*Chapter 33: Welt, Are You Rebuilding St. Freya Academy? !*

Silver Wolf felt her entire world collapsing.

That voice was clearly her own vocal tone, even mimicking the subtle, habitual pauses only she and those closest to her could detect, perfectly.

This was even more terrifying than simple physical control; even her vocal characteristics had been perfectly replicated !

On the other screen, Kafka seemed to be in a room. The background featured deep red velvet curtains, classical-style furniture, and various firearms hanging on the wall.

She leaned against a soft sofa, her posture languid and elegant. Her long, wine-red hair cascaded casually over her shoulders, her lips painted with exquisite wine-red lipstick. A few unruly strands fell across her smooth forehead, her signature pink eyes carrying a charming smile.

She wore a coat draped over her shoulders, revealing glimpses of her collarbones. Underneath, wine-red straps added a touch of allure. Wine-red stockings encased her thighs, showcasing perfect curves down to her slender ankles. Her feet were bare, her jade-white toes slightly curled, exuding a lazy sensuality. Twin pistols were holstered at her waist.

She looked fully ready, just needing to put on shoes before heading out.

Stelle, standing behind Silver Wolf, felt this person looked very familiar. The name "Kafka" popped into her mind.
But she still couldn't remember if she had met her in reality.

"Why the sudden video call?" Jiang Liang asked through Silver Wolf's mouth, mimicking her voice.

On the screen, Kafka's gaze seemed to linger on Silver Wolf's face for a few seconds. She tilted her head slightly, silky wine-red hair sliding down her shoulder, her tone still languid and captivating. "Nothing really, just a little worried about you ~ After all, you said you ran into trouble earlier. I was ready to head over, then you suddenly said you were safe. I got a bit concerned. Seeing my cute little Silver Wolf directly via video is more reassuring, isn't it? Your face does look a little pale. Are you really okay?"

"I'm fine ! Stop talking in that tone, it's kinda gross," Jiang Liang-as-Silver Wolf replied.

"As long as you're really okay," Kafka on the screen seemed finally relieved, her smile becoming gentler. "So where are you now? Need me to come pick you up?"

Silver Wolf heard her own voice reply in an incredibly natural tone: "I'm almost at the Simulated Universe exit. It's a bit roundabout, but I can handle it myself. No need to trouble you to make the trip."

"Hilarious. See? There's even a Herta puppet next to me."
Saying this, 'Silver Wolf' changed the video chat angle so Kafka could see Herta.

"Itching for another round, huh?" Herta's face darkened when she heard this from the side.
She knew it was Stelle controlling Silver Wolf, but when did this person become so disrespectful? Casually dragging her into the conversation?
Oh wait, she wasn't very respectful from the start.
Okay, never mind then.

"Alright then, I won't disturb you. Be careful," Kafka's voice remained gentle, with an imperceptible hint of amusement. "Come out soon, okay? I'll hang up first."

No ! Don't hang up !
Look at me ! Look closely at me, Kafka !
I'm not me !

Unlike the relieved Kafka, Silver Wolf felt her vision darken.
It's over.
Completely over.
Is it too late to beg for mercy using my former teammate status?

Silver Wolf could clearly see the minute folds in her own fingertip's skin as it pressed down, could hear the soft electronic beep signifying the end of the call.

Beep.

As her fingertip fell, the communication screen instantly went dark. Kafka's gentle face and the warm room background behind her vanished, leaving only a cold, dark reflection showing Silver Wolf's expressionless face, her eyes hollow as if devoid of all light.

It was all over.
Her defeat was about to be broadcast.

"So," Herta questioned Jiang Liang, "The current situation... you're controlling her, right? How did you do it? A special ability of the Stellaron that wasn't discovered?"

"Proprietary patent," Jiang Liang replied without looking at Herta, making Silver Wolf close the chat screen.

How annoying. Herta got the feeling of 'You don't know, so there's no need to explain it to you.'
It felt somewhat familiar.
Oh, that's how she treats her researchers too.
Okay, never mind then.

"Alright, since it's confirmed you're the one behind this mess, how should we deal with her next? Don't tell me you're thinking of handing her over to the IPC for the bounty?" Herta cut straight to the point.

"Let me state first, the Stellaron Hunter bounty isn't that easy to claim. The process is annoyingly complicated. Just the identity verification and report submission are enough to run your legs off. Most importantly, this kind of high bounty usually requires the captor to appear in person for confirmation, maybe even accept interviews from a bunch of interstellar media, answering all sorts of boring questions. Do you want to become famous and then be harassed by a bunch of weirdos? Tsk. That would be quite the spectacle."

"Besides, you know what the Stellaron Hunters are like. If they find out Silver Wolf was caught by the Corporation, they'll 100% cause a huge prison break commotion. Then a pile of trouble will land on the space station. I have no interest in cleaning up your mess."
Herta's tone was clearly impatient, obviously detesting the potential chaos. The subtext was clear: Don't cause trouble for me, and don't cause trouble for yourself.

She didn't want to deal with these things in the first place; the Stellaron Hunters came looking for trouble themselves. Her original attitude was just 'don't come back next time.'
But the Stellaron Hunters had slapped her face repeatedly. Maybe I'll vent this frustration on Silver Wolf later.

"Wait ! I have something to say !" Silver Wolf interjected from the side, her gaze crystal clear. "Since you're not sending me to the IPC for bounty, nor sending me to prison, can I stay at the Herta Space Station and work? Your firewall is so easy to invade, and this Simulated Universe definitely needs my help ! Just don't keep me like this !"

She was completely docile now.
Well, not that docile.
If I can stay at the station and not be immobilized like this, sooner or later Kafka will realize something's wrong and come rescue me.
She provoked Herta so much earlier; Herta will surely agree to this condition to save face. She looks eager right now. Then I'll just secretly slip away later and never encounter these two again.

"But I refuse," Jiang Liang, standing beside her like a husky, unexpectedly spoke first, not Herta.

"Why would you think you're staying at Herta Space Station?"

"Then where am I going?" Silver Wolf asked subconsciously.

On the train's Parlor Car, Welt Yang was looking at his phone when suddenly a message popped up, making him frown deeply.
Following the message was a group photo. He tapped it gently.

Stelle and a petite girl with silver ponytails, looking very familiar, stood together. The silver-haired girl had a bright smile, making 'V' signs with both hands beside her cheeks.
That silver-haired girl looked just like the Bronya he knew.
Welt had seen this person on an IPC wanted poster before.

"'What do you mean, I brought back a Stellaron Hunter?'" he muttered subconsciously.