Although Otto's expression remained composed, the trembling red wine in his glass betrayed his unease.
Amber, ever dutiful, continued her report.
"And what's even more disturbing… these Honkai Beasts are unlike any we've encountered before. They're organized. Coordinated and Controlled."
"Controlled?" Otto echoed, tilting his head as he drained the glass.
He took a moment to collect himself, then began calculating.
If this continued, Schicksal's forces—including battleships and Valkyries—would be wiped out. Only a handful might survive: himself, Welt, and perhaps the two S-Rank Valkyries. The rest would be lost.
And all this… just to confront the subordinates of the Herrscher of the Sea?
Unacceptable.
They hadn't even met her face-to-face. To suffer such losses before the real battle began would be catastrophic.
Otto sighed, sweeping his cloak aside.
"Amber. Order all Schicksal units to reverse and retreat. Break through the weakest point in the encirclement before it closes."
Amber blinked, stunned. Otto retreating?
But she nodded.
"Yes, Your Grace."
On Welt's side, the same decision was made. Anti-Entropy couldn't afford to lose its elite forces without even engaging the enemy.
Despite the million Honkai Beasts, the encirclement was too wide. The two factions found a weak point—guarded by fewer than ten thousand—and broke through with concentrated artillery fire.
But the nightmare wasn't over.
The Honkai Beasts pursued them relentlessly, sticking close enough to prevent the use of Honkai Energy Fission Bombs. Area coverage was impossible without risking their own troops.
Ten hours passed.
Then, the command screen in Anti-Entropy's HQ flickered.
A new image appeared.
Xingyue.
She stood in a the middle of the ocean, an unknown island behind her, smiling sweetly.
"Hi, everyone! After a full day of fighting Honkai Beasts… exhilarating, wasn't it?"
She covered her mouth, mockingly amused.
Tesla and Einstein froze. How had she hacked in?
Tesla, furious, stomped her foot.
"You caused all this, didn't you?!"
Xingyue tilted her head.
"With all due respect, Tesla, that temper of yours… you'll never get married."
"None of your business!"
Tesla snapped.
"You hide in the shadows. If you have guts, come face us!"
"Hm?"
Xingyue raised her aquamarine lashes.
"I've been standing on this island the whole time. It's not my fault you're incompetent and couldn't find me."
Tesla's chest heaved. But she couldn't argue—Xingyue was right. They had located the island days ago.
"Tesla, calm down," Welt said, stepping forward.
"Herrscher of the Sea, you didn't appear just to mock us, did you?"
Xingyue nodded slowly.
"See? The Anti-Entropy leader is reasonable. Unlike a certain flat-chested, flat-brained, fiery old maid…"
"You—!"
Tesla's eyes burned with rage. Einstein quickly covered her mouth and pulled her aside.
Xingyue chuckled at the sight.
Welt coughed twice, restoring order.
Xingyue's expression sobered.
"You were the first to play dirty—trying to overwhelm me with a human wave tactic. I had no choice but to respond."
She spread her hands.
"I'll give you six slots. No more. Once you decide, I'll have the Honkai Beasts clear a path."
"Otherwise…"
Her tone darkened.
"Try me. Let's see who wins the war of attrition."
Then came the final blow.
Her voice dropped, heavy as thunder.
"My Judgment-class Honkai Beasts haven't even appeared yet."
She smiled.
"What do you think? Will they come out… when you're exhausted?"