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

While the afternoon sun lingered over Europe, deep night had fallen on the other side of the world.

"Splash! Whoosh…" The moon's reflection shattered on the ocean surface as a blue streak of light shot skyward.

"Overseer, mission accomplished." Durandal, having just surfaced, reported immediately. "Data synchronized. You can analyze it now."

"Well done, Bianka." Otto, unsurprised by her return, had been silently praying the Honkai beast hadn't provoked his "guest."

"What were your findings?"

"Large, but underwhelming." Durandal summarized her experience succinctly.

The colossal deep-sea beast, estimated to be tens of thousands of meters long, hadn't impressed her. She was even disappointed in the legendary creature.

"If it were ten or a hundred times smaller, it might pose a threat. But its immense size is its weakness, hindering its defense, attack, and movement."

Her disappointment was understandable. A Judgment-class Honkai beast, capable of devouring continents, had been pinned down for millennia by a Stigmata awakened wielder of the Key of Dominance, two technicians, and a bit of Soulium.

It wasn't as formidable as its reputation suggested.

"Now, now, don't be so harsh," Otto chuckled, defending Fu Hua's actions. "That was during the era of the Previous Era, when civilization was far less advanced. That the ancients could contain such a threat is a feat worthy of our admiration."

He himself was puzzled. According to his information, multiple MANTIS soldiers, including Fu Hua, had been active at the time, yet none seemed to have participated in subduing Chiyou.

In that era of "awakened gods," with Kevin leading the MANTIS soldiers protecting nascent human civilization, being caught off guard by a Judgment-class Honkai beast, resulting in such devastating losses, seemed… improbable.

Perhaps ancient transportation was simply too inefficient? Otto rationalized, Communication, too. Maybe by the time Kevin heard about it, it was already over…

"Regardless, assigning such an enemy to a team of mostly trainee Valkyries seems reckless," Durandal said, focusing on the practicalities. "If this is meant as a trial, I suggest reconsideration."

"I have my reasons," Otto chuckled, reviewing the data Durandal had sent—survey scans, images, and recordings of her operation.

The operation had been remarkably smooth. Chiyou's seal, weakened by the Manila eruption, had allowed Honkai energy levels to rise, but there were few Honkai beasts in the area.

Durandal had witnessed Chiyou swallowing any approaching Honkai beasts, along with massive amounts of rock, sand, and seawater. It had even tried to swallow her.

Durandal had, of course… obliged.

Summoning a colossal lance that seemed to pierce the heavens, she'd plunged it into Chiyou's maw, pinning its jaw to the seabed, the lance's shaft wedging its mouth open.

Then, she'd calmly entered the beast's mouth to investigate. She knew the trainees couldn't withstand the suction, so a preliminary risk assessment was necessary.

The beast's interior was surprisingly spacious, its massive size making its flesh thin and vulnerable. Durandal estimated she could punch her way out with a single, full-powered blow.

Hence, her "underwhelming" assessment.

Having reached this conclusion, she'd returned, repaired the seal with the Honkai-resistant steel Otto had provided, and departed.

This wasn't surprising. The seal was primarily Honkai-resistant steel, something Otto had plenty of.

Having thoroughly mined Fu Hua's memories and possessing the vast knowledge of the Previous Era through the Void Archives, Otto naturally understood their sealing techniques.

Seeing Otto's unwavering resolve, Durandal merely added, "Then, at least make some preparations. Install communication relays to ensure K-423 and her team can maintain contact, enabling Theresa to command and us to provide support."

"Excellent suggestion. Anything else?" Otto readily agreed.

Durandal shook her head. She knew, from his expression, that Otto had a complete plan and didn't require further input.

"Then, some good news. Our guest has awakened." Otto smiled. "He and Rita are getting along… well enough. But as a precaution, please return and escort him back to HQ with Rita." He emphasized the word "escort."

With Durandal present, Lin Wei wouldn't be able to cause any trouble, regardless of his tricks.

"Yes, sir." Durandal, after a brief pause, accepted the order, turning back towards Kolosten, leaving a long trail in her wake.

...

"Lady Durandal has completed her mission and is returning," Rita announced, surprised and pleased by Durandal's swift return.

"Oh? Durandal?" Lin Wei asked, feigning surprise. "Is she returning to HQ, or here?" Leisure time was over. The story was moving on.

Rita, unable to hide the truth, admitted, "The Overseer, deeply impressed by your actions, has sent Lady Durandal to escort you to HQ."

"Couldn't he come here himself?" Lin Wei gestured dismissively at Rita, scoffing. "Two S-rank Valkyries for one person? You're pulling out all the stops." The charade was over.

"You are a valued guest, Mr. Lin Wei. I wouldn't dare be careless," Rita replied, her words both sincere and subtly threatening.

Lin Wei met her gaze. "I thought we were friends."

Their initial encounter in Singapore had been tense, each trying to gain the upper hand. Then, they'd fought side-by-side against the Honkai eruption, united in their efforts to save lives.

And now… this.

Rita's hospitality since his awakening had been impeccable, almost making him forget he was a prisoner. He'd sensed no insincerity. She'd genuinely tried to make him comfortable.

Putting aside their differences, this subtle shift in attitude was perhaps one of the positive outcomes of Manila.

But that didn't preclude Lin Wei from using it to his advantage. While Rita might not want to cause him harm, her loyalty to Otto compelled her.

He decided to push.

"I thought we were friends, but it seems I'm still a prisoner. How disappointing…" The "Emperor's New Clothes" act was over. Time to play the victim.

"Morality" was a tool. It wouldn't constrain Otto or Lin Wei, but it could influence onlookers, subtly isolating their opponent.

"…You exaggerate, Mr. Lin Wei." Rita's expression turned troubled at the accusation. How could she explain without throwing Otto under the bus? As a subordinate, she couldn't just blurt out the Overseer's orders, or mention Welt, World Serpent, or the Second Divine Key.

They both knew there was underlying conflict. Lin Wei had simply brought it to the surface. Denying it would only make it worse.

Perhaps Lady Durandal's return is making him nervous… She replied vaguely, "As an esteemed guest, this is simply a sign of Schicksal's respect."

"Really? I appreciate your hospitality." Lin Wei gestured around at the bustling city. "But you've only shown me the busy areas. Are you afraid I'll run?"

"You misunderstand, Mr. Lin Wei." Rita deflected the accusation smoothly. "As your guide, I should show you the city's highlights. Taking you to desolate areas would be both unpleasant and disrespectful."

"I see your point," Lin Wei replied nonchalantly. "But you also refused my request to visit the mountain, and your earlier guidance… It's hard not to be suspicious."

Before Rita could respond, he continued with a sardonic smile, "Are you keeping me here, surrounded by civilians, hoping I won't fight you?"

Otto's little scheme was transparent.

"…That's not the case." Rita felt increasingly frustrated at this blatant accusation.

But she knew he was provoking her, and she had to de-escalate the situation. "This is Kolosten, Schicksal's former capital. Its residents are deeply connected to Schicksal. In a sense, they are our vulnerability. Even if what you say were true, we wouldn't use this place as leverage. After all…"

She gestured around. "If we were truly your enemies, would these Schicksal families be held hostage? That would only embolden them, while hindering us." Her tone was gentle, using "them" to distance Lin Wei from her accusations.

It was a valid argument, but Schicksal's vulnerability wasn't Otto's.

Lin Wei scoffed. Moral blackmail, a classic tactic.

"Thank you for the explanation. It seems I misunderstood." Lin Wei smiled, his tone turning sharp. "But it's getting late. I'd like to return home and rest." He dropped the pretense, his voice firm. "Will you… let me go?" He adopted a combative stance, deliberately escalating the situation.

This was beyond Rita's authority. Without Durandal, Otto would have to intervene personally.

And if it came to a fight… Lin Wei wasn't afraid. Let Otto try to level Kolosten. It's just kidnapping. Who's kidnapping whom is still up for debate.

Just as Lin Wei waited for a response, Rita's communicator beeped.

She checked the message, then said hesitantly, "Ms. Yuno, Mr. Lin Wei should know her. She is now at the headquarters, waiting for your arrival."

Hearing this, Lin Wei frowned.