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"Hmm?"
Under the moonlight, Bronya frowned as Hera uttered a noncommittal sound without explanation before gazing up at the sky. She asked, "What's wrong?"
"No, it's just...I vaguely felt someone fervently talking about me... My apologies. Ever since the consciousness network spread globally, I've become particularly sensitive to certain types of information, occasionally experiencing such sensations. It's likely nothing significant; there are plenty on this planet who think about me, after all."
"Zeke mentioned there were two entities he truly feared in this world—one being Honkai, the other Otto Apocalypse. As he said, you're becoming increasingly formidable."
"Oh? Zeke holds me in such regard? What an honor... Here's what you requested."
Hera handed Bronya a small glass bottle containing transparent, pill-like objects within its clear body.
She explained with a smile, "As per your request, these are colorless, odorless, devoid of any distinctive energy signature, and soluble in any liquid. Their potency is sufficient to affect even a MANTIS's physiology, specifically tailored to Benares genes... It's a potent aphrodisiac."
Seeing Bronya grasp the glass bottle, Hera's grin widened further, resembling a cunning little fox.
Bronya's indifferent expression shifted slightly, revealing a hint of determination in her eyes.
Hera stroked her smooth, fair chin and asked, "By the way, why come to me for help? What makes you think I would assist you?"
Bronya shook the glass bottle, a faint curve forming at the corners of her lips.
"Zeke and you share a relationship that straddles between friendship and rivalry. However, he holds your most damning secret. Over the years, you've continuously retreated before him, practically giving him free rein. If there's an opportunity for some minor retaliation, I doubt you'd pass it up. Furthermore... as a quintessential thrill-seeker, I can't imagine you resisting involvement in such an intriguing affair."
By subtly scheming against Zeke, Hera would almost certainly cooperate with Bronya. Moreover, she was one of the few who genuinely didn't wish harm upon him, ensuring his safety—a consideration that crossed Bronya's mind.
"Hmm, very well reasoned indeed. As expected from someone trained by Zeke himself, I admire you." Nodding, Hera wore a radiant and composed smile as she continued, "Remember to pay attention to the dosage. Normally, one pill should suffice. If you prefer it more intense, two or three can work too, but don't exceed that. Given Zeke's constitution, he likely won't be affected even beyond three pills, but I fear you might die under the fierce onslaught of a Judgment-class Honkai Beast... or at least suffer severe consequences."
Bronya's expression shifted once again—although she made the request, at heart, she remained an innocent young maiden unaccustomed to such suggestive topics. She couldn't yet discuss them without blushing at Hera's innuendos.
"...I'll keep that in mind. In any case, before using it officially, I'll have him verify its effects first."
"Huh? Wait, isn't this drug for Zeke? How can he find out about it?" Hera blinked, surprised.
Bronya rolled her eyes.
"I'm just asking for a sample. Why would I risk giving it to him before Zeke confirms its safety? As for him knowing... We'll concoct a better excuse. As long as we don't tell, how will he ever suspect I'd use it on him?"
"Uh... that makes sense."
"Alright then, let's leave it at that. To prevent any leaks, I can't be away for too long. I'm heading back now; you do as you please."
"OK! Bye-bye~~"
With Hera waving and bidding farewell cheerfully, Bronya turned around and disappeared into the night.
"You humans truly are fascinating; longevity does have its perks after all. Just imagine your expression once everything unfolds—I can hardly wait... Sneaking that vixen back without my knowledge, huh? Consider this a small token of gratitude. Beyond this, there's not much else I can do, Zeke!"
The superficial smile on Hera's face gradually faded away, and she finally sighed deeply, feeling utterly powerless.
Zeke had kept Yae Sakura's existence well-hidden; if not for this significant turn of events, he might never have revealed her presence.
Hera couldn't quite articulate her feelings towards Yae Sakura either. Perhaps "hate" was too strong, given that Kallen loved her dearly. Still, there was unmistakable disdain—deep-seated—not only because Yae had captured Kallen's affection but also because Yae Sakura served as the catalyst for Kallen's demise.
However, when tracing back to the root cause, it was Otto himself who directly led to Kallen's death at the hands of Honkai Beasts by releasing them.
For Otto, this has been his deepest pain over the past five centuries. Compared to that, Yae Sakura...as long as she doesn't obstruct the path to resurrecting Kallen, actually holds little significance for him.
Nevertheless, Zeke secretly bringing back Yae Sakura hurt Otto profoundly, and he felt compelled to make a statement.
Bronya's assumption was spot-on: throughout the process, Otto worked with a grin, crafting this potent pill, hoping it would deliver a massive surprise to Zeke.
Bronya returned to her room, closed the door behind her, summoned her mechanical little bunny, and sighed with relief after confirming no one had come looking for her.
As long as nobody entered this chamber, they wouldn't discover Bronya's absence.
With the aid of her black armor and various technologies she developed herself, Bronya could conceal all signs of her presence, including optical data, heartbeat and respiration, surface temperature, bio-magnetic field, Honkai Energy, and more. Even Zeke would struggle to detect her stealth unless actively searching for it.
Much like at the Lunar Base, Bronya had eavesdropped on Zeke and Kiana's heartfelt exchange just outside their door without either suspecting her proximity.
"I'm already one step too late... But I won't stay behind forever. My apologies, Kiana."
Gazing at the glass vial in her hand, Bronya's lips gradually curved upwards, a faint smile appearing in her typically emotionless gray eyes.
In terms of emotional maturity, Bronya surpassed all the other girls combined due to her complex experiences and exceptional intelligence. Her decisiveness and execution capabilities were simply unmatched by them.
This was her greatest advantage.
Meanwhile, just outside the base not too far away, Fu Hua turned to Theresa.
"Zeke always calls me an expert in the consciousness domain. It might sound arrogant, but I believe it's mostly true. Otto's methods are highly sophisticated; my past self, constrained by both my position and physical limitations, likely couldn't have helped you much. But now, I can break the mental shackles binding you, allowing you to regain your former state."
"Please help me! I'm begging you!" Theresa pleaded without hesitation, bowing deeply.
Fu Hua nodded in response.
"That is precisely why I stayed behind. Zeke and I agree that your potential is immense. It would indeed be a shame for Otto's schemes to suppress such promise."
"I beg of you!" Theresa repeated, her eyes filled with anticipation.
Then, familiar footsteps approached from afar.
"But there's one condition." Bathed in moonlight, Zeke leisurely strolled toward them, yawning languidly.
Theresa looked at him. "What condition?"
She didn't try to use Kiana as leverage this time, opting for a direct approach instead. This was her personal matter, and she didn't want to involve Kiana further than necessary. The young girl already faced enough challenges, and Theresa hoped to avoid anything that could strain Kiana's relationships.
A thick red-bound book materialized in Zeke's hand.
"Introduction to the Human Civilization Community—The Foundation of Welt's Ideology. As you know, we have been diligently spreading and practicing these principles. However, from the outset, Otto recognized their power. He developed a highly deceptive doctrine to unite his Valkyries under it while obstructing the true essence of Welt's ideology within Schicksal by every means possible."
Zeke calmly explained, internally acknowledging Otto's cunning with a nod of approval.
As expected from the master manipulator of hearts, his understanding and application of ideological influence seemed almost like cheating—though one wonders how such prowess failed him when pursuing Kallen back then.
Just look at Zeke; he effortlessly won over Kiana without breaking a sweat.
In comparison, Otto appeared somewhat lacking.