From ancient times to the present, scholars and wise men who emerged at the beginning of this era's civilization have shone endlessly like stars in the night sky. Among those who could stand at the pinnacle, one man was absolutely indispensable.
A man named Otto Apocalypse.
Although he called himself a fool, that was only because he chose to act stubbornly even while knowing that he was doing something wrong.
As he said, a person's life undergoes three stages of growth.
The first is realizing the right and wrong of things.
The second is realizing that some things are not just about right and wrong.
The third is realizing that after some things have no right or wrong, one still firmly does what one believes in and takes responsibility for it.
Otto clearly knew what he was doing and what his actions would bring.
But even he, who prided himself on being the smartest person, didn't know how to achieve the thing he had always hoped for.
He placed his hope in Honkai, which brought countless disasters to humanity yet was omnipotent, but he still couldn't get a clear answer.
He schemed against countless people, caused the deaths of countless people, and saved countless people.
He saved Herrschers, protected Herrschers, yet also killed Herrschers.
Those who didn't know his true purpose might simply regard him as a capricious villain who acted solely on his whims.
But upon learning Otto's true objective, that initial impression would be completely overturned.
He could perhaps be called a thorough villain, not even worthy of being called a human.
However, the emotions he held were not in the least bit false.
From beginning to end, his sole purpose was to make up for his regrets, to resurrect the Saintess who died because of him.
And now…
Before he had found a way to save his Saintess, he saw hope of achieving his goal from someone he never expected.
"A special energy that is neither Honkai, Imaginary, nor Quantum."
Squinting at the analyzed data in front of him, even Otto fell into a bit of confusion.
There are many supernatural energies in this world, whether it's Honkai as a disaster, the Imaginary Tree supporting the world's growth, or the mysterious Sea of Quanta.
Schicksal has conducted relevant research on these and understands some of their characteristics.
However, the energy used in this so-called Holy Grail ritual's contract and the magic for summoning Servants is completely different from these three.
It can be said that the development direction of all technological trees in this world is towards Honkai.
Without Honkai Energy, let alone development, many current technologies cannot even be used.
Therefore, even Otto was at a loss regarding this completely different energy.
Of course…
If given enough time, he could thoroughly research this energy called magic.
But what he lacked most now was time.
Due to his caution, he didn't summon a Servant immediately, but after wasting a few days to confirm there would be no obvious danger, he decided to proceed with the summoning.
"Amber, send Him over."
Even though he planned to temporarily put off the summoning, Otto had still prepared the Holy Relic in advance.
It's just that this Holy Relic was a bit more extravagant than what others would prepare…
It was a huge mechanical box, transported by machinery into a room inscribed with a magic circle.
As the leader of Schicksal, the resources Otto could mobilize were naturally quite extravagant.
Therefore, the materials for drawing the magic circle were also the best available in the records.
Looking at the massive mechanical box in front of him, Otto's eyes were filled with remembrance.
He walked to the side of the mechanical box and looked at the only glass window through which one could see inside.
Inside, a white-haired girl lay peacefully.
It turned out this was not a machine at all, but a specially made coffin.
In this coffin, even after five hundred years, her physical body showed no changes.
Otto had used every method he could think of to preserve Kallen's remains, hoping that one day, she might reawaken.
Unfortunately.
The world allows consciousness to match new vessels, but it does not allow vessels to collect dissipated consciousness.
Even though Kallen's injuries on her body had been repaired by Otto over the years, Kallen showed no signs of reviving or waking up. He could only place his hopes on the ethereal soul.
But it doesn't matter, perhaps today this can be proven.
Compared to using related items, what could be a better Holy Relic than the person's own remains?
Anyway, no matter what it was, Otto felt that because it had been used by others, it couldn't fully, 100% summon the person he wanted to see.
"It's ready, Your Eminence."
As Otto gazed at Kallen lying in the coffin, Amber had already finished preparing everything that was needed.
"Magic exists within living beings, doesn't it? I just wonder if my Soul Steel body can become a Master."
Hearing Amber's words, Otto looked at the back of his hand.
Although he had been beaten by Durandal, he felt it was worth it. After signing the contract, he obtained Command Spells on the back of his hand, which were the authority to summon Servants.
In his research, magic exists within living beings, and life…
Although he looked no different from a human, he knew that his body was no longer flesh and blood, but a body made of Soul Steel.
If he could, he hoped to have others test it first.
But there were no other slots, so he could only "risk himself."
Looking at the magic circle in front of him, Otto chanted the incantation while thinking of the person he longed for.
Otto's expression remained unchanged at the light emitted by the magic circle.
Only when he saw the familiar figure appearing in the very center of the magic circle did his eyes slowly widen.
"The righteous phantom thief, Phantom Thief Violet, has arrived! Master, would you like to join me in robbing the rich to help the poor?"
Amidst the light, a figure in a purple dress appeared.
Amber looked at the appearing figure with some surprise.
She knew who her prototype was, and seeing this figure, who, though masked, clearly looked like her, she hadn't expected her prototype to be such a… lively person?
"Kallen…"
Looking at the familiar figure, although different from the person in his memory, Otto's intuition gave him the answer.
"Eh!? Otto, why is it you!?"