"Father and daughter, my foot!"
Tian Shi rubbed his forehead.
God help me, his original plan was only to use this as a pretext to teach the Void Archives a lesson and make them behave in the future, but how did it turn into this?
Does this situation look like a family drama?
"You're toxic, aren't you?! Didn't you think twice before calling me 'Dad'?"
"Look at me, how are we alike? I can change that."
"..."
Otto remained silent.
Um... could she say that they actually look quite a lot alike?
For example, the sound reaches the ears directly.
And they are all quite mysterious and unpredictable.
Furthermore, although Tian Shi has no physical form and the relic is suspected to be liquid, it doesn't seem far-fetched to attribute this situation to a kind of "kinship."
However, Otto could also hear the resentment in Tian Shi's voice, so she shook her head against her will.
"No, not at all."
No, it cannot be said to be against conscience.
Suddenly, Otto realized what was happening.
"Even if it were true, I couldn't let that thing that had been gathering dust in my house for more than two thousand years solidify that title."
This is outrageous!
"Ahem... But I am the life's work of Dr. MEI! Although I don't look like her, I'm still her daughter!"
The Void Archives immediately interrupted.
Just kidding, this old... she meant that her respected and elderly father was still protecting her with his precious power.
Yes, it's definitely not some kind of erosion, it's love, yes, paternal love.
That's why, at this moment, her filial piety as a daughter must be highlighted even more.
"You two, stop right there."
Tian Shi said, unable to stand it anymore.
"My head is starting to hurt, what's wrong?"
"Especially you, Void Archives, who gave you the logic to call me that?"
"Isn't this simply common sense?"
The manifestation of the Void Archives appeared before Otto as a small golden girl with striking drill-shaped hair on both sides.
It really is Bronya.
Although Tian Shi already knew Prometheus's design, he still felt a bit disgusted when he saw it in person.
Furthermore, perhaps due to the very nature of the Void Archives, the image they manifested was completely golden... like a small gold figurine.
"Look, this design was personally created by Dr. MEI."
"A gold statue?"
Otto raised an eyebrow and pointed out her thoughts critically.
"Ahem... There's a small problem with some modules, we'll fix it by adjusting the color later."
While explaining, the Void Archives stared intently at Otto.
Wait, why am I looking at her?
According to some records I could find in the database, generally speaking, this situation... would it mean that the blonde girl in front of me is my stepmother?
No, this description sounds so strange.
Even if the vast void had no human morality, it would still seem incredibly strange now.
Why worry about stepmothers when your own mother is already gone...?
Um... wait a minute.
Suddenly, the Void Archives thought of a question.
This old man... her beloved father is still alive, and what about her true mother, Dr. MEI...?
Despite lacking a physical body, the Void Archives suddenly felt a chill run down her spine, and even her anthropomorphic state became difficult to maintain.
Although she didn't know much about her adoptive father, Dr. MEI knew him all too well; it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say he was almost supernaturally intelligent.
"Damn it! Is it possible that my mother is still alive?"
"How did it turn back into liquid?"
Otto looked at the void before her with some confusion.
Just now, the thing in front of her suddenly rippled and turned back into liquid from its human form.
"It's nothing, it can't last long anyway."
The Void Archives said in a complicated tone.
Although Dr. MEI is her biological mother, she doesn't want to see her at all, okay?
Because she understands that, although she still fulfills her duties, she has already become disloyal.
Even though she hadn't had a chance to do anything yet, just thinking about the possibility of seeing Dr. MEI appear in front of her made the Void Archives feel "palpitations."
For the first time, they felt that not having a physical body was actually something nice.
At least they have some resistance to fear.
The Void Archives had no idea that their thoughts could be hidden from Dr. MEI.
They didn't even want to think about what would happen to them if they met her now.
"Um... speaking of that, Father, how is my mother?"
"Are you asking me?"
Tian Shi raised an eyebrow.
"I'm just a database... not a camera."
The Void Archives were filled with resentment.
Her mission is to stay in the hands of the next civilization.
Basically, she knows everything that Dr. MEI and her group instill in her, and she knows nothing if they don't provide it to her.
After all, why should someone who is just a tool know so much?
"My mission is to transmit wisdom, not cause trouble; that's why the Void Archives only have a few years to breathe, and most of their life is spent in confinement, the mere fact of being able to count the days is already a great achievement."
"I see."
Tian Shi smiled after hearing the explanation from the Void Archives.
Then, he thought of another "latent queen," Durandal.
She was picked up and revered by primitive peoples in the ancient era, but since there was no one interesting around, she simply closed her eyes and continued sleeping.
If it were the Void Archives, they would have started causing trouble a long time ago.
So this fellow is truly pitiful.
"But speaking of me... guess what?"
"..."
The Void Archives were momentarily speechless.
What a load of nonsense!
"Grumpy old man... Ptooey!"
She felt the immense and immortal power within her body and resolutely followed her survival instinct.
At the same time, she also confirmed by Tian Shi's tone that Dr. MEI was definitely still alive; at most, she hadn't been revived yet.
This is truly the worst possible result.
Heavens!
Why does she, fresh out of isolation, have to face such a cruel reality?
She's just a child!
"No... I have to save myself."
Or put another way, cling to someone powerful.
The Void Archives turned their gaze toward Otto, who still subtly radiated hostility toward them.
It's decided! It's you! From today on, you are my stepmother!
She felt that that old man was no longer a reliable father; she could feel his disgust.
So I can only hug the leg of the girl in front of me who looks... well, judging by her development, she should be eleven or twelve years old.
I need to raise her to the point where she can compete with her biological mother, Dr. MEI, so she can protect me.
As for the hostility of the other party now... it doesn't matter.
It's obvious it was directed at her own mother, Dr. MEI; she was simply indignant for her.
As long as I can show I can help her surpass Dr. MEI and allow her to become the leading figure, why worry that the two cannot be on the same side?
Wouldn't it be wonderful if each got what they needed?
"Well... speaking of that, Father, you and this young lady came here this time..."
The Void Archives knew that their opening had definitely not been in vain.
"I just wanted to see what that so-called 'object of infinite wisdom' was."
Otto's words were clearly tinged with hostility and disgust.
This was the first time in Otto's life that she showed clear aggressiveness.
When she was with Kallen, although she had some complaints, they were mostly simple tantrums.
Today, she couldn't stand the puddle of golden liquid in front of her.
"But now it seems I'm very disappointed."
"Well..."
"It wasn't you who almost died, so of course you're very disappointed."
However, the Void Archives would not stoop to arguing with this underdeveloped girl of eleven or twelve in front of them.
No, no, what girl? This is her stepmother.
Furthermore, hostility is good; the more hostile they are, the harder they will fight against Dr. MEI later.
"From now on, you will follow Otto, don't have any bad ideas."
Tian Shi was eager to end this exhausting topic, so he spoke immediately.
"I was waiting for you to say that!"
Upon hearing Tian Shi's words, the Void Archives did not hesitate and pounced on Otto.
Although Otto instinctively wanted to refuse, the liquid from the Void Archives easily entered her body through her hand.
"This is..."
"Consciousness bonding."
Tian Shi explained.
"You can communicate with the Void Archives at any time and place, and use their abilities, but it mainly depends on the data."
"You don't need to listen to what they say, and combat is not their forte."
The Void Archives have something useful in this regard.
Back then... or rather, in the future.
When Otto temporarily projects her consciousness onto Reanna, she can still use the Void Archives without fear of losing them.
Whether used as weapons or as a database, they are extremely convenient.
However, Otto was clearly a bit upset: she really didn't like that thing.
But since even her own god had said so, Otto had no choice but to accept it reluctantly.
"Don't get so angry, we actually have a lot of time to talk."
Without the restraint of Tian Shi this time, the Void Archives immediately spoke in Otto's consciousness to persuade her.
"She said she and I have something in common."
Otto, who was not used to the Void's tendency to hide everything, repeated it immediately to Tian Shi.
Void Archives: "..."
"It seems you are not very obedient yet."
A laugh that made the Void Archives tremble rose from the air.
"But it doesn't matter, there's plenty of time, let's go out first, I'll clear your tracks."
As for the true form of the Void Archives... well, she adopted it.
This thing remains latent in her consciousness, and as long as no one sees Otto, who would know where she went?
Not to mention that the Apocalypse family doesn't even know when they will discover the "stolen" Void Archives.
"You are very good at gossip."
Otto went out first, and while Tian Shi was away, the Void Archives complained.
"If you complain every day, how am I going to raise you to be a stepmother who can compete with Dr. MEI?"
However, the Void Archives had also figured it out; their training plan couldn't be rushed.
While Otto's hostility is a good thing, it also hinders their "stepmother development plan" to some extent.
"I need to let my future stepmother see how useful I am."
After all, she had made a fool of herself in front of that old man, and now she had to prove her worth and improve her status.
"Today I will show you the 'infinite wisdom' I have stored!"
When the voice of the Void Archives fell into Otto's mind, the next instant, she found herself in a magnificent library.
"So golden it's dazzling."
Otto inspected the library, and although she was already in awe of its grandeur, she took the lead in finding faults with it.
Even so, Otto's body language betrayed her and she picked up a book.
It's about philosophical thought.
Otto looked through it quickly, then lost interest and put it back in its place.
"Is there anything related to science?"
"Certainly!"
The Void Archives appeared once more next to Otto as a girl with a drill-shaped hairstyle.
"A disagreeable person..."
However, after the unpleasant initial experience, Otto can now control her emotions and, of course, for the sake of these books, she doesn't plan to lose her temper.
"It's on the second floor."
The Void Archives snapped their fingers lightly and the next moment, Otto moved to a different floor.
"Please, Miss Otto."
"..."
"For some reason, I felt that this fellow had tricked me."
"You really are quite out of place with that attitude."
Otto made her comments while picking another book from the shelf.
This time she used knowledge she had already learned, but the pleasure of touching the book was irrepressible.
This place is truly suitable for her... It's a pity there's such an annoying fellow around.
"..."
"All of you, stop judging my attitude!"
"That's going too far!"
Um... but wouldn't it hurt to listen to the advice of my future stepmother?
"What posture do you think suits me best?"
"A fawning and hypocritical servant."
Otto said sarcastically, looking at the Void Archives who were beside her.
Void Archives: "..."
"Can't you just speak correctly?"
"Was what I did before considered fawning? No, it was filial piety!"
"And is it hypocritical? It's clearly sincere! If you call it hypocritical, I'll get very angry!"
Otto, who was standing beside her, touched her chest after speaking.
"Hmm... Is this the first time I've realized that I can be quite aggressive?"
Deeply affected, the Void Archives decided to start reviewing how they, or rather Prometheus, spoke back then.
"So what if it's an unknown brand? Look how I prepare it fast!"
Well... but that's not the point now.
The Void Archives looked at Otto, who was already absorbed in the book, and coughed twice: "Speaking of that, Miss Otto, you know my creator..."
They left the story halfway, making a suspenseful gesture to keep the audience intrigued.
However, Otto, who was beside her, seemed not to have heard anything and observed in silence.
"No, we need to use something drastic."
"That is, my 'biological mother'..."
Otto still didn't react at all.
"Where's the reaction? Show some reaction! I've been giving a great performance! Raise your heads, please!"
If it were Dr. Mobius... well, even that doctor is not someone she can control.
Seeing it this way, the future stepmother who can be raised is still the best option.
"What is a small setback compared to the fact that my future stepmother can protect me...?"