Awakening

Actually, Cocolia believed that in other organizations, plotting against annoying colleagues was not really a big deal.

As long as she could produce success, she believed the person in charge would figure out what should be done.

Would they vent for a calculated good-for-nothing and scrap a capable, reliable subordinate?

Or would they ignore that subordinate's minor flaws and continue to cultivate them as a priority?

Cocolia believed anyone with a normal IQ knew which one to choose.

If Tesla and Einstein provided support, Cocolia was confident she could completely scrap all of Destiny's deployments in Changkong City regarding electronic warfare.

Yet those two dead-short old hags unexpectedly started cutting off a portion of their technical support to the radical faction because of this matter.

Under these circumstances, bringing Titans over meant there was a high probability they were not there to deal with Destiny, but to clean up Cocolia.

Although Cocolia felt this was stupid beyond belief, considering the level of idiots those two were, Cocolia felt they really might pull off such stupid behavior.

And right as Cocolia raged, a light screen suddenly unfolded before her.

"Heh, Cocolia, long time no see."

"To contact me at this critical moment, your situation seems even more dire than imagined."

Within the light screen, a person clad in black robes now materialized before Cocolia.

"Mr. Gray Serpent, I think you are well aware that I do not like wasting time on such pleasantries."

Suppressing the inner fury, Cocolia forced herself to paste on a smiling expression toward Gray Serpent.

"Oh, of course—after all, you really are practically at your wit's end right now."

" Beset by troubles internal and external, your plan is on the verge of bankruptcy."

Damn it, this guy...

He is not provoking me, but using this method to tell me he has been secretly watching all of this.

"Just as Mr. Gray Serpent said, so now—I need Mr. Gray Serpent's help."

Watching the crimson light flashing in Gray Serpent's eyes, Cocolia took a deep breath and spoke to Gray Serpent.

"Name your price, this plan—"

"I name the price?"

Facing Cocolia, Gray Serpent did not let her continue, choosing instead to directly cut off her upcoming words.

"What if I want the Gem of Conquest?"

"This joke is not funny."

Hearing her ally make such an exorbitant demand, Cocolia did not show an angry expression, but the smile on her face gradually faded.

"I think you should know your assistance to me this time is not worth this price."

"Of course. Only, Cocolia, I can also throw in a piece of news as a bonus."

"I have a method in my hands to save your daughter, Seele Vollerei."

"Please tell me the specific operational process right now."

"Ha, you know as well that this is obviously impossible."

Gray Serpent watched the expression on Cocolia's face, a trace of impatience already appearing in his tone.

"I can help you once in advance, and even let the Gem of Conquest stay in your hands for a period of time so you can study its properties."

"But I have made concessions to this extent, Cocolia, and if you are still ungrateful, we will have to consider changing partners."

"You wouldn't happen to have forgotten who helped you climb to this step, would you?"

Damn it.

This person really is like a true venomous snake.

Just gazing at him made her feel a chill run through her.

There was no other choice now.

Destiny had already caught its breath, and their suppression of them would only grow increasingly heavy from here on out.

She had to make Raiden Mei awaken in advance and muddy the waters to have a chance at seizing the Gem of Conquest.

"Very well. Since Mr. Gray Serpent has shown sincerity, of course I can agree to your request."

Even knowing it was drinking poison to quench thirst, she had to borrow Gray Serpent's power.

"Excellent."

Clapping with exaggerated flair, Gray Serpent asked Cocolia.

"Then, what is your demand?"

"It is very simple."

Cocolia's lips curved up slightly at the corners.

"I know Mr. Gray Serpent's reach is boundless and possesses sufficient intelligence channels."

"Right now, I need Mr. Gray Serpent to help me spread a piece of news."

"Raiden Ryoma is already dead."

"This man committed suicide out of guilt in prison."

"And this intelligence, I hope you will spread it at top speed—and ensure Raiden Ryoma's daughter, Raiden Mei, receives this news."

Chapter 55: Awakening

On the highway, Siegfried sped along with Mei.

Ever since a moment ago, Siegfried had been making casual conversation with Mei to ease her mood.

After all, having calmed down now, Siegfried thought quite clearly.

What happened in the snowfields a few years ago had actually taught Siegfried a vital piece of intelligence.

As long as the Herrscher's mood was soothed, even if her body was suddenly hijacked by the Herrscher Persona, it did not mean she would completely degenerate into an apostle of destruction as a result.

At that time, after sacrificing an arm to stop Sirin's rampage, Siegfried allowed Kiana's persona to reclaim the initiative.

And now, he figured...

Aside from protecting his old friend's daughter, he could also relax Ryoma's daughter a little.

Moreover, having calmed down, Siegfried could also sense that Mei's heart was filled with anxiety.

Which was hardly surprising.

Ryoma's daughter knew nothing about Honkai before... well, judging by the situation, she still didn't.

Usually acting as a pampered young miss, she was well-protected by Ryoma.

That was why, after Ryoma went in to eat prison food, she had turned into this jittery state.

Even though she put on a very calm attitude, from her slightly trembling hands, he could still sense that the little girl was still afraid.

"Uncle Siegfried."

Mei, noticing that Siegfried had been silent for several minutes, suddenly spoke up and asked.

"Are you troubled by something?"

"Ha, nothing."

Siegfried chuckled, then spoke to Mei behind him.

"I was just thinking about the first time I met that punk Ryoma."

"Dad—"

"You had such a good relationship with him, so you must have hit it off instantly when you first met, right?"

"Hit it off instantly?"

Feeling the airflow rushing past beside them, Siegfried smiled and said.

"You're overthinking it."

"When Ryoma and I met fourteen years ago, he didn't give me a good look at all."

"After our relationship improved later on, I asked him about it. Guess how it went."

Thinking back to how things were then, Siegfried found it somewhat amusing.

"My wife had a little fan-girl at her workplace, and that girl was unhappy that my wife married me, claiming I had groped the bottoms of many girls at work."

"As a result, when Ryoma heard that rumor, he took me for a playboy who liked to molest others."

"Ryoma values family, so naturally he wouldn't like a guy like me."

"Later, after my wife passed away, Ryoma learned from his direct superior that it was a misunderstanding, and only then did we become good friends."

Hearing the news of his wife's passing, Mei said softly.

"Uncle, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to—"

"Hey, this has nothing to do with you. It's been so many years, I've moved on long ago."

Siegfried suddenly shifted his tone, speaking earnestly to Mei.

"I mentioned this just to tell you one thing."

"Ryoma valued his family very much, and after his wife passed away from illness as well, you were his only supreme treasure in this world."

"I can understand you worrying about your father, but your father certainly hopes you can grow up healthy and live a happy life."

"Of course, I know just saying a few words won't completely set your mind at ease—but adjusting your mindset a little bit does you no harm right now."

Listening to these words from Siegfried, Mei nodded slightly behind him.

"I understand."

"Thank you, Uncle Siegfried."

"Hey, it's nothing. Ryoma helped me out quite a bit over the years, so helping him out occasionally is what I ought to do."

"Oh, hold on tight, I'm stopping."

Arriving near a gas station, Siegfried spoke to Mei.

"Get off, and stay right behind me."

At this moment, looking at the motorcycle's fuel gauge, the expression on Siegfried's face instantly turned somewhat helpless.

The bike was a gift from Otto.

And unsurprisingly, Otto had indeed tampered with the vehicle.

It wasn't that there was any major problem with the bike's parts or quality.

Siegfried knew it was a good motorcycle, true.

The problem, however, was that the scoundrel Otto—damned if he left him enough gasoline to make it out of Changkong City.

While it wasn't strictly impossible for Siegfried to switch bikes or transportation mid-way, the issue was that Mei could awaken at any moment, and finding a place to get new keys would obviously be much harder than stopping for gas.

How does that jerk Otto manage to disgust me even in a place like this...

Whatever, why bother trying to understand a scoundrel's logic.

Right now, as long as I get Mei out of Changkong City, even if the Herrscher awakens then, I can at least ensure innocent people around us won't be in danger.

Yet right at that moment, the communication terminal in Siegfried's pocket suddenly rang.

Only his old friends in Anti-Entropy knew how to contact him on that terminal.

So at this moment, Siegfried pressed the answer button and brought the terminal to his ear.

"Hello?"