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Bronya: "It's been only three hours since our last update. This turnaround is surprisingly swift. Bronya wants to give Lord Bishop a thumbs-up."
Hera: "Too kind! As Schicksal Archbishop, striving for all the world's beauty is my duty!"
Einstein: "...Let me refrain from commenting for now. So, what were the results?"
Hera: "Oh, Doctor, your tone suggests some bias against me?"
Einstein: "I have no biases; rather, it seems you misunderstand yourself."
Welt cleared his throat. "Alright, alright, let's set aside these disputes for now and prioritize the greater good of civilization. Hera, I believe you must have compelling reasons to convene this urgent meeting at such a critical time. Please share your findings with us."
The well-meaning yet steely leader of Anti-Entropy intervened, causing Einstein to nonchalantly flick her smooth, polished nails, lower her gaze, and cease engaging with Hera.
Hera raised her eyebrows, holding the glass sphere containing the trapped gray mist. Addressing the virtual projections around the long table, she spoke brightly:
"As you can see, this is the infection source I extracted from a particular aggregate. Analyzing it based on the Information Origin Theory framework, my initial assessment suggests that the Herrscher of Corruption's true form has already vanished. It has transformed into a pervasive infectious medium spread across the globe, existing between reality and the Void, neither easily defined by wave nor particle concepts... Hmm, let me get straight to the conclusion: There is no shortcut anymore. To eliminate the Herrscher of Corruption, we must destroy all instances of the infectious medium worldwide. The worse news is, this infectious medium continues to diffuse and proliferate, spreading throughout countless corners both visible and unseen. Eradicating such an omnipresent entity without any omissions through physical means is virtually impossible."
Despite delivering such grim news, Hera's smile radiated innocence and joy, as if she were a carefree princess in a serene garden—utterly charming and lovely.
The participants around the virtual conference table had grown accustomed to her demeanor. They each displayed thoughtful expressions tinged with gravity, unaffected by Hera's beauty.
After a brief pause, Welt adjusted his glasses and sighed, "Hera, please outline your plan directly."
"Oh? Are you willing to follow my lead then? Can you trust me?"
"At least for now, I believe we stand on common ground. Hera, we need your knowledge and intellect—for the world and its future." Welt spoke calmly and confidently, his brown eyes reflecting a reassuring assurance.
Hera pursed her lips briefly. Moments later, when her faint smile reappeared, it finally carried a genuine warmth from within.
"Firstly, the aggregate must be swiftly eliminated. I require all military forces to focus on this objective. Simultaneously, Bronya will establish containment lines. We aim to transform the entire global surface into a grid-like prison, sealing off all infection vectors before systematically achieving complete eradication."
Bronya raised her hand and responded:
"I have two concerns. First, focusing military resources on eliminating the aggregate will inevitably delay the deployment of micro-Honkai Energy deconstruction force fields. Without sufficient interconnected force fields, the blockade cannot be completed. Second, even if the first issue is resolved and we can grid-lock the land regions, including the oceans would require at least three months for Bronya to set up."
"As it happens, I possess an armored corps equipped with Selene devices. I'm sure you have similar assets as well. With minor modifications, these war machines can become mobile sources of deconstruction force fields. This should address both concerns, wouldn't you agree?"
"How many such mechs do you have? What's their maximum speed? Power output? Energy consumption?" Bronya rapidly questioned.
Hera promptly sent over the relevant data.
Bronya received the information, quickly scanned through it, and her eyes lit up.
"Within one week—no, just five days—at most, Bronya will complete the grid-based blockade!"
"Excellent. As expected from Zeke's trusted general, truly commendable." Hera then genuinely clapped, applauding before turning towards Einstein.
Einstein nodded and calmly stated, "I will collaborate with Dr. Tesla to modify the output mechanism of the Moonlight Throne apparatus. We'll transform it from concentrated bombardment to sun-like radiation, enabling us to systematically eliminate all infection vectors grid by grid."
"Truly deserving of your reputation, Dr. Einstein!" Hera gave a thumbs-up, her praise heartfelt.
Seeing a clear and feasible plan emerge, Welt's stern expression softened, and he smiled gently. "In that case, I shall continue providing brute force, accelerating the rate of elimination as much as possible. Our goal is to protect more people and swiftly resume production and construction once stability returns, restoring civilization's vitality."
"Hmm, you're indeed best suited for such tasks. Keep up the good work, Steel Father. Honestly, after this great calamity, there's nothing more inspiring than seeing Welt at the forefront, leading production efforts."
"Ha, you flatter me; I'm just doing what I can. With the plan set, then... who might this unfamiliar young lady be, attending our meeting? Hera, perhaps it's time for introductions?"
After swiftly covering the main topic, Welt turned to address the silent fox-eared swordswoman seated at the end of the conference table, his tone gentle.
Hera glanced at her and nonchalantly replied, "She's one of Zeke's contingencies for unforeseen circumstances; I brought her along. Her name is Yae Sakura. Originally, she was the Key of Corruption from the previous era, currently forming some symbiotic relationship with the former Herrscher of Corruption... That should cover most of it."
Welt and Einstein exchanged glances upon hearing this revelation.
Zeke's foresight, planning ahead with the Herrscher and Key of Corruption from the previous era, left them marveling. One could only wonder how many more such hidden moves he had made. Yet, precisely because of these preparations, they felt reassured entrusting the future of civilization to him, didn't they?
Bronya rested her chin on her hand, expressionlessly observing Yae Sakura—having been Zeke's trusted confidante, Bronya learned about this secret even before Hera, so it held no surprise for her.
Under the gaze of these influential figures, Yae Sakura appeared visibly nervous. Her donkey...no, fox ears perked up, causing her to involuntarily straighten her posture.
Five hundred years ago, Yae Sakura's entire world consisted only of a tiny village within the narrow confines of the Far East, insignificant as specks of dust. Now, five centuries later, she has come to know a much broader world. Yet deep down, she still feels like that unremarkable little miko. Confronted with these influential figures who shape global affairs, it's inevitable that she would feel uneasy.
It isn't due to any lack of power but rather the vast disparities in experience, accomplishments, status, and knowledge between her and them. These differences make it impossible for Yae Sakura to fully relax in such company.
After taking a moment to compose herself, Yae Sakura managed to slightly ease her expression, offering everyone a gentle smile.
"I am Yae Sakura, currently serving under Zeke-san. It is an honor to meet you all."
Welt exchanged glances with Einstein, shrugged, and flashed a reassuring smile.
"Hello, there's no need to introduce ourselves again; we're delighted to meet you too. And please, 'sir' or 'madam'...isn't necessary, right? As you can see, we're just ordinary people." Welt spoke with genuine sincerity.
Yae Sakura's smile turned strained—was a legendary bishop who governed for five centuries, the unparalleled Anti-Entropy Alliance Leader known throughout history, an executive capable of assembling fission bombs with her bare hands and reprimanding heads of state, as well as a trusted deputy general renowned for leading multiple world-scale campaigns and dubbed a "human arsenal," considered ordinary? It seemed Mr. Welt's notion of "ordinary" might differ significantly from what most people would expect.
Rolling her eyes, Bronya spoke matter-of-factly, "Bronya doesn't believe we have much time to waste, Lord Bishop. If you have any further plans, please proceed directly."
"You're right. Yae Sakura, I understand why Zeke went to great lengths to protect you even while hiding it from me. Firstly, the essence of corruption abilities involves information entity pollution—a means to directly interact with data, making them immensely valuable for research. Secondly, this era has embarked on a path of rapid advancements in mechanical power, just as we anticipated. To counteract mechanical infection, he brought you back from hell... So, can you utilize this, then?"
Holding up the glass sphere, Hera gazed at Yae Sakura, her expression impassive.
Yae Sakura hastily nodded.
"Yes, Zeke-san left behind a...a...something akin to a program. In short, once we obtain this Herrscher's corrosive power, Higokumaru can create a counteracting virus."
Hera sighed and said,
"While I could potentially develop an anti-corrosion medium through my own research, it would require time. And when dealing with the Herrscher of Corruption, time is our most precious resource. We cannot continue idly watching as it ravages our technological foundations. Therefore, take this artifact, join Bronya and Dr. Einstein's mission, and contribute your part towards eliminating the Herrscher of Corruption."
Unspoken, Hera kept these thoughts to herself: This endeavor also accumulates survival capital for Yae Sakura, ultimately facilitating Kallen's resurrection upon her return.
With a flick of her hand, just as the glass sphere seemed about to drop onto the table, a tiny black hole opened on its surface. A slender arm, clearly articulated like a doll's joints, reached out, caught the glass sphere, pulled it into the black hole, and then vanished without a trace.
"That's..." Welt's pupils contracted.
He immediately recognized the individual form of the Herrscher of a Thousand People, along with that familiar Honkai Energy signature—it was unmistakable.
Welt shook his head, exasperated.
"Just how many secrets have you been keeping from me? As I suspected, there's been no trace of the Herrscher of a Thousand People ever since that incident, yet neither Zeke nor you took any action."
"Don't be upset—it's just a minor matter. Well then, I'll keep monitoring changes with the Herrscher of Corruption. Everyone, please act swiftly. Until next time!"
Smiling, Lady Hera waved and ended the conference call.
The room fell silent as the light vanished along with the meeting's conclusion. Sitting in darkness, Hera listened to her own breathing amidst the deathly stillness.
"Swish—"
A pair of flawless, delicate hands drew back the curtains, flooding the room with sudden sunlight. It illuminated a silver-haired beauty with a golden mask and a single ponytail, standing by the window like an angel.
"Aaargh! Too bright, too bright! Amber, I'm going to burst into flames under this sun!"
Hera flailed wildly in her chair, exaggerating her reaction dramatically.
Turning around, Amber responded calmly and composedly:
"Lady Hera, please recall—your species isn't vampires."
"Huh? Really?"
"No, it is not."
"Oh well, never mind then."
Hera spread her hands, blinking her sparkling emerald eyes, making it hard to tell if she was intentionally acting cute.
Unfazed, Amber simply gazed at Hera and remarked, "Lady Hera, you seem to be in quite a good mood?"
"Oh? You noticed, my dear Amber?"
"Just a guess."
"Hah, then it's a remarkably accurate one." Standing up, Hera smoothed her dress, elegantly arranging its pure red fabric while nonchalantly responding.
A few years back, each person from that group would have eagerly sought her demise like sunlight burning a vampire. But now, they trusted each other implicitly, able to align their actions with her intentions after brief exchanges.
Time and fate truly were marvelously unpredictable.
Hera didn't regret her past ruthlessness, nor did she naively believe those who resented her could genuinely let go of their hostility and hatred. However, collaborating wholeheartedly with individuals passionate about saving the world, devoid of unnecessary schemes and calculations, was indeed a refreshing experience. Moreover, engaging with intelligent minds where understanding flowed effortlessly without much need for explanation itself brought a sense of satisfaction. Overall, Hera found this feeling rather enjoyable.
"Amber."
"I'm here, Lady Hera."
"Come with me for another stroll outside; there's still much to be done. Everyone else is busy, so I can't afford to slack off too much."
"As you wish, Lady Hera," Amber acquiesced, bowing obediently with a hint of relief that her mistress was finally stepping up. As always, she followed closely behind Hera—her unwavering loyalty as certain as clouds adorning the sky.