Thousand-Person Herrscher's Personal Opinion

Kiana, whose eyes had gone blank for a moment, suddenly snapped back to attention and pointed at Bronya.

"So you came to capture Mei! You're a bad guy, Bronya!"

"..." x3

Seriously, you're only realizing this now?

Bronya covered her face and sighed, her voice maintaining its usual emotionless tone.

"As expected of Idiot Kiana. Have you already forgotten? When we first met in Changkong City, I was actually being controlled. We even fought each other back then."

"Ah... Right, I forgot about that, hahaha!"

Kiana chuckled sheepishly and scratched her head, perfectly showcasing the limited capacity of her single-celled brain.

This idiot...

Is she doing this on purpose or is she genuinely that dumb?

Idiot Kiana, she's beyond saving, isn't she?

At this, everyone who had been harboring various thoughts and feelings momentarily set their worries aside amidst the awkward atmosphere.

Seeing that the night had grown late, the group discussed their plan to keep up the pretense in front of Anqi for a while longer before parting ways. They each returned to their rooms to rest and process the information, concluding a night that had left them with complex emotions.

Regarding the setting of Teacher Yang and Himeko being in a teacher-student relationship, Himeko's role in the game ended too early, and she had no further interactions with Welt later on. I couldn't quite figure out if she didn't recognize him or if she recognized him but didn't report him. I'll assume Teacher Yang was disguised and Himeko didn't recognize him, and handle it that way. 7

Author's Note for Going Premium

As the title suggests, the editor contacted me on Monday saying it was time to go premium. The date was set for Friday, meaning starting tomorrow, the book will be premium. As per tradition, there should be a note from the author, but I honestly don't know what to say. I'll just address what might be the most pressing issue. Regarding the update frequency, I do have a full-time job, so on weekdays, I can usually manage one update, occasionally two. My brain just can't keep up. Of course, I'll add more updates during holidays, usually two or a bit more. That's about it.

Alright, that's a hundred words. Here, I want to thank all the friends who have read this far. Please continue to support the story. It's okay if you decide to stop reading, but please don't go out of your way to leave comments telling me. It really breaks my heart. Lastly, I wish you all good health and for your families to be safe. Happy New Year in advance! 2

Chapter 55: Raiden Mei's Courage

The next day, Bronya's mood remained somber. Although her expressionless, emotionless face was no different from usual, the faint oppressive aura she exuded and her more reserved behavior than normal conveyed her distress.

In this situation, as a close friend sharing the same room, the "oblivious" Anqi did her best to offer comfort.

Bronya was deeply moved.

The more moved she became, the more guilty she felt, believing she could no longer face the "innocent and pitiful" Anqi.

Bronya took a rare day off from school.

On one hand, she wanted to avoid Anqi's overwhelming concern. On the other, she wanted to gather more information about Cocolia's movements.

However, Bronya didn't dare contact her mother, whom she had "heartbroken" the previous night, fearing she would see her mother's sad expression. Instead, she contacted An. Enduring An's usual sharp and biting sarcasm, she finally managed to obtain the information she desired.

At noon, in the Headmaster's office of St. Freya Academy, Bronya recounted the information she had gathered.

"The good news is that Mama Cocolia now views Sister Mei as a fully realized Herrscher. She plans to build the East China Base, expand the Titan Legion, and develop more powerful weapons—in short, until she's certain she has the power to annihilate Herrschers head-on, Mama Cocolia won't make a move. Furthermore, she will actively avoid provoking Sister Mei to prevent another Changkong City incident."

"The bad news is that once she's ready, it means we'll be facing a force theoretically capable of overwhelming Herrschers. Bronya doesn't believe St. Freya can resist, because with Mama's intelligence, she's likely already factored how to deal with St. Freya into her plans."

Bronya hugged her Homu plushie and tiredly rubbed her temples. She hadn't slept at all last night, constantly thinking about Cocolia, tossing and turning, and was utterly exhausted.

At this point, someone posed a crucial question: "How long will it take Cocolia to be ready?"

Bronya immediately replied, "According to Mama's plan, it's about three to four years."

Upon hearing this, the heavy atmosphere immediately dissipated.

Raiden Mei: "Phew~~"

Himeko: "Phew~~"

Theresa: "Phew~~"

Welt: "Phew~~"

Based on Bronya's earlier statement, they had expected Cocolia to crush them with a massive army of mechs, warships, and aircraft within a few months! It turns out they had three to four years. While the pressure was still there, at least they had time to figure something out, making it far less terrifying.

"Bang!"

Theresa suddenly slammed the table and pointed at Welt, shouting loudly:

"That's not right! How dare you show your face in front of this Headmaster? You've been a freeloader in my academy for years, and you're not afraid I'll smack you dead with Judah right here?!"

"Headmaster, firstly, I have not done anything harmful to St. Freya. Secondly, I teach diligently and earn my legal compensation through labor. Lastly, I don't know how it happened, but our regular staff's salaries haven't increased in years. In fact, some amounts are inexplicably deducted from time to time. All in all, I haven't received much salary."

Welt adjusted his glasses and said with a sense of weary resignation, his words filled with the resentment of a low-wage worker whose compensation had been repeatedly squeezed.

Theresa's inflated momentum suddenly deflated. Her sparkling blue eyes darted left and right, then she forcibly straightened her expression, putting on a serious face.

"Let's not discuss these minor matters for now. In any case, I am very pleased that we can now communicate openly. Although you came entirely uninvited, I am glad to know that you are safe after the Great Honkai."

"Thank you for your concern. By the way, this is a small gift. It's a bit late, but I hope you don't mind."

Welt produced a beautifully bound comic book from somewhere.

Theresa immediately snatched it, holding it high with both hands, her small mouth opening into a perfect little circle of excitement.

"This is... This is the 'Homu Adventure Special Collector's Edition'! Autographed by the author himself, with many panel layouts improved for a perfect reading experience. It's known as a treasure-level collection in the Homu series, with only two hundred copies worldwide. I couldn't get my hands on it back then!"

"Ahem! I happen to be quite familiar with the author of the Homu series."

Welt placed a hand by his mouth and let out a casual cough.

"Yeah, the author's real name is Welt Yang, how could he not be familiar with it?"

However, as the dignified Leader of Anti-Entropy, a mature man in his sixties or seventies, there was no need to publicize such a minor matter. He felt he would be looked at strangely by others.

Take Bronya, for instance, whose ears had perked up high. She kept glancing at Welt. If the timing were right, she would surely have pestered him for information about the author.

"Headmaster, as you know, I am a Herrscher with a human heart and I am very experienced in controlling Herrscher powers. Therefore, I wish to stay at the Academy for a while longer, both to protect Mei and to take this time to guide her and help her master the power slumbering within her. What do you think?"

"Ah, it's fine, it's fine, you can stay. I'll handle Grandpa. Heh heh, Homu, heh heh heh~~"

Theresa, holding up a treasured comic book and smacking her lips, responded carelessly. She had no intention of considering Welt's request.

The few people belonging to St. Freya couldn't help but twitch their mouths.

Even Bronya, whose heart was stirred by this rare treasure, knew that business was important. However, Theresa Apocalypse... Forget it, it was not the time to mention it in front of outsiders.

In the awkward atmosphere, Raiden Mei stepped forward with a conflicted expression and asked:

"Teacher Yang... no, Lord Welt, what are your plans regarding my father?"

"Just keep calling me Teacher Yang. I like the identity of a teacher. If Honkai weren't threatening our world, perhaps being a teacher would be the most suitable profession for me. As for Ryoma, we are still working on it," Welt said gently.

Raiden Mei frowned in confusion and asked in a soft voice:

"But with Anti-Entropy's strength, it shouldn't take this long, right? Is Dad... is he in serious trouble?"

"Mei, you need to understand that precisely because Anti-Entropy possesses power that surpasses the secular world, we must be even more cautious when interfering in the affairs of normal people. Far East has laws, and Cocolia had Ryoma imprisoned through the proper legal channels. We can only use legal channels to rescue Ryoma. We need to raise enough funds to cover the deficit Ryoma misappropriated, and then apply for parole... It will still take some time."

Welt patiently explained Anti-Entropy's principles, hoping to instill in Raiden Mei the concept of using power cautiously.

However, the matter was actually far more complicated. Firstly, the mistakes made by Raiden Ryoma were evident to all executors, and even Welt could not force these executors to understand forgiveness. More importantly, Raiden Ryoma bore too much responsibility for the Gem of Conquest. Even after his release from prison, he would have many problems to face.

Raiden Mei pursed her lips and finally nodded in understanding.

Welt smiled gently and said:

"You don't need to worry about Ryoma. We are all working on it, and Cocolia let go a long time ago. Rescuing him is only a matter of time. The more important thing now is that I hope you can master the Herrscher power. Only when you become a Herrscher like me will we have enough power to persuade Cocolia and avoid this terrible conflict."

"But, can I really do it?"

"Mei, humans are beings who possess both fragility and strength. Especially the desire to protect those you care about can be a hundred times stronger than the Herrscher's heart, just like Joyce back then, and just like me now. So, don't ask if you can do it, but ask yourself if you want to protect the people around you."

"Of course, I do!!"

Raiden Mei said resolutely.

For Kiana, for Anqi, Bronya, Teacher Himeko, and for all those who cared for and helped her, Raiden Mei clenched her fist and then bowed deeply in front of Welt.

"Teacher Yang, I will do my utmost to learn. Please teach me!"

Raiden Mei had not yet experienced the pain of losing Kiana, nor had she witnessed the cruel scenes of her academy life being shattered.

However, the desire to protect had always been there.

Anqi's appearance, along with the information she had received during this time, further reminded her of her responsibility as a sinner of Changkong City.

At this moment, Raiden Mei, with the greatest determination, decided to summon her courage and face the darkness she feared the most.

Chapter Fifty-Six: Anqi's Groundhog Scream

While St. Freya and Welt were discussing important matters, Anqi and Kiana were having a meal.

The reason Anqi did not join the conversation was obvious.

And the reason Kiana did not join was also easy to understand.

"Why aren't Himeko, Mei-senpai, and Bronya here? What are they doing?"

"Yeah, what are they doing? I don't know either."

Anqi and Kiana looked at each other, eating the bento prepared by Raiden Mei, and both tilted their heads in the same bewilderment.

However, it probably didn't need explaining which one was genuinely bewildered and which one was feigning bewilderment.

Anqi efficiently finished her meal box. In terms of appetite, as a Herrscher, she was no less than Kiana.

Then, Anqi put away her meal box and put on a serious expression.

"Kiana, never mind them. Have you found out the class representative's preferences?"

"Huh? That... I guess I have, and I guess I haven't..."

Kiana blinked her dazed eyes and then frowned with a troubled expression.

Anqi was confused and asked:

"What's going on?"

"It's like, I asked her what she liked, and she said she didn't have any particular favorites. I asked her what she usually liked to do, and she said she didn't usually do anything special. I also asked her if there was anything she really wanted, and she said there wasn't anything she wanted... How am I supposed to find out!" Kiana puffed out her cheeks and shook her body indignantly.

Anqi: " (????) ..."

Don't panic, stay calm.

From a plot perspective, Fu Hua was somewhat withdrawn at this point. Her outward politeness was just a facade, and her closed-off heart wouldn't be easily approached. Furthermore, as Otto's informant, she naturally maintained a greater distance from the students of St. Freya Academy.

In summary, gaining Fu Hua's trust and closeness was more difficult than anticipated. Anqi was still patiently working on it.

"Anyway, stay calm~"

"Hmph! Let's cut to the chase, I'm out of patience!"

Anqi patted her lunchbox, puffing out her cheeks in annoyance.

While the other Anqi were making progress as planned, how could she afford to stagnate?

Kiana, chewing on a meatball, looked at Anqi's sudden outburst and thought for a moment. She then speared her last meatball and offered it to Anqi's mouth.

"Calm down, here~~"

Anqi instinctively opened her mouth.

Her reaction, like that of an angry little squirrel, instantly melted away, and she happily narrowed her eyes.

"Yummy~~"

"Right, right? I also think today's lunchbox is quite generous. Could it be some holiday we don't know about?"

Kiana chuckled, tidying up her tableware.

That afternoon, none of them returned for class.

When the school bell rang, Kiana shot upright, her sleepy snot bubble bursting. She grabbed her shoulder bag and, without a word, prepared to rush out.

"Going to find Mei~~"