Return to St. Freya Academy (Part 2)

"Report, Lady Theresa. Tests show that small amounts of Herrscher energy still remain in their bodies, but they pose no danger. You may now take them to visit some areas of Schicksal Headquarters."

After a series of strange examinations, Theresa finally led them out. Seeing Xing supporting Wendy, who still could not walk on her own, Theresa smiled faintly. "You two get along quite well."

Xing flicked Wendy's ahoge. "Yeah, I've convinced Wendy to join Fire Moth."

"I see." Theresa was happy that Wendy had found a new home, and relieved that her foolish niece had such a good friend—Kiana had not forgotten to recruit people for her squad even while confined. "Thank you for being willing to indulge Kiana's momentary whim. You probably don't know this, but ever since you left, Kiana has studied diligently. Not only have her theory grades improved dramatically, but she hasn't fallen behind in combat training either. I believe she'll become an A-rank Valkyrie like you before long."

Xing felt a little embarrassed. "You flatter me, Headmistress. Wait, you said 'like us'?"

Theresa looked a little surprised. "They didn't tell you? In recognition of your rescue of Changkong City, I made an exception and promoted you to an A-rank Schicksal Knight. Your physical abilities met all the requirements at the time anyway. At worst, I'll make up for your academic classes after we get back."

The two followed the white-haired shorty around the floating island of Schicksal Headquarters. Quite a few Valkyries along the way bowed and saluted Theresa, finally letting her put on a show of authority in front of her students.

Xing's eyes gleamed as he watched the "Sub-Divine Machine" mechs patrolling back and forth. He really wanted to take a few apart for fun. If possible, he wanted to pilot Divine Machine: Baldr; Heimdall would be nice too.

Theresa had been quite happy, until she heard a voice. "Good day, Lady Theresa. You are as adorable as ever~"

Durandal and Rita had appeared at some point. The moment Theresa saw Rita's gentle smile, she instantly hid behind Xing, trembling in fear.

Xing: "..."

Wendy: "..."

Durandal: "..."

Well, the Headmistress's dignity was completely gone now.

Despite the awkwardness, Durandal still greeted her seriously. "Long time no see, Senior Theresa."

Theresa poked her head out from behind Xing. "Long time no see, Durandal. How have you been lately?"

"I've been well."

While the former superior and subordinate exchanged greetings, Rita turned her attention to Xing, who had been pushed out as a shield. Though she had reviewed the information beforehand, she was still surprised upon seeing him in person. There really was someone who looked so much like Lady Theresa.

At that moment, the two of them looked exactly like a little sister hiding fearfully behind her older brother while their parents scolded them.

Oh my, he's adorable too! Maybe I could have him try on those clothes Lady Theresa doesn't want to wear. And he's only ten, so he'll be easy to fool—no, very obedient. First, I need to build the image of a gentle, considerate, kind, and trustworthy big sister in his mind...

Although a certain trashy maid was a genuine loli-lover, the line between a boy and a loli was often no more than a set of girls' clothes.

For no reason at all, Xing felt a chill, like a little white rabbit being watched by a fox.

"Oh, right." Rita suddenly remembered something. "Lord Bishop asked me to tell you that he wishes to discuss the development plan for Blood Knight: Moonlit with you shortly. Please proceed there at once."

Theresa looked troubled. "Then what about them? I can't just leave my students here."

"I can look after them in your stead." Rita volunteered.

After hesitating for a moment, Theresa instructed the two of them, "I need to take care of something, so stay with Rita for now. She has some strange little hobbies, but she's still a decent person."

Durandal nodded. "Indeed. Rita really likes girls under the age of ten."

Wendy's gaze at Rita instantly turned terrified.

Realizing something was wrong, Durandal corrected herself. "Sorry, I meant under fourteen."

Wendy grew even more frightened.

Seeing that the misunderstanding had deepened, Durandal hurriedly corrected herself again. "No, that's not right. It isn't just girls."

Xing jumped behind Theresa in fright. So you're not a loli-lover—you're into little kids?

Rita looked mournfully at her Lady Durandal. Thank you very much. Her plan to lure in a cute boy had ended before it even began.

The maid coughed lightly several times, trying to clarify. "I simply like children. I absolutely have no strange intentions."

Xing & Wendy: "..." Do you think we believe that?

Noticing their fear, Theresa explained, "Don't worry. She just has a special interest in me. She has no interest in you two..."

Rita's face went ashen. Now she could never clear her name, even if she jumped into the Yellow River.

In the end, Theresa entrusted the two of them to Durandal instead, treating it as a holiday for her.

As Theresa was about to leave, Xing grabbed her hand. "Wait."

"What is it?" Theresa looked at him in confusion.

Xing released her hand. A Red Feather flashed into existence and vanished in an instant. "Nothing. Go and come back quickly."

Though Clumsy Goose was extraordinarily gifted, she still believed she lacked talent and had to work hard at everything. Theresa had once told Xing that while other S-Rank Valkyries could learn something after studying it ten times, Durandal might need to study it a hundred times.

Xing felt that for others, practicing something ten times counted as getting started; after Durandal practiced it a hundred times, she would become a grandmaster outright.

This workaholic of Schicksal had recently had a nightmare, and her mental state had not been very good. For that reason, she had unusually applied for leave to undergo psychological treatment. Seeing how hard she normally worked, Otto approved it. Otherwise, Xing would not have been able to meet her.

"A natural Stigmata bearer, and male at that. Are you interested in joining the Immortal Blades?" Clumsy Goose tried to recruit another member with the potential to reach S-Rank Valkyrie into her squad.

Xing refused decisively. "Thank you for the offer, but I have my own team. Sorry." What a joke. If he stayed in Schicksal, he would end up on Otto's operating table sooner or later.

Hmm, he refused my invitation. Does he not understand the value of the Immortal Blades, or is he simply loyal? Either way, this child has good character. Clumsy Goose's impression of Xing rose.

"Then Wendy..."

"You can't poach her either. I already recruited her first."

Clumsy Goose felt deeply regretful. If only he were one of mine. Under my training, he'd definitely reach S-rank in no time.

She looked at her adjutant. "Rita, what do children their age like?"

The maid broke out in a cold sweat. "Lady Durandal, aren't you only a few years older than them?"

The straightforward yet prematurely mature Clumsy Goose said, "Then I'll take them to the combat simulation room."

Just how miserable was your childhood?! Well... it really did seem pretty miserable.

"They've been traveling all this way, so they must be hungry. I'll make some desserts. Lady Durandal, please come along too~"

The white-haired little one, Qingtuan, and the golden-haired little one silently swallowed.

Schicksal Headquarters, Durandal's residence—

"Sorry to keep you waiting." After bustling about in the kitchen for a while, Rita brought out three small cakes.

Wendy looked at the green apple cake before her and did not quite dare take a bite. She quietly asked her companion, "Brother Xing, she wouldn't put... Huh?!"

Xing picked up the strawberry cake and dug in heartily. It looked like there was no problem.

Durandal complained a little, "Chocolate cake has so many calories. I'll have to add several more training sessions later..." Despite saying that, she honestly cleaned her plate as thoroughly as Xing did.

"Another piece! ×2" The Kaslana Family's gluttonous instincts had been awakened.

Xing happily ate his cake. This strawberry cake is really good, but it still can't compare to the ones Otto made for me.

Huh?!

Smack! The plate fell from his hand and made a crisp sound against the table. Xing gritted his teeth and clutched his head. Why was it happening again?

Wendy jumped in fright. So there really was something wrong with it? She had just finished her cake. She was done for!

Durandal shot Rita a glare and stood up to check on Xing.

The maid looked utterly innocent. I haven't even added my computer parts yet.

"Are you alright? Does your head hurt badly?" Durandal tried to understand his condition. By chance, she noticed that the crimson Stigma on his ribbon-wrapped right hand was glowing red through the cloth.

Xing opened his eyes and looked at her, barely managing to say a few words. "I'm fine. It'll pass after a while."

His originally red eyes had now turned a clear azure blue.

Blood Knight: Moonlit was the fourth-generation God-Slaying Armor developed by Schicksal, tailor-made for Theresa. It could activate the Vishnu genes within her body and increase her strength. (It could only activate 30%; the remaining 70% was completely locked away.)

Theresa liked this armor very much, provided Otto had really called her over to discuss the armor's development plans.

"Oh, my dear little Theresa, why are you looking at me so seriously? Is the appearance of Blood Knight not to your taste? My oversight—I should have designed it to be cuter."

Looking at the smiling man before her, Theresa knew better than anyone just how cunning and scheming he was. "Grandpa, just say what you want. Stop teasing me like I'm a child."

Otto chuckled. "Little Theresa has grown up, so I won't beat around the bush. Have you found the person who used Judas in Changkong City last time?"

Theresa was puzzled. "Grandpa, why are you asking me that? I'm not part of Schicksal's intelligence division."

Otto nodded. "Mm, alright. Then let me ask another question. My dear Granddaughter, why did you secretly have a child behind Grandpa's back?"

The Nun instantly bristled and slammed Pseudo-Judas down right in front of him. "Grandpa! Who had a child? Xing and I just happen to look alike!"

Otto frowned. "Then how do you explain this?" He handed Theresa the report that had just been sent over by the lab. "The test shows a mother-son relationship..."

Theresa had long anticipated this possibility before coming here. "Wasn't I a clone created using Kallen's genes? He might also have been created by some unknown organization. It's perfectly normal for our genetic similarity to be high."

"Then can you explain to Grandpa why he also has Vishnu genes in his body? Could that organization have gotten hold of even those? Furthermore, the Honkai Beast factors in his body have fused perfectly with his own genes. If they weren't added during his creation, then they could only have been inherited from the maternal host. Oh, right, I'm already investigating the source of his paternal genes. I'm sure we'll have results soon enough." Otto watched cold sweat pour down Theresa's face and revealed a faint sneer.

Trying to fight me? Go back and watch Humo Adventure for a few more years.

Just then, Amber pushed open the door and entered. "Lord Bishop, the results are in."

Otto clapped his hands. "Very good. Let me see who it is..." The instant he saw the report, Otto's smile froze. He looked expressionlessly at Theresa. "My dear Granddaughter, do you truly know nothing about him?" Golden feathers had appeared beside the three of them at some point.

Theresa desperately shook her head. "I absolutely know nothing!"

Otto brought up another image. "Very well, then let's change the question again." He pointed at the white-haired Nun in the image, who had deployed Judas. "Look at the Stigma on her back. Doesn't it seem a little familiar?"

Theresa stammered, "Th-this... looks very similar to... Xing's."

"That's right. I suspect the two of them may share some special connection. Can you leave him with Grandpa for a while? I guarantee I'll return him to you completely unharmed." Otto finally revealed his true purpose.

Theresa's nerves instantly tensed, and she shouted, "Absolutely not! I will never hand my student—my child—over to someone like you who treats human lives like grass!"

The two were at each other's throats when Amber suddenly received an urgent message. "Lord Bishop, there are some issues with the limit-break modification of Aria of Sorrow. Please proceed to the site personally to provide guidance."

Otto had a headache. "Tch, of all times... Theresa, we'll discuss this matter another day. Go back first." With that, he hurriedly left with Amber.

Theresa stood where she was and sighed. How could this child be so unlucky? First World Serpent took an interest in him, then Anti-Entropy captured him, and now he had caught Otto's attention too. The fact that he was still alive was practically a miracle.

Schicksal Year 1504 · Chouki XVII Research Institute—

The young director named Elizabeth MacSmith, pronounced Chouki, anxiously stared at the constantly fluctuating data on the screen. She was in a terrible mood. "Why are its energy fluctuations so intense when there aren't any external issues at all? It's practically as if it's resonating with something!"

Author's Note—

Theresa really did see Xing a little like a son~