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"Here we are at Klostern, the former headquarters of Schicksal."
As Durandal led her contingent from Schicksal towards Klostern, members of Anti-Entropy arrived simultaneously via the USS Hyperion carrying the Moonlight Throne.
Raiden Mei, Bronya, and Seele joined Kiana's side, forming two distinct groups. Among them were individuals Xia Chen could name, as well as those he couldn't recognize.
Schicksal and Anti-Entropy encompassed more than just playable characters from the game or figures appearing in the storyline. In reality, Durandal had summoned all members of the Immortal Blades for this occasion, along with personnel from Schicksal's research institute—virtually everyone from headquarters attended.
Naturally, Ana was not present; she remained at Schicksal Headquarters to oversee Benares.
Xia Chen had suggested that Rin also stay behind at the headquarters alongside her.
Similarly, most of Anti-Entropy's key figures arrived.
Without World Serpent's support, Cocolia struggled for a while before losing control over Anti-Entropy. She subsequently resigned from her position as executive, and Sin Mal took over.
Einstein and Tesla consolidated their forces, bringing together the majority even without all executives present.
Their understanding of the situation wasn't complicated—it could be either a ceremonial event or a potential conspiracy.
If Otto genuinely stepped down peacefully, his era would come to an end, deserving remembrance by all who gathered here. However, if Otto harbored ulterior motives, having more people on hand always provided a means to address it.
Xia Chen glanced around at everyone present and noticed Alvitr and Susannah gathered together, seemingly whispering something.
"You two are here as well?"
Preferring familiar faces over strangers, Xia Chen turned to Alvitr and asked, "Aren't you needed for technical support back at Headquarters this time?"
"Schicksal's satellite can no longer monitor all of Klostern, rendering the Technology Department virtually useless," Alvitr casually replied. "Besides, with such a monumental leadership transition, who would dare miss it?"
Complex political struggles typically unfold only among the higher echelons. Alvitr and Susannah didn't anticipate any surprises during this ceremony.
Moreover, witnessing the end of an era wasn't necessarily a bad thing.
Xia Chen nodded silently, "Indeed, that's true."
As he looked at Susannah, inexplicably, memories of a game quest from his previous life surfaced:
[Susannah seeks assistance.]
"What are you smiling about?" Susannah picked up on Xia Chen's grin and couldn't help but ask, "Do I look particularly amusing today?"
"No, just feeling unexpectedly happy," Xia Chen responded. "I find you quite likable, almost like a lucky charm."
"I'll have to tell Ana, you're flirting with me now," Susannah teased.
"Cough, cough, do you think she'd believe you or me?" Xia Chen retorted half-jokingly.
Xia Chen responded half-jokingly.
He also needed this light-hearted approach to manage his own emotions.
At that moment, Rita issued orders to everyone, "All members of the Immortal Blades, evacuate the residents of Klostern. Use force if necessary."
Her unyielding command left the group momentarily stunned.
Someone questioned, "Lady Rita, won't such actions tarnish Schicksal's reputation?"
"That is not your concern," Rita's gaze turned cold as she replied, "The current situation is dire; for unknown reasons, a rare space-time mapping has occurred in Klostern. Although the locals may not perceive the Honkai Beasts from the temporal overlay, the potential impact remains uncertain."
The space-time mapping in Klostern was more severe and complex than anticipated.
While the inhabitants couldn't directly see the Honkai Beasts emerging from the temporal overlay, they could sense something unusual unfolding.
The spectral forms of Honkai Beasts were becoming increasingly tangible, leaving no doubt that they might soon breach the barrier between time and space to reach Klostern.
As a result, evacuating the city became Schicksal's top priority.
Xia Chen couldn't help but ask, "Has Bishop Otto mentioned any arrangements regarding the ceremony?"
Rita's eyes slightly narrowed, responding, "The Lord Bishop has not disclosed anything about it."
Tesla's fiery temper flared up, "So she intends to..."
Before she could finish, Einstein gently restrained her.
"Calm down, Dr. Tesla. Otto still holds considerable influence; let's not cause any trouble."
Many Valkyries present here were once ardent admirers of Otto. If Tesla made inflammatory remarks, it would create headaches for both factions.
Einstein calmly suggested, "There must be some established protocol at least."
Rita smiled slightly and responded, "Lady Durandal has already set out with Amber to find the Lord Bishop. For now, please be patient and await further news."
"Schicksal will cover all expenses incurred by Anti-Entropy guests during their stay, rest assured."
The maid displayed unexpectedly good temperament, and Xia Chen understood that Rita was undoubtedly one of Otto's contingency plans in this situation.
Their eyes met briefly, acknowledging each other's understanding.
"Xia Chen."
With a warm smile, Rita said, "During this time, you'll be responsible for coordinating the itinerary for our Anti-Entropy allies."
"Understood."
Xia Chen glanced around, noting the numerous members of Anti-Entropy, but only a few caught his attention. Murata Himeko remained in the Far East, while Fu Hua and the Herrscher of Sentience stayed in Shenzhou—they had not come to Klostern.
Within Anti-Entropy, only Kiana, Raiden Mei, Bronya, Seele, and Theresa could be considered significant combat forces. There might be others, but Xia Chen didn't pay much attention to them.
Although not overly familiar with Klostern, he had at least prepared beforehand.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please follow me."
Leading the way, he assured them, "Rest assured, it is my duty to ensure the safety of those visiting from afar."
Perhaps due to Xia Chen's rarity for lying, his words earned their trust.
It was evident that if Otto truly intended to strike against Anti-Entropy, he wouldn't have been so open about it. Moreover, what purpose would there be for him to act now?
As they walked across the bridge, some noticed Honkai Beasts roaring nearby.
Xia Chen felt slightly tense, wondering if, when using the simulator, others perceived him similarly. Observing identical versions of oneself simultaneously across different timelines is known as quantum superposition. Mobius mentioned this phenomenon essentially signifies increasing chaos within societal norms.
He couldn't help but ask the wise Dr. Einstein beside him, "Dr. Einstein, may I inquire your thoughts on space-time mapping?"
"Oh? You seem quite concerned about this phenomenon."
"I doubt anyone wouldn't be intrigued by it," Xia Chen replied with a smile. "Even though I'm not well-read on such matters, I understand that events defying established rules aren't typically good omens."
"Indeed, they're far from auspicious. Unfortunately, my research in this area is limited." Einstein paused briefly before continuing, "Let's hope this bishop won't disappoint us."