"Amber, have the injury statistics been compiled?"
"The core-triggered uprising did indeed cause rather widespread Honkai incidents. However, since Lady Cecilia's purification was exceptionally timely, and both our side and Anti-Entropy had previously evacuated the civilians from the Siberian region, there weren't any major casualties this time."
At this point, Amber's voice paused. "The only contamination... seems to have come from the Honkai energy fission bombs we launched."
"No matter. That area was uninhabited anyway. We can leave this kind of contamination for the local branch in Siberia to handle slowly later."
Otto flipped through the report in his hand as he spoke. "What about the casualties in the Snowwolf Squad?"
"[Frost Swordmaiden] Cheng Lixue and [The Baptist] Salome Jokanaan survived the battle, and their injuries aren't too severe. They require recuperation. While [The Wiz] Patricia Highsmith was seriously wounded, she did not return to Schicksal. Judging from the scene, she likely defected to Anti-Entropy."
"She was originally from Anti-Entropy. Strictly speaking, it doesn't count as defection."
Otto took a gentle sip of red wine. "Leave her be. Just process it as a normal resignation. There's no need for any subsequent sanctions against her family or friends either. We've suffered significant losses this time; our external policies should be appropriately more lenient."
"Understood, I've noted it."
Amber nodded and continued. "Next are the two missing members. One is [Solar Prominence] Shigure Kira, the other is [Daughter of Chaos] Shub-Niggurath. The reason for their disappearance is unknown, but based on the scene, it appears they were caught in Sirin's indiscriminate attack and pulled into the Imaginary Space."
"Then shelve it for now. If there's no news within a month, process them as martyrs... Although Shigure Kira's chances of survival are slim, Shub-Niggurath certainly has a possibility of being alive. We just don't know if she can find the coordinates back to our native world."
Otto thought for a moment. "Still, the chance that they both survived isn't zero. It depends on whether the existence residing within Miss Kira is willing to lend a hand... In any case, regarding the whereabouts of these two, just inform the other Snowwolf Squad members truthfully. Let the one who defected to Anti-Entropy know as well. There's no need for us to create obstacles in such matters."
"What about Lady Theresa..."
"Not her. She's not mature enough yet. Exposing her to the truth now would likely only backfire."
Otto shook his head slightly. "I will personally use the Fenghuang Down to alter her memories. You don't need to concern yourself with this matter. By the way, how is the salvage operation for the Soulium bodies progressing?"
"The situation is poor. Eighty percent of the Soulium bodies were directly scrapped. Considering that Miss Lynelle's attack might not have been a simple, one-off event, from a safety perspective, it's best not to directly repair the damaged bodies. Therefore, we have only preserved the absolutely irreplaceable Soulium. The remaining materials need to be repurchased and remanufactured."
"So..."
"So, this is Schicksal's annual financial report for this year, and the economic recovery plan for the next fifteen years."
Under Otto's cold-sweat gaze, Amber expressionlessly handed several documents to him.
"Am-Amber... About these projects you're cutting..."
"First, the various strange experiments you've invested in, originally intended as long-shot gambles, similar to the Babylon project group. However, Schicksal can no longer afford to waste funds so extravagantly. Therefore, unless you provide a clear research direction and rationale, these project groups need to be entirely cut."
"Th-That... I have no objection. Then..."
"The second is the development funding for Kallen Fantasy."
In Otto's utterly dead-eyed stare, Amber mercilessly pronounced the death sentence for Kallen Fantasy. "For at least the next twenty years, you need not consider developing a sequel for Kallen Fantasy."
"No—!"
Otto let out an exaggerated wail. "Amber, if we wait twenty years, Kallen Fantasy's popularity will fade into complete obscurity!"
"Indeed. So..." Amber said seriously, "If you can manage to cover Schicksal's financial shortfall within a few years, then I naturally won't interfere with your little hobby, of course."
"Naturally, if you were willing to debut as an idol, these funds could probably be secured rather quickly..."
"Let's forget that then," Otto immediately vetoed the proposal. "But you've reminded me, Amber. How about... we revive the Magical Girl Teriri project?"
--+--
Meanwhile, in another world, Lynelle, still unaware of the immense "psychological trauma" she had inflicted upon Otto, sat beside Herta with an expectant look, obediently gazing at the various experimental data on the screen that she couldn't understand at all.
For the past half system hour, Herta had first conducted a thorough head-to-toe physical examination of Lynelle, then had her tentatively use her Herrscher of Corruption authority.
After collecting sufficient data, Herta entered her work mode, constantly consulting materials and data, comparing them against the information gathered from Lynelle.
Although she didn't understand what the data meant, from the way Herta kept looking at her with that 'rare animal' kind of gaze, Lynelle could roughly guess that her situation was rather unusual.
"Haa..."
After nearly a full system hour of review, Herta finally leaned back, ending her work mode.
"Herta, Herta, what are the results?"
"Hold on, let me sort this out for myself first."
Herta turned around, her shapely legs clad in grey stockings crossing elegantly, and studied Lynelle thoughtfully, as if pondering some question.
A moment later, Herta finished her contemplation and looked at Lynelle.
"To be honest, you... have indeed brought me a very big surprise."
"I know you have many questions. So, how about this: I'll first explain the important parts, and then you can ask me anything you don't understand. Okay?"
Lynelle immediately nodded.
"Alright, first, your Herrscher core... If the 'background' you previously explained to me is correct, then the biggest surprise this thing gives me is actually the fact that you can still use your authority normally here."
Herta pinched the bridge of her nose, looking somewhat weary.
"I know you might not fully grasp what I mean by that. So, let's start with the conclusion."
"That system of yours... for your core, essentially serves the function of the 'Cocoon' you mentioned. Or rather, it has replaced the Cocoon's function."
Lynelle: "?"
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--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 2 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
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