Do You Want Revenge?

As Yuno piloted the aircraft shakily through the clouds and began to descend, Lin Wei felt a pang of anxiety, fearing she might accidentally crash it into the ground.

"Fu Hua's piloting was so smooth when I took her 'flight'..."

Lin Wei found himself missing his old friend,

"I wonder if, because of me, her life under Otto's control will become more difficult?"

Lin Wei really didn't want that overly responsible person to be used again because of him.

"She's already had a hard enough life. At this point, it's better not to add any extra burden to her..."

Lin Wei thought silently.

He discreetly projected the Ninth Divine Key in his palm, ready to intervene if Yuno made a mistake in her operation, while simultaneously pulling out a tablet from under his seat, searching for the information he wanted. He quickly retrieved what he needed from the public network—a Morse code chart.

His purpose was self-evident.

Back when he had first reached an agreement with Anti-Entropy, Lin Wei had discussed with Tesla how to get in touch with St. Freya High School. He was quite curious how Anti-Entropy's scientists managed to contact Welt.

At that time, there wasn't much trust between them, so Lin Wei's inquiry was quite abrupt, immediately causing Tesla's defensiveness.

His thoughts weren't complicated; he just wanted a way to contact Fu Hua, directly or indirectly, to avoid any unnecessary trouble if needed.

On this issue, Lin Wei was quite sincere. After all, they didn't have any conflicts of interest; it was entirely a matter of exchanging information.

Judging by how Anti-Entropy could clearly understand the secrets hidden beneath St. Freya and had absolute certainty they could turn Theresa against Schicksal, as well as Siegfried being able to directly hack into Theresa's training terminal and even time it perfectly, Anti-Entropy's infiltration and intelligence gathering at St. Freya were almost impeccable.

Of course, there was a high possibility that Otto had deliberately let things slide, even actively providing intelligence and guidance in secret. After all, to brazenly place a bunch of Cecilia clones in St. Freya's restricted area and specifically arrange for Theresa to defend it...

Tsk, no one would believe he didn't do it on purpose!

But even with Otto's significant contribution, Anti-Entropy's internal and external coordination must have been excellent.

Even ignoring that Old Yang could also gather and provide intelligence within St. Freya, just based on how he showed no surprise when seeing the extremely familiar face of "Welt Yang" in the school, and his decisiveness in killing him on the spot despite aggravating his own injuries,

Tsk, who knows how Cocolia's stunt with the clone made the two scientists complain to Old Yang through private channels...

Look how angry it made Old Yang, he even vomited blood!

After all, whether before or after, when had he ever been so ruthless to anyone?

Killed on the spot, no body left behind, not even ashes!

With this "expectation," Lin Wei took the initiative to tell Tesla about the game channel vulnerability he had found, in exchange for a glimpse into the channels that Anti-Entropy had.

Tesla was surprised, "Huh?"

Wait, it's that easy?

Lin Wei curled his lip, indicating that it was nothing to be surprised about. Even Valkyries in the Far East Branch dormitories could trade stocks!

What's wrong with playing a game?

Don't always overcomplicate things!

In short, after some back and forth, Tesla regretfully said that even if the channel was real, they wouldn't be able to use it. In response to Lin Wei's curiosity and inquiries, Tesla only gave him a lukewarm answer: "Morse code."

This answer naturally surprised Lin Wei. "Huh?"

Wait, it's that simple?

Facing Lin Wei's surprised expression, Tesla also curled her lip, indicating that it was nothing to be surprised about—Whatever the method, as long as it works!

"..."

Lin Wei felt like he had been hit by a returning boomerang.

After confirming that Tesla wasn't playing a malicious joke, Lin Wei frowned and thought carefully for a moment, then asked another question:

"Is the Ninth Divine Key in your hands?"

Seeing Tesla's slightly changing expression, Lin Wei understood and didn't ask further.

"Now is the time to use it."

Putting away his memories, Lin Wei memorized the Morse code, gently activating the "Projected Ninth Divine Key" in his hand, carefully creating the first imperceptible ripple in the void.

...

Far East, St. Freya High School.

The time difference here was earlier. While the Philippines was just dawning, it was already bright and sunny here.

The great battle had long ended, and the Far East Branch, after completing most of the cleanup work, had returned to its normal life.

"Good morning, Mr. Yang!"

"Good morning."

Welt was as gentle and refined as always, greeting every student he met with a smile.

"Ugh..."

As he approached the classroom door, Welt suddenly stopped, his expression changing slightly.

Just now, he had once again felt the familiar change in gravity. He couldn't help but be startled, thinking that something unexpected had happened with the scientists and they were contacting him urgently.

"Mr. Yang, what's wrong? Are you alright?"

Fu Hua, as the class monitor, noticed something was amiss and came out of the classroom to greet him, asking with concern,

"You're always in poor health. Please let me take you to the infirmary."

Welt nodded. He had to say, the "sick person" identity was really useful sometimes.

So the first class in the morning turned into a self-study session. After receiving this good news, a certain white-haired dumpling slept even more soundly in the back row...

On the way to the infirmary, Welt had already accurately received and read the message from the void. He had to admit, the Herrscher of Reason's authority was indeed quite handy in such traceable matters.

"Miss Fu Hua..."

Because it was still early, the doctors on duty at the infirmary hadn't arrived yet, so Welt didn't have many reservations.

Seeing that he used this title instead of "Fu Hua," Fu Hua sighed helplessly and said directly,

"What is it, Welt?"

"Although I don't know how he's able to use this ability, but... that Mr. Lin Wei just contacted me through a special channel and asked me to relay a message to you."

Welt pushed his glasses up, trying his best to repeat Lin Wei's original words,

"Mr. Lin Wei said he's very grateful for all your help before, and that the thing you left with him is still safely kept, waiting for you to retrieve it at any time. Until then..."

Welt paused, carefully recalling Lin Wei's original words in the "telegram," choosing his words carefully, and after confirming there were no mistakes, he continued,

"Until then, please continue to do what you think you should do, according to your own heart. You don't need to feel troubled, and you don't need to have any reservations."

"..."

Fu Hua was stunned. She never expected it to be this. After a long while, she sighed softly,

"Is that so? I understand."

People, no matter how similar they seemed in some ways, were ultimately different.

...

Lin Wei put down the projected Divine Key in his hand, feeling a sense of relief.

The altitude was now very close to the ground, and Lin Wei looked out the window. The descent was going smoothly.

It seemed that although Yuno's piloting skills were rusty, the excellent reflexes granted by her special physique compensated for it well.

In that case, things would be easier.

Thinking of this, Lin Wei smiled slightly and breathed a small sigh of relief.

"Lin Wei, you..."

Yae Sakura hesitated, not knowing what to say.

"It's nothing, just seeking peace of mind."

Lin Wei chuckled,

"After all, everyone has their own difficulties and burdens in life, don't they?"

Everyone was working hard for their own lives, for their own missions and ideals, for their own world.

If he didn't understand other people's difficulties, how could he expect them to understand his?

"If I lived like Otto, hated by everyone, even dogs would dislike me. That would be too pathetic, wouldn't it?"

Perhaps this was his own "villain aesthetic"?

Lin Wei mocked himself silently.

"Buzz... Thump!"

A rather violent jolt and impact interrupted Lin Wei's thoughts. The aircraft landed successfully, albeit with a slightly rough angle and force.

"..."

Seeing Lin Wei being jolted and the suspicious look that followed, Yuno blushed and explained,

"That's how it's written in the Valkyrie manual."

And she really was anxious to land.

"...Alright, I get it."

Lin Wei waved his hand dismissively. With Valkyries' generally superhuman physiques, this little bump was indeed nothing.

"Should've fastened the seatbelt."

He silently reflected, learning his lesson for next time.

"Hiss..."

The hatch opened, and Lin Wei and Yuno descended the slowly lowering ramp, one after the other, arriving on the ground.

They looked at the somewhat familiar, mostly collapsed stadium not far away, and the huge refugee camp built around its ruins.

The place that had once been a tragic battlefield was now surrounded by a long, simple wall. Hundreds of tents of various sizes, colors, and shapes were neatly arranged inside, spaced out and orderly.

Medical personnel in isolation suits hurried through the wide and narrow passages between tents, occasionally carrying a white-shrouded body out of a tent.

Armed personnel in full gear patrolled seriously. Occasionally, someone would press the walkie-talkie on their shoulder, seemingly receiving instructions, then they would walk straight into a tent in groups of two or three.

Then, one or several muffled gunshots would ring out, followed by the rise and fall of numb, weak cries from inside the tent. Afterwards, armed personnel with bloodstains on their clothes would emerge, opening the way for the waiting medical personnel to enter and carry out another body wrapped in a white cloth soaked with purplish-red blood.

This scene was everywhere in the camp. Although it was orderly, it was also oppressive and tragic, like a scene from hell. Only a few flags fluttered in the wind, scattering everything here into the air.

"..."

Lin Wei was silent for a moment. This was his third time setting foot on Manila's soil. Although it was a return to a familiar place, each time was different.

"Mr. Lin Wei... ah, and Yuno, it's you! You've come!"

Perhaps seeing the Schicksal aircraft land nearby, two Valkyries rushed to greet them, just bumping into Lin Wei and Yuno.

"Miss Seni, it's you."

Lin Wei turned his head, smiling and greeting the two Valkyries. They were both Valkyries from Squad Snow Lotus, whom he had met several times before.

Seeing these girls, who had already died in the original world line, standing alive in front of him, Lin Wei felt an inexplicable emotion in his heart. He asked softly,

"Long time no see. How are you doing?"

Hearing this, the initially bright smiles of the two Valkyries instantly turned bitter. They shook their heads, not knowing how to answer.

Compared to those squads that had been completely wiped out, compared to the captains and partners who had already sacrificed, they were at least still alive.

But whether surviving like this was fortunate or painful torture, they themselves didn't have an answer...

"Is that so? Sorry, I shouldn't have asked."

Lin Wei understood, giving an apologetic smile. Then he asked directly,

"Your Anna... Captain, where is she now?"

Yuno, who had been agitated by the oppressive atmosphere here, suddenly sobered up when she heard this.

After all, she was also worried about her good friend's situation.

"It's unfortunate, but the Captain was just taken away by people from the Oceania Branch to headquarters."

One of the Valkyries said with a complicated expression,

"They said she was to represent Squad Snow Lotus and accept the commendation from headquarters along with several other squads."

They didn't want this "honor," but they had to accept it.

"...Is that so? So that's how it is."

Lin Wei nodded understandingly, patted the again agitated Yuno, signaling her to calm down,

"When did this happen?"

"You were one step too late. It was just over two hours ago."

The Valkyrie named Seni said with some regret.

"..."

Is that so? That's really a shame.

Lin Wei was silent for a moment, then smiled slightly at the two Valkyries, and said gently,

"Thank you, I understand. You can go back to your work now. I won't bother you any longer."

"No, no, of course not!"

The two Valkyries waved their hands repeatedly, hastily saying,

"Mr. Lin Wei, and Yuno, you've helped us so much. We're so happy you're back, how can we say you're bothering us?"

"Heh, sorry, I misspoke."

Lin Wei apologized with a smile,

"But seeing how things are now, interrupting your work still doesn't seem right. You should go back to your work. I'll call you if I need anything."

"Okay, then Mr. Lin Wei, and Yuno, please call us anytime if you need anything."

The two Valkyries smiled apologetically, then hurriedly excused themselves and left.

Lin Wei smiled as he watched them leave, falling silent for a moment.

"Otto, you really are a clever one!"

Lin Wei muttered to himself.

Before he realized the problem with Anna and left Schicksal HQ, he had deliberately cut off all communication systems on the floating island to ensure he had enough time to take Anna away.

But unexpectedly, Otto seized the only gap. Before Yuno's visit, to show his "sincerity" and ensure that Otto's search for the Second Divine Key went smoothly, communications to London were open.

Although he closed this loophole the moment he learned the information from Yuno, it now seemed that Otto was still one step ahead—relaying his orders through London, taking Anna away first, making him miss his chance.

Commendation? Heh, what a perfect excuse!

Judging by how worried Anna was about his safety, she would probably rush to headquarters as soon as she received the notification!

"Tsk tsk tsk, brilliant!"

Lin Wei mocked sarcastically,

"Too bad. If you had this kind of scheming and decisiveness five hundred years ago, I might have held you in higher regard. Now? Heh, it just makes me feel even more pity and sorrow for you!"

Venting your malice on innocent people, indulging in your misplaced sense of authority and power, as if this could cover up your incompetence and cowardice...

Heh, ridiculous!

"What should we do now?"

Yuno, who had been stirred by the tragic scene here, became even more anxious and angry when she learned that they had missed their chance. She asked urgently,

"Should we go after them now?"

She also hated Otto, always feeling that the smiling, treacherous man was sinister and hypocritical, and didn't want her good friend to fall into his hands.

"Heh, calm down, Yuno."

Lin Wei pinched a black feather and brushed it off, calming the restless Yuno, and said calmly,

"Impatience and anger solve nothing. Don't worry, I won't let anything happen to Anna."

"Now, we still have many other things to do..."

The calmed-down Yuno was stunned for a moment, and asked in confusion,

"What needs to be done?"

For some reason, although Lin Wei's tone and demeanor were sometimes quite similar to Otto's, she just felt that Lin Wei was someone she could trust.

It was her intuition, there was no reason for it; just like her instinctive dislike of Otto, it was also a kind of intuition.

"Of course, it's to make a big fuss."

Lin Wei showed a somewhat dangerous smile, turned to the girl beside him, and asked seriously,

"Yuno, answer me one question seriously—do you want revenge?"

Yuno was startled, and before she could react, Lin Wei's next words stabbed into her heart like a sharp knife,

"Revenge against Anti-Entropy, who destroyed Nagazora City..."