Chapter 167: Volume 3, Chapter 36: Chaos in Schicksal 1
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For reasons unknown, Otto chose not to immediately revive using his Soulium body. Perhaps he needed this brief respite of "death" for some calm reflection.
It was all too chaotic—not just for Otto but for Schicksal as well.
News of Otto's demise spread swiftly, yet Durandal quickly imposed a media blackout. Still, it was impossible to conceal the blaring alarms. The Valkyries, uneasy and anxious, awaited instructions from their superiors.
Durandal assumed temporary command with unwavering authority, and Amber did not object. Everyone knew Durandal was Otto's protégé; ever since joining Schicksal, she had been closely mentored by him.
Despite her straightforward demeanor and uncompromising approach to everything, her formidable combat prowess overshadowed any shortcomings in her judgment.
At present, countless Valkyries within Schicksal idolized Durandal.
Using their established reputation, Durandal and Amber managed to suppress the situation. However, more complicated issues soon arose.
"Approval for funding usage regarding Fourth-Gen Valkyrie Armor development... Why am I being asked about this?"
"Improvement direction for Schicksal's Valkyrie Squad composition... Amber, surely that isn't something I should decide either."
"Matters concerning the Far East Branch's Valkyries..."
As Durandal reviewed the documents Amber had brought her, she couldn't help but fall deep in thought.
She knew Otto possessed backup Soulium bodies and thus wouldn't truly die from his injuries. However, no one knew what he was currently up to. Instead of promptly reappearing to reassure everyone, he left these matters to Amber, who, in turn, delegated them to Durandal.
Watching from the side, Amber observed Durandal pondering.
In truth, Otto had long ago confided in Amber that he chose two successors for Schicksal: Theresa Apocalypse and Durandal.
If he believed they could defeat Honkai, Theresa would be the most suitable heir. Given her character, she would undoubtedly scale down Schicksal's operations until eventually returning humanity's order back to its people.
With this, the shadow cast by Schicksal would dissipate, its historical mission fulfilled. Thereafter, there would be no more need for Schicksal's existence.
However, if Otto lacked confidence, Durandal would lead Schicksal towards achieving their goal of defeating Honkai. Perhaps humanity might never see another Otto, but that was fine—defeating Honkai did not require someone like him.
Durandal possessed unwavering perseverance and unparalleled selflessness, making her the most formidable warrior.
As for Amber's task, regardless of whom Otto ultimately chose as his successor, she had to support the next Schicksal Bishop. According to Otto's conjecture, under the leadership of the new bishop, Schicksal would finally determine victory or defeat against Honkai.
Civilization could endure or perish, much like an individual's lifespan eventually reaching its end. On this point, Otto had long come to terms with reality.
Thus, when assisting Durandal in familiarizing herself with Schicksal affairs, Amber felt no mental burden whatsoever.
"The Valkyries from the Far East Branch didn't follow Theresa... Senior Theresa to Anti-Entropy. Their actions align with Theresa's intentions."
Durandal sighed and said, "I cannot absolve them on behalf of the Lord Bishop, but personally, the Far East Branch did nothing wrong. Moreover, we currently have a shortage of Valkyries in Schicksal. Select a few with exceptional talent and transfer them to Headquarters."
"I'll carry out your instructions immediately," Amber responded.
Looking at Amber, Durandal seemed taken aback. "Uh, that's not what I meant..."
However, Amber stated firmly, "Lady Durandal, you now hold the authority to make such decisions."
When Xia Chen learned that Durandal had taken Otto's place in passing judgment on the Far East Branch, his eyebrows furrowed involuntarily.
It was clear that the world's progression was deviating further from his knowledge.
The Herrscher of Sentience appeared earlier than expected, Durandal inadvertently assumed command, Tianqiong Meteor has yet to occur, Kiana wields the Authority of the Herrscher of the Void, and the Herrscher of Thunder hasn't reemerged...
A hint of confusion flickered in his eyes.
While his greatest cheat still remained, the overlap between the simulator's scenarios and potential futures was diminishing rapidly.
Now, the primary benefit of the simulator for him was adapting to his own powers. Beyond that, it provided some materials occasionally.
Over this period, Xia Chen conducted three simulations sequentially, noticing that while they still depicted future or past events, their usefulness in exploring potential outcomes diminished significantly.
Even his Honkai Energy compatibility enhancement had ceased improving.
In other words, for insights into the future, he would now have to rely on his own investigations.
At this thought, Xia Chen couldn't help but sigh.
Currently, he possessed Fenghuang Down, but disappointingly, it did not contain Fu Hua's lost consciousness. This meant he could not replicate Kiana's feat and retrieve Fu Hua's awareness anew.
Moreover, he lacked the time to visit Taixuan Mountain at present.
Durandal's sudden rise to power has stirred discontent among the established House of Schariac. Unaware of her true identity, they were staunch supporters of Otto.
Despite Durandal and Amber publicly announcing that Otto needed some rest, it was evident that he wasn't merely taking a break.
Determined to uncover the truth, the Schariac family pressed forward, inevitably involving Ana as well. Consequently, Xia Chen found himself acting as a mediator between Durandal and the Schariac family.
He had no choice but to take on this role.
According to Alvitr, upon returning to Schicksal Headquarters, Ana's father vehemently opposed her relationship with Xia Chen. In response, Ana went on a hunger strike for some time, eventually forcing the old patriarch of House Schariac to relent.
Now, Ana essentially has only Xia Chen left by her side.
If he were to leave for Taixuan Mountain, she would face immense pressure alone.
Not only did House Schariac oppose Durandal, but within Schicksal, numerous researchers also doubted whether this Valkyrie could lead the organization effectively. They preferred listening to Otto over Durandal's voice.
Additionally, rumors persisted that Xia Chen was the mastermind behind the attack on Schicksal Headquarters, further fueling suspicion against him.
After all, Schicksal and Herrschers have always been adversaries.
This situation posed a significant test for Durandal.
Amber, Xia Chen, and Rita were aware of it. From their delicate positions, they anxiously awaited how Durandal would handle the mounting challenges.
Durandal, however, had always been straightforward.
Once affairs at the Far East Branch were settled, she simply ignored these distractions and focused solely on rallying the Valkyries supporting her.
Initially, Durandal's intent was merely to increase the Valkyries' training volume by personally serving as their instructor at Schicksal Headquarters. However, unintentionally, she had garnered unwavering support from those around her.
This formed the core base of Durandal's influence.