"…"
All three fell silent…
The reason was simple: only after approaching did they realize that this Otto was nothing more than a projection.
Otto said: "Hm, complete silence from everyone? Very well… Perhaps because you're facing this unreal projection, you truly have nothing to say."
"But if my recent actions have made everyone feel annoyed—then please allow me to apologize to you all."
"After all, as someone who is about to leave this world, my desire for performance is indeed excessively strong right now."
"I'm sorry, my Valkyries—please forgive your Bishop's final act of willfulness."
Durandal asked directly: "So you really are going to another world. Then I'll ask straight to the point—what is the cost?"
Otto said: "Ah, the cost. Indeed, everything has a price. However, I would like to correct a subtle point—"
"—I am indeed leaving this world; but strictly speaking, I am not going to another world."
"My destination is the edge of the world: the boundary between worlds, a place where we can redefine time."
Li Sushang interrupted: "Is there a simpler way to explain it? Last time you spoke like this, I completely didn't understand what you were actually planning to do."
Otto did not refuse: "Very well, then let's use an analogy. For example… imagine we are walking on a beach. As we walk, we leave behind a series of footprints. When we look back at those footprints, we can clearly see the path we came from."
"However, while footprints on a beach are easy to recognize, in other situations, things become far more complicated."
"Imagine a garden path that splits—"
"Each path in that garden comes from the merging of different branches and extends into new branches… yet when we look back, our footprints have completely vanished."
"Now, since such a garden has appeared in each of our minds—let it represent a more abstract concept: time."
"The garden of time is forever branching, leading to countless futures. And when we think of these branching paths as merged together…"
"…we realize it is a great tree whose roots and crown both extend infinitely."
"This great tree does not exist in any dimension we can directly touch; therefore, we call it—the Imaginary Tree."
Durandal said: "The Previous Era once told me… that countless parallel worlds exist on the Imaginary Tree, allowing observation of countless different versions of me."
Otto nodded: "Indeed. But the mechanism of the Imaginary Tree is far more sophisticated and complex than simply stringing parallel worlds together."
"Do you remember what I said earlier? Time branches on the Imaginary Tree. If we carefully consider the rules implied by this fact—"
"We will discover that if we can find a way to freely traverse the Imaginary Tree… then time can also flow backward before us."
Durandal said: "…But in reality, we have never heard of time being able to flow backward."
"Of course." Otto continued: "Because it is indeed very difficult. You should have heard of the competitive relationship between the Imaginary Tree and the Sea of Quanta, yes?"
"It is precisely this competitive relationship that defines the direction of time for us. And the fundamental difference between time and other dimensions stems from the fact that the direction of the world cannot be violated."
Durandal asked: "Since the direction of time cannot be violated, how do you plan to make your own time flow backward?"
Otto said frankly: "There is no way to make the world flow backward. No one can make time flow backward."
"But from another perspective, time is merely the direction in which the Imaginary Tree grows—nothing more. So, as long as we can manipulate the Imaginary Tree itself, choosing a new point for the world to grow from is not difficult."
Durandal was stunned by his idea: "This is… what do you mean? Not manipulating time, but manipulating the world?"
Otto continued: "The reason we can stably perceive the flow of time right now is because we have naturally achieved harmony with the growth of the Imaginary Tree."
"Conversely, if we can push the growth point of the Imaginary Tree back to five hundred years ago…"
"Then the world of five hundred years ago can discard the 'here and now' where we exist, discard these futures that have already become history—"
"And, taking its own era as the origin, evolve anew from a fresh baseline."
Durandal hurriedly asked: "Discard? Evolve anew? Then what happens to our current world?"
Otto answered: "Actually, nothing much happens. From the outcome, this discarding is mutual—your own existences will not disappear, and the environments you are familiar with will not change very much."
Durandal simply could not believe such words: "There is no such thing as a free lunch in this world."
Otto said: "Of course not, but for this matter, the price to be paid has nothing to do with you. Alright, the prerequisite explanation for the mission ends here. The next part is the true reason I asked you all to gather here:"
"I need you to help me guard the area from Dawn Observation Deck to Danni Path, preventing anyone from entering—including Theresa from the Hyperion."
"Why?" Durandal asked.
Otto said: "Naturally because I need to perform extremely precise targeted operations on the Imaginary Tree. You also know how easily I am misunderstood—so I don't want to be disturbed by anyone during this period."
"—Li Sushang, you are in charge of controlling Dawn Observation Deck and Schariac Bridge."
"Rita Rossweisse, you are in charge of controlling Saint Square, Alps Street, and Danni Path. I will provide you with the necessary support forces."
"Durandal, you will remain mobile in the middle."
"Orders delivered. Dismissed!"
Ignoring Durandal's attempt to dig deeper, Schicksal's former Bishop once again decisively cut off the communication.
From one perspective, he truly needed to hurry and complete the necessary step in his plan…
But from another perspective, he was also waiting for an opportunity—an opportunity to make the plan perfect and to minimize the cost of realizing it.
And this was something Schicksal's S-rank Valkyries did not yet know.
Nor could they know.
The television screen switched to Dr. Tesla's side.
While conducting core research back on the Hyperion, they also discovered something incredible.
"Perhaps someone has artificially interfered with or utilized the authority of the Herrscher of Domination, causing it to now only take effect in additional dimensions."
Tesla, hearing Einstein's conclusion, was instantly shocked: "Then… the only person who could have done something like that is one person, right?! Damn it, how did he still manage to screw us over!"
"Quickly inform Theresa—tell her Otto has completely stolen the authority of the Herrscher of Domination!"
"This is bad!"
For the first time, the group on the Hyperion truly realized where the real crisis lay in this journey involving Schicksal.
On the Hyperion.
Radar operator: "Report! Continuous suspicious reactions detected in the one o'clock direction—estimated to be over a hundred unidentified lifeforms!"
Information operator: "Report! All observed targets' biological infrared data match Schicksal Bishop Otto Apocalypse!"
Engine operator: "Report! All engines started—awaiting orders!"
Main cannon operator: "Report! Hyperion main cannon fully charged—awaiting orders!"
Theresa immediately issued commands: "Radar and signal teams, continue monitoring their movements! Engine and cannon teams, maintain current status on standby—ensure the Hyperion can enter combat mode at any time!"
Einstein, who had just rushed over to inform Theresa that the Herrscher of Domination authority had been stolen, received another communication.
"Ms. Theresa, an external communication from an unknown source is attempting to connect with the Hyperion."
Theresa said: "Patch it through. It's about time."
It was Otto's puppet body: "Protocol confirmed. Now broadcasting notice: All Schicksal or non-Schicksal personnel deployed in Kolosten Town are to remain at their current positions on standby until further notice."
"If anyone leaves their assigned location without authorization, all consequences arising therefrom shall be borne by the individual."
Einstein was dumbfounded.
This was clearly one of Otto's puppets.
And yet it was operating like a robot.
Theresa said: "Puppet… please don't waste everyone's time. I need to speak with the real Otto Apocalypse."
Otto puppet body: "Illegal operation. Protocol does not exist."
"Reverting to initial protocol. Continuing broadcast notice."
"All Schicksal or non-Schicksal personnel deployed in Kolosten Town are to remain at their current positions on standby until further notice."
"If anyone leaves their assigned location without authorization, all consequences arising therefrom shall be borne by the individual."
"…"
"…"
Several people were furious.
Tesla said discontentedly: "Tch, what is this? His underhanded scheme got exposed, so he hides and gives us the cold shoulder?"
Fu Hua said: "This is one of his usual tactics when he's determined to act alone—using decoys to stall other people's time while he cooks the raw rice into cooked rice behind the scenes."
Tesla was so angry she could burst: "Damn it! He just stole the authority of the Herrscher of Domination right from under our noses… What the hell does this bastard plan to do?"
Theresa shook her head: "I don't know, but to be safe, we must set out immediately and find him in person."
"Just as Fu Hua said earlier—if we delay here, we might be falling right into Grandpa's trap."
"Oh my~"
Otto suddenly appeared on the communication: "Very good analysis, my dear granddaughter Theresa. It seems you've grown quite a bit during the time you've been away from me."
"Wha…??!" Theresa's eyes widened.
Just a moment ago it had clearly been the puppet body—now it had suddenly become Otto!
Otto laughed: "What, are you surprised by this kind of seamless switching? I think at least the two Anti-Entropy doctors over there shouldn't be surprised."
"After all… you already witnessed it once sixty years ago, didn't you?"
Tesla nearly exploded with rage: "You—you bastard!"
Otto deliberately kept jumping on their sore spots.
Otto laughed loudly: "Hahahaha, don't get angry yet, esteemed Dr. Tesla. What I'm about to do next will actually bring enormous benefits to all of you."
Tesla barely suppressed the urge to smash the communicator: "Benefits? Fine, I'd love to hear what self-righteous nonsense you'll spout this time!"
Otto said: "Self-righteous… Indeed, in this matter, there is probably no one more self-righteous than me."
"Everyone, please celebrate for the future of humanity—"
"As a result, I will sacrifice myself to grant humanity an additional five hundred years from the Imaginary Tree—giving you ample time to fight against Honkai."
"…What?" Tesla was stunned.
But Theresa realized something: "Five hundred years?"
Otto said: "Oh my, it seems my cute granddaughter has already realized something."
"That's right—for someone as self-righteous as me, these five hundred years are naturally just a byproduct."
"I still remember what I said not long ago: I will soon embark on the final leg of my journey, to the other shore of the world to seek that one and only existence."
"—I will erase these five hundred years of history from the branches of time, allowing the world itself to return to the state where Kallen Kaslana is still alive."
"Of course, everyone need not worry that your existences will be erased by this process: All those who came to Kolosten Town today—regardless of your stance—Otto Apocalypse will protect you from the torrent of time."
"…And once you return to the past, you will surely be able to help the Saint realize her ideals, won't you?"
"!!!" Theresa was completely shocked.
Tesla was still dazed: "Hey, has Schicksal's Bishop finally lost his mind? What kind of god-and-ghost nonsense are you talking about!"
"Time reversal? Forget how you'd even technically implement it—don't you think we know how enormous the energy cost of such a thing would be in theory?"
Otto said: "What if I told you I have already reached an agreement with a certain entity known as the Will of Honkai?"
"What if the price I pay is the flow of time on the Imaginary Tree—or rather, the present itself?"
"—Besides, what does it matter if you don't believe me? Just stay peacefully on the Hyperion for another twelve hours, and everything will naturally become clear."
Einstein said: "The way you phrased that sounds like you're giving us a chance to challenge you in the final twelve hours?"
Otto said: "Oh? As expected of Dr. Einstein—truly calm and composed. That's right. I'm willing to give you such an opportunity. If you disagree with my actions, then come to the church from before and beat me to a pulp."
"Of course, in that case… my loyal subordinates will naturally intervene to stop you from within that church."
"—From a personal standpoint, I still hope you won't end up clashing blades with each other."
Einstein asked: "In that case, while provoking us, you actually hope even more that we stay put. Why?"
Otto chuckled lightly: "Hehe… It seems the Doctor is very eager to find loopholes in my words. That's no good, no good."
"You only need to know that if I succeed, the world will grant humanity an extra five hundred years to fight against Honkai—"
"And the price is merely that all ordinary people—except for those present here today—will return to the state of never having been born."
"As for this communication itself… you should consider it an opportunity I am giving you all—a fair chance to compete in values."
Tesla said furiously: "You…"
Theresa cut in directly: "Understood. We will do as you wish and defeat you seriously."
Otto laughed happily: "Very good, very good—this is quite excellent, my dear granddaughter. Your reaction is even better than I expected."
"So—just like last year, become a woman of action once you get serious, Theresa."
"I will wait for you unhurriedly at St. 537 Church. Goodbye."
Schicksal's resigning Bishop pulled the same trick once again: after stating his intentions, he unilaterally cut off the communication.
Erasing time and history, an agreement with the Will of Honkai, the final twelve hours… every key point in his words far exceeded everyone's understanding.
Meanwhile, the viewers watching Honkai Impact 3rd were also somewhat confused.
They were all discussing in the group.
"What exactly does Otto mean? Why is the purpose he told Li Sushang different from the one he told Theresa?"
"There really is a difference. I feel like Otto is deliberately deceiving Theresa and the others, but I don't know what the purpose is."
"This damn Otto really loves doing these kinds of things—full of schemes and tricks, impossible to see through."
"Yes, I always feel like Theresa and the others are completely being toyed with by Otto. All their actions and thoughts have been anticipated by him one step ahead, then guided to achieve his own goals."
"No, how do you know what he told Li Sushang is the truth? What if he's deceiving the S-rank Valkyries to make them work for him? Maybe what he told Theresa and the others is the real one."