Sincerity

Only now did Otto realize the gravity of the situation. He'd thought he had a difficult but manageable target. He was in his own domain, with two S-rank Valkyries at his side. He was confident of victory.

Even with the unpredictable Yuno present, he'd felt invincible.

Even if Lin Wei was Welt, willing to risk everything, what could he do?

Even if Yuno turned against him, holding off Durandal and Rita, giving Welt a chance to attack, Otto had a trump card—pure Schariac blood, intended for the Herrscher of the Void, but equally effective against the Herrscher of Reason.

Yuno's presence was a trap for Welt. What better weapon against a wild beast than a trap?

But Lin Wei had proven he wasn't Welt, nor was he the "beast" Otto had imagined. Beneath the harmless facade lurked a venomous snake, its fangs finally bared—the Key of Corruption.

Otto had never faced such a cunning, insidious enemy. And now…

"Gaining unimaginable knowledge from unimaginable beings… you're not the only one, you know."

This mocking taunt sent a chill down Otto's spine. If Lin Wei meant what he thought he meant, this was his most dangerous adversary yet.

"What do you mean?" Otto asked, suppressing his murderous urge.

"Overseer, why feign ignorance?" Lin Wei smiled, meeting his gaze. "That was your greatest prize from the Second Eruption, wasn't it? No need for reminders."

Otto's fury erupted. He had to eliminate this viper before it was too late. He forgot about World Serpent, about the Second Divine Key. This man was a direct threat.

"Excuse me, Overseer." Amber entered, interrupting his thoughts. "Did you call for me?" She was surprised. He'd specifically instructed her not to disturb them.

Otto froze. He hadn't called for her.

"It seems you're a busy man, Overseer," Lin Wei said smoothly, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Attending to your duties even while entertaining guests. I'm impressed."

Even Durandal frowned at his blatant mockery, stepping forward slightly, shielding Otto.

Otto's gaze was fixed on the black box spinning playfully in Lin Wei's hand. He understood the warning.

"Otto, calm down! Don't do anything rash!" Void Archive shrieked, fearing a reckless move. "The Key of Corruption is too unpredictable! If he can issue that simple command, he can issue others, far more dangerous!" 

Like launching all weapons, initiating self-destruct, or…

Where did this madman come from? Void archive raged internally.

"The Key of Corruption… aren't there enough problems in this world already?" No one heard void archive complaints. And even if they had, neither Otto nor Lin Wei would have cared.

"Overseer, why are you staring at me?" Lin Wei asked, breaking the tense silence, gesturing towards the bewildered Amber. "Don't keep the lovely lady waiting." He'd given Otto an out.

Otto remained silent, his gaze fixed on Lin Wei, as if memorizing his face. Lin Wei smiled back, unflinching.

"My apologies. I've lost track of time," Otto said suddenly, his icy demeanor melting away, replaced by a self-deprecating smile.

"Amber, prepare a banquet." His tone was casual, as if this had been his intention all along.

"A banquet? Here?" Lin Wei stretched languidly, looking around the room.

Amber stared at him, surprised by his audacity. She'd never seen anyone treat the Overseer so casually.

"Is the room… unsuitable, Mr. Lin Wei?" Otto asked, his voice overly solicitous. "We can move elsewhere if you prefer."

"No, this is fine. The view is lovely." Lin Wei smiled. "But there's no need for such extravagance, Overseer. I'm a simple man. Such… pomp and circumstance is… embarrassing."

"Such humility is… admirable." Otto chuckled, as if confiding in an old friend. "Unfortunately, I'm bound by duty, burdened by endless tasks… I envy your freedom."

What is he playing at? Lin Wei was speechless. Trying to befriend me now?

"My apologies. I shouldn't burden you with my complaints," Otto said, smoothly changing the subject, waving dismissively at Amber. "Prepare as our guest requests."

Amber, feeling increasingly uncomfortable, hurried to obey, glancing nervously at Durandal, who also looked uneasy. She quickened her pace, eager to escape the tense atmosphere.

Just fight already! Durandal thought, watching the two men shift from murderous glares to seemingly friendly banter. This charade was agonizing.

"Durandal, thank you for your service. You may leave now." Otto's voice interrupted her thoughts. "As our honored guest, Mr. Lin Wei deserves my personal attention."

"But…" Durandal felt a surge of protectiveness. He has the Key of Corruption. You're alone with him. It's too dangerous!

"It's fine, Bianka," Otto said, giving her a reassuring smile.

"…Fine." Durandal hesitated, then obeyed, glancing at Lin Wei, her lips pressed into a thin line. She wouldn't go far, remaining within earshot, ready to intervene.

"Truly worthy of her title, the strongest Valkyrie in Schicksal's history," Lin Wei said, meeting Durandal's gaze, then watching her depart. "If I had any malicious intent, I wouldn't be able to withstand her scrutiny."

"Such composure, despite your… intricate schemes, is truly admirable," Otto said, his fake smile vanishing now that they were alone, replaced by a sardonic smirk. "Otto Apocalypse. It's an honor to… share a room with you." I underestimated you. You win this round. I shouldn't have provoked you. But I've dismissed Durandal. I'm alone, unguarded. What can you possibly do?

He sneered. "You're trapped, just like me. Your fancy Key of Corruption is useless."

He was being clever. He knew Lin Wei could easily threaten his life with the Key of Corruption. Relying on Durandal's protection would only make him look weak. Dismissing her was a calculated move, a display of sincerity, a de-escalation tactic, and a subtle show of weakness.

Now, Lin Wei's carefully crafted "harmless" image became his constraint. Any aggressive move would only enrage Durandal, inviting swift and brutal retaliation.

"You orchestrated this," Otto thought. "Now, share the spoils of your victory."

"The honor is all mine, Overseer," Lin Wei replied, hiding his annoyance. "Your hospitality is overwhelming. Bringing me all the way from Southeast Asia, dismissing your S-rank Valkyries, treating me as an equal… I'm truly touched." You treated me like a prisoner, now you act like we're equals? Please.

Brutal honesty was always the most effective, but Lin Wei's words, though barbed, were still polite. Otto, while aware of the mockery, chose to ignore it.

"You're too kind. Such talent deserves respect." "Anti-Entropy thought you were me. I believed them! This fake humility is disgusting," he thought, his smile fixed.

"You flatter me, Overseer. And I'm hardly 'intricate' or 'deep.' I'm an honest man. I've never harmed anyone." He paused, then added, feigning realization, "Are you still upset about Manila?"

"How could I not respect someone who manipulates events so effortlessly?" Otto replied, his voice laced with genuine admiration.

"Overseer, you wound me!" Lin Wei sighed dramatically. "I spared your life in Manila, even though I could have easily killed you. Wasn't that a sign of good faith? I thought we could be… friends. But…"

He sighed again.

"How disappointing."