The moment Cocolia conceded, the others felt the heavy pressure on them vanish. Although a faint tension lingered, her people finally dared to let out a sigh of relief.
This wasn't just psychological pressure, but a tangible, physical force.
Cocolia sat in her chair, the only one aware that her own legs had gone a little weak. And only she understood the kind of choice she had just been forced to make.
Could she really have bowed to the mere pressure of death? It seemed she really was...
With a bitter smile in her heart, Cocolia straightened her back again. "You... No, I want to ask you to promise me one thing."
Her tone took everyone by surprise. They stared in disbelief as the woman who would sooner smash through a wall than yield chose to be submissive in front of Shu.
Shu, feeling a wave of irritation, uttered a single word.
"Speak."
"I want Bronya removed from your team. And until she comes of age, she is never to return to the front lines," Cocolia stated, her tone firm.
Shu froze for a second. He instinctively glanced at Mei, only to see a white figure shoot up from her seat.
"By what right?!" Kiana slammed her hands on the table with a loud bang. "Bronya is our teammate! What right do you have to demand she leave us?!"
"I will not watch my child continue to follow you to her death!" The unbending "Devil" was back. She stood before Kiana, her eyes blazing with fury.
"I know how terrifying Herrschers are, and I understand how dangerous the Honkai is! I cannot let Bronya face a Herrscher! I am her mother, and it is my duty to protect her from such danger!"
"That's not your decision to make!" Kiana retorted, unafraid, her fists clenched as if she were about to punch Cocolia. "That's something for Bronya to decide for herself!"
"I am her mother!" Cocolia snapped.
"And I'm her friend!!" Kiana's voice was even louder, so loud that the soundproofing of the conference room couldn't contain it.
"Heh... a friend?" Cocolia sneered. "Is that the only trivial reason you have?"
She took a step back, her gaze sweeping over the people beside Shu before finally resting on him with a look of disappointment. "Is it just because you all consider yourselves 'friends' that you follow Shu around?"
"He has power, but what do you have?" Cocolia scoffed at Kiana with disdain. "Facing a Herrscher, what can you do? What can she do? And what can Bronya do?!"
Cocolia pointed a finger at Mei, questioning Kiana, "Let me guess. Did you bandage Shu's wounds? Or maybe you took care of his meals and daily life? Or perhaps you read the enemy's data aloud for him? Or helped him come up with a plan?"
"I—!" Kiana instinctively started to say something, but she paused, glanced at Shu, and her lips trembled.
Cocolia seized on that moment of hesitation. She took a step forward, and Kiana unconsciously took half a step back.
"You can't help with anything. Right now, you are all nothing but a liability to him! You're his Achilles' heel! You're the weakness that, if I had the power, I could exploit to take you hostage right here and give orders to Shu!"
Her hand shot toward the weapon at her waist. A flash of light streaked through the air, and Cocolia stumbled back several steps, clutching her wrist.
She looked back at Shu. He stood with his hand raised, the hem of his coat not yet settled. Everyone else looked at the wall, where a broken handgun was now deeply embedded by an immense force.
A sharp pain shot through her wrist, but a triumphant smile spread across Cocolia's face. "See? Kaslana, even if I can't defeat you, he will act immediately to protect you."
Shu's hand trembled, a flicker of confusion in his eyes.
"I may not be able to do it, but that doesn't mean the Herrschers can't. If you become a shield for a Herrscher to use against him, what do you think will happen to Shu? Can he guarantee he'll be able to save all of you?"
"I..." Kiana's pupils contracted. Shu didn't know what she was thinking, but a flash of panic crossed her face.
He would, of course he would... but... there's a price for that...
Shu has already...
But can I guarantee that kind of situation will never happen?
Kiana wasn't sure... She had already personally experienced two Herrschers. She knew how terrifying they were. Even with an Key of Genesis, it was hard to gain the upper hand.
Besides... Shu was now reluctant to even let her use the Key of Genesis. The only reason he let her bring it this time was because...
He was afraid he wouldn't be able to protect her in time...
That's right... this whole trip, I've been the one who needed protection...
But... but back in Depascal... I did help...
Kiana suddenly understood.
No... This time...
I've never truly been of any help at all...
"You..." Cocolia was about to say more, but Shu suddenly spoke.
"That's enough, Cocolia." Shu glanced at Kiana, who stood with her head down, her fists clenched tightly. He then hesitantly withdrew his gaze. "Take me to the Herrscher."
Mei was stunned. She looked up at Shu.
He had said "me."
Him, alone.
"So we... are staying here?" Mei asked Shu in a small voice.
Shu nodded. "Yes... A Herrscher is still too dangerous. Until I can assess the situation, you all should stay here for now."
Kiana's head snapped up. She looked at Shu, then suddenly turned and ran out of the room.
"Kiana!" Mei quickly stood up and chased after her. Schrodinger sighed, rose slowly, and patted Shu on the shoulder as she walked past.
"This might not be a good choice..." she said. "But it's also possible... that you already made the wrong decision the moment you brought them with you."
She said no more and left.
"Big Brother Shu..." Sirin hesitated awkwardly as she passed him. She looked up at him for a long moment before whispering, "I'm sorry..."
Frélle was the last to leave. Before walking out the door, she gave Shu a look.
It held a hint of pity.
---||---
On the coast of the Mediterranean, in a room secured with layers of protection, a scruffy-looking boy with a vacant expression leaned against an expensive piano.
He expertly controlled the marionette in his hands, lifting the most magnificent one from among the other puppets.
All the other puppets were lying on the ground, uncontrolled. Only the one in his hands...
—had just been lifted.