Chapter 311

"Mr. Otto!!!"

Chapter 422 Believe me, I'm panicking too.

"Bang!"

The door to the underground laboratory was violently pushed open.

Yae Sakura walked at the front with a cold expression that hinted at anger, while Durandal followed on either side like a personal bodyguard with a sword.

Amber was responsible for opening all the password-protected doors along the way.

Rita was responsible for dealing with the staff and Valkyrie who came from all directions wanting to understand this unexpected situation, ensuring they didn't interfere with Yae Sakura's progress.

"Bang!"

The last mechanical door swung open with a bang after a complex authorization process.

The place was completely empty.

The four of them confirmed that the super scientists had entered the place early this morning as usual, accompanied by Otto, who had always been with them, as well as Anqi, Kiana, and others who provided spatial powers.

In fact, Amber and Rita even brought them breakfast in the morning to confirm that the atmosphere inside was lively.

But now, it's completely empty. Not only is there no one there, but a large amount of equipment and facilities have been moved away, and even the Chikai Ichijo that was placed in this huge space has disappeared.

Yae Sakura looked around expressionlessly, and finally tore off a piece of paper from the wall not far from the entrance.

[Sakura, do your best! ↖(^ω^)↗~~]

Yae Sakura clenched her fist tightly, the note in her hand cracking as her knuckles snapped.

"Hiss--"

Yae Sakura took a deep breath and stomped her foot.

"Mr. Otto!!!"

It was rare to see her react so violently and out of control. Her frantic screams echoed in the laboratory, and anyone could hear the barely suppressed murderous intent emanating from her.

Durandal patted Yae Sakura on the shoulder, comforting her, "Please issue the arrest warrant, Your Grace."

Amber bowed slightly, her voice cold and detached. "The entire Valkyrie squad at headquarters is at your command, Your Excellency. Please give the order."

Rita placed her hands on her lower abdomen, bowed like a maid, and smiled gently, saying, "Whether it's a wanted notice or a kill order, I will ensure victory for Your Excellency the Bishop. Please give the order."

Yae Sakura turned around and stared at them expressionlessly:

Are you guys out of your minds?

"But Schicksal must have an archbishop. Sakura, I believe in your abilities and character, and this is the choice of the bishop... cough, the former bishop Otto. In short, I believe in you."

"As Lady Durandal said, Lady Sakura, you are undoubtedly the Archbishop of Schicksal. Rita believes that you will lead us to victory."

"Amber thinks so too."

With the unwavering support of the Grand Steward of Schicksal and two S-Rank Valkyrie, Yae Sakura narrowed her eyes suspiciously, and her long, upright fox ears twitched.

"You... you didn't know Mr. Otto would pull this stunt all along, did you?"

"Hahaha, how could that be? Of course not! How could I lie to my best comrade? Hahaha!"

Durandal's hands swayed restlessly from side to side, her eyes glancing up and down. She looked around while smiling enigmatically, but dared not turn her face toward Yae Sakura.

Rita & Amber: "..."

Yae Sakura took another deep breath, as if calming herself down, then placed her hands on Durandal's shoulders:

Durandal, where is Mr. Otto?

"Have no idea."

"So what was his last order to you?"

"... Assist Archbishop Yae Sakura in successfully completing the transfer of power under Mandate of Schicksal."

Durandal was unusually timid, unable to look her best friend in the eye.

Yae Sakura gave a forced, insincere smile, raised her hands, and forcefully pulled at Durandal's face, twisting it into all sorts of strange shapes.

Durandal didn't dare to resist and silently endured it.

A moment later, Yae Sakura glanced coldly at the unmoving Amber and Rita —she didn't even need to ask to know that the two of them must have received advance notice.

Even Yae Sakura, who was connected to Anqi Network, should have known about this situation before them. But she didn't receive a single message.

'You are all newborns!'

'Hahaha!'

Hehehe!

'I've been wanting to see that resentful look on your face, you stupid donkey!'

'It's a fox, not a donkey, you newbies!'

Yae Sakura took another deep breath and closed her eyes.

Calm.

Don't be angry.

It was all part of a script we already knew; it just came a little unexpectedly, nothing serious.

Yae Sakura opened her eyes, which shone with a sharp and resolute light.

"Although we don't know what Mr. Otto is doing, Schicksal needs a leader. Let's go, they've been waiting for a long time... Rita, gather all the Valkyrie at headquarters; Amber, prepare for the live broadcast to all Schicksal colleagues; Durandal, follow behind me."

"Yes, Your Excellency!" ×3

Seeing that Yae Sakura had lived up to expectations, emerged from her chaotic emotions, and displayed the proper leadership qualities, the three breathed a sigh of relief. Then, as if facing the archbishop, they solemnly accepted the order.

"Good morning, everyone at Schicksal! I am Yae Sakura."

Otto quit.

Fortunately, he designated a successor, who was also S-Rank Valkyrie who had fought against the Herrscher several times and whose reputation was enough to convince the Valkyrie community.

But no matter what, this was a completely sudden change.

Therefore, Yae Sakura needs to step forward immediately to stabilize the morale of the people in and around Schicksal.

"As you know, Archbishop Otto announced the existence of the Honkai to the world three hours ago, and at the same time announced his abdication... I know you are panicking now, please believe me, I am panicking too, he didn't tell me beforehand!"

Yae Sakura patted the lectern, her beautiful face displaying an extremely serious yet troubled expression.

The Valkyrie in the audience, and Valkyrie around the world on the other side of the internet, all smiled in unison, instantly bridging the distance between them.

Yes, a man who ruled for five hundred years, whom everyone believed would lead them until the Honkai was defeated, suddenly says he's quitting. Who wouldn't panic?

"But looking back, it's not so strange. There are no immortal warriors, nor leaders who never fall. Otto Apolcalypse, like a towering tree, has guided Schicksal and protected the world for five hundred years. We cannot imagine how powerful his wisdom and conviction were, nor can we comprehend how exhausted he was. Imagine, an elder who genuinely cares for everyone, yet has to witness us going to the front lines time and time again, sacrificing ourselves one after another—what kind of torment would that be?"

Yae Sakura explained Otto's abdication.

Although those who know him well feel that he might simply want to quit.

But when speaking to outsiders, it's still important to put on a nicer front.

Chapter 423 A Day in Light Rain

"As everyone knows, Archbishop Otto has lived for over five hundred years, and since Saintess Kallen, he has defended the world alongside generations of Valkyrie for over five hundred years. Even the rock that the vortex cannot break will Erosion by the erosion of time. It's just that he has always convinced himself that the day when cracks Erosion has not yet come."

"I wonder, what kind of opportunity would finally make him decide to step down from his heavy responsibilities?"

"Perhaps it was just a drizzly day when he strolled down the street and overheard a merchant praising his subordinate: 'You have fulfilled your duty; now go and rest.' Then he paused among the passing crowd, and began to ask himself: 'Have I also fulfilled my duty?'"

Yae Sakura, with her gentle voice, narrates a romantic yet sorrowful scene.

The vast majority of Valkyrie have read Otto's biography.

Therefore, most Valkyrie could imagine the archbishop who stood still, the archbishop who kept questioning himself.

"Otto Apolcalypse did the best. If you want to know his achievements, then look at this world that has developed steadily for five hundred years, look at the road beneath your feet, look at the people around you... All these seemingly ordinary things are his contributions."

"Now, we are entering a new era."

"I cannot guarantee that I can do better Archbishop Otto; in fact, no one in the world can guarantee that."

"What I can guarantee is that I will, like him, care for every member of Schicksal, uphold justice, and say no to all evil. I will, like him, do everything in my power to think and plan until the Honkai is driven out of our world. I also guarantee that when the final battle comes, I will be at the forefront, resolutely defending the future of humanity!"

"I am Yae Sakura, and I am about to assume the duties of Archbishop of Schicksal. Please look at me, trust me, I beg you all!"

Facing the Valkyrie gathered at headquarters and all the branches of Schicksal, Yae Sakura pounded her chest with her hand and bowed deeply with her noble waist.

The perception of a new leader gradually took root in the minds of countless people after Yae Sakura's speech.

Then came a long silence.

So long that countless Valkyrie looked at each other, bewildered and at a loss.

It's worth noting that the last time an archbishop changed was over five hundred years ago. No one expected to experience the succession of the Archbishop of Schicksal's position, and naturally, there were no corresponding rules to follow.

Then a floating projection appeared, showing Delta sitting in a wheelchair, with Wendy and the Oceania Branch on either side.

"The Oceania Branch, and the S-Rank Valkyrie Delta and S-Rank Valkyrie Wendy stationed here, pay homage to Archbishop Yae Sakura!"

Then came the projections of Theresa, Anqi, and Fu Hua.

"The Far East Branch, and the S-Rank Valkyrie Anqi and S-Rank Valkyrie Fu Hua stationed Far East Branch, pay their respects to Archbishop Yae Sakura!"

The two most influential branches of the Schicksal have set an example, and the other branches immediately followed suit.

"Coral Island Branch..."

"Arctic Ocean Branch..."

"Scott Branch..."

"Ninth Experimental Base..."

"Greetings, Archbishop Yae Sakura!" ×N

Finally, Durandal and Rita stood in front of Yae Sakura, facing her, and knelt on one knee.

"The Schicksal Headquarters, and the S- S-Rank Valkyrie Durandal and Rita stationed there, pay homage to Archbishop Yae Sakura of Bishop of Schicksal, and swear allegiance to the Archbishop to the death!"

"Greetings to Bishop of Schicksal Yae Sakura, I swear my undying loyalty to you!" ×N

All the Valkyrie present at headquarters knelt on one knee at the same time.

The synchronized movements and solemn atmosphere symbolized the completion of the initial transfer of power. At least, Yae Sakura had firmly accepted her assertive claim. Before she made a mistake, given Otto's remaining influence and her S-class reputation, no one could question her legitimacy.

Yae Sakura breathed a sigh of relief, straightened up, and looked at the people kneeling before her. Then, she raised her sword to the sky.

"Boom!!!"

The soaring energy shattered large swathes of clouds surrounding Celestia. The powerful force swept violently across the land of Celestia, surrounding all the Valkyrie of the headquarters.

Everyone felt a jolt. At this moment, nothing could be more reassuring than this terrifying, soul-stirring power from the Abyss.

"Ha ha!"

"Hahaha!"

"Ha ha ha ha!!"

"A drizzly day... a drizzly day... hahaha! Just how many misunderstandings does she have about you? No, I should say, just how many times have you lied to her, Otto? Hahaha!"

Kolosten, the final experimental site chosen by Otto. [Fu Hua] had her left hand on Ji Lin's shoulder and her right hand on A-Lin's shoulder, laughing so hard that she was shaking all over and couldn't straighten up.

"Haha! I can't take it anymore, tears... tears are streaming down my face from laughing!"

"It's merely a necessary embellishment of the power transition process to persuade the public to accept this succession. In terms of results, she has successfully overcome the initial difficulties. In the next few days, she will prepare a suitable coronation ceremony to completely stabilize the Schicksal —and these few days will inevitably be very busy for them, which will give us undisturbed quiet time to complete this experiment."

Otto gazed at the abandoned town that held so many complex memories, his emotions fluctuating, and responded nonchalantly.

Fu Hua keenly sensed Otto's emotional change—it was quite novel; in her past memories, this guy was like a bottomless pool of water, with everything hidden beneath the dark surface, making it impossible to discern his thoughts.

Is there anything special about this place?

"It's very special to me."