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Neither Xia Chen nor Einstein intended to fully disclose their thoughts to each other; their conversation remained superficial.
Despite complete cooperation between both parties, it didn't mean they would become as close-knit as one family.
However, there had been numerous developments during this period, allowing them to exchange valuable information through their discussions. Each side gained insights, maintaining a seemingly harmonious facade.
Eventually, after assigning rooms to everyone, the two groups separated.
"Big Sister Bronya," Seele whispered softly, "I feel like Dr. Einstein seems rather unhappy."
In a hushed voice, Seele asked, "I can't help but feel that Dr. Einstein seems somewhat unhappy."
Bronya whispered back, "Dr. Einstein is likely pondering something crucial."
Einstein looked at Bronya and said, "Check all rooms for any listening devices."
"Understood."
Once Bronya completed her task, Einstein gathered everyone together.
"Dr. Tesla, take a group of people back to the Hyperion."
"Mophead, what's going on?" Tesla was surprised and asked, "Did that guy Otto pull another trick?"
"I'm not sure," Einstein shook her head and replied, "Precisely because we don't know what Otto is up to, it's necessary for us to split up. However, one thing we can be certain about is that Schicksal itself also doesn't know Otto's intentions. Our current partners can still be trusted."
"In other words, even if Otto plans something, he'll involve both us and Schicksal, right?" Tesla remarked sarcastically.
Einstein shrugged. Pausing briefly, she continued, "But that's not what I wanted to discuss.
"Have you noticed Xia Chen?"
Einstein paused before stating, "Although his words suggest some concealment, his behavior has already revealed it - he knows what Otto intends to do."
"Behavior?"
Tesla, not adept at observing human behavior, couldn't help but ask with confusion, "What kind of indications?"
"Did you not notice? Ana is absent," Einstein stated directly. "If this were a genuine succession ceremony, as a key figure in Schicksal's destiny, it would be impossible for her to miss such an event."
"Although Xia Chen explained that Headquarters needed someone on standby, do you truly believe that?"
Einstein paused before continuing, "This is already a clear indication, Dr. Tesla. Klostern is in danger, and it's not just a threat to ordinary people. Even Schicksal's S-Class Valkyries cannot afford to protect others fully."
"Doesn't that mean we've been manipulated?"
"No, I doubt even Durandal herself knows about this," Einstein furrowed her brow. "All we can do now is wait for Durandal to return and then inquire through her about Xia Chen."
"Why make it so complicated?" Kiana blurted out, "I can handle this myself."
"Kiana, you're now part of Anti-Entropy."
Einstein felt slightly exasperated. "Although Schicksal and Anti-Entropy aren't typical organizations bound by societal norms, we must still adhere to certain unwritten rules."
"If someone from Anti-Entropy confronts a member of Schicksal, even if they're not at fault, it would be seen as a loss of face." She paused before continuing, "In the past, Dr. Tesla and I faced numerous setbacks due to similar issues."
Had they not been too straightforward back then, Cocolia wouldn't have managed to snatch support from both the US Congress and financial conglomerates so easily.
Kiana fell silent.
Bronya tilted her head. "Kiana, Dr. Einstein makes a valid point."
"But if that's the case, why can't we all return to the Hyperion together?" Kiana couldn't help but ask.
Einstein shook her head. "Simply avoiding the issue won't solve anything."
Tesla gritted her teeth. "I'm not going back. If anyone should, it's you."
"I don't fear any of this," replied Bronya firmly.
Einstein sighed, realizing her words didn't hold much significance.
Bronya suggested, "We can indirectly inquire others for information."
"Then I'll leave this task to you, Bronya."
"Understood."
With that, Bronya prepared to head out.
At that moment, she couldn't help but think of Alvitr and Susannah.
"They seem to have a good relationship with Xia Chen; perhaps they might know something."
During her time at Schicksal Headquarters, Bronya wasn't idle. She frequently visited the Immortal Blades' training room, learning that Xia Chen had once been a central topic among them.
Occasionally, Bronya also witnessed Xia Chen casually chatting with Susannah and Alvitr.
Between Alvitr and Susannah, she decided to approach Susannah. The reason was simple - the girl appeared somewhat naive.
Bronya naturally didn't judge people based on appearances alone.
Her assessment stemmed from the fact that Susannah genuinely seemed less astute.
Soon, she found the girl.
Susannah was near the bridge edge, peering intently as if searching for something.
"Susannah?"
Bronya approached and greeted her, "Are you looking for something? Can Bronya assist you?"
"Oh, it's you."
Susannah, relieved upon seeing Bronya, responded instinctively, "Actually, nothing much." She blinked and continued, "Lady Rita ordered us to evacuate people from Klostern, but this city is quite large. I wanted to find a map of the terrain to ensure no one is missed. However, here, amidst numerous Honkai Beasts, even though I know they're fake, I fear my instincts might lead me to act impulsively."
"It wouldn't be good if that causes panic."
Suddenly, she clasped her hands together, "Bronya, could you please help me locate a city map? Then, I can systematically go door-to-door instructing people to leave."
Observing Susannah's naive demeanor, Bronya felt she might have overstepped somewhat. Nonetheless, since the offer was made, she asked, "Do you know where I can find a map of the entire city?"
"There should be one at the city center, within the building near Violet Square."
"Alright."
Bronya set off to retrieve the map.
With Project Bunny at her disposal, it wouldn't take too long.
After successfully retrieving the map, Bronya returned to Susannah and found her once again clasping her hands together. "Could you please help me locate some esteemed elders of Klostern? It would save considerable time for initial communications."
Bronya hesitated momentarily before responding, "...Sure."
Thus, Bronya spent the entire day assisting Susannah.
In contrast to Bronya's misfortune, the others fared much better. Mei and Kiana didn't idle either; they discreetly probed individuals about the upcoming ceremony, discovering that most were unaware of any potential conspiracies.
It became evident that to uncover Otto's intentions, they needed to focus on key figures.
Apart from using Xia Chen as their entry point, their only other options were Rita or Amber.
The members of Anti-Entropy felt a heavy burden weighing on them.