Chapter 88

South Korea, North Korea, Mongolia:???

Shenzhou naturally had no objections. Schicksal's support for Shenzhou was well-known. During the Great Eurasian Disaster, which nearly destroyed half of Shenzhou, Schicksal provided substantial support for Shenzhou's reconstruction efforts. Although Schicksal's sky islands later flew over Europe, the relationship between Shenzhou and Schicksal was clear to everyone.

Needless to say, Japan's hosting this time is all thanks to Möbius.

Aid activities, though sound nice, are essentially about establishing an armed presence and increasing one's influence in another country. But saying this is tantamount to stepping on someone's head in most cases, since no normal person would allow another country's army to guard their door.

However, this view is basically limited to the normal world, that is, non-elf forces. To put it bluntly, elf forces only emerged in the last thirty years, and initially only Schicksal had this ability, followed by DEM. In recent years, Schicksal has provided armed assistance to almost half of the world's regions.

Providing armed aid to other countries would be a laughing stock for other powers, and for Schicksal... it wouldn't work either, not only because times have changed and everyone has the Spiritual Power, but more importantly... Schicksal already has enough territory.

Besides, who doesn't know what Möbius is thinking? Although everyone knows that Möbius has appeared in his true form this time, will pull off something big, his opening remarks are all about East Asia. Coupled with the strategic moves Europe has made over the years, he now Schicksal two-thirds of the world.

Other powers would not allow the Mandate of Schicksal to continue its expansion.

Regardless of Shenzhou and Japan, one is a close ally, and the other a professional lackey, but...

The South Korean leader was slightly annoyed. "I am a Korean citizen, and the Korean people never easily submit to others! Besides, we already have a father."

North Korea and Mongolia are self-aware enough that whether they have opinions or not is irrelevant.

"Ms. Möbius, the eyes and ears of Schicksal are spread across most countries in the world, bearing the most critical responsibility in the fight against the elves, but their reach is limited. When a force becomes too large, that largeness will also make the organization 'bloated'."

With a smile, Wescott said, "Bloodyness can lead to excessive desires and even affect an organization's original aspirations."

In just a few words, he steered the conversation to another topic everyone was waiting for. "For example... the unexpected conflict in Amemiya City six days ago."

Chapter Fifty: Is it a sinister plot?

"Schicksal will never act contrary to its slogans, and that naturally includes the one you mentioned."

Black Amber glanced at Wescott.

Everyone knows the slogan of Schicksal: fight for all that is good in the world.

Therefore, many people breathed a sigh of relief after hearing her decisive answer, but many more were still unwilling to give up. "I'm sorry, Ms. Möbius, we do not believe that protecting elves is in line with the code of conduct of Schicksal."

"I'm sure you all know something about elves. The death of an elf is not the end. When Fire Spirit dies, there will be another Fire Spirit. But what you don't know is that, according to the data obtained from the battles between the elves by Schicksal, the next elf, or rather, each reincarnation of an elf, is stronger than the previous one."

Black Amber said.

This is truly the first time someone has put this theory into practice.

After all, only Schicksal is known to have solved the Spirit Disaster so far, and other people's understanding of Spirits is based on Schicksal and DEM.

Everyone knows that the three Magician of DEM can also deal with elves, but they have never truly solved them until now.

"Even so, protecting elves is far too arbitrary."

The US side stated, "After all, your claim of reincarnation and becoming stronger is only your side of the story, unless you release the relevant data."

"The development of Schicksal has exceeded the scope of its responsibilities. This misunderstanding is also due to the lack of confidence of all parties other than Schicksal. We believe that Schicksal should share its cutting-edge technology with the world to prevent such incidents from happening again."

"The contributions of Schicksal to the world are evident to all, but as the world develops, Schicksal should also regulate its own position and the appropriate course of action in accordance with the changes in the world pattern."

Everyone spoke up, each trying to gain their own advantage, but most of them were... asking Schicksal to tone it down. Things are different now. Back then, only you could deal with the elves, so everyone respected you. But now it's different. We may not be able to kill the elves, but we're not completely helpless against them either.

Besides... we can't kill them now, but if you release the technology, we might be able to kill them, right?

You said that killing elves shouldn't be the primary strategy against them right now, is that because it's based on the premise that you can kill them? If you have the ability to take down elves at any time, then you certainly won't be in a hurry to kill them, but we don't. If you want to convince us, at least let us have that confidence, right?

Just like two people saying they don't care about their rank, one is Silver and the other is Master. The Master says they really don't care, but the Silver person doesn't have the confidence to say that. Even if they say it, it's just empty talk. Even if you really don't care, your past stubbornness will be proven wrong.

"As you heard, Ms. Möbius, we hope you can be honest with us, so that we can give you more trust."

Finally, Wescott said with a smile.

In fact, he had secretly spoken with almost all the forces and formed alliances to some extent, gaining benefits from Möbius.

However... this is just what other forces perceive as the content of the cooperation. Wescott himself doesn't think that, given Möbius's personality, anyone could get something from her that she's unwilling to give up. Wescott's real purpose is to find out from Möbius what she has researched to reveal about her appearance this time.

The reason for his series of aggressive statements was simply to lift the roof before opening the window. Of course, it would be best if Möbius couldn't withstand the pressure and gave Wescott an unexpected benefit.

"Pull..."

Kotori didn't particularly like Möbius, but she disliked Wescott even more. Noticing the hostile atmosphere towards Möbius, the girl wanted to speak up for him, but was held back by Eliot.

The red-haired girl frowned and looked at him with a puzzled expression.

As far as she knew, Eliot had always seemed like a nice guy. Given the cooperation between Ratatoskr and Schicksal, he shouldn't have remained silent. Although Kotori knew that a leader must have a certain 'persona,' now wasn't the time to break that persona, was it?

The Mandate of Schicksal isn't in a hopeless situation. Although being questioned by most powers is difficult, it's not something the Mandate of Schicksal can't handle. Ratatoskr's words are not only righteous but also do him a favor—killing two birds with one stone.

Eliot smiled wryly. He could think of what Kotori could think of, but... Shenzhou, the Dark Alliance that had truly cooperated for thirty years, and its followers who were subordinate to Schicksal, hadn't spoken yet. If he spoke first, it would seem like he was rushing to lick their boots.

He understood Kotori's current predicament: she was eager to seek the Shiori of Schicksal, but her relationship with Möbius was strained.

Eliot understood Kotori's eagerness to reconcile with Möbius, but... at least come in private... although it's indeed difficult to have such an opportunity in private, you are ultimately representing Ratatoskr...

Eliot was indeed a little embarrassed that his subordinate was showing goodwill to the boss of the partner company, but there was nothing he could do about it, since Kotori hadn't said it outright.

"The Schicksal has always positioned itself as an organization to combat Spatial Quake. It will not participate in or interfere with the activities of various countries, organizations and forces. It will only provide humanitarian aid and apply for certain conveniences."

Black Amber's tone was somewhat lazy, clearly showing her disregard for the current situation. "At the same time, the research results of Schicksal are not suitable for public release under any pretext, as they are for the purpose of continuing to stabilize the world situation and ensure security."

This attitude is not uncommon for anyone, after all, she has always been like this, and she is often absent from the scene.

But what she said was really treating people like fools.

I don't participate or interfere, but I want to join and it has to be convenient. Who taught you to speak so fluently?

The second half of the sentence made it clear to everyone that "our Schicksal is noble and will not be abused, but you will be."

The arguing resumed. Miku couldn't remember exactly what had happened, only that after leaving the meeting, everyone except Möbius and those who agreed with Möbius looked extremely grim.

"So... what am I here for?"

Sitting in the room provided for the spokesperson, Miku was both confused and bewildered.

"Since we brought you here, there will surely be a time when you will come in handy."

Black Amber sat at the table, using the Schicksal Private Terminal computer to view the data obtained from Kurumi's Angel and mentally simulate it.

"But it seems like I haven't done anything except sit there blankly."

Being alone in the room with only the two of them, Miku realized something as soon as she finished speaking, and cautiously asked with anticipation, "Could it be... that we're going to do some entertainment outside of 'serious business'?"

"I don't reward perverted hobbies indiscriminately. Or rather, if you don't learn your lesson after several attempts, I might punish you with something more substantial."

"... has behaved himself."

"Then let's cut the nonsense. It's almost your turn to make your appearance."

Black Amber closed the laptop, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Of course... that is, assuming they actually have the guts."

Chapter 51 The Elf's Den, St. Freya.

Miku swallowed hard. Although she was scared, she also thought the guy in front of her with the playful expression and the slight upturn of his lips was damn good-looking.

"Knock knock knock"

A somewhat dull knocking sounded, and Black Amber slightly raised her chin, gesturing for Miku to go and open the door.

'You really think of me as an assistant?'

Cursing under her breath, Miku felt that she wasn't there to be an idol, but rather to be Möbius's lackey. What happened to the promised Schicksal favor? She hadn't seen any favor, but she certainly hadn't escaped being punished.

Although that's what she thought, Miku didn't dare to question her boss in front of him, so she obediently went over and opened the door.

What she saw was not the greasy middle-aged man or the over-fifty-year-old Deng that Miku had imagined, but a cute yet dignified young girl with red pigtails.

I think I saw her at the meeting just now. I remember she was from... Ratatoskr?

"I thought it was someone else, but I never expected it to be Kotori Itsuka, a high-ranking official from Ratatoskr and commander of Fraxinus."

Black Amber was genuinely surprised to see who came in; she had originally thought it would be people from Japan or Shenzhou.

After all, despite the fact that Shenzhou and Japan agreed so readily, I didn't actually communicate with them in advance this time.

"Möbius ..."

Kotori Itsuka looked at the Green-haired Girl lounging lazily against the back of her chair, her expression somewhat complicated, but she still sat down on the sofa used for receiving guests. "You really do manage to bring unexpected shocks every time."

"Compared to my lamentations, don't you have more important things to do?"

Black Amber, too lazy to reply, went straight to the point. "What's the point of continuing to play house in Ratatoskr? Or do you really think Ratatoskr can protect you and your sister?"

That hits the nail on the head.

But...

"There may be risks in staying in Ratatoskr, but those risks are visible and tangible. So what about Schicksal?"

Kotori was aware of her awkward situation; Ratatoskr could not offer her any protection, and Eliot even knew that she was considering switching jobs.

But as I said before, if you don't have real power when you reach the Mandate of Schicksal, who knows what will happen after you go?

"I have no interest in forcing others. Elves are not a rare species to me. Isn't that pervert an elf? If Yulande hadn't mentioned it, I wouldn't have bothered to pay attention to you sisters."

Black Amber said impatiently, "If you still can't make a decision next time we meet, don't waste my time."

Kotori didn't feel offended; instead, she felt reminded of something.

If you keep hesitating and playing "house," your reputation with the other person will undoubtedly keep dropping.

"Fraxinus is equipped with the culmination of Ratatoskr technology. It can not only detect Spirit Wave, but also judge the emotions of spirits through Spirit Wave, and generate 'responses' for different situations to assist Shiori's strategy. It also comes with a matching pocket Manifestation Device to allow Shiori's mind to perform super-fast calculations."

In other words, by using the Imaginary Domain to interfere with their own time, they can achieve the effect of accelerating their own thinking, which allows Ratatoskr and Shiori to complete the 'answer' discussion within one second.

"Ratatoskr probably won't give these things away."

Kotori said.

Actually, it's not that it's highly unlikely, it's that it's practically impossible to send it.

Judging a spirit's emotions using Spirit Wave is relatively straightforward, but the following techniques are the core technologies of Ratatoskr.

"I don't need those things. Even if I really need them, I can easily replicate or even surpass them."

Black Amber sneered, "You think only Ratatoskr and DEM understand the Imaginary Domain? In the end, it's just the application of the Neighboring Realm powers. Schicksal's foundation in this area is beyond your imagination. The reason the Valkyrie don't use it is simply because they don't need to. Don't forget how Schicksal Headquarters was built."

The Origin Spirit appeared 30 years ago, and the Sky Island of Schicksal took off 25 years ago. Without Imaginary Domain that can arbitrarily modify the laws of physics, how could such a behemoth have been created in just five years?

While Schicksal didn't utilize Imaginary Domain on the battlefield like DEM did, its application in other areas was masterful.

"When I used this thing, it didn't even have the name 'Imaginary Domain' yet."

"... Alright then."

Since the other party has said that, what can Kotori say?

"Speaking of which, is this guy actually an elf?"

Kotori, whose heart was slowly tilting towards Schicksal, looked at Miku, who had a silly look on her face.

Itsuka Miku is quite famous in Amemiya City. Despite being a school idol, she has the appeal of a famous idol at every concert. Her singing voice is also very good. Shiori listens to her songs too. However... she looks quite different in person from on TV.

He doesn't seem very bright.

"This guy?"

Miku's forehead twitched, somewhat angered by Kotori's arrogant and disrespectful attitude.

If she knew what Kotori was thinking, she would probably be even angrier. But it's not Miku's fault. After all, Miku's activities, or rather her circle, have always been limited to the school and the idol industry. Let alone a meeting of this level, she doesn't even know any real influential people. Even the person she refused to be sexually harassed was just a small business owner.

She had never heard of anything like "Imaginary Domain" or "strategy guide for capturing spirits" before.

Although it was the first time she had heard of it, she was indeed somewhat attracted by these four words: "Conquering elves" and "displaying elves' emotions"—it all seemed to be about romance.

Is Ratatoskr and Schicksal collaborating on a strategy to defeat Pokémon? Now Schicksal is going to independently develop the technology to defeat Pokémon?

So... who will take care of the strategy?

Miku immediately thought of Yulande. Everyone was talking about winning over the elves, and since elves are all beautiful young women, it's only natural that she would want someone equally beautiful, right? Plus, the fact that Schicksal protected the elves at the previous meeting meant that this had already happened.

With the powerful strength to protect elves, plus the beautiful appearance of elves, isn't that Yulande?

Without even considering men, Miku immediately thought of a blonde girl.

If I were to actually be won over by a girl like Yulande... joining Schicksal would definitely be worth it...

Miku was somewhat lost in fantasies about being carried in a Princess Yulande's arms in the photo, and she couldn't help but feel a little intoxicated. But when she thought of the punishment Möbius had given her, she wilted and looked rather dejected, which is why Kotori had that blank expression in her eyes.

"There are four more like her in our area, and they are all at the St. Freya Hotel now."