Chapter 20: I, the Geo Archon Morax with 2.1 Billion Mora, Have Joined a Chat Group [20]
Subaru Natsuki couldn't quite remember how he returned to his original world. His mind was still captivated by the golden brilliance that felt like a dream, leaving him in awe.
For the first time, he truly understood the extent to which immortals and deities could reach.
Such a being...
"Subaru~~"
"Subaru~~"
The clear, sweet voice of Emilia pulled Subaru back to reality.
"Subaru-kun~~, did something happen today?"
"Not at all," Subaru shook his head quickly.
Thanks to the chat group's time dilation feature, he didn't have to worry about his sudden appearances and disappearances raising suspicion. Furthermore, his physical condition could be fully restored using points from the system.
But those close to him—those who truly cared—could still notice the subtle differences in his demeanor.
"You don't seem quite yourself. If something's bothering you, you can always talk to me," Emilia said, her gentle face leaning in closer, her concern genuine.
"I just encountered something good," Subaru managed to squeeze out a smile. "And I've thought through a few things."
Emilia stepped back slightly, her delicate head tilting as she studied him carefully. After a moment, she nodded as though confirming her assessment.
"Subaru-kun does look like you've come across something nice. I'm glad! I've been a little worried these past few days, thinking you might not be adjusting well to life at Roswaal's mansion."
"Stay strong, comrade! As a fellow member of the 'Emilia Is the Cutest' brigade, you can't let Lia worry about you!"
Nearby, the spirit Puck floated over to Subaru's side, giving his shoulder a couple of reassuring pats.
Subaru flinched slightly, almost instinctively stepping aside, but his mind caught up with his reflexes, and he managed to halt his movement.
Puck seemed to notice the hesitation, his brows furrowing slightly in thought.
Meanwhile, Emilia smiled softly. "Really, Puck... And Subaru-kun, if you're ever in trouble, come to me, alright? I'll do whatever I can to help."
"Well, I have something to take care of, so I'll leave you to it."
She waved gently, her palm raised as she walked past him and deeper into the mansion.
Puck, perched on her shoulder, gave Subaru a meaningful look before turning back to follow her.
"Phew~~~"
Only after Emilia's figure disappeared down the hallway did Subaru let out a long sigh. He clapped his hands lightly against his cheeks, giving himself a quick pep talk.
"Pull yourself together, Subaru Natsuki! Don't let Emilia worry about you!"
---
In a vast, spacious hall, a massive screen displayed footage of Changkong City.
The scene showed golden particles blanketing the entire city, annihilating all traces of Honkai beasts within mere seconds. Even through the screen, the drone-captured imagery was enough to leave viewers awestruck.
Standing in front of the screen was a man with flowing golden hair, dressed in an elegant, British-style suit. His expression was severe, his brows tightly furrowed.
"What on earth happened in Changkong City?"
Next to him stood Fu Hua, who had changed back into her dark navy combat attire.
"No idea," she replied curtly, her tone devoid of excess words.
"You were in Changkong City at the time, weren't you?" Otto turned to face her, his gaze sharp.
"I was at the southwestern corner, fighting off the Honkai beasts and searching for the Herrscher responsible for the outbreak. I noticed the phenomenon, but I didn't have time to react," Fu Hua responded evenly.
Otto scrutinized her for a moment before letting out a dismissive scoff, his attention returning to the screen.
The drone's footage clearly showed a man standing with hands clasped behind his back, poised in the sky above Changkong City. His breathtakingly handsome visage, coupled with the effortless destruction of tens of thousands of Honkai beasts with a single motion, was captured in full clarity.
The longer Otto stared, the graver his expression became.
"Is he from Anti-Entropy?" he asked without turning around.
"Unlikely," Fu Hua replied with a faint shake of her head. "The power to manipulate stone like that is more akin to an application of Honkai energy. One could even argue that this person is an Earth Herrscher."
"How would you compare him to the Second Herrscher, Sirin?" Otto narrowed his eyes.
"I've exhausted the memories stored in Yu Duchen. I cannot make a proper assessment," Fu Hua replied coldly.
"Hmm~~" Otto let out a mocking hum, crossing one arm over his chest while resting his chin in the palm of his other hand.
"A third-party force, perhaps? Or could it be..."
He fell into deep thought, remaining silent for a long while. Fu Hua stood beside him, unmoving, her face as calm as ever.
After a while, Otto suddenly smiled—a sweet yet unsettling grin.
The screen shifted to a new image: two young girls huddled together, staring up at an enormous battleship looming overhead.
Descending gracefully from the skies was a woman with long, wine-red hair that seemed to burn like fire.
Her sultry voice echoed through the screen:
"I am Major Himeko Murata of Schicksal's Far East branch. Kiana Kaslana and Raiden Mei, hello…"
Otto's grin widened, his expression growing increasingly maniacal.
"Although there was an unexpected variable, things have gone smoothly enough." Staring intently at the youthful figures on the screen, Otto's tone turned gleeful.
"My beloved silver-haired kitten, you've still ended up in my hands."
"Now, all plans can commence."
Fu Hua's gaze remained steady, her expression betraying no emotion.
Unbeknownst to Otto, who could never see it, the interface of the multiverse chat group continued flashing quietly in her view.
Within the group, figures both strong and weak, kind-hearted or cunningly feigning malice, and those driven by resolve or love for those dear to them, chatted freely.
Fu Hua didn't join the conversation. Instead, she focused her intent on a small icon in the top-left corner of the interface.
[Inquiry: How many points are required for a complete restoration of my body?]
[...]
[Assessment in progress...]
[Assessment failed.]
[High-level authorization initiated.]
[Adjustment in progress...]
[Response: An additional 123,100 points are required to restore the user to their body's peak condition.]
[Current points balance: 73,000.]
Satisfied, Fu Hua closed the chat group interface and reflected on the golden spectacle she had witnessed earlier.
That power… It has already reached the pinnacle of a Herrscher's strength.
If he is willing to help, perhaps this era can truly rid itself of the Honkai scourge. Perhaps we could even claim victory.
---
T/N: I imagine it as like the golden particles when EXCALIBAAAAAAAAAH is charging up