Each Going Their Own Way
The friendly and cordial meeting between Lin Wei and Otto allowed for a frank exchange of views, fostering mutual understanding. It was a highly constructive discussion.
This constructiveness was mainly reflected in the fact that Otto didn't ask about Lin Wei's future plans, and Lin Wei didn't inquire about Otto's.
Mutual trust was nonexistent; both retained the right to further investigation.
The reason they could temporarily reach a "truce" was due to their shared appreciation regarding "Saint Kallen," though they still held reservations. They agreed to set aside their differences and look toward the future.
In short, by the time Lin Wei emerged from the building with Rita, he realized—night had fallen.
"So beautiful…" Lin Wei murmured, gazing at the vibrant aurora borealis, now even more dazzling against the night sky.
Finally, a break. His mind had been working overtime.
This is so much better than playing mind games with that old fox, Otto. Whether it was admiring the scenery or simply spacing out, anything beat that.
"Mr. Lin Wei, it's getting late. Allow me to escort you to the guest room," Rita said softly after observing Lin Wei's entranced state.
Despite her words, her tone and demeanor were devoid of urgency. She stood quietly, patiently waiting for him to return to the present.
"Schicksal HQ has guest rooms?" Lin Wei asked, surprised, as he came to. "Oh, and how's Yuno doing?"
"While we rarely have outside guests, personnel from various branches frequently report here, or temporary task forces are assembled. Therefore, some redundant facilities are essential," Rita explained politely. "If you prefer a quieter, more scenic room, Mr. Lin Wei, I can arrange that."
"Really? Thank you." Lin Wei glanced at Rita's maid outfit, a strange smile playing on his lips. "Having a distinguished S-rank Valkyrie attend to such trivial matters for me… I'm ashamed."
A high-ranking Schicksal officer enjoys playing dress-up as a maid? What a peculiar hobby.
Well, it's not my place to judge personal preferences. It'd be rude to pry.
Just as Lin Wei knew why Otto assigned Rita to him. The moment he divulged the Second Divine Key's location, Schicksal would undoubtedly take action. Having Rita, who should've been involved in this operation, by his side meant only one thing—surveillance. But there was no need to state the obvious.
"The Emperor's New Clothes" is a fundamental truth. Knowing when to play dumb was a basic virtue of adulthood.
"These are my duties and my honor," Rita replied humbly, her battlefield fierceness replaced by a demure, ladylike air.
"As for Miss Yuno…" Rita hesitated, a flicker of helplessness on her face.
"It was just a casual question. If it's inconvenient, forget I asked," Lin Wei said, not wanting to put her in a difficult position.
"Oh, it's nothing, just some extra cleaning work," Rita recovered quickly, offering a light smile. "She's also happy to know you're safe, Mr. Lin Wei, and is preparing to rest now."
Right, I get it. He smiled wryly. Rita must have had her hands full while I was away.
"Seems I've caused you quite a bit of trouble," Lin Wei said, feeling a pang of guilt. In more ways than one.
"…You could say that," Rita thought to herself. The whole HQ was in an uproar today!
Nevertheless, the day had passed without major incident. She simply chuckled and shook her head. "Just a small mishap, Mr. Lin Wei. You're too kind. Please let me know if there's anything else you need."
While Lin Wei's relationship with the Overseer was somewhat strained, he maintained amicable relations with her and the other Valkyries. Rita, ever observant, was well aware of this and didn't want to disrupt this balance. She did her best to maintain it.
She couldn't control Otto Apocalypse's thoughts, but at least she could maintain a cordial personal relationship with Lin Wei.
"Actually, there is something…" Lin Wei said, feeling a bit like he was taking advantage of the situation. "If it's not too late, I'd like to visit your medical center. It's a bit embarrassing, but I value my life. I haven't had a checkup since the Manila Honkai incident. I figure Schicksal HQ has the most advanced technology, so why not make use of it?"
This had been on Lin Wei's mind. He'd wanted to do this earlier, but dealing with Otto had taken precedence.
Schicksal's medical technology was otherworldly! They restored Fu Hua, who was practically in pieces, to perfect health in just six months.
Now that he was here, he might as well take advantage of it. Even if nothing was wrong, peace of mind was priceless.
Surely the magnanimous Overseer wouldn't mind such a small request!
As soon as Lin Wei left, Otto, fearing further complications, immediately dispatched personnel to London based on the information provided.
With Durandal still absent and Rita occupied, Otto, after brief consideration, activated a new body and led the expedition himself.
He didn't doubt the information's veracity. Deceiving him in this matter offered no benefit to Lin Wei and would only provoke him further without causing actual harm. Such a pointless prank didn't seem like Lin Wei's style.
Therefore, without even bothering to verify, Otto mobilized his forces, prepared for a potential clash with World Serpent.
In fact, his overt actions were meant to provoke World Serpent, luring them into a confrontation. He would use them as "guides" to pinpoint the Second Divine Key's exact location.
Though the search area was narrowed down, London, with its nine million inhabitants and vast expanse, still presented a challenge. Finding an object of unknown shape and size was like searching for a needle in a haystack.
Rather than a methodical search, risking World Serpent's interference, it was better to escalate the situation from the outset, forcing them to either retreat further or reveal themselves.
If they retreated, Schicksal could conduct a thorough search undisturbed. If they surfaced, all the better—they would have effectively delivered the Second Divine Key into Otto's hands.
Either way, Otto won. He would've already won in Manila if not for Lin Wei's intervention.
Having learned his lesson, he placed Rita by Lin Wei's side—for surveillance and to prevent further disruption.
After several encounters, Otto understood: dealing with Lin Wei required a long-term strategy. He had to be contained, his weaknesses exploited while denying him any opportunities.
As for World Serpent… rattling the snake's nest—an old trick, but effective.
Besides that unpredictable nuisance, Otto didn't consider anyone else a worthy adversary.
...
London, The British Museum.
Director Catherine paced her office, her head pounding.
Minutes ago, libraries, archives, and even art galleries across London received cooperation requests from Schicksal, asking for all London-related materials to aid an investigation.
They demanded records detailing every alley, building, river, railing, lamppost, even the history and changes of every single tree.
As Director of the British Museum, Catherine faced the highest expectations. Schicksal even offered a personal meeting with the Overseer.
"Something big is happening!" Upon hearing the news, Catherine panicked. "Why me? Why does all the bad luck fall on me?"
A year ago, Jackal requested her cooperation in a plot against Schicksal. Before it could materialize, the plan was indefinitely shelved. Catherine embarked on a year-long "global expedition," leaving her mark on historical sites across Eurasia and Africa, bolstering her reputation, transforming her from a mere museum director into a renowned historian.
Now, having just returned to London—Schicksal had come knocking again.
Why me? She crouched down, scratching her hair in frustration.
"No, I need to report this to Huodou!" Calming down, she rushed to the mirror, smoothing her disheveled hair and straightening her clothes. Huodou was strict and unforgiving.
After ensuring her appearance was presentable, Catherine returned to her desk, composed herself, picked up her phone, and dialed the crucial number. "Jackal-Sama…"
...
Shenzhou, ARC City.
World Serpent personnel had just returned from their underground shelter. Jackal, still fuming from her encounter with Lin Wei, received Catherine's call. Her eye twitched.
"I see…" Suppressing her anger, she curtly ended the call and immediately sought out another.
"Gray Serpent!" Relaying the information, she said, "The Second Divine Key has been targeted. Schicksal's repeated provocations are intolerable. We must act!" She needed to vent her frustrations.
"Is that so? Heh…" Gray Serpent chuckled, unconcerned. "Then let them have it."
"What are you saying?" Huodou was taken aback. "Have you betrayed the organization? Betrayed our Lord?"
"Patience, Jackal." Gray Serpent calmly explained, "Someone wants to pit Serpent against Schicksal. We won't fall into their trap so easily."
"Uh…" Jackal paused, realization dawning.
"You mean…him again?" Seeing Gray Serpent's tacit agreement, she exploded. "That damned guy!"
He's everywhere! Always him!
"Are we just going to let this slide?" Jackal asked, finally regaining some composure.
"Our Lord's return is imminent. Since Schicksal has the upper hand, we shouldn't expose ourselves or deplete our forces prematurely," Gray Serpent replied calmly.
"As for that incomplete Second Divine Key…heh, half a key opens no doors. Let them fight over it."
"Serpent will simply observe, wait, and lie in wait."
"When our Lord returns, all actors on this stage will be unified under a single will—the will of Serpent…"