Pulling the Strings

Lin Wei's explanation sounded simple: understand each opponent's personality, thinking, and motivations; identify and exploit their weaknesses; and connect these seemingly insignificant opportunities with an invisible thread, weaving them into a grand scheme.

While Otto and Jackal stewed over their setbacks, Lin Wei had silently taken control of the situation.

"Grasping the key link." Yae Sakura, well-versed in literature, thought of this idiom. Control the main rope, and you control the entire net. Grab the collar, and you control the garment, and even the person wearing it.

She'd never seen such a perfect real-world application of this ancient principle.

But was it truly simple? She sighed, a mixture of admiration and weariness. Of course not.

"I hope everything goes as planned, and this ends soon..." She didn't want this stressful situation to drag on. She admired Lin Wei's ability to create possibilities from the impossible.

"He must have schemed like this to get me too..." She recalled the events leading to their bond. Knowing the full story made her appreciate his accomplishment even more.

One wrong step, and their story would have been drastically different. It was a miracle achieved by a once weak and uncertain man.

Lin Wei was no longer limited to a single choice. He had power, a Divine Key, her, and a place in the world. He had options. He could have chosen simpler solutions to this current predicament, a quick and decisive approach.

But for Anna, who had placed her trust in him, he chose the most challenging path, seeking a perfect solution.

"He's truly a greedy man..." She felt a mix of exasperation and affection. I'm indebted to you. She understood his motivations all too well.

"Sakura, what's wrong?" Lin Wei noticed her fluctuating emotions. "Do you... disapprove of me deceiving Durandal?"

No, I dislike you involving other girls! she thought angrily.

"Of course not! You must have your reasons." She forced a smile. "Perhaps you're regretting breaking your promise to give her a cat?"

Even Lin Wei could sense her displeasure now. Unsure of what he'd done wrong, he chuckled and explained, "That wasn't a real promise. 'He Kun' made that offer, not 'Lin Wei.' It was based on a lie. Take us, for example. Have I ever lied to you, Sakura? Let alone made a false promise?"

Yae Sakura felt a pang of defeat. Lost again...

Lin Wei steered the conversation back on track. "Knowing Durandal, if I agreed to meet, I'd never get rid of her. I can't see her now."

"She's so strong, she could ruin everything with her fists. This situation is ideal."

"...What's next?" Yae Sakura pushed aside her personal feelings. "We know Otto's plan for Jackal, but she's targeting both of you! We don't know what she's planning."

"Should I impersonate Raven again and gather intel?" She expected him to agree, but he refused instantly.

"No, Sakura. We can't make any more moves."

"Why?" She was surprised.

"Three times is too much. You've met Jackal twice. She might get suspicious." He pointed towards Jackal's new base. "That woman's pride is wounded. She's probably on edge – she even kicked Stan out. Let's not poke the bear. We might ruin everything."

"As for Jackal's confidence in taking down both of us—no, 'Yuno'..." He frowned, deep in thought.

"Her plan for Otto is easy to guess. She doesn't know his secret, so she'll likely use anti-MANTIS warrior devices or drugs. Both Fire Moth and World Serpent have those."

"But Otto's body is Soulium, not a true fusion warrior. Her plan will fail, but Otto will use it to get close to her..."

"And that's my chance!" He declared firmly.

"As for me..." He shook his head. "I have no idea..." He summoned Pandora, gazing at the Divine Key. "I can't figure out how she plans to counter the Key of Corruption. It's the only way to deal with me!"

Pandora floated up from his elbow, circling his hand proudly.

Lin Wei chuckled. "Well, we'll find out soon enough!"

"You're taking another risk?" Yae Sakura was worried. It sounded like a suicide mission.

"Relax. Gray Serpent doesn't want me dead, especially on World Serpent's turf! Otherwise, he wouldn't have orchestrated the conflict between me and Schicksal."

"Let's see if they can surprise me! I've set the stage for Jackal. I hope they don't disappoint."

"Set the stage? When did you do that?"

Lin Wei laughed, refusing to answer.

At the World Serpent base...

The millennia-old organization's efficient operations allowed Jackal to quickly resume her work.

"The Serpent is immortal!" she declared, feeling back in control.

"Master, Schicksal is actively pursuing us." The humanoid machine reported. "Their increased efficiency and quadrupled satellite surveillance suggest they've diverted significant resources to Manila."

"Let them come!" Jackal waved dismissively. "The trap is set. They'll walk right into it!" She'd left a trail for Schicksal to follow.

"Such precious test subjects, delivered right to my doorstep... How touching." She sneered. "Monitor their movements closely!"

"Yes, master." The machine's blue optics glowed as it processed information.

"What about Lin Wei?" Jackal asked suddenly. "He strutted around the university so openly. He shouldn't be hard to find." Her voice dripped with hatred.

"Unfortunately, master, the primary target possesses the Key of Corruption. I cannot track him. He has vanished." The machine reported objectively. "Gray Serpent has a more extensive network. Perhaps you could seek his assistance."

"Gray Serpent?" Jackal scoffed. "He's terrified of Lin Wei! He wouldn't dare take that risk." She paused, then added more fairly, "Well, the Key of Corruption does counter him. Staying hidden is understandable... At least he sent Raven back to protect me."

"In that case, considering time, risk, and probability of success, I recommend prioritizing the secondary target."

"Give up? Never!" Jackal roared. "That damned Lin Wei... I won't let him go!" She knew that if he wanted to stay hidden, she couldn't find him. This fueled her rage. There must be a way! She paced frantically.

She recalled Lin Wei's words: "I didn't want to get involved in your feud with Schicksal. But you hurt my friend. I must seek justice..."

She'd scoffed at his self-righteousness then, but now...

"You brought this upon yourself!" She turned to the machine. "Send operatives to watch the hospitals the Valkyries frequent. Give them Lin Wei's picture. Capture him on sight!"