Chapter 371

"Ah... I see. If there really is five hundred years... perhaps such a change would really happen to me."

Others may not have fully understood, but Otto listened intently. He was very serious. Indeed, no one knew him better than himself. Only he knew his despair. If this despair were to ferment for five hundred years, it would indeed become something terrifying. If it were him, he would definitely travel the world to find a way to fill this void. Otto believed that this change would definitely happen to him.

"What change are you referring to?"

Theresa asked curiously, this grandfather was different from the grandfather she remembered. His words didn't seem to indicate that he hadn't become like a grandfather yet.

"If that person has lived for more than five hundred years, then the obsession in his heart should be ten times, or even a hundred times, more than mine. I don't think that person would question his own behavior because of some external information, like I did just now."

Otto was so certain that at this moment, the seed of saving Kallen had already sprouted in his heart. If it were him five hundred years later, that seed would definitely have sprouted and grown into a towering tree.

Chapter Ninety-Four: Five Hundred Years for One Person

"You really know yourself. Yes, there's no one in this world more willful than him... Ah, no, maybe Kevin, who's lived for over 50,000 years, could be considered another. Even Shen Gonglin is a good kid compared to them... Why are you looking at me like that? I'm praising you! Don't come any closer... Theresa, help!"

Tesla, who had been speaking recklessly, finally got her comeuppance. The red-haired twin-tailed girl tried to run over to seek Theresa's protection, but Shen Gonglin intercepted her halfway. The physical abilities of this kind of researcher were still no match for those of Valkyrie like Kiana. Shen Gonglin stretched out her two fists and dug hard into her head.

What does she mean by comparing herself to Kevin and Otto? As we all know, Shen Gonglin has always been someone who is good at accepting other people's opinions. Whenever the Class President hums, Shen Gonglin will let go and say something.

The onlookers kept their eyes down, pretending not to see anything. Seriously, who would dare to stop Shen Gonglin at a time like this? He'd definitely hold a grudge and settle scores later. They were too smart to risk provoking Shen Gonglin.

"It hurts so much... But you're right, I can't imagine that person changing anything because of what others say or do."

Rubbing his head, which was throbbing from the drilling, Tesla continued the previous topic after being scolded. "And this is in front of outsiders! Shen Gonglin is bullying me like this. She doesn't give me any face at all..." Of course, this doesn't mean that it's okay to bully me in private. Is it fun to bully me?

Shen Gonglin, that bastard.

"That's true... So, what prompted him to make the choice to change the status quo must be some kind of inherent will of his own. I don't consider myself a power-hungry person. The direct reason I joined the rebels against Schicksal was that they raised the banner of the saintess... From a selfish point of view, perhaps I just didn't want the name Kallen to experience any more failures."

He spoke his mind, and his frank and simple reason surprised everyone. He said that he led the rebel army to overthrow the Schicksal simply because he didn't want the name to experience failure again. Was that a lie?

"What I'm saying is the truth from the bottom of my heart. My motives may seem ridiculous or laughable to you, but you should understand that when Kallen died, the part of me that I could call myself went away with her. So, to be honest, and selfishly speaking, I also want to go back to the past, back to the days when Kallen was still alive, back to the time when I still had myself."

Otto spoke his mind with utmost honesty. Outsiders might not understand, but that was Otto's thought, his only thought from beginning to end. Presumably, the Otto they were talking about thought the same way.

A moment of silence fell over everyone. Who could have imagined that the Archbishop of Schicksal's mental journey would be like this? Tesla couldn't understand how he could have such a mind.

"... Don't you have your own life? The future Bishop of Schicksal of Destiny, a figure who has influenced the fate of the world for five hundred years, is nothing more than a walking shadow, a pathetic puppet?"

Tesla couldn't understand Otto's thoughts; he said whatever came to mind. Had he lived for so many years with such thoughts? Not only did he live, but he was constantly thinking about how to salvage everything. He had sacrificed and schemed against so many people, all for this?

For five hundred years, all for Kallen ... Thinking of this, he stood up and glanced at Shen Gonglin beside him. Suddenly, Tesla seemed to understand Otto a little better. If he died, would Shen Gonglin be a little like him... No, probably not. This heartless girl would probably play with other people. Ahhhhh, why did I fall in love with such an idiot?

"... You seem quite surprised? I think it's probably because you live in a sufficiently open environment that you've forgotten how rare and fragile free will is. You should know that ordinary people like me are always busy on stage, making countless noises, but the meaning of life is pitifully small... Tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow... Day after day crawls across my inorganic face... Until now, until the last second of time, until they all become yesterday."

Otto wore a bitter smile. Others would not understand what Kallen meant to him. She was the only light in his life from childhood to adulthood. To pursue this light in his life, Otto was willing to give everything and pay any price.

"Mr. Otto from another world, you seem to be very familiar with Shakespeare's works."

Others might not have realized it, but Durandal did. Several of the quotes Otto had just used were from Shakespeare's works. The reason she was familiar with Shakespeare was because Durandal had encountered another Shakespeare from another world when she was traveling in the World Bubble.

"Yes, a long time ago, Kallen and I both met her once, and from that time on, I fell in love with her work."

As Otto reminisces about the past, perhaps what he misses is not someone's work, but the person who was once with him.

"When I was twelve, I also met a Shakespeare from another world. She was a captain who taught me a lot during the journey. She enabled me to look at the people and things around me with a more independent perspective and to make decisions about my actions at every moment with a more fact-based attitude. She helped me shape my own values, so I hope to use her topic as an opportunity to let us all take practical actions."

The time for idle talk is over. We can continue this discussion another time, but for now, it's time to focus on the present.

"Durandal is right. First, we need to detect spatial anomalies at several locations that are suspected to be the puppet strings of the Herrscher of Domination, in order to determine the location of the Herrscher Core in the alternate dimension. Second, the personnel specifically responsible for carrying out the detection include Shen Gonglin, Dr. Tesla, Ms. Durandal, Kiana, Mr. Otto from the other world, and myself. Third, based on the actual geographical distance, we will prioritize conducting the first round of detection at St. 1491 Plaza to obtain the first batch of data about the Herrscher Core."

Finally, she stopped saying those incomprehensible things. As soon as the topic of missions came up, Theresa was no longer sleepy. The headmistress, now full of energy, gave orders with great enthusiasm. "Let's get started!"

Chapter Ninety-Five: There Must Be Something Strange About This

Theresa gave the order, and the group went to investigate together. However, a communication sound suddenly rang out, Tesla felt a chill for no reason. Everyone turned their attention to the source of the communication sound. It was obviously Durandal who hadn't turned off her communication during the meeting. However, they hadn't actually made any arrangements to turn off communication during meetings.

"Excuse me, I need to take this call... This is Durandal."

The girl answered the call; it was Amber ... which meant Otto must have contacted her. Listening to the voice on the communicator, Durandal glanced around. To deepen their trust in her, Durandal felt she shouldn't hide anything at this time. It was true that Shen Gonglin trusted her quite a bit, but she also needed to maintain good relationships with the others.

"Yes, they are all with me now... Here, I'll switch the communication to the public channel, Lady Theresa. It's Amber; the bishop has ordered her to relay the contact information to us."

The last words were for Theresa. After Durandal explained the situation, he switched the communication signal to the public channel. Theresa was a little suspicious of this. Given her grandfather's style, why would he beat around the bush like this? She really didn't understand... But then again, she had never really understood him either.

[Good day, Your Excellency the New Bishop, Your Excellency Theresa, Your Excellency Durandal, and everyone in the Hyperion. This is Amber, the personal assistant to the Bishop of Schicksal.]

The call connected, and a white-haired girl wearing an eye patch and goggles bowed respectfully and obediently to the people on the other end of the video call. Having served as Otto's personal assistant and secretary for so long, Amber had also memorized Otto's impeccable manners, but for her, it was just a matter of superficial etiquette.

[His Holiness says that he and Lady Rita have located the core of the Herrscher of Domination in St. 537 Church; he wishes I to convey this information to you all.]

Amber's words were truly startling, leaving Tesla stunned. They were still struggling with their investigation, and now Otto had suddenly sent word that he had results—was he playing them? Durandal, however, was clearly more concerned with something else entirely. Amber had just mentioned Rita ...

"Rita? Wasn't she on a mission to the World Serpent? Also, the bishop said he was sorting out the formalities for his resignation... Was that just an excuse too?"

Faced with Durandal's question, Amber on the other side of the screen remained composed and dignified. "His Holiness only said that he and Lady Rita had already located the whereabouts of the Herrscher of Domination's core in St. 537 Church. As for why Lady Rita was also there if His Holiness quickly located the Herrscher Core... please forgive me for not being able to directly inquire about the relevant reasons."

Tesla's brow twitched at the same useless response. Otto was this kind of person, and so were his secretaries. What was going on? Had they been tricked by that guy again?

"Tell me, what else is that guy planning? Could he have already set a trap for us? Anyway, that guy is definitely not up to anything."

Making no attempt to hide his distrust of Otto, Tesla crossed his arms and speculated with the utmost malice about Otto, who must have already prepared how to entertain them.

No, His Holiness the Bishop said that as long as everyone goes to St. 537 Church together, he can help the Hyperion receive this Herrscher Core.

She didn't care at all about the way Tesla spoke about Otto. All Amber had to do was convey Otto's orders to them. She didn't understand what Otto was thinking, but she didn't care. Her task was to do her job well. As for other things, she didn't need to be responsible for them.

"Wait a minute, you said 'everyone'... who does 'everyone' include?"

Theresa immediately grasped the key point, her gaze drifting to Kiana. Of course, Kiana was her biggest worry. All signs indicated that Kiana was a crucial part of her grandfather's plan, and it would be far too dangerous for Kiana to appear before Otto.

[It's Lady Theresa, Lady Durandal, the new captain, Miss Kiana, and... the other Lord Otto you discovered.]

"I?"

After revealing the names of those invited, Amber steered the conversation to Otto, who had remained silent. Otto's current situation wasn't good; not only did Tesla dislike him, but Kiana, whom he had just met, also ignored him. Although she knew he wasn't the same Otto who had committed countless evil deeds, Kiana still felt physically uncomfortable just looking at his face. She knew this was all the work of her future self, five hundred years later. So Otto didn't say anything and just silently followed behind, never expecting his existence to be suddenly brought up.

Yes, Your Excellency believes that your presence is indispensable for fully acquiring the core of the Herrscher of Domination.

Amber spoke very respectfully. Even though she wasn't facing the Otto she served, she was still very polite to this person. Tesla, on the other hand, frowned slightly. She was somewhat disappointed that Otto had already connected with this Otto's existence. Had the news leaked out? But with so many people around, such things were indeed unavoidable.

"Shen Gonglin, what do you think? Although St. 537 Church was originally our exploration target... who knows what tricks that Otto guy will play this time."

The question was posed to Shen Gonglin. Faced with this choice, Tesla subconsciously asked Shen Gonglin for her opinion, and no one around him thought anything was wrong. Unconsciously, it seemed that Shen Gonglin had somehow managed to get himself into the management team... No, he was already in the management team.

"Ah... ah? I feel there must be something fishy about this!"

Shen Gonglin, who had been secretly whispering with Fu Hua, was startled when her name was suddenly called. Fu Hua blushed and took a step to the side, pretending nothing had happened. Shen Gonglin, however, was stunned for a moment before realizing what they were talking about. Then, the leader who had been daydreaming and teasing the Class President put on a very serious expression, but what she said...

Shen Gonglin is also a figure in the world of nonsensical literature.

"Nonsense, don't we know there's something fishy about this... Theresa, what do you think?"

Tesla rolled his eyes. He'd been given a chance, but he was useless. He really shouldn't have asked him. Let's see what Theresa thinks.

Chapter Ninety-Six: Honest People Are Not Honest

She glared reproachfully at Shen Gonglin. How could this guy be so unreliable? While everyone was discussing important matters, he was flirting with Fu Hua. Fu Hua, on the other hand, was such a serious and proper student. How did Shen Gonglin corrupt her? It seems she needs to be disciplined, otherwise the atmosphere of the Hyperion will be affected by them.

Theresa sighed, and after a moment's thought, she offered her advice regarding Tesla's problem.

"Although we don't know what Grandpa is up to, we have no choice but to go in order to solve the problem at hand. The good news is that since Amber said that Grandpa and Rita have located the Herrscher Core, we don't need to send our entire force. Amber, please tell Grandpa that Theresa will go to St. 537 Church to provide support. Since he has his own way of locating the Herrscher Core, why bother with Kiana?"

Theresa came up with this plan. No matter what, protecting Kiana was the top priority. Who knew what Grandpa would do after seeing Kiana? In his plan, Kiana's Herrscher of the Void ability was indispensable, as was Shen Gonglin. He possessed many powers and the ability to protect himself, but Kiana still needed their protection.

Amber on the other end of the video call remained silent for a moment, seemingly in contact with Otto. Soon after, Amber spoke again, conveying Otto's latest plan.

The bishop said the Herrscher of Flamescion could be absent, but he emphasized that, under the current circumstances, the assistance of another Mr. Otto was essential.

At this stage, the power of the Herrscher of the Void can be temporarily absent, which is also part of Otto's plan. Theresa is currently protecting Kiana like a mother hen, and making such a concession can also advance the next plan: to give this core, which has lost its power, to the Hyperion, and then... that's Otto's next plan.

"No problem. Although I cannot make amends for these people on behalf of the bishop you mentioned, I am duty-bound to do what I can."

Otto readily accepted this. Five hundred years ago, the seed of obsession in Otto's heart had not yet grown into a towering tree. After talking with these people, he understood just how outrageous his future actions had been. Now that he had the opportunity, he naturally needed to take on the responsibilities he should bear.

Otto's reaction silenced Theresa and the others. This man was indeed different from their grandfather, or rather, their grandfather had once been like this, but over the long years, he had become such a despicable person.

"... Thank you. Unlike my grandfather, you are indeed a responsible and good person."

Theresa sincerely thanked Otto, unaware of what her grandfather was planning, but it certainly wouldn't be anything good.

"Amber, does the bishop have any more questions now? Of course, I will go with Senior Theresa."

Durandal asked Amber, and the secretary girl remained silent for a while before relaying Otto's words again: there were no problems, and the remaining factors were not decisive in that person's eyes.

"Alright, since the matter has been decided... This time, Durandal, Shen Gonglin, and this Mr. Otto will go to the St. 537 Church to meet with Grandpa. For safety reasons, the rest of you will wait at the Hyperion, especially you... Kiana, I don't want you to take any risks in front of that person, understand?"

Theresa finally came to a conclusion. She had previously said she would take Kiana with her on the mission, but now she had to let Kiana go back and stay behind. If it were the old Kiana, she would have made a big fuss and insisted on going too. But the current Kiana is different. She knows the priorities and knows that she should listen to her.

"I understand... Durandal, let's have a proper chat when we have the chance. I have a feeling we have a lot to talk about. For now, please take good care of Shen Gonglin. Although she can be quite formidable at times, but... Hey! I'm about to go back, and you're not even coming over to talk to me? Is the Class President that fun?!"

At first, Kiana was quite normal. The girl looked at Durandal and asked her to take good care of Shen Gonglin. However, when Kiana saw Shen Gonglin was doing there, Kiana immediately revealed her true colors. The girl, who was originally very calm, suddenly became furious. Why did this girl have to flirt with the Class President instead of coming over and talking to her properly?

Is the Class President more fun or am I more fun? When it comes to having fun, Kiana would never admit that she loses to the Class President.

Kiana's shout immediately drew everyone's attention. Seeing this, Fu Hua quickly took a step back to try and distance herself from Shen Gonglin. They were just whispering to each other; it wasn't like Kiana had said, that he was flirting with her. Although her face was flushed, Fu Hua was still quite happy. Look, with so many people around, Shen Gonglin was indeed closer to her. It wasn't for nothing that she had been so good to him and so tolerant.

"Ahem... Who said I was bullying the Class President? We were just talking about some things. The Class President said that over there seems to be where she used to live, and we were thinking about whether we should go and take a look when we have some free time. Since we only need the group of us to go to the church, Kiana, why don't you accompany the Class President on a trip back to her old haunts?"

Who is Shen Gonglin? Even under the gaze of so many people, he remained calm and composed, as if nothing had happened, as if he wasn't the one who had secretly put his arm around Fu Hua's waist. Shen Gonglin openly changed the subject. How could someone as upright as him do anything shameful?

"So the Class President used to live here... No, you two weren't talking about that just now. Shen Gonglin, you better behave yourself! Durandal, keep an eye on him for me."

Kiana, with her exceptional sixth sense, warned Shen Gonglin, but Shen Gonglin turned away to whistle and avoided eye contact with Kiana. Helpless, Kiana could only ask Durandal for help. The headmistress was unreliable; Durandal was much more reliable.

"Leave it to me."

Durandal solemnly assured her that she would keep an eye on Shen Gonglin and prevent her from getting involved with other girls, but that didn't include herself.

Durandal, that honest person, has now learned to steal from her own backer.

Chapter Ninety-Seven Otto

After saying goodbye to Kiana and the others, Shen Gonglin and Theresa headed to St. 537 Church. Schicksal's naming system was indeed quite peculiar, with each building bearing the character "Saint," as if that made them seem more sacred. The church was indeed very solemn, especially when Shen Gonglin saw the statue at the church entrance; even she felt that way.

"That statue, that's a statue of Saintess Kallen. Grandpa said that these things should be preserved in their original historical state, so they probably all look very weathered."

Theresa explained the origins of the church statues to Shen Gonglin and the others. She had once stayed at this old headquarters. The Schicksal Floating Island had actually only been in use for less than ten years, and she herself was actually... ptooey! She was still young, not some old cucumber painted green. As everyone knows, a beautiful girl's age is linked to her appearance.

"Is that so? The statue behind her replaced the gallows... It's just a pity that the saint herself will not come back to life because of people's commemoration."

Otto, who was following behind, was silent for a moment before speaking. Theresa looked at him with great surprise. Was this place once a gallows? She really had no idea. Durandal knew more about such things.

"... That's right. It's said that this is the place where Kaslana Kallen hanged."

Durandal looked at the statue, Shen Gonglin also curiously cast her gaze at it. It was impossible to tell from the ancient statue alone, but through Theresa and Durandal's conversation, the image of that saintess became clearer and clearer in Shen Gonglin's mind. Kallen Kaslana, if she had the chance, she would like to see that legendary Valkyrie with her own eyes.

"Yes, the saintess betrayed by everyone, who was once willing to use her own death to enlighten those ignorant people. I met her the night before her execution. She was not a fool... It's just that when a person truly wants to change the world, she realizes how insignificant her power is. So, in the days after her second arrest, she was in despair."

Recalling this painful memory, Otto's face turned incredibly pale. It was hard to believe that such an expression could be seen on this man's face. Both Theresa and Durandal remained silent. In their memory, this man always wore a frivolous smile and a sense of complete control. They never imagined that he could be so desperate.

It's more accurate to say that he was in despair than that the saintess was in despair.

"After that, she rejected all escape plans and was determined to die. She even deliberately made vehement statements in the dock in order to get herself sentenced to the most severe punishment. Perhaps in her eyes... this was her final act of resistance against this unfair and unreasonable world."

Otto summarized Kallen's final days in this way, and everyone else remained silent. However, Shen Gonglin thought differently. She refused to escape, so he forcefully took her out of prison. She wanted to die, so he wouldn't let her die. No one was more willful and reckless than Shen Gonglin. What did it mean that this was her wish? Why should she make herself unhappy in order to fulfill someone else's wish? Compared to other people's wishes, Shen Gonglin felt that fulfilling her own wishes was more important.

If it were him, he would never let this happen!

"Perhaps that is the case. But the reason why the saintess is behind her is because the spiritual power she represents is actually much stronger than she herself imagines."

As if hearing Shen Gonglin's inner thoughts, a calm, confident, yet somewhat frivolous voice rang out from inside the church. Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw a man with the same face as Otto behind them walking slowly towards them. Good heavens, this person was undoubtedly the true Cancer of the World, Otto Apocalypse.

"Grandfather!"

She instinctively cried out, and Theresa looked at the man in front of her with a complicated expression. After what he had done, Theresa really didn't know how to face him.

"Ah, Theresa. You've had a hard time these past few days. I know you have a lot to say to me, but let me first take care of the important things. I have already obtained 99.9% of the Herrscher of Domination's core; and the remaining 0.1%, the final piece of the puzzle, is about to be put in place. Come, everyone, let us welcome this landmark moment together inside this church ruin."

Otto raised his hand to welcome Shen Gonglin and the others into the church, while Shen Gonglin, resting her chin on her hand, pondered for a moment. They had already obtained 99.9% of the Herrscher Core, and the last piece of the puzzle required them all to come together... This felt a bit like Pinduoduo, where you need to invite several friends to withdraw the remaining 0.1%. All of this... was undoubtedly a scheme. What was this man thinking?

Shen Gonglin really couldn't understand it.

"Lord Jingu, Lady Theresa have already gone. If you don't hurry up and catch up, you might get lost, given your terrible sense of direction."

Lost in thought, Shen Gonglin's movements slowed slightly. A white-haired girl, who seemed to have appeared out of nowhere, uttered extremely offensive words with great respect—at least to Shen Gonglin's ears. He squinted at the white-haired girl; her name...

"I remember, your name should be Amber, right? You're finished. I hope you don't fall into my hands again, or I'll definitely bully you badly."

After uttering such a harsh statement, Shen Gonglin ran after Theresa, Durandal, and the others without looking back. The girl wearing goggles was somewhat speechless. Had she just been threatened? The straightforward girl didn't think she had done anything wrong. It wasn't just Schicksal that Shen Gonglin was terrible with Schicksal; even Anti-Entropy and World Serpent knew it. So why couldn't they say so?