Everyone heard Welt's sudden, high-pitched voice in the video clearly.
The facts he described silenced several people at St. Freya's Academy, and Tesla and Welt, the three members of Anti-Entropy, were even more solemn.
Only Einstein's expression remained slightly calm, but her trembling eyes revealed that she wasn't as calm as she appeared. "...Is that so?"
Initially, seeing Welt alone in the video whow was like a lone wolf, had made Einstein somewhat suspicious.
The subsequent betrayal only intensified her suspicions.
If either she or Tesla had understood what Welt was about to do, even if it was a different outcome, Einstein believed that their own version would have fought tooth and nail to stop that wrongdoing.
However, neither she nor Tesla was by Welt's side.
Now, after hearing what Welt had said, she understood what had happened. She also understood why this world, and this Welt, had become what it was.
"In that world, Reanna didn't choose to help me."
"We..."
Mentioning a name that was long ago, and recalling the figure on the great shore, Einstein looked at the image of Welt with a hint of disappointment.
"We all died in that disaster, leaving only... him alone."
The people at St. Freya's Academy had no idea what Einstein was talking about. Even Theresa who was the eldest didn't understand what it meant.
However, as a witness of that battle, Tesla understood what Einstein was talking about.
She glanced at Welt beside her.
Anti-Entropy was born in that battle, and the name Welt... was also passed down to Joyce.
As survivors of the disaster, she and Einstein, besides developing the organization, more importantly, were guiding the First Herrscher heir from straying and onto the right path—the fight for humanity.
She looked at the image of Welt.
At that moment, she and the mophead had both become among the dead.
Leaving only the then-young First Herrscher heir alive… and this guy had even witnessed their deaths.
Seeing someone close to you being murdered by someone else… surely the despair must be beyond words?
With a weak attack and lack of proper guidance, Welt would go down the wrong path.
Indeed... not surprisingly.
"Tsk, I'm so useless!"
Feling heavy-hearted, Tesla was a little annoyed.
But this wasn't directed at the Welt in the video, but at herself, who hadn't survived, leading Welt to this state.
Welt listened to his own story and was speechless.
Having never experienced it, one couldn't blame anything.
He understood why his former self had become such a cold-blooded bastard.
But... understanding never meant agreement.
Having fully accepted the creed of fighting for humanity, he would never accept that his former self's actions were right.
Bronya in the video shared this sentiment as well.
Even if the other person offered a reason, she would unhesitatingly deny it, denying such atrocities!
Welt in the image smiled, a cold smile.
"You're right, they were all gentle and strong."
"Even when Schicksal took everything from them, they were able to let go of their hatred and continue fighting for their ideals."
He admired the noble deceased, but then suddenly changed his mind.
Raising a hand and clasping it, Welt spoke mockingly.
"—So, they paid a price."
"Power, a sense of purpose, ideals—when I inherited Welt's name, I also gained everything from that man."
"But... under this name, nothing belongs to me. I'm just playing the role of a long-dead shadow."
"...But why should I play the role of a dead shadow...?"
The power of the Honkai ravaged his flesh. The splattering blood revealed his brokenness, his inability to wield the power of the Herrscher.
But his voice was incredibly passionate and high-pitched.
"Yes! I killed the Herrscher of the Void and saved this world!"
Welt's words were filled with madness.
"I've accomplished what that man couldn't. I've surpassed him...!"
Looking at him now, everyone felt the same sentiment as Bronya's next assessment in the video.
"You're crazy!"
"I'm not crazy. I've conquered the world!"
The madness dissipated, the previously frantic emotions calmed. Welt unhesitatingly denied Bronya's assessment.
With a dangerous flash of red in his eyes, the steel behemoth descended beside him. He gazed down at Bronya, his cloudy eyes filled with only one kind of... madness.
"This is my own power, my own destiny, my own ideal..."
"This—this is the real me!"
The shadow of the deceased, draped over him, was violently torn apart in that moment.
No regrets remained, only coldness and madness.
Calling the man in the video a Welt was no longer appropriate.
At this moment, he was humanity's greatest enemy—the First Herrscher!
Welt frowned. He looked at this self who had abandoned his past. He clenched his palm beneath his sleeve, his not-so-sharp nails piercing his skin, causing a slight pain.
Tesla bit her lip, her eyes reflecting the First Herrscher's deep sorrow.
Einstein rubbed her forehead, suddenly wanting to stop watching.
The sight of a familiar person transformed into this state only made her feel more and more nauseous.
But the image continued.
Having abandoned the name Welt and transformed into humanity's greatest enemy, The First Herrscher began to battle Bronya.
Bronya was currently using the suit called Black Nucleus, it possessed immense combat abilities, assassination skills, and a virtual arsenal.
However, under the power of the Herrscher, these powers that considered formidable for a normal person was less effective.
Even the once-invincible Project Bunny was ultimately no match for the inexhaustible army of Titans.
But... even at this disadvantage, there was still a chance of victory.
Although Bronya's power was nothing compared to the First Herrscher, Welt in the image was clearly not pure.
As second-hand Herrschers, whether the Welt in the video or the Welt on the right path, the power of the Herrscher would ravage their bodies.
This was less a flaw of the Herrscher lineage than the price they had to pay for turning their backs on Honkai and using its power to fight it.
Deliberately procrastinating, the somewhat intense battle descended into a stalemate.
The First Herrscher, having overexerted his power, had reached his limit.
He was tired of this resistance, tired of Bronya's desperate resistance.
The Divine Key known as the Star of Eden blossomed in his hand.
Carried by his fury, a force powerful enough to crush steel erupted with the words!
"—Enough, kneel!"