SCHICKSAL LABS
WEST AFRICA
What once was a thriving city had been completely reduced to rubble as a result of the 4th Honkai Eruption.
This, as one would have guessed, created the perfect spot for a new Schicksal Base. Though, this one in particular, was created with a specific purpose in mind.
"KING!"
A giant phantom materialised out of thin air and slammed its sword into a valkyrie clad in white, sending her flying into a building.
As the dust settled, the valkyrie dashed out of the building, flying with great speed, the wings on her back leaving a trail of bright orange.
Durandal raised her fists to block Kiana's incoming attack and succeeded. The punch pushed her back a good distance with an audible boom, but did no significant damage.
The Valkyries charged directly at each other. Kiana clashed her subspace lance with Bianka's Abyss Flower. Much to her chagrin, however, the subspace lance crumbled. Not wanting to give up on the attack, she spun around, using her other arm to materialise a new lance.
Bianka focused more on the defence as Kiana kept chaining her hits, creating new lances with every attack. From afar it looked like she was successfully pushing back the Bright Knight. However, her attacks were slowly getting weaker. One can only keep up an assault for so long.
The opportunity was seized, Bianka used her lance to throw Kiana off-balance.
"QUEEN!"
Another phantom appeared, it was going to land an overhead strike.
"Not happening this time!"
Kiana quipped, as she materialised five lances which wove into each other, like a shield. She'd successfully stopped the incoming attack.
She grunted as she threw her makeshift shield upwards, pushing the Phantom away. Kiana then swung her leg, aiming directly at Bianka's head.
Sadly, Durandal had caught Kiana by the ankle, with just one hand. They were both mid-air. Kiana's eyes widened as she remembered what Durandal usually did next.
"Hey! don't do it-"
The Bright Knight spun, hurling her into a building far away.
This… is unnecessarily brutal.
Observing them both was a man seated in a lab underground, he'd been using drones to keep up with their sparring.
But well, Bianka and Kiana both insisted on this.
The purpose of this Schicksal facility was solely training Kiana and testing the new godsbane suit Otto had designed. Kiana's Knight Moonbeam was rebuilt and repurposed.
It no longer used Gamma Particles like the Bright Knight or Argent Knight. Instead, it directly used Kiana's own Honkai energy. He'd named this suit the Errant Knight. This would allow Kiana to dissipate the surplus Honkai Energy she had and also control the exact extent of her powers.
Her suit currently had 3 out of the 6 wings active, implying a 50% Herrscher Core usage.
She's smart and physically able. If she keeps up this pace, then it won't be long before she gets promoted from S-Rank Cadet to an official S ranker.
"That's a given, but what's really concerning is.."
That her condition isn't improving.
Vaccines and Experimental suits can only stall the symptoms. The root cause is still unaddressed. We need to deal with the Gem of Conquest.
"I'd rather you not talk to her about it again. It always ends the same way."
You sound frustrated. Is it your first time dealing with a Kaslana? Though, I agree. We're going to have to find another solution.
Otto reclined back on his chair.
His screen flashed. It was an urgent comms request.
Wouldn't you look at that, it's the Hyperion.
"Finally decided to talk, huh?"
Otto tapped on a panel. The monitor in front of him now displayed the face of the Principal of St Freya. She looked worried.
"Ah, if it isn't my adorable little grand-daughter! How have you been? Are you eating w-"
"Where is Kiana?! What have you done to her?! It has been MONTHS! You both disappear completely for weeks on end and then there's news of YOU running through Arc City throwing around explosives!"
"What? Where'd you get that?!"
"We had made a deal with this Gray Serpent because we needed to know where you were .. So we could find Kiana… but we only ended up getting involved in Cocolia's mess.."
"Everything keeps changing.. I just can't keep up with it..so please grampa… just tell me if she's alright.."
She held her head in her hands. She was on the verge of crying.
Otto sighed. He was feeling extremely guilty.
"Why don't you see for yourself?"
Otto switched the feed to the aerial drones.
Kiana and Bianka were still sparring, flying across and exchanging blows. They'd stop for a few moments and laugh or comment on each other's moves.
"I got you there, I surely did!"
"No, you did not. Your reaction speed is subpar."
"Pfft, you wish!"
They resumed combat.
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"She's… fighting Bianka?"
Theresa remarked, her eyes wide.
"Indeed and she's still under training. Rest assured, Theresa. I'll see to it that she resumes attending St. Freya with her friends once she has full control of her herrscher powers."
"You..were actually serious when you said that?... Himeko had told me the details but it all sounded so sketchy I just couldn't accept it.. Not after what happened in…"
"That's in the past, Theresa…and I truly feel sorry for it. I can't change what I've done.. But the least I can do now is… make up for it."
Theresa was looking directly at him. She didn't utter a word.
"I've been.. A terrible grandfather. I've taken a lot from you. But please, consider giving me one more chance."
"Gram..pa.."
Theresa couldn't believe it. Her grandfather was speaking the words she'd always wished to hear from him. It felt too good to be true.
"As for Kiana.. She's become like family to me. I too want her to be happy and make all her dreams come true. I've… promised her that, after all.."
Theresa broke down. She'd spent every single day in fear of what could've happened to Kiana or what nefarious schemes her grandfather was plotting or how many more lives would have to be lost.
But, what actually happened was the outcome she'd always longed for.
For her to be handed over 1/4th of Schicksal's reserves and to have AE's lands returned, had seemed to be the signal of an impending tragedy, a trademark of Otto's destructive plans. But now, she'd realised that this was his way of showing he was genuinely standing by her side.
Someone patted on Theresa's back and offered her a napkin. It was Himeko. She gave Otto a knowing smile.
"Ah. Captain Murata."
Otto felt embarrassed.
"… It's not apt to eavesdrop."
He added.
"I truly beg your pardon, Overseer. But, Miss Theresa had asked for me to be here."
Otto inhaled.
"Well, I'm sure you had been worried for your student. I hope your tensions have been alleviated now, captain."
"To be honest, I wasn't worried one bit."
The Overseer felt surprised.
"I apologise for my language, but I was incredibly pissed at first. But when I calmed down, I realised Hua was right. Something about you felt …true.. and then… you saved her. I'd have died trying and it didn't even take you a minute."
"That's when I thought, why would someone like you need more power? What would you even gain from something like that? So I chose to gamble and to trust in you."
So it's not just Kiana..
Every single person on the Hyperion is…
Otto sighed.
"Now I can't wait to see the look on Tesla's face when she finds out I was right!"
Himeko cheered.
Theresa was looking away, but she too had a faint smile.
"Speaking of Tesla, I hear The Sovereign has returned?"
"Yeah, he has. They're all in America, busy redistributing their resources. Welt's taken Bronya along with him…she's a herrscher now, like Kiana. He said he'll teach her how to use her powers."
"What does that cheap knock off of a herrscher know about the power of reason?!"
Archives, calm down.
"Give me a soulium avatar, boy! I will show him what it means to be the Herrscher of Reason!"
You're sounding like a spoiled noble brat.
Before Void Archives could retort, however, Otto resumed his conversation.
"I suppose I will have to meet up with Welt Yang soon. I've… got things to discuss with him."
She nodded in agreement.
"Say… Overseer?"
"Yes?"
"Can.. Can we please talk to Kiana?"
Himeko asked.
Otto put up a sad smile.
"She's.. Not keen on talking. I've asked her several times if she wants to catch up with everyone. She says she's not ready yet."
Himeko turned towards someone offscreen and mouthed a "sorry".
Otto heard a sharp inhale, as one would to do in order to stifle a sob.
His lips stretched into a thin line. He knew full well who this person was.
….Raiden Mei showed herself.
Otto couldn't look at the screen. His guilt over his past actions didn't allow him to face this girl.
"I… understand if she doesn't want to talk…"
"But.. Please… Overseer, could you just get this to her?"
Otto, who was still looking away, nodded in affirmation.
Raiden Mei cleared her throat as she left her short message for Kiana.
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Kiana and Bianka were both gasping for air. They'd been fighting for hours. Such was the nature of Durandal's gruelling training.
The two shot towards each other, like comets. A flurry of fists were exchanged, as ripples shot through the air.
Kiana's balance faltered for a moment, giving Bianka the chance she'd been waiting for.
"KING! QUEEN!"
Looks like Bianka was going to end the fight.
Kiana in turn, snapped her finger, as multiple lances prepared themselves for fire.
Before the Phantoms could attack Kiana from both her sides, their advance was stopped entirely.
The Overseer had instantaneously appeared between the two of them, leaving trails of golden dust. He stopped Queen's Shield with his hand and blocked King's Blade with his forearm.
"I absolutely despise having to intrude on such a productive training session, but we have an urgent transmission for Kiana. I certainly hope it won't be a problem for you, Durandal."
"O-Ofcourse not."
She replied, taken aback as to how her Phantoms had been stopped so trivially. But, what concerned her more was that the Overseer had his head hung low. It wasn't often she'd see him like this.
Kiana simply blinked. That was sudden.
"Wh-Who is it?"
"Who was it, I wonder?"
Otto's voice lacked its usual energy.
Kiana groaned.
"Fine. I'll find out myself. After this, Bianka and I are going out for ice cream!"
"Is that so? Hurry up, then."
Kiana raised her eyebrow. Otto seemed… sad.
She looked on for a few moments, but turned and headed straight to base.
"Bianka.. I think you've trained enough for the day. You ought to rest."
"... Is something the matter, Overseer?"
Otto turned and began walking away.
"One must never lose themselves to their obsessions, Bianka. You'd only end up hurting the ones you love."
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Kiana entered her quarters, there was a clip addressed to her on her PC terminal.
Kiana was overrun with curiosity, as she clicked play. Her eyes widened immediately.
"Kiana… I heard you've been doing better. But, these past few months… they've been harsh on you, haven't they?"
It was Mei. She was crying.
Kiana couldn't breathe. Her legs began to feel weak.
"So much has… Changed so soon.. I really miss going to class with you. I really miss how you'd come to me.. a night before an exam, asking for help. I…"
The girl with purple hair struggled to form sentences. She was overwhelmed.
"I miss.. Seeing you light up at the sight of the food I used to make for you. So please.."
Kiana couldn't see properly. Her vision was blurred as tears kept flowing.
"Please come back. I…Miss Principal… Miss Himeko… we all… we are all waiting for you.."
"I'm.. Sorry… Mei-senpai…"
She was using the table to support herself.
"I can't… risk hurting you…"
The recording ended.
Searing pain flooded Kiana's head.
"Not.. Now!"
She kicked the chair away, denting it.
Otto's medications and training helped, but it didn't change the fact that she would occasionally have immense bouts of pain. No matter how well she hid it, it didn't change the fact that her body was deteriorating.
She had to gain control over all the gems. Fast.
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Otto walked listlessly across the ruins.
"That girl reminded you of yourself, didn't she? You too wrote a letter for your beloved, begging her to come back."
Otto chuckled. It was a pitiable memory. He was sending the Oath of Judah to the east alongside reports. It was an act of treason.
He had the courage to go against Schicksal but not to confess the truth.
Unlike Raiden, I was a coward. I didn't even bother sending that letter and gave the excuse of duty. I could never bring myself to tell Kallen how I felt.
"She forced it out of you in the end, though."
What good did that bring? She now lives thinking that the one who loved her most is now gone forever. I've… only hurt her more by telling her how I felt.
"She knew how you felt, boy. She just wanted to hear it from you. All so that she could reciprocate her feelings too."
I'm… aware. After all this is over… When I truly die…
Do you think that person will let me see her?
"No point in making assumptions about something we don't even know. Though.. Do you really think you'd be able to leave this world behind, if you managed to protect it?"
… I don't… know..
Otto was honest. A part of him always longed to be recognized, while another part of him believed that he didn't deserve such an olive branch.
What will be, will be.
We will see once we get there.
Bianka had been following him this entire time.
"Bianka. Head back. You've got plans with Kiana."
"But you seem to be-"
Otto laughed softly. He turned to face her.
"I'm fine, you've got nothing to worry about. I'm sure.. Kiana would appreciate your company right now."
He interjected with a strained smile.
Durandal wasn't convinced.
Is that… the smile all other Valkyries see?
The captain of the Immortal Blades had been accustomed to the Overseer's warm smile and cheerful mannerisms. She had only heard after she had begun taking missions that it wasn't how the Overseer was to others.
He'd give everyone else a hollow smile, masking his true thoughts and feelings.
This was the first time she'd been faced by such a smile from him.
Have… I done something uncalled for?
She opened her mouth to ask something, but chose not to.
"Very Well, Overseer Otto. I shall take my leave."
She turned around and dashed.
Otto kept walking around the city ruins, often stopping to pick up and read books he'd find strewn about the streets.
An instrument shop caught his attention.
It had been completely wrecked, save for a single violin set, which seemed relatively intact.
He raised the Violin to his shoulder, resting his cheek on the chin rest.
Haven't played one in ages.
After checking the tautness of the strings, he raised the bow as a slow and solemn melody began to make itself known in the middle of a rundown city.
Otto remembered the first time he'd played this tune. He'd been returning from Geneva alongside Vera and Kallen. They were sitting in front of him by a campfire.
Once he was done, Vera clapped loudly. She had been impressed. Kallen, however, rested her chin in her hands and dazed off into the distance in his direction. Vera raised her eyebrow and waved her hand in front of Kallen, snapping her out of it.
"Oh. Ahahha. Otto, that.. Was beautiful."
Since then he had made sure that he'd never ever forget how to play this very tune.
The Overseer opened his eyes. There was no one there. He sighed, as he climbed out of the rubble, leaving the former store.
Otto decided to return to base until he received a transmission addressed directly to him.
An unknown profile.
Such secrecy ironically made the caller's identity obvious. There was only one such organisation who'd take the trouble.
"What does the World Serpent seek from me?"
Otto asked the caller.
"How perceptive. As expected of Schicksal's Overseer. I am Gray Serpent. A messenger of my Noble Sire."
"You haven't answered my question."
"Very well. Our Sire wishes to meet you. The coordinates have been provided. He requests that you appear alone, for our Sire wishes to converse as leaders of our respective organisations."
"Why would I walk into such a blatant trap?"
"World Serpent will gain nothing from attempting to assassinate you. We are aware you possess multiple avatars."
"Hmph. Fine, then. I'll consider this just once."
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IMMORTAL BLADES - SUPPLY VTOL
"I sincerely apologise for the inconvenience. It just so happens that the place where I'm headed to seems to cross by one of your supply routes."
All the Valkyries seated before him tensed up.
"It is no problem to us, Lord Overseer!"
One Valkyrie saluted.
"Ah, Echelon 3. Alvitr, was it?"
Her eyes widened.
"Lord Overseer… you.. Know my name?"
"Of Course. I know the names of every Valkyrie in Schicksal. As does Rita."
"Eek!"
She clenched her teeth. The other Valkyries tensed up even further.
It's not every day the rank and file Valkyries share a ride with the Overseer of Schicksal and then find out he's acquainted with them all.
"I'd expected you to take a private VTOL."
Well yes, I would have. But now.. I'm going to have to be on the front lines more and more often. Which is why I ought to interact with all of my staff as these are the people who will be beside me.
"Heh. You always had a knack for such leadership stuff."
I suppose I did.
Otto seated himself at one end of the carrier.
"Now then, what are your thoughts on your captain?"
He was referring to Bianka.
"Sir, Durandal-sama is incredible!"
"Absolutely, she is perfect!"
"I saw her take out an Emperor Class beast in a single punch!"
"She always watches out for our safety!"
"She's… really… cool…"
Otto smiled. He felt proud.
"That's reassuring to hear. Bianka is indeed the Shining Star of Schicksal. She cares greatly for you all."
"Look at that, they're all blushing."
"...well enough about that. Let's hear it if you've got any problems you wish to get addressed. Are your dorms comfortable?"
"Yes they are, Lord Overseer!"
They replied in unison.
"Please.. There's no need to be like that. Just Overseer Otto will suffice. Speak freely."
"Umm..yes, Overseer Otto. Our dorms are actually really well managed. They look like actual apartment rooms."
One of them replied.
"Mhm. Many of you leave your homes behind to join as Valkyries. That too at such a young age. That was just our way of helping with homesickness."
"Which brings me to the next matter. Are your pay grades satisfactory? If you'd want more, now's the chance to speak up~"
Otto covered the side of his mouth as if he was telling a secret.
"Lord Overseer…. We're barely B rank Valkyries. Why are you…"
"Because all of you deserve it. We always remember the names of those who lead famous movements but we tend to forget those who made it possible."
He was referring to himself. He'd started the revolt against his Sister, yes. But his Valkyries were the ones who fought in the war. Yet, their names have been lost to time. He'd be the only one who would remember them.
"You all could've lived normal lives. Graduated High School, attended college. Applied for proper Jobs. Yet you all chose to put that away and become Valkyries, risking your lives on a daily basis. If that doesn't deserve recognition, nothing else does."
The Valkyries on board were staring at Otto, captivated by speech. He continued.
"Not to mention you're all still kids. You all ought to be complaining about Differential Calculus or catching up with your favorite manga and not battle reports."
His face took on a more grim expression.
"You all should be enjoying your youth and not grieving over your lost comrades. I know.. The lives we've lost in the incident at Arc City. It can…be soul crushing to lose a classmate or a roommate, or a close friend. Yet.. You all put up smiles and get back to work, as if nothing ever happened.. "
He sighed.
"If it is in my power to provide your lives with even a little sense of normalcy, I will gladly take the steps needed. All you have to do is ask. If you're feeling pressured right now, it is not an issue. Simply contact my assistant, Amber and she will relay your request to me, no matter how trivial it is. To address the issues of the Valkyries is one of my core duties as Overseer."
The Valkyries were already anxious to be next to the one who single handedly fought the Giant Honkai Dragon and then took care of the conspiracy at Arc City. But now, they had been completely enamoured by the Overseer.
"We've reached."
Otto got up from his seat as the latch opened, observing the desertscape.
"It was a pleasure meeting all of you. I'll be taking off here. I look forward to seeing you all at the bimonthly review. Do remember what we talked about today, okay?"
He waved them goodbye.
Before he could jump, however, the Valkyries stopped him.
"Umm.. Overseer Otto… could you accept a small request?"
One valkyrie asked as she pulled out her phone.
Otto smiled.
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Rita received a notification.
Ah, it looks like Master Durandal's fan page has a new post.
She checked the online post.
"Oh my.. What's this?"
Seven Valkyries, donning Immortal Blades uniforms, were surrounding a man with blonde hair who put up a V sign with his gloved hand.
All of them were grinning.
I think Master Durandal would like to see this..
She saved the image.
LOCATION -?
Otto watched over the desertscape and saw the VTOL fly away in the corner of his eyes.
It was another city reduced to ruins.
He had gotten off at the required coordinates.
Strangely, there was no one there.
Otto began walking around, until his EM Radars picked something up.
He'd been surrounded by Mechs in camouflage.
"Like I thought, an ambush!"
No.
This is a test. Kevin is definitely here and he's watching us.
Do me a favour and disable your Zeroth Power.
"You intend to take on a dozen mechs without proper armaments? Have you gone insane?"
… I don't trust Kevin. He can't know of our true abilities.
Besides, this soulium avatar is more than enough.
MIMICRY OF CLEAVER OF SHAMASH
"I expected some decency from the World Serpent. But now, it is no longer a surprise how you employed Raven. You lot are just like her."
Otto swiftly dodged incoming missiles and jumped up into the air, before spinning and crashing downwards, creating an explosion, destroying two of the mechs. The greatsword shattered.
Hah. I had gotten so used to the actual thing, that this feels like glass! kind of hilarious how flimsy you were.
"I dare you to say that again."
He heard the revving of a gatling gun.
Oh no.
MIMICRY OF OATH OF JUDAH
Otto used the cross as a makeshift cover. It would only hold for a few seconds, at most.
In that case..
Otto retrieved a small sphere from his pocket.
He pressed the button at its center and flung it towards the mech unit.
Electric Smoke dispersed, removing its camouflage and rendering it immobile.
MIMICRY OF WATER'S EDGE
Otto sprinted towards the mech and crossed the distance across the road in three steps. He jammed the blade into its exposed area between armor plates and pried it off open.
Otto retrieved his nanofluid knife and slammed it into the exposed area of the mech.
The mech began thrashing about as if it was defective and then snapped back to normal position.
The mech then walked towards the center of the street. The gatling guns revved as it proceeded to gun down every remaining mech on the battlefield.
Two titan mechs however, weren't in the spread range of the gatling guns. They charged at the mech, destroying it.
Luckily for Otto, those were the last two mechs left.
MASS MIMICRY- JUDGEMENT OF SHAMASH
Multiple portals opened, surrounding the mechs.
Golden pistols manifested themselves.
In a torrent of explosive fire, they had been reduced to scraps.
Otto took a moment to take in the carnage which had ensued here. But then, he felt chills run up his spine.
The temperature had decreased greatly.
The Overseer turned around, as the greatest warrior of the Previous Era walked towards him. Kevin seemed disappointed. Almost as if he'd been expecting something else.
"Affable greetings, O Sire of World Serpent. Was… my performance not to your liking?"
"You… held back. No matter though. I was simply curious to see your actual combat prowess. To get to the point, my purpose of calling you here was to propose an alliance for the joint subjugation of future herrschers. Both of our factions are to mutually benefit from this."
"Is this something to even think about? To work beside the Great Kevin Kaslana himself… is an absolute honor. I've.. Read about your feats thanks to Void Archives."
"I, Otto Apocalypse, gladly offer my services to aid you in subjugating herrschers and to safeguard humanity."
Otto bowed down, placing his hand to his chest.
Kevin's eyes seemed to visibly relax.
"Like I thought, you're sharp. I look forward to your continued cooperation, Schicksal Overseer."
Kevin turned around, and with a single leap, shot out into the sky.
Otto too followed suit. He began walking away, kicking the scraps the mechs left behind in his way.
He was smirking.
Considering Raiden Mei does not obtain the Gen of Conquest, the next herrschers should be…
Owl and Ana Schariac.
Otto couldn't help but laugh.
He had come up with a brilliant plot. One he could pull off and not have to be a villain while he would be at it.
"To think you're going to pull one over Kevin Kaslana himself…you're diabolical."
I'm a Clown, Archives. It's in my nature to play tricks. Besides, I'm going to keep my word.
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I will subjugate the herrschers.
…. My way, that is.
CHAPTER 10- END
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AUTHOR'S NOTE:
I still can't format paragraphs on !
Nevertheless, this is the longest chapter thus far.
It's slower paced, because things will kick back into speed next chapter, as you'd have guessed.
The parallels which Mei and Otto have always fascinated me.
Though, tbh, Otto was the antithesis of the entire main cast. He's got a little of every single character.
Now, I just want him to realize it's no longer just their story, as he's now one of them.
Anyway, thank you so much for reading this chapter!
As always, do let me know your thoughts!
Take care!