One week later.
A week had passed since Schicksal invaded the Far East Branch.
During this time, thanks to the financial and technological assistance from Anti-Entropy's Einstein and Tesla.
The reconstruction speed of St. Freya Academy was quite fast.
It was also thanks to the fact that they had been invaded by Honkai Beasts for years, necessitating repairs every so often.
The Academy's walls were reinforced once again, and using Anti-Entropy's latest technology, all the original Schicksal weaponry was replaced!
Countless mechs were also transported by Tesla and gifted to the Far East Branch.
The not-so-large St. Freya Academy was fully repaired amidst a scene of prosperity.
Now, Schicksal had also provided massive compensation, including Valkyrie armors and a large amount of financial reparations.
They only sought a ceasefire.
Thus, logically and reasonably, Theresa signed a series of unequal treaties with Schicksal.
For instance, the Far East Branch's independence, and Schicksal's Valkyries being forbidden from stepping onto Far East territory.
In other words, this was a victory for the Far East Branch.
Furthermore, Himeko's injuries were healed by a guilt-ridden Durandal using Black Abyss White Flower and the authority of "Creation."
Upon learning that Otto's goal wasn't to capture the Herrscher or kill Benares, but something else, and that he had exploited their sense of justice, Durandal felt as if she'd been struck by lightning, and the lance in her hand wavered.
All the things she had done were actually just bad deeds helping an aggressor.
Such things ran completely contrary to her spiritual principles!
Due to the turmoil, the Orphanage was also hit by artillery fire.
The reconstruction cost Theresa a lot of money, making her so distressed that she didn't drink Bitter Melon Juice for a whole day.
Of course, this invasion would not be forgotten just like that.
They still needed time; just give them a little more time.
This grudge must be avenged.
Once the Far East Branch was repaired and everyone regrouped.
The moment to step into the heart of Schicksal would surely come... In the evening, night fell.
The air was thick with moisture, and dense mist rose with the rhythmic movements of Yunduo's fingertips.
By a river outside the Academy, she held a Bitter Melon Juice, sipping it loudly.
Opposite her was Bronya, sitting on Project Bunny, calmly looking at Yunduo and the rushing river behind her.
Many unexpected things had happened during this period.
The two of them used to come to this river often.
Now that she thought about it, it had actually been over two months since they last visited.
Bronya wore a pure white long dress; the azure gown flowed over Project Bunny's shell, making her look cute with a hint of innocence.
Her gaze drifted, then she suddenly yawned, a tear escaping the corner of her eye.
"What's wrong? You're suddenly staring at me without moving. Are you feeling cold?"
Yunduo's greeting woke Bronya from her daze. She shook her head and said, "While Bronya doesn't understand why Sister Yunduo insisted that Bronya wear the Herrscher of Reason's clothes, this custom-made gown is not cold to wear."
"Ehehe~ Naturally, it's because I think these clothes are cute and match Bronya's temperament perfectly. They're both elegant and adorable. I really like them... they really hit my 'XP'."
"—XP? What does that mean? Why would it 'hit' you? Bronya doesn't understand."
"Nothing, nothing."
Yunduo brushed it off and finished her Bitter Melon Juice in one gulp.
After finishing, she slowly walked toward Bronya. To Bronya's confused expression, she leisurely pulled out two bottles of Happy Water from the inner side of Project Bunny. The glass surfaces were covered in condensation, clearly chilled.
Bronya: "???"
I lent you the motorcycle for racing, and you're actually using it as a refrigerator?
"Here, for you." Yunduo placed a bottle of Happy Water in Bronya's arms, then put the glass bottle's mouth to her own mouth, applying pressure with her teeth.
With a 'crack,' the bottle cap was bitten off by her.
Taking the Happy Water, Bronya used a protrusion on Project Bunny to pry the bottle open. She took a small sip and asked in a low voice, "By the way... is Otto really dead?" "Dead? How could he die so easily?"
Yunduo licked her lips, feeling the sweet taste on the tip of her tongue. "Even if Schicksal falls and this world is destroyed, he wouldn't die that easily. What I killed was merely one of his bodies."
"He has countless other bodies stored in various Schicksal laboratories or secret bases—places we can't find anyway. That's why he can pull all these stunts; he isn't afraid of death."
"As long as he achieves his goals, everyone's lives are as light as a feather."
Bronya didn't say anything more upon hearing this, simply leaning against Yunduo's shoulder.
Feeling the warmth from the shoulder, she lightly bit her lip, her heart feeling warm.
Dark clouds drifted across the sky, soon to gather into a large black mass; a rainstorm was imminent.
The cold wind in the air brushed against her cheeks, giving a sensation like winter.
But her temperature... was so warm.
It also carried a gentle spring scent, mixed with a faint body fragrance. With a light sniff, the aroma entered her nostrils.
Nuzzling against the coat felt like being covered by a smooth, thick barrier.
It blocked out the icy cold wind.
Closest to the heart, there was only warmth.
"Hmm? Are you tired? You want to sleep after only walking a few steps?"
Yunduo chuckled.
Bronya paused for two seconds and said in a muffled voice, "Sister Yunduo, don't let yourself be easily tricked away by others. Bronya would be very sad if that happened."
"Eh? I won't. How is that possible? Why the sudden talk?"
Yunduo was stunned.
Anyone who wanted to trick her would only succeed if she were willing to be fooled.
Otherwise, there probably wasn't anyone in this world who could.
Bronya didn't explain but looked up at the sky and sighed:
"The weather changes so fast. There was sun this morning, but these past two days it's been half rain and half clear skies. I don't even know what to wear anymore."
"Let's go, let's head back along the path. Sister Mei should be waiting for us now."
"Mhm."
Taking Bronya's small hand, it felt soft and smooth like jade, the sensation in her palm was wonderful.
The two of them walked on the way back to the dormitory.
They took the small paths along the way, passing through forests, crossing rivers and streams, and seeing scorched marks on the ground from flames.
It was as if they had entered a world of just the two of them.
Their breathing and heartbeats echoed each other.
Gradually, their palms joined as they walked in silence.
Light rain hit the soil, and the fragrance of the earth spread with the gentle breeze.
"It's raining, it's cool..."
After walking for over ten minutes, Bronya stopped. Small raindrops fell from the sky, quietly sliding down.
They were almost at the dormitory.
It was probably less than a hundred meters away.
Bronya's eyes were a bit dazed, as if she hadn't realized how quickly time had passed.
Are we home?
She didn't feel particularly happy.
Bronya gazed into the distance and saw the familiar dormitory nearby, and the cherry blossom tree swaying in the rain at the entrance.
The surroundings gradually became familiar.
But... she felt a bit reluctant to leave.
"What's wrong? Don't want to go home?"
Yunduo leaned over and asked in a gentle tone, like coaxing a child.
"No—just, I want to rest a bit longer."
While Bronya was speaking.
Yunduo had been using her index finger to lightly scratch the back of her neck, her feather-like fingertip sliding up and down.
Bronya felt the finger on her neck was warm and soft, with a tingly sensation that felt very comfortable.
It was... a bit like petting a cat.
And she was the ragdoll cat under Yunduo's hand.
---------------------------------
I hope you enjoy this fanfiction! If you're having fun and want to read 30 chapters in advance, feel free to check out my Patreon: patreon.com/TLScarlet
Your support means a lot so if you like the story, don't forget to drop a Power Stone.