"Relax a bit, control your emotions. Do you want the gemstone's power to manipulate you?"
"Spare me the chatter, just get on with it. I'm not afraid."
"If your eyelashes weren't trembling, I might believe you."
"Why would you be looking at my eyelashes anyway? Focus on doing your job!" Wendy flushed red, unsure whether it was from anger or embarrassment.
After all, she was still a girl. Noticing such subtle details as her quivering eyelashes—didn't that imply Zeke was intensely observing her? How could she not feel embarrassed?
"The procedure goes like this: Using sufficient Honkai Energy, we'll draw out the gemstone, separate it from your body, isolate its power with Soulium, extract the gem, and finally save your life—got it?"
"With such vague explanations? As if I'd understand!"
"Even if I went into more detail, you wouldn't comprehend it. Knowing the general process is enough."
"In any case, let's begin! If I so much as whimper, I'm no true Valkyrie of Schicksal!" Wendy declared defiantly, closing her eyes with pride. Despite being securely strapped to the restraint table, she exuded strength, as if commanding the situation.
Zeke raised an eyebrow.
Her courage was commendable indeed. Extracting the gemstone would involve removing the Honkai Energy currently sustaining her unique physiology, inevitably causing excruciating pain.
But the real challenge arose after extraction. With the mutated body losing its supporting energy, it would undergo a catastrophic collapse from within.
The agony would be unimaginably intense.
Zeke had prepared accordingly, but there was only so much he could do to alleviate the suffering.
However, given the young girl's bravery, there was no need to waste time on further preparations; it was best to proceed immediately.
With a stoic expression, Zeke activated a series of instruments.
Suddenly feeling a chill run through her closed-eyed body, Wendy asked sharply, sensing something amiss, "Did you just think about something sinister?"
Zeke calmly replied, "Nope. Let's begin."
"Wait... Aaaaaargh!!!" Her distorted scream echoed throughout the entire base.
With a stoic expression, Zeke controlled the instruments while casting a deadened gaze at the convulsing girl on the restraint table.
Her eyes rolled back, and crystalline drool flowed from the corners of her mouth. Accompanied by her restless writhing and spasms, she emitted piercing screams.
So much for not uttering a single sound, huh?
Is that all you've got?
Zeke pursed his lips, deciding to intervene earlier than planned. He administered pain relief to ease her suffering and continued with the surgical procedure.
Meanwhile, in the distant Far East, Welt met with Theresa.
"Principal, long time no see. You don't seem to have grown taller at all."
"...I'm telling you, you won't make it out of this academy today."
"The Homu Series Anniversary Artbook, for your enjoyment."
"Hmph! Do you really think I'd appreciate such childish things? But since it's a thoughtful gesture and looks like you put much effort into it, I'll reluctantly accept."
Theresa snatched the comic book from Welt with a rustle, flipped through it briefly, and her eyes immediately sparkled with delight.
"Oh, so you're that exceptional history teacher the Principal can't stop talking about? It's an honor to finally meet you."
A languid yet seductive voice drifted over from behind Welt as a striking redheaded woman entered the pavilion.
Welt turned around, studied her silently for several seconds, then sighed deeply.
"Himeko, I never expected you to take this path. I've learned about your experiences, and I'm truly sorry and regretful for not being able to help."
Murata Himeko was taken aback.
The first time she met Welt, he was an associate professor at Caltech: a young scholar, both deeply knowledgeable and charismatic.
Later, after a series of events, this professor mysteriously disappeared.
Murata Himeko later investigated his whereabouts—the true identity of the Anti-Entropy Alliance Leader might have been classified, but for someone as intelligent as her—an A-rank Valkyrie—it was only a matter of time before she uncovered the information.
Upon arriving at Saint Freya Academy, Murata Himeko immediately recognized Welt from personnel files. However, due to timing constraints, they never managed to meet face-to-face.
Murata Himeko had a pragmatic view regarding the positions of Schicksal and Anti-Entropy. She also trusted Welt's character completely, intending to help him maintain his cover discreetly. To her surprise, Welt chose to openly reveal their connection instead.
"It has nothing to do with you, I suppose it's just fate?"
Murata Himeko abandoned any pretense, her eyes reflecting a complex mix of emotions that ultimately turned into a subtle melancholy, enveloping her graceful and voluptuous figure, making her appear even more pitiful yet captivating.
"No, fate lies within our own hands. I don't believe destiny is predetermined to be tragic; if it were, I would shatter it and reshape everything anew."
Welt spoke calmly as he extended his hand, revealing a blue syringe.
"What's this?"
"A Honkai Energy inhibitor capable of suppressing even Herrscher Cores' eruptions. It should have remarkable effects on alleviating your Entropy Erosion symptoms. Use it once you return home. Your life has just entered its most beautiful phase, and I won't let you wither away now."
"...In what capacity do you speak these words to me?"
"Perhaps, as an elder? After all, I am your teacher!"
Welt smiled warmly, aligning perfectly with Murata Himeko's cherished memories of him.
However, she wasn't pleased; instead, her expression grew tense, suddenly unwilling to say anything more.
Confused, Welt tilted his head slightly and moved the syringe closer to Murata Himeko again.
She stared at him for a moment before swiftly snatching the medication and casually tucking it inside her collar.
Holding her comic book, Theresa glanced at Welt and then Murata Himeko, suddenly realizing something with a visible exclamation mark above her head.
"Wait! You two know each other?! No wait, how do you have a Honkai Energy inhibitor? Who exactly are you?!"
"As for me, I'm just an ordinary—what did you say?"
Boom! Despite raising his defenses, Welt could not block the lightning-fast fist that easily pierced through his guard, striking him squarely on the cheek and sending him flying.
"Who's there?!"
As Welt hurtled backward, Theresa swiftly grabbed onto the nearby giant Cross, while Murata Himeko readied herself to attack.
In their line of sight appeared a petite young girl with mesmerizing long golden hair, shimmering like flowing gold.
"Anti-Entropy Alliance Leader, I never thought you'd actually dare to kidnap Lady Theresa! How audacious!" Durandal frowned fiercely, her gaze fixed menacingly in the direction where Welt had been sent flying.
However, when the dust settled, no trace of anyone remained amidst the shattered ground.
"What? I'm sure my attack should've hit!"
Durandal cautiously scanned her surroundings when suddenly, a hand rested on her shoulder.
"Gravity at five thousand times...still not enough? Ten thousand, twenty thousand... Ahh, this is giving me a headache. How about fifty thousand times gravity? Calm down a bit, young lady."
"Aghhh!"
The immense pressure rendered Durandal momentarily unable to control her body. She dropped to one knee, sinking deep into the ground, yet she gritted her teeth and defiantly glared at Welt.
Welt rubbed his slightly sore cheeks and declared, "Come out now. With an S-rank Valkyrie from Schicksal Headquarters present, there must be some other important figures eager to meet me, right?"
Looking skyward, Welt saw two ethereal figures, reminiscent of divine maidens under the moonlight, gracefully descending.
'Wow! They actually managed to transform into female bodies. Impressive, Otto.'
Scratching his head, Welt cast a peculiar gaze at Hera, eventually managing a strange smile.