"Recommendation: Theresa should verify if she can truly assume control of Schicksal. If so, it could become a valuable asset."
After deliberation, Einstein proposed the most pragmatic solution.
Theresa nodded slowly.
"Right. Whatever he's scheming, once I take over, I'll win everyone's loyalty—then use Schicksal's forces to kick his ass!"
"Wow. Such filial piety."
Tesla's eye twitched at Theresa's priorities.
She'd seen devoted children before, but this was next-level.
Truly, a model of familial love.
"I agree with Tesla. But Aunt Theresa, let me come with you—just in case it is a trap."
"Good. All aboard the Hyperion! Destination: Schicksal's floating island!"
Sitting on the Overseer's throne felt... hollow.
Theresa had always known this seat would one day be hers. But claiming it early left her oddly directionless.
"No traps? Aunt Theresa, what is Otto up to?"
"...How should I know? If I did, I wouldn't be as lost as you!"
Probably trying to glitch the Imaginary Tree.
Of course, Theresa couldn't say that.
The real question was whether they could fool the Tree this time. Prometheus' authority injection would work—but could they exploit it to gain pseudo-Herrscher powers?
Not that it mattered. Otto didn't need to charge the Tree this time.
The priority was skipping the Herrscher of Binding.
Otherwise, if another Herrscher like the Thousand joined forces with it—amplified by the Current Era's stronger warriors—who knew how powerful it might become?
"Why not just use Schicksal's resources to track Otto down? We catch him, throw him in jail—problem solved."
"Not a bad idea. Schicksal intelligence—locate Otto immediately!"
Kolosten
"Everything's ready. Just waiting for our 'actors' to arrive. Li Sushang, you prepared?"
"I-I, uh... kinda? Ahaha..."
Li Sushang was terrified.
Fighting Master Fu Hua?! Is this a joke?!
"Relax. Master Fu Hua will hold back. Consider it... training. You might even breakthrough."
Otto tried reassuring her, but her nervous fidgeting worried him.
If she messed up his script, things could get complicated.
"Look, Rakshsa,' even if she does go easy, it's still Master Fu Hua! It's gonna hurt!"
Like in the original timeline, Li Sushang had met Otto.
But with Kallen alive, any budding romantic feelings had withered.
Some lines even she wouldn't cross.
"Ah! Our 'actors' have arrived. Showtime!"
Watching Kiana's group approach via surveillance, Otto stood—this scene required his full attention.
Nearby, Li Sushang took deep breaths, psyching herself up.
Fighting someone stronger than Mom... and my master no less!
After investigating Kolosten, Kiana's team found evidence of Otto's presence.
Experimenting with Herrscher energy and Core resonance yielded promising results for Kiana and Bronya.
Then, Otto's pre-recorded projection appeared.
"Looking for me, everyone? Well, here I am. Anything to say?"
Kiana instinctively slashed at the hologram—her blade passing harmlessly through.
"K423, must you be so violent? I did give you life. Is this how you repay your creator?"
"And you caused all my suffering—and Himeko's death!"
Kiana's glare could've melted steel.
If Otto's real body showed up now, she'd reduce him to atoms.
"Regarding Himeko's demise... I truly regret it. She was an exceptional teacher. But sacrifices must be made for my plans."
The projection even mimed wiping away crocodile tears.
Kiana trembled with barely contained rage, her Honkai energy flickering wildly.
"Any other questions? I've got time before my grand finale."
"Oh, Durandal, Rita—since Theresa's Overseer now, do guide her. She'll need the help."
This line wasn't in the script. But Otto added it anyway.
He genuinely wanted Theresa to succeed him. Once she stabilized Schicksal, he could finally take Kallen on that honeymoon.
Maybe even return with a little sibling for Theresa.
"Worry not, former Overseer. A Valkyrie's duty is to eradicate the Honkai and obey her leader. So if Lady Theresa orders us to stab you~"
Rita smiled sweetly.
"We won't hold back~"
"Fair enough. And to Anti-Entropy—my apologies for past grievances. Not that I'll actually apologize."
"If I did, you'd kill me on the spot."
"Damn right we would! You murdered Welt Joyce! We'll never forget that!"
And so, Otto proceeded to expertly piss off everyone present.
Had his real body been there, even revealing this was all "scripted" wouldn't have saved him from being "suicided" via 100 stab wounds.
"Thus concludes our show. Farewell, everyone~ Try to catch me if you can!"