"Ah—such confident words. Why don't I just kill you now?"
Hera's laughter seemed like that of someone seeing their beloved, filled with bashful joy and captivating charm. Yet behind her, countless golden ripples appeared, revealing an array of diverse golden weapons slowly emerging from within them.
Welt sighed, and the "Phantom-Imitation Star of Eden" gradually vanished from his hand. He said, "Don't be ridiculous. I won't die here, and you're not one to waste effort on futile endeavors. Let's leave greetings at this point. Since we've met, why not sit down for a proper conversation?"
"Zeke was my friend; he had the right to speak such words to me anytime. As for you, what entitles you?"
"Friends, ah... I heard you once tried to become friends with Joyce but failed. How about we give it a shot too? After all, I'm also named Welt—you have nothing to lose!"
Hera's smile gradually faded, and along with it disappeared the suffocating sea of golden ripples.
"Joyce, indeed, it is unfortunate."
"And isn't it partly due to your own misdeeds? Just as I said, you truly are a contradictory and twisted individual."
Welt spoke calmly.
This attitude would have been unimaginable to his past self, but now he had achieved it.
Hera suddenly smiled again.
"Before, when I looked at you, it was like watching someone chasing Joyce's shadow. But now, you've changed—somewhat intriguing. Let's chat."
"I heard from Zeke that Miss Rita here is quite skilled with tea ceremonies, but unfortunately, I didn't bring any leaves."
"No worries, I brought some myself. How can one converse with guests without offering tea?"
"Well then, I won't be polite about it. To be honest, I'm terribly broke right now."
With a wave of Welt's hand, the shattered pavilion reconstructed itself amidst purple radiance. The two took their seats across from each other as if nothing had happened.
At this point, Theresa, who had remained on the sidelines witnessing the destruction, glanced at the pair acting oblivious and instantly flared up.
"︵(′□`)︶ Hey!" she exclaimed angrily.
"Do either of you realize where we are? Do you know who I am?! How dare you cause chaos here, showing such disregard for me, Theresa!"
"I am Hera Schariac. By bloodline and seniority, consider me Cecilia's aunt. You may call me Grandma, Little Theresa."
"Allow me to introduce myself properly: I am Welt Yang, leader of Anti-Entropy. Siegfried is receiving treatment under my care. Oh, and his daughter Kiana is with us as well. For their sake, please calm down, Principal Theresa."
Theresa's fiery demeanor instantly dissipated. Under Hera's amused smile and Welt's kindly gaze, her expression gradually softened.
Cecilia's...elder relative?
Siegfried was one thing, but Kiana...
Theresa's hand trembled, causing the massive Cross she carried to clatter to the floor.
By the time she realized what happened, Hera had already enveloped her in a warm embrace, gently stroking her chin with a porcelain-like hand.
"Don't..."
"What a good girl, such a good girl~"
"No... Hmm, lower...just a bit more..."
"So obedient. Here, have some bitter melon juice."
With remarkable skill, Hera tamed Theresa effortlessly. Holding the now pliant little girl, she offered her a glass of bitter melon juice.
Watching Theresa clutching the drink, eyes half-closed, a pure and innocent bloom seeming to blossom on her face, brought evident joy to Hera's expression.
Rita, busy brewing tea, kept her focus intently downward, not daring to glance at Theresa for fear that her overflowing envy, jealousy, and devotion might disrupt the purity of the brew.
Soon after, Rita served the tea and watched as Hera, with her intimidating presence, shared a drink with the equally formidable Anti-Entropy Alliance Leader.
Rita lowered her gaze.
Given:
Zeke is Otto's close friend, surnamed Kaslana, a high-ranking officer within Schicksal, and an Enforcer for Anti-Entropy. Hera, family head of House Schariac, brought a shipment of Soulium to Anti-Entropy Headquarters as a gift for Zeke, and even ordered Rita to fight alongside Anti-Entropy once. Wendy, the former prodigy from the Oceania Branch, now resides at Anti-Entropy Headquarters. The renowned father-daughter duo, Siegried and Kiana Kaslana, remain affiliated with Anti-Entropy. Hera came to meet Welt, seemingly clashing on the surface but actually sharing a relationship amicable enough for afternoon tea. From their earlier conversation, it was clear they were already acquainted.
Question:
What exactly is the relationship between Schicksal and Anti-Entropy? And how complex are the connections among their leadership?
Rita wrung her fingers anxiously, feeling her brain overheat from processing all this information.
Unfortunately, Lady Durandal had fallen unconscious, and Murata Himeko beside her seemed just as bewildered. In other words, Rita was the only one aware of these intricate details.
No, perhaps it was fortunate that Lady Durandal was unconscious.
Let Rita bear the burden of this intricate web of conspiracies and schemes all by herself. To protect Lady Durandal's purity, even if it means becoming a pawn in the game played by these influential figures, I, Rita, am willing to accept my fate!
In that moment, Rita reached enlightenment. Indeed, having learned so much already, there was no escaping this obscure vortex now. Might as well embrace her destiny.
With this realization, Rita felt instantly relieved.
Meanwhile, after teasing Theresa for quite some time, Hera finally satisfied her longing for her adorable granddaughter and turned toward Welt. "So, what purpose do you serve traveling the world, forging connections with people everywhere?"
"To save the world, one must first listen to its voice and understand its desires—I'm working on this initial step, which is also a learning experience."
"Oh?" Hera paused in her playful antics with Theresa. "It sounds like something out of a fairy tale."
"Not at all! I've gained much from my journey, feeling more enlightened about the world each day. This endeavor is undoubtedly worthwhile, in my opinion."
"Your naivety makes me want to laugh."
"Aren't you already laughing? O tyrant of the heavens, how long has it been since you last listened to the voices from below?"
The familiar epithet reminded Hera of her past conflict with Joyce.
Then, she shook her head.
"Never. The vast majority of humans are ugly and superficial creatures, always have been. Why should I waste my time listening to such meaningless sounds?"
"You're mistaken."
"How so?"
"Humans can be both ugly and beautiful, shallow yet as profound as the boundless universe. Each individual among the teeming masses possesses unique appearances and thoughts. What you see is akin to a haphazardly painted canvas, with too many murky colors intertwining randomly, vying against each other for prominence amidst chaotic disorder, naturally eliciting disgust. However, if a master artist were to take charge, providing sufficient arrangement to allow every hue to fully express itself while harmoniously complementing others, these same colors could create a magnificent masterpiece that would awe even the starlit sky." Welt spoke slowly, his voice filled with emotion and pride. A peculiar gleam seemed to spark in his eyes, something Hera hadn't witnessed in a long time.