Keep It Up, Lord Otto! / Beating Up the Queen

"Don't speak!" Durandal, disturbed, glared at the speaker, signaling for them to shut up.

Kevin shrugged, casually sat down on the grass, flipped through a book to pass the time, and his eyes occasionally glanced upwards.

Yes, black represents mystery and rigor...

Half an hour later, the kitten, having lost interest, jumped to another tree, swished its tail haughtily, and ran away. Only then did Durandal, still feeling unsatisfied, flip down and walk up to Kevin to ask him something.

"A new teacher at the Far East Branch? What were you trying to say?"

Kevin glanced at the slightly parted silver-white skirt armor on both sides and wisely pretended to be ignorant and skipped over a certain topic. It was better not to say anything about unintentionally peeking into a forbidden area, in case this girl got angry and might draw her sword and chase after him on the spot.

"Greetings to Durandal. I'd also like to inquire about the organizational structure at headquarters. I'm planning to be transferred to the rear soon to work as an administrative staff member..."

The blonde Valkyrie Wenyan frowned slightly, her expression turning cold.

St. Freya Academy has five publicly known S-class Valkyrie: Cecilia, Durandal, Fu Hua, Theresa, and Rita. Durandal is second only to Cecilia and is revered as a genius, ranking second.

But only a few people know that while others rely on talent to some extent, Durandal relies on extreme hard work.

Therefore, Durandal, who was used to the theory that diligence could make up for lack of talent, naturally had no liking for the group of lazy bums in the administration department who spent their days bickering and cutting budgets.

Kevin's mentality of being transferred to a more remote and ambitious position to retire and cultivate his career naturally became an unpopular flaw in Durandal's eyes.

"Actually, I'm a little worried about Himeko's health, and I want to take advantage of the remaining time to let her complete this journey peacefully..."

A person skilled at reading people's hearts will immediately show a hint of sadness and melancholy when they sense the wind is blowing against them.

So that's how it is. I misunderstood him... Durandal's expression softened slightly. In order to understand the situation of the Far East Branch, she had done her homework on information about the faculty and staff.

Durandal is willing to lend a helping hand to those in need, provided it does not interfere with her mission.

However, just as she was about to speak, the branch above her head trembled, and the little orange creature jumped directly onto Kevin's head, settling comfortably there.

On the grass under the shade of the trees, the two chatted casually and pleasantly. Durandal's blue eyes were fixed on the every move of the orange kitten on Kevin's head, and her mood became much more cheerful.

"Was your previous instructor Principal Theresa Academy?"

"Hmm, but the headmistress isn't paying much attention to me lately. I must have done something wrong. I need to work harder..."

"How could that be! Weren't you raised by Lord Otto? As the guardian knight of the academy, you two should be very close..."

"Lord Otto? Who told you this... No one, when I was transferred to the headmaster's side, the archbishop had already passed away, right? I never saw him..."

"I see. It seems I was mistaken. There's nothing I can do. To rise to S-class Valkyrie at just 15 years old is too dazzling, so it's inevitable that there are many rumors about Lady Durandal, some true, some false, making it difficult to distinguish the truth..."

There are no shortcuts to success; hard work can achieve anything, including miracles. Don't give up!

Durandal, feeling a little giddy from the praise, noticed the somber look on Kevin's face and knew he was grieving over his Murata Himeko. She reached out and patted him on the shoulder to encourage him.

However, the outpouring of genuine emotion startled Kevin, causing him to stumble. The orange kitten that had been perched on his head was startled, immediately shrieked, and jumped away, scratching Kevin's face as it went.

Durandal watched as the little guy ran into the bushes and disappeared. She looked at her fist, which she had once used to knock away a Sandstorm Emperor Honkai Beast with her bare hands during the Dubai Honkai, and couldn't help but feel frustrated.

Using her as a starting point proved to be the right move; she was so naive that I felt guilty even lying to her. Kevin couldn't help but chuckle to himself.

As for the kitten's claws just now, they were nothing to worry about. In fact, its skin is now so thick that it is immune to even small-caliber bullets. On the contrary, Durandal's comforting slap was quite heavy.

So, even Durandal, the former commander of the elite force [The Immortal Blade], had never met that Lord Bishop. It seems Otto is indeed dead.

Perhaps I'm overthinking it...

Kevin breathed a sigh of relief, the pressure in his heart gradually easing. As he prepared to get up and leave, he saw that this seasoned cat lover was still dejected, so he lingered a little longer.

I remember that the Honkai Consciousness is essentially a fragment of the Earth Mother Goddess Gaia, and it has a certain power to control natural forces and plants and animals. Why don't we try simulating how we stabilized the kitten's mental state earlier?

Anyway, since we've used them all, it's good to get some compensation.

As Kevin closed his eyes, a gentle mental guidance spread out. In just three minutes, rustling sounds came from all around, and then nimble figures darted in.

From all directions, hundreds of cats rushed toward the comforting scent, a dark, imposing mass that created a spectacular sight.

Meanwhile, in the school cafeteria, a maid with short, grey-blonde hair took out a handkerchief and carefully wiped the sauce from the corners of the mouths of Seele, Arin, and the other children, gently stroking their little heads with great affection.

"Sister Rita, you're so kind, you feel like Mother to me..."

"Yes, she's the best maid we've ever seen!"

The little girls showed great curiosity and affection for the maid who came to share the table, and Rita's rich experience and elegant demeanor won them admiring glances.

After the two reluctantly said goodbye, Rita suppressed the overflowing happiness in her heart, and a slight smile unconsciously appeared on her lips.

The landmark building was destroyed, and the male teacher immediately went to the children's dormitory to check on them, looking for a little girl named "Raiden Mei." Could there be some connection between these events?

They're such little angels; I actually managed to get some unexpected insights from them.

Rita stretched languidly, a playful smile on her face. But when the brooch in front of her vibrated at a specific frequency, the maid's expression turned serious, and she immediately disappeared into the shadows.

Chapter 622, Section 651: Keep it up, Lord Otto!

"Your Lord Bishop, this is the basic situation. That child named Raiden Mei is very suspicious. Should we...?"

In the dark woods, Rita cautiously looked around and whispered softly.

"Far East Branch... Men have arrived? Don't alert them, let's wait..."

His somber voice was punctuated by bursts of violent coughing, making one wonder if he was terminally ill.

"But sir, the Snow Wolf Squad's downtime is only 7 days, we..."

The maid pondered for a moment, then couldn't help but offer a reminder; she had been lying low for ten years, and her patience was almost exhausted.

"Rita, do you know why I chose you, instead of the stronger Durandal, as the executor?"

The chilling whisper extinguished the restlessness rising in the maid's heart like a bucket of ice water.

"You're very smart; you know what to say and what to do..."

"Durandal is too straightforward; she can't hide anything. When she takes up this sword, it means we will inevitably be exposed from the darkness into the sunlight..."

"Just wait, I'll tell you the answer when the time comes..."

"Also, don't show any interest in that man, or even in the people around him. That kind of thinking is dangerous..."

Although Rita was filled with confusion, she still nodded respectfully in front of her superior who had wielded power for five hundred years, yet her curiosity was growing uncontrollably in her heart.

What's so strange about a man appearing in the Far East Branch? Siegfried is always running around, so it's unbelievable that a newcomer has the Lord Bishop on high alert.

Five hundred years have passed, and that Lord Bishop still doesn't understand women. The more he emphasizes it, the more it arouses Rita's desire to explore.

A thousand miles away, in a dark palace.

Exhausted, he gently tapped the crystal chessboard, his thoughts a jumble of emotions.

A man is nothing special, of course, but how could a man appearing in the territory of a pride of lionesses be ordinary?

The selection of instructors for the St. Freya Academy is of paramount importance, but this man has suddenly appeared out of nowhere, and the information on paper does not reveal any flaws.

Even now, those incompetent people in the administration department believe these worthless and fabricated documents; they really are a bunch of good-for-nothings.

The flaming giant sword of the Battle of Saint Fath, the anomalous gathering of the SCP Foundation on Skull Island, the appearance of the Judgment Angel in Tokyo... the intensity of the apocalyptic crisis in just a few months exceeded the cumulative total of the past decade.

These fragmented pieces of information all indicate that someone has returned...

The resurgence of the Herrscher, who had disappeared for ten years, further confirms his deduction.

[God], immortal...

Therefore, while he can still hold on, this is his last chance to confront the Honkai Will and resolve the doubts in his heart.

The figure in the darkness coughed violently, his face as pale as paper, his trembling fingers typing out plans on the virtual keyboard, making more detailed schemes.

First, the Far East Branch should be the origin of the Third Honkai Eruption. Based on the experimental data from the Babylon Tower and Sirin's Oldest One observation diary, this can be basically confirmed. And since the Herrscher, as an Apostle, has already descended, there must be a divine will guiding her from the shadows...

Therefore, before [God] reveals his actions, nothing should be done rashly...

Secondly, regardless of that man's identity, he is definitely not simple. I must avoid confrontation as much as possible in the early stages. Moreover, if my guess is correct, I don't have the strength to compete with him right now.

As long as I remain calm, whether I use the appearance of the Herrscher to wear down his power or use him as bait to lure out the [God]'s descent, I will always maintain an advantageous position.

Third, ever since that man devoured half of my body, the Honkai has been dragged down from its pedestal and fallen to earth, losing its former glory. So now I can speak properly with the gods.

Otto gently stroked the virtual image composed of Illusionary Particles, a slight smile playing on his lips. As he pulled down with his fingertips, two encrypted design blueprints unfolded, filling him with confidence.

Neither Honkai gods nor human angels can stop my 500-year-long obsession.

The two S-class Valkyrie may become cannon fodder in the power struggle between the two giants, but they possess weapons capable of slaying gods.

In critical moments, whichever side you lean towards will become a factor in determining the direction the scales tip.

Since we have a common enemy, I am ready to abandon my human identity to please the gods, even if it means sacrificing the fate of the entire world!

Kallen, wait for me, this time I'll definitely succeed...

After muttering something under his breath, the bishop coughed violently again, but this time he paid no attention to the blood at the corner of his mouth, focusing all his attention on the unfinished game on the chessboard.

He spent ten years erasing all traces of his existence, focusing on hiding in the darkness, lying in wait.

The lesson learned from his previous fall from grace due to arrogance has gradually made the Lord Bishop realize that, with the right fulcrum, a lever can indeed move an empire as imposing as a mountain.

Now, you're in the open, and I'm in the shadows. Let's play one more round!

Meanwhile, at the Far East Branch, a blonde Valkyrie, squatting on the ground feeding a small orange cat, smiled brightly, as innocent and childlike as a child.

Dozens of cats of various colors and sizes were gathered on the surrounding lawn. They were lying down or crouching, rummaging through the grass for scattered cat food and eating happily.

The maid carrying books emerged from the woods and was taken aback by the harmonious scene. She then remembered that Durandal, despite being the captain of the Immortal Blade, was only 16 years old.

When we first met, she was only this tall; now I can't even lift her up... Rita's gaze was nostalgic, a slight smile playing on her lips as she carefully approached.

"Durandal is so kind-hearted..."

Upon hearing that familiar voice, the blonde girl immediately turned around and reached out her hand with a serious expression.

"Rita, you've come at the right time! Where's my money?!"

The maid glanced at the cat food crumbs on the lawn with a playful expression, while Durandal spoke, and she clearly heard the female knight's stomach rumble.

"Could it be that you're so obsessed with cats that you're starving?" Rita secretly rolled her eyes, casually handing the bank card to Durandal and letting her boss do whatever she wanted.

The female knight had only taken a few steps when she seemed to remember something and turned back to remind her.

"By the way, the Far East Branch is hosting a welcome party for us in the auditorium tonight. The headmaster has already agreed, and we've all received an e-invitation. Remember to attend."

Then, the girl walked briskly towards the pet store to excitedly buy cat food.

Rita bent down and picked up the chivalric novels and epic poems from the grass. Seeing that they hadn't been turned more than a few pages, she couldn't help but shake her head and grumble inwardly.

You've been turned in just half a day? Have you forgotten what your Oldest One mission was, Durandal?

The maid then opened the electronic invitation, read it carefully, and couldn't help but smile slightly. What a terrible banquet...

In the early stages of a battle between powerful figures, it's best to stay far away to survive longer...

P. S.: Would you like an extra chapter today or tomorrow?

Chapter 623 Beating Up the Queen (Section 652)

As night fell, the auditorium was brightly lit, and students and teachers filed in. Among them, the Valkyrie who had legitimately skipped class were dressed in their finest attire and were clearly the happiest. With such a good thing happening, they wished the [Immortal Blade] would come every day.

Kiana wore a blue crystal-shaped ice crown and glass slippers. Her white princess dress, adorned with blue petal-shaped trim, made her look elegant and noble. Holding a colorful magic wand, she resembled the Winter Queen from a fairy tale, attracting a crowd of amazed eyes even before she entered the room.

At this moment, even Raiden Mei had to admit that the bloodline of the Nordic Knight Family was excellent, with each member being a handsome man and a beautiful woman. If this girl could usually maintain her composure like this, she would probably be very popular.

"Ta-da! This magical fairy is here! Mei, whatever your wish is, you must say it! For example, if you want me to kiss you, don't hold back!"

However, the moment the Paramecium that had come over opened its mouth, it revealed its true colors, demonstrating its talent for causing trouble.

Raiden Mei smiled with narrowed eyes, picked up the book that was thicker than a brick, and hit Kiana on the head to quiet her down for a moment.

"Mei, Mei, why are you wearing a white coat today? Are you cosplaying as a doctor?"

"And he's wearing red-rimmed glasses, and what's that book in his hand? <Electromagnetic Physics>? When did you start liking this stuff?"

Kiana, jumping around with increasing joy, wrapped her arms around Raiden Mei's neck and chattered incessantly like a curious child.

Before the increasingly aloof beauty could answer, the Paramecium tapped its magic wand in its palm, suddenly realizing the truth.

"I get it! Uniform fetish!"

"Bang!"