Rita's Embrace

After all, Theresa really did rebel, and even if Otto loved her dearly, he couldn't possibly ignore this.

This is such a hassle.

When I got to the St. Freya Academy, I had to try hard to maintain my persona...

What kind of human suffering is this?

"Reputation..."

Upon hearing this word, Theresa wanted to ask herself, with a clear conscience, "Do I really have such a thing?"

But in the end, she put the idea aside.

Although her first meeting with Lin Yu was because she had a mishap, Lin Yu hasn't brought it up now, so Theresa certainly doesn't want to bring it up either.

The reason is simple: it's too embarrassing.

During the Second Honkai Eruption, at least she was defeated after a fierce battle with the Second Herrscher.

As a result, fourteen years later, she couldn't even defeat Simulated Herrscher.

Although she lost the battle, partly because she wanted to save that unfortunate child, Theresa still felt that she had really lost face this time.

Oh, and the place where the accident happened is in the far east.

This is even more awkward.

"Forget it, let's not talk about this anymore."

At this moment, Theresa looked at Lin Yu, who was engrossed in studying the text, and spoke to Lin Yu again.

"Alright, even if you're my subordinate, you can relax a little."

"It's not during a mission; it's just a private conversation between a superior and a subordinate."

But Otto will definitely be watching this conversation closely.

Seeing that Lin Yu was silent, Theresa spoke to Lin Yu.

"Grandpa has already told me about your situation, but I think that even if you get the best equipment now, you won't be able to use it properly."

"So now, you can tell me what equipment you usually use, and then I will apply for the corresponding equipment from headquarters according to your requirements."

"Once you're familiar with the lower-level equipment, Grandpa promised me he'll give you equipment of the [Divine Throne] level."

"Yes, your sister Rita is also using equipment of this level, so you can rest assured about that."

Divine Throne...

This thing is already considered one of the strongest weapons in the series below the Divine Key.

[Ha, no matter how good the equipment they give you is, it won't change the fact that Otto intends to use you. Even knowing this, your resolve hasn't wavered in the slightest.]

[Furthermore, to put it bluntly, the weapons of the Divine Throne are forged from Soul Steel. If Otto had used less Soul Steel in his body, the equipment of the other Valkyrie could have been upgraded by at least one level.]

It's rare that we share the same opinion this time.

But to give up one's own interests for others, and those people aren't even close to him—if Otto actually did that, I think I would be even more afraid.

There must be some deeper meaning behind his actions. This person's actions, which are driven by ulterior motives, will only lead to him subjectively harming others and passively harming his teammates.

If I could, I really wouldn't want to see Otto start doing anything good.

But now... never mind, let's not talk, let's just keep a 'restrained' expression.

"Hey, you..."

Seeing Lin Yu so reserved and afraid to say much, Theresa felt a little angry but couldn't bring herself to lash out.

Oh, Grandpa.

I have a feeling that he was frightened by your actions back then.

Thinking about it now, it makes sense. Lin Yu's Stigmata was fine on the way here, but it exploded when he saw his grandfather—it must be because his grandfather was planning to do something to him, but he went too far, which is why Lin Yu's Stigmata had problems.

"Never mind, it's not your fault."

Having considered this possibility, Theresa continued speaking to Lin Yu.

"There's one more thing."

"We, the Apocalypse clan, have never been a family bound by blood ties."

"Throughout history, the Apocalypse clan has been constantly recruiting the most promising people in the world."

"Grandpa asked me to ask you if you were interested in joining our clan, and as the patriarch of the Apocalypse clan, I agree with Grandpa's idea."

At that moment, Lin Yu saw in Theresa something he never thought he would see in this woman.

Theresa's serious gaze fixed on Lin Yu at this moment did indeed give Lin Yu a sense of 'majesty'.

"Now, I, Theresa Apocalypse, as the patriarch of the Apocalypse clan, solemnly ask you."

"Agent Lin Yu of Schicksal, would you be willing to change your surname and join our Apocalypse clan?"

.

Chapter 81. Rita's Embrace

"Would you be willing to become a citizen of Apocalypse and change your surname to join our Apocalypse clan?"

The Apocalypse clan? Heh, the bishop clan of the Trio founding families of Schicksal. For most others in this mortal world, joining this clan is tantamount to embarking on a smooth and prosperous path.

But you know very well that you are different from others; you—don't need to rely on the reputation of this clan.

[After all, you have a system that's glib-tongued and has a bad temper, but it does give rewards. This damn system is much more reliable than the so-called Apocalypse clan.]

Sometimes I think you're a bit...

I really don't know what to say about someone even criticizing themselves.

But... well, hey, he's an actor now, might as well keep acting.

Looking into Theresa's eyes, Lin Yu remained silent for a moment before shaking his head slightly at Theresa.

"I'm sorry, Branch Leader Theresa."

"Thank you for your invitation, but I think that I am indeed unable to Apocalypse clan due to some personal reasons."

"Oh?"

Hearing Lin Yu's unexpected words, Theresa asked with a hint of curiosity.

Are you sure?

"It's not that I'm threatening or tempting you, but after joining our clan, you will have more say and a higher status, and Grandpa will trust you more."

"Having a voice and status, as well as the trust of the bishop, is equivalent to having many more conveniences for you who hope to fight against the Honkai."

That's right.

After deactivating his cold-face trait, Lin Yu said to Theresa with a hint of helplessness.

"But Apocalypse clan, according to you, means obtaining citizenship and changing your surname, right?"

"To be honest, if we follow this logic, then the name Yu Apocalypse is very strange."

"Moreover, Lin Yu is the name my parents gave me. If I could... I wouldn't want to give it up."

... This child actually refused to Apocalypse clan for this reason.

Looking at the boy in front of her, Theresa did see a hint of helplessness in his eyes.

Previously, according to Otto, Theresa thought that the boy had become the kind of vengeful demon who was willing to give up everything to fight against the Honkai.

But now it seems that Lin Yu is not actually as extreme as Otto described.

Even after his family members passed away, he still cherished the names they left him.

For Theresa, who has seen many radical younger generations, it is already a rare and commendable act that she does not want to forget her name and the bond between her and her family.

At this point, Theresa had to admit that, as a senior, even setting aside the fact that he was her savior, she had also developed some affection for this young man.

It wasn't romantic attraction between the sexes, but rather, as a senior fighting against the Honkai, she saw something in her junior that she hoped to see.

At that moment, Theresa's eyes lit up, and she immediately spoke to Lin Yu.

"This... this is really not a big deal!"

"Although it was my grandfather's request to change my surname and register my citizenship, it's not a big problem to handle it as a special case."

"You don't need to change your name after you become a citizen—I am the patriarch of the Apocalypse clan, and I make the decisions!"

"I see."

After hearing this, Lin Yu bowed slightly to Theresa.

"Well then... greetings, clan leader."

[Haha! Brilliant! After shedding your cold demeanor, you used your inner helplessness to feign an "unable to forget your family" act, successfully fooling this white-haired idiot!]

[You got the benefits of Apocalypse clan, and you even established your persona. Theresa also developed a liking for you and trusted you more because of your actions.]

[While the title's attributes also play a role, this system must admit that achieving this effect with just a few words—you are indeed far more capable in this regard than this system imagined!]

Forget it, I didn't think that far ahead.

I just didn't want to embarrass Otto and was too lazy to change my name, so I just gave it a try.

In the end, I was just taking advantage of Theresa's easy appeal.

Deceiving people is not a good thing, and there's no need to exaggerate so much.

There's no need to exaggerate so much; that's truly what you think.

[After all, with the added advantages of special items and skills like "Mirror Mind" and "Cold-Faced Hunk," you can tell a colossal lie without batting an eye.]

[If you can fool even Otto, you really don't need to take fooling Theresa seriously.]

No one can see through the mask you wear, and no one can know what's in your heart.

... I feel like there's something hidden in your words.

At that moment, a character introduction template suddenly popped up in front of Lin Yu.

[Name: Theresa Apocalypse]

[Identity: Former S-rank Valkyrie of Schicksal, current head of the Far East Branch, patriarch of the Apocalypse clan, and your superior.]

Current favorability level: 20

[Note: Under your persuasive words, she thinks you are a promising junior worth nurturing. Keep up the good work, and you can definitely increase your persuasiveness.]

Looking at the character introduction template that popped up by the system, Lin Yu asked a question while looking at the template.

How exactly do you calculate this favorability rating? Theresa's... is only 20?

[Oh, when passersby see an ordinary passerby, the initial impression is usually 0. The favorability rating is based on 0; it increases if someone likes you, and decreases if they don't.]

Generally speaking, a value greater than 0 doesn't necessarily mean someone completely dislikes you, while a value less than 0 at least means they just don't like you.

Feelings are calculated from zero, right? But something just doesn't feel right to me—aren't all the other people's indifference in the tens?

Don't apply other people's favorability rating systems to this system. The system wasn't developed by the same person; do you think such a standard can be universally applied?

That's true.

[One more thing: the maximum favorability rating isn't 100, and ordinary women will automatically increase their favorability by 3 when they see you—after all, you really are very handsome.]

What's the use of being handsome?

Ultimately, you can't rely on others; in the end, you have to rely on yourself.

"Alright, alright, there's no need to bow for so long."

Seeing Lin Yu bowing repeatedly, Theresa said somewhat shyly.

"Unless it's a very formal occasion, you can really relax a bit in your daily life."

Seeing the obvious trouble on Lin Yu's face, Theresa suddenly said in an annoyed tone.

"After you Apocalypse clan, my first order to you is—smile more, and don't be so serious all the time!"