The qualification to compete for the omnipotent wish-granting machine, whether it was real or not, as long as there was such a possibility, those with desire would not let go of this opportunity.
"Amber, arrange a few Valkyries... No, prepare a hundred test subjects."
After confirming that he couldn't get extra spots from Takatsuki, Otto thought of other methods.
Amber didn't ask why and quickly carried out Otto's Instruct.
"Although it's the last minute, it's only twenty-four, oh, only twenty-two hours left."
The test subjects Amber arranged included ordinary people, clones, volunteers, and Valkyries, covering all bases.
A golden cube appeared in his hand and transformed into a golden feather.
"Even human hearts are not impossible to manipulate."
Similar to Otto's actions, people in other parts of the world were doing similar things.
It was just that they weren't using Divine Key to directly modify consciousness, which was convenient, but hypnosis, brainwashing, and a series of other methods were used, all just to compete for a single spot.
But would things really go so smoothly?
When the appointed time for the next day was approaching, Takatsuki appeared on the live broadcast screen punctually.
"I think twenty-four hours should have been enough for everyone to know about this. If not, then there's nothing to be done; what's missed is missed. So, the decision for the remaining three contestant spots begins now."
As his words fell, the live broadcast interface turned into a continuously scrolling screen, with countless numbers constantly rolling on it, but they soon stopped.
However, even after stopping, everyone still couldn't see who the top three were, because all the names were displayed as asterisks. At most, they could only judge the format of the top three names based on the number of asterisks.
"Hmph, what an unexpected result. Although you all can't see it, the Holy Grail has decided the remaining three spots. The contracts will be sent within ten minutes, please check for them. Please note, this only grants you the contract; it can be taken away before you sign it. Please be aware."
Looking at Takatsuki, who reappeared, almost everyone wanted to curse. If you don't announce the names, who knows if it's truly fair?
"Perhaps many people suspect there's a hidden agenda behind this. My response to that is, keep thinking that way. Not to mention I don't need to be responsible for you, but if there's not even this much trust, then expecting those people to believe in the Holy Grail is impossible, isn't it? Although the identities of the three contestants will not be revealed before the competition begins to protect their personal safety, I still want to say, the Holy Grail is not a machine without intelligence. Do you think false hearts can deceive the Holy Grail's selection? Or rather, can you truly believe that a Holy Grail that can be deceived can grant wishes? I said it required the most genuine desire, didn't I?"
"That's all I have to say. Everyone, see you in a month."
Watching the darkened live broadcast screen, Otto felt as if Takatsuki's last words were directed at him.
However, he also knew that it wasn't just for him, because he wouldn't be the only one to think of that.
"As expected, these small tricks are meaningless. Amber, strengthen security. Notify me if there are any visitors."
Looking at the darkened screen, Otto spoke to Amber behind him.
Amber had just responded when a voice appeared in the office.
"No need, I'm already here."
Otto looked at Durandal in the office, a slight smile on his lips.
"Long time no see, Durandal. I've been wondering when you'd come home."
Like a respected elder, Otto spoke to Durandal.
"This isn't my home. I'm here to deliver something."
Saying so, Durandal walked to the desk and placed a piece of paper down.
This unassuming paper was precisely the document Takatsuki had displayed earlier.
Otto merely glanced at it. With his vision, the moment Durandal took it out, his soul steel body had already determined the true nature of the paper before him.
"How could that be? Although I brought you out of the orphanage, Durandal, isn't Schicksal like your home?"
Otto looked distressed. "But I don't understand why you would leave."
"Did Schicksal do something wrong?"
Durandal silently moved the contract document slightly to the side, then looked up at Otto.
"I actually have another matter for coming here this time."
"Oh?"
Just as Otto uttered a questioning sound, he felt a huge force rushing towards him.
Even with a soul steel body, Otto himself was not a powerful warrior.
He relied on schemes and endless stratagems, not direct combat strength.
So, the moment Durandal attacked, he didn't even see it clearly before he was sent flying.
Only after he was sent flying did Amber react, but seeing the furious Durandal, Amber didn't know what to do.
Call for help?
The person in front of him was the Strongest Valkyrie of Schicksal.
Forget it, Otto will handle it.
Soon, Amber chose to follow her heart. On the one hand, she knew that Otto wouldn't die, as he had many backup bodies, and on the other hand, she was also very familiar with Durandal.
As if responding to her thoughts, Durandal picked up the document from the table and placed it in Amber's hand.
"Amber, you go to the side first. Don't worry, I won't beat him to death, but this is what he owes our family."
Only when Amber retreated to the side with the document did she notice that Durandal was holding a severed arm in her other hand.
"!"
Watching the golden feathers slowly dissipate from the severed hand, Durandal's expression was somewhat displeased.
"Otto, I'm very grateful for all these years, but when I think that I became an orphan because of your will, I get very angry."
"My mother died in your calculated schemes and intrigues back then, and now you want to control me in this way again?"
The disarmed Otto climbed up from the ground.
"Cough, cough." Although it was a Soul Steel body, Otto felt that his Soul Steel was almost failing from that punch. He also knew that Durandal had become stronger, possessing such power without wearing Valkyrie armor.
"Bianka, when did you find out?"
Without answering Otto's question, Durandal tossed his severed arm aside.
"I won't forget the kindness of your teachings, but I heard that you, Bishop, have many bodies, right? In that case, let me give you a good beating."
On this day, the Valkyries in the Schicksal headquarters heard some strange noises, but the headquarters did not issue an alarm, so they probably thought it was construction or something.