Rising to the Challenge

Southeast Asia, Singapore.

"Are you sure you don't want to move, find somewhere else to live?"

On the other end of the phone, Einstein expressed concern in a tone that sounded "completely indifferent."

"After all, if it really is our Anti-Entropy who leaked the information about the Key of Erosion, leading to the series of events before, then as the wielder of that Divine Key, your situation is not exactly safe."

"No need, thanks for your concern. But if I suddenly disappear, I'm afraid those hiding in the dark will notice something's off. That would have a negative impact on your 'investigation work,' wouldn't it?"

Lin Wei casually made up a reason to refuse Einstein's kind offer. He didn't plan to leave here for the time being.

"Thank you for your kindness, Mr. Lin Wei. But if it's just to facilitate our Anti-Entropy's work, it's probably not worth you taking such a risk, almost like using yourself as bait."

Einstein's voice was still calm and detached.

"So, if Mr. Lin Wei has other purposes, feel free to speak directly. That way, at least we can save each other some time."

"Dr. Einstein is indeed straightforward. Just some insignificant personal whims of mine, but since you've taken the initiative to ask, then I'll be frank."

Lin Wei smiled, not minding Einstein's slightly sarcastic, detached tone.

These two doctors, one fiery-tempered and barbed-tongued, the other calm and restrained, with needles hidden in cotton. Their personal styles were quite distinct.

"What happened on Coral Island before is likely to have some chain reactions in the future. What kind of vortex of power struggles it might become, what kind of variables will arise, no one can say for sure—for example, I believe your Anti-Entropy is also quite concerned about this, right? Otherwise, you wouldn't have called me so early this morning."

"And Singapore is a perfect vantage point with just the right amount of safe distance."

… … … … … …

This call with Anti-Entropy wasn't initiated by Lin Wei. In fact, except when absolutely necessary, he never proactively contacted Anti-Entropy.

After all, his cooperative relationship with Anti-Entropy was signed by barging in and pressing their heads down. It was rather delicate and fragile, and he shouldn't proactively provoke their nerves again – of course, if they took the initiative, that was another matter.

Early this morning, when Lin Wei, who had been busy until midnight last night and was exhausted in body and mind, was still asleep, he received a call from Anti-Entropy's Dr. Einstein.

"We've investigated the recent troop movements of Schicksal units. A Valkyrie squad stationed in the Philippines suddenly left their defense zone and appeared in the Coral Island area. The timing is basically consistent with the information you provided."

The other party's intention was clear – just a simple information update, just like she said before, "to eliminate mutual misunderstandings."

Lin Wei listened to the information provided by the other end while yawning, not rushing to express his opinion.

After all, as a qualified fisherman, Lin Wei was always extremely patient. As long as he set the line, hooked the bait, then left the rest to time, the fish would always bite the hook on its own.

"Concerned? Yes, after all, this matter is sudden, and also involves both the Honkai and Coral Island, this major UN economic and technological cooperation project. Our Anti-Entropy really doesn't want it to be associated with anything like 'conspiracy.' Naturally, we can't be completely indifferent."

Einstein admitted readily, then continued with some concern,

"Moreover, we're also worried whether this is another conspiracy Schicksal is brewing here. After all, 'human experiments' are very much in line with our stereotypical impression of the Schicksal Overseer."

Einstein said, and then asked very seriously in a cold tone that sounded very casual.

"As someone who happens to be involved… Mr. Lin Wei, can we really trust you?"

"..."

Lin Wei was a little helpless.

I already told you yesterday, that base's design was specifically aimed at the Key of Erosion. If it was Schicksal who knew about the Key of Erosion's existence, why would they bother to go through all this trouble?

If I were Otto, after discovering such a great threat existed, without saying a word, I'd directly fire a Honkai energy fission bomb towards Singapore!

Blast you, people and all, into nothing, to hell with your Erosion!

At least one shot!

Of course, if Otto really did that without enough information, the consequences would be very tragic.

I've already hinted so obviously, and you guys are still thinking in the direction of Schicksal, seriously…

(ノへ￣,)

How heavy is these people's PTSD?

Can't expect me to say directly that it was World Serpent who did it, can I?

If I pierced through this thin layer of paper now, with your Anti-Entropy's pathetic strength, you'd be swallowed up without a trace in an instant, you believe that or not!

Lin Wei suppressed the bellyful of complaints in his heart, and tried very earnestly to build empathy with the other party.

"Dr. Einstein, I understand your concerns. After all, building trust is a long process, and I don't expect it to happen overnight. As for your question, I'll tentatively take it to mean 'you hope to trust me,' no objections?"

Einstein nodded, indicating agreement.

"In that case, we just need to continue our previous cooperation, and exchange information in a timely manner. If you don't trust me, you can verify the authenticity of the information yourself, just like this time."

Lin Wei smiled, not forcing it.

"Of course, we can also go a step further. Just as I said just now, the aftermath of the Coral Island incident is worth continuing to observe. And just as Dr. Einstein is worried about, no matter what the reason behind it, Schicksal won't be indifferent to this matter."

"Compared to me, a mere individual, Anti-Entropy, which has been fighting against Schicksal for many years, obviously has more intelligence channels. But individuals also have their advantages, which is greater flexibility than organizations. What's more, I am temporarily not within Schicksal's line of sight—at least not within Schicksal HQ's line of sight."

Lin Wei tried his best to advance step by step, deepening his cooperative relationship with the other party bit by bit.

"Therefore, at least in this matter, we need to rely more on you in Anti-Entropy for intelligence. And as for specific investigation work, as a 'chess piece outside the board,' my role will be more convenient. What do you think of this cooperation method?"

"...We will seriously consider it."

Einstein thought it was a reasonable suggestion. After a brief moment of contemplation, she still didn't forget to say something a bit sarcastic and detached.

"Of course, it would be even better if Mr. Lin Wei could not cause us any trouble."

Then, the call ended.

"If I could live a peaceful life, who the hell would want to stir up trouble?"

Lin Wei threw his phone aside, complaining.

"Wouldn't it be better to sleep a bit more with that energy?"

Saying this, he felt another wave of drowsiness surge up, and couldn't help but yawn.

"Since this place is no longer peaceful, why not move to another place to live?"

Yae Sakura suddenly spoke, asking softly.

"No matter where we live, with the Divine Key and my presence, we can still protect ourselves without problems."

"Thank you, Sakura."

Lin Wei cheered up, smiled, and said,

"But we can't retreat, and we can't afford to retreat."

Lin Wei explained seriously,

"The result of the Coral Island trip was a bit unexpected, but in any case, it has already happened. Therefore, what kind of chain reactions this matter, under our interference, will have on the future of this world, whether its consequences will be big or small? We don't know any of this now. What kind of response World Serpent and Schicksal will have to this? We also don't know any of this…"

Lin Wei smiled, turned over and sat up.

"The so-called 'advantage of foresight' will become smaller and smaller in the future. We need to adapt to changing circumstances. And the current Southeast Asia is the best window for us to observe the unknown changes in this world. It can also be considered a test. If we rashly leave here, we will drift with the tide in more and more unknowns and uncertainties in the future. This is 'can't retreat'."

Then, Lin Wei chuckled coldly,

"As for 'can't afford to retreat,' Sakura, have you forgotten what happened in Nagazora City back then? I still don't believe World Serpent has no designs on me. For this serpent, hiding is useless. Don't forget, Gray Serpent can even find an unmarked grave in a desolate mountain. Hmph… I don't want to just leave my fate to chance again!"

Speaking of this, Lin Wei seemed to have remembered something, and suddenly chuckled.

"Speaking of which, this World Serpent is quite interesting."

"How so?"

Yae Sakura was a little puzzled. Lin Wei's thought-jumping speed was always faster than his face-changing speed. She still couldn't keep up after so long.

"The World Serpent organization, it's ruthless to ordinary people, and merciless to its own traitors, but it's surprisingly lenient to 'enemies' who oppose it…"

Lin Wei's expression was a bit strange. For example, the main cast and the Anti-Entropy doctors always suffered losses in front of World Serpent, but never suffered major losses…

"Maybe these people have more value."

Do I have value like them?

Lin Wei asked himself in his heart. Hard to say, so it's better to be more vigilant.

"In short, staying here, we will have a certain degree of initiative—no matter what World Serpent's designs on me are, at least on Schicksal's side, Overseer Otto's eyes must be fixed on this serpent. And now with Anti-Entropy's intelligence support, we won't be completely in the dark about Schicksal's movements. This information is a resource we can use, and can stir things up at a critical moment. If we leave here, where else can we find such a good opportunity?"

Lin Wei sorted out his thoughts as he spoke, narrowing his eyes as he spoke.

"And World Serpent seems to be best at the trick of diverting disaster eastward? Heh… Knowing what to expect, I'd like to see how they will direct Schicksal's spearhead towards me?"

Yae Sakura smiled helplessly, and stopped talking.

Although she would sometimes play some harmless little tricks on Lin Wei, in the end, she was still a simple-minded girl, and didn't really like intrigue.

These things, let men play them. She just needed to play her role as a "sword."

He had brought her salvation, and she would cleave a path forward for him!

Lin Wei organized his thoughts, then suddenly chuckled.

Actually, why so complicated? Why so much weighing of pros and cons?

Putting aside all the reasons, in the final analysis, it was just a choice between "facing" or "evading."

And from the moment he was entangled by the Honkai erosion patterns, Lin Wei completely understood how futile and ridiculous "evasion" was.

In human affairs, there is only moving forward.

When you are determined to face it bravely, you will find that infinite power surges from the bottom of your heart. Countless methods will pop into your mind to help you overcome difficulties.

"You agree, right, RIN?"

Lin Wei quietly looked at Pandora's Box, tumbling and rolling in his palm, and murmured to himself softly, his mood exceptionally calm.

In his heart, he couldn't help but think strangely, if RIN were awake, hearing him say this, would she nod with a smile, or slap him angrily?

Em… hard to say…

Putting away all random thoughts, Lin Wei remembered there was still one thing he hadn't done.

Coming to the study, the new computer had already been installed.

Seeing this thing, Lin Wei was moved to tears. Last night, carrying this thing, he ran wildly along the seawall for dozens of kilometers. The rate of heads turning on the road was really too high…

Lin Wei sighed deeply, and plopped down in front of the screen, opening the computer with a sorrowful heart.

Since he had troubled Bronya again before, then he should send her a message back, to let her know he was safe.

Looking at the time, it was still only morning. She shouldn't be online at this time. Just send a message and turn off the computer.

Lin Wei thought, opened Sbeam, and was surprised to find that Bronya was actually online!

What's going on? The time difference between the Far East and Singapore isn't that long, right?

Oh well, if she's online, then she's online, it's all the same.

"I'm back, smooth sailing all the way, thank you very much."

Lin Wei typed a line and sent it. Soon, the other side replied.

"In-game, wait."

Lin Wei: "..."

After a few more minutes, the "in-game" status suffix of the ID "Alloy Armor Bronya" disappeared, and then she replied with a message.

"I saw the news. It caused a big stir. Glad you're okay."

Bronya didn't know why she said that, but seeing the familiar ID online, she couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

Perhaps it was because she didn't have many people she could call "acquaintances" in this world, so she especially cherished this feeling, even if they weren't even real friends.

Lin Wei felt a warmth in his heart. It really felt good to be cared about by someone.

"Thank you. I just wanted to send you a message to let you know I was safe. Didn't expect you to be online so early."

Lin Wei didn't think his presence would be welcome by Bronya, so he explained slightly and prepared to log off.

"Today is weekend. Also, I'm not online this early, just haven't slept yet last night."

Bronya replied quickly.

"Want to play games?"

"This night owl!"

Lin Wei couldn't help but complain. Since Bronya had taken the initiative to invite him, of course he wouldn't refuse.

The game started, ending in just a few minutes.

"Again!"

Lin Wei felt a little embarrassed, he lost too badly.

"I can give you a chance to improve yourself."

Bronya taunted. She felt that the Lin Wei from last year, who kept changing cheating methods, was more interesting to bully.

The current one was too fragile, too weak…

"Okay, you just wait!"

Lin Wei said fiercely. Wasn't it just peripherals? Who didn't have them?

Pandora, activate!

"Again!"

Lin Wei called out, full of fighting spirit. Bronya naturally accepted the challenge readily.

A battle of evenly matched opponents…

Bronya felt very uncomfortable playing this game, because she found that the game had suddenly slowed down, and she could no longer smoothly operate the game character with Project Bunny.

"What did he do again?"

Bronya curiously checked, and indeed found something interfering, but it was looming, impossible to capture.

Cheating methods that even she couldn't catch had never happened before. This was the first time, making her feel quite novel.

"What exactly is this thing?"

Lin Wei chuckled coldly. So what if it's a quantum supercomputer?

As long as the cheats are numerous enough, they can still make you move at a snail's pace!

My tech is above yours; now, we're on the same starting line!

Lin Wei's heart was filled with a sense of "getting revenge," Compared to those intrigues, and those complex games and victories, he preferred this simple and pure joy even more.

"Hmph, I won't lose in the gaming field, again!"

Fighting spirit burned in Bronya's eyes. She launched a third challenge, vowing to defeat this unprecedentedly powerful enemy!