Chapter 58: "Stupid Old Man, I Missed You So Much!" (Slaps Him in the Face)

Chapter 58: "Stupid Old Man, I Missed You So Much!" (Slaps Him in the Face)

 Faced with Theresa's suspicious gaze, Kiana hesitated for a moment before launching into her terrible acting.

 [Uh… well… look, we're at a crucial moment in the mission. If we waste time on my personal issues, then my mom—no, Lady Cecilia—might be in danger!]

 Kiana stammered her way through her excuse.

 [Anyway, let's just deal with my situation after the mission, okay? Please!]

 [I understand! That's my niece for you!]

 "..."

 A single green text drifted across the screen.

 Otto.

 『Hokuto:』 "Something wrong?"

 『Your Great Inventor:』 "Nothing. I just find it hard to believe the real Theresa would ever fall for such a childish lie."

 『Hokuto:』 "Hmm~ You've got a point."

 With that, Hokuto moved on to the next stage.

—

 Mission Start – Chapter 5, Stage 4

 The game opened with a CG.

 [Yo~ Theresa! Took you long enough.]

 Before the screen fully faded in, a man's voice was already greeting them.

 When the image cleared, the man was seen holding up a hand in greeting.

 He had the same white hair and cyan eyes as Kiana, wore a long trench coat, and had fingerless gloves.

 His chiseled features carried an easygoing smile.

 [I heard you ran into the Second Herrscher earlier. I was worried about you, you know?]

 The camera shifted, revealing Theresa standing with her arms crossed.

 [Hmph, as if I care about the concerns of a perverted old man like you.]

 Siegfried didn't seem offended.

 [Alright, alright, fair enough. Oh, by the way, who's this lovely lady beside you?]

 As he spoke, the camera pulled back, revealing Kiana standing next to Theresa.

 [Such a beautiful lady~ If we had the time, I'd love to buy you a drink.]

 "?"

 A single question mark floated across the screen.

 But it wasn't from Seele or Otto.

 It was from Durandal.

 『Hard Work Always Pays Off:』 "What?"

 『Hokuto:』 "Something wrong?"

 『Hard Work Always Pays Off:』 "I'm just… surprised. Siegfried… is this kind of person?"

 The first thing he says to a girl is an invitation to drink?

 That's… not normal, right?

 At least, not in Durandal's eyes.

 But it seemed someone else shared her sentiment.

 『my favorite sister Bronya:』 "Umm… I'm starting to feel disappointed. Who just walks up to a girl and says that? Sigh… Does that mean Theresa is the only decent person in Schicksal's leadership?"

 A soft, hesitant blue text floated past.

 Hokuto chuckled.

 Seele might've misunderstood Schicksal, but before Hokuto could correct her, Durandal spoke up first.

 『Hard Work Always Pays Off:』 "I don't think that's necessarily true."

 A fairly neutral answer—as expected.

 Hokuto wasn't too surprised.

 So basically, 'what other people do isn't my business'…?

 Fair enough.

 While they were chatting, the CG continued.

 Siegfried sat on a supply crate, hands clasped, and began explaining the situation.

 [I've got some bad news… and some even worse news.]

 [The bad news is that the Valkyrie squads have been searching for the Second Herrscher… but there's still no sign of her.]

 The camera slowly tilted up, focusing on Siegfried's serious expression.

 [The even worse news… Otto has already ordered Cecilia to deploy.]

 『my favorite sister Bronya:』 "Whoa… he suddenly looks cool… and also kind of scary."

 『Hard Work Always Pays Off:』 "Scary? I think this is just the demeanor of a true warrior."

 『my favorite sister Bronya:』 "A true warrior's demeanor…? I don't really get it…"

 While they discussed, Siegfried finished his briefing.

 [Cecilia will arrive in Siberia in 30 minutes. Before then… we have to find the Second Herrscher.

 And kill her.]

 The camera suddenly zoomed out, revealing a screen behind Siegfried.

 [Hah! Looks like God hasn't abandoned us yet.]

 [Report: O-23 and O-17 squads have detected the Second Herrscher.]

 As the communication came through, the background music shifted—intense, urgent.

 Theresa immediately realized the problem.

 [Damn it, she's splitting us up.]

 [We have no choice. I'll take O-23, you take O-17. If either of us finds her… don't hold back.]

 With assignments settled, Theresa turned to Kiana.

 [Kiana, stay here. It's safer.]

 […Kiana?]

 Siegfried finally took notice of the name.

 Kiana took the opportunity to introduce herself.

 [Yeah, sorry. Same name as your daughter.

 But I'm not staying here. I'm fighting too.]

 The camera shifted again, showing Theresa and Kiana in profile.

 [But…]

 [You saw me fight earlier, right? I can hold my own.]

 Before Theresa could protest, Siegfried spoke up.

 [I think it's fine.

 From the look in her eyes, I can tell—she's a capable warrior.

 Let her go with you, Theresa.]

 […Fine.]

 With Siegfried's approval, Theresa didn't argue further.

 Normally, this is where the scene should've ended—the mission was clear, and they were ready to move out.

 But Kiana wasn't done yet.

 [Oh, one more thing.]

 SMACK!

 The screen flashed, showing Siegfried's stunned face and Kiana lowering her hand.

 [That was just interest.

 Once we beat the Second Herrscher, I'll really let you have it.

 You'd better be ready, you stupid old man—

 I mean, Siegfried. Siegfried Kaslana!]

 As the scene faded to black, a blue text floated across the screen.

 『my favorite sister Bronya:』 "I don't know why, but… that slap felt really satisfying."

 As Seele's blue text floated away, a green one followed right behind.

 『Your Great Inventor:』 "Haha, I must admit, that was quite satisfying. If not for—"

 Hokuto glanced at the message and could practically imagine Otto's serious expression behind the screen.

 If not for what?

 Siegfried's actions? His attempt to protect Kiana?

 After all, without Siegfried's efforts, Kiana might never have reached this point in her life.

 For both Kianas, his existence had been a turning point.

 And for Otto... well, it was obvious.

 He had plans for her.

 『Your Great Inventor:』 "Oh well. He doesn't matter anymore."

 That was true.

 Siegfried's life or death was irrelevant now. The "experiment" he fought so hard to protect had already been discovered in Sky City.

 Hokuto turned back to the game as the CG concluded.

—

 Mission Start – Chapter 5, Stage 5

 As the game transitioned back to dialogue mode, Theresa's voice rang out.

 [We must… we must eliminate the Second Herrscher as soon as possible, or else… or else…]

 [Kiana, what are you mumbling about?]

 Theresa's question cut through Kiana's anxious thoughts.

 Startled, Kiana quickly shared her concerns about Cecilia.

 Theresa reassured her that they would eliminate the Second Herrscher before Cecilia arrived.

 At the same time, she explained why Siegfried was so desperate… and why he chose to wield judgment of shamash.

 『my favorite sister Bronya:』 "A weapon… so powerful that it harms the user? That's terrifying…"

 Seele's blue text floated across the screen, full of unease.

 『my favorite sister Bronya:』 "Why use something like that? Does Siegfried really not care about his own life?"

 『Hokuto:』 "Cough, have you considered… that it's not about disregarding his own life, but valuing others' lives more?"

 Hokuto couldn't help but step in when he saw Seele misunderstanding the situation.

 『Hokuto:』 "Theresa already said it before—this is the Kaslana way."

 『my favorite sister Bronya:』 "I see… The Kaslana family… really is a noble one."

 With Seele's sentimental comment, the game transitioned back to action.

—

 In the snow-covered battlefield, Hokuto steered Bronya forward, following the golden marker on the map.

 After a short journey, several Titan mechs were air-dropped onto the battlefield.

 But against Bronya, they went down like tissue paper.

 With the Titans wiped out, the path cleared.

 Bronya and Theresa moved ahead, reaching the end of the designated route.

 As they arrived, another cutscene triggered.

 [This is O-17… Those are… Valkyrie armor remnants?]

 [Looks like the Valkyrie unit stationed here was completely wiped out! But… these wrecked suits are still emitting signals, tricking HQ into thinking the Second Herrscher is here.]

 [She can even control Valkyrie armor? Just how powerful has she become…?]

 As Theresa processed this shocking revelation, Kiana urged her to hurry to Siegfried's location.

 However, their conversation was interrupted by a new threat—a heavily-armored assault helicopter.

 The game alarm blared, and a massive aircraft emerged.

 『my favorite sister Bronya:』 "Whoa! That thing is huge! …But it looks kinda… rough?"

 Seele's interest was immediately piqued by the giant machine.

 But as she took a closer look, she seemed disappointed.

 Maybe… she just wasn't into military hardware?

 But that wasn't the main point.

 The main point was… it had a health bar.

 And that meant—it was about to get obliterated.

 Hokuto dodged the chopper's bullets, fired a charged shot, and—

 BOOM.

 Its health instantly hit zero.

 『my favorite sister Bronya:』 "Huh? That was it?"

 Seele's disappointed blue text appeared.

 Meanwhile, Theresa had just deployed Judas' chains—only for the fight to end before she even attacked.

 [We've wasted too much time. If this was just a diversion, then the Second Herrscher must be in O-23.]

 Theresa quickly pieced together the enemy's plan.

 [Kiana, we need to get there immediately. HQ, how long will it take us to reach O-23?]

 [Approximately 15 minutes.]

 [Contact Siegfried! Tell him to hold off the Second Herrscher at all costs! We cannot let her reach the "Tower"!]

—

 Mission Start – Chapter 5, Stage 6

 The moment the screen loaded, Siegfried's voice came through.

 [Theresa, I heard the report. Seems like the Herrscher is headed straight for me. Heh, guess I'm just lucky.]

 Theresa immediately responded in concern.

 [Siegfried, don't be reckless! I'll be there in 10 minutes!]

 『Your Great Inventor:』 "..."

 『Hokuto:』 "Something wrong?"

 『Your Great Inventor:』 "I just… always thought Theresa and Siegfried had a terrible relationship. This is… unexpected."

 [Siegfried, wait—!]

 As the dialogue ended, a meticulously typed blue text appeared.

 『Hard Work Always Pays Off:』 "So… Siegfried has already decided to die alongside the Herrscher? Just how much resolve does it take to make that choice… Truly worthy of a Kaslana."

Got it! Here's the translated chapter, keeping everything in the proper format and ensuring consistency with previous chapters.

 Seeing Durandal's comment, Hokuto thought for a moment and felt that she wasn't wrong.

 After all, her father-in-law was prepared to risk his life for victory—it was indeed a heroic and noble act.

 But…

 Hokuto watched as Durandal's comment faded from the screen.

 The last part, while absolutely true, somehow gave off the vibe of a daughter shouting behind her father's back:

 "Dad! Come home already!"

 Haha! But thinking about it carefully…

 If Kiana really regained her memory, she might just jump into the screen and slap Siegfried again.

 As expected, the Kaslana family's unwavering belief in protection has been passed down for generations.

—

 The game's dialogue resumed.

 [No! I can't let my stupid dad die here!]

 The words on the screen displayed Kiana's desperate resolve.

 And with that, the game transitioned back into gameplay.

 Bronya could continue moving forward, and this time, there were no enemies along the way.

 Thanks to this, Hokuto was able to quickly follow the path markers to reach his destination.

 As Bronya arrived, the screen turned white once more…

—

 The next cutscene began.

 The first thing to appear on-screen was the snow-covered ground, now stained red with blood.

 Siegfried's labored breathing could be heard in the background.

 [Huff… Huff… Theresa… isn't she here yet?]

 『my favorite sister Bronya:』 "Is that… blood?! That voice… is Uncle Siegfried?"

 『my favorite sister Bronya:』 "He sounds like he's in so much pain…"

 Not long after Seele's blue text floated across the screen, another comment appeared.

 The sender? Otto Apocalypse.

 『Your Great Inventor:』 "Hmm… Seems like he's been injured. If I had to guess, the only opponent capable of wounding him this badly is likely the Second Herrscher. What a pity. A real pity that Theresa isn't by his side, because—"

 [Are her legs too short?]

 "?"

 Before Otto could finish his analysis, Siegfried's grumbling complaint played in the CG.

 Hokuto stared at Otto's question mark and nearly burst out laughing.

 Honestly, Siegfried wasn't wrong—Theresa was short.

 After all, she was a legal loli who had stopped growing decades ago~

 Just as Hokuto was secretly enjoying the moment, Seele's blue text floated by.

 『my favorite sister Bronya:』 "Uncle Siegfried can still joke at a time like this? He's strangely… steady for someone staring down death."

 Not long after Seele's comment, another viewer spoke up.

 But this time, it wasn't Otto.

 『Hard Work Always Pays Off:』 "Indeed. When I face a life-or-death situation, I prefer to remain silent rather than let my emotions take over."

 Seeing Durandal's remark, Hokuto was momentarily stunned.

 This trait of hers… didn't resemble Siegfried at all.

 If anything, it was probably more like Cecilia.

 After all, both of them wield lances…

—

 The CG continued, and the camera shifted to Siegfried and the Second Herrscher.

 [Heh… heh… Not bad, human. You've managed to last this long. Your strength seems greater than that nun's.]

 [Haha, thanks for the compliment.]

 The camera panned up, revealing Siegfried kneeling on the ground, clutching the blazing sword.

 Around him, snow-covered pine trees stood silent, while the Second Herrscher hovered above, radiating blinding light.

 That light illuminated the entire battlefield.

 『my favorite sister Bronya:』 "This is… the Second Herrscher? So strong… The pressure she gives off is nothing like Miss Wendy's!"

 Seele was clearly in awe at the sight of the Herrscher.

 『Hokuto:』 "Of course. She's a full-fledged Herrscher. Wendy… was just unlucky, that's all."

 Hokuto already knew who the next major Herrscher fight would be against.

—

 The camera zoomed in on the Second Herrscher, her figure shrouded in dazzling light.

 Siegfried's voiceover continued.

 [The moment I fought you, I knew I had made a mistake. Even if Theresa and I joined forces, we wouldn't stand a chance.]

 The camera finally reached her face—but due to the intense radiance, only her long, flowing hair could be clearly seen.

 Then, the Herrscher spoke.

 [You are quite self-aware, human. If you beg for mercy, I might just spare you.]

 [I appreciate the offer, beautiful lady. But I've already made up my mind.]

 The CG switched back to Siegfried's face.

 His head was wounded, blood streaming down one of his eyes, but his gaze remained unwavering.

 He wiped the blood from his lips and spoke:

 [To protect the one I love most, I am willing to lay down my life!]

 The background music swelled, turning tragic and intense.

 At the same time, the flames of judgment of shamash surged forth, engulfing the screen.

 [Why?! Why does that sword have such power?!]

 [Go to hell with your questions!]

 At the Second Herrscher's startled exclamation, Siegfried roared:

 [Unleash! Judgment of Shamash!]

 As he raised his sword, the screen exploded into flames before fading to black…

—

 『my favorite sister Bronya:』 "Whoa! That was so cool! That line just now was amazing!"

 『Your Great Inventor:』 "Hmph. That's the only impressive thing about him."

 『Hard Work Always Pays Off:』 "Unleash. Judgment of Shamash… I wonder what happens next."

 The black screen was filled with audience reactions, each one capturing their immediate thoughts.

 And with that, the CG concluded.

—End of Chapter 58—