Honkai: Strijder

Chapter 27

“Hahaha! Interesting, truly interesting! Do you know how long it has been since I had a conversation with someone on equal terms, even to the point of teasing each other? Hundred of years! Those people who is stupid enough to claim to be my equal are either foolish, overestimate themself, or both.”

Otto suddenly burst into laughter and couldn’t stop, looking at Sigurd on the screen with growing interest.

Sigurd nodded and raised a glass of cold water from the table, toasting Otto through the screen.

“Indeed, conversing with intelligent people is a delight. The collision of thoughts and knowledge always brings infinite surprises. To the great wisdom, to the remarkable Mr. Otto.”

“I toast to you as well, interesting young lad.”

During their first interaction, Otto had also referred to Sigurd as a young lad, but it was a casual and dismissive term. However, now, the phrase “young lad” carries a sense of recognition and even deliberate closeness.

Otto raised his glass, took a sip of red wine, and responded to Sigurd’s toast. Then he said:

“So, what plans do you have for your theory? I’m not rushing you, of course. After all, developing a new theoretical system and putting it into practice is no less challenging than building a modern city from scratch. However, precisely because of the high difficulty and because it’s your theory, only you know the ins and outs and how to proceed, so it’s best to plan ahead.”

“I’ve found a girl.”

“Oh?”@@@@

Otto’s eyes lit up.

“You mean her abilities involve time, and because of this factor, her eyes can see more complex information, touching the essence directly.”

Otto’s expression showed his curiosity.

“You’re saying that Sin Mal’s ability is a suitable entry point?”

Sigurd had never mentioned Sin Mal’s name, yet, he know about it regardless.

Feeling a headache coming on, Sigurd sighed.

“Mr. Otto, how many eyes have you placed around me? I’ve hardly interacted with anyone along the way, so how did you track us?”

“Don’t be mad~~ one is a valuable asset of Schicksal, and the other is a young promising genius of this era. How could I trust you to wander the world on your own? It’s not malicious; I just wanted to provide you with a bit of insignificant help when necessary, that’s all~”

‘Yeah, right.’

Sigurd rolled his eyes inwardly but calmly praised:

“Schicksal is truly an organization that has no bounds.”

“You flatter me. Since you have a plan, I won’t say too much. However, concerning Cocolia, although she is seeking cooperation and an opportunity to challenge Schicksal, her methods and schemes are not simple. Have you figured out what you will use as a bargaining chip?”

“This is irresistible...”

Cocolia placed the letter down, murmuring to herself.

The items were enticing, and their timing was perfect. It was precisely at a critical moment when she needed a breakthrough. It was like offering a glass of cold water to a thirsty traveler in the desert. Who could resist it?

She was already willing to adopt two children.

Confronting Schicksal, isn’t that the determination every Anti-Entropy member should possess?

The only question was whether this client had deeper intentions.

Furthermore, by directly delivering these items, they must have either a deep understanding of her or enough confidence to believe that she won’t back out of the deal. Well, she wouldn’t. Whether out of caution towards the unknown or considering the possibility of more enticing technological trades after the cold fusion technology, Cocolia would not betray her word.

“Either they know me well, or they are confident enough to believe that I won’t refuse... Well, then I’ll accept it.”

Cocolia picked up the pyramid-shaped cold fusion device, and her golden curls shimmered in the light, forming a beautiful gloss. On her face, there was a seductive yet dangerous smile.

“Matushka is like a cunning fox. Bronya wants to mourn for the person being targeted.”

“...You, child, why do you speak such blunt truths?”

Cocolia caressed the head of the twin tailed assassin, indulgently saying.

...

“So, if there are any further questions, feel free to contact me. I will eagerly anticipate your results.”

“Thank you for your kindness. Goodbye.”

Sigurd terminated the connection and leaned back, sighing.

His exchange with Otto had yielded rich technological insights. Otto was like an artist with an infinite well of inspiration and a precise and accurate machine. Even with Sigurd’s “intellectual superiority,” their communication was on equal terms, and Sigurd gained a lot of inspiration from it.

But in other aspects... It was truly exhausting.

It was hard to say which of Otto’s words had hidden meanings and which were simple narratives.

However, once Sigurd adjusted his mindset, he wasn’t afraid of Otto.

Both of them had extraordinary minds, but Sigurd had the absolute advantage in intelligence and had knowledge of Otto’s fatal weakness—Kallen. So even though Otto was trying to appear superior, Sigurd wouldn’t back down.

After organizing his gains and thoughts, Sigurd decided to go out and put an extra blanket on the sleeping Kiana before finally ending a day of exertion and resting in bed.