NOVPUB
Chapter 226 - 226: Eternal Vigilance (Main Storyline Conclusion)
"On that note, let me share something you might not know yet."
Ana paused briefly, raised her hand, and a water cup materialized beside her. She took a sip. Despite her unique current state, experiencing thirst still seemed intriguing...
"It's about Otto. I believe you'll find this quite intriguing."
At the mention of Otto, their eyes narrowed instantly. While they had decided not to dwell on his actions further—considering death settles all debts—the intricate details surrounding this bishop still warranted deeper exploration.
From studying the information Otto left behind, it became clear that their understanding of him was merely scratching the surface, akin to glimpsing just the tip of an iceberg.
"Firstly, Kiana and I became allies due to Unnamed Locomotive."
"I assume there's no need for me to elaborate on its significance to Otto?"
Kiana nodded affirmatively.
"You-... Big Sister told me, Otto was deeply invested in matters concerning Unnamed Locomotive."
"As I mentioned earlier, I possess some foresight and knowledge about future events in this world. Thus, gaining control over Unnamed Locomotive essentially meant holding Otto's vulnerability in my hands."
The girls listened intently, awaiting her next words.
"Furthermore, I also have insights into how to revive Kallen. Now, do you understand why he agreed to become my ally?"
"...Indeed," Bronya acknowledged with a blink. "For Otto, it's an irresistible bargaining chip."
"Of course, most crucially, as a Valkyrie myself, I defeated Schicksal's three S-rank Valkyries and Otto, securing the Unnamed Locomotive. That event marked the beginning of this journey."
"But Bronya didn't find any record of this in the central archive, nor did Rita or Durandal mention it..."
"That's because Otto employed Phantom-Imitation Fenghuang Down; they don't remember it at all."
"...Ah, yes, very much in line with Otto's style."
"In essence, Otto and I each have our own agendas. He is a genius, and if you can control him, he becomes an incredibly useful tool. Naturally, we're merely exploiting each other."
"However, both Sushang and I wish to see his desires fulfilled."
"Furthermore..."
Ana paused momentarily, her eyes reflecting a hint of solemnity.
"I cannot fathom what Otto would do in a world where there's absolutely no chance to save Kallen."
The Main trio fell silent, deep in thought. Soon, their expressions began to shift subtly.
"Bronya's analysis suggests that Otto would choose to destroy the world," Bronya stated.
"He is indeed such a person," Ana continued slowly. "A genius driven by obsession, willing to employ any means necessary. And if faced with utter hopelessness, his final moments of madness might be the most terrifying."
Although this scenario had not yet unfolded, Ana could already envision such a world line through His perception. However, it appeared as rare and exceptional as the one she currently inhabited.
From this perspective, it seems those higher beings likely took notice of Otto and ultimately chose to eliminate him. In other words, the Otto from that unique world line had the potential to reach that extraordinary level.
Considering it further, if she were in Otto's shoes, she would undoubtedly have chosen to eliminate him as well. After all, he posed too great a threat.
Even at such a formidable level, leaving him unchecked could lead to disastrous consequences.
"So ultimately..."
"Ultimately? Well, Otto achieved his desires, naturally," Ana said with a soft laugh.
"Now, let me pose a question to you: Who truly killed Holy Maiden Kallen?"
"How about you answer this one, Kiana."
As expected, Kiana's eyes flickered, and she scratched her cheek, looking visibly embarrassed. Finally, she managed a sheepish smile.
"I...don't know."
"Dumb Kiana, once we're back, you'll need more tutoring again."
"Huh? I still require extra lessons?" Kiana couldn't help but sigh mournfully, momentarily reverting to her old self, the paramecium.
Although harsh, Ana felt compelled to clarify things for Kiana.
"It's quite evident that you do. Firstly, Kiana, you haven't yet graduated from Saint Freya Academy! Secondly, despite experiencing much, only a year has actually passed in terms of time."
"In your situation, Himeko will likely classify you as temporarily withdrawn from school."
With these words, Ana paused momentarily before adding another sentence, her face revealing a cruel smile.
"Additionally, I've already informed Himeko about this matter. I'm sure it's now on the agenda!"
"No—"
Kiana's anguished wails echoed throughout the office.
"Now, let's hear from you, Mei."
After addressing Kiana, Ana regained her warm and friendly demeanor, directing her gaze towards Raiden Mei beside them.
Raiden Mei's eyes flickered briefly before she provided her response.
"It seems due to the era, Holy Maiden Kallen's progressive ideas posed a threat to the interests of the Schicksal Bishop, jeopardizing their established order. Schicksal aimed not only to eliminate heresy but also to maintain the status quo."
"Excellent, extra points for that answer." Ana applauded.
"So, even though we saved Kallen who originally perished in the previous timeline, it was merely the first hurdle. Without further assistance, Kallen would still face inevitable calamities ahead."
"Otto recognized this, but he was weary. His actions were primarily driven by seeking redemption for his past mistakes, rectifying those earlier errors."
"However, just because Otto doesn't care, it doesn't mean I don't!"
"So, I presented him with a solution."
"And you should already be familiar with this plan; in fact, you've even tried it before."
"Huh?"
Ana's words puzzled the Main trio momentarily, but she didn't keep them guessing and promptly revealed the answer.
"Do you remember 'Kallen's Fantasy'? You wouldn't truly believe that World Serpent created a game merely to honor Otto, would you? Their corporate culture isn't akin to Anti-Entropy's."
"Therefore..."
"'Kallen's Fantasy' was my way of connecting multiple world bubbles to the altered timeline Otto created. It simulated various possibilities for saving Kallen within these world bubbles, which correspond to your player save files."
As Ana mentioned this, a hint of pride surfaced on her face. 'Kallen's Fantasy' was indeed her most satisfying creation. If not for time constraints, she might have abandoned Project Stigma altogether and focused solely on advancing this project instead.
With everyone worldwide playing 'Kallen's Fantasy,' Ana believed her vision could still become reality.
Of course, initially, it wasn't necessary for everyone to play; having just a few players around was sufficient.
"....."
The three girls fell silent once more, truly at a loss for words. Their Ana-sensei indeed proved herself as a genius with such remarkable capabilities...
"But, it doesn't seem that straightforward."
This time, Bronya identified an issue, but she didn't rush to voice her concerns, waiting patiently before asking.
"In any case, if possible, I still hope you continue playing this game. Additionally, World Serpent supports Schicksal and Anti-Entropy's representatives."
In the future, Ana couldn't manage the game indefinitely, so eventually, these Herrschers would need to maintain it.
"We'll discuss this with Theresa and Mr. Welt," Bronya spoke up first.
"If allowed, I also want to..."
"No!"
Before Bronya could finish, Ana immediately rejected her request.
Bronya's eyes flickered, looking somewhat bewildered. Hadn't they agreed that anyone could ask questions? Why then...
"Oh, you wanted to ask questions? Please go ahead."
Before Bronya could respond, Ana spoke again, seemingly reading her mind—which she indeed was doing.
"I thought you were interested in managing the game..."
"..."
Bronya did genuinely consider taking on that role but didn't anticipate Ana's strong resistance. She decided not to press further.
In truth, Ana had confidence in Bronya's capabilities. After all, Bronya had successfully managed merchandise like Homu products and various other peripherals.
The real reason behind Bronya's gaming misfortunes lay with her companion—yes, it was Kiana.
During game testing, Kiana always made everything seem incredibly easy, skewing Bronya's perception of the game's difficulty. Given Bronya's own skill level, she couldn't accurately gauge how challenging the games truly were.
"Bronya would like to know, why did you decide to do this, Ana-sensei?"
Although Bronya didn't explicitly state it, her question was clear enough. Kiana and Raiden Mei had also considered asking but ultimately avoided bringing it up, likely thinking Ana wouldn't answer.
However, there wasn't much need for secrecy regarding this matter.
After all, its consequences have already unfolded and borne fruit.
"Let me explain briefly!" Ana cleared her throat.
"The true name of the New Holy Mark Project is actually the Honkai Expansion Plan."
"Yes, the project's real purpose is to bring Honkai to this world—in the safest and most reliable way—for everyone."
"To achieve this, I covertly orchestrated numerous events, such as... allowing the Herrscher of Sentience to travel the world, promoting Kallen's Fantasy, increasing the number of Herrschers, and initiating the Stigma Project."
"But why did you do all this?" Kiana asked, perplexed. She no longer directly questioned Ana-sensei, knowing that from past experiences, her actions were invariably correct and stood the test of time.
"To advance and elevate human civilization."
The speaker was none other than Bronya.
"That's correct," Ana replied with a slight smile.
"In my foresight, this world will inevitably face new calamities, and I must eventually depart."
"So, once I'm gone, who can protect this world and our civilization? It falls upon every individual on Earth."
"Therefore, I aim to empower Earth's civilization, striving for everyone to become Herrschers."
A moment of silence followed.
"I see; that's your true plan," Raiden Mei realized.
"Yes, indeed. This is my plan, encompassing all others, the ultimate goal," Ana affirmed with a smile.
"No matter what you do, you cannot stop me or the World Serpent. From the beginning, we have stood firmly on the right path, pursuing the most just course of action." With those words, Ana rose from her seat.
"Well then, it seems you've asked all your questions."
"In any case, congratulations on passing my test and achieving the ascension of civilization. Although reaching Herrscher of Human for all may still take time, it is undoubtedly within our near future."
"Lastly, my teachings have now come to an end. So, farewell."
With that, Ana turned around and departed.
As they watched Ana's departing figure, mixed emotions filled their hearts. They never imagined their Ana-sensei had orchestrated so much behind the scenes, both openly and covertly, for them and this world, without seeking any reward.
Just as the three were about to leave, Kiana suddenly remembered something and swiftly turned back.
"Wait, Ana-sensei!"
"Hm?"
"Can't you leave with us?" Kiana asked earnestly.
"Earth itself cannot sustain my existence, not even through my avatar," Ana sighed, somewhat reluctantly.
Of course, this limitation applied only within the intrinsic world, as it was Ana's foundation, her place of birth, and His origin.
In the real world, Ana could still project her presence there.
"Then you..." Kia paused, realizing that if this were true, Ana-sensei would have to remain here indefinitely, enduring solitude...
Moreover, it didn't seem like this place offered any means of communication or entertainment.
"It's alright; I've grown accustomed to it," Ana said with a smile. "Besides, perhaps before long, even you might forget about me!"
"We won't forget you!" Raiden Mei interjected firmly.
However, Ana shook her head gently. "Forgetting is not due to your individual will but because of me. After all, whether it's me or Him, we both must eventually depart without leaving any traces or consequences, drifting freely..."
"But remember, no matter where you are, I...will always exist here, watching over you!"
