Volume 3, Chapter 50: The Price Anti-Entropy Paid: Divine Key Jizo Mitama

Please support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I'm working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for most novels - There are at least twice as many available chapters on Patreon, compared to here on Webnovel. Additionally, there are also free extra chapters available for Free Members, so head on over:

Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff

******

Two days later, Kiana appeared at the Oceanic Branch.

Xia Chen was surprised by her visit and greeted her alongside Wendy.

Kiana got straight to the point, "The doctors have agreed to your terms, but considering Bronya's safety, there is something we need your assistance with."

She continued, "We will hand over the Divine Key, Jizo Mitama, to Schicksal, but it must be done on our terms."

Xia Chen, taken aback, exclaimed, "Wait, Jizo Mitama?"

He couldn't comprehend why Anti-Entropy would willingly trade such a Divine Key, as its value far outweighed any perceived equality in the deal.

Kiana nodded, "That's correct."

According to Dr. Einstein, she explained, "A transaction involving the Divine Key is significant enough to pause hostilities between both sides temporarily, allowing each organization to address internal matters, wouldn't you agree?"

Schicksal needed leverage to suppress rumors internally and restore order. Meanwhile, Anti-Entropy had to contend with the Herrscher of Dominance and Cocolia. At present, they had no immediate use for Jizo Mitama, nor could they foresee future applications for it.

Anti-Entropy had conducted extensive research on the Jizo Mitama, but without knowledge from the previous civilization era, these studies proved largely useless.

Currently, Anti-Entropy lacked the capability to replicate it, making it more practical to directly hand it over to Schicksal.

Naturally, Dr. Einstein also considered the possibility that giving the Jizo Mitama to Schicksal might escalate further conflict between Anti-Entropy and Schicksal. She never relied solely on her enemies' moral standards for assurance.

Therefore, Kiana explained to Xia Chen, "This time, we'll escort the Jizo Mitama aboard the USS Hyperion throughout its journey. You know, trust between both sides is rather fragile."

At present, Anti-Entropy's theoretical combat strength was substantial, considering Kiana herself was a Herrscher, and Theresa was an S-rank Valkyrie, albeit a former one.

Of course, this was just the public narrative.

Kiana winked at Xia Chen and discreetly passed him a note.

Xia Chen understood immediately.

He suspected things wouldn't be so straightforward, clearly indicating there were matters she couldn't openly discuss. Given the circumstances, it likely pertained to the Herrscher of Dominance, possibly hidden within Virtual Space, surveilling them.

Xia Chen couldn't help but recall how, in the original plot, the USS Hyperion orchestrated a comprehensive operation against the Dominion Theater.

Perhaps Anti-Entropy is considering a similar approach now.

The Jizo Mitama serves as bait for the Herrscher of Dominance, much like Kiana's role in the original storyline.

Maintaining his composure, Xia Chen responded, "I will relay this to Headquarters, but you should be prepared. Schicksal has no reason to refuse, correct?"

When Rita received Xia Chen's message, she immediately recognized it as an opportunity.

A chance to completely suppress Schicksal's discontent. Rita could easily present this externally as a gesture of goodwill from Anti-Entropy towards Schicksal.

She wouldn't frame it as compensation from Anti-Entropy; while such wording might boost the Valkyries' morale, Schicksal needed future cooperation with Anti-Entropy on equal terms.

Creating unnecessary friction for temporary satisfaction was not something Rita desired.

As for the possibility that Schicksal and Anti-Entropy would never cooperate?

Don't be ridiculous. From Otto's indifferent attitude towards Anti-Entropy, Rita discerned that he did not view them as adversaries but rather as pawns.

Schicksal itself was also one of Otto's pieces. Rita always suspected that Otto was playing a much larger game.

Of course, these were not immediate concerns for Rita at present.

After some thought, she turned to Durandal and said, "Lady Durandal, now is the time for your involvement."

"Me?"

Unaware of Rita's deeper thoughts, Durandal asked directly, "Is Rita worried that Anti-Entropy might be up to something?"

Rita pondered for a moment before responding, "That's one way to understand it." She continued, "At least for now, Herrschers aren't truly terrifying; what is frightening lies within human hearts."

"Hmm, alright," Durandal nodded. "I understand."

"There may still be some noise during this period. Lady Durandal, please bear with it—it will soon come to an end." A hint of coldness flickered in Rita's eyes.

As Rita had anticipated, when Anti-Entropy presented the Divine Key, Schicksal was thrown into turmoil.

Some believed it was enough at this point, considering Anti-Entropy had shown genuine intent, and Schicksal suffered no significant losses. For years, Schicksal and Anti-Entropy had been evenly matched adversaries, at least publicly. Therefore, eliminating Anti-Entropy couldn't happen overnight.

These individuals genuinely cared for Schicksal's well-being, as their own fortunes were tied to its survival.

However, others insisted that Anti-Entropy was already cornered, urging for a decisive strike while they had the momentum, aiming to restore Schicksal's prestige.

They failed to comprehend why Anti-Entropy, seemingly not on the brink of defeat, would surrender the Divine Key as an admission of loss. This misunderstanding rendered their plans to exploit the situation and weaken Schicksal entirely unfeasible.

It was this same group who had earlier advocated for expanding the war by deploying Valkyries, bleeding Schicksal dry on multiple fronts. After all, while Demi-God Machines were costly to manufacture, their maintenance expenses were quite low once deployed.

This placed minimal strain on Schicksal's finances.

They even had detailed plans ready: after dispatching the Valkyries, they would orchestrate large-scale Honkai incidents in major cities across eastern and northern Europe, further depleting Schicksal's resources.

Such schemes were well within their capabilities.

Unfortunately, Rita's precautions proved too effective.

In the Dominion Theater, the dolls chattered amongst themselves:

"To overthrow Schicksal, we must eliminate either Rita or Amber."

"But Rita is no pushover. How can we possibly accomplish that?"

"Heh heh heh, don't forget—we have another piece of intelligence," said one doll, who had just proposed the idea. "This time, others will assist us as well. Naturally, eliminating her requires some preparation time."

"Let them revel in temporary victory for now."

The other dolls looked fearful. "Are we going to die again?"

"It's part of our plan, remember? The world will inevitably be ours eventually, won't it?"

Regardless of Schicksal's internal discussions, the day Anti-Entropy would deliver the Divine Keys was set. Durandal and Rita, along with the Immortal Blades squad, embarked on a warship to meet them.

Kiana was also present aboard the USS Hyperion, standing beside Theresa.

Meanwhile, Raiden Mei was taking care of Jizo Mitama, as it seemed the World Serpent had its sights on her. After deliberation, the members of Anti-Entropy decided that having Mei accompany Bronya under the guise of providing support would be best for their plan.

Durandal's straightforward nature made Schicksal, at least currently, the safest place for Raiden Mei.

Everything appeared perfectly arranged, surprisingly so.

And just as planned, the Dominion Theater emerged without fail.