Chapter 123: Otto's Ambition

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"Ah, Brother Cake, that doesn't sound like you at all! Previously, you'd always go on elaborate discussions about these matters." Someone in the live chat tried to stir up debate, but this time, Brother Cake remained unfazed. He had matured completely and now carefully monitored his words.

"All right, all right, let's wrap it up here!" With those final remarks, Brother Cake concluded the discussion, effectively drawing a line under Version 3.9.

Next came Version 4.0, titled "Lonely Star of the Long Night."

Version 4.0 marked the beginning of a significant update cycle. In this version, Theresa's character, Starlit Astrologos, was introduced. Behind the storyline involving Zhuge Kongming (Astrologos) lies an inspiring tale: A former avid player of Honkai Impact 3 had transitioned into adult life and became a scriptwriter for the game project. This Captain authored the narrative surrounding Astrologos, making it a truly motivational story for other Captains.

On another note, as a character tied directly to the Captain's storyline, Astrologos' introduction held immense significance for the players.

This was truly a harem belonging to the Captain, entirely separate from Honkai Impact 3's main storyline, which ironically constituted one of the game's significant flaws.

In today's gaming landscape, where most titles prioritize immersion, Honkai Impact 3 took a counterintuitive approach. Despite being named "Captain," akin to roles like commanders, players actually felt virtually nonexistent within the narrative.

The only supplement for this Captain-centric perspective came through event-specific storylines.

If we were to analyze Honkai Impact 3 as a case study for successful games, it becomes evident that much of its triumph is difficult to replicate. Some issues and pitfalls could only be sustained by Honkai Impact 3 itself; in any other game, they would have been immediate red flags requiring urgent resolution.

Nevertheless, the introduction of Zhuge Kongming (Starlit Astrologos) and her associated event plotline indeed offered hope to the eagerly awaiting Captains.

However, regarding the main storyline, this chapter aptly titled "Thunders Over Nagazora" clearly signaled Raiden Mei's prominence. Just from the name, one could ascertain it was her moment to shine.

Considering Old Mi's past habits and some leaks along with speculations, this chapter seemed tailor-made for the Herrscher of Thunder.

However, right from the start, the opening sequence delivered a crucial piece of information to players.

It briefly touched upon an event mentioned in the previous chapter but not fully explored: the historic meeting between Otto Apocalypse and Kevin Kaslana. During this encounter, both parties extensively exchanged views, completed relevant transactions, and reached consensus on significant matters.

"Making demands comes at a cost. What will you offer in exchange?"

Having waited tens of thousands of years, Kevin effortlessly saw through Otto's intentions. Through Gray Serpent, he had heard about this man's deeds.

Honestly, Kevin admired and envied Otto—envied him for achieving his current standing solely through his own efforts, envious that Otto could accomplish what even Kevin himself couldn't.

Yet, whether it was envy or admiration, neither served as currency in this negotiation.

"Haha, very well, very well!" Otto laughed uproariously, but such exuberance was warranted; it marked the fruition of his plans.

Kevin's willingness to engage meant Otto had played his card correctly. If there were no possibility of a deal, Kevin wouldn't have initiated this conversation. Since he did, Otto was confident that the transaction would succeed.

Not long ago, Otto had struck another bargain with someone else, securing something Kevin simply couldn't refuse.

"You're right, equality is crucial! It serves as the foundation and pillar for everything. To achieve such a historic collaboration, I must offer equal sincerity."

"Power, wealth, knowledge, technology - these mundane things pale in comparison. The only gift worthy of you is this—

"Now, I return Judgment of Shamash to you!"

Indeed, the stake Otto presented wasn't the Void Archives but Judgment of Shamash. However, at this moment, Judgment of Shamash was not in Otto's possession; it was with Ana.

This too was part of a separate deal between Ana and Otto.

Knowing she couldn't guarantee more time within the Elysian Realm, Ana decided to reveal Judgment of Shamash to Otto, hoping he could use it as leverage to stall Kevin for a while.

Additionally, Judgment of Shamash was somewhat less valuable to Ana compared to its potential with Kevin, who could truly maximize its power.

"However, the Judgment of Shamash is not currently in my possession, but I can assure you that within three days, it will be returned to your hands," Otto added with a smile.

"..."

Kevin's gaze remained icy and emotionless as he looked at Otto.

"If you don't trust me, we can finalize the transaction once the artifact is here."

"No." Kevin interrupted Otto, his confidence unwavering. When one possesses absolute strength, there's no need to worry about being deceived by such tactics.

Moreover, for Otto, obtaining the Unnamed Locomotive beacon was crucial; he had no reason to deceive Kevin.

"Excellent! To our friendship, cheers!" A smile appeared on Otto's face, but it also deepened his suspicions. Initially, he planned to offer the Void Archives, only for Ana to insist on presenting Judgment of Shamash instead.

It was clear that Kevin showed more interest in Judgment of Shamash than the Void Archives. But how did Ana know this? And...

Otto felt there were questions lingering in his mind, and only Kevin before him could provide answers.

"Additionally, my friend, I have some queries I'd like you to help me with, nothing significant... just some clarifications."

Meanwhile, in Nagazora City, the storyline unfolded without any deviation. Raiden Mei and Kiana walked side by side, reminiscing about their past together.

During this time, Raiden Mei also shared with Kiana about Ana's appearance before she woke up.

"Hmm, I know. Teacher Ana did so much, truly a lot for me, unfortunately, back in Tianqiong City, I even wrongly accused her," Kiana murmured after a moment of silence.

After regaining consciousness in Tianqiong City, Fu Hua had informed her about all that Ana had done for her and the price she paid.

"My teacher, for my sake, for our sake, became a Herrscher."

"Teacher Ana became a Herrscher?!" Raiden Mei's pupils contracted as memories of Ana surfaced in her mind. There was no trace of a Herrscher's aura or characteristics; otherwise, Dr. Tesla's instruments would have undoubtedly detected it.

Despite this, Teacher Ana still transformed into a Herrscher, ultimately making such sacrifices to save Kiana and uttering those words.

"No, Teacher Ana... She's in danger!"

"I know."

Kiana's eyes reflected a sense of desolation and helplessness.

Teachers Himeko and Ana, as well as Class Representative Fu Hua—all had sacrificed so much for her, exerting tremendous effort to save Kiana's life. Yet she could do nothing in return, and now she'd become this monster.

Kiana felt unbearable anguish.

She knew Teacher Ana had been there; during her unconsciousness, she heard Ana's voice and experienced an unprecedented warmth that hadn't touched her since becoming the Herrscher of the Void.

The Schariac holy blood belonged to Mom—no, Cecilia-sama, who once wielded its power. During the Second Honkai Eruption, it was with this strength that she saved all of Siberia.

Teacher Ana used the same power on Kiana. Considering how formidable Herrschers are, the amount of energy Ana must have expended likely rivaled Cecilia-sama's, right?

How could Kiana ever repay such immense kindness?

Daring not to dwell on these thoughts further, she also didn't want to show weakness before Mei. After all, everyone helped and rescued her, not for her to wallow in self-pity here.

"I'll go tell Dr. Tesla."

"No, Mei, we...can't help Teacher Ana anymore."

A heavy silence fell between them.

Later, Raiden Mei met with Kevin, Lord of the World Serpent, and witnessed the return of Judgment of Shamash to his possession.

From Kevin, Raiden Mei learned about a method to save Kiana: by transferring the Authority of Conquest from her, she could withstand the impact of two Cores, thus gaining a chance to complete Ascension.

Additionally, Raiden Mei herself needed to leave Kiana and join the World Serpent. Only within their ranks could her power grow maximally, allowing her to genuinely assist Kiana.

The current Kiana and world required not just a homemaker crying helplessness but a powerful Herrscher capable of fighting for humanity.

And so, Raiden Mei became the Herrscher of Thunder, embracing selfishness driven by her love for Kiana to attain this transformation.

Just as in the original storyline, she did not provide much explanation to Kiana. As previously mentioned, one's character determines destiny.

Now that Raiden Mei had transformed, adopting her current demeanor and mindset, she was determined not to explain herself to Kiana.

Kiana already carried enough burdens; as her friend, Raiden Mei naturally couldn't impose any unnecessary stress on her. Just like their teachers, Murata Himeko and Ana Schariac, they never revealed the price they paid for helping Kiana.

Moreover, from Raiden Mei's perspective, this wasn't Kiana's fault at all. Their actions were selfless, without expectation of gratitude, so naturally, they didn't wish for Kiana to know.

Following this realization, Raiden Mei engaged Kiana in a fierce confrontation.

As the fully awakened Herrscher of Thunder, despite the Herrscher of the Void's formidable strength, Kiana's understanding and mastery of her Authority fell short. Consequently, Raiden Mei effortlessly overpowered her.

Did you think the chapter ends here? Not quite yet.

In Northern Africa, at the Schicksal base, Otto and Kevin met once again. This would be their final encounter before Kevin's arrival in Tianqiong City. On this occasion, Otto presented the Judgment of Shamash to him.

As Kevin observed Otto wielding the fiercely burning Calamity-Ending Greatsword, his eyes flickered unusually.

Maintaining Judgment of Shamash in its Transcendent state without holding Might of An-Utu clearly demonstrated that Ana Schariac, the previous owner and Queen of Wind, was indeed a formidable powerhouse.

Her strength overwhelmingly surpassed both previous Herrschers of Reason, let alone the Herrscher of the Void.

This Herrscher of Human possessed genuine might; unfortunately, their communication thus far remained superficial, preventing direct dialogue.

Otherwise, Kevin would undoubtedly have personally invited her to join World Serpent. She is precisely the type of leader they need—one who truly comprehends Project Stigma. Moreover, Kevin is aware that Hare has been deeply influenced by Ana, and there are intricate connections between Owl and Ana herself.

Upon closer examination, most of World Serpent's current leaders have some association with Ana.

On the surface, Kevin was the Lord of the World Serpent. However, if Ana could present something compelling, these officers would swiftly rally under her banner, making her the new Lord.

This outcome made sense, considering Ana carried Elysia's legacy. In a way, it inherently qualified her to become the Lord.

Naturally, Kevin wouldn't consider this possibility, and even if he did, he wouldn't care. To him, strength is all that mattered.

If Ana could demonstrate surpassing him, reaching even greater heights, Kevin would willingly relinquish everything—after all, that aligns with his ultimate aspiration.

After a brief moment of hesitation, Kevin accepted Judgment of Shamash.

Might of An-Utu did not emit any brighter radiance in Kevin's hands. The Kindling symbolizing civilization merely transferred, rather than ignited anew; its kindler was already soaring towards loftier realms.

"The power you seek does indeed exist," Kevin said slowly, gazing at Might of An-Utu in his grasp.

Kevin's words caused Otto's eyes to gleam with brightness.

"However, you do not have the qualifications to possess it."

With that, Kevin turned and departed.

Contrary to expectation, Kevin's words did not extinguish the light in Otto's eyes; instead, they made it shine even brighter. Deep down, Otto knew approaching the Imaginary Tree to revive Kallen was indeed his last resort.

If such miraculous power exists, why not find a way to obtain it?

Unaware of Otto's thoughts, had Kevin known, he likely would have scoffed silently. Aside from the question of gender compatibility,

even if that weren't an obstacle, considering Otto's obsessive nature and temperament, how could he possibly bear this power? She, after all, holds no regard for such individuals...