While Bronya was hopelessly lost in her games, Kiana sat in a dessert shop outside the Salt Lake Base, contentedly chewing on a smooth, soft, glutinous dessert, her face alight with pure bliss.
She mumbled through a mouthful, "Hmph, guess you know how to appease me."
Although she initially harbored various grievances against Jiang someone, satisfying her inner foodie had clearly boosted the white-haired tuna's affection level towards him—Of course, thinking he can win this lady over is absolutely impossible!
After all, this guy was so infuriating! Not only did he make moves on Mei, but he didn't even spare Seele! Based on the principle of rivalry, there was no doubt—this guy was a 'love rival'!
Thinking this, as Kiana used a metal spoon to bring a jiggly, light-pink, translucent dessert to her mouth, a hint of 'hostility' flickered across her delicate features. Her bright, azure eyes slanted towards Jiang Qiao seated opposite her, clearly displeased.
Jiang Qiao simply smiled, unfazed, skillfully extracting information from the white-haired tuna during their casual chat.
Compared to Seele, Kiana was definitely more concerned about the Honkai situation—unfortunately, it seemed Anti-Entropy as a whole wasn't very adept in this area... Mulling over the fragmented intel, Jiang Qiao could only glean minor details.
He found Anti-Entropy's intelligence network somewhat difficult to assess... Ah well, this organization was always destined to be infiltrated like a sieve by World Serpent. None of those three [Welt, Tesla, Einstein] are actually intelligence specialists, so you can't expect miracles.
The only truly useful piece of information he managed to extract was this: a week ago, the Gem of Serenity, stored at Schicksal HQ, had vanished.
As for the specifics, Anti-Entropy's informant within Schicksal was completely in the dark. And while Tesla and the others found it strange, they hadn't given it much thought, assuming that bastard Otto was probably just secretly conducting another experiment.
But—Jiang Qiao wouldn't think that way.
The ultimate goal of the Herrscher experiments was to create a Herrscher that humanity could control, to cooperate with his objectives. And he, as 'Kiana,' already perfectly fulfilled Otto's requirements. That being the case, there was no reason for Otto to conduct such foolish experiments again. Jiang Qiao was certain of this.
True, the man named Otto was utterly wicked and ruthless, never hesitating to pay any price to achieve his goals. But that didn't mean Otto was an irrational madman.
In fact, precisely because he was excessively rational, his actions had their own logic, even bottom lines.
—A bottom line, a laughable notion; it's hard to imagine this term being used to describe Otto Apocalypse. Yet it was true. Aside from his obsessive personality where nothing mattered except Kallen, Otto would actually try his best to avoid 'unnecessary' sacrifices.
Just as in the eyes of many Valkyries in Kolosten Town, this Schicksal Overseer seemed so kind and amiable—perhaps due to the promise made to the Saintess back then, causing him to avoid committing evils outside his plan as much as possible.
Under this guiding principle, a Herrscher controllable by humanity with mastery over Imaginary Authority had already been born, and the Second Divine Key (Cosmic Juggernaut) was also in his hands... During this time, that man must have been verifying the feasibility of his plan. The only missing piece left was...
"Sir Gray Serpent, would you mind engaging in a transaction with me?"
Before Gray Serpent stood a golden-haired man in new clothes, looking every bit the gentleman, asking with a smile.
"Hehe, making a deal with the Overseer of Schicksal, what a novelty. Unfortunately... World Serpent doesn't need to make deals with anyone, especially Schicksal. What we want, we take with our own hands."
"No, no, no, you should hear precisely what I have to say first," Otto countered smoothly.
"Speak then," the raspy voice paused. Otto, smiling broadly but looking slightly troubled, began:
"The Gem of Serenity—your people have been quite active within Schicksal for it recently. Honestly, it surprised me greatly; I didn't expect so many moles within the organization. But no matter, it's not important. If it weren't for that, you never could have escaped Schicksal HQ with Dr. Magi."
"Admit it, you need it badly."
"Fortunately for you, this item isn't particularly important to me."
"Since that's the case, why not exchange things neither of us needs... Believe me, if I didn't want this Gem to fall into others' hands, World Serpent would absolutely never obtain it."
"World Serpent is never threatened," Gray Serpent growled.
"No, no, no, this isn't a threat. I am merely stating a 'fact'," Otto demurred. "Or perhaps—you wish to continue trying? Just like before."
"..."
Undoubtedly, this struck a nerve with Gray Serpent. Repeated failures made it hard to maintain a strong front. If possible, Gray Serpent naturally hoped to secure a major victory personally, but thinking of a certain someone who tended to appear at critical moments gave Master Gray, suffering from severe psychological scarring, instant clarity.
"Deal."
In reality—World Serpent wasn't entirely opposed to deals, like their arrangements with Cocolia and Seele/Veliona. It was simply that he didn't trust this old fox from Schicksal, fearing Otto would lead World Serpent into a trap.
After all, besides the very small circle extremely familiar with Otto, no one knew better than World Serpent just how much treacherous water ran deep within the Overseer when he decided to play dirty.
But no matter. As long as they got the Gem of Serenity, once their Lord [Kevin] returned, all schemes and tricks would be reduced to mere clown antics in the face of absolute power.
—Just as Jiang Qiao predicted, World Serpent's current priority was obtaining the Gem of Serenity to retrieve Kevin from the sea. And what Otto needed was the beacon for the Cosmic Juggernaut.
Having already obtained the Cosmic Juggernaut itself, the missing piece was the direct link to the core of the Imaginary Tree—of course, he could have chosen to ask Jiang Qiao for help.
For a complete Herrscher of the Void, anything the inanimate Cosmic Juggernaut could do, Jiang Qiao could accomplish using [Kiana]. But clearly, that wasn't practical. And Otto, well aware of this, deliberately chose a method that didn't require the Herrscher of the Void's assistance.
"Jiang Qiao-Nii chan, can Seele try some of yours?"
Just as Jiang Qiao reached a conclusion in his mind and began contemplating his next move, Seele's soft voice sounded beside him—indeed, she had been sitting right next to him.
Although this was Jiang Qiao in his original form, perhaps due to various affection bonuses, Miss Blue Seele found herself watching Jiang Qiao's contemplative expression and thinking—*'Bronya'-neechan... ah no, Jiang Qiao-Nii chan looks so cool when he's thinking seriously. What could he be thinking about?*
Out of curiosity, and a budding desire for intimacy, Seele employed the strategy of closing the distance—sharing dessert. Undoubtedly, this was an excellent tactic for strengthening bonds between girls. While its effect on Jiang Qiao might be moderate, it served perfectly well to initiate conversation.
"Sure, as long as Seele doesn't mind," Jiang Qiao smiled.
"Mmm... Mango flavored, delicious..." Seele took a bite, her expression blissful. Beyond the taste, there was a strange sense of 'closeness.' Like the warmth of returning home, and that subtle feeling of 'resonance'...
Of course, the most important part was clearly the 'spiked mango pudding.' Enhanced by the 'Jiang Qiao flavored seasoning,' Miss Blue Seele was successfully captured, perhaps even becoming slightly addicted, specifically picking out the parts that had been 'contaminated.'
Meanwhile, Veliona, residing within Seele, felt perplexed, her expression a mix of surprise and uncertainty. Honestly, her feelings towards Jiang Qiao were quite complicated. After all—this guy was an imposter! More importantly, he was hitting on Seele! Utterly intolerable.
But, anger aside, whether to avoid upsetting Seele or just considering the 'imposter' identity itself, Veliona's position was quite 'awkward.'
Based on facts—she wasn't Seele either, but a 'derivative' of similar nature. Denying that guy too strongly... Veliona didn't know how to view herself.
As for the most crucial point, hitting on Seele... hmm, how to put it? It was even more nuanced. —Even though he was the fake 'Bronya,' Jiang Qiao had indeed done one thing. He acknowledged Veliona's existence, offering 'equal' care and affection. This had a tremendous impact on the short-tempered, emotionally delicate Veliona.
So much so that now, besides—*How dare you hit on Seele!*—Miss Red Seele also felt 'annoyed.' This despicable guy only dares to hit on Seele? Have the guts to hit on me! And Seele, this girl, gives me no chance to get out and about... hmph.
—Besides all that, Veliona now noticed something else strange. After Seele ingested that guy's... essence, she actually detected a familiar, nostalgic 'feeling' from it.
Though the origin was completely unknown, it just made one want to get closer, like fallen leaves returning to their roots, or a weary bird returning to its nest.
She mumbled, "Such a strange feeling... So annoying..."
While Veliona wrestled with her confusion, the shared eating play between Miss Blue Seele and Jiang Qiao directly evolved into 'feeding play'—although Seele felt that scooping with a spoon somehow lacked 'flavor,' her timid nature clearly prevented her from making any 'bold' requests.
Even so, the scene was quite impactful for Kiana, causing her cheeks to puff out instantly. Are you two done yet?! Are you here to eat dessert or to commit public displays of affection?! Bronya?! Bronya! Your little sister is about to be abducted by this damn man!
Biting down on her spoon, the harsh 'clack clack' sound of metal scraping against teeth made one wonder if she was some kind of 'iron-eater.' Kiana glared with wide eyes at the pair opposite her—Don't misunderstand, this lady is definitely not jealous!
"Gimme a bite!" The white-haired tuna, firmly adhering to her principle of 'not being won over by Jiang someone,' demanded fiercely. Don't ask why; seeing these two feeding each other so happily, wouldn't this lady lose out by not getting a piece of the action? Every extra bite is a gain!
As for saliva—This lady definitely doesn't mind Seele's saliva! And this dog Jiang Qiao's saliva... Tsk! Feeling disdainful, Kiana leaned directly over the table and took a bite—specifically targeting the spot Seele had bitten.
The daughters of Kaslana aren't picky eaters! Don't think this lady, after years of wandering, is some delicate princess! Never mind if it has saliva on it; even if you just put it in your mouth, that's still meat in my mouth!
"Gunch... Gunch..." Chewing vigorously like a salted fish, the white-haired tuna felt satisfied—literally.
Although it's gross and disgusting... this taste... it must be the dessert, definitely not because of him! Thinking of the saying 'familiar things are always better than unfamiliar ones' [a twist on the original meaning], Kiana immediately attributed this captivating change to 'it belonging to someone else'—eating other people's food just tastes better!
And during this process, although there was a faint sense of shame, Miss White-haired Tuna also felt a strange 'thrill.' Like snatching candy from a baby—Kiana became engrossed in the act of bullying Jiang Qiao by 'forcefully snatching his dessert.'
However, during this, her unfortunate posture inevitably caused her impressive assets, pressed against the table, to wobble conspicuously like overfilled water balloons being flattened. Fortunately, Jiang Qiao paid it no mind.
After all—it wasn't like he hadn't seen them before. Just average.
Seele, though slightly unhappy about being interrupted, felt like she had forgotten something. But the next moment, she pushed it out of her mind. Ah well~ It probably wasn't anything important anyway~