A Slap to the Face

"This needs to be addressed."

Maintaining an air of mystery had its advantages. Otto's misjudgment of Lin Wei's identity had given him leverage. But this "mystery" was both a one-time asset and a long-term liability.

No one would trust someone shrouded in secrecy, especially someone wielding such power. His origins, his abilities, everything needed a plausible explanation, and soon. Even Elysia had faced suspicion and doubt. Lin Wei couldn't expect to fare better.

Every "friendly interaction" with the three factions was a form of "reputation laundering," albeit unconventional.

Unlike World Serpent, which operated in the shadows, or Anti-Entropy, which shared a hostile relationship with him, he had no reason to antagonize Schicksal, humanity's de facto ruler. 

But Otto's presence, and the Key of Corruption, complicated matters.

Lin Wei had initially tried to avoid Schicksal altogether. But now, the problem was unavoidable.

"If you're not Welt, then who are you?"

Continued secrecy would only give Otto ammunition. Otto could easily twist the narrative, painting Lin Wei as an enemy.

So, Lin Wei had decided to take the initiative, controlling the narrative, using the Manila incident to "launder" his reputation within Schicksal.

It would have been difficult, but the Manila incident, and Otto's subsequent miscalculations, had created the perfect opportunity. He could "steal the show" just like he had with World Serpent and Anti-Entropy.

"As a Nagazora resident and Third Eruption survivor, asking Anti-Entropy for compensation is reasonable, right? That's the extent of our connection." He sighed dramatically. "Though, I doubt you'll believe me…"

Yuno's heart pounded at the mention of Nagazora, the Third Eruption, and "survivor." She was about to speak, but caught Lin Wei's eye, her impulsive thoughts receding. He'd noticed her. That was enough. She would wait.

Otto, noticing their silent exchange, frowned. "You seem tired, Yuno. Rita, please escort her to her quarters." He'd changed his mind. He would dismiss everyone, then deal with Lin Wei directly. He was tired of this game.

Rita, ever obedient, rose to comply.

"Wait," Lin Wei said, raising a hand, his gaze fixed on Yuno. "As fellow survivors, it would be a shame to part without… catching up." He wouldn't let Otto clear the room.

Rita's eye twitched. She sensed his resolve, but couldn't refuse outright. "Yuno is a member of Immortal Blades," she said, forcing a smile. "Her records show no prior connection to you." Even if there is, don't involve her in this! she thought, feeling a pang of sympathy for the quiet Valkyrie.

"My apologies. I was presumptuous." Lin Wei smiled apologetically. "I found Yuno in the ruins of Nagazora's Chiba Academy after the Third Eruption. She was unconscious. I entrusted her to Schicksal's care." He turned to Yuno, his voice sincere. "I'm glad to see you've recovered."

He'd been worried Otto would use her for his experiments. Seeing her safe and well was a relief.

Yuno's eyes welled up at his genuine concern.

Durandal watched silently. Rita sighed, glancing at Otto.

"Speaking of which, wouldn't entrusting Yuno to Schicksal, not Anti-Entropy, prove my innocence?" Lin Wei continued, preventing Otto from interjecting. "I should also thank Miss Fu Hua. After escaping Nagazora, I was infected by the Honkai. Fu Hua's squad saved me, allowing me to return to Nagazora, where I found Yuno and brought her to Fu Hua for treatment."

"It took them months to find her in those ruins? Incompetent!" he thought, scoffing internally. Anna would have found even Raven's hideout in minutes.

"Time flies… it's been over a year now." He smiled faintly at Otto. "Is that explanation… satisfactory?"

Durandal's eyes flickered. His story matched her memories, albeit simplified.

Rita, knowing more, recognized the omission of a key figure, a wry smile playing on her lips. She couldn't understand his recklessness. Antagonizing Otto would only make things worse.

"Indeed. I'm curious how you knew about the impending disaster in Manila," Otto replied calmly, unfazed by his provocation. "It seems you have more secrets than you let on. Such dishonesty is… disappointing."

"Rita, escort Yuno out." He wouldn't let Lin Wei gather allies. Both Durandal and Rita knew his primary goal was to extract information about World Serpent and the Second Divine Key. Since diplomacy had failed…

"Are you truly so naive?" Lin Wei chuckled, his voice laced with mockery. "Do you really think I'm some benevolent saint?"

"Yes, sir," Rita replied, understanding his unspoken command.

Otto wouldn't let Lin Wei control the narrative.

With their silent agreement, the atmosphere turned hostile.

"No!" Yuno protested, but Lin Wei's gentle voice stopped her.

"It's fine, Yuno. Go and rest. I'm a guest. The Overseer will treat me with respect."

Otto frowned, surprised. He'd thought Lin Wei wanted Yuno as leverage. Apparently not.

Yuno, still worried, wanted to argue.

"Go," Lin Wei said, his voice firm yet gentle. He didn't want to involve her in this.

Seeing his unwavering gaze, Yuno hesitated, then reluctantly followed Rita out of the room, casting a worried glance back at him. Rita's parting glance was unreadable.

Now, only three remained.

Durandal stood beside Otto, her gaze fixed on Lin Wei, seemingly uninterested in his performance.

"Overseer, am I not a prisoner? Even a guest is allowed some secrets." Lin Wei sighed dramatically. "A year ago, I learned of the impending Honkai eruption in Nagazora City. Out of compassion, I used my savings to spread warnings online, hoping to save some lives. While I avoided mentioning 'Honkai,' it attracted the attention of… certain individuals, including yourself. That's how I met Fu Hua. You sent her to investigate me…"

"It's ironic. I try to avoid trouble, but trouble finds me. I fled Nagazora to escape the Honkai, only to be infected. Then, trying to help others, I attracted your attention, Overseer…"

He sighed, looking at Durandal. "After surviving all that, I finally thought I could live in peace. But then, learning of an old friend's presence in Manila, I went to check on her, only to encounter you again, trying to read my memories, even alter my consciousness. I had no choice but to fight back."

He met Durandal's gaze, a wry smile on his face. "Surely even I am allowed to defend myself."

Durandal stared back, then looked away, still silent.

"It seems… I was mistaken." Otto, unfazed by the accusations, chuckled softly. "Since you're not Welt, nor affiliated with Anti-Entropy, and a hero who saved countless lives in Manila… I, as Overseer of Schicksal, formally invite you to join us, to fight for humanity's future. What do you say?" 

He'd given Lin Wei face. 

If he accepted, Otto could control him legitimately.

But Lin Wei wasn't interested in saving face.

"Oh? Like Welt Joyce, the First Herrscher of Reason? Or Reanna Brigantia, the S-rank Valkyrie of a century ago? Or perhaps… like Cecilia Schariac during the Second Eruption?" He laughed, his voice dripping with sarcasm. 

"Your offer is too heavy, Overseer. I'm afraid I can't accept." 

It was a slap to the face.