"So, why the sudden change of heart? Didn't we agree that I would lead, and you wouldn't interfere?"
Walking across the vast plain, Otto smiled warmly at the silver-haired youth accompanying him.
It was truly remarkable how vividly he recalled their first conversation, when the young man had been cautious yet inexperienced. Despite boldly presenting an irresistible proposition, his lack of confidence was evident, showing deep reverence for Otto from within.
Now, as Otto looked at this slightly taller young man beside him, he saw someone entirely transformed—both mentally and in strength, reaching unimaginable heights.
Otto even realized with clarity that his continued survival wasn't due to resilience or cunning but simply because he remained useful. Otherwise, Zeke would have pulverized him long ago with just three punches, wouldn't he?
With this thought, Otto suddenly felt grateful for the Yordle City Revelation incident, particularly indebted to the unfortunate Vera Crowe, who fell victim to Honkai Energy corruption. Had it not been for her, the cautious Zeke would undoubtedly have chosen to quietly develop from the shadows. By the time he decided to emerge, Otto's fate would likely have already been sealed. Thanks to Miss Vera's misfortune, Otto was able to become friends with Zeke!
Nodding to himself, Otto marveled briefly at Vera's tragedy and his own good fortune before hearing Zeke's response.
"It just reminded me of a principle I've emphasized quite early on," Zeke said calmly, his voice devoid of any inflection as usual.
Rubbing his chin, Otto asked with keen interest, "What principle?"
"They should not be my caged canaries; instead, they ought to be my allies."
"Have you decided to adapt your excessive protectiveness after all? Or perhaps, considering Kiana's potential sudden turn against us...you're scared?" Otto flashed a contemplative smile.
To Zeke, Kiana was akin to what Kallen had been to Otto. Thus, he understood such sentiments deeply. If not for Kallen's tragic fate long ago, Otto's entire life would have revolved around her thoughts and feelings—never daring to even imagine betraying her trust five centuries ago.
Over these past five hundred years, Otto sometimes pondered that if Kallen hadn't met with misfortune back then, he might have chosen to become a priest, adopting orphans, and living out a simple yet warm existence.
"Sigh..."
Otto let out a long sigh, envisioning how Kallen might react upon being resurrected in this era and turning against him—the person she once knew would undoubtedly do so, wouldn't they? After all, he had committed countless heartless acts, harming many innocent lives; it was impossible for Kallen not to feel hurt and angry.
Zeke cast a mild glance at Otto, guessing from his wistful expression that he must be thinking about Kallen again. In a matter-of-fact tone, Zeke said, "Sometimes, knowing is enough. Exposing certain truths will only bring harm to you."
"Oh dear, I'm being threatened by my terrifying friend! Suddenly feeling quite alarmed! How scary~" Otto snapped out of his reverie about Kallen and responded with a calm smile, showing no hint of fear.
Zeke frowned at this sarcastic demeanor, clicking his tongue in annoyance. "Tsk! Let's focus on serious matters."
"Don't be such a buzzkill! I'm still working hard on Little Theresa's situation; we have plenty of time, so why not chat some more? Actually, even though involving Kiana midway might lessen her dissatisfaction afterward, it won't absolve you entirely. My suggestion is to blame everything on me later. Just say that I acted independently, allowing her to vent her anger by dismantling a few of my clones. This way, your image remains intact! What do you think?"
Otto raised his eyebrows, seemingly pleased with his clever idea. It indeed wasn't a bad strategy. After all, he was considered the root of all evil, and adding one more sin would seem perfectly normal. Others would also likely cooperate, aiming to preserve the relationship between Kiana and Zeke.
However, Zeke paused momentarily before firmly rejecting the proposal: "Otto, what's done is done. I won't deceive her with such lies; that's where our fundamental difference lies."
One lie inevitably demands more lies to cover it up—even if it's a flawless deception that can never be exposed. The moment you choose deceit to maintain a relationship, cracks appear within its foundation.
Zeke's unwavering conviction and honesty momentarily stunned Otto, who then sighed sorrowfully, "Very well, on this point, you indeed surpass me greatly. If given the choice, why would I ever want to deceive Kallen? But back then, I lacked your strength and decisiveness; I simply couldn't bring myself to do otherwise... Had I possessed clarity like you from the start, knowing what I desired and what actions were necessary, perhaps my fate with Kallen might have been entirely different."
"Who knows? Maybe you could find a parallel world to test that theory."
"It's meaningless. The 'me' in a parallel world is not me, nor is the 'Kallen' there my Kallen."
"Then walk your chosen path steadfastly. Your life thus far has been shaped by your own decisions, so any bitterness or tears must be borne alone," Zeke advised, his expression showing a hint of compassion.
Otto was a proud man; such words from anyone else would have met with disdain. Yet, coming from Zeke, they genuinely warmed the heart of this ancient monster who had once crossed the line of unspeakable evil.
"Thank you. I will complete what I must do."
"You're welcome. It seems your preparations are nearly ready."
As Zeke observed the world before him suddenly flicker, akin to a stuttering animation, he realized their casual conversation had reached its end.
At the center of the Binding World, Theresa's body was restrained by golden chains, suspended mid-air. She alternated between struggling and stillness, her expression shifting incessantly between madness and confusion.
"Having realized certain truths, I altered my plans, naturally leading me to aim higher. I once tried observing the God of Honkai from an informational perspective but faced repeated interruptions, culminating in a warning... The potential identity of that Young Lady made it impossible for me to ignore this caution."
Zeke strolled alongside one Otto, casually surveying the numerous Ottos around them while explaining his current strategy.
The Ottos smiled and nodded, eagerly awaiting Zeke's elaboration on his ideas.
Zeke continued, "Regardless, studying the Will of Honkai is an indispensable step in overcoming Honkai. Since viewing it through information carries immense risks beyond my control, direct observation becomes another viable path. Currently, Honkai is watching Theresa; thus, we can also observe Honkai through her, don't you think?"
"Observation is indeed reciprocal; your point stands. However, I must warn you that this approach carries its own risks. As you know, I've encountered It through Sirin before... To be honest, it nearly drove me to the brink of insanity afterward. So, I wouldn't recommend it, at least not for the emperor himself. Fu Hua or others could certainly assist."
"Yes, that's precisely why I decided to have you do it."
"...Huh?"
All the Ottos simultaneously froze, taken aback.