As Kiana carried Elias on her back, she and Mei carefully made their way back, unaware that the world's attention was already on them.
Anti-Entropy, Schicksal, and a certain lurking serpent had long since cast their gaze upon Nagazora City.
At this moment, within Anti-Entropy—
"Damn it! Just a little more! We were so close! I can't believe our plan was ruined by some ordinary boy. No—I refuse to let this end here!"
Cocolia growled in frustration.
This was a plan she had meticulously crafted for who knew how long, and just as success was within reach, Elias had interfered. There was no way she would let this slide.
"Send out my orders—gather every available unit. We must secure the Third Herrscher!"
"Understood, Executioner Cocolia."
"And inform Bronya to move in first. Schicksal has undoubtedly noticed all this commotion—have her act before they do and claim the target first."
"Yes, ma'am!"
"Elias, was it? I'll remember you."
Cocolia's violet eyes fixated on the unconscious boy displayed on the large screen, her forehead creased with irritation.
...
Meanwhile, over at Schicksal—
Clap, clap, clap.
Applause rang out in front of a virtual display. A golden-haired, handsome man showed no hesitation in expressing his admiration.
"Marvelous, simply marvelous~ Though that fox of Anti-Entropy tends to overestimate herself, I must admit… this boy truly managed to halt a Honkai Eruption all on his own."
"Your Excellency, here is the report you requested."
"Much appreciated, Amber. Hah, to think he really is just an ordinary person—no special background, no remarkable abilities. In that case, what transpired tonight can only be described as a miracle."
Otto casually set aside Elias' file before signaling Amber to uncork a bottle of wine.
Swirling his glass, Schicksal's Overseer raised it slightly toward the screen before taking a sip.
"A toast to you, young man. And I must extend my gratitude as well—for you have provided irrefutable proof for my theories. You have demonstrated that human bonds, emotions, and connections can spark miracles beyond even the will of Honkai."
"Ah, what a beautiful thing—human relationships transforming into pure, formidable power. A force capable of accomplishing what technology and military might cannot."
"Just like how your actions led a Herrscher to relinquish her authority, abandon her mission, and even surrender her own existence… Ah~ this far exceeds even my expectations."
At this moment, Otto was genuinely delighted.
For the first time in centuries, he felt true joy.
Elias, Kiana, and Raiden Mei had long since caught Otto's attention.
After all, Mei was a Herrscher candidate, and as for the little troublemaker in the middle… she was one of the most crucial pieces in his five-hundred-year plan.
However, Elias was an unforeseen variable—a delightful surprise. Otto had chosen not to interfere, treating this as a small-scale prelude to his grander schemes.
He wanted to see if these two, who shared such deep bonds with Mei, could awaken her human will even after she had succumbed to her Herrscher persona.
But the outcome far exceeded his expectations.
Raiden Mei had willingly become a Herrscher to protect them—and through Elias' actions, her Herrscher consciousness had actually chosen to return to humanity.
"I hope that, in the future, K423 will achieve the same as Raiden Mei… No, she must achieve it. Amber, inform Theresa—tell her that her dear niece is currently in Nagazora City, and have her recover the Herrscher of Thunder as well."
"Understood, Your Excellency."
"Such a pity, though… truly unfortunate~ If only this boy, Elias, could also be included in my plan. K423 seems to have formed a bond with him as well. With his involvement, the success rate would increase by several more percentage points."
Otto's intelligence and foresight were beyond dispute. Despite his morally questionable actions, his capabilities were undeniable.
He had already seen through Elias' current condition.
"Rest well, young man. But… if you manage to defy fate and perform another miracle, then even I, Otto Apocalypse, will have to reevaluate you."
With that, Otto closed the projection in front of him. Then, much to the exasperation of his secretary, Amber, he pulled out a handheld gaming console from who-knew-where.
He booted up Kallen Fantasy IV.
Otto: (My heart and my actions are as clear as a mirror; everything I do is for Kallen's revival!)
Amber: "Your Excellency, you still have unfinished work."
Otto: "Ah~ Kallen!"
Amber: "..."
...
Meanwhile, somewhere in Nagazora City—
A woman, shrouded in a gray-black tactical bodysuit with a hood covering her head, hid in the shadows, communicating with her superior.
"It's hard to believe… The Third Herrscher actually gave up her authority. Raven, are you certain about this intel?"
"Believe it or don't! Gray Serpent, do you have any idea how close I was to getting fried by the Herrscher of Thunder's lightning just now?! Do you know how much effort I put into gathering this information?!"
"Your mission bonus will be doubled."
"Too easy! I swear on my future island villa, it's absolutely true. That boy is something else—he even managed to win over the heart of the Herrscher of Thunder."
Raven clicked her tongue in amazement. She had seen a lot over the years, but this was beyond anything she had expected. If it weren't for the fact that it was still too early for World Serpent to reveal itself, she might not have been able to resist taking action herself.
Against a fully awakened Herrscher, even she wouldn't stand a chance.
However, Raven possessed a relic from the Previous Era—a Divine Key known as Key of Sanction: Seven Thunders of Retribution. Even an incomplete Herrscher would struggle to survive if struck by its power.
That said, rather than upholding some grand mission to protect the world, Raven's true motivation was much simpler—money.
"Your mission has been extended. Continue surveillance, but do not engage or reveal yourself. The time for World Serpent to emerge has not yet come."
"Tch, I haven't had a proper break in a week! Do you have any idea what I've been eating while those three brats spend their days flirting over gourmet meals?!"
"Your mission bonus will be tripled."
"Deal."
As long as the money was right, there was no room for complaints.
Raven shut off her communicator, already imagining the dream villa she'd been saving up for. With this job, she was finally about to hit her goal.
(Just a little more, kids. Your dear teacher is about to secure her down payment! Hmm, after this, I'll take on a few smaller jobs to fix up the villa too.)
Today, Raven was once again working overtime for her dream home—completely unaware of the looming disaster that would soon befall her.