Chapter 256: Otto's Reminder
Sirin was no fool.
Let's repeat that—furious as she was, swollen with arrogance as she might be, Sirin was not an idiot.
Having only recently regained a physical form, she knew well that her state was still unstable. Earlier, her body had been destroyed, and while she had managed to resurrect herself using the Authority of Domination, it wasn't without its consequences.
Furthermore, she understood all too well how troublesome Fu Hua was from past encounters. She could also sense an overwhelming threat from Durandal. In addition, the gathering storm clouds in the sky and the billowing dust in the distance all signaled that a true army was approaching. Clearly, more forces were converging here, including a particularly annoying and difficult opponent who had likely already noticed this battle.
Sirin did not believe she would lose to Fu Hua and Durandal. However, she could not afford to be stalled—if she got dragged into a prolonged fight, an endless stream of reinforcements would come, wearing her down until she was completely exhausted.
Her golden eyes swept across Kiana, Raiden Mei, Fu Hua, and Durandal, her gaze brimming with murderous intent. Then, with a cold, mocking smile, her figure began to fade away.
"You're not getting away, Herrscher of the Void!"
Durandal's icy gaze sharpened. In an instant, she shattered the ground beneath her feet and lunged forward like a streak of golden light, thrusting her knight's lance through Sirin's body—
Only for it to pass through empty air.
The attack had no effect on Sirin, whose body was gradually vanishing.
Sirin lowered her gaze and locked eyes with Durandal, who was now mere inches away.
"Valkyrie of Schicksal… Disgusting." Sirin sneered. "Next time, I'll make sure to take your life. Cherish what little time you have left to struggle."
"No matter when or where, I swear upon the name of Durandal—I will bring judgment upon all evil. I will be waiting for you."
Durandal's unwavering gaze met hers with unshakable resolve.
A second later, Sirin vanished completely.
Raiden Mei turned to Fu Hua.
"Teacher Fu Hua, can we track her?"
"Difficult." Fu Hua frowned. "Space is her primary Authority. If she wants to leave, no one can stop her."
She sighed slightly, then continued, "Forget it. For now, you all should return for treatment. And… thank you for your support, Durandal."
"I didn't do much. You're too polite, Immortal." Durandal responded calmly. "I'll be staying here with Anti-Entropy for a while. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."
"Good. What about Wendy and the others? Does Otto have any plans for them?"
"The Overseer said… this is their trial. Unless their lives are in immediate danger, he will not interfere. Besides, Lord Sigurd seems to have already made arrangements. There's no need to worry."
"I see. Then let's head back for now."
"Understood!"
<+>
Meanwhile, at the Anti-Entropy Headquarters
Hera retracted the surveillance display and turned toward Welt, who had just let out a sigh of relief. Her expression was bright with amusement.
"Leader~ you weren't thinking of interfering on your own, were you?"
"Honestly? I nearly couldn't hold myself back." Welt admitted. "Who would've thought the Herrscher of the Void would resurrect in such a way? You know as well as I do how terrifying she is. And those kids… they're still too inexperienced. Should we cancel this trial?"
He hesitated.
Then, a hand landed heavily on his shoulder.
It was so heavy that Welt grunted under the pressure.
"Otto?"
"Welt," Hera said sweetly, "You were the one who first proposed imperial rule as the optimal system. You were also the first to suggest placing Sigurd in power… Don't tell me you're planning to defy the very first order of our Emperor?"
She smiled. But her crystalline blue eyes held no warmth at all.
Welt froze.
Hera withdrew her hand and stood up, smoothing out the fabric of her deep-red dress. Her tone was casual, almost indifferent.
"Centralized authority exists to unify civilization's power to its fullest extent. To achieve that, we need an Emperor—and we must wholeheartedly safeguard their rule. Your first priority is to fully execute the Emperor's will."
"Even setting that aside…" she continued, "Herrschers are strategic-level entities capable of shaking civilization's very foundations. Tell me—who do you think has the right to decide their deployment and control?"
Welt's expression grew solemn. Slowly, he replied:
"The Emperor… Sigurd."
Hera's lips curled into a slight smirk.
"Correct." Hera's voice was calm yet firm. "Herrschers, as dangerous and sensitive beings, can only be commanded by the Emperor alone. Only this ensures the absolute authority of the throne. And yet, Welt, you dared to change an imperial order on a whim? I know you mean no harm, and Sigurd is not some feudal monarch who'd suspect you of disloyalty. But what about others? Those who refuse to submit to a singular will, those who worship you with blind fanaticism—wouldn't this give them illusions they shouldn't have? Think carefully. Before founding a nation, the challenges aren't just about dealing with external states; it's also about shaping the minds of you, the very pillars of this new order."
Welt's expression remained grave as he nodded. "I understand. Thank you for the reminder, Otto."
Hera's smile deepened slightly as she continued leisurely, "I don't believe for a second that Sigurd is completely unaware of the Herrscher of Thousands' changes. And yet, he hasn't acted—he hasn't issued any orders to alter the plan. To me, this means he wants the trial to proceed. The Herrscher of Thousands alone isn't a real challenge, but now… if they can overcome this, our Herrscher squad may finally reach true maturity."
She leaned back slightly. "That's why I arranged for Durandal to intervene—but only if Raiden Mei and Kiana are on the verge of death. As for you, I suggest you stay on standby. I fear you may not grasp the fine line between interference and restraint."
<+>
In the Sea of Quanta, Within the Bubble Universe of Cosmic Juggernaut
Sigurd sat, listening to a report from a certain… donkey-eared—no, fox-eared subordinate. His index finger tapped lightly on the high-strength alloy table.
Crack
Crack
Crack—snap!
With every tap of his finger, new fractures spread deeper across the table's surface.
Hera's assessment was half right, half wrong.
Sigurd was considering allowing the trial to continue—but he hadn't made a final decision yet.
Sirin's resurrection was an unforeseen event, but in truth, it presented an even more fitting opportunity for tempering.
On a personal level, the moment Sigurd heard that Kiana was in danger, he wanted to drive the entire Cosmic Juggernaut straight back into reality and crush the problem in the most direct way possible.
But on a strategic level, the maturation of Herrscher combat power was of critical importance to civilization.
It was a choice between personal emotions and the greater good—and Sigurd was caught in hesitation.
He could solve the problem right now, but if the Herrscher squad never matured, then in future crises, there would be no one to protect them.
Kiana—and every Herrscher—would have to face danger eventually. The question was:
Would he suppress his reluctance and let the trial unfold to its brutal end?
Or would he prioritize their safety and intervene?
Sigurd hesitated.
"Sigurd, sir… what should I do?"
A subordinate's voice pulled him from his thoughts.
After a brief silence, Sigurd finally said: "Proceed as planned."
With that, he cut the communication link.
He pulled up a live feed displaying Kiana's current physical and consciousness status.
Only after confirming she was stable did he finally let out a soft sigh.
"Sirin, huh…"
He muttered to himself, already envisioning nine separate, unspeakably cruel ways to make her regret her existence.
Nine whole methods.
But for now, Sigurd had made his decision—not to immediately continue the trial, but to wait.
He would wait until Kiana woke up and reached out to him.
He would hear her decision.
He would observe the situation at that moment.
And then, he would make the final call.
<+>
Back in the Floating Research Bubble
As Sigurd lifted his head, he saw Su standing there, balancing a tea tray and a dessert platter in his hands.
Su's awkward smile twitched slightly as he cautiously asked, "Uh… are you done now? Can I fix the table and put this down?"
"—Go ahead." Sigurd replied indifferently—then, in an instant, vanished into his personal research world.
Su blinked.
Then blinked again.
"But… but I just finished making the tea…"
His voice was small, carrying a faint hint of disappointment.
With Kevin still training day and night, and Sigurd always coming and going like the wind, Su suddenly felt that—
Despite everything, he was still alone.
Nothing had really changed.
<+>
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