Chapter 52: When Both His Subordinate and Granddaughter Roasted Him, Even a Certain Overseer Was Speechless
Chapter 52: When Both His Subordinate and Granddaughter Roasted Him, Even a Certain Overseer Was Speechless
Otto's criticism was sharp and on point, immediately exposing the flaw in Bronya's behavior.
『Hokuto:』 "You figured it out that quickly?"
『Your Great Inventor:』 "Heh, it was just a simple analysis. A normal person would try to clear suspicion first. But instead, she went straight for the emotional appeal."
As Otto's green text scrolled across the screen, it was as if Bronya's entire thought process had become transparent.
Hokuto, having already read the script, couldn't help but admire Otto's insight.
No wonder they call him the Fool—fooling the world, his own family, and even the rules themselves.
Compared to that, Cocolia was completely out of her league.
But still… Hokuto couldn't let Otto steal all the spotlight, could he?
『Hokuto:』 "I don't think it's that simple. Bronya has been with Kiana and the others for a long time, and I believe her emotions here are genuine."
『Your Great Inventor:』 "Oh? Genuine emotions? How interesting. Let's wait and see, then."
After losing two bets in a row, Otto didn't suggest another one this time.
『Hokuto:』 "Giving up already?"
Otto didn't respond.
He wasn't interested in playing along anymore.
Because by now, he had all but confirmed it—this streamer knew what was going to happen next.
Whether it was through prediction, spoilers, or direct involvement with the game company, Hokuto wasn't just guessing.
And that was far more intriguing than any bet.
—
The game continued.
Onscreen, Kiana was pleading Bronya's case.
[Himeko, I don't think Bronya is being controlled. And besides, she wants to save Mei even more than we do.]
[Sigh… You guys are really impossible. Fine, if we're all this determined, let's take the risk.]
[Then, hurry to the C7 entrance.]
After Bronya's line, the game entered combat mode.
Hokuto rushed through the enemies, making quick work of the final wave.
As the last enemy fell, another dialogue sequence triggered.
[Kiana, watching you fight makes my Kaslana blood boil.]
[Huh? But Theresa, aren't you the head of the Apocalypse family?]
[Oh? Himeko never told you? It's not even a secret anymore.]
[I'm a homunculus. Part of my genes come from a certain Kaslana ancestor.]
[So… does that make you my grandma or something?]
[I am NOT your grandma! I'm still a young and cute girl!]
『Your Great Inventor:』 "That's right. Even after all these years, Theresa is still a young and cute girl."
『Hokuto:』 "…Sir, I'm going to need you to calm down. You're sounding a little dangerous."
Thankfully, Hokuto knew the context—otherwise, Otto's obsession with Theresa might've raised some eyebrows.
—
The story progressed.
Kiana and Himeko were still wary of Bronya, sensing something off.
[Something feels wrong…]
[You're worried about Bronya? Yeah, there's a high chance this is a trap.]
Before they could think further—
[Even if it is a trap, who cares? I'm here, aren't I? If something goes wrong, we'll just punch our way out!]
『Embrace Your Power, Seele:』 "Hah! Now THIS I like!"
Hokuto checked the chat—sure enough, the blood-red text was from Dark Seele.
Figures.
If anyone appreciated Theresa's simple, direct approach, it would be her.
The conversation shifted to Theresa's past as a Valkyrie.
[Theresa was a Valkyrie too?]
[Yep. She was reckless, but incredibly strong. She was even offered the rank of an S-Rank Valkyrie once. But she refused… because—]
Before Himeko could finish, Theresa immediately interrupted.
[Ahem, enough chit-chat, Himeko!]
[Kiana, all you need to know is that I'm strong. Let's keep moving~]
And with that, they continued forward.
—
Back to combat.
After clearing another wave of enemies, the next cutscene played.
[These robots are strong. If Schicksal could develop weapons like this, then Valkyries wouldn't have to fight on the frontlines.]
[Unfortunately, that's impossible. We've tried developing autonomous Honkai-powered weapons before, but they always failed.]
[Why?]
[For starters, the efficiency of Honkai energy use was only 20%. More importantly, the energy's instability caused rapid degradation. They would break down after just a few uses.]
[In other words, not cost-effective.]
[Exactly.]
Then, Himeko stepped in to explain further.
[Schicksal discovered that human bodies are the best conductors for Honkai energy. Only in a Valkyrie's body can it remain stable.]
[But… that means—]
[Yes. The cost is that their bodies slowly degrade over time. Their lifespan is shortened. They die young.]
Kiana froze for a moment.
[Wait—then… does that mean Anti-Entropy's approach was actually right?!]
『Your Great Inventor:』 "How naive."
Otto's sarcastic remark was so perfectly timed that it almost felt like he had broken the fourth wall.
As if on cue, Himeko immediately followed up.
[Anti-Entropy's efficiency has always been lower than Schicksal's. Despite investing massive resources, they only reached 20% efficiency. Yet they refused to use humans as conduits.]
[Maybe… it's because the old man who founded Anti-Entropy was just a more compassionate guy than Schicksal's leader.
[…What a shame.]
『…』
『Hokuto:』 "Oof."
The chat fell silent for a moment.
And then—
『Your Great Inventor:』 "…"
The grand overseer of Schicksal, Otto Apocalypse himself, had just been indirectly roasted by his own subordinates… and his own granddaughter.
Talk about an awkward moment.
End of Chapter 52