no animosity, even a twinge of guilt. "Is there something I've overlooked?"

"No, just reminiscing." Lin Wei smiled faintly. "Funny thing is, a year ago, I dreamed of settling down here, but gave up due to the difficulty. Now, a year later, I'm here. Life's funny like that…"

He couldn't help but sigh. Life was a constant stream of problems and obstacles, inescapable.

Kolosten, once a dreamed-of haven, was now a stepping stone into a storm. Ironic.

"Your presence is our honor," Rita replied, sensing his complex emotions, but refraining from prying.

"Let's go." Lin Wei moved on, stopping before a row of tall buildings. He pointed to an older, unrenovated house, fenced off like a museum exhibit. "What's that? Even the famous Kaslana and Apocalypse mansions weren't treated with such reverence…" Its unique appearance piqued his curiosity.

"That's the former residence of Reanna Brigantia, an S-rank Valkyrie from a century ago." Rita explained dutifully. "She served Schicksal with distinction before falling in battle. The Overseer preserved her home as a memorial."

Lin Wei paused, then chuckled. "Quite the hypocrite." He moved closer, peering through the windows, as if paying respects.

Otto observed this from afar.

"Actually, Lady Fu Hua also resided here for a time," Rita added, subtly changing the subject, having gleaned fragments of the truth from Schrödinger, but obligated to feign ignorance. "After the new HQ was completed, she moved to the floating island. Her former residence remains preserved. If you're interested…"

"No, thank you," Lin Wei declined politely. "Entering uninvited would be disrespectful."

Fu Hua's former home wasn't a historical relic like Reanna's. While Fu Hua might not mind, Lin Wei did.

"I understand," Rita said, not pressing the issue.

"Beep, beep, beep…" Excusing herself, she checked her communicator, her voice a mix of surprise and relief. "Lady Durandal has completed her mission and is returning."

Lin Wei's expression sharpened. That was fast.