Several kilometers away from where Lynelle and the others were located, inside a hidden outpost.
Grey Serpent slowly lowered the observation device in his hand and promptly initiated the destruction protocol for the terminal on the other end.
No particular reason—it was just that facing a Herrscher of Corruption, any contact posed far too great a risk. A little caution was necessary.
"Observation complete?"
"Yeah, it's done. Raven, keep an eye on the perimeter."
Grey Serpent spoke without looking up.
"Huh?"
"I need to contact the Sovereign immediately."
"Right now?"
Raven couldn't help but pause. "Is that really necessary...? Can't it wait until we get back to base? Not only is it risky out here, but that portable communicator Jackal made is one of a kind—priceless. Isn't it a bit wasteful to use it like this?"
"If a tool isn't used when it should be, that's the real waste."
Grey Serpent casually marked off an area nearby. "This is your patrol zone. I need you to make sure no one enters this area until I'm done communicating."
"Alright, alright... Just remember my overtime pay."
Raven sighed, and in an instant, her figure vanished from the spot, leaving only a few crimson feathers drifting in the air.
Only after Raven had completely disappeared did Grey Serpent begin adjusting the equipment, waiting patiently.
A moment later... a faint, muffled voice came from the other end of the terminal, accompanied by a blurry image of a white-haired figure that looked like it had been captured with a doorknob.
"Sovereign."
Grey Serpent immediately bowed respectfully.
"What is it? It's not yet time for our next communication, is it? Excessive contact can destabilize the World Bubble—I believe I've made that clear."
"Sovereign, it's about Miss Lynelle. There have been new developments."
"Speak."
This time, Kevin didn't press the issue of communication.
"I've closely observed Miss Lynelle's combat and her recent behavior, and I've confirmed a few things."
"First, Miss Lynelle appears to have the ability to turn souls into Stigmata—though it may not be limited to souls. Those transformed into Stigmata seem to reside within her body in some mysterious way and can temporarily take control."
"So that's it... No wonder she appeared within Lynelle."
From the other end of the communication came Kevin's low, contemplative sigh.
"Additionally, Miss Lynelle does possess some inexplicable and extraordinary powers. Their origin is unknown, their activation conditions unclear, and they may not even be repeatable."
"With Raven's assistance, I attempted to collect some samples. The conclusion is that these powers have no connection to the Previous Era."
"If you're uneasy about it, Sovereign, I could personally go to the Elysian Realm and—"
"No need."
Kevin cut Grey Serpent off shortly. "Continue with the next point."
"Understood. Finally, during my recent observations, I discovered that Miss Lynelle seems to possess the power of the Herrscher of Corruption."
Grey Serpent's voice paused briefly. "Sovereign, as I recall, you once suggested that I make contact with Lynelle, assess her stance toward the Honkai, and consider inviting her to join World Serpent..."
"If Miss Lynelle truly is the Herrscher of Corruption, then such an action would carry immense risks. I do not fear death myself, but if she bears ill will toward us, the entire World Serpent could be wiped out because of it..."
"You're saying... aside from having Elysia's Stigma, she is also a Herrscher? Even the Herrscher of Corruption?"
Somewhat to Grey Serpent's surprise, Kevin seemed to brush past his lengthy explanation.
"Yes, Sovereign."
"Then it's settled. Invite her directly to join World Serpent. Once she joins, proceed with her training according to the cadre development process."
"Underst—... Huh? S-Sovereign, are you certain we should—"
"Carry out the order. But do not force her—let her make the choice herself."
"...As you command."
--+--
Half a day later.
"Well, Mr. Welt, finally have some free time?"
"Yeah, taking over Cocolia's forces, cleaning up the people on that list, plus restabilizing things within Anti-Entropy... Getting it all done in half a day is already pretty good. Those two are still busy with it now."
Welt yawned, looking utterly exhausted. "Thanks for calling me out—gives me a bit of a break... So, what's up?"
"There are a few things. Let's take them one at a time... First, regarding Cocolia. The power of corruption has been planted within her. If I wish, I can probably take control of her body at any time."
"I'll leave the follow-up handling of the radical faction to you—I'm sure you know more about that than I do. I won't get involved. Just let me know if you need me... Though personally, I don't think Cocolia will dare make any more trouble."
"Don't worry, Einstein and the others have already figured out how to deal with Cocolia... What else?"
"Then there's the matter of St. Freya."
Lynelle sighed. "After this Anti-Entropy invasion incident, it's highly likely that Otto will start keeping a close eye on me... After all, he's probably realized that my strength is improving at a rate far beyond his expectations."
"So, to prevent St. Freya Academy from being flooded with little blond boys every day, I've decided to lay low elsewhere for a while and come back later."
"Lay low? Well, that's certainly fine, but where do you plan to go?"
Welt had no objections to Lynelle's plan—in fact, he shared the same view.
After all, Otto wasn't easy to kill and had almost no sense of shame.
If that guy really started sending little blond boys or girls to infiltrate St. Freya, following him and Lynelle around all day, calling them 'Uncle' and 'Big Sister'...
Just the thought of it made Welt feel goosebumps all over.
"I've already decided—Oceania."
Lynelle smiled and spoke the location she had long planned. "Beautiful scenery, pleasant climate, and I can even go out and box with kangaroos."
Maybe even see a wild Wendy baring her teeth... Lynelle added the last part silently.
"Alright, so you want to check on the progress of the Artificial Herrscher project with the Gem of Desire there, right?"
To Lynelle's surprise, Welt outright stated her plan.
"That's easy enough. Anti-Entropy has some connections over there. I'll talk to her and arrange for you to take care of Wendy."
"?"
Lynelle slowly formed a question mark in her mind.
Wait, dude, if you hadn't said so, I'd have thought this was St. Freya.
Although Oceania is relatively small, the branch where Wendy is located is basically Schicksal's main headquarters in that region.
How come in old man Yang's words, it sounds as simple as arranging an internship at a friend's company?
"Um... If I may ask, Mr. Welt, who exactly is our 'connection' there in Anti-Entropy...?"
"That's confidential for now."
Welt gave a mysterious smile. "You may not know her personally, but you've probably heard her name."
"Anyway, you'll find out when the time comes."
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
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If you guys wanna check it out.