Wu Tong paid no attention to the emotional reactions of the women around him, instead shifting his gaze toward the "Cabbage Worm."
It was time to collect his payment.
After informing Kiana, she didn't refuse, spreading her arms and waiting for Wu Tong to act.
Without hesitation, Wu Tong activated the Authority of the Herrscher of Sentience.
[The divine bestows upon me wings, mastery over the hearts of mortals, the illusion of reality, the king of the mind.]
The Authority of the Herrscher of Sentience granted control over consciousness, wielding immense power over the soul and mind—and Sirin's full abilities resided within Kiana's body.
Thus, her soul offered almost no resistance as Wu Tong effortlessly extracted it from Kiana's mind.
Then, with a swift cast of his resurrection skill, a freshly revived Sirin materialized before everyone's eyes.
Initially, the newly resurrected Sirin bristled with hostility, ready to lash out and challenge those around her. However, Cecilia swiftly subdued her, enveloping her in a gentle embrace.
With everything settled, Wu Tong and the others resumed their banquet. After the meal, the group retired for the night.
As for Sirin? She was carried off by Cecilia, who claimed it was to "bond" with her.
Wu Tong didn't interfere. After all, what was wrong with a mother and daughter reconnecting after so long?
Moreover, Wu Tong had high hopes for Cecilia's emotional approach. If she could truly sway Sirin's mindset, that would be for the best.
Late into the night, under the blanket of stars, everyone gradually drifted into slumber.
...
The next day, noon.
"Mmm~"
"That was some good sleep."
Wu Tong stretched lazily in bed, glancing out the window.
"Huh? This weather… really makes you want to just keep sleeping. No wonder I slept so well last night."
Outside, the sky was thick with ominous clouds, casting a suffocating pressure—like a storm was imminent.
The dim light, the drowsy air, and the heavy breeze all made it irresistibly easy to doze off. Wu Tong wasn't wrong about that.
Still, after checking the time, he roused himself, freshened up, changed into casual clothes, and left the bedroom.
Gazing at St. Freya Academy, still vibrant even under the gloomy sky, Wu Tong couldn't help but remark, "Otto really dotes on Theresa. Building an academy like this couldn't have been easy."
"Mr. Wu Tong, you misunderstand. While I do spoil little Theresa, I can't take credit for this cozy architectural style."
"These were all designed and built by Theresa herself. I merely provided the materials and funding."
A voice as smooth as a spring breeze sounded from beside him.
Wu Tong didn't need to look to know who it was. As expected, it was none other than the Overseer of Schicksal himself.
Turning his head, he confirmed it was indeed Otto. Accompanying him were the familiar faces of Kallen, Durandal, and Rita—alongside someone Wu Tong hadn't anticipated.
Li Sushang.
The Great Pillow.
This wasn't the "scholarly and martially challenged" Li Sushang from the world of Star Rail.
This was the Honkai world's Li Sushang—a supremely talented S-Rank Valkyrie, one of Otto's trump cards, and a powerhouse in both intellect and combat.
The two couldn't even be compared. Whether in brains, brawn, or… assets, the difference was staggering.
The Honkai Li Sushang's figure was far more impressive, especially in the "pillow" department, easily ranking among the top in Honkai's beauty standings.
"Is that so? I never thought Theresa could be this competent."
"Haha, if little Theresa heard you say that, she'd be furious."
After exchanging a few more pleasantries with Otto, Wu Tong finally cut to the chase and asked the purpose of his visit.
At the question, Otto's expression dimmed slightly. "Kallen insisted we come today. We've brought the Divine Key, Jizo Mitama…"
Ah.
Got it.
Yae Sakura was about to be resurrected. No wonder Otto seemed less than enthusiastic. What man would be in high spirits seeing his romantic rival—even if that rival was a woman—return to steal his beloved's attention?
Not that Wu Tong cared. While he might recruit Otto, that didn't mean he held any fondness for him. Given the atrocities Otto had committed, death ten thousand times over wouldn't be enough.
Resurrecting Yae Sakura now would be the perfect way to twist the knife.
"We also brought the Gem of Desire from Wendy."
"The Judgement of Shamash from Siegfried, delivered by Anti-Entropy."
"And the 5th Divine Key, Key of Stasis: Fenghuang Down, located based on Fu Hua's intel. All three are here."
"As for the remaining two Herrscher Cores… we truly couldn't manage those."
"That's fine. As long as these items are here, it's enough. Where are they?" Wu Tong asked impatiently.
He was genuinely surprised Otto had managed to gather three Divine Keys and the Gem of Desire so quickly.
But then again, considering Schicksal's near-global dominance, it made sense. With such an extensive intelligence network, finding these items wouldn't be difficult if they put in the effort.
As for the last two Herrscher Cores? Not even Wu Tong could confidently claim he'd secure them.
Origin and Finality.
The two most formidable Authorities in the Honkai world—neither would be easy to obtain.
Otto chuckled lightly. "Theresa is holding onto them. Since she's free at the moment, she volunteered to keep them safe."
"Then let's go." Without wasting time, Wu Tong headed straight for Theresa's office.
Seeing this, Kallen quickly followed.
Though reluctant, Otto trailed after her like a loyal puppy.
The other three exchanged glances before falling into step behind Otto, making their way to the office.
...
Headmistress's Office.
Kiana had just been about to drop by and mooch off her aunt when, upon entering, she spotted a young girl and several objects placed before Theresa.
A high-tech rectangular case resembling a coffin.
A black box.
A pair of pistols.
Wait… pistols?
Why did those look so familiar?
"Auntie, isn't that Dad's Judgement of Shamash? Why is it here?"
Kiana stared at the unmistakable Divine Key, the hereditary weapon of the Kaslana family—one her deadbeat dad had never let out of his sight.
So why was it here now?
Unless…
Images flashed through Kiana's mind, and she was on the verge of tears when—
Theresa spoke up. "Anti-Entropy sent it as payment. Siegfried agreed to it—after all, Wu Tong did resurrect Cecilia."
...
"Thanks to Kobe Robertson for the support!"
Read 50 advance at patreon.com/CNBLUE
(End of Chapter)