Chapter 113: The Queen Awakens, The Queen Plays Dead
"If it's not a friend," Mei, being the most reliable one, asked while looking at Kiana after pondering for a moment, "could it be your father?"
"Stupid old man...?" Kiana turned her head, looking at the message. After thinking for a bit, she shook her head. "He couldn't write such pretentious words."
If it really was a message left by her stupid old man, the first sentence would definitely be something like, 'Yo, Kiana, look what your old man got for you!'
Or maybe, 'Guess where your dad got this battleship?'
This riddler-like and exceptionally contrived way of speaking was clearly not her stupid old man's style.
"Well, if we're talking about clues, it's not like we have absolutely none." Irene coughed lightly, looking at Kiana. "For example, haven't the two of us already come into contact with the Thunder of Conquest and the Death of Serenity?"
"Ah, we have?" Even more question marks appeared on Kiana's face. "These sound like some super high-tech stuff. When did I ever come into contact with them?"
"Sigh, one look and it's obvious idiot Kiana never pays attention in class." Bronya sighed, then raised her hand to point at Mei. "Isn't Sister Mei the Thunder of Conquest?"
"..." Kiana looked at Mei with some confusion.
Mei, being a good student, patted Kiana's head with a hint of pity. "Those four phrases just now are Schicksal's descriptions for the four Herrscher Cores."
Although Kiana had been working hard recently, when it came to studying... forget it, let's spare the Kaslana Family. It wasn't that she hadn't made any progress at all, but rather that having a tiny bit of progress was better than none at all.
"So Mei is the Thunder of Conquest, which means the Gem of Conquest." Irene spoke up from the side at this moment. "And the one we came into contact with in Vienna was the Death of Serenity."
Then, looking at Kiana—who still seemed like she hadn't processed the information—Irene felt somewhat helpless. "And their other names are the Gem of the Herrscher of Thunder and the Gem of the Herrscher of Death, respectively."
"Oh~" Kiana dragged out the syllable, indicating that she fully understood and comprehended the situation. "So this battleship needs four Herrscher Gems?"
"If that's the case, then what exactly is this battleship used for?" Bronya looked up at the massive computer in front of her. "The Honkai energy provided by a Herrscher Core isn't just some simple number."
Because Mei was a Herrscher, Bronya was slightly more concerned about this aspect. If this battleship required four Herrscher Gems to drive it, what on earth was it meant to do?
"Let's not worry about why for now, let's just tow it back first." Irene waved her hand, then looked at Bronya. "Anyway, we can't let this battleship stay here any longer. Follow what the message said first. Try entering Kiana's birthday and see if we can fly the battleship back."
"Understood, Sister Irene." Bronya nodded, then turned to enter the password into the computer. Bronya still remembered Kiana's birthday, December 7th, very clearly.
Following the input of the password, just as the message had stated, the navigation system was unlocked by such a simple password.
Looking at the unlocked navigation system, Kiana scratched her head. "It really is my birthday. No, why is this happening? Do I really have such a filthy rich friend?"
"Who knows. Kiana might want to pay attention to her recent phone calls; it could be a secret admirer or something." Bronya shrugged as she looked at Kiana.
It was worth mentioning that after Seele's return, aside from her expressionless face, Bronya's words carried a lot more emotion. Perhaps it was because a heavy burden in her heart had finally been lifted.
"Oh, that makes sense." Hearing Bronya's suggestion, Kiana nodded somewhat ignorantly. She also wanted to know who this incredibly wealthy friend was.
"Sigh, idiot Kiana." Bronya shook her head helplessly before setting the navigation destination back to St. Freya Academy.
At this moment, Kiana didn't seem to catch Bronya's teasing. She still wore a look of deep thought, and amidst her pondering, a trace of golden light seemed to flash within her azure eyes.
Irene stood to the side, calmly watching their banter. But right at this moment, Little Corruption's voice suddenly rang out in Irene's mind.
[Irene, Irene, there's some movement.]
[Be clear about where the movement is coming from.] Irene's brow twitched slightly. [Kiana, or...?]
[Miss Kiana. That Queen of the Void has probably already awakened. I'm afraid she'll have something to say very soon.]
St. Freya Academy · Principal's Office
"Good day, Principal Theresa." On the light screen, a slightly disheveled Einstein greeted her. "I wonder if you have received the gift we sent you?"
"The battleship? I saw it. It's currently heading my way." Theresa looked at Einstein. "So, what exactly is the situation with inexplicably sending over a battleship that was painstakingly built?"
"Because it's difficult for us to handle." Einstein spread her hands. "That is Previous Era technology recorded in the Dead Sea Scrolls. It possesses quite decent power, but its consumption is also rather massive. Therefore, keeping this battleship in our hands wouldn't be of much use. And I believe Principal Theresa definitely has the capability to resolve this issue."
Theresa wagged her finger. "If it's an energy problem that even the rare scientists of this world cannot solve, why do you think I can solve it?"
"Because you are Theresa Apocalypse." Einstein twirled her hair around her finger. "I think this reason is sufficient. What do you think?"
"...A Herrscher Core is also a very important resource to Schicksal." Theresa spread her hands, looking completely helpless. "Even if I am Theresa Apocalypse, so what?"
"That's right. A Gem of the Herrscher is indeed a considerably important resource. After all, that is the power of a Herrscher." Einstein nodded, very much agreeing with Theresa's statement.
However, Einstein's tone abruptly shifted.
"But if it cannot be utilized, it's completely useless, isn't it?"
"...Hmm." After pondering for a moment, Theresa replied, "Then I'll just take a look first. After all, this is a matter of great importance. Anyway, the battleship is already in my hands, right?"
"Of course, Principal Theresa." Einstein nodded. "The Moonlight Throne belongs to you. Even if you can't utilize it, this battleship is still a fully armed warship. Its technological level is not much lower than your Hyperion battleship. If you still need a reason, just consider it returning a favor."
"Ah, what do you mean by that?"
"After all, the value of that potion provided by Miss Irene is truly immeasurable. Although it was a commissioned research, we also know how much trust is required to hand over such a potion to us. Naturally, we must respond to this trust."
"I will pass these words on to Irene." Theresa nodded. "Then, if there's nothing else, I'll hang up now?"
"There is indeed one more small matter, but it's mainly to satisfy my personal curiosity." Einstein looked at Theresa. "I apologize, but out of necessity, we conducted a brief investigation into Miss Irene's background. However, the results of the investigation left us somewhat surprised."
Hearing Einstein's words, Theresa's movements paused slightly. "What does Miss Einstein want to say?"
"I want to ask, where exactly does Miss Irene come from?" Einstein looked at Theresa. "To be honest, Miss Irene's understanding of us is truly quite startling."
Whether it was Irene's understanding of Joyce, or her knowledge of the fact that Tesla had once eaten Rocky Mountain Oysters, her understanding of them had far surpassed the level of mere intelligence gathering. It felt as if she had been watching from the sidelines the entire time. This feeling was truly impossible to ignore.
Therefore, they conducted a small investigation into Irene. At the very least, they had to ensure that Irene had no connection with a certain blonde man. But the results of the investigation only made things even more perplexing.
There was no one named Irene in this world. Oh, no, to be more precise, there were absolutely no records of Irene prior to the Nagazora City incident, as if she had never existed in this world before then.
Although Theresa and the others had fabricated a cover story and attributed everything to missing records caused by the fall of Nagazora City, that level of disguise could not deceive Einstein.
"..." Theresa remained silent. Irene had not said she could disclose her situation to others. "I don't understand what Dr. Einstein is talking about."
"Alright, it seems there are still some secrets between Miss Theresa and Miss Irene." Einstein nodded, seemingly unsurprised by Theresa's answer. "In that case, once Miss Irene returns, I will personally apologize to her. Looking forward to our next conversation."
Looking at the closed call interface in front of her, Theresa clicked her tongue softly. However, she couldn't do anything about Einstein's actions. It was only human nature.
In all fairness, if she didn't already know that Irene came from within the Sea of Quanta and hadn't guessed that Irene might come from a world very similar to theirs...
If Irene suddenly started reciting a bunch of things in front of her that only she should know, she would also find a way to investigate Irene's background.
However, Theresa also knew that her explanation just now only glossed over the matter on the surface. Sometimes, not answering and being vague was also an answer in itself. For Einstein, such an attitude was sufficient.
"Sigh, what a hassle."
Himeko's Villa
"Ah, we're finally back." Kiana stretched her back, then rubbed her eyes, looking as if she couldn't muster any energy. "I just feel like this trip was super exhausting."
"Are you injured? Do you need Seele to take a look?" Seele, who had returned with them, looked at Kiana with a face full of concern. "Or would it be better to go to the hospital to get checked?"
"That's just Kiana's laziness acting up, right?" Bronya stared at Kiana with half-closed eyes. This girl was very sturdy and hadn't suffered any injuries during the battle.
"Perhaps it's because she was too excited, and now that the adrenaline has worn off, she feels tired."
Irene looked at Kiana and smiled. "Since you're tired, just go to sleep after eating. You guys still have to prepare for the exams later."
"Mm." Hearing this, Kiana nodded vigorously. An A-Rank Valkyrie—that was the promise she had made with Theresa back then. As long as she reached the rank of an A-Rank Valkyrie, she could find out where her stupid old man was.
Although she didn't know if Theresa was just messing with her, the current Kiana was no longer striving solely for this goal. After all, she was a Kaslana. Her stupid old man had always taught her that the people of the Kaslana Family must become the shield of the people. She couldn't let her stupid old man down.
[Come... my...]
"Hmm?" Kiana looked up and glanced around. "What was that sound? Is someone calling me?"
"No one is calling you." Bronya glanced at Kiana. "Sister Mei will probably take a little more time to cook. Do you want to play a game for a bit first?"
Although she preferred playing with Seele, Seele wasn't very interested in games. Plus, this was the exact time she needed to roll for items. Her gear needed an upgrade so she could quickly catch up to the top tier.
Kiana's gaming skills were passable. Of course, the most important thing was that her luck was truly excellent. She could casually roll top-tier affixes on her gear without even trying.
"Sister Bronya, it's almost time to eat, so don't play games anymore." Seele gave Bronya a gentle push. "Sister Bronya, last time you played a game, you stayed up for three days straight. Seele was really worried."
"It's not like I..."
Bronya had just wanted to argue when she saw the expression on Seele's face. She swallowed the excuses she was about to voice back down her throat and obediently placed the controller on the table.
Watching from the sofa, Irene secretly shook her head. Displaying the aura of a henpecked spouse this quickly? Sigh, it seems Seele is the true path.
A little while later, Mei finished cooking. After eating, Kiana let out a yawn, feeling the drowsiness in her head growing heavier and heavier. After briefly saying goodnight, she ran up the stairs with heavy thuds.
"Honestly, she doesn't even know to clear her dishes." Mei looked at the bowl and chopsticks Kiana had left on the table and sighed. "But is Kiana really that tired?"
"Who knows. Anyway, looking at her, she should be fine." Irene shrugged, bringing her bowl back to the kitchen. "I'm going to rest too. Goodnight, everyone."
"Goodnight, Sister Irene."
Irene smiled before walking upstairs. Once she was out of everyone's sight, her expression instantly shifted. She quickly arrived in front of Kiana's door, taking a look at Kiana, who seemed to have fallen asleep the moment she hit the bed, and sighed.
She changed course back to her own room. After lying down, she closed her eyes and returned to her Palace of Consciousness. The moment she returned to the Palace of Consciousness, Irene looked toward Little Corruption.
"How is it? No problems, right?"
Little Corruption gave Irene a thumbs-up. She stepped aside, revealing the tree behind her that had manifested within the palace ever since Irene obtained the Bodhi imprint. At this moment, a tree hollow seemed to have grown naturally upon the tree, but the surface of that hollow appeared to be covered in a somewhat dreamlike hue.
"Relax. With the two of us holding Bodhi imprints, if we still couldn't handle a single mental link channel, then we might as well not embarrass Uncle Su."
"As long as there's no problem." Irene nodded, then cracked her knuckles. "Everyone, let's go. Let's go see what our Queen of the Void wants to do."
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