Chapter 139

Theresa: "Welt, you're not thinking of going back to Anti-Entropy, are you?"

No, Theresa finally managed to recruit a trusted lieutenant who is proficient in everything from teaching and nurturing students to scientific research.

Such a talented person, she would be making a huge mistake if she went back to Anti-Entropy!

Welt: "... Cocolia drove me out back then, and had the Anti-Entropy forces hunt me down. How could I possibly let go of past grudges so easily?!"

The Anti-Entropy Leader adopted a "revenge is a dish best served cold" attitude.

Welt: "Dean Theresa, St. Freya Academy took me in back then, so I still have feelings for this place."

Theresa: "That's good, that's good. I'll help you figure out how to deal with that wicked woman Cocolia!"

Alas, the Dean feels sorry for those who oppose Anti-Entropy.

You didn't appreciate such a shrewd talent as Welt, and you almost let him lose his life in an internal power struggle.

Look at what Welt has accomplished since his time at the St. Freya Academy!

They have developed an instrument that allows them to enter the Sea of Quanta at a fixed point, and their understanding of the Sea of Quanta is progressing rapidly. Sooner or later, they will become a great scientist.

Sure enough, gold won't shine even if it's covered with a rag.

She, Theresa, was that talent scout!

Raven: "Gray Serpent, you're the one who caused this problem, you should know the answer, right?"

Gray Serpent: "I'm sorry everyone, but I won't make a decision without concrete information."

Since the situation is still unclear, Gray Serpent should maintain a cautious approach and focus on development, avoiding any reckless actions.

Welt: "Or... let me give it a try?"

Theresa: "Welt, what have you figured out?"

Welt: "Yes, the World Serpent's goal is to rescue their Lord, and the Moonlight Throne is the item that can open the Eye of the Abyss."

Welt: "Although Anti-Entropy has a tight guard over the Moonlight Throne, given the World Serpent's abilities, it will definitely try to seize it. Choose D."

[Incorrect answer.]

Welt: "?!!"

The Anti-Entropy Leader felt his head buzzing. This didn't make sense; it wasn't scientific.

The Moonlight Throne can open the gates of the Eye of the Abyss and welcome Kevin back. Then your World Serpent can leap forward and overpower Schicksal.

Raven: "Hmm... I also find it strange, Gray Serpent, why not just go and seize the Moonlight Throne from Anti-Entropy?"

If you say the World Serpent is afraid of Anti-Entropy, Raven certainly won't believe it, especially since it's just going to [borrow] the Moonlight Throne.

Apart from Anti-Entropy Welt, the Herrscher of Reason, the rest of the Anti-Entropy team consists of elderly, weak, and disabled researchers. World Serpent is perfectly capable of dealing with them.

Gray Serpent: "..."

[Welt was punished: to work overtime for three consecutive days without sleep.]

The moment the punishment was handed down, Welt unconsciously opened the "Fundamentals of the Sea of Quanta" left behind by Bronya, his legs stuck in the chair, unable to move an inch.

Welt: "Three days of overtime? That's not unusual for researchers... It feels like a long time ago."

Kiana: "Researchers really work hard."

Welt himself said so, everything must be fine, so everyone focused their attention on the screen.

[In the scene, Einstein and Theresa are organizing the data from the past few days Cocolia suddenly connects to their communications.]

"The Herrscher of the Void has descended once more, plunging the world into catastrophe. I think, as a member of Anti-Entropy, it's time for me to do something."

"Ms. Cocolia, get straight to the point and state your purpose."

Einstein spoke indifferently.

Cocolia's words sounded grand and righteous, but this wasn't the first time Einstein had encountered her; it would be a miracle if he believed her nonsense.

Chapter 230 Special Invitation Card, The Snake Opened Its Eyes

Seeing that Einstein also showed signs of wanting to talk or even cooperate, Cocolia temporarily put aside her past conflicts and revealed the purpose of her visit.

"I know you are all searching the world for the Herrscher of the Void, but Schicksal always manages to act before us."

"Of course, this is unavoidable. After all, Anti-Entropy has limited resources, and just keeping up with the pace of Schicksal is already very difficult."

"Gaining the upper hand in a confrontation is even more difficult. My military experience tells me that if we continue in this stalemate, we will inevitably suffer a crushing defeat sooner or later."

The difference between Schicksal and Anti-Entropy is not small, whether in terms of resources, combat power, or other aspects.

Cocolia saw this very clearly, and so did Einstein and Theresa.

"So, you've come to persuade us to give up the search for Kiana?"

No, it's not about giving up.

Cocolia shook her head.

"We should establish a foothold where Schicksal is too preoccupied to attend to anything else, reopen the battlefield, and make Schicksal follow our lead."

"Cocolia, your plan sounds interesting, but please tell me, why should Schicksal follow your lead?"

"Dr. Tesla asked dismissively."

"Because searching for the Herrscher of the Void might just be part of Schicksal's plan."

Cocolia explained.

"I've been attacked by Schicksal multiple times recently. Judging from their target, Otto wants the Gem of Desire, one of the four Herrscher Core. Fortunately, the gem hasn't fallen into his hands yet."

Currently, that means if things continue like this, it's almost over.

The people present were all shrewd old foxes; they understood Cocolia's unspoken meaning.

"Otto wants to retrieve the four lost Herrscher Core and restore the Herrscher of the Void to her full power. It seems that resurrecting the Herrscher of the Void is no longer enough to satisfy that guy's madness."

"So, instead of finding a Herrscher whose whereabouts are elusive, why not help me transfer the Gem of Desire? Let Otto complete the puzzle of his ambition, which is missing one piece. Wouldn't that be simpler?"

That sounds like a great idea.

At least for Theresa and the others, who currently have no clue about the whereabouts of the Herrscher of the Void, Cocolia's words are a very good suggestion.

"Ms. Cocolia... are you seeking our help?"

I prefer to call it mutually beneficial cooperation.

Cocolia shrugged, not caring about such trivial matters.

"Doctor, I know you don't trust me, but that's alright. One day, I will prove my loyalty to the belief in Anti-Entropy."

"As for Ms. Theresa, we used to have different stances, but now Otto is our common enemy. So please set aside your doubts and join me in fighting Otto."

So what are our rendezvous coordinates?

Einstein nodded, tacitly agreeing to Cocolia's suggestion.

"In the western Pacific Ocean, at the northern latitudes... Otto has dispatched... to seize... this time... his aim is..."

Cocolia's communications were intermittent, and after a few seconds, the connection was completely lost.

Unknown communication access channel, Hyperion defense program ineffective, system overload.

After a notification sound ended, the person who appeared on the screen was the Gray Serpent that Rita had killed earlier.

"Excuse me, everyone, let's continue the unfinished transactions in Sky-Piercing City."

"In Sky-Piercing City... this guy was clearly already destined for Schicksal?!"

Theresa's eyes widened as if she had seen a ghost.

"The life that has lived through death, the life that is on the road to death—don't be surprised, snakes are creatures that do not succumb to death."

Gray Serpent uttered some brief, suggestive remarks before explaining his purpose.

"Although I was interrupted for a moment by a young girl, a deal is a deal. Even if I'm in hell, I'll see the contract through to the end."

Theresa: "Tsk tsk tsk, Gray Serpent, you're quite dedicated, chasing after them from so far away to complete the contract."

Raiden Mei: "Uh... Headmaster, to be precise, this is called collecting a debt."

Basically, Gray Serpent and Theresa were making a deal, but Gray Serpent was killed by Rita halfway through, Theresa didn't have time to pay.

Raven: "Paying back debts is a matter of course. Even if you are Schicksal ones, you still owe the World Serpent money."

It's rare that the Raven and the Gray Serpent could reach an agreement.

If one day her island is really blown up by the Herrscher, Raven will be the first to seek revenge on St. Freya!

Theresa: "Hmph, do you think I'm the kind of person who doesn't pay back what I owe?"

Himeko Murata: "..."

Welt: "..."

Teacher Himeko and history teacher Welt suddenly remembered that Theresa still hadn't paid her this month's salary.

Kiana: "Even if the heavens fall, the contract must be fulfilled!"

The Herrscher of Reason: "That's cool. Kiana, you do have some cultural knowledge after all."

Teacher Himeko: "If only this talent could be used for studying."

Kiana: "Hehe, I just blurted out, don't worry about me, don't worry about me."

The Himeko didn't know what was going on, but it just inexplicably said that, and it even seemed quite fitting for the occasion.

[In the scene, Theresa is furious when she hears that the Gray Serpent has come to collect a debt.]

"A contract? Not only did you fail to exchange information, you also incurred the Schicksal, causing us to be hunted down!"

"I'm sorry, but how Schicksal acts is beyond our control. As for the intelligence, haven't I already given it to you?" Gray Serpent said meaningfully.

"The humanoid machine has been formatted!"

"You took the humanoid machine without permission, which means you obtained the intelligence. As for how to open this box and get what you want, that's your own business."

The Gray Serpent spoke eloquently.

"In my view, the deal is done. In return, I will take what I want from you."

As soon as Gray Serpent finished speaking, he severed the communication with Hyperion, and the humanoid machine that had been formatted came to life once again.

"Huh? The humanoid machine's quantum engine suddenly started working? Impossible... I clearly already..."

Einstein touched her hair; the unexpected situation before her was beyond her expectations.

"Damn it, this guy is using humanoid machines to infiltrate this warship. At this rate, the Hyperion will be under his control very soon."

"Sever the link with the humanoid machine!" Theresa shouted.

"Doing this now is pointless; the injection has already been completed."

Einstein shook her head; the moment the humanoid machine's engine invaded the Hyperion, she knew it was too late.

Weapon systems and detection systems ceased operation; the Hyperion initiated an emergency landing.

Meanwhile, Theresa also received a communication that, according to visual reports, an unidentified mechanized force was approaching them and had already landed on the deck of the Hyperion.

"Gray Serpent, what exactly does he want?"

Einstein raised a question.

Since it's a transaction, there must be bargaining chips, but judging from Gray Serpent's actions, it doesn't seem like he's preparing for an equal exchange at all; rather, it's outright robbery.

"Whatever he wants, I won't let him get it."

Theresa gritted her teeth.

"Doctor, the task of regaining control of the Hyperion is entrusted to you and Bronya. The rest of you and I, prepare to meet the enemy throughout the ship!"

A cracking sound rang out below the Hyperion, Theresa, leading her Valkyrie, immediately saw a densely packed mech force.

The video ends here.

Theresa: "Gray Serpent, this is extortion! I'm going to complain to the Flame-Chasers!"

What kind of contractual spirit is this? I used to think Gray Serpent was a bit pretentious and his words made a lot of sense, but now I see through him.

Gray Serpent, you're a terrorist!