According to the currently accepted laws of physics in academia, attempting to rewrite the world on a historical level was utterly ludicrous, akin to a fool's dream. However, Otto Apocalypse, despite being a detestable and inhuman enemy, possessed the terrifying talent to turn such seemingly absurd, infinitesimal possibilities into reality.
No matter how bizarre and incredible Welt found the notion of Otto rewriting the world, he wouldn't remain indifferent to such a shocking and sensational possibility.
To wield the authority of the Herrscher of Reason's Core, Welt Yang had diligently studied physics. With two world-class doctors tutoring him, he possessed knowledge comparable to a doctoral level. Though a few beats slower than Dr. Einstein and Dr. Tesla, Welt quickly grasped the current situation and gradually recognized its severity.
If the person informing him of this shocking intelligence hadn't been Ren Amamiya, Welt would have likely dismissed such news, which seemed like an April Fool's joke. However, it was precisely Ren Amamiya, as Joker of the Phantom Thieves, who had provided this precious information...
While waiting for Ren and Bronya to return to the Raiden residence, Welt had already tentatively gathered some intelligence from Raiden Mei. Although Mei had become a member of the Phantom Thieves, possessing great power and a firm will, she was, at her core, still a high school girl who hadn't graduated.
Lacking experience in the ways of the world, Mei was easily coaxed by Welt, a seasoned individual, into revealing the Phantom Thieves' methods for changing a target's heart.
Welt's success in obtaining this information from Mei was not only due to her current naivety but also because her father, Ryoma Raiden, was standing right beside him, giving Mei a sense of mutual trust between their respective sides.
From Mei's tone, Welt even felt she believed Anti-Entropy was already aware of the Phantom Thieves' methods, which was why she had shared that information so openly.
According to the intelligence revealed by Mei, Ren Amamiya clearly possessed the ability to freely enter and exit Imaginary Space and had a very familiar understanding of it.
Otto wanted to use the Herrscher of the Void's authority to manipulate Imaginary Space, and Ren, this enigmatic Phantom Thief, could also delve into Imaginary Space for exploration and conquest.
Traversing Imaginary Space, able to obtain secret intelligence from the "Shadow" aspect of human Stigmata power—information difficult for others to uncover—it wasn't entirely impossible for Ren to discern Otto's ultimate goal.
By reverse-engineering from academic theory and combining it with Anti-Entropy's intelligence gathering on all of Otto's anomalous actions while controlling Schicksal over the years, this final puzzle piece provided by Ren fit perfectly into the known grand picture, completely exposing the ultimate desire of Otto Apocalypse to everyone present.
"...The situation probably hasn't deteriorated to the worst point yet. The fact that we can still sit here calmly discussing this issue is the best proof." Welt clasped his hands tightly, his voice growing deeper. If Otto could truly rewrite the world at will, then his desires should have already been fulfilled. Yet, that was not the case.
Although Anti-Entropy was the world's second-largest anti-Honkai organization after Schicksal, its strength was actually far inferior. The only thing propping them up, allowing Anti-Entropy to stand firm against Schicksal, was him, their Sovereign, the Herrscher of Reason.
Otto had neither managed to eliminate him, the Herrscher of Reason, nor achieved his own long-cherished wish, still coveting the Herrscher of the Void's authority. This indicated that Otto's ability to rewrite the world must have very stringent limitations.
"If Otto had the opportunity to use the Herrscher of the Void's authority to rewrite the world, then his first attempt should have been in Siberia," Dr. Einstein mused, stroking her smooth, fair chin. Recalling the clues, as someone who had experienced the events firsthand, she quickly remembered Otto's nefarious deeds during the Second Honkai Eruption.
"At that time, he used Fenghuang Down to manipulate the cognition of the weakened Herrscher of the Void. He could have completely commanded her to use her authority to fulfill his ambitions." After backstabbing Welt, Otto indeed had the opportunity and the capability to use the Herrscher of the Void's power for himself.
During the Second Honkai Eruption, what exactly Otto made the Herrscher of the Void see with the mimicked Fenghuang Down, and what he manipulated her cognition to accomplish with her Herrscher authority... these top-secret matters were likely known only to Otto himself in this world.
The only thing Einstein could be certain of was that Otto's plans during the Second Honkai Eruption had clearly failed. Perhaps Otto had used the Herrscher of the Void's authority to attempt rewriting the world back then. But the world, after being rewritten, still failed to satisfy Otto.
Perhaps there was some error in the first practical application of rewriting the world, or perhaps the Herrscher of the Void, whose cognitive state was affected by the mimicked Fenghuang Down, couldn't exert her authority to its fullest potential.
In any case, although Otto changed the world during the Second Honkai Eruption, his true wish was not perfectly realized.
"The Herrscher of the Void died completely soon after that. Therefore, Otto should have only conducted one experimental, failed modification of the world."
Precisely because of this, Otto used Kiana Kaslana's and the Herrscher of the Void's genes to create K423, a clone vessel capable of containing the Herrscher of the Void's Core.
He hoped to artificially revive the Herrscher of the Void, creating a Herrscher like the Herrscher of Reason, who would willingly use her authority for humanity, thereby serving as a convenient tool for him to rewrite the world.
Realizing this, Tesla suddenly shivered, feeling a chill run down her spine, once again terrified by the chilling implications of Otto's schemes. Fortunately, Anti-Entropy, with Ren's help, had already seen through the true means of Otto's plan and knew how to stop him from achieving his ambition.
Although Anti-Entropy's objective remained unchanged, knowing the specific details at least allowed Dr. Tesla and the others to identify some of Otto's smoke-and-mirrors traps, always knowing what truly needed to be prevented.
The significance of Kiana Kaslana's existence now weighed even more heavily in the minds of Welt, Tesla, and the others. Not just as a girl, not just as Siegfried's daughter, not just as a potential vessel for the Herrscher of the Void who could wreak havoc...
Kiana Kaslana was also the key Otto sought to use to rewrite the entire world. Anti-Entropy had to protect Kiana and prevent her from being revived as the Herrscher of the Void under Otto's machinations!!
"Otto's desire, which he wants to achieve even by rewriting the world... I believe he wants to resurrect that Schicksal Holy Maiden from five hundred years ago, Kallen Kaslana."
After slowly digesting the explosive news from Ren, Welt Yang, having recovered from his shock, didn't hesitate to share the secret intelligence known to Anti-Entropy's higher-ups with Ren.
"Kallen... Kaslana?"
[Eh? Are they talking about me?]
Upon hearing the name Kallen Kaslana, a look of astonishment appeared on Ren's face. Simultaneously, within Ren's heart, a sweet girlish voice, filled with utter bewilderment, quietly sounded.
"..." A subtle expression appeared on Raiden Mei's pretty face. She silently gazed in Ren's direction. Kallen Kaslana—Mei was all too familiar with that name. Until yesterday, they were still clearing out Shadows in Mementos together.
"That's right. Many people know that Schicksal Overseer Otto is fanatically devoted to the Holy Maiden Kallen, but few know that Otto dreams of resurrecting someone who died five hundred years ago—Kallen Kaslana, who grew up with him as a childhood friend but died at the hands of Honkai Beasts." Welt nodded slightly, interpreting Ren's astonishment as surprise at this information.
After all, Otto had indeed done an excellent job of keeping it secret. Even within Schicksal, only his closest confidants knew of Otto's intentions and plans to revive Saint Kallen. After adjusting his glasses, Welt explained in detail to Ren.
"The dead cannot be resurrected; this is the rule and taboo of the world. To transcend the constraints of time, life, and death, Otto has clearly reached out to the side opposing humanity. He attempts to use the Herrscher of the Void's power, to influence Imaginary Space—to influence Mementos—through her authority, thereby achieving his goal of changing the real world."
Welt had initially intended to use the term "Imaginary Space," but recalling Raiden Mei's way of referring to it, he thoughtfully and promptly chose the name "Mementos" for his explanation.
"If Otto merely resurrects that Holy Maiden in the real world, it might be fine. But if he wants to change history starting from five hundred years ago, many people who should have been born might completely disappear... Moreover, human desire is like a boulder rolling down a mountain; once started, it cannot be easily stopped. Otto won't be satisfied with fulfilling his wish just once or twice. He will inevitably make one greedy and arrogant wish after another, until the world is shaped into the form he desires."
Using the Herrscher of the Void's authority to rewrite the world was indeed a way to maximize its power. Even against the divine apostles born after the Herrscher of the Void, Otto might be able to triumph by virtue of his world-rewriting power.
However, even so, humanity would likely still be unable to overcome the trial of the Herrscher of Finality. The terrifying extent of the Herrscher of Finality's authority completely surpassed human imagination.
To fulfill his wish of rewriting the world, Otto needed years of meticulous planning to create a clone vessel that could potentially awaken as the Herrscher of the Void, serving as a springboard for his world-rewriting power.
However, as the final trial for civilization, the Herrscher of Finality also seemed to possess the authority to rewrite the world. And its authority was far stronger than that of the Herrscher of the Void, the Second Herrscher.
Even if both possessed the ability to rewrite the world, the Herrscher of Finality's power was inherently superior, capable of crushing the Herrscher of the Void. It would be difficult for Otto to achieve a surprise victory with the same hand.
For the continuation of civilization, to completely defeat the Honkai, and to reduce the number of sacrifices senselessly lost at Otto's hands...
"This is my request as the Sovereign of Anti-Entropy. Please cooperate with us, Mr. Joker of the Phantom Thieves..." Welt Yang extended his hand to Ren, proactively inviting this mysterious and powerful Phantom Thief. "I can feel your brilliantly shining will to save the world, your spirit of rebellion against an unjust fate."
"Though our paths differ, you and Anti-Entropy are both on the journey to save civilization. And you know that Overseer Otto Apocalypse is the obstacle we must defeat and overcome to save the world."
Welt had seen countless warriors with unwavering faith; their will to fight for humanity was not inferior to anyone's, regardless of age.
However, what naturally emanated from the depths of Ren's calm eyes was not the will of a warrior fighting back against the Honkai with faith. It was something deeper and more profound, like natural law, a principle inscribed—the gaze of a "Savior."
Ren Amamiya had rebelled against a high-and-mighty fate. He wanted to shatter this tragic spiral of destruction and reset by the Honkai... and he firmly believed he could do it, perhaps even that only he could. This naturally exuded confidence was the purest way to distinguish a "Warrior" from a "Savior."
Through this brief contact alone, Welt Yang deeply sensed the charismatic leadership radiating from Ren.
It was as if by simply following Ren, one could overcome all difficulties, shatter any unjust fate, and lead civilization to its most beautiful ending. Even the usually composed Welt Yang felt a surge of excitement when interacting with Ren.
It felt as if his own rebellious soul, long cooled into steely determination, had been reignited by Ren's blazing torch.
"I understand. I hope our cooperation with Anti-Entropy will be pleasant..." After a moment of silence, Ren reached out and shook Welt's offered hand. "...But before that, I'm a bit tired. Can we call it a day for now?" he then proposed.
Cocolia, whose heart had been changed by Ren himself, wouldn't lie. The Anti-Entropy Sovereign and the two doctors before him were genuinely good people, and Raiden Mei's father, Ryoma Raiden, was their direct subordinate.
Since Welt Yang could be trusted, and he also had the idea of cooperating, Ren had no reason to refuse. Setting aside the auxiliary work Anti-Entropy could provide in the real world, forming a bond with Welt Yang, the Herrscher of Reason, Ren felt he might be able to acquire some incredible Social Link abilities.
Though he couldn't recruit Welt Yang as a Persona, gaining new Social Link abilities was still excellent!!
However, regarding Otto Apocalypse, Anti-Entropy seemed unable to provide him with any more information. And Persona Kallen, residing in Ren's mental space, clearly had many topics she wanted to discuss with Ren all night long.
"Then let's conclude for tonight. To stop Otto's plan, we need more detailed and in-depth thought and planning..." After declaring the meeting over for the night, Welt showed a relaxed smile and turned to Bronya. "...The Herrscher of Reason's Core fragments will remain with you for the time being."
Since the will of Welt Joyce, inscribed in the Herrscher of Reason's Core, was willing to guide Ren and Bronya and entrust them with the fragments, then Welt Yang, as Joyce's successor, felt there was no need to rush to retrieve the stolen fragments... Although the Core's authority was incomplete, Welt's current physical condition was actually healthier and more comfortable than when the Core was whole.
After a period of further observation, if Welt deemed Ren completely trustworthy, he was willing to entrust even more Herrscher Core fragments to him.
He would let Ren "steal" from the Herrscher of Reason's Palace until the Core was adjusted to a perfect ratio that wouldn't overly burden his own body while also providing Ren's Phantom Thieves with formidable combat power.
"During our time in Nagazora City, can Tesla, Einstein, and I temporarily stay here, Ryoma? You should have many empty rooms, right?" Relaxing slightly, Welt addressed Ryoma Raiden, who had been standing meticulously behind him like an attendant.
"No problem, Sovereign. You can stay as long as you like," Ryoma Raiden replied without hesitation, though his eyes remained fixed on Ren's direction as he spoke.
"....." The true master of the Raiden residence has returned, and Cocolia has been forcibly reformed. Should I also go back to my own home?
Under Ryoma Raiden's silent yet inexplicably oppressive gaze, Ren, who hadn't felt this much pressure even when facing his direct superior Welt Yang, began to seriously consider whether he should end his cohabitation with Raiden Mei and return to his own home with Bronya and Cocolia.
The broken glass in Ren's home had long since been repaired. Though not as luxurious or spacious as the Raiden residence, it was perfectly fine for three people.
"Ahem, Ren, I have something I want to discuss with you about Kiana. Let's go to your room... Erm, Bronya, do you want to come too?" Noticing her father's gaze towards Ren becoming increasingly strange, Raiden Mei quickly coughed. She strode forward, took Ren's hand, and tried to lead him out of the living room.
Watching his daughter's fluid and practiced movements, Ryoma Raiden's already tense face became even more rigid.