"Replace you in controlling a Soulium body to go to the Luofu?" Durandal looked directly at the man before her. "What is the objective?"
"Same as I mentioned earlier," Otto responded leisurely. "Recently, some pests operating in the shadows have become active again. Although they pose no real threat, it would save some trouble if they were cleaned up in passing."
Durandal wasn't foolish; she immediately realized Otto's scheme. He must be using the identity of Audrey Apocalypse, the vanguard of the anti-Schicksal movement, as bait again to lure out a group of forces secretly harboring dissatisfaction against him, planning to catch them all in one net with this opportunity.
As sinister as ever.
The young woman sighed inwardly, but her face remained impassive. "However, I refuse."
"Oh? Why?"
It was a novelty for the rigorous and serious Bright Knight to refuse a mission.
"The reason is simple."
An undisguised look of disgust appeared on her beautiful face as Durandal spoke coldly, "I physiologically refuse to touch or control a Soulium body that has been controlled by a cross-dressing pervert. And Overseer, I know that the passage of time can change a person's thoughts, but please at least respect the basic concept of gender."
"Ah, this..."
Lady Green Lily felt slightly embarrassed. The dark history of cross-dressing from five hundred years ago surged into his mind, but he forcibly suppressed it. At the same time, he secretly complained about the girl's low emotional intelligence.
Thinking back to his youth as a doctor, it was the same. He would walk out of the patient's room normally to inform the family of the bad news, yet every now and then, people would point at his nose and scold him for having low EQ.
Helpless, he had to change his tone, trying to use humorous jokes like "Ah-ha-ha-ha, corpse coming through!", "Ehe! Guess who died, me or the patient?", or "Your son is so pale!" to lighten the atmosphere.
The consequence?
If Kallen hadn't arrived in time, he would have been beaten to death on the spot by the enraged family members.
"But the mission still needs to be carried out."
Golden light gathered beside Otto, and Ella, his female persona, took over the conversation. "How about assigning you a new Soulium body? We can announce to the public that it's Audrey's envoy."
Facing this comrade-in-arms who had fought alongside her in Shenzhou, Durandal's attitude softened slightly. "In that case, I have no objections. But I need a guarantee that it can support high-intensity combat."
"Follow me."
Ella nodded, turned, and walked out of the Overseer's office.
Durandal followed closely behind, her high heels making crisp echoes on the polished floor.
"Oh my, oh my."
Otto, now alone, sighed with emotion. In the past, even if he would be lectured by Amber afterward, he would have definitely done such an interesting thing himself.
But now, there was no way; he had too many things to attend to.
He turned and tapped on the light screen. "Let us continue the topic from just now, mysterious Pioneer."
"Alright."
Above the Thames, Su sat cross-legged under the Bodhi tree, nodding gently.
---||---
Durandal followed Ella through a long corridor, arriving at a room filled with futuristic technology.
Various precision instruments flickered with faint light. In a transparent life-support pod in the corner, a faceless Soulium puppet, about 1.4 meters tall with a mirror-smooth surface, lay quietly.
"This is the latest Soulium body developed by Schicksal. Due to various limitations, the size could only be made to pre-adolescent specifications. However, as long as it is controlled properly, it can fully unleash Critical-Class combat power."
"Production cost?"
Durandal's interest was piqued.
"Equivalent to three A-Rank mechs. Acceptable as a high-end toy, but extremely cost-ineffective for mass production," Ella said calmly. "Controlling it is also quite mentally draining, but that shouldn't be a problem for you."
"I see."
The young woman looked thoughtful, reaching out to touch the cold wall of the life-support pod.
The power of the Durandal flowed from her fingertips, turning into invisible threads that probed inside.
The pod emitted a slight hum, and the pale blue life-support fluid slowly receded. The Soulium puppet lying inside opened two ghostly blue sensory points of light.
It sat up with slightly stiff movements, turned its head, and examined its slender metal limbs with those emotionless points of light, then looked at Ella and Durandal's main body outside the pod.
"Feels not bad," it emitted a slightly metallic voice.
"I don't think so," Ella sighed. "Being scrutinized by a puppet resembling a mimic with temporarily generated eyes... I feel like the Uncanny Valley effect is about to scare me."
"Then shall I modify the appearance?"
The puppet hesitated, mainly not knowing what form to take.
"If you have no ideas, you might want to refer to these."
Ella seemed prepared, taking out several beautifully printed design drafts and handing them over.
The puppet took the pictures. With just one glance, the ghostly blue points of light seemed to freeze for an instant.
She looked up and said grumpily, "Rita gave you these, didn't she? Did you two discuss this beforehand?"
Ella smiled meaningfully, not answering directly. "Rita Rossweisse said her psychological treatment is at a critical stage and cannot withstand any unexpected stimulation."
"I know! I'll just mold the appearance based on this! Honestly..."
Durandal grumbled helplessly. With a thought, the surface of the Soulium puppet in the life-support pod began to flow and shape like mercury.
The sunlight spilling from the window seemed drawn to this scene, gently kissing the golden ponytail that was gradually taking shape.
Fair cheeks blushed faintly, a few strands of hair playfully hung over the forehead, and clear azure eyes were hidden behind a pair of golden goggles that reflected a glimmer of light.
A white bodysuit outlined a slender silhouette, the standing collar slightly open to reveal delicate collarbones; an asymmetrical blue short jacket was trimmed with bright yellow, and black half-finger gloves covered slender fingers; thin legs were wrapped in pure white over-the-knee socks, looking like an elf that had traveled from the future.
Click! Click!
Before Little Bianka could adapt to her new body, the blinding flash of a camera had already lit up several times.
"Bringing these photos to Rita should greatly accelerate her recovery process," Ella put away the camera nonchalantly, murmuring as if unintentionally, "Besides, the facial details have undergone extensive adjustments. Coupled with a vastly different temperament, I guarantee that when infiltrating, others won't associate this with your childhood self."
"You!"
Just as Little Goose was about to lose her temper, hearing her mention Rita again, she could only put down her raised small hand in annoyance, demonstrating what it meant for a good person to be held at gunpoint.
"Anyway, go find Hong Qiling next. She is going to the Luofu in a personal capacity this time, so you can travel together."
Ella, satisfied with her mischief, waved her hand. Her golden figure seemed to melt into the sunlight, quickly disappearing from the spot.
Only the big and small Biankas remained in the room, looking at each other. They sighed with a high synchronization rate.
Since she had received the order, Little Bianka didn't dawdle. She strode briskly toward Hong Qiling's residence.
This person was the third member of the Schicksal Council of Elders, an old friend of Theresa and Otto, and the behind-the-scenes steward assisting in managing the vast assets of the Apocalypse family.
Little Bianka didn't know much about her, only that her seniority was terrifyingly deep, and her time in Schicksal was measured in centuries.
However, considering she was just hitching a ride, the girl with a straightforward style didn't plan to delve too deeply.
She soon boarded the exclusive floating island of the Apocalypse clan. A building mixed with ancient Shenzhou style immediately came into view.
Thick green brick walls paired with a gold-lacquered beast-face gate, and a Ming-style main body with flying eaves and upturned corners, yet embedded with flowing, colorful sensor light strips, displaying a cyberpunk aesthetic.
A woman with a graceful figure was lazily leaning against the majestic stone lion door pier. Her crimson long hair fell like flames, seemingly having waited there for a long time.
Little Bianka knew the other party was waiting specifically for her. Taking three steps in two, she approached, her crisp and childish voice exceptionally clear in the quiet courtyard. "Sorry for the wait, Ms. Hong."
"Yo!"
Hong Qiling greeted her enthusiastically, her crimson eyes examining the exquisite doll-like little girl before her with interest, unable to help but exclaim, "Even though I heard from Ella just now, seeing you with my own eyes makes me think you're super cute!"
"Uh, thanks for the compliment." Bianka scratched her cheek, cutting to the chase as usual. "When do we depart?"
"I just contacted the Shenzhou side. The Starskiff coming to pick us up will arrive soon."
A private ride?
Little Goose blinked in surprise.
The Wardance ceremony indeed provided Starskiff rental services for factions unable to traverse the Sea of Quanta, but that usually required going to the Shenzhou port area in the Proper World to register, and paying a hefty deposit.
This leadership-level treatment of sending a Starskiff directly to the floating island to pick someone up was wrong! Ten out of ten—no, nine out of ten—wrong!
"Surprised?"
Catching her subtle emotional fluctuation, Hong Qiling's smile widened.
"Mhm."
The little girl nodded honestly.
"Let me touch your cheek, and I'll tell you the inside story, how about it?"
Attempting seduction.
"I refuse."
Decisive.
"Tch."
Hong Qiling scratched the tips of her fiery red hair, thinking to herself that although this Durandal's body had become smaller, her mind hadn't changed a bit.
The two chatted idly. Not long after, a low and rhythmic engine roar broke the silence of the floating island.
A large Starskiff, simple in design but emitting a faint halo of energy, broke through the clouds like an elegant giant bird, slowly landing on the dedicated apron in front of the floating island.
The cabin door slid open silently, and several soldiers holding energy halberds stood solemnly on both sides, moving in unison.
"Let's go."
Hong Qiling took the lead stepping onto the lowered gangway, with Little Bianka following closely behind.
The interior space of the Starskiff was far more spacious and comfortable than it appeared from the outside, clearly a specially modified VIP model.
Laser-etched marble floors, cool textures, and warm golden lighting intertwined in the high-ceilinged space. The portholes were expanded into panoramic floor-to-ceiling curtain walls. The electrochromic glass was currently transparent, revealing the surging sea of clouds outside like a magnificent dynamic painting.
All of this made Little Bianka increasingly curious about Hong Qiling's identity. The person in question was clearly aware of this, sitting leisurely on a yellow rosewood chair with her legs crossed, wearing a smug look that said I'll tell you if you let me pinch.
Little Goose remained silent, simply devouring the fruit snacks on the solid wood coffee table, her cheeks puffing out like a hamster.
The Starskiff, having picked up its passengers, soon emitted a low hum. After leaving the floating island, the space around it began to distort strangely. Like ripples spreading from a stone thrown into water, it smoothly slipped into that bizarre and motley Sea of Quanta.
Twisted purple nebulas swam slowly like giant whales, turbulent energy currents flashing with electric light resembled surging rivers, and in the distance, space fragments refracting countless reflections like broken mirrors—magnificent, spectacular, and dangerous.
"Wow!"
Even though it wasn't her first time entering, Little Bianka couldn't help but let out a low exclamation.
She walked quickly to the huge floor-to-ceiling curtain wall, her eyes shining as she gazed at the scenery flashing by outside the window.
"Holy little grandaunt!"
This gave Hong Qiling a huge fright. The Sea and the Warp in a certain Hammer universe were very similar; some scenes would cause one's sanity value to plummet just by looking at them.
Even worse, one could be directly polluted and corrupted into an aberration by certain indescribable existences. It was literally one more look and you explode, come a little closer and you melt!
However, she quickly remembered that the little one before her who looked like a doll was essentially the strongest S-Rank Valkyrie in Schicksal's history. This level of mental pollution was probably just like watching a movie to her.
So she relaxed and continued to cross her legs and listen to Kunqu opera.
After about the time it takes to eat two meals, a majestic Bubble World expanded continuously in their field of vision.
It stood there like a reef in a turbulent current. Directly in front of it stood a gigantic gate, magnificent beyond description. Countless Starskiffs and ships of various shapes, like a swarm of bees returning to the hive, were orderly parked and arranged near the gate, waiting for official inspection and passage permits.
"That is the Jade Gate, the portal to the Luofu Xianzhou, and also the guardian deity against the Quantum Tides." Hong Qiling had walked up to the gazing Little Bianka at some point. "Once breached, the waters of the Sea of Quanta will pour in, causing inestimable disasters."
The girl asked curiously, "Has anyone ever tried to force their way in?"
"Of course."
Hong Qiling shrugged and pointed directly opposite the Jade Gate, to a colossal colossus looming in the void, nearly one-tenth the size of the Luofu itself.
"See that? Full name: Divine Firmament Thunder Mansion Chief Director of Driving Thunder and Lightning, Exorcising Demons and Sweeping Filth Heavenly Lord, commonly known as the Lightning Lord. An ultimate defensive divine weapon created by combining Honkai technology with Project South Heaven Gate. Powered by the Luofu itself, once any abnormality occurs around the Jade Gate, the earth-shattering formation blade in its hand will slash down, granting enemies equal destruction."
Little Bianka rubbed her chin. "With it there, those Florida people shouldn't be able to cause any major trouble, right?"
As one of the S-Ranks who had confronted Shuhu during the Kanas incident, she obviously remembered the other party declaring before leaving that they would cause trouble at the Wardance ceremony.
"Hard to say. Those guys are authentic escaped mental patients; their logic cannot be fathomed by common sense."
Hong Qiling, who had been full of admiration just a moment ago, changed her tone, a trace of solemnity in her voice. "Did you see the previous report? Some Florida bastard acted on a whim, caught a pair of male and female r*pists, stripped them naked, threw them on an island with ample supplies, and claimed that as long as they didn't have sexual relations for a hundred days, they could get a million dollars. He even opened betting pools in the outside world."
Little Goose's face turned black instantly. Is this a topic this baby should be listening to?
"That would be one thing, but the key is that after the two failed the challenge, he actually threw them into a room filled with large amounts of gaseous aphrodisiac, swearing he would record the process to sell for money to recoup his costs."
"And the result?"
"Two bodies were found 24 hours later." Hong Qiling was expressionless. "Cause of death: suffocation."
"..."
Old Bianka was speechless, gaining a deeper understanding of the Florida people's madness.
---||---
Perhaps Hong Qiling's hidden identity was too powerful; the Starskiff they rode didn't even queue up. Under the guidance of a dedicated escort, it went straight through the magnificent Jade Gate.
They first arrived at Starskiff Haven, the core transportation hub of the Luofu, undertaking numerous functions such as personnel transport and Starskiff management.
Colorful Starskiffs shuttled up and down the airways. Engine hums and market noise intertwined into background sound. Huge holographic screens were visible everywhere, scrolling various promotional videos for this Luminary Wardance.
The one appearing most frequently was a purple-haired girl with a cool temperament.
"I heard the Luofu invited the big star Miss Robin to be the ambassador this time, but due to scheduling issues, her companion—Miss Raiden Ei from Inazuma—is filling in."
Watching the high-value girl on the screen, Hong Qiling said cheerfully, "She's quite cute, isn't she? I heard she's a Chrysos Heir who just awakened not long ago."
"Robin..."
Little Bianka's tone carried a hint of nostalgia.
Because she often collaborated with the UN's Disaster Containment Agency to handle Honkai incidents, she had had many interactions with Robin, who also harbored justice in her heart and frequently participated in peacekeeping operations.
Coupled with the close ties between the Vatican and Schicksal, the two could be said to be close friends who talked about everything.
At least for now (lol).
"Alright." Hong Qiling's voice called back the girl's thoughts. "Where are you going next? Should I have the Starskiff give you a lift?"
"No need, thank you for the ride."
Little Bianka was going to represent the Eye of Truth at a secret gathering point for anti-Schicksal elements; being so high-profile was obviously inappropriate.
She walked to the control panel by the cabin door. Activating Dea Anchora, the door slid open silently.
The girl bade farewell to Hong Qiling and leaped out of the cabin door without hesitation.
Her petite figure traced a neat arc in the air, her golden ponytail flying in the wind as she fell toward the bustling and complex Starskiff Haven below.
"Alright then." Hong Qiling leaned against the door frame, waving at her rapidly shrinking back. "Remember to call me if you're in trouble! You have the number!"
Only when the person was out of sight did she close the cabin door.
---||---
On the other side, after landing safely, Little Durandal followed the coordinates in her mind and soon arrived at a bar located semi-underground.
She showed the prepared ID to the two muscular security guards at the door and stepped inside amidst their gazes mixed with awe and fear.
To be honest, the girl wasn't surprised at all that there were people wanting to rebel against Schicksal.
Having sat in the position of an S-Rank Valkyrie, if she still claimed with wide eyes that Schicksal was as pure as a white lotus, that would truly smack of self-deception.
Thus, she found an inconspicuous corner to sit down, ordered a most ordinary beer as cover, and planned to observe secretly as usual, spending some time filtering out the true villains from the unlucky ones who didn't deserve to die.
Dispose of the former; decide on the latter based on the situation.
Soon, a stream of dialogue full of malice and greed drifted into her ears.
"Have you guys heard? That brat named Fuli, the bounty on his head in the black market has exceeded five hundred million!"
"Five hundred million crystals? Is the news reliable?!"
"Absolutely true! Those maniacs from Human Textile Technology are eyeing him too. Rumor has it their big boss put out word that he wants to peel off every inch of his skin to make into a top-tier human skin art piece!"
"Art piece? I don't give a damn about art pieces! I just want to snap that little genius's neck with my own hands and hear the crack of his bones breaking!"
"Heh, you guys have quite the appetite. But after you succeed, remember to send me the footage of that brat's final struggle. I love seeing the despairing expressions of prey the most, especially such tender-skinned little ones. That taste, tsk tsk..."
Very good. There are no unlucky ones who don't deserve to die here...
Durandal's eyes curved into crescents, revealing an innocent and pure smile.