Otto and Lin Wei

Southwest Pacific, Coral Island.

The efficient government of this thriving island city had quickly erased the scar of the massive sinkhole. The shattered underground network was repaired within weeks.

What could have been a stain on the city's reputation was forgotten, overshadowed by its booming economy. Those who remembered the incident recounted it as a testament to the city's resilience, embellishing the story for dramatic effect.

"You know, a huge hole appeared on X street! My friend works for the city. He said it was bottomless, like it went straight to the Earth's core!

"And then?"

"They filled it the next day! You can still see the difference in the pavement…"

The truth was lost in official downplaying and public exaggeration. No one cared about who was responsible.

"Human memory is easily manipulated, isn't it?" Lin Wei mused, revisiting the site. "Especially collective memory."

He wasn't here to expose the truth. He had a purpose, and he was in a hurry.

Gurgle, gurgle…

Bubbles surfaced in a quiet corner, followed by a hand grabbing a rock, pulling a figure in a diving suit – Lin Wei – ashore.

"Guess I was too optimistic…" He pulled off his mask, spitting out seawater. "Soulium is precious. I shouldn't have expected to find any here…" Even if there had been any, World Serpent would have recovered it.

Where else could he find it? Jackal's prized "Valkyrie-killing weapon," the Death Weaver, probably used a lot of Soulium. Such a costly creation wouldn't be taken lightly.

"Jackal must have a stash." He narrowed his eyes. Unable to scavenge, he turned his attention back to Jackal. Was Stan's collar made of Soulium? It adapted to his changing size…

Wait, maybe not. He scrutinized his memories. It was easily damaged, even shattered by Durandal…

Another dead end. Finding Soulium was proving difficult.

"Whatever. I'm going back!" He ripped off his suit, Pandora retracting.

"I'll stake out Jackal's lab. When that damn cat reappears, I'll grab its collar!" Jackal wouldn't give up. He'd have another chance to intercept her before Otto.

He prepared to summon Welt's single-person aircraft with Pandora.

"While the fiery exhaust is unrefined, it's quite fast…" he thought, amused by Welt's steampunk aesthetics.

His phone rang.

"Anti-Entropy?" He hoped his problems were about to be solved. He pulled out the waterproof pouch, but an unknown number was displayed. Frowning, he answered. "Hello, Doctor?"

A playful male voice responded. "Which doctor deserves such respect, my dear He Kun?"

Damn it, it's you! That "Doctor" was clearly meant for Gray Serpent.

"Uh… Overseer?" He mentally flipped Otto off, feigning surprise and then reverence. "My deepest apologies! I didn't realize it was you…"

"No need for apologies. My intrusion was unwarranted. I should apologize," Otto said politely. "I'm surprised you recognized my voice so quickly."

"Your teachings are etched in my heart, Overseer," Lin Wei replied respectfully, playing his part. Only you have that nauseating voice!

Is he always this obsequious? Otto was amused.

As if reading his mind, He Kun asked hesitantly, "Is there a new mission, Overseer? Or… can I return to Schicksal?" He sounded eager to escape his undercover assignment.

"Human consciousness is fragile, like sand," Otto thought, half-amused, half-contemptuous. A simple memory alteration had transformed this Anti-Entropy operative into a sycophant. A truly absurd comedy. He felt a twinge of disgust, despite being the cause.

"My dear He Kun, what are you doing? I hear seagulls and waves," Otto probed, deciding to test him. "Are you… on a beach, carrying out your 'mission'?"

"Uh…" Lin Wei hesitated.

Otto was amused and disappointed. Amused by the transformation, disappointed by He Kun's apparent incompetence.

"Enjoy your 'mission' then," he said, ready to end the call.

"Wait, Overseer!" Lin Wei panicked. Did I overdo it? Did he see through me? Impossible! Is Otto crazy? He couldn't let him escape.

"I'm on Coral Island, carrying out a mission for the Anti-Entropy doctors…" He doubled down, his tone desperate. He couldn't let his performance go to waste. "Serving the enemy… Please punish me!"

…Why didn't you say so earlier?!

"I see. I misjudged you." Otto's tone softened. "Serving your organization is commendable. Why would I punish you?"

"No, Overseer! I, He Kun, am eternally loyal to Schicksal!" Lin Wei declared. "I merely maintain a facade of loyalty to gain Anti-Entropy's trust." He added sheepishly, "It's just… awkward to be caught like this…"

It felt like being caught cheating, even if it was just an act.

He couldn't bring himself to say that, but Otto understood.

His disapproval vanished. This one is useful.

"What are you doing on Coral Island?" Otto asked, his tone friendly. He needed to know more.

"I'm investigating Anti-Entropy's asset losses," Lin Wei improvised. "I learned about wrecked Anti-Entropy mechs here. But they have no official presence on Coral Island, so I investigated."

He added, showcasing his hacking skills, "I found the information in a recent report from the Manila Valkyrie squad." He hadn't actually read the report, but surely the Valkyries had reported the giant Titan.

Even Theresa wouldn't overlook that! Maybe Susanna… But she wouldn't be in charge of anything important, would she? Not even Theresa would allow that… right? His thoughts wandered again.

"Alright, I understand." Otto was even more glad he'd controlled He Kun. Otherwise, he might have dragged Anti-Entropy into this mess!

"Yes, Overseer," Lin Wei replied obediently.

Otto no longer saw this obedience as sycophancy, but as commendable humility. A valuable asset for Schicksal! He considered recruiting him.

Would He Kun rebel upon learning the truth? Otto wasn't worried.

A mere technician was no threat. His ego swelled, then deflated as he remembered the troublesome Anti-Entropy doctors, equally powerless yet frustrating. He'd wait and see.

"He Kun, your primary duty is to serve Schicksal, to carry out my will," Otto said, his voice laced with subtle manipulation. "I can pardon your theft of Schicksal intel, sparing you punishment."

Who are you kidding? Lin Wei rolled his eyes, his voice trembling with feigned fear. "Thank you for your mercy…"

"But you must complete a task to atone," Otto said, deploying a predictable tactic.

I knew it! Lin Wei scoffed internally. Can't you be more original? He continued his act. "I'll complete it without fail!"

"Good!" Otto was pleased. "Forget your Anti-Entropy identity. Return to Manila. I'll tell you what to do."