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The great dragon soared swiftly through the skies, its fierce winds sweeping past the steel jungle yet fortunately causing no significant damage.
A pink-haired beauty with long fox ears... ahem, or perhaps they were donkey ears, stood atop a skyscraper, wielding a long sword with a black hilt. She gazed upward at the departing dragon, her delicate, picture-perfect face displaying serene indifference, seemingly oblivious to the chaos unfolding below.
"What's going on? Did Benares escape? Has the Herrscher of the Void been resurrected again?"
"No, it wasn't alone; Miss Kiana was with the Dragon. Besides, I haven't received any instructions from Zeke-san, so this likely isn't an unforeseen incident."
"Phew, that's good... Anyway, if that troublesome fellow resurfaces, Eldest Sister, you'd better stay far away—it won't be easy to handle."
"But don't you always help me, Higokumaru?" Yae Sakura smiled warmly.
In the mental world, the little girl with nine joyfully swaying fox tails puffed out her chest proudly.
"Well, true enough. No matter how formidable Herrscher of the Void may seem, it's just child's play for me. You can forever count on Higokumaru, Eldest Sister!"
"Yes, yes, I know you're the most powerful, Higokumaru." Yae Sakura chuckled indulgently.
Within the mental world, Higokumaru scratched her face and muttered, "Don't trust me too much, Eldest Sister, though. It's hard to say if we could really win... If it comes down to it, I'll make sure you escape safely. After all, there's that annoying Deadface around; no need for Higokumaru to worry excessively."
Feeling reassured, Higokumaru began whistling carefree tunes.
"Tonkotsu ramen, sushi with sharp corners, and fried tofu, please."
At noon, Yae Sakura arrived at a Far Eastern restaurant in town and ordered several dishes, making sure to include Higokumaru's favorite—fried tofu. She handed the menu back to the server and patiently awaited her meal.
However, Higokumaru didn't eagerly request to share tastes with Yae Sakura this time, as they were currently in Europe where authentic cuisine from their homeland was hard to find.
This establishment was already the most acceptable option they had tried in the city, but it still fell short; they could only manage with what was available.
["Eldest Sister, I really miss your cooking."]
"Hang in there, Higokumaru," Yae Sakura reassured her with a smile. "We're on a mission, so we don't have much time for elaborate meals." Simultaneously, she placed the Key of Corruption—the longsword embodying both her and Higokumaru's souls—on the table.
Fortunately, after the public disclosure of Honkai information, personnel from Schicksal and Anti-Entropy often carried their gear openly through society. As a result, carrying swords became commonplace among ordinary people. Otherwise, it would have been challenging for her to flaunt such weaponry in public.
["Wah—fine then! It's all that damn Deadface's fault. Next time, he'll regret it!"
"Best not to try him, though. Zeke-san won't hold back."
"Eldest Sister thinks mighty Higokumaru would fear him?"
"You're quite confident. You can drop 'thinks' from that sentence."
"Eldest Sister! Ugh, I'm done talking to you!"
Huffily, Higokumaru retreated deep into their shared mental world.
Yae Sakura smiled faintly and sighed, then took out her tablet to check some information and verify the progress of her mission.
Time ticked by as Yae Sakura focused intently on her work. After a long while, she suddenly looked up.
"...Why hasn't our food arrived yet?"
She furrowed her brow, puzzled.
Then, she noticed the restaurant had emptied completely—no other patrons remained aside from herself.
"Hm?!?"
Her gaze turned cold, hand resting on her sword hilt.
Moments later, someone pushed open the glass door. A blonde girl in a long azure dress entered the establishment.
"Otto... Archbishop."
Yae Sakura rose, watching Hera gracefully approach with mixed emotions before bowing respectfully.
"Please sit," Hera said casually. She picked up a menu at the counter first, then leisurely made her way to Yae Sakura's table and sat down facing her.
"Hmm... such a limited menu; no wonder it's not more popular." After briefly scanning it, Hera tossed the menu behind her, clearly losing interest.
Yae Sakura sat stiffly, opening and closing her mouth several times but unable to utter a word.
Otto's relationship with Kallen, what he had done for her, and the fact that Yae Sakura played a direct role in Kallen's wrongful conviction—a chain of cause and effect left Yae feeling guilty both for stealing another man's wife and for causing such tragic past events whenever she faced Otto.
Hera likely sensed Yae Sakura's inner turmoil and unease. Tilting her head, she spoke without her usual cheerful smile, her expression neutral: "Let's skip the pleasantries. I want to know your plans moving forward. Specifically, once Kallen is successfully revived, what do you intend to do?"
"...Well, honestly speaking, regarding love, though I feel guilt, I harbor no regrets. Yes, I love Kallen, and regardless of the circumstances, I must see her again. After that... entrusting Kallen to you brings me peace of mind. My life has been burdened by deep sin, so I don't dare hope for a favorable outcome. I will distance myself from Kallen and your lives, dedicating my insignificant strength wholeheartedly to combat Honkai..."
"Uh—"
Hera grabbed Yae Sakura by the neck and lifted her up, her eyes emanating a chilling coldness that sent shivers down Sakura's spine.
The longsword on the table began to tremble, prompting Higokumaru to instantly prepare releasing its corrosive power.
Suddenly, golden ripples appeared in the air, and a chain swiftly emerged, binding the sword. It halted both its quivering and completely suppressed the Honkai Energy radiating from it.
For a moment, Hera held Yae Sakura aloft, then released her grip, letting her fall to the ground. Yae Sakura clutched at her bruised throat, coughing uncontrollably.
"After Kallen is resurrected, she will face an entirely unfamiliar world. The landscapes and rules she once knew are no more; she needs time to adapt and someone to accompany her through this transition. Your duty is to be with Kallen, helping her peacefully accept this new world and ensuring she doesn't feel alone as she lives on - since Kallen says she loves you, you are the most suitable person for this role."
Hera looked down at the breathtakingly beautiful figure on the floor, with legs slender as jade, even her labored breaths captivating in their allure. Her gaze was icy, devoid of warmth.
Once Yae Sakura regained her composure, she gently touched the gradually fading bruise on her neck, frowning.
"But I've hurt Kallen before, and even..."
"That doesn't matter. Kallen won't blame you; she needs your companionship. Leave Honkai to Zeke and me. For someone like you, providing comfort for Kallen is your greatest value."
Yae Sakura fell silent.
This wasn't what she had anticipated.
To put it differently, Otto was entirely different from her expectations.
She thought engaging with Otto would result in his rebukes, curses, or complaints—perhaps a warning not to approach the resurrected Kallen, or maybe outright retribution through torment... Yae Sakura had envisioned various scenarios, but never did she expect this specific command.
He demanded that she accompany Kallen in life.
This indeed was the best choice for Kallen, but did this man not care about his own well-being at all?
"If...if I stay with Kallen, what about you? What will become of you? Don't you deeply love her as well?"
"Don't compare me to yourself. All I want is for Kallen to live happily; nothing else matters. As for me...I will die."
"What?!"
"I will die—no matter what happens, my end is certain. Too many people already wish me dead. Moreover, if I remain alive, Kallen would struggle to face me, unable to reconcile with both my actions and the fact that everything I've done has been for her sake. I won't burden Kallen further. I'll meet my demise either fighting against Honkai or during the Trial after its defeat. And you, Yae Sakura, will be Kallen's sole support and concern. Survive—that is your only value now."
Hera spoke expressionlessly, as though reciting an objective scientific law or narrating a story unrelated to himself.
Yae Sakura lifted her head, gazing into Hera's eyes. Within them, she found no hint of hesitation or fear, only absolute serenity.
In that moment, Yae Sakura acknowledged feeling both bewildered and awestruck.
This man, who had relentlessly strived for Kallen without any restraint for five centuries, suppressing Honkai all those years, was fundamentally different from herself.
In terms of abilities, personality, mindset, and determination, there was simply no comparison between them.
"I..."
"You can take your time to consider. There is still some leeway. However, provide me with your decision promptly—either accompany Kallen faithfully on your own accord, or obediently by my manipulation. These are your only two options. And don't even think about deceiving me with lies; very few individuals in this world could fool me, and you certainly lack such qualifications."
Hera looked down at the speechless Yae Sakura. After a moment, she turned away, leaving without any hesitation.
Yae Sakura remained alone, sitting on the ground, clutching her heart, motionless for a long while.
Hera returned to the street.
No sooner had she walked away than Amber approached her, dressed in nun-like black attire, and held up a small parasol for protection against the sun.
"Lady Hera, you seem rather upset."
"Hmm. That woman truly is useless—no, wait, she must have some merits; otherwise, Kallen wouldn't be interested in her. Nonetheless, she hasn't even considered Kallen's position and circumstances. I originally planned to discuss more topics with her, but now I've completely lost the mood." Hera shook her head, letting out a silent sigh, though this outcome was within her expectations.
Unwaveringly holding the umbrella, Amber asked, "Is there anything Amber can assist with?"
"No need. Since she's proven so disappointing, there's no reason to give her choices anymore. I'll arrange everything myself. However, since we're already here, let's clean up... not just this city, but the entire country. Inform Anti-Entropy that Schicksal will handle matters here," Hera said coldly, a hint of malice flickering momentarily in her eyes.
Amber nodded obediently. She understood that some individuals in this nation were about to become Director Otto's punching bags. But it mattered little; if their deaths could serve as an outlet for his frustration, they would at least die with some purpose.