Chapter 159

In Schicksal's aerial Main City, True-Kiana Kaslana sat on her bed, holding her golden-haired pet Vera, as she tuned in to the day's news.

[Recently, the third round of international negotiations regarding land rights on the new continent commenced grandly. Enforcer Zeke Kaslana from Anti-Entropy and Acting Representative Hera Schariac from Schicksal attended the meeting and announced their agreed-upon land allocation plan.]

"Based on their contributions to the Chiyou Campaign, Anti-Entropy has declared complete sovereignty over 42 percent of the new continent's land area. This territory will be used for mining metallic ores, establishing machinery factories, schools, residential areas, and commercial zones at scale.

Schicksal claims 29 percent of the land, primarily designated for the comprehensive training and living quarters of Valkyrie forces, with the remaining portion reserved for scientific research purposes."

"An additional 15 percent is allocated to Shenzhou, recognizing its ancestors' role in halting Chiyou and expressing gratitude for their significant support during the recent Chiyou extermination campaign. The official plans for utilizing this land by Shenzhou have not yet been announced."

"The remaining territories will be distributed based on each country's past contributions against Honkai, as well as their potential future support. However, Schicksal and Anti-Entropy jointly declare sovereignty over these lands. Even when allocated, countries will only have usage rights. The final interpretation of the land distribution agreement rests solely with Schicksal and Anti-Entropy."

"The representative from the United States of America raised objections, arguing that the new continent should belong to all people worldwide, and neither Schicksal nor Anti-Entropy holds the authority to decide. They deemed it a violation of international spirit, democratic freedom, and human rights declarations."

"Anti-Entropy Enforcer Zeke provided a well-reasoned and assertive response. Let's take a look at this live footage replay."

"What's your name, and for which faction are you speaking?"

"I... that's none of your business! I'm advocating for democracy and freedom, exercising God's justice!"

"God? How much firepower does He wield? No, that's not the main point. If my memory serves me right, your 'God' is merely a fabricated religious figure created by Schicksal here. To put it bluntly, Archbishop Otto is your so-called God, while Hera over here could be considered Christ or some archangel equivalent... Anyway, enough wasting time with you; I'll remember you."

"What do you intend to do? Let me tell you, the great United States will never..."

"Get lost."

"BOOM!!!"

"As we can see, both parties engaged in frank and sincere dialogue, creating a highly charged atmosphere. The outcome was beneficial, reaching a basic consensus."

"Moving on to international news:"

"At 7 AM today, over a hundred high-ranking military, political officials, and prominent capitalists from Europe and North America passed away due to illness. Among the deceased, individuals from the United States of America constituted the majority."

"According to Anti-Entropy's investigation, this illness may be a new Honkai threat—a specialized virus targeting high-ranking individuals across military, political, and business domains. The virus mechanism remains unclear at present, with no effective treatment or specific medication identified yet. Anti-Entropy urges top officials worldwide, particularly those in Europe and North America, to minimize outdoor activities and gatherings to avoid falling victim."

"What? Photos of the headshots have been leaked... Ahem! It is believed that the virus operates with extreme potency, causing physical damage to human tissues, resulting in deaths resembling sniper kills from afar. However, these fatalities are indeed caused by viral infection."

"Schicksal fully endorses Anti-Entropy's findings and pledges unwavering support for research, aiming to swiftly decipher the virus's mechanisms and develop appropriate treatments."

"Next up, breaking news from the Far East Region..."

Beeeep.

Kiana turned off the TV, lazily yawning as her golden eyes blinked, reflecting a hint of boredom.

"Haaa..."

Vera shifted within Kiana's embrace, then looked up at her.

"Young Lady, I feel like it was Big Bro Zeke behind those attacks."

"No need to feel anything; anyone with half a brain knows what's going on. It's just making an example of someone to deter others. There will always be those driven by greed and desire, lacking reason or foresight, unwilling to consider the bigger picture. Nothing wrong with that—we simply have to give these individuals a little push."

Kiana's peculiar voice echoed in Vera's mind.

Vera couldn't help but marvel at this revelation. She didn't particularly sympathize with the deceased, as they seemed like villains anyway. However, she never expected her Big Bro Zeke to possess such coldheartedness, feeling both surprised and enlightened.

As Kiana stroked the small golden-haired pup in her arms, she suddenly looked down and asked,

"Have you attended your online classes today?"

"Not yet..."

"Well, let's get started then. Remember to catch up on the lessons you missed when Zeke visited two days ago. Also, show me yesterday's homework."

"Huh? Okay...fine." Pouting unhappily, Vera handed over her assignment and reluctantly opened the online class window on her tablet.

Honestly, when the Young Lady pushed her about studying and homework, she sounded exactly like Big Bro Zeke—though, admittedly, the two had never met before.

"Huh?"

"Zeke, what is it? Did you realize something needs to be done? Go take care of business quickly; hang in there..." Ow! Kiana Kaslana, the bug, clutched her head with both hands and felt a fresh lump forming.

Zeke withdrew his handkerchief, wiped his fist, and said sternly, "Catch up on the lessons you missed when we visited Vera the other day—quickly. And your homework from yesterday was hastily scribbled nonsense; redo it today."

"Ahhh! I'm not doing this anymore! My goal is to become the strongest hero, so what use is wasting time on math, science, politics, history, and all that crap?"

"Failing to grasp foundational subjects means you lack the ability to make rational judgments—not to mention controlling black armor or commanding swarms to handle complex situations. Do you think these days, waving around Cleaver of Shamash and shouting 'I am willing to sacrifice myself' will still solve problems?"

"Then why don't Bronya and Sin have to study?"

"Because with the same exam, they can score perfect marks."

"What about Rozaliya and Liliya then? They failed too!"

"Their dream is to become idols. Idols don't need diplomas; being cute is enough... After all this talk, will you study or not?"

Zeke pressed one of Judgment of Shamash's pistols against Kiana's forehead, smiling warmly.

Kiana, her expression serious, cautiously moved the muzzle of death away from her head and responded firmly,

"You make a compelling argument! To become a qualified fighter, I must strive for excellence!"

"Three days ago, when Bronya was machine-gunning at you, you said something similar, didn't you?"

"This time, I'm completely serious. You have to believe me—just look into my sincere big eyes!" Kiana pointed to her clear blue eyes, blinking earnestly.

"All I see is some uncleaned eye gunk. Hurry up and start studying, no slacking off."

"...Fine."

Kiana rubbed her eyes but couldn't find any crust Zeke mentioned; instead, she felt like crying. Zeke was great in every way, except for his insistence on making her study whenever he had free time. Even her attempts at cuteness and charm didn't sway him, leaving her utterly helpless.

As Zeke watched the white head beside him bow down to focus intently on studying, he couldn't help but smile with a mix of exasperation and resignation.

Learning is essential for Kiana. While physical strength matters greatly, intellectual growth is just as crucial.

Honkai's approach grows ever nearer, and the unpredictable Finality could declare its ultimate judgment upon this civilization at any moment, in unforeseen ways.

Zeke couldn't guarantee that he would always be able to protect this little white ball of fluff from harm. Therefore, only by helping her become strong in all aspects could Zeke feel slightly reassured.

Outside the window, snowfall had ceased days ago, signaling yet another spring's arrival.

Time flies swiftly; perhaps one day, without realizing it, Zeke might discover that Kiana has already grown up?

Lost in thought, Zeke gently stroked Kiana's hair, suddenly feeling a hint of melancholy.

"Hmm? Zeke, what's wrong?"

"Nothing, just feeling a bit sentimental. Compared to when we first met, you've grown quite a lot."

"Heh heh! Could it be that you've finally noticed my irresistible charm? Hurry up and fall at my feet! With how cute I am, it's only natural!"

"Spare me the cheekiness; focus on your lesson."

"Oh..."

As she bent her head back down, Zeke smiled faintly.

Regardless of whether she matured or not, she remained unchanged—still that silly, excitable, and straightforward little pup.

How could he ever feel fully at ease without keeping a watchful eye on her?