Honkai Diary: Start With Picking Up A White-Haired Treasure

At the heart of the City in the Sky lay a breathtaking garden. Perched high above, amidst scenic pavilions offering panoramic views of the entire base, it served as a sacred sanctuary for Valkyries to relax, rejuvenate, and enjoy dates.

Today, this typically public area had been reserved exclusively.

Yet, there were no complaints, as the one securing the reservation was none other than the esteemed archbishop—Otto Apocalypse himself.

In truth, what Otto should have been doing was arranging reinforcements for the Oceania Branch.

However, upon considering the personnel there, he found not a single intriguing face among them.

On the other hand, his best friend Zeke had arrived with homemade pastries—a rare treat indeed. Have you ever had a friend visit bearing delicacies they personally crafted? After five centuries, this was Otto's first such experience.

Moreover, given Zeke's strategic acumen, his presence here indicated that the broader situation was largely settled, leaving little room for significant change. Additionally, with Zeke stationed at Headquarters and accompanied by an unknown number of worker bees, could Otto afford to let him out of sight?

With great decisiveness, Otto chose to let go of matters concerning the Oceania Branch—this was such a harmless fish that even Amber wouldn't object.

"Ahem!"

Otto led Zeke to the pavilion with the best view and pointed at the majestic City in the Sky, saying, "What do you think of my meticulously crafted city?"

"It's beautiful."

"That's all you have to say?"

"Well, what else should I tell you? That it looks like an enormous target, too conspicuous for its own good?"

The corner of Otto's mouth twitched, but before he could respond, Durandal interjected from beside them:

"Lord Zeke, your assessment is misguided! The City of Air houses the world's most elite Valkyrie forces, equipped with advanced defense and offensive systems. Furthermore, Director Otto himself oversees operations here. Globally speaking, there is no safer place than this."

Having moved past Rita's breach of confidentiality, freed from that burden, Durandal reverted to her overly serious mindset. Her rebuttal carried unmistakable disapproval.

Durandal's words fell without eliciting much reaction from Otto or Zeke. Instead, it left Rita breaking out in cold sweat.

"My sincerest apologies! Lady Durandal can be quite blunt; she meant no offense. Please forgive her, Lord Zeke," Rita bowed apologetically.

As for Otto... Durandal had rebuked him multiple times over various matters, so it was hardly significant.

Durandal glanced at Rita and realized this conversation involved high-ranking officials. Despite being an S-rank Valkyrie, she indeed lacked the authority to interject recklessly.

With that understanding, Durandal also bowed her head earnestly and said, "My deepest apologies; I should not have interrupted your discussion, esteemed lords. It was presumptuous of me, please let Lord Bishop and Lord Zeke administer appropriate discipline."

"No worries, Zeke doesn't mind such trivialities."

"Indeed, no problem. I quite appreciate her straightforwardness," Otto and Zeke responded in turn.

Subsequently, they both took their seats across from each other at the tea table.

Amber set out the teaware and began brewing with practiced grace. Her beautiful appearance, save for her somewhat cold expression, made for a truly pleasing sight.

Durandal positioned herself behind Otto.

Rita stood behind Zeke—she ideally should have joined Durandal, but since she still held Zeke's picnic basket, etiquette dictated she couldn't stray too far until he allowed her to put it down.

Otto, likewise unconcerned about such details, smiled warmly at Zeke and asked:

"My dear friend, it's rare for you to visit Headquarters. Is there something specific that brought you here?"

"Didn't I write it in the System? Just sightseeing and dropping by for tea with you."

"...I thought you were joking around."

"I was indeed, but could you have stopped me from coming? So here I am whenever I feel like it."

Zeke responded nonchalantly, as if he weren't an Enforcer of Anti-Entropy but rather one of Schicksal's high-ranking officers, just like Otto had read in the tampered information.

Zeke raised his teacup, gesturing a toast toward Otto.

Otto smiled; this scene felt familiar, akin to their frequent video calls.

In response, he also lifted his cup, and both men took a sip simultaneously.

"Excellent tea," Zeke couldn't help but praise. Not only were the leaves top-notch, but the person brewing it had perfectly mastered the water temperature and steeping time. This impressed Zeke, prompting him to glance at Amber with admiration.

A loyal and competent secretary with exceptional tea-making skills—Zeke began contemplating recruiting her.

"It is truly an honor to receive Lord Zeke's approval," Amber said, bowing with the same level of respect she showed Otto when interacting externally. She subtly sensed that Zeke might be the next archbishop, Otto's successor.

Otto waved his hand to draw Zeke's attention back to him and said, "The Oceania Branch has gone radio silent—did you know?"

Both men were well aware that this was Zeke's doing, and they understood each other's intentions.

But what could Otto do? After all, it was Zeke who had concocted the identity of the branch director for Oceania.

Now, Otto eagerly awaited Zeke's response. Would he feign shock or boldly demand reinforcements despite knowing the truth? Either way, it promised to be quite entertaining!

However, Zeke merely nodded nonchalantly. "I'm aware. Anti-Entropy did it—they've taken the Gem of Desire."

"Ahem!" Otto choked on his breath.

Wait, not shocked? And why so blunt? How am I supposed to respond now?

"...So, why haven't you retrieved it then?"

"Welt is there; I wouldn't dare," Zeke replied with a slight frown, sounding genuinely apprehensive.

What is a Herrscher? A natural disaster, an embodiment of Honkai, and a colossal threat capable of destroying civilizations. While there were indeed a few monstrous individuals who could treat regular Herrschers as mere underlings, from a rational standpoint—it's entirely reasonable to say: facing a Herrscher means certain defeat, hence one would naturally hesitate to engage.

The corner of Otto's mouth twitched again.

It's clear you two are working together; even Amber knows it! How shameless can you be to say such things?

Durandal's eyes lit up—this was her cue to speak.

"Director Otto, Lord Zeke, Durandal requests permission to engage. I shall surely defeat the First Herrscher and reclaim the Gem of Desire for both of you!"

Otto stared at him sideways, unimpressed... →_→

Zeke returned the gaze, equally unmoved... ←_←

For a moment, they locked eyes.

Then, with a smile, Otto responded, "That's not a bad idea. As someone highly regarded among our Valkyries, Durandal certainly has the capability. What do you think, Zeke?"

"No need. The gem will ultimately...end up in my possession," Zeke managed to choke out, speechless.

This plan was his creation; there was no way he'd let anyone else claim the prize!

Standing behind Zeke, Rita couldn't help but clench her hands tightly. Anti-Entropy had stolen the Gem of Desire, yet as the branch director of Oceania, Zeke confidently asserted that it would eventually fall into his hands. Instantly, a series of conspiracy theories flooded Rita's mind.

As expected, another crafty old... ahem, wise and far-sighted individual like Director Otto.

Is this Schicksal's true depth? No one can ever know how many hidden secrets lurk within this ancient and colossal organization.

Feeling as though he had gained some ground in their conversation, Otto's smile grew broader. He shot an approving glance at Durandal, who often enjoyed giving him a hard time, then turned to Zeke.

"It seems you've already planned everything out, so I won't interfere."

"Indeed."

"So, could the Gem of Desire contribute to your theory?"

"It might or might not; I'm uncertain. But it is a Herrscher Core, after all, so it deserves thorough investigation. If we achieve any results, it would bolster our strength against Honkai," Zeke asserted confidently.

Anti-Entropy was also an organization combating Honkai. Strengthening Anti-Entropy effectively enhanced the overall resistance against Honkai—there was nothing objectionable about that.

Otto gave him a look, took a leisurely sip of his tea, and said, "I see... Well, I'll leave it up to you."

Zeke nodded.

He understood; this meant Otto had let go of his fixation. To Otto, the possibility of resurrection was most precious. Compared to that, parting with a Herrscher Core he didn't particularly value—especially if it went to Zeke—didn't seem like much of a sacrifice.

With a wave, Zeke gestured towards Rita, who carried a picnic basket, and said,

"I made these pastries myself. Would you care to try some?"

"Absolutely!" Otto enthusiastically replied, eyes sparkling as reality mirrored a scene from his etiquette guidebook.

By giving a friend the Gem of Desire, she reciprocated with homemade treats—a clear sign their friendship had indeed deepened!

"You should sit down too and join us for a taste. Durandal, especially, I promised earlier to treat you if you helped with my tests," Zeke invited the three beautiful ladies, each with their unique charm.

Otto smiled, feeling a sense of accomplishment in advancing their friendship further.

No harm done, the book mentioned that what truly matters is the gesture itself. Sharing the pastries, on the contrary, is insignificant.

With both hosts extending invitations, the three guests exchanged glances and graciously took their seats.

"Mm, delicious! Your culinary skills are impressive."

"Thank you."

"So, you must stay overnight tonight—I've already prepared a room for you."

"That works for me; I have plenty to discuss with you as well. Staying for several days wouldn't be a problem."

Zeke and Otto enjoyed snacks while engaging in conversation until nightfall, behaving like genuinely close friends without any hint of discord.