Chapter 89: Questions and Doubts

"Then let's proceed as such. Raiden Mei and Wendy will stay here for treatment. Drs. Tesla and Einstein remain behind to provide technical support. Welt, you also stay here to handle any potential Herrscher Core instability issues."

"...Isn't it just that you want easier access to experimental subjects?"

"Don't spout such tru—ahem! I'm not that kind of person; after all, you're our Alliance Leader."

Welt managed a strained smile but naturally didn't believe Zeke's earnest words. As someone who could hold his own against Otto, trusting him would be nothing short of foolish.

However, Welt wasn't overly concerned either. Frowning slightly, he held up two fingers and said succinctly:

"Two questions."

Zeke crossed his legs, rested his head on one hand, and replied briefly:

"Go ahead."

"First, I still feel uneasy about Saint Freya Academy. Without thoroughly investigating, there remains a lingering concern. Second, gathering us all together, especially considering the orphanage isn't well-hidden, essentially puts us right under Otto's nose. Do you think he won't take action?" Welt spoke with a hint of seriousness in his voice.

Zeke didn't respond immediately but instead summoned a virtual screen displaying an image.

"That! That's my mom... Cecilia's clones!" Kiana exclaimed excitedly, pointing at rows of cloning chambers filled with pale blue liquid, each containing silver-haired beauties clad only in scant undergarments.

Zeke glanced at Kiana and paused for a moment.

Has she started using a different name?

Sensing something amiss, Zeke decided against discussing it publicly and turned to Welt, gesturing towards the scene on the screen.

"For your first concern, this is the hidden secret beneath the Far East Branch—Otto's clone laboratory. I've already initiated their transfer. Our current plan is to repair their physical defects, attempt to awaken them, and employ them as staff and guardians here. Given that they possess Schariac blood, they hold significant potential in handling Herrscher power outbreaks. Additionally, this mitigates the risk of infiltration by foreign spies."

"Awake? Is that possible?"

"Endowing blank newborn souls is my next research focus."

"...Alright, but it's crucial to respect their individuality and dignity. They're living beings after all!" Welt sighed deeply, offering no further objections.

This was arguably the best course of action. Neither indiscriminately destroying them nor letting them remain perpetually asleep seemed as satisfactory as Zeke's proposal.

Zeke nodded, acknowledging his commitment, and continued, "The second issue: I can assure you Otto won't intervene directly. Now, how do you think Otto perceives your existence?"

"Probably somewhat troublesome—annoying if left unchecked, yet dealing with you would be time-consuming and yield little benefit, right?" Welt scratched his head, feeling slightly awkward.

Raiden Ryoma and Cocolia shared similar sentiments. Even Einstein, quietly sipping her tea, glanced away momentarily—while admiring the Alliance Leader's honesty, it wasn't flattering for their pride.

Zeke spread his hands, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips.

"You have quite a clear understanding," he remarked.

The Siegfried incident revealed much about Otto's character. Seizing upon an opportunity and perhaps feeling rather upbeat, he had swiftly devised a plan that nearly wiped out Anti-Entropy entirely.

However, Zeke narrowly triumphed at the last moment and, after presenting something of interest to Otto, allowed him to abandon his scheme without hesitation or regret.

It was akin to finding food too bland to enjoy yet too valuable to discard—such was Otto's view on annihilating Anti-Entropy.

"..."

Welt fell silent once more, genuinely feeling somewhat powerless.

Anti-Entropy had strived for many years, building up a formidable military force. Yet compared to Schicksal, which had dominated the world for centuries, they still paled significantly. Throughout their struggle, it seemed Otto, ever lofty from his perch among the clouds, never truly regarded them as significant threats.

Overthrowing Schicksal remained a distant dream, seemingly unattainable.

Zeke sighed, then casually stated:

"I possess something Otto desires greatly. As long as I'm here, even if you all openly stand before him, he won't make any moves against us. Compared to what I can offer, anything you have is insignificant—a treasure he simply cannot resist."

"Are you that confident? What exactly does Otto want?"

"My apologies, but this matter concerns only Otto and me. The truth doesn't matter, and for your sake, revealing Otto's deepest secret might not be tolerated by him," Zeke replied with a shake of his head.

Otto trusted Zeke, and in a sense, felt powerless against him at present, so he didn't mind Zeke knowing his secrets. However, when it came to others, unless they held exceptional value, Otto's pride would likely place them on his list of targets for certain elimination upon learning such information.

Welt stroked his chin thoughtfully, then decided not to press further, trusting that Zeke wouldn't lead them astray intentionally.

"In that case, let's all stay behind. It has been quite some time since we could freely show ourselves without fear," Welt reminisced, offering a relieved smile.

But Zeke shook his head, tapped the table, and, with a serious expression, said:

"You... no, all of you, seem completely unaware of your own problem."

Zeke scanned the room, his stern expression creating an inexplicable sense of pressure.

"An issue?"

Winking, Welt looked to Einstein, who was quietly sipping her tea, and then at Raiden Ryoma and Cocolia seated beside her, but found no answers.

Everyone's gaze turned toward Zeke.

Zeke rested his forehead on one hand, frustrated by their lack of understanding. "Despite carrying the banner of justice and righteousness, we're seen as nothing more than foul rats scurrying through sewers by everyone outside Anti-Entropy—including the Valkyries themselves. Have you never considered why that is?"

"Well...isn't it because of Otto?"

"Hmph! Let me ask you this: The Second Honkai Eruption clearly originated from Schicksal's unethical human experiments, and there were numerous shady aspects to how they handled the crisis. Yet throughout, it was Anti-Entropy—the Alliance led by you—that played the role of hero, sparing no effort to combat the Honkai. So why, after the war, did all the credit go to Schicksal? How come Otto escaped without even a speck of blame, while Anti-Entropy got painted as the sinister force behind the scenes?"

"But..."

Welt and the others furrowed their brows.

Einstein and Cocolia grasped the implications first, gradually revealing expressions of shock and suspicion.

Welt pondered for a moment before hesitantly saying, "We don't chase after hollow fame; our sole focus is protecting the world. As long as the outcome is positive, other aspects... shouldn't be of too much concern, right?"

"Then consider this: While shouting about overthrowing Schicksal, you're simultaneously gifting them your hard-won reputation. Neither do you highlight your own righteousness nor expose Schicksal's dark underbelly. Are you truly intent on toppling Schicksal? Or have you become like roots buried deep, absorbing Schicksal's shadows that must remain hidden from sunlight, bearing all the blame while cheerfully nourishing Schicksal?"

Welt opened his mouth, reflecting on Zeke's words and applying them to Anti-Entropy's actions over decades. Suddenly, he felt the beliefs he had steadfastly held for years were caught in tumultuous waves, enveloped by an unprecedented sense of bewilderment.

Indeed, despite pursuing a more just and righteous cause, why did Schicksal's prestige continue to rise, garnering ever more resources, while Anti-Entropy remained perpetually shrouded in darkness, struggling not only with immense challenges but also facing external distortion and prejudice of their principles?

Could it be that somewhere along the way, they made a fundamental mistake?

Zeke, unwilling to dwell further on the matter, directly pointed out, "First question: What exactly are your ideals?"

"Our mission is to combat Honkai without harming innocents, respecting life and ethics, minimizing misfortune and sacrifice."

"That's too narrow. Broaden it: 'Give time to civilization; give civilization to time.' By 'civilization,' I mean morality, humanity, technology—essentially all the products of human emotion and intellect. And by 'time,' I mean longevity. Schicksal's motto is 'fighting for a better world'; we need a powerful slogan as well—'offering our hearts for humankind.'"

"Ooh! That's great!" Welt slapped his thigh with excitement, eyes gleaming.

How should one put this? Idealists often have their fair share of youthful naivety, and Welt was no exception.

Zeke rolled his eyes.

"It's far too superficial. Second question: You readily accept any random suggestion I make. Do you truly possess clear convictions? Have you ever fully believed in your own ideals?" Zeke posed these sharp queries coldly and sternly.

To Welt, such questioning could be seen as downright insulting. He was the soul of Anti-Entropy, a hero who had repeatedly defied death to fight against Honkai. Yet here, Zeke dared to challenge his beliefs and determination.

Welt's expression hardened.

As a loyal supporter, Raiden Ryoma immediately moved to stand up and rebuke Zeke but found himself held back firmly by Einstein.

"Dr. Einstein?"

"Sit down and listen closely. This could be Anti-Entropy's turning point."

Einstein's gaze remained fixed on the two engaged in conversation—Welt needed to grow further, beyond what she or Tesla could provide. She sensed this might just be the opportunity they sought.