After realizing this possibility, which was theoretically plausible but emotionally absurd, Gray Serpent felt he couldn't just sit still.
And as this scene appeared before his eyes, another Gray Serpent had already obtained the Gem of Haste and brought it to the World Serpent headquarters immediately.
"1904, thank you for your hard work."
Watching Gray Serpent 1904 hand him the Soulium container, the administrator Gray Serpent opened the box in disbelief and spoke with immense excitement.
"This... this is the real thing!"
"Yes, it's the real thing. That's why I'm so confused."
Seeing the administrator Gray Serpent's loss of composure, Gray Serpent 1904 spoke with great puzzlement.
"The only people who could have access to this are basically Otto and his confidants."
"Yes, it's normal to be confused—but the reason no longer matters."
After carefully putting away the small box, the administrator Gray Serpent spoke in a very relaxed manner.
"Even if this box has a tracking device we can't detect, one that could reveal our headquarters' coordinates to Otto, I'll accept it."
"Ha, I don't think you need to be so pessimistic."
Looking at his 'brother', Gray Serpent 1904 handed the letter in his hand to the administrator Gray Serpent.
"This letter might tell us the reason for their actions."
"I have other matters to attend to, so I'll be leaving now."
"Ah, thank you for your hard work, 1904. I will upload the letter's contents to the Gray Serpent network."
After watching Gray Serpent 1904 depart, the administrator Gray Serpent opened the letter and looked at the words written on the paper.
It was less of a letter and more of a small note.
There weren't many words on it, the general meaning being, 'I have shown my sincerity. I hope Mr. Gray Serpent of World Serpent can meet with me to discuss a potential partnership.'
Although the sender didn't sign their name, the administrator Gray Serpent judged that this was most likely Otto's doing.
He couldn't figure out why the Schicksal Overseer, who had been constantly suppressing World Serpent, would suddenly do such a thing. But what mattered now wasn't why Otto did it, but the fact that he had actually delivered the Gem of Haste to Gray Serpent.
Previously, Gray Serpent had been troubled by Wendy's failure to become a Herrscher.
After all, Wendy not becoming a Herrscher → the Gem of Desire remaining unstable → an unstable gem having limited power → throwing such a gem, along with its host, into the Sea of Quanta might not be enough to bring back their Lord.
But now, with the Gem of Haste, many things became much less complicated.
The administrator Gray Serpent certainly wouldn't just return Wendy to Schicksal, but in his view, Wendy's importance had now greatly diminished.
He still didn't know the coordinates of Abyssal City, but now that was the only missing piece; everything else was more or less in place.
Under special circumstances, those two twins could temporarily unleash the power of high-level MANTISes.
Facing children like that, the crippled Siegfried might not be able to kill them in a short amount of time.
If World Serpent was lucky enough that Siegfried was the only one guarding the vicinity of Abyssal City, then once the twins tied him down, the only enemies World Serpent would have to face would be those Titans.
Of course, aside from the Gem of Haste miraculously arriving today, World Serpent's luck had been consistently terrible recently.
Although the administrator Gray Serpent wasn't a pessimist, he couldn't possibly remain optimistic after two or three months of bad luck.
Considering a worse scenario, even if the Anti-Entropy Sovereign was also there, the enemy they'd have to face would just be one more half-crippled Herrscher.
In that situation, by using an Emperor-class Honkai Beast for a suicide attack to force him back, they would still have a chance to throw the Gem of Haste and Wendy into the Eye of the Deep.
As long as one gem and a host carrying a Herrscher Core enter the Eye of the Deep, their Lord would surely seize the opportunity.
However, this was still not foolproof.
Otto Apocalypse... cooperating with this man was undoubtedly a dangerous affair.
But now, he had taken the initiative to send the Gem of Haste, which meant that things had reached a point where even he felt something was wrong.
Moreover, everyone in Anti-Entropy was Otto's enemy.
Putting himself in Otto's shoes, if he had the chance, he definitely wouldn't mind getting rid of the Anti-Entropy higher-ups who saw him as an enemy.
Although that bastard had pushed World Serpent hard before, there was still a basis for cooperation between them.
Just to be safe, I'll have a 'brother' represent me at the meeting with him.
That way, even if Otto really went all out just to capture a 'Gray Serpent', the brother present could instantly activate the self-destruction program and burn out his own cyber-brain.
Otto, I will grant your wish and have a talk with you.
I hope you can face reality this time and cooperate with us obediently.
If you sons of bitches really choose to continue making trouble at such a critical moment, then...
—After our Lord returns, I will do everything in my power to persuade him to prioritize killing you, you damn troublemaker.
....
Meanwhile, at the Schicksal HQ Conference Hall
Inside the Schicksal HQ conference hall, Theresa still felt that the scene before her was far too strange.
In the years since her failed defection, she had rarely come to Schicksal HQ.
And she herself hadn't been to this conference hall, sitting in her rightful seat, for a very long time.
Of course, that wasn't the reason she felt something was off today!
This morning, she suddenly felt uneasy and worried that something had happened to the Far East Branch. She specifically asked everyone who was still vacationing by the sea to return to the Far East Branch to check on the situation.
But as it turned out, she had just met Leo Ash's daughter, who called her 'Grandma Theresa,' and before she could even decide whether to be angry or happy, she received an urgent notification from Amber.
What's this about Grandpa suddenly disappearing!
And if he's gone, he's gone, but why does he suddenly want me to be the Archbishop!
He even prepared a video in advance and had Amber send me the video of his exhortation.
He was clearly prepared and knew I couldn't handle these things, yet he still pushed me into this position.
And it's not just Grandpa, it's Leo Ash too!
At this moment, if Theresa wasn't trying to maintain her dignity as the acting Archbishop, she would have turned around and shot a glare at her own kin.
When Theresa arrived at Schicksal HQ, Leo Ash had stated very decisively that Theresa was the matriarch of the Apocalypse family, and the position of Schicksal Archbishop must be hers.
Under these circumstances, Theresa was forced to dazedly sit in the Archbishop's seat and helplessly convene this meeting.
*Aaaah, why is everyone looking at me so strangely.*
*Honestly, when we had meetings with Grandpa in the past, you guys were never this weird.*
*And most importantly...*
*—Now that I'm the Archbishop, what am I supposed to say?*
Her mind a complete blank, Theresa finally couldn't hold back and looked at Leo Ash standing behind her.
"Leo Ash, you can report the situation to everyone first."
"Understood, Your Grace."
Upon hearing Theresa's command, Leo Ash calmly stepped forward, his indifferent gaze sweeping over everyone present.
In his opinion, Theresa's move was quite appropriate.
Knowing she wasn't good at public speaking, passing the buck to a subordinate at this time meant that if the subordinate messed up, it was the subordinate's fault. If the subordinate did well, it showed Theresa's good judgment in people.
If he didn't know Theresa's personality and intelligence, Leo Ash would have truly thought this was a move a qualified leader would make.
Among the group of people scanned by Leo Ash's gaze, some had met him once before.
At the banquet where Leo Ash and Anna Schariac met about two months ago, he had seen some of the Schicksal members present today.
And after Leo Ash's gaze swept over them, this group naturally responded with their eyes.
As for someone being reckless enough to jump out and interrupt Leo Ash's speech—that, of course, was impossible.
How could any of the Schicksal higher-ups who made it to a top-secret meeting at HQ be foolish enough to be used as someone's pawn?
No one present had forgotten just who these few people in front of them were.
Although Theresa, now sitting in the Archbishop's seat, was retired, as a wielder of a Divine Key, she was the great hero who nearly killed Sirin during the Second Eruption.
And Leo Ash, beside Theresa, was Knight Leo Ash, who had stopped two major Eruptions and finished off the Judgment-class Honkai Beast, Chiyou.
As for the few young women behind Leo Ash...
A-rank Valkyrie Yuna was the Current Era's Fourth Herrscher, the [Herrscher of Death].
Beside Yuna were Durandal and Rita, S-rank Valkyries who Otto himself had promoted.
They didn't know what Theresa was planning, but they were certain that one of the two, either Theresa or Leo Ash, had deliberately made these people stand behind Theresa.
There was no other reason for it. This was a show of force, and also a warning.
A warning to some of their colleagues within Schicksal not to think that just because Archbishop Otto was gone, they could act recklessly.
In this day and age, what everyone respected most was power. Right now, among Theresa's supporters, there were three S-ranks and a Herrscher.
Oh, and that wasn't even counting the Third Herrscher, the [Herrscher of Thunder], who was still at the Far East Branch.
Once they calculated the high-level combat power on Theresa's side, even if these people were dissatisfied with Theresa's sudden appointment as Archbishop, they wouldn't dare to show it now.
"Everyone, I'll spare you the pleasantries."
"Bishop Otto has temporarily gone missing due to certain matters. Before he disappeared, he entrusted his secretary, Miss Amber, to inform you all to properly assist Acting Bishop Theresa. When he returns, he will naturally reward you based on your merits."
"The reason for gathering you all here today is actually quite simple."
"Due to the previous war with World Serpent, the combat strength of various branches has been depleted."
"Some Valkyries were seriously injured and have yet to recover their combat effectiveness."
"Therefore, after some discussion, we have made a decision—from now on, I will handle the Honkai Beasts that the major branches are responsible for clearing."
Under the shocked gazes of the crowd, Leo Ash spoke to them calmly.
"Please don't look at me like that. For me, this is not a particularly complicated task."
Listening to Leo Ash's speech, Yuna let out a faint sigh.
And Durandal, beside Yuna, was more direct.
However, before she could shout 'I object,' Rita, who was beside her, actually grabbed Durandal's hand and wrote the four English letters 's-t-o-p' in her palm.
*Rita?!*
At this moment, Durandal was completely taken aback. She never expected that Rita, who she thought would share similar views, would stop her.
But out of trust for Rita, Durandal ultimately chose to shut up obediently, then turned to glare resentfully at Leo Ash.
As for the others present...
Theresa was already used to it.
*Sigh, an Avenger.*
While the others, after their initial shock, also came to their senses and understood the reason behind Leo Ash's actions.
*Sigh, an Avenger.*
*His desire to hunt Honkai Beasts is so overwhelming that he's decided to take over all our work?*
*To be honest, he's a ruthless one.*
"Of course, while I will be handling Honkai-related work during this period, it doesn't mean the rest of you have nothing to do."
At this moment, Leo Ash stated his other objective.
"In the previous battles, World Serpent was beaten back by us repeatedly. But even so, this organization is still one that cannot be underestimated."
"During this time, I hope that everyone present will cooperate with the head of the intelligence department, Wraith, and continue to investigate information related to World Serpent."
"Furthermore, World Serpent has been quiet recently, but that doesn't mean they've given up on fighting us at Schicksal."
"The tragedy at the Oceania Branch happened less than two months ago. I hope that even when you are not engaged in combat-related work, you will all be prepared to fight the enemy."
After saying all this, Leo Ash immediately walked to Theresa's side and bowed to her.
"Bishop Theresa, are there any other matters you need to instruct?"
"Ah? Oh, no."
Listening to Leo Ash's arrangements, Theresa nodded in satisfaction and then said to the crowd.
"Leo Ash's plans represent Schicksal's current phase of work."
"Our headquarters will be prepared to support all branches at any time."
"Oh, right. Also, if anyone discovers Bishop Otto's whereabouts, please report it to headquarters immediately."
Hearing Theresa's additions, although the expressions of the crowd didn't change much, the same thought appeared in everyone's minds.
Seeing Theresa's obedient attitude towards Leo Ash, what else could they think?
*Sigh, Theresa is truly Theresa. She's only been in power for three minutes, and as expected, she's already been turned into a figurehead.*
*And this Leo Ash...*
*He's more than just an Avenger.*
*Although annihilating Honkai Beasts may be his long-cherished wish, it also brings him significant benefits.*
*Previously, Durandal's world tour of annihilating Honkai Beasts had already demonstrated her power to everyone.*
*By doing the same, not only can Leo Ash continue his revenge, but he can also put us in our place, reminding us not to forget his strength.*
*Of course, this also consolidates Theresa's position, but a higher position for Theresa ultimately benefits Leo Ash, who is pulling her strings.*
*This wasn't a conspiracy; it was a pure Overt Scheme laid bare for all to see.*
*But whether it was a conspiracy or an overt scheme, it was undeniably effective.*
The Branch Commanders and Schicksal council members who originally had some reservations gradually reined in their thoughts after attending this meeting.
*Forget it, let's not stir up trouble for now.*
*It's not even confirmed if Otto is dead or not. Jumping out at a time like this would just get us killed as an example to the others.*
As for assisting Wraith in investigating World Serpent, no one had any objections.
After all, unlike Otto who was constantly on the run from the Honkai, the Branch Commanders present had more or less lost subordinates in battles against World Serpent.
After annihilating a portion of World Serpent's forces, they had simply gone into hiding.
These were people with tempers; of course they'd be angry when their subordinates were harmed.
With no outlet for their anger, their killing intent towards World Serpent would naturally continue to rise.
Seeing the atmosphere in the room suddenly intensify, Theresa became even more satisfied with Leo Ash.
*Mhm, although I don't know the deeper meaning behind Leo Ash's words, everyone's morale has certainly been boosted.*
*With him helping me come up with ideas... wait a minute!*
*He's leaving tomorrow to annihilate Honkai Beasts!*
*I was originally going to have Himeko take care of everyone at the academy in the Far East Branch, but now—I have to call Himeko over.*
*Sigh, Grandpa, where on earth did you go.*
*The position of Schicksal Archbishop really doesn't suit me.*
After the meeting was dismissed, Theresa gave Leo Ash a long, deep look, and a thought suddenly occurred to her.
*Leo Ash is smart and strong, and he's even better at boosting morale than I am.*
*If I give the position of Schicksal Archbishop to Leo Ash, he won't have time to hunt Honkai Beasts, and he won't have to face danger.*
*And at the same time, I won't have to worry about these annoying matters—when it comes to hunting Honkai Beasts, I'm the real expert!*
*Although this is a matter of great importance in theory, my intuition tells me that doing it this way is actually the best solution.*
*Mhm, once Himeko arrives, I'll discuss with her how to do this without being too abrupt.*
*As long as Leo Ash becomes the Schicksal Archbishop, then...*
*—Everything will be fine!*
.....