Honkai Simulator: Start with Confessing to The Herrscher of Finality

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Despite orders from Durandal and Amber, people refrained from discussing the attack on Schicksal. Yet, news inevitably spread to various branches across the organization.

Recently, one sensational event after another gripped these branches like a whirlwind. First, S-rank Valkyrie Xia Chen became a Herrscher; then, Theresa announced her departure from Schicksal; followed by the assault on Schicksal itself...

Each incident unfolded rapidly, leaving everyone overwhelmed and disoriented.

Fortunately, each branch operated independently and managed to avoid falling into chaos due to the turmoil at Headquarters. However, this situation did spark ulterior motives within some branches, such as the Ocean Branch.

Schicksal's branches were intriguing; their relationship with Headquarters wasn't simply hierarchical. If compared historically, it resembled the dynamics between ancient Shenzhou's emperor and regional feudal lords.

Schicksal had many talents within its ranks; however, most were focused on research or combat, with relatively few specializing in politics. To better manage resources, Schicksal established various branches under centralized control.

This arrangement posed no issue itself.

The problem arose because of the scarcity of political talent. Otto opted for a model where each branch collaborated with local governments. Typically, a branch not only included Valkyries and researchers but also garnered support from influential figures in the region.

In return, these Schicksal branches supported the domestic activities of their local allies.

It was a mutually beneficial relationship, at least during Otto's tenure when everything ran smoothly.

However, Durandal lacked Otto's wisdom. Similarly, after consolidating power and eliminating rivals, the influential figures began contemplating expelling the 'Schicksal Factions' from their territories.

As for Honkai?

Truthfully, these individuals didn't perceive Honkai as a significant threat. The adage "Those who feast lack foresight" holds true throughout history.

Thus, upon hearing news of chaos at Headquarters, the Ocean Branch was the first to become restless.

"Every shipment of minerals from Australia is just wasting our money."

Bypassing Valkyries and researchers, merchants secretly conferred with each other. "This is our chance."

"We can directly recruit these Valkyries and reduce supplies to Headquarters. Even if we fail, at worst, it'll just be some disciplinary action. After all, nothing significant has happened at the Far East Branch, right?"

Indeed, what emboldened them wasn't Schicksal's turmoil but Durandal's handling of the situation at the Far East Branch.

Schicksal maintained its authority over non-Valkyrie groups due to being a military organization. Strict punishment systems accompanied such organizations—not only for internal fairness but also as a deterrent against external threats. However, Durandal inadvertently weakened this intimidation factor.

What could possibly be worse than Theresa declaring her departure from Schicksal?

Her joining Anti-Entropy instead.

While collective punishment might not have been an ideal system, it certainly instilled genuine fear. But by abolishing it, Durandal signaled that future disciplinary actions within Schicksal would focus solely on individual offenders without involving others.

Now, the cost of their misdeeds had significantly decreased.

The Ocean Branch's merchants were never particularly loyal to Schicksal. Otherwise, they wouldn't have hastily experimented on Wendy, possessing S-rank Valkyrie potential. Nor would they have allowed their Valkyries to fall into such decadence.

However, acknowledging their inability to overthrow Schicksal kept them obedient—until now.

If Durandal inherited this position, they would test her limits and seek greater advantages for themselves.

While they lacked the power to rebel outright, probing boundaries was something they excelled at.

"So, how much should we reduce it?"

Someone posed the question to the one who suggested the idea.

"Let's start by cutting it in half," they replied. "We'll cite increased mining difficulties as our reason, just to gauge Durandal's character."

"If she proves lenient, we can continue using the same excuse."

"But what about Amber? She won't be so easily fooled," someone voiced their concern.

"No worries; worst-case scenario, we revert back to the original amounts."

After deliberating, each participant set forth with their respective tasks.

Xia Chen suddenly felt that Durandal was quite unfortunate; it seemed like she encountered almost every possible issue.

Following rumors from Schicksal Headquarters about opposition against Durandal, news also emerged from the Ocean Branch. Due to increased mining difficulties, they anticipated a severe shortage of resources this year and requested a reduction by half in their supply allocation.

Even a fool could recognize that making such demands at this time was clearly a form of intimidation.

The Ocean Branch aimed to challenge Durandal's position through these threats. It also highlighted a significant flaw: aside from Otto, few others were capable of controlling Schicksal's vast organization effectively.

No one expected the Ocean Branch to be the first to instigate this move.

Considering the ongoing issues at Headquarters, involving branch personnel so early appeared unorthodox.

"This group is truly foolish," Xia Chen muttered quietly. "Even if Otto were dead, which he isn't, rushing to take charge now would only invite suppression. While managing Headquarters' complex relationships may be challenging for Durandal, it doesn't mean handling branch affairs is difficult."

"Moreover, Rita and Amber are assisting her as well."

During this period, Xia Chen found himself inadvertently involved in Schicksal's turmoil.

The Schariac family remained loyal to Otto and did not recognize Durandal's authority. Although the Valkyries supported Durandal, their influence alone was insufficient.

Without Amber's help, Schicksal might have already crumbled.

With the Ocean Branch making its move, Xia Chen began to understand why Theresa seemed increasingly unable to manage Schicksal effectively.

Otto could brainwash all the Valkyries, but researchers and politicians were immune to his manipulation.

To control these individuals, Theresa needed a certain level of finesse, which she lacked, ultimately leading to Schicksal's inevitable decline.

Xia Chen even suspected that Otto might be using Theresa to dismantle Schicksal intentionally.

Of course, these were merely his speculations.

Now, with Otto's prolonged absence, the most plausible explanation was likely that the current state of the world had slipped from his grasp. He needed time to reassess and strategize calmly.

Durandal wouldn't waste her talents by handling such matters...

Or perhaps it was to expose Durandal to all aspects of Schicksal, gradually allowing her to understand and accept Otto's past mistakes?

Xia Chen felt his thoughts were drifting too far.

Just as he wondered how Durandal would approach this issue, she assigned him a task instead.

"Since you and Wendy have been studying at the Ocean Branch, please investigate its claims on-site and gather evidence supporting their allegations."

It was evident that someone behind Durandal had advised her, as otherwise, she wouldn't have spoken with such comprehensive consideration.

"I will personally oversee Ana's training during this time, ensuring she becomes an S-rank Valkyrie as soon as possible."

She had learned negotiation, albeit still quite rudimentary. Nevertheless, for Durandal, this represented significant progress.