Chapter 86: Departure

At dawn, when the sky had just brightened and the sun hadn't yet risen, Serenade and Kallen had already packed their bags and were ready to leave the Far East.

Yesterday, Serenade and Kallen had laid out all their ideas and thoroughly analyzed everything Kallen was concerned about. Finally, Kallen agreed to Serenade's plan.

Moreover, refusing wasn't an option. This situation couldn't continue indefinitely; the matter would eventually need resolution.

Serenade's proposal represented the most pragmatic solution.

Though Otto was dangerous, Kallen's understanding of him suggested he'd likely heed her counsel.

Compared to Schicksal's current leadership, Otto was undoubtedly preferable.

Kallen could vouch that Otto wouldn't let power corrupt him.

While his experiments had indeed breached taboos, they paled in comparison to the Schicksal executives' blatant use of Honkai Crystals for human trials.

Kallen estimated... Otto would accept her advice eighty percent of the time. As for those Schicksal executives, forget suggestions—they were constantly scheming to capture her.

Thus... Kallen's agreement with Serenade's plan stemmed not from faith in Otto, but in herself—her only viable option.

As for Kallen taking control of Schicksal herself, she had considered it but quickly abandoned the idea.

While Kallen could be considered a competent Valkyrie and warrior, she fell short when it came to being a leader. Moreover... the role of Schicksal's overseer had always been held by members of the Apocalypse family, who represented the bishops.

Though Kallen belonged to the Kaslana family—one of Schicksal's three great clans and the one representing knights—there had never been a record of the Kaslana family ever controlling Schicksal.

Therefore, if Kallen were to become the Overseer of Schicksal, the difficulty would undoubtedly be dozens of times greater than Otto's path to becoming Overseer.

So...

After much consideration, only Otto remained...

Additionally, although Kallen had always taken upon herself the duty of protecting the people, after guarding them for so many years, she found herself somewhat weary.

Especially during her time living in Yae Village, Kallen had grown to love this carefree life, which further solidified her resolve.

Kallen gazed at Serenade beside her, who looked just like her. A decision formed in her heart.

After completing this task with Serenade, she would no longer concern herself with Schicksal's fate. She would return to cancel her engagement with Otto, and then... just like before, she would retire in leisure with Serenade, Yae Sakura, and the others.

The thought brought a sense of anticipation to Kallen.

After battling for so long, it was finally time to retire.

Otto would follow her instructions, ensuring things wouldn't be worse than they are now.

Serenade remained unaware of Kallen's thoughts. Had she known, she would have immediately stopped her. This was practically the same as planting a flag—a surefire way to invite disaster.

In other words, it was exactly like planting a flag.

What had been a manageable situation now carried the weight of Kallen's declaration. How was this any different from soldiers saying, "Once we win this battle, I'll return home and marry"?

Those who uttered such words usually ended up dead...

At the shrine entrance,

"Serenade-nee, Kallen-nee, are you truly leaving?" Yae Rin and her sister stood with Hokushin Mei at the gate, Yae Rin's face a study in reluctant farewell.

"Now, now," Serenade soothed, stroking Yae Rin's hair. "We'll be back once our business is done."

For this trip to Schicksal headquarters, Serenade had chosen only Kallen as her companion, leaving the Yae sisters and Mei behind.

After all, too many travelers would only complicate matters...

"Can't I come too?" Yae Rin pleaded, her eyes brimming with longing. "I want to stay with Serenade-nee."

"The shrine still holds over a dozen Valkyries," Serenade reminded her. "Who will watch over them if we all leave? I know you're the most sensible one here, Rin..."

As she gazed at the girl before her, Serenade continued her comforting words. The presence of those imprisoned Valkyries at the shrine was indeed one of the reasons they couldn't take everyone along.

"Fine..." Yae Rin replied, holding the giant mosquito-like Honkai Beast, clearly displeased.

"Rin is so obedient!" Serenade patted Yae Rin's head, thoroughly satisfied.

Then she turned to Yae Sakura and Hokushin Mei. "Don't forget to train after we leave. And... take care of Higokumaru. It would be great if you could tame her before we return."

"Also, don't let those Valkyries starve. We should be able to release them when we come back."

"Don't worry, Serenade-nee! Leave everything to me!" Yae Sakura confidently patted her chest.

"Master, please rest assured... we'll handle it," Hokushin Mei nodded firmly.

"That's good. Then we'll take our leave! Goodbye!"

With arrangements settled, Serenade felt at ease. Yae Sakura and the others were A-rank Valkyries - the pinnacle of martial prowess in this world. Even Schicksal's A-rank Valkyries were rare, and these fourteen accounted for nearly a third of their total number.

Serenade had complete confidence in Yae Sakura and her companions.

"Goodbye, Master!"

"Goodbye, Serenade-nee, Kallen-nee!"

"Goodbye, Serenade, Kallen!"

"Goodbye!"

"Goodbye, Kallen. Let's go!" Serenade turned to look at Kallen.

"Mm..."

Kallen nodded slightly, and the two of them, carrying small bags, turned and left through the shrine gates.

-

Watching the retreating figures of Serenade and Kallen until they completely disappeared, Yae Sakura and her two companions finally averted their gazes.

"Big sis, how long will Serenade and the others be gone?" Yae Rin asked dazedly, her eyes fixed on the spot where Serenade had vanished.

"Given Serenade's strength, it shouldn't take too long... Wait! How far is the Far East from Europe?" Yae Sakura suddenly turned to Hokushin Mei.

Yae Sakura had never even left Shinano, so how could she possibly know anything about places beyond the Far East?

"I don't know for sure, but... it must be very far! I heard it's on the other side of the world, and even sailing there would take at least a month!" Hokushin Mei replied uncertainly.

Though Hokushin Mei had traveled extensively across the Far East, she had never ventured beyond its borders.