Chapter 61 Chapter 61: An Old Friend Named Otto
Chapter 61: An Old Friend Named Otto
"So, as long as we agree not to interfere with the final outcome of this civilization, you don't intend to fight us, correct?"
Even now, Welt, far away on the Astral Express, couldn't completely let down his guard against Kevin. After all, the proverb 'once bitten, twice shy' holds some truth.
And he had to admit one thing the other party said was right... As outsiders whose strength and technological means far surpass this planet's, even if they harbor no ill intentions, their perspective on things is inevitably condescending.
But they are also human. They cannot meticulously attend to the feelings and life-or-death situations of every single person on this planet. As Kevin said, they are not here to be babysitters, nor can they be.
"Correct."
Facing Welt's question, Kevin nodded without hesitation.
"Alright, I can agree to this condition." Welt also nodded but then continued, "However, if the children on the Astral Express encounter any danger, we will absolutely choose to intervene and help, even if it means becoming your enemy again..."
Welt fully adopted the posture of a negotiator, but before he could finish, Kevin interrupted him in a different tone: "Do you not even trust your own children?"
"...What?"
"I choose to believe in them. I believe those children can rely on themselves to resolve the difficulties on this planet. They should also believe more in themselves, not in something else."
Since the final battle against Finality, Kevin had also gained a new perspective on so-called bonds and convictions. But if he wanted these children to grow up healthy and strong, they should at least first realize... that for them, the most reliable things are always themselves and their companions.
If they always think that no matter what crisis they encounter, some parent figure will be there to bail them out... how could they truly grow amidst adversity?
"..."
Welt fell slightly silent. He felt that this guy seemed truly different from when he first met him. He no longer seemed like a machine living solely for the directive of [eradicating Honkai], but a real human being with flesh and blood.
"Alright, let's temporarily set aside this topic. Of course, I have other very important things I want to ask you... The reason you appeared here, is it because those children have broken through the seal of the 'Cocoon'? Welt... Yang."
This was a very important question. Even though Kevin had now left his original world, that didn't mean he would ignore the world that countless comrades had sacrificed so much to save.
The issue concerning the 'Cocoon' was equally important. After all, according to the final speculation... it was actually a tool created by some advanced civilization and deployed into the branches of the 'Imaginary Tree' to intercept the flow of Imaginary energy. If its seal was broken, it meant their world would likely connect with this vast and unknown universe.
Whether this would attract unknown dangers was actually secondary; a mature civilization must learn to survive in this cruel world.
But what about that advanced civilization that deployed the 'Cocoon' into the 'Imaginary branches'? Would they sense this? Or do something else... All of this remained unknown. And for humanity, the unknown is the most terrifying thing.
What kind of civilization could possibly intercept the flow of the 'Imaginary Tree' that creates countless worlds? Kevin couldn't imagine.
Could those majestic beings known as 'Aeons' accomplish such a feat? Kevin couldn't imagine that either.
Even though he was immensely powerful compared to a civilization like Belobog, his existence was still minuscule relative to the broader universe. It was like how an ant naturally cannot distinguish which is more formidable between a lion and a tiger.
"No, humanity is still hundreds of years away from fully mastering Honkai Energy. The reason I came here was simply because Void Archives opened a star gate and I stumbled through by chance... I still cannot find a beacon to return home. The seal of the 'Cocoon' still exists."
"...Void Archives?"
Welt's answer barely allowed Kevin to set aside his worries, but another familiar name once again stirred his memories.
When the Previous Era completely ended, this so-called First Divine Key, capable of storing all knowledge, wasn't even finished yet... Kevin truly witnessed its power on a man named Otto.
He was a truly intelligent man. Given enough time, Kevin wouldn't have doubted for a second that he could find a way to completely expel or even masterfully utilize Honkai.
But deep down, he never truly placed combating Honkai among his goals. He continuously sought to understand Honkai only to try and save the person he loved...
Otto Apocalypse. This man was undoubtedly extremely selfish. He was so selfish he cared only about his own thoughts. If the only way to save that person in his heart was to burn the entire world to ashes, Kevin believed he wouldn't hesitate for a moment.
But Kevin actually envied him. Envied his selfishness... Because Kevin knew very well that he himself was also a selfish person, yet he couldn't be as purely selfish as that guy.
Kevin also knew very well that his reason for choosing to save the world wasn't due to any lofty ideals or ambitions. He might indeed be a kind person, but his ordinary kindness fell far short of being able to embrace the entire world.
The so-called reason for saving the world... was merely to follow in her footsteps, for the hopes of his comrades-in-arms, for his promise to her...
"So, Void Archives has also arrived in this universe?"
"Correct. But due to our differing philosophies, he has run away. Somewhere in this vast universe. But I cannot find him."
"...Ran away?"
Upon hearing this answer, Kevin undoubtedly froze for a moment. It seems no one initially expected that this Divine Key could develop its own will.
"Then, do the abilities belonging to a Herrscher still remain with you?"
The question Kevin suddenly raised next made Welt inexplicably tense up (lit. "his chrysanthemum tightened"). He immediately furrowed his brows and replied, "Why do you ask that?"
"Nothing much. Just... after being apart for so long... I occasionally miss my old friends."
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