Seeing Little Corruption suddenly appear on the screen, everyone was startled. When they heard she was the Herrscher of Corruption, their expressions became somewhat peculiar.
"Hold on, what exactly is going on here?"
Tesla looked at Little Corruption on the screen, then lowered her head to look at Irene, pointing a finger at the screen.
"Miss Irene, I hope you can explain to me what a Herrscher of Corruption is doing here."
"If you're this surprised now, you're going to suffer a big loss later."
Irene smiled and turned around. When she turned back, she was holding a seemingly petite child.
"Hi, everyone."
Lin, who had just been called over, floated out of Irene's hands and greeted the crowd. "I am Rin, and I'm also a Herrscher of Corruption. It's just that I am the Herrscher of Corruption from this world's Previous Era."
"Huh?!!!"
Tesla's gaze swung uncontrollably back and forth between the three of them. She mumbled for a long time but couldn't spit out a single word. Then, she turned her head to look at Theresa.
"Theresa, do you have any idea about this?"
Tesla's eyes were filled with a 'control her' look. Were these two that she pulled out really something she could just whip out like this?
"Somewhat..."
Theresa's mouth twitched. She indeed knew Rin, and she knew that Rin had regained her abilities as the Herrscher of Corruption, but she had absolutely no idea about Little Corruption.
But she still had to vouch for Rin. Theresa had no choice but to inform everyone about everything she encountered in Nagazora City, such as Yae Sakura rescuing her.
However, Theresa still concealed the fact that she had messed up a second time. She merely gave a simple explanation before mentioning that she had later met Irene.
Finally, she hastily glossed over the matter, recounting how Irene had later reminded her to enter the Stigmata space to resolve the Higokumaru hidden within.
Beside her, Himeko nodded.
She had guessed that Theresa probably messed up at least once; otherwise, with Theresa's combat prowess as an S-Rank Valkyrie, she couldn't have been delayed for so long.
"...Astonishing."
Einstein's heart wasn't necessarily any calmer than the others', it just didn't show on her face. After composing herself for a moment, Einstein asked Irene,
"I would like to ask where exactly Miss Irene found these two... helpers."
"Don't be so vigilant."
Irene waved her hand. "The two of them are on our side, just like your Mr. Welt."
"It seems there's no denying it."
Einstein sighed. "However, I still ask Miss Irene to consider our feelings. Not everyone can accept two Herrschers so quickly.
"Furthermore, a sentence Miss Rin just said makes me a bit curious about what she meant by 'the Herrscher of this world'."
Einstein said as she looked up at Little Corruption, "Should I understand that Miss Little Corruption is not a Herrscher from our world?"
Einstein's words weren't entirely guesswork. Little Corruption's appearance was very strange. Their world hadn't experienced that many Great Eruptions, so Little Corruption's birth didn't align with the descent of a Herrscher.
"Mhm, not only that, but I'm not from this world either."
Irene spread her hands. Since she was laying her cards on the table, she might as well go all out. She had already come clean to Himeko and Theresa, so she didn't mind adding Einstein and Tesla to the list.
Moreover, it would be very difficult to hide it anyway. After all, having revealed Little Corruption, she would inevitably reveal even more. For these two brilliant scientists, they would quickly figure out the reason regardless.
After all, these two had a profound understanding of the Sea of Quanta. It wouldn't be difficult for them to realize that outside their world, there were many other worlds extremely similar to theirs within the Sea of Quanta.
Sure enough, after Irene said those words, Einstein revealed an expression of understanding. "The Sea of Quanta? It seems Miss Irene has experienced a lot of things."
"Perhaps much, much more than you can imagine."
Irene shook her head. "So there's no need to get too used to the Herrscher matters, just as you heard earlier.
"I myself am also the Herrscher of Death now. So, Miss Einstein, which matter would you like to start being surprised about first?"
"..."
Einstein opened her mouth, at a loss for how to respond for a moment. She could only turn to look at Theresa beside her.
"May I consult Miss Theresa on your academy's educational policies?"
Theresa's mouth twitched as she met Einstein's slightly questioning gaze.
"What educational policies could I possibly have? Einstein, don't you dare slander me."
"Of course you do."
Einstein raised a hand and pointed at Irene. "For example, every Herrscher that has appeared so far is related to your St. Freya.
"Perhaps your St. Freya should change its name, something like the St. Freya Herrscher Cultivation Academy."
"..."
Theresa's mouth twitched slightly. "A great suggestion, but we've only cultivated two... three Herrschers."
"I'm afraid it's more than that."
Einstein counted on her fingers. "Our Sovereign worked as a teacher at St. Freya Academy. You have a Herrscher of Thunder, Mei; a Herrscher of Death, Irene; a Herrscher of Wind, Wendy; and one... two Herrschers of Corruption.
"As well as the newly awakened Herrscher of the Void.
"You should know that according to intel, we will encounter at most thirteen Herrschers."
Einstein shook her head, unable to tell if it was out of speechlessness or helplessness. "St. Freya Academy alone has gathered a full seven Herrschers. What a spectacle."
"In fact, it's probably even more."
Himeko looked at Irene. She hadn't forgotten that the Wendy from her world also resided within Irene's body. That meant there was another Herrscher of Wind.
"What do you mean? Could it be that Miss Irene still has hidden cards she hasn't revealed?"
Hearing Himeko's words, Einstein turned to look at Irene.
Honkai energy eruptions capable of birthing a Herrscher in this world had absolutely all been monitored by them. There definitely weren't any more.
If there truly was another Herrscher, then they could only have been born elsewhere, born in a place they couldn't reach. And right now, the only one who fit this condition was Irene.
Irene cooperatively nodded. "Mm, let me think. I have another Herrscher of Wind on me, and another Herrscher of the Legion. Yep, just those two.
"Mm, including myself, I count as four."
"..."
Einstein suddenly leaned against the console next to her, looking exceptionally exhausted.
"Excuse me, I suddenly don't really want to speak."
What more could she say? A full nine Herrschers. This wasn't even a matter of proportion anymore. Even if there were duplicates among them, that was still a whole nine Herrschers?!
Was the world changing too fast, or was she just dreaming today? Was this even logical?
"Oh, so you were hiding another two."
Himeko also wore an expression that showed she didn't really want to talk, looking somewhat speechless.
"Theresa, I truly feel that our educational policies might have a slight problem. Otherwise, maybe I'll just turn into one someday."
"Shut up, Himeko!"
Theresa's expression was also somewhat helpless, even bordering on numb. What else could she say?
The facts were laid bare. Right now, a full nine Herrschers across the entire world were related to St. Freya. Was this really logical?
However, Tesla, standing to the side, didn't care about what these few were thinking. Outside of scientific research, she was rather single-minded about many things.
She quickly constructed two equations in her mind.
First, the two Herrschers of Corruption under Irene were allies. Second, the Herrscher of Corruption's abilities could deal with machines.
Irene presenting these two at this time definitely wasn't just for show.
"If that's the case, then this does make some sense."
Having calmed down, Tesla looked at the two of them, her face full of a wicked grin. "So, did you dig up any intel? I refuse to believe you did absolutely nothing just now."
"I did indeed do a little bit."
Irene nodded. "However, Otto hung up quite quickly. Moreover, the connection was relayed through the Void Archives, so there was no way to connect directly via a virus. It's rather a pity."
"He's that cautious?"
Tesla frowned, feeling a headache when facing someone as steady as an old dog like Otto. "Did you see anything else then?"
"The location where Kiana is being held is the Heimdall Laboratory."
Little Corruption immediately constructed a rough map on the large screen.
"The fastest route is through Schicksal's Third Airport. All personnel there have already been transferred away by the Overseer's orders, so there won't be any collateral damage. And it's the closest to the Heimdall Laboratory."
Listening to Little Corruption's description, they immediately understood one thing: this route was both the closest and the most optimal. At the same time, this meant it was a path Otto had deliberately left open for them.
"Meaning this is a path Otto deliberately left for us."
Tesla frowned. "To be honest, I don't think this is a good idea."
"I don't recommend the other routes either."
Little Corruption shook her head. "A lot of researchers and Valkyries are gathered in the other areas. We would face immense resistance there.
"I assume no one sitting here wants to go against the Valkyries, right?"
As an existence that imitated Elysia, Little Corruption had also learned Elysia's love for humanity. Otherwise, she wouldn't have done so many things later on, including now.
If there was a choice, she absolutely wouldn't choose a plan that might endanger other humans, nor would she really recommend others choose that kind of plan.
"Indeed, getting tangled up with the Valkyries might trigger even bigger problems instead."
Einstein nodded. "But regarding the trap, Miss Irene, do you think Mr. Otto will really let us barge through so easily?"
"It will be very easy, but I can't think of the specific reason why he is doing this."
Irene shook her head. Those traps Otto set up held no real significance against them.
With two Herrschers of Corruption present, those Divine Machines were nothing more than armaments they could directly assimilate under their command with a wave of their hands.
The problem, however, lay in the fact that she couldn't figure out why Otto was doing this.
Defending against the Herrscher of Corruption was impossible. In the Void Archives' records, the Herrscher of Corruption wasn't completely recorded, and the time for the Herrscher of Corruption to potentially appear hadn't arrived yet.
Without any intel, the most Otto could do was take general precautions; he definitely wouldn't be actively on guard against them. She had always been very cautious when using Little Corruption, so it was absolutely impossible for her to be discovered.
But the issue was, Irene couldn't think of a reason for Otto to continue executing his plan. Otto had already pointed it out, directly stating it was a play.
Then he probably guessed that Sirin might also be participating in this play, which was a very reasonable deduction.
So why arrange this scene again? Just what did he want to see? Or rather, what was he trying to verify?
Yes, in Irene's eyes, Otto had absolutely no need to continue. All he wanted was a powerful Herrscher of the Void who could help him complete his plan.
As for whether this Herrscher of the Void would become a Herrscher capable of protecting humanity? Otto indeed harbored such thoughts and would act accordingly, but...
This matter had already been accomplished, hadn't it? What exactly did Otto still want to see, or what was he waiting for?
Irene didn't know; Irene couldn't figure it out.
Irene's brain wasn't actually that brilliant. Originally, it was only by relying on the advantage of intel and her familiarity with the plot that she was able to make so many arrangements.
But now? The past plotline had already been completely scrambled by her, and she was unable to understand Otto's reasons for doing this.
What use did letting them continue attacking Schicksal have for his plan? If it was of no use, then why was Otto still doing it?
"Tsk..."
Irene clicked her tongue lightly. Previously, relying on her intel advantage, she could basically guess what Otto was trying to do. But now, she couldn't guess it at all.
Was she now truly going to compete with Otto in terms of brains and strategy, to play a game of chess against him? Was this something she was capable of doing?
[We'll deal with whatever comes our way.]
[Irene] patted Irene's shoulder in her consciousness.[Our combat strength isn't weak right now. Believe in yourself, my dear.]
[In front of anyone else, I would dare to believe in myself.]
Irene shook her head.
[But Otto is the sole exception... In a way, he's practically like a psychological trauma to me.]
No matter when, one could never let their guard down around Otto. That guy definitely had an ulterior motive; she just hadn't figured out exactly what he was trying to do yet.
Just then, Little Corruption suddenly spoke up. "Irene, we have a situation. Durandal has sortied. Her target is us, she's very fast, and she'll be here soon."
"Understood."
Irene nodded. "Contact Wendy, she and I will go intercept her. All of you keep moving forward; Durandal most likely won't stop you."
If her guess was correct, Durandal was most likely coming to intimidate and block people, and wouldn't really cause any actual destruction. But they couldn't possibly just not intercept her.
Sending Durandal over made it obvious: it was to draw out some strong fighters for an equal trade, otherwise, she would just keep blocking them.
Schicksal HQ
Otto stood in front of the massive floor-to-ceiling windows, calmly gazing at the sky before him. Hearing the sound of someone entering behind him, he spoke directly. "Has our old friend gone over?"
"Yes, Lord Overseer."
Amber nodded. "We have already informed Lord Fu Hua to sortie immediately. But why do it this way? Isn't intercepting Benares a race against time?"
"Naturally, it's to prevent others from knowing. Consider it a necessary precaution."
____
________________________________________
🌸 Help Love Bloom!
Our girls need a little push... and you can help!
💖 Gift for Everyone: Once we hit 50 Powerstones, I'll release +1 bonus chapter to warm your hearts.
🚀 Community Reward: If we reach 20 supporting members, we'll have a +5 chapter marathon across all stories! The romance won't stop.
👻 Come to our secret corner: Search for GirlsLove on (P). You know that's where the magic happens... 😉