Chapter 355

Actually, the best bait is right in front of her right now. Knowing that Shen Gonglin is here, Theresa and the others will come no matter what. With him here, any other bait is just icing on the cake.

"The core of the Herrscher of Domination... is indeed something hard to refuse. So that's what that little thing meant when it disappeared... I understand. Does that mean I have to go to that old Schicksal faction too?"

Having understood why Otto was so confident, Shen Gonglin tapped her temples in frustration. However, if she went over there herself, she could handle any unexpected events in time. Although he was clearly bait, there was still a reason for him to take the bait.

"Yes, the bishop asked me to inform you that he has already gone ahead. Let us set off together to prepare to welcome the Hyperion."

Durandal nodded, perhaps to show his sincerity, but given Otto's consistent style, probably no one would believe his so-called sincerity.

"I see... Let's set off then. Just thinking about it won't do any good. Anna will stay at Schicksal Headquarters and wait for orders. As for the old guard, there's me, Rita, and you, Durandal. Theresa and the others will also be there. Except for Sushang, almost everyone here is one of our people. Even if Otto tries to cause trouble, we can keep him in check."

The new bishop of Schicksal was openly plotting how to gang up on the former bishop, and the key thing was that none of the Valkyrie seemed to have any problems with it. Durandal was even overjoyed. "Yay! Shen Gonglin said she's one of us, so there's nothing more to say."

The only one who sensed something was wrong was Li Sushang. The sword fairy girl felt ostracized. What did she mean by saying that everyone except herself was one of her own? Didn't her junior uncle know that such words were really hurtful?

"Hey, Junior Uncle, why are you excluding me? Why are you all on the same side but I'm the only one who isn't? I clearly call you Junior Uncle."

The sword-wielding girl tightened her grip on Shen Gonglin's neck slightly, clearly excluding her. Li Sushang was very unhappy, even though she felt she got along quite well with everyone.

"Don't get too close. You're one of Otto's people. Who told you that if you call me 'Uncle-Master,' we're on the same side? Go away, go away. This is the Secret Joint Department of the Divine Palace. Don't try to pry into our secrets here. Who knows if you'll turn around and tell Otto? Don't try to fool me. I'm very smart."

Reaching out, Shen Gonglin pushed Li Sushang's forehead and shoved this treacherous fellow away with obvious disgust. Although she said that, strictly speaking, this girl wasn't exactly siding with outsiders. After all, compared to her junior uncle whom she had never met, she was definitely closer to Otto. Unlike the situation with Durandal, this girl had clearly expressed from the beginning that she would repay Otto's life-saving grace and do things for him, so Shen Gonglin didn't expect her to help her.

From the very beginning, Shen Gonglin never considered Li Sushang as one of her own.

Well, so this is how they openly ostracize me? This junior uncle is really despicable.

Li Sushang, feeling sullen and excluded, puffed out her cheeks as she looked at the huddled group. She was very unhappy. What was her junior uncle talking about? Although she would help the Ottoman, it was only to repay a debt of gratitude. How could she tell Otto about their plans? This feeling of being excluded was really unpleasant. The girl wanted to turn around and leave, but she couldn't bear to go. So she could only stand by and watch, feeling so pitiful.

Hmm, this girl reminds me a little of myself from before.

Durandal glanced at Li Sushang and, for some reason, saw a trace of her former self in the sword fairy girl. Thinking of all the effort she had put in over the years, Durandal felt a deep sense of gratitude. She had finally made amends, Shen Gonglin had once again considered her one of her own. Durandal cherished this opportunity and was determined not to repeat the mistakes of the past.

This is really a headache. If Otto continues to be hostile, we can just work together to take him down. But now he seems to be preparing to step down and cooperate... This is really a headache.

Chapter Thirty-Three: What did he just say?

"So, in conclusion, Rita, you and Durandal will continue to follow Otto's orders for now. See what he's up to first. Although he knows you two are my people, he can't afford not to use the combat power of two S-rank Valkyrie. So, that's it for now. Do you understand?... If you do, just say so."

In the Schicksal Plaza, Shen Gonglin had his arms around Durandal and Rita's shoulders as they whispered to each other. He decided to observe the situation for the time being, but after he finished speaking, the two Valkyrie did not respond. Shen Gonglin looked at the two stunned Valkyrie in surprise. What was wrong with them? Did they not listen to his ingenious arrangement?

Do they really think they have no authority as the new bishop? No, I have to make them take this seriously.

Then, Shen Gonglin reached out and pinched the cheeks of the two S-rank Valkyrie. The sharp pain instantly brought the two Valkyrie back to their senses, and their faces turned red at a visible speed. Shen Gonglin had been holding them like that, and from the very beginning, these two girls hadn't listened to a word he said.

"Ahem, I understand what you mean, I've taken it in, no need to argue anymore."

Durandal coughed and broke free from Shen Gonglin's grasp. She was still quite concerned about her reputation as the strongest Valkyrie; who knew if other Valkyrie would see her here? Rita, on the other hand, was different. The maid lay down next to Shen Gonglin like a kitten. Tsk, sometimes I really envy Rita's shameless personality.

"You really listened? Good, then let's proceed according to my plan. Anna, take me to the communications room. I need to meet with Theresa and the others, and then we'll go to Kolosten to wait for them. I might have to go somewhere else beforehand... This is so busy. Is this the duty of a bishop? I've had my fill of it. I'll just leave it all to Theresa later."

Shen Gonglin looked at Durandal suspiciously. The female knight stood up straight, so she seemed to be fine. So Shen Gonglin asked Anna to take her to contact Theresa and the others. After being separated for so long, she should say hello to them.

"Alright, come with me."

Finally seizing the opportunity, Anna grabbed Shen Gonglin's arm and ran towards her dormitory. She had communication equipment in her own room, so why go to the communications room? Anna didn't want to miss this chance to be alone with Shen Gonglin.

Watching the two figures disappear into the distance, Rita, who had been sprawled on the bench, gracefully rose from it like a beautiful snake. She stood beside Durandal, reverting to her usual perfect maid demeanor, though the words she uttered were not so perfect.

"Durandal... Do you really remember Lady Rin's instructions just now? To be honest, I didn't listen to them at all."

The maid tapped her head in exasperation. Shen Gonglin had been so focused on how close Rin was to her that she hadn't heard a word he was saying. This was definitely not something a professional maid should be doing. Rita felt like that bad student in class who only noticed the English teacher's pencil skirt. Luckily, her deskmate was a top student.

"... Me too, cough cough, I mean me too. I was just thinking about training, so, so... Rita, what's with the way you're looking at me? Don't you believe what I'm saying?"

Rita wasn't the only one lost in thought; Durandal was too. The reserved female knight tried to find some excuses for herself, but the maid's disdainful look made her face burn. The two top Valkyrie sighed together, like poor students who hadn't remembered the teacher's highlighted points.

What should I do? Should I go ask Shen Gonglin again? But if I do, I'll definitely get my face pinched again. I don't mind close contact, but it really hurts. And if other Valkyrie see this, it'll be too embarrassing. So...

Durandal and Rita simultaneously turned their gazes to Li Sushang, who was idly standing to the side. The girl was still sulking from being ostracized. Before these Valkyrie returned, her junior uncle and she had gotten along very well, but now things were different. He wouldn't even whisper to her anymore. Although she had overheard him, the situation was different.

So Li Sushang was very unhappy and was sulking when she suddenly felt a shadow loom over her. When she looked up Durandal Li Sushang Rita standing in front of her. The sword fairy girl's heart skipped a beat. What was going on?

They didn't discuss killing each other first.

"Li Sushang, you must have heard what Shen Gonglin was telling us just now... Tell us quickly what he just said."

The two Valkyrie were like delinquent girls bullying each other in school. Although they didn't listen when Teacher Jingu was highlighting the important points for them, this ordinary student Li Sushang, must have overheard them. Everyone is S-rank Valkyrie, so who doesn't know who? At this distance, she must have overheard everything.

This... Li Sushang was speechless. They were clearly planning to deal with her and Otto, but these two didn't listen to the plan and wanted to know from her. It seemed a bit unreliable for Junior Uncle to find these two allies. Could they really defeat the Ottoman?

Li Sushang couldn't help but have such doubts, but then she realized something was wrong. She should be with the Ottoman, and shouldn't be thinking about such things.

"...This is what Junior Uncle just said, he meant that you two should go first..."

The speechless swordswoman could only repeat the story to these two dim-witted traitors. The more she explained, the more uneasy Li Sushang felt. They were clearly targeting her and the Ottoman, yet she was acting like this... Wasn't that also traitorous behavior? Honestly, she wanted to be a champion of justice, to wield her sword and seek revenge, but why was she doing this now...?

Sure enough, people eventually become the very thing they hate most. The sword fairy girl has become withdrawn.

Rita and Durandal didn't care whether Li Sushang was withdrawn or not. After learning about Shen Gonglin's previous arrangements from Li Sushang, the two Valkyrie nodded their heads. So that's how it is. They were to continue to follow Otto's orders and then act according to circumstances. I understand. This kind of thing is very simple!

Chapter Thirty-Four: The Girl Pursues Him

"This is your room? It doesn't seem very big. Is it because the other Valkyrie in Schicksal ostracize you?"

Unaware of what was happening with Durandal, Shen Gonglin followed Anna to her dormitory. Shen Gonglin looked around curiously. Anna was previously A-rank Valkyrie, so she should have received good treatment at headquarters. However, this room seemed a bit small. Even Himeko's former residence at headquarters was bigger than this, let alone compared to Durandal and the others.

"Well, maybe that's part of the reason, but a small room has its advantages too. At least it's easy to clean, and I'm already very satisfied. But if possible, I'd like to ask His Excellency the Bishop to give me a bigger room after he takes office, preferably one with a garden. I really want to plant a garden full of Cecilia flowers."

Anna quickly gathered up the underwear on the back of the chair and smiled apologetically at Shen Gonglin. After all, the room was a bit small, and since no one usually came, she had been a little unrestrained. The girl openly admitted to this. Although she had Durandal and Rita taking care of her, such care could sometimes go too far. Anna knew her own situation, so she couldn't blame the Valkyrie.

However, Anna joked that if Shen Gonglin took office, her situation would probably be better. The size of the room didn't matter; the key was that she wanted to grow flowers, but she couldn't leave the Schicksal Headquarters. Anna could only use these things to cultivate her mind.

"Simple, you can just work in the horticulture department... Why are you looking at me like that? Didn't you say you wanted to grow flowers? Anna, pour some tea, I need to contact Theresa and the others."

Not understanding what she had done to offend the girl, Shen Gonglin was a little bothered. After all, she hadn't known Anna for very long, and she might have said something wrong. In this situation... she hoped Anna could tolerate it, since Shen Gonglin wouldn't change anyway.

"...oh."

Anna responded sullenly, "Oh well, I knew Shen Gonglin was like this all along. It's my fault for liking him, not the other way around. If you're going to pursue someone, you have to be prepared to do it. Honestly, I did dream of a sweet romance back then, but I never expected to encounter this situation... Oh well, one should be content. This is the best-case scenario."

Anna certainly knew which was better: to die as a Herrscher or to continue living as a warrior fighting against the Honkai.

"Oh, right, and this... Anna, I don't think this kind is very warm, what do you think?"

The girl was making tea when Shen Gonglin suddenly tossed a light, fluttering piece of fabric over. Anna picked up the lace fabric that had landed on her head and immediately blushed. She hadn't cleaned herself properly; this habit of hers was so embarrassing!

"Shen Gonglin! H, pervert!"

The Valkyrie stormed out in a huff, while Shen Gonglin gave a disdainful smile. It was as if she wanted to see it herself; wasn't it all because that stupid girl Anna had carelessly thrown it away? So, if anyone was perverted, it was her. She never expected this girl, who looked as pure as a saint, to wear such lingerie in private. Tsk tsk, her illusions shattered.

[Hello, is this Theresa? This is Shen Gonglin. This is Shen Gonglin. Please respond if you hear me, or at least say something if you don't.]

Even though Anna ran away, Shen Gonglin wasn't worried. He dialed Theresa's private number and started contacting her. Because Shen Gonglin often ran around outside, Fu Hua and Theresa coerced Shen Gonglin into memorizing their contact information, even claiming that if he couldn't remember it, they would tattoo it on his body. So Shen Gonglin was forced to memorize it, and now it seems that this method is quite effective.

[Shen Gonglin? It's you! What's going on? Why are you at Schicksal Headquarters, and with Grandpa... and Otto?!]

The communication was connected, and Theresa's incredulous little face appeared on the screen, along with everyone from Anti-Entropy. They hadn't even dispersed after the meeting ended when Shen Gonglin called. Receiving a call from Shen Gonglin under these circumstances was incredibly exciting.

Theresa and the others were relieved. The fact that he could make a call proved that he had not been coerced. Just now, Kiana insisted that Shen Gonglin's constant blinking during the live stream meant that she had been kidnapped.

"Ahem, Theresa, I think you'd better show me some respect. After all, I'm the Bishop of Schicksal now, and you're just the Vice Archbishop."

Sitting up straight, Shen Gonglin crossed her arms, trying to appear more dignified. Although she didn't care much about this Bishop of Schicksal of Schicksal, it was still great to joke around with Theresa. From Schicksal's perspective, she was Theresa's superior, a figure who definitely had the upper hand over Theresa.

"Yes, Your Excellency, when you return, I will gently press Judah upon you... Shen Gonglin, what on earth is going on?!"

Theresa was taken aback by Shen Gonglin's unexpected move and immediately put on a sweet, innocent act. However, she couldn't hold back any longer. This guy was trying to use his position to pressure her. Theresa hadn't even accepted the position of Vice-Bishop of Schicksal yet. This guy, Shen Gonglin, had been bought off with just the position of Bishop of Schicksal!

[Shen Gonglin, stop joking around, what's going on?]

Fu Hua's figure also appeared on the screen. They had just decided to go to Kolosten to find out what was going on, and now Shen Gonglin's communication had come through. This showed that Shen Gonglin's actions should not be restricted, which was good news.

"Class President, I don't know the specifics either, but that guy definitely didn't have good intentions. But the core of the Herrscher of Domination is there, and we can't just ignore it. So we can only take it one step at a time. Don't worry, I'll be fine. I'll go ahead first. We'll meet in Kolosten."

This is no time for jokes. Communications sent from the Schicksal Headquarters might be intercepted by Otto, so we can't talk about anything more confidential. What we're talking about now are things that can be brought to the surface. This is Otto's real, overt scheme, an obvious trap, but they have no choice but to go through with it.

It's really unpleasant to feel like you're being manipulated or schemed against.

Chapter Thirty-Five: I Want to Be Like That Too

[Going ahead... Shen Gonglin, couldn't you come back first? Then we can go together, so that even if there are any problems, we can solve them together.]

At this moment, Kiana also entered the screen. They were all worried about Shen Gonglin's situation. Now Shen Gonglin was like being alone in a tiger's den. Knowing that Otto had some kind of conspiracy, it was too dangerous for Shen Gonglin to stay there. In this situation, they shouldn't disperse their limited combat power. Moreover, if something happened to Shen Gonglin, it would be a loss.

[That's right, Kiana is Shen Gonglin, you should come back first. This is exactly the kind of situation they're talking about.]

Everyone on the other side of the screen was urging Shen Gonglin to go back. Looking at their expectant eyes, Shen Gonglin was also in a dilemma. If she could, she should indeed be with them, but... because she had fought with those Flame-Chasers in the Elysian Realm Past and then used the Universal Angel Mode to unleash the final arrow, Shen Gonglin's condition had not recovered at all. She looked as if she was still in her prime, but... that was all Shen Gonglin pretending.

After all, if Otto knew that she couldn't even use the Herrscher of the Void's abilities, who knew what he would do? So, Shen Gonglin didn't dare to expose her problems at all. Her physical strength and power were too depleted, and she couldn't recover in a short time.

"It's alright. I'll go ahead and prepare for you. Don't worry, don't you trust my abilities? Even if something unexpected happens, I can handle it. Don't worry about me."

She couldn't say too much during the communication, for the same reason: Shen Gonglin couldn't let Otto know her current state in any way. This was also why Li Sushang had easily stopped her from attacking Otto before. She had to recover as soon as possible, whether it was Mei's side or Schicksal's side. She needed to recover her strength as soon as possible.

"Too much talk leads to mistakes," Shen Gonglin thought, and immediately hung up the call. He pressed his temples hard, trying to look more alert. This wasn't the Anti-Entropy Salt Lake Base anymore; who knew if Otto had any spies around? He had to be vigilant at all times.

However, I should be able to rest a bit here with Anna. At least, I need to recover the power of the Herrscher of the Void first. Heroic Thirteen of the Flame Flame-Chasers is indeed quite skilled.

He pulled back the pink blanket on the girl's bed Shen Gonglin slipped inside without hesitation. The warm scent enveloped Shen Gonglin, gradually relaxing him. He had been on high alert at the Schicksal Headquarters, but now he could finally rest a little.

As her eyelids grew heavier, Shen Gonglin fell into a deep sleep. Just then, Anna sneakily peeked in. She had been too shy to leave earlier, but she quickly regretted it. How could she waste such a precious opportunity to be alone with Shen Gonglin? So the shy girl hurriedly ran back. This girl had actually fallen asleep in her bed!

They really don't treat themselves like outsiders.

Muttering to herself, Anna tiptoed in after confirming that Shen Gonglin was asleep. Looking at the sleeping Shen Gonglin on the bed, the girl's face slowly turned rosy. She secretly glanced at the door. Usually, no one would be so enthusiastic about this place. Did this mean that she could go a little too far?

Opportunity knocks but once, and hesitation means defeat. Unlike Durandal and Rita, who had known Shen Gonglin, Anna understood that although she liked Shen Gonglin a lot, he didn't actually have that much interest in her. A large part of his closeness to her was because of her cute face and decent figure. He was essentially a pervert, and Anna actually thought that was pretty good.

After all, she was already very good-looking. Wasn't it her ability to get close to him because of her good looks? That was how she could get him to focus his attention on her, and then let Shen Gonglin understand her inner self and her heart.

Anyway, every day I live now is a bonus. If it weren't for Shen Gonglin, I would have died as Herrscher long ago. Hesitation means defeat, so I have nothing to be afraid of anymore.

Thinking of this, the girl decisively took off her shoes and climbed onto her bed. Like a caterpillar, Anna blushed and burrowed into the covers. Thinking about it... she had actually known Shen Gonglin for quite a while. She bumped into Shen Gonglin when she was reporting to headquarters, and this guy managed to swindle a large sum of money from her through trickery and deception. That was the Snow Lotus Squad's operating funds. Was this guy already this bad back then?

"Shen Gonglin, don't wake up, okay? If you wake up now... I'll be so embarrassed."

Anna whispered these words in Shen Gonglin's ear, and seeing that Shen Gonglin didn't react, Anna snuggled even closer into Shen Gonglin's arms. This action gave Anna a great sense of security; she hadn't felt this way in a long time.

The white-haired girl closed her eyes. After arriving at Schicksal, although Durandal and Rita treated her very well, Anna always felt uneasy. Although there were no casualties in the Coral Island Honkai because of Shen Gonglin, Durandal, and Raiden Mei, she had indeed transformed into Herrscher. Because of this, many Valkyrie in the base did not accept her.

Anna was also mentally prepared.

However, it was at this moment that she learned about the situation of another girl beside Shen Gonglin, a girl Kiana Kaslana.

She was just like me, both of us had once become Herrscher, but she was able to grow into someone that everyone accepted through her own efforts. We were both Herrscher, both of us came from prestigious families, and both of us stayed by Shen Gonglin's side, so why couldn't I?

Although she had never met the girl, Anna had met her many times in her mind, and she had also gathered a lot of information. She believed that Kiana was able to get to where she was today because of Shen Gonglin by her side, so she wanted to become someone like Kiana.

Thinking of this, Anna blushed and snuggled closer to Shen Gonglin. She thought to herself that she might be what they called a bad girl.

Chapter Thirty-Six: Let's Get Along Better

In the dappled light of the space, two figures stood in this Elysian Realm. Looking at the chaotic space before them, Mei remained silent. Even now, she still hadn't fully grasped the nature of this space. The novice instructor beside her seemed a bit... unreliable. In any case, she used a lot of metaphors, but Mei herself didn't understand any of them.

"I almost beat the dog's brain out just now, but only three Flame-Chasers appeared. It seems there's a small problem in the Elysian Realm. But if we keep exploring, we should be able to find out the truth... Mei, haven't you figured it out yet? If you don't understand anything about the Elysian Realm, you can tell me."

After "expelling" Shen Gonglin Jingu, the Flame-Chasers disappeared, leaving only Elysia and Mei. The fairy-like girl led Mei to the depths of the Elysian Realm, but it would be more meaningful for her to explore on her own.

"As you can see, the Elysian Realm is a complex data space, composed of thirteen flowing consciousnesses, which are constantly colliding with each other. To give an analogy, if reality is a blank sheet of paper, this is a complex origami artwork, with pages printed with different people's perceptions interwoven, folded, and inlaid together. You can even see the same thing as seen by different people. That kind of thing can indeed be quite perplexing."

Seeing Mei's confusion, Elysia kindly helped Mei answer her questions, but the girl's "appropriate" analogy left Mei completely bewildered. This couldn't be her fault; Mei was very confident in her comprehension abilities, after all, she was a top student at St. Freya. So, in this situation... there was only one possibility.

"... You've never used a proper metaphor, have you? The kind that actually helps people understand something?"

After hesitating for a moment, Mei voiced her question. She realized that it was indeed impolite to interrupt Elysia, who was speaking so enthusiastically, but such an analogy would probably be difficult for a normal person to accept.

"Who said that? I'm as cute as a flower. Is that an appropriate description?"

After being criticized by Mei, Elysia pouted unhappily. Then she threw out an analogy that Mei couldn't refute. It was clearly her own lack of comprehension that had anything to do with her analogy. Elysia was starting to doubt whether Mei was really a genius.

"In short, this is what the Elysian Realm is like. But it's also a good thing. Faced with a cliff at the end of the road, people used to have no choice but to jump. But now you can see the result of their jump and then decide what to do. Isn't that the meaning of the footprints left by our predecessors? There is no such opportunity in reality."

Elysia spoke of the significance of the Elysian Realm in this way, and Mei was once again certain of one thing: this girl had indeed never used an appropriate metaphor. Mei knew this, but Mei didn't say it.

"Alright, don't worry. The Elysian Realm is indeed an unimaginably huge labyrinth, but I will always be here to light the way for you."

Encouraging Mei to keep going, Elysia held her hands to her chest, and a dazzling golden light shone from her hands. Looking at the golden rune presented to her, Mei looked at Elysia in confusion. What is this...?

"This is my blessing. Have you ever heard the saying that choices made under pressure reveal a person's true self and determine what kind of person they will become? In my life so far, I have made one choice after another. They are like nodes in a segment, forever engraved in my brilliant life, shining brightly. This is my blessing and my imprint, the engraving of Elysia's soul. I am my proof. To go further in history, following the footsteps I left behind is also a choice. After all, I am someone who has witnessed the entirety of that era. But then again, it is indeed a little embarrassing to show my true self to others."