Call Me Otto

Sheng Jiu walked off the Hyperion with Theresa. As it was his first time at Schicksal Headquarters, Sheng Jiu was quickly captivated by the array of high-tech equipment.

Two mechs descended from the sky, slowly approaching the pair. These mechs were about five to six meters tall, with structures similar to humans but possessing two long arms. They were painted white and bore the English words "test version." However, the large blades hanging from their arms were enough to prove these weren't just for show.

"Ms. Theresa, welcome to Schicksal Headquarters. The Chairman has been waiting for you for a long time," a mechanical voice with no emotional inflection emanated from within the mechs.

"Mm, lead the way."

"By the way, Headmaster, has Schicksal started developing mechs too? I only ever heard that Anti-Entropy used mechs for combat before?" Sheng Jiu quietly asked Theresa.

Theresa, following the mechs, also replied in a low voice, "I haven't been here for a few months either. It must be something new the Research Department has come up with in these past few months."

As they spoke, the two passed a massive hangar. Through the gaps in the hangar doors, Sheng Jiu saw over a hundred mechs parked inside.

"There are so many mechs! Why can't Headquarters give us a few for our branch too?"

Theresa flicked Sheng Jiu's forehead with annoyance, "These are Headquarters' latest equipment. I don't have the authority to deploy them. If you like them, why don't you go discuss it with the Bishop!"

At this point, led by the mechs, the two had arrived at the administrative center on Schicksal's main island, Yggdrasil. Theresa handed over Jueying and instructed Sheng Jiu, "I'm going in first. You can wander around nearby, but don't go too far. I'll help you take Jueying to the Research Department!"

Sheng Jiu sat on a bench, bored, holding a can of latte and gazing enviously at the mechs walking back and forth, his eyes shining with desire.

"Hello, may I sit here?" a strange voice pulled Sheng Jiu back from his thoughts. A man who looked quite young stood before him, his golden hair very striking. If not for the man's sky-blue eyes, Sheng Jiu would have almost mistaken him for Schicksal's current Bishop, Otto Apocalypse.

"No problem, please sit," Sheng Jiu quickly patted the empty seat beside him.

"Thank you," the man said politely before sitting down. He also followed Sheng Jiu's gaze, "It seems, my friend, you are very interested in these Demi-God Machines."

"Yes, very interested. Here, buddy, have some of this." Sheng Jiu handed the man another can of latte, "I haven't asked your name yet. I'm Sheng Jiu, from the Far East Branch."

"Thank you, friend. You can call me Otto," the man smiled, accepting the latte and introducing himself.

"Huh? Otto?" Sheng Jiu doubted his hearing, "What a strange name!"

"Haha, please excuse me, friend. Did I hear you correctly just now that you are interested in these Demi-God Machines?"

"Demi-God Machines? So they have a specific name?"

"Indeed. These mechs are Schicksal Headquarters' current experimental units, designed to counter Anti-Entropy's mechs and large Honkai Beasts. They are currently still in the experimental phase," Otto patiently explained the knowledge about Demi-God Machines to Sheng Jiu.

"Sigh, these things look so cool. It would be great if our branch could be equipped with a few of these mechs someday."

Seeing Sheng Jiu's longing gaze, Otto smiled confidently, "Don't worry. I can apply to the War Preparedness Department to have a few assigned to your branch for collecting combat data."

"Really?! That's too valuable. Brother Otto, can you really do that with your status?"

"Ah, it's a small matter. You bought me a latte, so this little favor is nothing," Otto pulled out a small, golden card and waved it in front of Sheng Jiu, "I'm the department head of the Research Department. I can solve this problem for you with just one phone call."

"Damn, thank you so much, Brother Otto!" Sheng Jiu's gaze towards Otto was already filled with starry eyes.

"You're welcome. Our department is developing a set of lightweight armor specifically for male combat personnel. I felt an instant connection with Brother Sheng, so I've decided to give you the first prototype unit for testing. What do you think?" Otto flipped his palm and handed Sheng Jiu a black and gold USB drive.

"Ah????"

Looking at the enthusiastic Otto before him, Sheng Jiu was completely baffled.

"Brother Otto, you're too good to me! I only bought you one latte, and you've given me so many things, and I'm at best only the strength of a B-rank Valkyrie!"

Otto smiled and waved his hand, "It's fine. After all, I'm treating you to test our new research results. Don't be polite. I might need your help in the future."

Sheng Jiu happily accepted the USB drive, "Then I will respectfully accept. Thank you, Brother Otto. If there's anything I can help with in the future, please don't hesitate to ask. I will definitely do my best to assist!"

Otto also patted Sheng Jiu's shoulder affectionately. At that moment, a short-haired woman in a maid outfit walked up to the bench, "Otto..."

"My name is Otto, Miss Rita. This is the third time you've forgotten my full name," Otto said with a wry smile, looking at the maid.

"...I am very sorry, Mr. Otto. The Bishop said he needs to see you and asked you to go over as soon as possible." The woman smiled sheepishly, then turned to Sheng Jiu, "And who is this gentleman?"

"He's my good friend, Sheng Jiu, a Valkyrie... uh, combat personnel from the Far East Branch."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Sheng Jiu. I am Rita Rossweisse."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Rita."

"It's getting late, so I'll be going now. Goodbye, old friend. Come visit here often," Otto said reluctantly to Sheng Jiu before leaving with Rita.

Watching the two figures walk away, Sheng Jiu suddenly remembered he hadn't bought snacks for Kiana and the other two. He rushed and managed to buy the needed snacks just before Theresa finished her meeting.

Watching the Hyperion ascend into the sky, Otto stood by the window and slowly tore off the mask covering his face, revealing a familiar visage.

"Bishop, Rita has delivered your orders to the Research Department. They will be dispatching the equipment shortly."

"Very good, you've worked hard, Rita." The blonde man looked at the coffee cup in his hand, "We will meet again, my friend."