Starting as a Behind-the-Scenes Boss in the Honkai World

As someone aiming to become the ultimate boss, Shi Hen didn't care about these minor details.

Merciful or cruel, these adjectives held no meaning for him.

Shi Hen was simply walking his own path.

Seeing the youth's indifferent demeanor, Raven knew he had his own set of values.

Trying to change Shi Hen's mind with just a few words would be too disrespectful.

Moreover, judging by Shi Hen's strength, he certainly had the capital to be willful.

"Once we're out of the blockade, there won't be any more danger.

The transport ship will linger outside for a while longer, returning only after we've completely shaken off Schicksal's surveillance." Without further persuasion, Raven simply tidied the youth's collar and said softly, "Get some rest early. I'll wake you when we arrive."

Once they returned to World Serpent's base, things wouldn't be as peaceful as they were now.

Schicksal HQ, Floating Island.

"Bishop Sir, that Welt survived."

Bowing slightly to the blond man enjoying his lunch, Amber spoke respectfully.

"Is that so? How unexpected." Otto's knife paused as he cut his steak, as if he'd heard something incredibly amusing. A brilliant smile slowly spread across his face. "Was it just him?"

"According to the Valkyries' reports from the scene, the first nuclear bomb was blocked by a mercenary named Raven, who used a sniper rifle capable of firing lightning bullets.

The remaining three were intercepted by Welt alone.

It's said that the air was filled with the sound of thunder, and finally, a white baseball bat thousands of meters long appeared in the sky.

Our side suffered only minor casualties from fighting Honkai Beasts, with no other deaths or injuries. Even the Valkyries taken by Welt were released afterward."

Amber calmly delivered her report.

"The sound of thunder... could it be the Third Divine Key?"

Otto fell into thought.

After all, not many weapons could counter nuclear bombs, and the Divine Key series was undoubtedly among the most prominent.

But unfortunately, the Previous Civilization data collected by Schicksal had few records of Divine Keys, and he himself wasn't present to make a more accurate judgment.

"You mentioned earlier that Welt took some Valkyries with him?"

Otto asked with a smile.

"Yes." Amber nodded lightly. "While Welt was blocking the nuclear bombs, his companion, seemingly out of concern and revenge, captured nine Valkyries from the Far East branch who were fighting the Honkai Beast Ganesha.

Only after Welt returned safely and their Hover Battleship broke through the Far East branch's blockade were those Valkyries finally released."

"It sounds like our Welt is quite the gentleman?"

Otto's smile widened.

Even if the other party was truly from Anti-Entropy, perhaps only those whose ideals were close to the current Welt would possess such demeanor.

In that regard, this imposter hadn't disgraced the name of Welt.

Pressing her lips together, Amber offered no comment on the matter.

"What about those Valkyries? Did they bring any messages?"

Taking a sip of the red wine beside him, Otto asked.

"..." Hearing the question, Amber's expression shifted slightly, as if unsure how to answer. After a long pause, she finally said, "Welt told Durandal to train hard, and also said... that he was already three eras ahead of Durandal."

"Hahaha..." Otto couldn't help but burst into laughter. "This Welt is truly an interesting fellow."

After a while, the Bishop stopped laughing and asked, "Anything else?"

"No, that's all."

Amber shook her head.

"I see..." Otto stroked his chin, seemingly deep in thought for a moment before speaking again. "Announce to the public that this Honkai incident was caused by Anti-Entropy, and those Valkyries are heroes who faced Welt head-on and thwarted Anti-Entropy's conspiracy.

Then, raise our bounty to one billion."

If Anti-Entropy was this enthusiastic, Schicksal couldn't fall behind.

More importantly, Schicksal was very wealthy.

"Yes."

Bowing slightly, Amber replied respectfully.

"Oh, right, hasn't Anti-Entropy's Welt been absent for a long time?"

As if suddenly remembering, Otto asked with a smile.

"Schicksal hasn't received any news about the Herrscher of Reason for three years."

Amber answered seriously.

"Hmm..." Otto tapped his fingers lightly on the dining table. "Didn't that Welt always say he would become the next Leader of Anti-Entropy?"

"In that case, let's give him a hand.

Amber, spread the word that the esteemed Welt is now the new Leader of Anti-Entropy."

He was very curious to see if the other party could remain seated if the whole world believed the Leader of Anti-Entropy was dead.

Surely, the unfolding events would be incredibly interesting.

With that thought, Otto's smile grew even brighter.

Chapter 38: World Serpent is a Savior Organization Pursuing Justice

Inside the World Serpent base, Shi Hen felt no ripple of emotion as he looked at his freshly printed billion-dollar wanted poster; he even felt like laughing a little.

Hah, the corrupt Schicksal, with countless resources sacrificed to satisfy the Bishop's selfish desires.

But what's the meaning of changing my identity to the Leader of Anti-Entropy? The real Welt is still chilling at St. Freya!

He scratched his head, and deciding he couldn't figure it out, Shi Hen chose to put the matter aside.

Since he had already decided to temporarily seal away the identity of Welt, it didn't matter to him even if they raised the bounty to ten billion.

With his mind cleared, Shi Hen felt a sense of lightness, and even his dinner seemed to taste better.

Ever since returning to the base, Shi Hen had resumed his previous life where he was served... well, not exactly. While World Serpent treated its high-ranking personnel well, they weren't so extravagant as to provide personal maids.

In short, Shi Hen was living a pretty good life in the base. On the other hand, Raven had become so busy she was nowhere to be seen.

However, since he still ran into her occasionally at the base, Shi Hen didn't bother to find out what the World Serpent executive was busy with.

After all, he was just a leisure member, not involved in the base's operational management, nor was anyone telling him about World Serpent's grand plan.

Speaking of which, have I really joined a villainous organization? Why isn't anyone preaching the great will of the Serpent to me?

In the base's dining hall, while eating the curry rice meticulously prepared by the chef, Shi Hen fell into deep thought.

This World Serpent seems a bit lax in its new recruit training.

"Mr. Shi Hen, may I sit here?"

A hoarse voice sounded, pulling Shi Hen from his contemplation.

"Of course," Shi Hen replied without hesitation, looking up to see a familiar figure. "It's been a while, Mr. Gray Serpent."

A black hooded sweatshirt, a metal mask, cybernetic eyes, and that large black umbrella he carried everywhere – this was undoubtedly the current helmsman of World Serpent, Gray Serpent.

"Yes, the last time we met was over a month ago. I'm glad to see you're doing well, Mr. Shi Hen."

Pulling the chair opposite Shi Hen slightly, Gray Serpent sat down facing the youth.

"I'm also glad to see you're in good spirits, Mr. Gray Serpent." Shi Hen flashed a bright smile, his gaze drifting to Gray Serpent's table, which was completely empty. "Won't you have something to eat, Mr. Gray Serpent?"

As he spoke, the youth's eyes fixed on the mask that seemed permanently attached to Gray Serpent's face.

He was curious if the man ever took off his mask to eat.

"Thank you for your kind offer, Mr. Shi Hen, but I am not human and do not require sustenance."

Shaking his head, Gray Serpent calmly revealed this secret, which was no longer a secret among the organization's executives.

"I see," Shi Hen sighed with a hint of emotion. "Enjoying delicious food can really lift one's spirits."

As an android, Gray Serpent possessed a certain biological structure and could eat.

But this was merely possible, not necessary.

It seemed the other party was clearly a being who had transcended base desires and didn't care for the pleasures of the palate.

"It's a pity I cannot perceive the taste of food," Gray Serpent stated calmly.

"That truly is a shame," Shi Hen said softly, sighing as he placed a piece of chicken in his mouth and chewed it carefully.

The aroma was rich, and the texture was neither dry nor tough; the culinary standards of World Serpent's chefs were truly excellent.

"I heard that a few days ago, Mr. Shi Hen had a minor difference in opinion with Ms. Jackal." Gray Serpent asked, seemingly nonchalantly.

"Which one are you referring to, Mr. Gray Serpent?" Shi Hen countered.

In his opinion, Jackal was quite easy to get along with, and it was possible to reason with her.

Therefore, he didn't think he had any disagreements with Jackal, because he could always persuade her.

"Regarding those Schicksal Valkyries." Gray Serpent stated directly.

"Ah, those people." Shi Hen suddenly understood. "They're just insignificant characters, I don't really care what happens to them.

But they just danced for me, so I couldn't exactly turn hostile immediately.

Wouldn't you agree, Mr. Gray Serpent?"

Gray Serpent looked deeply at Shi Hen, as if trying to discern something from his words. After a long moment, he nodded. "...Yes, Ms. Jackal was indeed going too far."

World Serpent only cared about profit, not right or wrong.

Compared to Jackal, Shi Hen was more aligned with World Serpent's interests at this moment.

"I knew Mr. Gray Serpent would understand me."

Shi Hen smiled and nodded slightly.

Looking at the black-haired youth with a sincere smile before him, Gray Serpent couldn't tell if he was innocent and pure or if he had already seen through everything.

"During this time, I imagine Mr. Shi Hen has come to understand the truth of the world, hasn't he?"

Gray Serpent asked with a somewhat serious tone, sitting up straight with his hands on his knees.

"Mhm." Shi Hen nodded while eating curry. "To be honest, this world is far worse than I imagined."

"Oh? What kind of world did Mr. Shi Hen imagine it to be?"

Gray Serpent asked, seemingly curious.

"When I first encountered the Honkai, I thought it was just a few mice in the house.

But now I realize that human civilization itself is built upon a nest of rats and snakes."

Shi Hen sighed deeply.

Even in this era, human cities are still destroyed by the Honkai every year, countless people perish in darkness, becoming casualties of infectious diseases, terrorist attacks, or various natural disasters.

"Heh heh, a nest of rats and snakes... what an interesting metaphor." Gray Serpent chuckled as well. "So, has Mr. Shi Hen ever considered that we might save this world?"

"..."

Shi Hen blinked, his chewing pausing.

Wait, what kind of question is that? Aren't we a villainous organization? Why are we suddenly talking about saving the world?