Miss Riddler just wants to level up in peace.

The contradictions of reality are like two ends of a scale, constantly tilting, leaving her in a state of turmoil.

Last night she refused Ziyao's invitation to search for the gem, even though the anchor point would disappear today.

Because Seele is still here, the mark on her neck signifies that she is being manipulated.

She couldn't even sleep peacefully until all of this was resolved.

The immediate priority is to protect Seele.

Under the bright light, she held a test strip in her hand; the original white had turned slightly red.

She secretly obtained this from the Valkyrie in charge of the testing, and the result was obvious.

The room was very clean and tidy, with a faint fragrance, all thanks to Seele for cleaning.

I sat blankly in the chair, hoping the room would be filled with as much clutter as possible, making it look like an old, deserted house where no one would ever come in.

Outside, everything was bustling with activity, and the short hand moved directly overhead amidst the noise and ticking.

The air was very stuffy at midday, and before long, there was a knock on the door.

Bronya quickly got up, smoothed her skirt, and raised her index finger to shush Seele.

Then she walked to the door, first using the peephole to confirm who was outside, then slightly opened the door and pretended to cough a few times weakly.

"The bishop took time out of his busy schedule to see Bronya. Are you short-handed?"

"If you're sick, just rest well. We don't need you."

"Really... I thought it was for work."

The real intention was not in the wine; a look of disappointment flashed across the girl's beautiful eyes.

"Someone reported that you are harboring people who are trying to evade the test."

Durandal cut to the chase, her cold gaze looking down at him.

Ziyao shrugged helplessly and gave a subtle hint to the girl next to her. Bronya instantly understood everything.

Overseas, Mei and the others felt their hearts tighten simultaneously.

"Please come in. It's normal for you to have questions. I apologize for not informing you beforehand."

The girl hesitated for a moment, then made the same choice as Ziyao.

Upon entering the room, the window was still half-open, and a box behind the curtain contained a rope that had been prepared beforehand.

Bronya's pupils narrowed, while Seele remained obediently sitting on the bed, having not only changed her clothes but also put on the scarf that Ziyao had given her last night.

The girl felt the gaze and lowered her head, not daring to meet the eyes, staring at the little rabbit slippers on the ground.

"She's not feeling well..."

Bronya clutched her chest, trying to explain.

Seele didn't follow their agreed-upon plan, which explains why she hesitated when the topic came up.

My pulse was pounding and my neck felt hot.

It felt as if a huge rock was pressing down on my chest, pressing closer with each step, and each time I relaxed, the pressure became more and more oppressive, making it hard to breathe.

The last time I felt this way was when Ziyao, one of the old subordinates of Tianming, died protecting her...

Bronya didn't blame Seele; instead, she wanted to protect her.

"Thank you for reporting. Go back now."

Having confirmed the information was true and that there were indeed suspicious individuals in the apartment, Durandal nodded to the girl disguised as Gray Serpent.

"Captain Bronya, you are not allowed to cause her any trouble afterward. I will be overseeing this matter."

Then, she ordered Seele to stand up, her tone cold.

She believed that at this critical juncture, no oversight could be overlooked and personal feelings could not be tolerated.

The gray snake was taking advantage of this to try and drive the girls to their doom.

Their plan was obvious—to force Walter to show himself.

They abandoned their desire for the gems and turned their attention to Bronya, the chosen one.

...

The air underwent a subtle change.

With her at the center, power quietly gathers.

She couldn't stand idly by when she saw her friend in danger.

Just as she was about to act, a slightly cold hand grabbed her wrist.

"Don't move, it's not time yet."

"What did you say to Seele...?"

"Look below."

Ziyao prompted Bronya to look towards the window; the rope could only be lowered to the third floor.

Well, even if the rope is fine, she doesn't want the two of them to run away.

Outside the city lies a desolate wasteland, seemingly beyond the control of those who created this world.

She had a bad feeling that once they escaped the city, they would be at a complete disadvantage.

After listening to Ziyao's words, the girl went closer to the window to look and found that a group of Valkyries had already gathered downstairs.

If they run away, it will confirm that they have something wrong with them.

As for the rope, she didn't notice it at all.

"Thank you."

"I never expected that you would be the most reliable person."

Bronya turned around and grasped Ziyao's hand, her eyes sincere.

"Uh-huh...."

Ziyao didn't understand what was there to thank her for; from the height of the third floor, Xier could have easily jumped down.

Panic leads to confusion.

Bronya became aware of her current state.

Fortunately, I was reminded in time, otherwise I would have made an irreparable mistake.

So, what should we do now?

Durandal had scrutinized Seele thoroughly, and was about to discover the Honkai erosion reaction on her body.

If we don't act now, Seele will be taken away.

"Don't worry."

The girl behind her seemed to sense her wavering and gripped her hand tightly in response.

So Bronya did nothing and stayed by Ziyao's side.

Gray Snake remained calm, as if everything was under control.

Unexpectedly, Durandal examined the area for a long time but found no problems.

This time, not only Grey Serpent, but even Bronya was puzzled.

When she noticed the pink scarf, she immediately understood everything.

Volume 1: Chapter 199 An Unexpected Name

"Lady Durandal, could we send her for testing? I'm worried..."

Grey Serpent remained completely calm. If the Valkyries didn't even have this much ability to cope, then they weren't worth the Lord's intervention; he could handle it all by himself.

If the girls are driven to a dead end, Walter, who is hiding in the shadows, will surely come out.

I will not show favoritism to anyone.

Durandal gave an affirmative answer, which was exactly what Grey Serpent wanted.

If it were me, I definitely wouldn't help.

"In the quantum world," Cocolia said to Tesla.

From Walter's perspective, the danger level of someone who was worth the World Serpent going to such lengths to bring out, someone for whom Walter risked his life to stop... is self-evident.

But on the other hand, she also hoped that Walter would stand up and protect the girls, just as the World Serpent wanted.

In this way, after the World Serpent defeats him, it can fulfill its promise and bring Seele out of the ethereal sea.

"Dr. Tesla, is there any way to force everyone out of here?"

Mei clutched her chest, her eyes filled with worry.

In fact, she was very worried when Ziyao decided to enter the Quantum Sea, but out of respect for her wishes, she did not interfere.

If she had known it would be this dangerous, she should have stopped it in the first place.

The leader of the World Serpents, Welt, the leader of the Anti-Entropy Alliance and the Herrscher of Reason, was unable to defeat even Ryoma's superior. It would be far-fetched to ask several Valkyries to solve the problem.

"Humans, get out of the way. They're just a few insects."

"Big sister, please have mercy on me and understand my job."

Tesla, sitting at the control panel, was pale-faced. Kiana's golden eyes were staring at her, sending chills down her spine.

Although Herrscher of the Void's abilities are well-suited, she would only make things more complicated in the current situation.

"I've already contacted Chicken Coop Head."

"Once the anchor point door is opened, those World Serpent bastards will run out too, damn it."

"I am only responsible for solving technical problems and ensuring your travel. Please do not add any more difficult work for me, Dr. Tesla."

A reassuringly languid voice came through the microphone, and Theresa was beside her.

The two of them were kept out of the spotlight and did almost nothing.

But this time is different. If she chooses to leave by force, Theresa decides to use Judas to hold off the so-called Lord of the World Serpent, even if it means damaging this sacred relic.