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While Schicksal and Anti-Entropy prepared separately, Durandal was walking alongside Otto, maintaining a noticeable distance between them.
"Bianka, why stand so far away? We haven't seen each other in a while, have I become unfamiliar to you?"
Otto's tone was casual, as if trying to bridge their gap further.
"Bishop, we were never that close, weren't we?" Durandal firmly responded, rejecting his attempt.
She had always been straightforward and direct, with no intention of feigning politeness or deceit.
Otto chuckled softly, "Ah, you're still the Bianka I know. I thought your character might have changed during this time."
He couldn't help but feel a sense of melancholy.
Durandal's personality, truthfully, wasn't suited for leadership.
Her unwavering integrity meant her decisions were consistently grounded in what is best for humanity, rather than prioritizing Schicksal's interests above all else.
It had been over a month since she took control of the vast organization known as Schicksal, marked by numerous significant events.
Typically, when faced with power and its accompanying responsibilities, individuals undergo changes—some may compromise, others become more tyrannical.
However, Durandal's temperament remained unchanged; she did not yield her principles due to her newfound authority. This steadfastness could be seen as commendable for Durandal herself.
Yet, it made her unfit for leading Schicksal.
However, at this moment, Schicksal indeed had ample reasons for Durandal's pride, and she didn't need to compromise her character for anyone. Her stance was clear-cut—love or hate, that was Durandal's nature.
"Bishop, despite tampering with me before, you should also be the one who understands me best. Therefore, you must know why I still stand here."
Durandal's voice carried a hint of coldness; she could not forgive Otto for using her as an experiment for Sirin Project. Nor could she overlook the projected death toll of millions detailed within the project files.
"I understand." Otto remained unperturbed by Durandal's questioning. "As my exceptional student, it's only natural that I comprehend what you wish to know.
"Similarly, there are certain matters I indeed owe you some explanation on." He suddenly asked, "My esteemed pupil, do you know what humanity needs to defeat Honkai?"
Durandal was slightly taken aback.
Despite being publicly acknowledged as Schicksal's strongest warrior now, Durandal had never pondered this question.
Otto continued unprompted, "During the previous civilization era, many posed this very query and attempted to find answers. However, all their efforts failed."
"Defeating Honkai is impossible, just like how Earth orbits around the Sun—a fact. Of course, I'm not suggesting this 'fact' is correct; after all, humans once believed the opposite—that the Sun revolved around the Earth."
"What are you trying to say?" Durandal couldn't help but furrow her brow.
When it came to matters concerning Honkai, she set aside her personal grievances with Otto.
In a way, Otto had successfully manipulated Durandal.
"Heh heh, humanity will inevitably triumph over Honkai," Otto said with a gleeful smile. "The answer lies just within reach. We have arrived."
"This place is...?"
"The culmination of human wisdom, you can think of it as time."
Before Durandal could fully comprehend the situation, she saw Otto halt, and countless strands of Honkai Energy began converging around him. "Using the Herrscher of Dominance's Core, I successfully projected the timeline from five hundred years ago onto this moment. In physics terms, it's akin to quantum superposition. Of course, you don't need to understand that concept; all you need to know is that Klostern will experience a significant Major Honkai Eruption. This eruption can rectify the flawed timeline, allowing everyone to return to five centuries past."
"With most elites of Schicksal and Anti-Entropy now gathered at Klostern, coupled with five hundred years to prepare, humanity's chances of overcoming Honkai have significantly increased, wouldn't you agree?"
"And what's the price for this?" Durandal remained skeptical, doubting any good outcome.
"The price... well, approximately a worldwide Major Honkai Eruption," Otto replied nonchalantly. "But considering the flow of time and space, these costs are worth paying, aren't they?"
Durandal's gaze hardened. "I absolutely refuse." She immediately attacked Otto.
"Yes, precisely so."
Otto effortlessly blocked Durandal's strike. "Remember to maintain this anger."
"My proud student, every event unfolding next may defy your expectations."
At Klostern, Anti-Entropy's temporary quarters:
"It's been a day since Durandal disappeared," Einstein frowned and said, "We can't afford to wait any longer; the more we delay, the greater the risk of unforeseen dangers."
Tesla couldn't help but express her doubt, "Surely Otto wouldn't harm Durandal?"
"When have you ever placed such trust in Otto?" Einstein's question left Tesla speechless.
Applying normal logic to predict Otto's actions was futile. Thus, nothing he did would surprise Einstein.
Einstein furrowed her brow, stating, "If this is part of a conspiracy, the target isn't just Durandal, but likely us as well... Let's move out."
"Where to?"
"Back to Hyperion, although it might be too late already."
She swiftly notified everyone, leading them away from their current location.
Meanwhile, on the streets, countless Honkai Beasts seemed to solidify, with one Chariot-class beast even passing through Tesla, causing her to instinctively crouch and cover her head.
"Mophead, something's not right."
Tesla's expression turned grim. "Have you noticed? These Honkai Beasts are almost fully materializing."
Kiana inadvertently asked, "Do you think they're about to arrive from five hundred years ago?"
"No," Einstein replied, "It's also possible that we might be transported back five centuries." She paused before continuing, "Tesla, I believe I now understand what Otto intends to do."
"It's already so obvious; there's no need for you to spell it out," Tesla said irritably.
Theresa's face paled. "So, his plan is to send us back five hundred years?"
Einstein closed her eyes and nodded. "Yes, he's using the intrinsic world to create a vast quantum superposition, overlaying this city onto its state from five centuries past."
"To achieve such a feat requires an immense amount of Honkai Energy."
"I cannot calculate the exact energy needed, but the entire world will likely be destroyed."
"Otto has gone mad."
Upon hearing this, Kiana swiftly made a decision. "Mei, Bronya, protect the doctor while I go find Otto!"
However, just as she stepped forward, Xia Chen appeared before her.
"Where are you going, Kiana?"