Chapter 178: Volume 3, Chapter 48: Bronya's 'Betrayal'
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As Xia Chen and Wendy grappled with issues within the Oceanic Branch, feeling overwhelmed,
Anti-Entropy was also facing its own troubles.
Cocolia, unusually, exerted pressure on Tesla and others, her intentions clearly aimed at Raiden Mei without any doubt.
No one knew what Cocolia wanted with Raiden Mei, but this ruthless leader had swiftly cut off several financial sources for the Salt Lake Base, plunging it into dire operational difficulties.
Adding to their troubles, the Herrscher of Dominance continued causing havoc while remaining elusive, infuriating Tesla and others who sought answers.
"Let's just confront that sly fox head-on."
Tesla was undoubtedly agitated; her intelligence seemed to surface only during scientific research. Her philosophy was straightforward - any attack from Cocolia should be met with retaliation.
Einstein paused before responding, "My dear friend, engaging Titans in combat at the Salt Lake Base requires substantial resources. Regardless of victory or defeat, we would essentially bankrupt the base."
The lack of stable funding remained their current predicament.
Tesla fell silent, unable to argue.
Just two days prior, Anti-Entropy's Salt Lake Base suffered a major setback when multiple terminal machines were destroyed, severing the connection protocols with the Titans entirely.
This incident stemmed from Bronya's supposed 'betrayal.'
Or rather, Cocolia had implanted a special chip in Bronya long ago, initially intended to replace her emotional neural interactions. However, she also embedded a control program within it.
At a critical moment, Bronya managed to regain control over herself.
But at the cost of Bronya's own mind crashing; she now lay unconscious.
Einstein and Tesla were physicists, not medical doctors, so they had no idea how to revive her. Although the cryogenic chamber sustained Bronya's vital functions, it was not a long-term solution.
Cocolia's aggressive stance further complicated matters for them.
Anti-Entropy wasn't without means to handle this crisis. In fact, infiltrating their ranks with agents like Theresa to locate Cocolia would resolve everything swiftly.
That's precisely what they attempted.
However, their efforts faced interference from another faction:
The World Serpent.
Upon Einstein's investigation, she discovered that Cocolia had already established extensive collaborations with the World Serpent. The quantum teleportation technology used by Cocolia bore direct ties to the organization.
This led Tesla to grumble, "We haven't even fully resolved the issues with quantum teleportation tech here, yet Cocolia is using it? Who knew someone else was backing her all along."
Despite the griping, the current situation remained undeniably challenging.
Tesla, visibly agitated, said, "Mophead, what should we do now? We're not worried about Cocolia attacking us directly, but the longer we delay addressing Bronya's condition, the harder it becomes to solve."
Although Bronya's status as Cocolia's adopted daughter was exposed, there was no resentment towards her. Instead, they were deeply concerned about her predicament.
Einstein paused before suggesting, "Dr. Tesla, many problems can be approached by process of elimination. In this case, which forces could potentially solve Bronya's issue?"
"Schicksal, Anti-Entropy under Cocolia, and World Serpent."
"Yes, but it's clear that Cocolia has always treated Bronya merely as a tool, so we can exclude her. The intentions of World Serpent remain unclear, but their primary target has consistently been Raiden Mei; they would likely use this situation to further their agenda with her."
Einstein's analysis shocked Tesla.
"Mophead, you're suggesting we seek help from Schicksal?"
"Let me correct one point - not 'we'."
Einstein sighed, "There's something you've continually overlooked: Theresa is still the family head of House Apocalypse, although the extent of its members remains unknown."
"But will Schicksal even consider Theresa's pleas anymore?"
"As long as there's a chance greater than zero, it's worth attempting, don't you think?" Einstein replied.
Xia Chen initiated another simulation.
This time, it focused on the first Honkai incident—the period when Welt Joyce became a Herrscher.
He had few opportunities to intervene, and soon the Revelation scenario concluded. During this experience, he witnessed how a controlled individual transformed into a Herrscher with absolute free will, mastering immense power.
Unfortunately, the simulation was too brief, akin to a dream abruptly cut short before reaching its conclusion.
The rewards of two Honkai Fragments were the only reminders that this wasn't merely a dream for Xia Chen.
Sighing, despite still lying in bed, he felt no desire to sleep any further.
Perhaps due to his enhanced body, the increased compatibility with Honkai Energy significantly reduced his need for rest.
After spending some tender moments with Ana in the stigma space, Xia Chen got out of bed.
As soon as he stepped outside his room, he spotted Wendy.
The young girl sat gazing at the sky, her brows furrowed, seemingly lost in deep thought.
"What's troubling you? Or is it concern for the Valkyries at the branch?" Xia Chen couldn't help but ask.
Recently, Wendy had been striving to fulfill her role as a leader but realized she lacked certain essential skills. Her weaknesses included being unable to make tough decisions when needed and hesitating to impose discipline where necessary. However, on another note, outside of leadership responsibilities, these traits showcased her valuable gentleness.
"Not entirely."
Wendy paused momentarily before asking Xia Chen, "How much do you value human life?"
"I don't know." He hesitated briefly and then said, "But at least more than a Demi-God Machine."
"And what about the lives of enemies?"
"Same applies," Xia Chen replied. "Isn't the purpose of our current profession precisely to protect everyone?"
Thoughtfully, Wendy shared, "Kiana just contacted me."
From Wendy, Xia Chen learned that Bronya was now critically ill. Kiana hoped Wendy could assist, but Wendy didn't immediately agree.
With her high intelligence, Wendy didn't believe that the importance of life could be determined by disregarding one's position outright.
But she genuinely wanted to help this favor.
Xia Chen sighed and said, "Alright, my words were indeed somewhat unrealistic. When positions differ, the value of life often takes a backseat."
Wendy's eyes slightly dimmed.
"But we must assist with this," he continued. "Schicksal and Anti-Entropy need a breakthrough to resolve the current chaotic situation."
"You mean, you're willing to agree?" Surprise flickered in the girl's gaze.
It was crucial to understand that accepting this request directly touched upon sensitive political issues within Schicksal. To its members, Anti-Entropy represented traitors and evildoers.
Moreover, the shadows of Anti-Entropy loomed over both Nagazora City's Honkai incident and the Singapore event. They wouldn't differentiate between Anti-Entropy's radical and conservative factions.
Casually, Xia Chen responded, "Of course, such a decision isn't solely ours to make."