Kiana☆ walked up to Fu Lin with slight shyness, gently hugging her arms and nervously asked, "Fu Lin, do I look good in this..."
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As the melodious sound of bells rang out, the ceremony officially began.
Otto slowly stepped onto the platform, standing solemnly with a serious expression as his gaze swept over the entire crowd. At that moment, time seemed to stand still.
He was dressed in a luxurious and dignified archbishop's robe embroidered with golden patterns representing Schicksal. In his hand, he tightly gripped the scepter symbolizing the supreme authority of the Schicksal Archbishop.
The moment Otto stepped onto the platform, everyone in the audience rose to their feet in perfect unison, without the slightest delay.
Everyone's face showed respect for the archbishop who was about to step down. Some Valkyries even had tears glimmering in their eyes, seemingly reluctant to see this great archbishop depart.
However, amidst this solemn and dignified atmosphere, Fu Shi crossed her arms and muttered, "Tch, making it so serious, so boring~"
Fu Lin, standing beside her, smiled at her complaint, glanced at Otto on the stage, and then lowered his voice to say to Fu Shi, "It is a bit dull, but since we're here, let's endure it a little longer. Once it's over, let's tour Schicksal HQ."
Fu Shi pouted dismissively and continued to grumble, "What's so great about Schicksal HQ? I've been there who knows how many times."
However, when Fu Lin said the next sentence, Fu Shi's attitude instantly changed.
Fu Lin's smile turned a bit mischievous as he said quietly, "What if I told you we're going to tour the Schicksal HQ five hundred years in the past with Kallen, and during the tour, we just happen to stumble into Otto's secret little room?"
Fu Shi's eyes immediately lit up with excitement as she exclaimed, "Hiss~ That secret room wouldn't happen to be the one full of Kallen figurines and dolls and all sorts of collectible merch, would it?"
Fu Lin gave a sly "hmm-hmm" and cast a meaningful look at her.
Seeing this, Fu Shi instantly understood, let out a mischievous chuckle, and her previously bored mood was instantly replaced by eager anticipation. She whispered, "You're so bad! But I like it, hehe."
The others nearby, overhearing Fu Lin's scheme, couldn't help but cast Otto a moment of sympathy, one second of pity, fifty-nine seconds of laughter.
At that moment, Otto suddenly shivered on the platform, as if he sensed an ominous chill creeping up his spine. He instinctively shuddered, a bad premonition welling up in his heart.
But by now, Theresa had already donned the blue archbishop robe Otto had meticulously prepared for her, stepping onto the platform with firm yet slightly nervous steps.
Her face radiated solemnity. Though inwardly uneasy, her eyes reflected her sense of duty.
As she stood beside Otto, the hall fell silent once again, with all eyes focused on the two main figures.
Otto slowly raised the scepter in his hand. The gem at its tip glowed with a mysterious and dazzling light.
His deep and powerful voice echoed throughout the hall, "Theresa Apocalypse, today I pass on to you this scepter that symbolizes the power and responsibility of the Schicksal Archbishop. From this moment on, you are the new Archbishop of Schicksal, bearing the duty of protecting humanity and resisting the Honkai."
Theresa, her hands trembling slightly, accepted the scepter. She took a deep breath, raised her head, and looked resolutely at the crowd below, her voice clear and resounding,
"I, Theresa Apocalypse, solemnly swear, I will use all that I have learned and all my courage to stand against the Honkai and protect the peace of this world. I will inherit the spirit of Schicksal and lead everyone through hardship and struggle, striving relentlessly for the future of humanity!"
Thunderous applause and cheers erupted from the audience as everyone celebrated the oath of the new Archbishop.
Among the crowd, Himeko wore a contented smile, while Fu Hua stood with arms crossed, her gaze full of support.
Meanwhile, the young Valkyries, Kiana, Mei, Bronya, and others, were brimming with passion, eagerly anticipating a new journey against the Honkai under Theresa's leadership.
On the platform, Otto looked at Theresa with eyes full of relief and trust. He gently patted her shoulder and said, "Theresa, from today on, Schicksal is in your hands. I believe you will do even better than your grandfather and lead Schicksal to a brighter future."
Theresa nodded firmly and said with determination, "Grandpa, don't worry. I'll do my best!"
[Years later, a regretful Theresa would break down and cry, "Grandpa, come back! I don't want to be the Archbishop of Schicksal anymore!"]
At that moment, alarms blared throughout Schicksal HQ, shocking everyone. They stopped what they were doing and looked around in confusion.
Theresa quickly responded and shouted, "Everyone, don't panic! Stay calm!"
Otto furrowed his brows, scanning the surroundings before speaking in a low voice, "Seems like we have some uninvited guests."
At the same time, Fu Shi and Fu Lin exchanged glances in the corner, their lips curling into knowing smiles.
Fu Shi chuckled lightly, "Fu Lin, things seem to be getting interesting."
Fu Lin nodded.
In the blink of an eye, numerous Titan robots appeared out of nowhere in all corners of the hall, swiftly surrounding the crowd.
Then, a mocking voice rang out from all directions, "Oh my, Theresa, you've come a long way! It's only been a few days, and you've already become the Archbishop of Schicksal."
Bronya was visibly shocked, her voice tinged with confusion, "That's Mama Cocolia's voice!"
Cocolia's tone suddenly softened and turned warm, "Bronya~ Long time no see."
Theresa's brows furrowed deeply, and her voice revealed a trace of irritation, "Hmph, that fox from Anti-Entropy. You're everywhere, aren't you? Showing up so brazenly at Schicksal HQ, what do you want?"
Cocolia's voice retained its mocking tone, "Tsk, can't you see this is a mother-daughter reunion? As for what I want, of course, it's to congratulate you on becoming the Archbishop and present a special gift."
Theresa snorted, her tone full of disdain and confidence, "Hmph, surely you don't naively think these Titan robots are enough to threaten Schicksal?"
"Mama, don't, You can't beat them!"
Bronya tried to stop Cocolia, but Cocolia's reply was short and provocative,
"You won't know until we try, after all, I was just careless last time."
With Cocolia's command, the once-static Titan robots suddenly came to life. Their mechanical eyes lit up with a blinding red light.
Immediately after, the screech of metal and the hum of machinery filled the air. They began marching forward with heavy steps, closing in on the crowd.
Faced with the advancing Titan robots, the crowd did not panic. Instead, they immediately began their counterattack.
Otto, watching the chaos unfold, curved his lips slightly in a barely noticeable smile.
He tightly gripped his mimic Heavenly Fire, raised it toward a charging Titan, and pulled the trigger without hesitation.
"Bang!" A loud gunshot rang out.
Otto, satisfied with his handiwork, quickly moved to Kallen's side. Whenever a Titan approached her, he would take it down without hesitation.
Meanwhile, Fu Shi was rubbing her hands eagerly, eyes shining with excitement, and couldn't help but ask Fu Lin, "Fu Lin, when do we make our move?"
Fu Lin appeared calm and composed, arms crossed as he sat steadily in his chair, a confident smile on his lips.
He answered unhurriedly, "The real masters usually don't show up until the very end, when the situation is truly dire. But perhaps we won't even get the chance. Besides Durandal and Rita, all of Schicksal's top fighters are here. Cocolia really picked the perfect time."
Mei☆ nodded, "Watching and waiting might be the best move."
Kiana☆ also remained calm, her gaze fixed on the distant Titans. She spoke softly, "With Aunt Himeko, Class Monitor, Sirin, and Sushang here, these Titan robots are no threat at all. I really don't know what she was thinking."