Sky City
Beep—
"Overseer!"
While helping Rita handle the aftermath in Sky City, Durandal suddenly received Otto's transmission.
"Durandal," Otto began, stepping out from the dense black crystal structures Kevin left behind. "How many Valkyries remain combat-ready under your command? Do you require reinforcement?"
He already expected casualties. After all, the enemy here had been World Serpent.
But with what was about to happen, he needed exact numbers.
Because—
If the remaining force was sufficient, he intended to dispatch Durandal and the surviving Valkyries immediately to Arc City.
The Second Divine Key would soon be transported there, and he needed Durandal on-site for reception and protection.
Arc City wasn't chosen by coincidence.
Three years ago, during the Third Eruption, a Honkai singularity connected to the Imaginary Tree had formed there. Even now, residual Honkai energy continues to leak out.
That singularity provided exactly what Otto needed — a vast, uninterrupted Honkai energy source for his experiment:
observing the Imaginary Tree using the Second Divine Key's Zero Rated Power.
Time was short.
The singularity could destabilize or vanish at any moment.
And Durandal's proximity to Arc City was crucial.
"Overseer, about what happened in Sky City—"
"No, Durandal," Otto cut her off immediately. "You can report the other details later.
Right now, I require only the status of your Valkyries. You still have an urgent mission ahead. Understood?"
Durandal straightened, realizing how serious he was.
"Yes, Overseer. My unit has suffered no significant casualties. However, Rita's squad—"
"Good. That is enough," Otto said, interrupting again. "Proceed to Arc City at once. The Second Divine Key will be delivered there soon — prepare to receive it."
Durandal hesitated for only half a heartbeat.
"Understood, Overseer. I'll depart immediately."
"One more thing," Otto added, suddenly remembering something important.
"Inform Rita to locate the world's best ice-cream masters. The most skilled, the most renowned.
I want a list prepared by the time I reach Arc City. If possible, bring them in person."
Durandal blinked.
"…Yes, Overseer."
She wasn't sure if she had heard correctly — but Otto's orders were absolute.
"May everything proceed smoothly," Otto murmured as the communication cut.
He turned, gazing at the black crystalline palace Kevin had left behind.
If he had the Xuvoid Wanzang Divine Key, he would never have constructed something so… aesthetically offensive.
Hyperion
"Wendy~"
"What is it, my fellow Herrscher~?"
The Fourth Herrscher turned lazily from the large screen, where she was halfway through her fifth consecutive movie.
"Is… watching movies really that entertaining? You've been at it nonstop," the Herrscher of Knowledge asked, visibly baffled.
She glanced alternately between Wendy and the glowing screen, as if trying to understand the appeal.
"Of course it's fun," Wendy replied without looking away. "Isn't it amusing how weak humans pretend to be so powerful in their little stories?"
"To me, fighting is still more fun," the Herrscher of Knowledge muttered.
"Speaking of which — Wendy, when things settle down, wants to come with me to that… um, what did Kevin call it… Elysian Realm? Lots of fun stuff there. And plenty of strong people to spar with. Interested?"
Wendy paused her movie.
"…Is it fun?"
The Herrscher of Knowledge nodded vigorously.
"Very."
Wendy's eyes brightened immediately.
"I haven't properly played in a very long time…"
"Great. But first I need to find Mei and Kiana." The Herrscher of Knowledge stretched lazily. "I am their class monitor. Can't just abandon them."
"Oh~ Then you go search. Wendy will stay and finish this movie."
Helping people look for their missing friends wasn't on her "fun" list.
But…
If they begged her later, she'd consider helping.
Without them, she wouldn't have anyone to make ice cream for her — or provide movies.
And those were important.
Very important.
"Looks like we've arrived. I'm heading out first—"
Hyperion touched down with a soft jolt.
The Herrscher of Knowledge hopped off the sofa and walked toward the hatch.
But when she disembarked—
Her eyes widened.
"Mei?! Why are you here?"
Teresa and the others had gathered just outside the airlock — and Mei stood among them, unharmed.
Behind her stood another woman in a hooded jacket.
The Herrscher of Knowledge stopped dead.
"Mei, do you have any idea how worried we were?" she asked, marching straight toward her.
"Class monitor…?"
Mei turned, startled — then relieved.
But something felt… off.
This "class monitor" felt different.
Very different.
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