Chapter 64

Kiana: "I feel like Joachim's test for Bronya wasn't strict enough; she passed the first test so easily."

Bronya: "Kiana, shut up! It was Bronya overcame countless difficulties and grew stronger step by step to pass the first test!"

Danzhu: "Since the test is based on the World Bubble, its main purpose is not to test strength, but rather to test one's state of mind."

Bronya: "Is that so?"

Fu Hua: "Bronya, have you forgotten what Joachim said before he pushed you into the Sea of Quanta? Your test isn't just about strength."

The more resolute a person's will, the greater the emptiness within them often lies. In the Sea of Quanta, you can witness a completely different world. What choice will you make then?

Bronya: "I understand, but the problem is, who is that priest in the second World Bubble? That doesn't seem to have anything to do with the trial I'm about to face."

Theresa: "This..."

If you were to ask the person who was going to organize Bronya, the heinous mastermind behind it all, the Villain who manipulated everything, you would know that they were the ones who were behind it all.

The headmaster would not hesitate to turn her attention to her grandfather.

Elysia: "Eden, can you imagine Kevin as a priest?"

Eden: "... That's a bit difficult."

The Herrscher of Reason: "Are you kidding me? Kevin, that guy who feels like walking into an icy wasteland when you get close to him, and who turns into a block of ice the moment you get any closer, you expect him to become a priest? Old Timer, do you believe that?"

Fu Hua: "The Sea of Quanta encompasses everything, so theoretically this possibility should exist, but Kevin..."

Even the Immortal Crimson Bird couldn't believe that Kevin would become a priest.

Imagine the scene: a priest holding the Fehu, shaping a massive amount of Honkai Energy into a ball, and then beginning to deeply griev and compassionately enlighten the world.

The art style just doesn't seem right.

Theresa: "If we follow your line of thinking, then if my grandfather became a priest... you know what, I actually think it's a pretty good match."

Bishop of Schicksal Otto Apocalypse.

Going back five hundred years, or even earlier, the Mandate of Schicksal was originally a religious force, and Otto, when he was serious, was a rare and handsome man.

If he were to become a priest, the Vatican's income might become quite substantial.

Chapter 103 Father Otto

Himeko Murata: "But Theresa, our Bishop Otto is a wolf in sheep's clothing. Once you cut him open, he's full of schemes. If he were a priest, the Pope would probably have to abdicate the very next day."

Theresa: "It's not that exaggerated... but Grandpa is indeed very cunning."

Bishop of Schicksal, the uncrowned king of the world, has no reason to be subservient to anyone.

Even if Otto becomes a priest, he would have to be the most powerful priest in the world.

Bronya: "Perhaps we should focus on the word 'orphanage,' but it's a Mother Cocolia wasn't among the answers, otherwise Bronya would definitely have chosen her."

Theresa: "Bronya, that shouldn't be called a priest, and I've done things like adopting orphans before."

The junior high school established by the St. Freya Academy was built to take in the children who were imprisoned in the laboratory during the Second Honkai War, as well as the displaced orphans.

This is a mistake that Schicksal has wronged them, a mistake they should have atoneed for long ago.

Otto's support for Theresa in establishing St. Freya Academy may have stemmed from this very reason.

Kiana: "But Auntie, you can't have your period either. You should be a nun, not a priest."

Theresa: "Hmm... so you're going to choose Welt?"

Welt, the current Herrscher of Reason, is currently missing.

However, based on previous revelations, we know that Bronya found the Herrscher of Reason Core in the Sea of Quanta, and that Kevin intervened when Bronya was defeated.

This suggests that Welt is likely also trapped in the Sea of Quanta.

However, no one was familiar with this person, and they had no idea whether he might have become a priest in another World Bubble.

Kiana: "Auntie, we don't know Welt at all. We've never even met the former Herrscher of Reason. We'll have to rely on you."

Theresa: "How come you guys thought I'd be close to him...? Oh well, I guess I'll have to choose C!"

[Incorrect answer.]

The correct answer is Otto.

Theresa receives a penalty: Judah is suspended for half a month.

Theresa: "?! Judah, Judah, what's wrong with you, Judah!"

I used to laugh at Bronya, whose Heavy Machinery Rabbit was practically gathering dust in the academy's warehouse, and now it's Principal Theresa's turn.

As the only S-rank Valkyrie of the Far East Branch Schicksal, she is a pillar of strength in the fight against the Honkai.

Theresa's loss of Judah is like Adou losing Zhao Yun, Fehu losing Kevin; their fighting power has plummeted.

Kiana: "Auntie, are you alright?"

Theresa: "Waaah, Judah, my Judah, how can I live without you!"

Bronya: "That's an exaggeration, Headmaster. Even when Bronya lost Heavy Machinery Rabbit, she didn't cry this hard."

Elysia: "Congratulations to the Far East Demon Cave for losing an S-rank Valkyrie. The Herrscher headquarters has suffered a heavy blow."

The Herrscher of Reason: "What's there to be afraid of? With me and the Old Timer here, what petty scoundrel dares to invade my territory? Schicksal? Anti-Entropy? Otto? Kevin? None of them are a match for me!"

Kiana: "Herrscher of Sentience, you're so cool!"

The Himeko leaped from behind and hugged the Herrscher of Reason. The overwhelming sense of security and the sheer amount of power it provided were truly amazing.

In the scene, Bronya's vision is in complete darkness, but she can clearly hear the sounds around her.

It was a mature yet sorrowful voice, a poignant yet solemn prayer.

"Take good care of Mikhail; if she steals your candy again, share half with her. Also, look after Tanya; she can't walk yet."

Bronya tried to open her eyes, but the wind cut across her face like a knife, making it impossible for Bronya to open them.

At the same time, there was something in my heart that hurt more than the howling cold wind.

"My child, you go first, to prepare the way ahead."

The priest continued his eulogy, and Bronya's vision slowly returned. She tried to open her eyes, but then closed them again.

Bronya tried to open her eyes again.

This time, she could see clearly where she was and the colors before her.

The person who was continuously mourning was a tall man dressed in black, with long golden hair tied to one side.

"My children, if you ask me why some people die young, it is because death has passed, and there is no more sorrow, crying, or terror, because the past is past."

Bronya analyzed the current situation.

The person in front of her was Bishop Otto, with Theresa and Joachim beside her. A hand quietly grasped hers, Bronya turned around to find Seele standing behind her.

"Children, let's go back. Is there anything else you want to say to her?"

The priest stood up, and Theresa slowly walked forward.

"Karel, I brought your favorite toy car. Joachim and I touched up the paint on the chipped areas. I hope you don't mind."

Theresa placed a small wooden cart in front of the tombstone, and the other children whispered something to the stone before leaving together.

Bronya deliberately slowed her pace, walking at the back of the group with Seele.

Elysia: "This is a funeral, Karel, a toy car... or rather, a child's funeral. Poor child, may flowers and birds lead you to a place free from pain."

Herrscher of Reason: "Elysia, you're quite professional. It's a shame you're not a nun."

Elysia: "Praying for the world is Apponia's business. I am merely a beautiful girl lamenting suffering, wishing in my pain that every child may have a noble and pure soul."

Cosmo: "... Children, they are indeed very pure."

"!!!"

Shockingly, Cosmo, the silent boy who rarely speaks (he rarely does so even once a month), actually spoke this time.

Cosmo: "Why... why are you looking at me like that?"

Raiden Mei: "Ahem, it's nothing. I'm just curious how long you can stay silent. You didn't say a word when Elysia revealed her identity as the Thirteenth Herrscher."

Elysia: "Cosmo doesn't just like kids a little bit."

It seems that Karel's funeral touched even the usually taciturn Flame-Chaser and Cosmo.

Children's hearts are the purest, and that's what Flame-Chasers, who bears the inscription of [Morning Light], has always protected.

Kiana: "Father Otto in this World Bubble seems like a good person. I wish our Bishop of Schicksal was like that too."

Bronya: "Based on the information we have, it's impossible to tell whether Otto is faking it or not, but since the children trust him so much, it seems like he really is."

Seele, Joachim, Theresa, and the surrounding children gathered around Otto, their eyes filled with trust and respect as they looked at Father Otto.

No matter how clever the disguise, a child's eyes don't lie.

Chapter 104 Bronya Holds a Grudge

Fu Hua: "You mentioned the orphanage before. Could it be that these children are all orphans from the orphanage, and that they were all adopted by Otto?"

Theresa: "I guess so."

The Herrscher of Reason: "That persistent Otto, I never thought he'd actually have a day when he shows kindness. It's like the sun rose in the west."

Kiana: "Exactly! I don't know what our Bishop of Schicksal is thinking all day. He's already the most powerful person, yet he still wants to mess with the Herrscher."

Elysia: "Don't say that. I believe everyone has a kind side. For example, isn't Father Otto the best proof of Otto's love and humanity?"

Kiana: "Nothing more than a rebuttal."

That's what they say, but the Bishop Otto in the World Bubble is so different from the Otto they know.

It inevitably feels unreal.

In the scene, a vast expanse of snow-covered mountains is devoid of human habitation, except for a small wooden cabin with a campfire burning inside.

That was Father Otto's orphanage, a small wooden house swaying in the cold wind, but for every child, it was indeed the warmest home.

Bronya and Seele entered the house and found that the priest was nowhere to be seen. Only the children sat silently beside a dilapidated wooden hut.

"Everyone must be hungry, guess what's for lunch today?"

Theresa came over to lighten the mood, but everyone remained silent.

Only Seele weakly replied, "Carrot and beet soup?"

"No, Seele, we only eat beets on Tuesdays. Today is Wednesday, so it's beef stew with potatoes."

Theresa raised her voice.

Bronya, do you think there's more potato or beef in today's soup?

"Potato?"

"You answered incorrectly, Bronya. As punishment, you'll have to eat more beef so you can grow taller."

Theresa smiled, raised her hand, and patted Bronya's head; actually, the two were about the same height.

Bronya: "Headmistress, this is just..."

Damn it, is it really that fun to have a suggestive Bronya?

Bronya admitted that she might have had some nutritional problems since childhood. Although she was the older sister, Seele, her younger sister, was better-built and taller than her.

But she won't allow you to say this to her face!

Theresa: "I... I wasn't wrong, Bronya. You're weak, we should get you something good to eat to help you recover. Mei, let's go!"

Raiden Mei: "Tonight we're having braised goose in an iron pot!"

As the Head Chef of the St. Freya Academy, you can always fully trust Raiden Mei's culinary skills.

Isn't it just about supplementing nutrition?

Watch as her Herrscher of Food unleashes her divine power!

Kiana: "Pfft, Bronya, you really need to take care of yourself, otherwise you'll be wearing the same size clothes as your period."

Theresa: "Kiana!"