"Lord Alliance Leader, what an honor to see you here. May I inquire if there is any specific matter requiring your immediate attention? My apologies, but Lord Ryoma happens to be away at the moment." The speaker, Raiden Ryoma's assistant and current representative of Anti-Entropy's Far East branch, was a portly politician with a receding hairline resembling the Mediterranean Sea. He humbly paid his respects to Welt.
Welt shook his head with a gentle smile. "I'm aware that Ryoma is at Headquarters. I just wanted to take a look around here myself. Don't worry about me; please attend to your own matters."
"Well... perhaps I could arrange for a guide?"
"That works. Thank you very much."
"You're too kind—it would be my honor."
As Welt watched him leave, he sighed helplessly.
Not many people within Anti-Entropy had met him, but there were still some who did, including Raiden Ryoma's trusted assistant. Surprisingly, this aide excelled in intelligence work; as soon as Welt entered the city, the representative rushed over promptly.
Indeed, without being adept at gathering information, how could one operate effectively under Schicksal's Far East Branch scrutiny?
Now seated in a café, Welt seized the opportunity to be alone and retrieved a thick dark red notebook from his backpack.
Day 1 of Investigation in the Far East Region:
The natural environment is favorable, and urban development is well-established. However, the atmosphere feels oppressive. The disparities between individuals of different professions and social classes are strikingly evident, revealing a stark alienation within society.
Schicksal's secular influence is not evident here, providing Anti-Entropy with opportunities for expansion. The two organizations coexisting on this land with virtually no friction is highly unusual and merits further examination.
Regarding Honkai, the Far East region seems to have experienced limited threats from it, which is abnormal for such a densely populated developed area. Based on the patterns of Honkai occurrences, this place is likely to be the site of the next major disaster. I must take action.
Let's start by revisiting "Saint Freya" once again.
However, before that, it appears my dinner plans are uncertain. Having given away all my travel expenses along the way, what should I do now?
Welt closed his notebook, thoughtful contemplation reflected in his bright, clear brown eyes as he weighed whether to dine at the local Anti-Entropy branch or seek sustenance from Principal Theresa.
While skipping a meal wouldn't harm him, being human, it generally benefits one to partake in life's simple pleasures like enjoying food.
Shortly after, his guide arrived.
Whether chosen for deeper significance or simply due to suitability, the guide assigned to Welt by Assistant Dragon was an elegant woman named Mizuki, exuding grace and poise.
Mizuki seemed somewhat reserved; understandably so, considering she faced the leader of Anti-Entropy. As a junior officer, feeling nervous was only natural.
"Greetings, Lord Leader. It is Mizuki's utmost honor to serve you. Please call me Moon."
"Right, Moon? What a unique name. Now, there's a harsh reality I need to explain."
"Please go ahead. For Anti-Entropy's cause, it is my duty and privilege to assist."
"You're quite spirited! So, um, did you bring any money with you? To be honest, what little cash I have only covers this cup of coffee here. If you don't have anything on hand either, we won't be able to order anything else," Welt said gravely.
Mizuki was visibly taken aback.
Wait, this is our Alliance Leader for Anti-Entropy? How come he seems nothing like what I imagined?!
Despite herself, she began to relax as they sat together, gradually engaging in conversation.
The afternoon slipped by in their talk.
At the Entropy Headquarters' cafeteria, Mizuki watched Welt effortlessly blend in with the lower-ranking staff, chatting amicably about various topics without any hint of distance between them.
He truly is unlike what I expected!
Standing outside the cafeteria, Mizuki observed the Alliance Leader with his warm smile, reminiscent of a friendly neighborhood boy. Gradually, a grin spread across her face too.
Though different from her initial perception, having him as the Alliance Leader doesn't seem so bad after all.
Welt stayed at Anti-Entropy's headquarters for several days. Apart from Mizuki, Ryoma's assistant and guide, no one suspected anything amiss; they all assumed he was a new intern.
He befriended everyone effortlessly, engaging in open-hearted conversations with anyone he met. When it was time to leave, some even spontaneously organized a farewell party for him. It wasn't extravagant, just drinks at the cafeteria, but everyone seemed genuinely happy.
After the gathering, Mizuki escorted him out of the base.
On their way back, they passed by a production workshop.
As Mizuki observed the workers laboring overtime inside, she felt something had subtly changed about them. They worked with renewed vigor, their hopeful smiles shining despite their fatigue.
"Lord Alliance Leader is truly a remarkable person," Mizuki mused aloud.
Welt walked towards Saint Freya Academy, carrying his wages from several days of labor and winnings from card games with fellow workers—a satisfying haul indeed.
What do you mean, cheating?
Can using the Herrscher of Reason's Authority be considered cheating? If it goes undetected, it's not dishonest!
With a slight smile, Welt reached the academy's ground-level transport hub. However, having resigned from his teaching position, theoretically, he should no longer have access to reach the floating academy through this checkpoint.
But every rule has exceptions; how would one know without trying?
"Um, hello. I'm Welt Yang, formerly a history teacher at the academy. Today, as I happened to pass by, I'd like to visit the Principal. Could you kindly inform her of my presence?"
The female student serving as the receptionist pushed her glasses up, studying Welt's amiable demeanor.
Hmm, tall and slender, but he seemed quite sturdy. Still, maybe a bit too mild-mannered—could be one of those harmless herbivore types?
Strangely enough, despite Welt introducing himself as the Anti-Entropy Alliance Leader, his disarmingly calm demeanor prevented her from associating him with that organization at all.
"I'll let Principal Schicksal know. Please wait here."
"Thank you very much."
Soon after, the student returned with Theresa's communication.
"Waaaah! Teacher Yang, you scumbag, how dare you show your face around here?! Do you have any idea how deeply hurt I was by your abrupt resignation?! To this day, I still haven't found another history teacher who is both competent and willing to endure such hardship!"
"Principal, as I've said before, it was due to urgent family matters. There truly wasn't any other choice. My sincerest apologies for causing inconvenience."
"Hmph! I know that's why you didn't refuse to talk with me. If you're willing to return, as Principal, I'll make a grand exception and give your salary a ten-percent raise!"
"That's tempting, but today I'm really just here for a visit."
"Then don't bother coming. I don't want to see you; it'd only annoy me. Goodbye!"
"Um, I brought a limited edition set of Homu comics..."
"The jet will be there within ten minutes!" Theresa cut off the call.
Welt returned the communicator to the student.
She glanced at the device, then looked back at Welt's smiling face, suddenly wondering if her initial impression of him being harmless and straightforward might have been too hasty.
******
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