Chapter 47: Research Fu Hua’s Corpse? Hell No, I’m Slacking Off!

Chapter 47: Research Fu Hua's Corpse? Hell No, I'm Slacking Off!

 The scorching midday sun hung high in the sky, making the Schicksal Spaceport unbearably hot.

 After completing the test, the temporary workers all rushed to the cafeteria—some eager to celebrate their upcoming promotion, others wanting to enjoy their last meal before being fired.

 Meanwhile—

 The Overseer's Office was dead silent.

 The sharp contrast between the bustling cafeteria and the eerily quiet office made it feel like they were in two different worlds.

 Otto Apocalypse sat alone at his desk, sipping his coffee as he reviewed the test results.

 This year, Schicksal had hired a record number of temporary workers, many of whom applied for the full-time position despite the chaos caused by the Herrscher of the Void.

 To an ordinary person, grading so many tests would be a daunting task.

 But for Otto?

 A mere trifle.

 He had programmed an automated grading system with 160 answer-checking parameters and used Schicksal's mainframe supercomputer to instantly filter out anyone who scored below 100 points.

 The passing score? 100.

 Anyone who failed was immediately rejected.

 With a single command, Otto executed the program—

 14 people passed the test.

 "Hmm… interesting."

 He raised an eyebrow—this year's success rate was surprisingly high.

 In previous years, Durandal had often urged him to lower the difficulty, claiming the test was too hard.

 Looks like the problem wasn't the test—it was that the past applicants were simply too incompetent.

 Otto quickly sent rejection emails to the failed applicants, then turned his attention to the 14 who passed.

 Most of them scored between 120-130.

 Only three managed to break 130, with scores of 136, 141, and 146.

 Impressive.

 This batch seems to have a few bright ones.

 Maybe some of them could be useful.

 Perhaps even help Theresa train new recruits?

 As Otto scanned through the names, his gaze stopped at the one who scored 146 points.

 "Hokuto?"

 A name from Shenzhou… and born in Canghai City?"

 "Hmm… Looks like I have a task for him."

 With a smirk, Otto began typing an email.

—

 Meanwhile, in Hokuto's dormitory.

 After stuffing himself in the cafeteria, Hokuto walked back to his room, whistling with a toothpick in his mouth.

 He planned to take a nap, then wake up refreshed for another stream.

 But just as he was about to flop onto his bed—

 His laptop screen suddenly lit up.

 "You have a new email."

 Hokuto blinked.

 Who the hell is emailing me?

 With a raised eyebrow, he clicked it open—

 And froze.

 [To the Surviving Candidates,]

 [Congratulations on passing the assessment. Receiving this email means you are now officially a member of Schicksal.]

 [You now have the privilege of learning the truth about "Honkai."]

 [However, this journey is extremely dangerous. Schicksal will ensure your safety, but only if you can firmly believe that you are still human.]

 Hokuto: "…Huh?"

 What kind of shady-ass wording is this?!

 At first, he assumed it was just the standard acceptance letter sent by Durandal.

 But then—

 His eyes landed on the sender's name.

 "Signed: Otto Apocalypse."

 Hokuto: "..."

 The Overseer himself sent this?

 Damn, that's some VIP treatment.

 But why would Otto personally handle new recruits?

 …Unless Durandal and Rita were both away from Schicksal HQ?

 If that's the case… then they're probably off hunting Kiana.

 Man, good thing I never revealed my identity.

 If Kiana found out I exposed her location, she'd want me dead for sure.

 Yep—Schicksal HQ is still the safest place to be.

 But just as Hokuto was feeling smug about his decision, his smile vanished.

 Because the email wasn't over yet.

 [Your primary task is to research Shenzhou's folklore and ancient myths.]

 [Once your preliminary research is complete, I will assign you to a new project—examining a specific corpse.]

 [Do your best. Schicksal rewards those who serve it well.]

 [Signed, Otto Apocalypse.]

 Hokuto: "..."

 Hold the f*ck up.

 Examining a corpse?

 A horrible premonition crept up his spine—

 No way.

 No f*cking way.

 You're not seriously making me research Fu Hua's dead body, are you?!

 You green bastard! Not everyone has spare bodies like you, okay?!

 Hokuto massaged his temples, closed his laptop, and collapsed onto his bed.

 Alright. New plan.

 Time to half-ass this job.

 He'd just drag things out, pretend that Shenzhou's history is too vast to research alone, and stall for time.

 Meanwhile—he'd keep streaming.

 Make money. Farm crystals. Enjoy life.

 It's a win-win.

—

 That afternoon—

 [Live stream started.]

 [Broadcasting… Connection successful.]

 [Host is now live. Please maintain stream etiquette. Be civilized.]

 Hokuto logged in, started grinding materials, and within moments—

 [Welcome, "Biggest Bronya Fan," "Your Great Inventor," and "Hard Work Always Pays Off" to the stream.]

 Hokuto: "Oh?"

 Otto and Durandal are both watching today?

 Oh man, this stream is gonna be interesting.

 Just as he thought that—

 『Biggest Bronya Fan:』 "Good afternoon, big brother! Are we finally going to rescue Wendy today?"

 Hokuto paused.

 …Wendy, huh?

 Well, things were about to get really fun.

 "Alright, let's start the show."

 He clicked on Chapter 4.

 End of Chapter 47