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"I'm deeply sorry! Durandal was careless and failed to prevent her suicide in time!"
Despite feeling repulsed, after a brief moment of shock, Durandal wiped away the substance from her fingertips, composed herself, and saluted sharply.
Hera shook her head, unconcerned. "It's not your fault. Our contact with her was too brief; even Zeke and I couldn't devise an effective prevention strategy. Let it be for now. Take the body down and preserve it, just in case we need it later."
Apart from being unable to prevent the suicide, what mattered most was their heightened vigilance. Hera hadn't immediately employed Mimicry Fenghuang Down... In hindsight, that decision proved correct. Had she used such measures, the Herrscher would likely have instantly self-destructed, preventing even this minimal exchange of information.
"Yes ma'am!" Durandal saluted once more, then effortlessly sliced through several robust anti-Honkai energy chains with a swift hand motion, carrying the corpse of the Herrscher of a Thousand People away.
With only Hera remaining in the room, she picked up her teacup, took a sip of the slightly cooled tea, and raised an eyebrow as she addressed the empty space around her:
"So, what do you all think?"
In the next moment, three figures appeared seated within the empty room—the holographic projections of Zeke, Welt, and Einstein.
Zeke rested his hands on the chair's armrests, fingers interlocked, maintaining his usual composed demeanor.
"As expected," he said calmly, "they've set their sights on your identity, allowing that individual to confront you directly. We didn't obtain specific intelligence, but we now have a potential breakthrough."
"You're saying I should handle trapping the Herrscher of a Thousand People?"
"Conspiracies and stratagems are your forte; it's like peeling layers off a puff pastry."
"Hey! That's a low blow! And besides, if I'm like this, then my ever-dominating best friend—you...what does that make you?"
"Exceptionally wise."
"Wow! Look at you, shameless much? Taking all the compliments for yourself while throwing shade at me, huh?!"
Hera pointed at Zeke with two immaculate, slender fingers, her smile warm and radiant.
Zeke gazed back at her, mirroring her slight grin.
However, the atmosphere was far from friendly and harmonious. The other two present—well, at the holographic projection site—distinctly sensed a subtle tension brewing.
"Clap! Clap!"
Einstein clapped his hands lightly and calmly stated, "That's enough banter for now. Let's get down to business."
"Not banter," Zeke's expressionless gaze conveyed silently as he looked at Einstein.
Nevertheless, Hera grinned brightly and flashed a peace sign, saying, "In any case, friendship forever!"
She referred to their relationship, characterized by constant snarky exchanges and competitive clashes, as friendship—and genuinely enjoyed the thrill of these disputes.
Zeke felt a vein twitch.
Meanwhile, Welt appeared to snap out of deep thought, removed his glasses, and let out a long sigh.
"Sigh... Regarding the Herrscher of a Thousand People, we truly must rely on you. As for our side, I believe there are more pressing matters where Zeke is needed."
These unexpected words drew questioning glances from everyone.
Especially from Zeke and Einstein; they hadn't heard any prior indication of Welt's thoughts on this matter.
Wiping his glasses, Welt took a moment before slowly speaking:
"The incident with Herrscher of a Thousand People has brought a crucial issue to light. Over these years, Anti-Entropy has been dedicated to transforming this world. Our sphere of influence now covers one-sixth of human-inhabited areas, primarily regions plagued by extreme poverty. Through the Infinite Energy provided by the Selene Reactor and other advanced technologies, along with effective management strategies, we have enabled one-eighth of the global population to live as they deserve—a basic standard free from hunger and cold. Simultaneously, we've significantly eliminated exploitative forces... However, reaching this point also brings us to the brink of full-blown conflict with various distorted structures. The Herrscher of a Thousand People seized upon precisely this aspect, which lies at the core of our problem."
This perspective, profound and insightful, revealed the fundamental issues that Zeke and others had previously overlooked.
After pondering for a moment, the three nodded, acknowledging this groundbreaking conclusion.
Welt continued, "There are two primary contradictions in the current world: first, between civilization and Honkai; second, between republican ideals and various corrupt systems. To resolve these contradictions fundamentally, what is needed is a powerful central authority capable of wielding great strength towards righteous ends."
Welt outlined a broad yet correct direction, garnering agreement from those listening attentively.
Zeke asked, "So, what do you propose to do?"
"Establish a new nation. Not one defined by territorial borders but by shared civilization—a unified government that encompasses all, regardless of skin color, ethnicity, or affiliation with Schicksal or Anti-Entropy."
Welt's words were astonishing.
However, none present were ordinary individuals. After brief contemplation, these wise listeners acknowledged it as a promising approach.
By abolishing existing nations and organizations, unifying the entire civilization, and harnessing the power of a centralized government, they could legitimately and decisively crush all discordant elements. This would thoroughly unite the world's strength under the banner of combating Honkai while facilitating the widespread implementation of Welt's ideological framework.
Simultaneously, this plan could bring closure to the competition and conflicts between the colossal entities of Schicksal and Anti-Entropy—neither being superior, both working together to shape a better future. It was a strategy capable of appeasing both the Valkyries and Anti-Entropy members alike.
As for whether it could be achieved... frankly speaking, if these four individuals unanimously agreed, there likely wouldn't be anything on this planet beyond their reach. Even dismantling hundreds of countries, large and small, to achieve complete global unity seemed attainable.
The issue was that Hera found herself at a disadvantage within this grand plan.
Currently, Hera led Schicksal. For the greater good, despite Welt, Zeke, and Einstein's desire to rid themselves of her, they had no choice but to maintain a harmonious facade.
However, once the unified government took shape, Hera's significance would...
Wait, that wasn't entirely true. Beyond Schicksal's backing, her strength lay in her immeasurable reserves and unpredictable trump cards. The power and importance of these assets wouldn't diminish due to changes in governance structures.
In summary, her position wouldn't drastically alter, at least not until Honkai is decisively defeated.
And for Hera, that brief window of time was all she needed. She never harbored illusions about living much longer; reviving Kallen successfully would be enough.
Moreover, Zeke's progress grew increasingly alarming, making her eventual fate foreseeable. What difference did establishing a new order make then?
Having reached this understanding, Hera detached herself emotionally and asked nonchalantly, "So, which nation's political system do you propose we adopt? This decision seems crucial for the unified government."
"I believe a monarchy would be most suitable."
"Hey! Wait a minute, didn't you want global unity and harmony? Implementing an imperial system is a step backward!" Hera was taken aback, struggling to comprehend Welt's peculiar line of thinking.
Similarly, Zeke and Einstein initially failed to grasp his idea as well, turning their gazes toward Welt for an explanation.