A Masterclass in Moral Manipulation

From Rita's tone, Lin Wei had pieced together the narrative. A powerful image, a dramatic story, and credible witnesses—Squad Snow Lotus, Anna Schariac of the esteemed Schariac family, and S-rank Valkyrie Rita Rossweisse. No one would doubt their combined testimony.

And then, a large, diverse audience, primed with curiosity. The Philippines incident had drawn hundreds of Valkyries from around the world.

These young women, returning to their respective branches, would spread the story like wildfire. Lin Wei's fame would spread throughout Schicksal.

And since, aside from Rita and Squad Snow Lotus, no one had actually seen this mysterious hero, speculation ran rampant.

Some said it was Siegfried Kaslana, returned from his self-imposed exile. After all, Anna had confirmed it was a man.

Others countered that the man's hair was black, not the Kaslana's trademark white. The white-haired curse of the Kaslana family was well known.

Then, someone suggested it was the leader of the Anti-Entropy, the Herrscher of Reason. Such power seemed beyond human capabilities.

This was immediately refuted. Would the leader of those terrorists do something so… heroic? Besides, Durandal could achieve similar feats. Was she not human? Durandal's fan club readily agreed.

The excited young Valkyries debated fiercely, their numbers growing, offering theories and counter-theories. Some even suggested it was Otto himself, intervening to save humanity. Even those who disagreed hesitated at this suggestion.

Now, this mysterious figure was coming to HQ, igniting their curiosity. Their admiration for heroes added fuel to the fire.

It all seemed like a coincidence, a cliché yet heartwarming story. The world-saving hero, receiving his due reward.

Lin Wei, having pieced together the narrative, sneered. Otto, you think I don't see your hand in this? Allowing these rumors to spread unchecked? That wasn't like Otto.

This was the same man who, during the Second Eruption, had expertly played the victim, taking all the credit while shifting the blame, even rewriting history.

He could easily have claimed credit for Manila. Unlike the Second Eruption, all participants, except Lin Wei, were Schicksal Valkyries. There was no Anti-Entropy interference. And Lin Wei himself was Otto's prisoner. Squad Snow Lotus was insignificant, and Rita would keep quiet.

Yet, he'd not only refrained from taking credit, but had seemingly orchestrated this "welcome party."

The transport ship was fast. The journey from Kolosten took less than half an hour. Leaking the news and gathering so many people in such a short time, right under Rita's nose…

"Schicksal's internal communication is remarkably efficient," Lin Wei said, his tone laced with sarcasm.

This was undoubtedly Otto's doing, a response to Lin Wei's defiance in Kolosten.

"You accused me of hostility? How unjust! See these adoring fans? They're here to welcome a hero—you, my friend. See my sincerity now?"

Lin Wei could almost picture Otto's performance. Displaying sincerity, dispelling hostility, elevating him to hero status. Otto had effortlessly deflected Lin Wei's accusations, even painting himself as the wronged party.

"I saved your life, provided you with the best care, sent an S-rank Valkyrie to protect you, and invited you to HQ with the utmost respect. Yet, I receive only suspicion and hostility in return. How shocking… how hurtful…"

Otto was a master manipulator, just like Lin Wei.

"Tch, troublesome." Lin Wei was annoyed. His plan to play the victim was thwarted. He practically owed Otto an apology.

Despite this setback, he couldn't change the situation. Otto's tactic was a masterstroke. Exposing his scheme would only make Otto seem more "wronged" and Lin Wei more petty. Otto could easily turn public opinion against him, blaming him for the Manila incident.

That would leave Lin Wei completely vulnerable, with only one option—mutually assured destruction. And that would only confirm Otto's accusations.

It was a perfect trap.

Elevating someone to hero status, then trapping them with that very title, was a masterclass in moral manipulation.

Lin Wei cursed Otto's cunning.

While mere speculation, he was certain this was Otto's plan. He knew, because if he were Otto, he'd do the same.

Outmaneuvered, he had to adapt, hiding his true intentions, observing Otto's moves until their meeting.

Otto's elaborate charade was meant to extract something from Lin Wei. The facade would eventually crack.

The "hero's welcome" was both a chain binding Lin Wei and a shield protecting him.

As long as he played his part, he remained the hero Otto himself had acknowledged. And wouldn't "persecuting a hero" damage Otto's own image?

Of course, Otto wouldn't hesitate. He'd done it before. Lin Wei wasn't naive enough to think he'd be an exception.

But as the "persecuted hero," the chains that couldn't bind Otto wouldn't bind him either.

In a way, Lin Wei welcomed this outcome. It was now "Otto against him," not "him against Schicksal."

And his "hero halo," carefully cultivated by Anna and endorsed by Otto, would become his greatest asset. Rita's conflicted attitude proved its potential.

"In a way, I should thank you, Otto," Lin Wei mused. "That ridiculous plan I concocted in front of Anna… it might actually work."

It was a long shot. The plan was still a fantasy. But even a small chance was a chance. Otto had been so generous. Lin Wei wouldn't refuse his "gift."

Having reached this conclusion, he walked towards the welcoming crowd, a calm, confident smile on his face.

...

The Cathedral

"It seems our guest is overwhelmed by Schicksal's enthusiasm," Otto said, watching the screen with amusement.

["You're too kind! I'm not the hero you speak of."]

["Rita's leadership and the bravery of the Valkyries, including Squad Snow Lotus, secured our victory. I merely played a small part."]

["Yes, I stopped the tsunami, but it was pure luck. And without the Valkyries' rescue efforts, I would have perished in the subsequent Honkai beast attack. I remember the sacrifices made. I'm ashamed. I'm not as great as you say…"]

["How did I do it? Well…"]

Otto watched, fascinated, as the screen showed Lin Wei surrounded by Valkyries, waving his hands modestly, deflecting praise, finally escaping the throng with Rita's help. Otto scrutinized his every move, just like during the Kolosten speech.

"It's been a while. Do you notice any difference between him now and the man you met in Manila?" he asked Durandal, who stood beside him, silently observing the screen. This was the first time she'd seen him so animated since Manila.

Durandal, after careful consideration, shook her head. "Not really. Do you see something amiss, Overseer?" Both He Kun and Lin Wei seemed… harmless.

"I'm merely curious about his reaction upon seeing you again, Bianka." Otto smiled, turning to the other side of the room. "What about you, Yuno? Any thoughts?"

"…" Yuno bit her lip, shaking her head silently. As Lin Wei drew closer on the screen, her heart pounded in her chest.

"Is that so?" Otto glanced at her, his expression unreadable.

After a moment, he stood up, addressing Amber, who stood waiting below.

"It's time. Prepare to welcome our guest."