Chapter 211

Seele knew that letting Rosaria and Liliya stay here would only disturb Bronya's rest, so the sensible girl pulled Rosaria away from the room, while Rosaria did not forget to warn Bronya before leaving.

"Bronya, get some rest. I'll come see you again!"

With Rosaria visiting... Bronya will probably stay in the infirmary longer.

Chapter 192 Me Too

After Rosaria and the other unrelated people left, Einstein tried his best to close the door that Rosaria had knocked askew. Repairing it would be another expense, and Einstein was already worried about the Hyperion's financial expenditures. Without the support of Schicksal, the daily operating costs of this warship would be a problem. Perhaps he could take some money from Anti-Entropy to tide him over for now?

Look, this PhD student's elbow is so bent it can practically make a circle.

"Bronya, you must have a lot of questions, right?"

Einstein tried to repair it but failed. After thinking about it, he gave up. Dr. Tesla should be quite good at repairing such things. He would wait for her to come back and let her fix it. After thinking it through, Einstein stood up and went to Bronya's side. He had come to answer Bronya's questions.

"Yes... Doctor, what happened in the end? Bronya's memories were interrupted after leaving the Sea of Quantum. And... what about Shen Gonglin? Did he also escape from the Sea of Quantum?"

Bronya was indeed filled with doubt. She had wanted to ask Seele earlier, but because of Rosaria's interference, she still didn't know anything. Even now, Shen Gonglin hadn't come to see her yet, and Bronya couldn't help but start to worry. Had he also suffered some serious injury, or had he never returned from the Sea of Quantum? Bronya's small hands, which were resting on the blanket, clenched slightly. If that were the case, Bronya really didn't know what to do.

"Calm down, the situation isn't as bad as you think. Seele and you have returned to reality through the Eye of the Abyss. I've questioned Seele; it was Shen Gonglin who used the power of the Herrscher of the Void to send you to the vicinity of the Eye of the Abyss. Because of her, Welt and you have been rescued. Then we repelled the Schicksal forces, and Sea Abyss City has collapsed. We are now some distance from the ruins of Sea Abyss City, and it's safe here now... As for Shen Gonglin, although he didn't come out of Sea Abyss City, I detected fluctuations in the Herrscher of the Void's energy at the same time you came out. Based on the frequency and intensity of those fluctuations, he should have also come out of the Sea of Quantum, and his current location is still unknown."

Having spoken at length, Einstein clearly explained everything Bronya wanted to hear. The Doctor picked up her water glass and took a sip. According to Seele's description, Shen Gonglin was responsible for covering the rear. Einstein didn't believe he would disappear into the Sea of Quantum. For someone with the Herrscher of the Void, escaping from the Sea of Quantum would be a simple matter; he just took the wrong path. He hoped he was somewhere safe now... at least not hungry. His independent living skills were practically zero, and that was Einstein's biggest worry.

"Yes, is that so...? What about the snake? Did it escape?"

Upon learning of Shen Gonglin's condition, Bronya felt a little relieved. At least he had returned to reality, which meant she could easily find him. As a hacker, Bronya was confident in this. Although it was a huge task, there was always hope. Reassured, Bronya immediately thought of their greatest enemy in the Sea of Quantum, the World Serpent. He should have escaped from the Sea of Quantum as well.

"Yes, with the help of the power of the Gem of Desire, he escaped. We can't find his location, but we can be sure that he has now entered reality."

When this issue was brought up, Einstein's expression turned serious. According to Welt and Seele, Einstein had already learned what kind of enemy the Serpent was. The Schicksal was troublesome enough, but now there was the World Serpent that had surfaced. With the power it had shown, it was probably much more troublesome than the Schicksal.

"I'm sorry... It's all Bronya's fault. Bronya couldn't stop him... Bronya did nothing."

Upon hearing this news, Bronya lowered her head in disappointment. She had entered the Sea of Quantum to retrieve the Gem of Desire, but not only did she fail to get it back, she also caused Shen Gonglin to enter and rescue her. It was because of this rescue that Shen Gonglin disappeared. This time, Bronya had failed again. If it weren't for Shen Gonglin, both Bronya and Seele would probably be in danger.

"Why apologize? This isn't your fault. The difference in power was too great. The outcome was already decided the moment he obtained the Gem of Desire. Even Welt couldn't suppress him... But what surprised me was Shen Gonglin's performance. Welt and Seele told me that Shen Gonglin fought the snake, and the result was evenly matched?"

Einstein shook her head. It was wrong to place the blame on Bronya. Even the leader of Anti-Entropy was no match for the snake, so how could the responsibility be entrusted to Bronya? But Shen Gonglin's performance this time surprised Einstein. She knew that Shen Gonglin was strong and had shone in several battles, but she did not expect that Shen Gonglin could actually fight the snake. Just looking at that guy, it was hard to imagine that he would be that powerful. Einstein had always thought that Shen Gonglin was someone who needed to be protected.

After all, that guy looked so harmless; it felt like a few punches would be enough to make him cry.

"Yes, thanks to Shen Gonglin, otherwise even the core of the Herrscher of Reason would have been stolen by the snake. He met Bronya's expectations. Shen Gonglin is very reliable... Bronya misses him."

Bronya perked up at the mention of Shen Gonglin. Thanks to Shen Gonglin, who was always reliable, she could do anything with him around. This time, he protected Bronya, and next time, it would be Bronya protecting Shen Gonglin. The girl placed her small hand on her chest; she could feel the core of the Herrscher of Reason within her. If she could fully control this power, she could become Shen Gonglin's strongest ally. Although he could also use the Herrscher of Reason's power, analysis and creation had never been Shen Gonglin's forte. Therefore, Bronya was there.

"Sigh, me too... Ah, no, I mean I also think he's reliable. It's not that I miss him a lot. Of course, I do miss him a little, but it's just normal camaraderie, like how I miss Dr. Tesla. In short, it's just a normal feeling... no, a feeling. Bronya, do you understand?"

Chapter 193

She spoke at length, trying to cover up her misunderstanding, but Bronya barely understood a word. What was the Doctor saying? Was it some kind of technical jargon? Why couldn't she understand it at all? And why was she blushing as she spoke? Was Shen Gonglin really something shameful? Bronya didn't think so. Didn't everyone miss Shen Gonglin? Herself, Theresa, everyone felt the same way.

"Ahem, in short, Cocolia, Welt, and I are all responsible for this incident, but you are not, Bronya. You and Shen Gonglin saved Welt Seele, and you also ensured that the core of the Herrscher of Reason did not fall into the hands of the Serpent. And most importantly, you came back alive. Thank you, Bronya. You and Shen Gonglin are really reliable."

Einstein shook her head and changed the subject. After getting involved with Shen Gonglin, this young lady seemed to have a little problem as well. In order not to make herself continue to feel strange, Einstein suppressed her emotions for the time being. She reached out and gently touched Bronya's head. Her usually calm and composed face now showed a smile. Unlike Schicksal, the people on the Hyperion have a unique personal charm. Einstein was willing to place her trust in them.

"Doctor, thank you... Welt... By the way, and Mr. Welt, did he survive?"

Praised like this, Bronya seemed to blush slightly. The expressionless girl turned her gaze away slightly, then she remembered the other person Einstein had mentioned. Oh right, there was Welt too. She had almost forgotten about him. She and Seele were only focused on escaping, and Shen Gonglin was delaying things to save Welt. How was he now? During the three trial dungeons, Bronya had gained some understanding of this leader of Anti-Entropy. He was a good person too. How could she have forgotten him?

"Thanks to you all, I'm out of danger. I'm just a bit shaken, and I broke my arm when I fell off the missile. In short, I'm out of danger."

Einstein's expression was somewhat subtle. Well, Welt was probably the unluckiest person in this operation so far. Seele was fine, Bronya could recover as long as she rested, Shen Gonglin's current condition was unknown, and Welt's injury... wasn't caused by the enemy, but from falling off a Stinger missile. This guy was really unlucky.

"...Then, where is Mother Cocolia?"

Bronya was speechless at Welt's fate; he was truly unlucky. However, since his life was no longer in danger, it didn't matter much. After a moment's hesitation, Bronya finally asked the question. Although Cocolia had deceived and used her many times, she was still a very important person to Bronya. Seele had returned this time, but what about her? What would become of her?

"She's been detained by us. She's been accused of colluding with foreign enemies, leaking classified information, framing members of the organization, and conducting illegal experiments without authorization. She's also responsible for countless deaths. Cocolia has to take responsibility for what she's done all these years. She didn't even resist... By the way, she was attacked by Gray Serpent and was in critical condition, but Shen Gonglin performed surgery to save her. Because of her injuries, she's not in a regular cell but under house arrest in a dormitory. It'll be some time before we reach the Salt Lake Base. Bronya, you can go see her."

Einstein looked somewhat apologetic. Revealing this proposed solution for Cocolia to Bronya might be cruel, but she had to say it. Cocolia's sins couldn't be overlooked; this punishment was deserved, and she had to take responsibility for her actions. She believed Bronya would understand. Seeing the unconscious tension in Bronya's expression, Einstein knew that Cocolia still held a place in Bronya's heart. Bronya, in truth, was quite soft-hearted.

"Doctor, thank you."

Bronya bowed sincerely to Einstein to express her gratitude. She did need to see Mother Cocolia, after all, she was her mother.

Traveling alone through the lower part of the Hyperion, Bronya arrived at a dormitory where Cocolia was imprisoned. Bronya took a deep breath. After speaking with Einstein, Bronya had come here alone. After thinking for a moment, Bronya calmly pressed the button. The door opened with a whoosh, and Bronya stepped inside. Cocolia was right in front of her.

"Cocolia ...Mom..."

The room was small but very clean, though it had no windows. Under the light, Bronya saw Cocolia sitting on the edge of the bed, looking at the bandages on the tray in front of her with some difficulty. After hearing the voice, Cocolia looked up and her eyes lit up with surprise when she saw Bronya.

"Bronya, thank goodness! I'm so glad to see you're alright!"

Upon seeing Bronya, Cocolia finally felt relieved. She had been worried about Bronya's condition ever since she was imprisoned here. She hadn't even had a chance to say a word to Bronya after seeing her and Seele emerge from the Eye of the Abyss before Bronya fainted. Then, after defeating the Schicksal forces, she was imprisoned here. She had been constantly worried about Bronya's well-being. Now, thankfully, Bronya was alright, and Seele was alright too. She could finally relax.

Bronya remained silent, while Cocolia gestured to her with the tray on the table. "Perfect timing, you're here. Do you need any help? It's a bit inconvenient for me to be alone."

Without waiting for Bronya's reply, Cocolia unbuttoned her military uniform, turned her back to Bronya, and revealed bandages on her back. As instructed by Shen Gonglin, it was time to change her dressing. Now that her two daughters had returned, Cocolia valued her life highly and knew she had to survive; there were still many things she needed to do.

"What... what's going on?"

Bronya approached Cocolia from behind, carrying a tray. Seeing the bloodstains on the bandage, Bronya gently removed it, revealing the wound on Cocolia 'Bronya back. She bit her lip slightly; Cocolia's current state saddened her.

Chapter 194 Long-Awaited Communication

Sensing the suppressed emotions in the girl behind her, and not wanting to upset her further, Cocolia feigned calmness and said, "It was just a sneak attack by that Gray Serpent guy. It's just a minor fatal wound... It's alright. Shen Gonglin performed surgery on me back then, and the wound was almost healed. But when we broke through and fought with the Valkyrie troops, the wound reopened. As long as you change the dressing on time, it'll be fine."

For Cocolia, getting injured was a normal thing, and Bronya's worries were completely unnecessary... But it was precisely this unnecessary worry that made Cocolia feel quite comfortable. It was indeed a good feeling to be worried about. She hadn't had such an experience in a long time. So now it seemed that her injury wasn't all bad.

"What will they do to you?"

Without saying a word, Bronya focused on changing Cocolia's dressing, re-bandaging the wound with fresh bandages. Bronya was full of confidence in the first aid she had received. Cocolia then dressed herself. Seeing Cocolia's slightly relieved expression, Bronya hesitated for a moment before finally asking the question. Cocolia had done so many bad things; even Bronya hadn't expected her to be innocent. What would happen to her next? Bronya wanted to know.

"It seems Einstein talked to you a lot. I don't know, and there's no need to think about these things. Nobody cares about the thoughts of a loser."

Cocolia remained calm. She had long anticipated this day, but it wasn't unacceptable now. She had accomplished what she wanted to do, and both Bronya and Seele were safe. Although she still had some plans, such as ensuring Rosaria and Liliya received a good education, she was now powerless to fulfill them and could only leave it to fate.

"I will care."

Bronya calmly refuted Cocolia's words. There was no need to lie. Bronya simply cared about this matter. Although she had done many bad things and taken advantage of herself, Bronya would not deceive her own heart. If she cared, she cared. She didn't know what fate awaited Cocolia, so she wanted to know.

Upon hearing Bronya's words, Cocolia's expression froze for a moment, then her feigned indifference quickly vanished, and a rare smile suddenly appeared on her fair face. Her slightly narrowed purple eyes immediately reminded Bronya of Shen Gonglin. Now that she thought about it, the reason she had been so concerned about Shen Gonglin from the beginning might have been because of those eyes. Cocolia and Shen Gonglin both had blonde hair and purple eyes. Perhaps it was because of this shared feature that she had treated Shen Gonglin differently from the start. So Cocolia... was also a very important person to Bronya.

"Don't worry, they won't do anything to me. In these extraordinary times, no one will focus their energy on traitors. Hmph, maybe I'll even have a chance to redeem myself later. But in the meantime, I'll leave the orphanage to you guys."

Cocolia reassured Bronya with a gentle expression that she would indeed be alright. Her injuries were enough to save her life. It wasn't that they would change their verdict because of her injuries, but rather that Shen Gonglin had healed her. For that reason alone, Einstein and Tesla would likely spare her life as well, because it proved that Shen Gonglin didn't want her to die. She never imagined she would be saved like this; it was truly ironic... But that's what all this talk of building connections means, isn't it? Shen Gonglin will probably become her son-in-law someday, so her situation... is quite normal?

Perhaps because she was too idle, even Cocolia started thinking about these things. She shook her head and put all these messy things out of her mind. Cocolia looked at Bronya entrusting her with this matter. It was her responsibility. Bronya had lived in an orphanage before, so they were all family. This was also Bronya's responsibility.

"I understand. Bronya will protect everyone regarding the orphanage."

Bronya nodded seriously. She would never refuse this task, as it was her responsibility. However, Cocolia shook her head slightly. Bronya's understanding was slightly wrong; this burden was not something she could bear alone.

"No, Bronya, not you, but all of you. Rosaria and Liliya are kind-hearted and always want to bring smiles to everyone, but they are inexperienced and don't understand many things. Seele is good at taking care of others and can do many things very well, but she is timid and lacks her own opinions. As for you, you like to carry everything on your own shoulders... You always carry the burden alone and always look ahead, but you forget that there is a group of people who are moving forward with you. They all like you and are working hard to catch up with you. You have the ability to unite everyone, so don't forget to look back at them more often. The place where you are with everyone is your home."

The coldness that had always been in her eyes vanished. Now, Cocolia was like a mother nagging her daughter, her purple eyes filled with tenderness. She squatted down and looked up at Bronya. She didn't know when Bronya had grown so tall; even when she squatted down, Bronya was still a head taller than her. Her daughter had grown up, and there were people around her whom she was willing to give everything for. She felt a little lonely, but this loneliness was a sweet kind of trouble. Bronya was her best daughter, so Cocolia had to tell Bronya all these things.

Otherwise, what if there's no chance in the future? If it weren't for Shen Gonglin being here this time, I'm afraid I really wouldn't have had the chance to say these words.

"... Mother Cocolia, you've never said anything like that to us before," why now...

Hearing these words from Cocolia for the first time warmed Bronya's heart. But Cocolia had never said these words to them before. If she had said them sooner... Bronya didn't know what would have happened.

"Really... So, I've never said these things before?"

I was a little surprised myself. I had never said such things to my daughters before.

Chapter 195 The Ownership of the Core

Cocolia thought back carefully and realized that she had never said such things to them before. So why did she say it today? Had something changed? Cocolia didn't know, but that didn't affect what she was about to say.

"I don't know... I really don't know. Over the decades, I've done many things and made many mistakes. It's impossible to say that I've never regretted anything. But there's one thing I've never regretted: bringing you back from the snowy plains of Siberia in the spring of 2012. Bronya, you are my pride."

Cocolia gently embraced the girl before her, resting her chin on Bronya's shoulder as she spoke these words. Indeed, Cocolia had done many things, and she had also regretted many things, but the thing she felt was right and was most proud of was bringing back Bronya, her daughter, her proudest daughter. No matter what, Cocolia could always proudly say that Bronya was her proudest daughter.

Bronya remained silent, unsure of what to say. Yet, hearing Cocolia's words filled her with pride. The girl reached out and gently hugged Cocolia. Knowing this was enough. Mother Cocolia, Bronya will always be your pride.

"Okay, I understand."

After saying goodbye to Cocolia, Bronya stepped out of the Hyperion. Looking at the bright sky outside, Bronya felt her mood brighten. She took a deep breath. The Hyperion needed to rest for another day, so this was a rare moment of rest for Bronya. If Shen Gonglin were here, he would definitely invite her to play games with him. Without him, Bronya didn't want to play, so she decided to take a walk to clear her head. Bronya Cocolia said earlier.

"Hmm? Mr. Welt... Oh, right, this is for you."

As Bronya stepped off the bridge, she suddenly spotted Welt, whose arm was in a sling. He was also heading to Anti-Entropy's Salt Lake Base aboard the Hyperion. Seeing him reminded Bronya of this, and she quickly ran over. The brown-haired Anti-Entropy Leader stood waiting for Bronya. He was the only one in the Sea of Quantum who had suffered a serious injury, and it was because he had been strapped to a missile. How pitiful.

Upon reaching Welt's side, Bronya restrained herself from looking at Welt's bandaged arm, fearing she might accidentally burst out laughing. The girl closed her eyes and summoned the Herrscher Core that was temporarily residing in her body. This belonged to Welt, and she should return it to him.

"No need, it's yours."

Looking at the crystal that was quietly radiating light in Bronya's hand, Welt gently shook his head. This already belonged to Bronya; she had passed his test, so this was what she deserved.

"Mr. Welt ... Bronya doesn't quite understand what you mean."

Bronya shook her head in distress. She had never intended to take the Herrscher Core; she only needed the power at the time. Now that the matter was resolved, she should return it to Welt.

"What I mean is, it can be used much more effectively in your hands."

Welt looked at the Herrscher Core in Bronya's hand. He knew his own situation. Although he had once become Herrscher, his natural adaptability to Honkai energy was still far from perfect. Bronya, on the other hand, had a high degree of compatibility with the Herrscher Core. It was as if this was something that was made for her in the first place, and he was just temporarily holding it for her.

"The Herrscher Core is not a necessary condition for becoming the leader, so you don't need to worry about anything else. Power should be given to those with more potential. More importantly, Joachim has chosen you. In the Sea of Quantum, you have already proven yourself, so rest assured, you are qualified to obtain this core."

Welt had made his decision, but Bronya was clearly unprepared. She lowered her head and said those words. Did she really have the right to do so? Bronya didn't think so.

"But Bronya lost... If it weren't for Shen Gonglin, we would have been wiped out this time."

Stubbornly reaching out her hand, Bronya felt that she could not accept this Herrscher Core; she should choose someone more qualified.

"Shen Gonglin? Perhaps he is more qualified, but Bronya, you are more suitable for the power of this core. During the time you were unconscious, I learned about Shen Gonglin from various people. Without a doubt, he is a trustworthy person. Almost everyone I asked was willing to place their hopes on him, but based on my understanding of his personality... more importantly, he doesn't seem to need this core. He already possesses the power of the Herrscher of Reason. As for what you just said about losing, that depends on how you interpret it."

When the topic turned to Shen Gonglin, Welt's expression became rather strange. Everything had changed since he woke up, and Shen Gonglin was truly a complicated case. Even if he didn't give her the Herrscher Core, she already had one, and more than one at that!

"Whether you have lost or not depends on how you understand failure. For a person, as long as you hold onto yourself, you have not lost. You don't need to answer me now, think about it more. The most important thing is your own thoughts. If you are willing to accept it, I will personally train you to use the power of this core. I will help you become the next generation of Herrscher of Reason, a Herrscher protects what he wants to protect."

Welt gazed at Bronya, and like Kevin, he saw hope in Bronya and the others. Perhaps the Honkai would truly end in their generation, and Welt wanted to contribute his own strength to this cause. Humanity would eventually defeat the Honkai, Welt wanted to push forward this process.

"... Yes, Bronya understands."

Bronya nodded. She would seriously consider Welt's words. The core light shone and then disappeared back into Bronya's body. She really needed to think about this matter carefully. If she accepted this power, she should be able to move forward with Shen Gonglin.

Chapter 196 Everything Will Change

"Sister Bronya ————"

Just then, Seele's voice came from afar. Welt and Bronya looked in the direction of the sound and saw Seele waving at them with the twin sisters. Upon seeing them, Bronya unconsciously smiled with relief. No matter what the future held, this was the scene she wanted to see most. Her sisters were by her side, and this was the reality that Bronya wanted to hold onto.

"It seems your companions are looking for you. Let's talk later. Goodbye, Bronya. Your journey has only just begun."

Welt couldn't help but smile. He waved to Bronya and then walked into the Hyperion. It was time to change his medication. He needed to take good care of his body. After all, he hoped to see humanity defeat the Honkai before he died. This thought was incredibly strong in Welt's heart. Placing his hopes on them might actually be possible.

"Bronya, what were you talking about with Welt just now? He's not thinking of electing you as the next leader, is he?!"

Seele and the other two ran over, with Rosaria, the most energetic of them all, rushing forward first. She grabbed Bronya's hand and asked with great interest, "If Bronya becomes the Anti-Entropy Leader, then we'll be people with inside connections. Just think about it, if Bronya becomes the Anti-Entropy Leader... it doesn't seem to be of much use to us."

"Sister Bronya also going to inherit Welt's name? That feels a bit strange."

Liliya chimed in, echoing Rosaria's sentiments. The Gem of Desire belonged to Welt, and if he were to give Gem of Desire to Bronya, wouldn't that mean Bronya would become the leader of Anti-Entropy? Sister Bronya was indeed amazing, but if she were the leader, Liliya felt she would have to get used to it.

"Inheriting the name of Welt ... Welt Zaychek, that's totally a man's name, it doesn't sound good, it doesn't sound good at all."

Rosaria immediately shook her head upon hearing this. In her opinion, whether a name sounds good or not is a very important thing. For example, when announcing one's name during a duel, having a good-sounding title is especially important. If Bronya were to inherit the name Welt, it would sound rather unimpressive.

"What nonsense are you talking about? That's not true at all. Bronya won't change her name. Bronya is Bronya."

She reached out and tapped Rosaria on the head. What nonsense was this idiot spouting? She wouldn't inherit the name Welt, nor would she change her name. If she were to add anything, it would only be the surname of the Shrine. That would be fine. Bronya wouldn't change any other name. What was this idiot thinking about?

"Ouch, that hurts... Tch, what a disappointment. I thought I could mooch off you because of your connections. Speaking of which, Liliya and I will be hanging out with Theresa from now on, and we'll all be together. Bronya, aren't you happy?"

She clutched her head and whimpered in pain, but Rosaria quickly changed the subject without a second thought. In her opinion, this was something to be happy about. Everyone could be together from now on. A family should be complete. The little girl wagged her tail with joy. Being together was what made things truly interesting.

"Theresa said she would teach us how to control the power of Honkai Beast. She said we had great potential, but we hadn't received any professional training. To be honest, we initially wanted to refuse because Rosaria, that idiot, simply didn't know how to learn."

Liliya added from the side, "Although the blue-haired girl's tone sounds very calm, Bronya can also sense that she is happy inside. You can tell from the tails that are also swinging behind her. The two sisters' feelings are all expressed in their tails, which is very easy to understand."

"But the pastries on the Hyperion are just so delicious! It's the first time I've ever had a cake with sugar and cream... Huh? Liliya, what are you saying? People who call others stupid are the stupid ones themselves. Everyone can study, my brain works perfectly fine!"