I Was Ready to Set Off, and You're Telling Me I Have to Prepare Everything Myself? / The Sea Is Wide Enough for Fish to Leap; the Sky High Enough for Birds to Fly

According to Schicksal's textbooks, although Anti-Entropy was established based on the rebellious North American Branch, among its initial members, besides those blinded by greed, there were also some who shouted slogans that sounded very appealing.

However, due to its own development model, Anti-Entropy quickly became infiltrated by many ambitious and greedy individuals, and was rapidly taken over by them. The originally lofty slogans disappeared, leaving only hostility towards the Mandate of Schicksal and covetousness for its protection of the people.

Based on this explanation, Gwen's answer is quite reasonable.

However, upon hearing Gwen's answer, Otto clapped his hands with a bright smile, as if Gwen had solved some age-old mystery—

"That's right, Gwen, you see it very clearly—"

Even if the internal strife within Anti-Entropy has escalated to the level of the executors, and even to the point of almost killing each other, Anti-Entropy will still not disintegrate.

The reason isn't because those greedy individuals particularly like Anti-Entropy, nor is it because of Anti-Entropy slogan that's long been discarded; it's about profit—

Only when they unite under the banner of Anti-Entropy can those guys shout loud enough to make themselves feel protected;

Only by rallying under the banner of Anti-Entropy can they more easily obtain military support and more confidently seize certain illicit gains.

As long as Anti-Entropy can still serve these two purposes, this extremely loose and self-contradictory alliance will never disintegrate.

Otto paused, took a sip of water to give Gwen time to process what he was saying, before continuing.

Even if there are some good people in Anti-Entropy who can't stand these guys, for the sake of Anti-Entropy's existence, they can't bring themselves to kick them out or cut ties with them. They can only let those guys who use the banner of being great, glorious, and righteous do whatever they want or commit wrongdoings...

Perhaps there's an emotional element involved, but undeniably, for them, the existence of Anti-Entropy itself is the greatest benefit...

"..."

Listening to Otto's sarcastic remarks, Gwen nodded slightly, neither supporting nor opposing, as if he was pondering the implications.

Seeing this, Otto took another sip of water from his paper cup, poured himself another, and then spoke, breaking Gwen's train of thought—

"Alright, you can think about these things when you get back. Let's get back to the main topic—"

Let's guess what the mission entails?

It relates to what we were discussing earlier.

As he spoke, Otto looked at Gwen with a smile, as if he were eagerly awaiting his answer.

"I guess..."

Faced with Otto's smiling face, Gwen only hesitated for a moment before giving his answer—

"To snatch chestnuts from the fire and reclaim the stolen Conquest Gem?"

Putting aside Otto's sarcastic yet realistic assessment, which doesn't involve much, this was the first thing Gwen thought of.

"Clever!"

Otto clapped softly again and said with a smile,

"According to reliable sources, Anti-Entropy entrusted the Conquest Gem it obtained during the Second Honkai War to the Executor Raiden Ryoma in the Far East for safekeeping several years ago."

A few months ago, Cocolia, Anti-Entropy, exposed some of Raiden Ryoma's financial tricks and sent him to prison, almost breaking ties with the conservatives behind him.

According to Schicksal's information, the only thing Raiden Ryoma possesses that could cause such a conflict is the Conquest Gem.

"So, my mission is to retrieve the Conquest Gem that Cocolia stole from me?"

Gwen asked the question knowing the answer already.

"No..."

Otto shook his head slightly.

"According to the information, after Cocolia sent Raiden Ryoma to prison, she did not completely eliminate him, nor did she return him to the conservatives to ease the conflict. Instead, she kept him in custody."

Based on her various actions, it can be basically confirmed that the Conquest Gem has not yet fallen into Cocolia's hands.

As he spoke, Otto pulled out another stack of documents and handed them to Gwen.

Gwen took the file and quickly browsed through it, discovering that it contained information related to Raiden Ryoma, including the familiar yet unfamiliar cook... Gwen Raiden Ryoma's only daughter Raiden Mei.

Understanding that Otto was testing him again, Gwen didn't give a direct answer. Instead, he carefully reviewed all the information before offering his own conjecture—

"In other words, the clue to Conquest Gem now lies with Raiden Mei?"

Even he himself was unaware of it, and Raiden Ryoma used some special concealment method, making it impossible for Cocolia to use force.

Chapter 119 I was already ready to set off, and you're telling me I still need to prepare myself?

Looking at the information Otto provided, Gwen was genuinely confused. Did Otto truly not know how mad Cocolia was, or was he intentionally hiding something from him...?

Gwen thought the latter was unlikely, after all, Otto had invested a lot of resources in him, and it would be a waste to send him to Changkong City, the Herrscher testing ground.

Moreover, although Gwen had discussed with Netizen in his previous life that Otto was likely aware of the Changkong City incident but remained on the sidelines, watching the drama unfold.

However, considering Otto's numerous past mishaps and Otto current actions, Gwen couldn't help but wonder if Otto truly saw this as a simple power struggle and hadn't anticipated that Cocolia, that crazy woman, would take things so far.

Of course, while speculating whether Otto was preparing to sacrifice himself, Gwen felt no panic.

With Gwen's current strength, he wouldn't be in any danger even at the core of the Great Honkai, and could even have a go at the Herrscher of Thunder.

Moreover, even if he couldn't win, Gwen could ask Kevin for help, or go to Cocolia Rand to temporarily avoid the brunt of the attack.

With a well-thought-out plan in mind, Gwen naturally wouldn't have much of an emotional reaction to it.

"That's right."

Otto's face showed a hint of appreciation, and he nodded with pleasure, but he still reminded Gwen not to be bound by any one idea—

"Although it doesn't make sense, it's the most likely possibility given the current situation."

Of course, it's also possible that Raiden Ryoma and Cocolia are still in a stage of mutual threat, and Conquest Gem and Raiden Mei are bargaining chips for both sides.

"I see..."

Gwen nodded as if he had been instructed.

"If necessary, I will try to bring Raiden Ryoma directly out of the prison and find the whereabouts of the Conquest Gem from him."

"..."

Upon hearing Gwen's words, Otto's smile faltered slightly, but he quickly recovered, his voice now carrying a hint of seriousness.

"This is only a last resort. Considering the radical methods Cocolia has used in the years since his rise to power, it is very likely that the other party has set a trap in the place where Raiden Ryoma is imprisoned."

Unless absolutely necessary, I will not allow you to take that risk.

"...yes!"

Stared at by Otto with such a serious and earnest gaze, Gwen felt a strange emotion rising within him and murmured in response—

In Gwen's memory, the only people who would speak about safety in this tone were his parents from his past life...

Damn it, how could I have such an association!

Realizing that his thoughts seemed to be slipping, Gwen lowered his head and avoided eye contact with Otto, instantly becoming extremely wary.

Otto didn't pay much attention to this trivial matter and pulled out another document, handing it to Gwen:

"However, besides Cocolia's side and Raiden Ryoma's side, there's another person in Changkong City you might need to pay attention to..."

Upon hearing this, Gwen took the document and looked at it. On the right was a photo of a white-haired girl in a cashier's uniform, and on the left was her name—

Kiana Caslana?

Gwen softly uttered the name, then looked up at Otto with a hint of surprise in his expression—

"Siegfried's daughter?"

"Yes, it seems that she is indeed Siegfried's daughter."

Furthermore, according to the informant, a highly skilled but unidentified individual is preventing them from further tracking Kiana; it's highly likely to be Siegfried.

Otto nodded slightly and said seriously,

"Although your mission is unrelated to them, since Kiana and Raiden Mei attend the same school, you might have some contact with each other, which could very well attract Siegfried's attention."

"I understand. If I have the chance, I will retrieve the Heavenly Fire Judgment..."

His gaze fell again on the documents in his hands, and Gwen's voice was low, as if carrying something heavy.

I don't recommend you do that.

Otto's lips curled slightly upon hearing this, but he rejected Gwen's idea.

"This mission is only to train your abilities in non-direct combat, not to put you in direct combat with Siegfried— "

If you do encounter him, avoid conflict with him unless absolutely necessary...

This is an order.

"...yes!"

Faced with Otto's stern demands once again, Gwen no longer had so many strange associations and simply continued to respond in a low voice.

Seeing this, Otto couldn't help but sigh softly in his heart—

To him, Caslana was good in every way, except that she was often unexpectedly stubborn in some strange ways.

Fortunately, Gwen is a smart kid and shouldn't get too deeply involved.

Moreover, based on Otto's understanding of Siegfried, the other party shouldn't have much hostility towards Gwen, so there's no need to worry about any life-threatening threats from him.

"Alright, take these documents back and organize them carefully. Consider what kind of identity you should adopt to enter the center of this vortex in Changkong City..."

Sighing inwardly, Otto still wore a smile on his face and handed the briefcase to Gwen.

"Um?"

Upon hearing Gwen was taken aback—

This time, I was genuinely stunned.

After listening to Otto's explanation, Gwen thought he had everything arranged and was just waiting to set off. However, Otto told him that he needed to prepare everything himself.

"Um..."

Otto, rarely seeing Gwen so distraught, smiled and nodded, confirming Gwen's guess.

"Although Anti-Entropy's infiltration of Schicksal was unsuccessful, some basic information will inevitably be revealed—"

Basic information about you that you expose is still quite easy to collect.

So, whether you choose to enter openly or sneak in disguise is entirely up to you.

"Please, I'm Caslana's brute, not Apocalypse plays dirty tricks. Don't you think there's something wrong with your mission?"

While inwardly complaining, Gwen couldn't help but show a hint of hesitation on his face.

However, before Gwen could say anything, Otto spoke up first:

"Of course, considering you lack relevant experience, Gwen, you could try seeking some help—"

The prerequisite is that the person you seek help from can guarantee that they will not leak information until at least the Changkong City incident is over, and that you have my consent.

"Good..."

Otto had already made his point, so Gwen had no reason to refuse any longer.

Moreover, at this moment, Gwen had already identified a suitable person to ask for help...

"Um?

Is it really a good idea for Rita to know about this kind of task?

That night, Rita had just returned to headquarters from a mission that afternoon, looked puzzled when Gwen asked for her help.

However, besides her confusion, Rita's pretty face also held a faint smile and a hint of teasing.

Chapter 120 The sea is wide enough for fish to leap, and the sky is high enough for birds to fly.

This afternoon, Rita, who had also been on a mission for more than half a month, returned to headquarters with You Lan Dai Er. The two had a simple dinner at Gwen's house and did not stay long before going home early to prepare for bed.

Rita had just finished showering and was getting ready for bed when Gwen knocked on her door.

After Gwen explained his purpose, Rita had her earlier question.

However, judging from the smile on her pretty face, Rita's question was more of a joke.