Chapter 32: Move On to the Next Chapter? Sounds Good—But I Refuse.

Chapter 32: Move On to the Next Chapter? Sounds Good—But I Refuse.

 『my favorite sister Bronya:』 "What kind of plot twist is this?! Why was Bronya suddenly controlled?! Everything was going so well, but now it's all ruined because of that person?!"

 Completely immersed in the story, Seele was shocked beyond words by the ending.

 She had genuinely believed that things were moving toward a happy resolution—but instead, someone she respected and trusted had stepped in, shattering that fragile hope.

 A soft pink message floated across the screen—

 『Pink Fairy Miss:』 "Ahh~ I wasn't expecting this… poor Wendy."

 However, her next message took a more rational approach.

 『Pink Fairy Miss:』 "But from a storytelling perspective, this was inevitable. If Wendy had been convinced to return, then there wouldn't be a battle scene afterward. Plus, Cocolia was introduced all the way back in Chapter 1, and this chapter gave her more buildup…"

 『today's performance wasn't perfect:』 "Agreed. From a structural standpoint, this development was foreshadowed."

 Hua's message was long and precise, showing that she had been paying close attention.

 If Hokuto didn't know any better, he'd think she had already read the script.

 He couldn't help but be impressed.

 She's more analytical than I thought. Smart and observant… just unlucky.

 Of course, no matter how rational her analysis was, she was still missing one thing—

 She's not from this era.

 So there was no way she could know the story beforehand.

 『Hokuto:』 "You two are right. Now, everyone—watch closely."

—

 The final battle of Chapter 3 was about to begin.

 But honestly?

 It wasn't much of a fight.

 This was still the early game—and Hokuto had a fully geared Herrscher of Reason.

 The poor newborn Herrscher of Wind never stood a chance.

 With a single skill rotation, Wendy's health bar plummeted.

 Before she could even launch an attack, Hokuto unleashed his ultimate.

 A cool motorcycle dropped from the sky.

 A barrage of floating cannons followed.

 And then—Wendy fell.

—

 『my favorite sister Bronya:』 "That was… so fast…"

 『my favorite sister Bronya:』 "Big brother, I didn't even get to see Wendy's attacks… and it's already over?!"

 Hokuto chuckled.

 『Hokuto:』 "No worries. You'll see her again in the Abyss later."

 『my favorite sister Bronya:』 "Huh? Abyss? What's that?"

 『Hokuto:』 "A weekly boss fight. Opens at Level 25, runs twice per week, and gives great rewards."

—

 As they spoke, the cutscene played.

 Wendy and Kiana stood face to face, surrounded by white flowers and a towering clock tower.

 [Persistent, aren't you?]

 Wendy scowled.

 [Tch, persistence is my best quality! I could keep fighting all day!]

 Kiana's confidence never wavered.

 Even against a Herrscher, she refused to back down.

 But then—

 The sky darkened.

 [Too bad. I don't have that kind of patience.]

 Suddenly, the logo of Anti-Entropy flickered on the screen.

 Cocolia's voice rang out.

 [All mechs, deactivate stealth mode. Target: Fourth Herrscher.]

 Wendy screamed.

 The scene cut abruptly.

 When the screen returned, Wendy was already on the ground.

 Mei stood nearby, staring in disbelief.

 [What…?! A single attack took her down?!]

 A moment later—

 『today's performance wasn't perfect:』 "Wait… what?"

 『today's performance wasn't perfect:』 "How did a machine take down a Herrscher so easily?!"

 Hua's stunned message appeared on the screen.

 Hokuto snickered.

 She's actually shocked?

 『Hokuto:』 "Yeah, it's kinda crazy. But that's just how the story goes."

 『today's performance wasn't perfect:』 "…"

 Hua went silent.

 She didn't seem convinced.

 『Hokuto:』 "Still confused?"

 『Hokuto:』 "Ever considered that maybe—just maybe—the enemy was way stronger than you thought?"

 『today's performance wasn't perfect:』 "You mean… Kiana's team? That's impossible. They're just normal Valkyries."

 Hokuto held back a laugh.

 Oh, you have no idea.

 『Hokuto:』 "Don't underestimate anyone in this game."

—

 The cutscene continued.

 Cocolia's smug voice filled the air.

 [These new war machines are quite effective. Of course, I should thank you for weakening her first.]

 [Oh, right. I almost forgot… there's another Herrscher here.]

 [Bronya, my dear child. Execute Protocol: Capture the Third Herrscher.]

 The screen cut to Bronya.

 Her expression was blank.

 [Understood, Mother.]

 Mei collapsed to the ground, exhausted.

 Bronya raised her cannon.

 [Target secured. Mei has been captured. One target remaining.]

 But before she could continue—

 Her gaze shifted upward.

 [Tactical scan: Schicksal forces approaching at high speed.]

 (It had to be Theresa and Himeko arriving in the Hyperion.)

 Cocolia reacted instantly.

 [Tch, lucky for you. All units, retreat.]

 The Anti-Entropy forces disappeared into the night.

 The scene ended with Kiana kneeling in defeat.

 The screen faded to black.

 Text appeared.

 [Himeko arrived too late. Only Kiana was saved. Mei and Wendy were taken by Anti-Entropy. Overcome with regret, Kiana returned to St. Freya to plan a rescue mission.]

—

 『my favorite sister Bronya:』 "Anti-Entropy… Big brother! Start the next chapter already! I need to know what happens to Wendy, Mei, and Bronya!"

 Hokuto smiled.

 『Hokuto:』 "You make a good argument."

 『Hokuto:』 "But I refuse."

 The chat went completely silent.

 End of Chapter 32