CHAPTER 96: ICISEI EPISODE 96

Episode 96: Great plans people talk about, but cannot see them completed with their own eyes.

『 At this moment, as if touched by a certain word, Cecilia suddenly became excited:

"That’s right! Speaking of youth, the school must have a large swimming pool!"

"How about building it by the sea or on an island? We can play in the water in the summer," Theresa suggested.

This made Cecilia look forward to it even more:

"Mhm, not only outdoor activities, but also claw machines, arcades, and an amusement park. I think amusement parks are super fun."

"Won’t that affect your studies?" Theresa calmly interrupted her beautiful vision.

Her dream shattered, Cecilia widened her captivating eyes, appearing somewhat at a loss:

"Huh? Really?"

Seeing Cecilia’s confusion, Theresa made a suggestion: "If it’s only open on weekends, then it can be considered."

Normally, as students, they naturally had to learn all sorts of knowledge.

However, once the weekend arrived, they, as students, were supposed to have some time to rest.

Therefore, this suggestion was also very reasonable and realistic.

Even Cecilia, who hadn’t quite figured this out, quickly agreed.

"Haha, now that you mention it, it does make sense."....

Compared to her own idea, Theresa’s statement seemed superior. 』

『 .....』

~Dimensional livestream, Chat Room~

[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Exactly, resting well after being busy is also very important." ]

[ Raiden Mei (Honkai: Impact Third): "No wonder our academy was built here, it was because of that sentence back then." ]

[ Kiana (Honkai: Impact Third): "Hee, hee, hee, this is so good." ]

[ Saitama (One Punch Man): "So good." ]

[ Professor Agasa (Detective Conan): "Speaking of which, it’s been a while since I went to the beach. How about we go after watching this live broadcast?" ]

[ Haibara Ai (Detective Conan): "Why does it feel like we were just there not long ago? Is it my illusion?" ]

[ .....]

『 However, after things were settled, Cecilia brought up another matter: "To be honest, I just want them to have their own lives, lives that are not tainted by work, not mixed with anything else, lives where they can live more happily with all their heart."

"Even Valkyries of the Schicksal must see the world with their own eyes, at their own pace, truly and comprehensively."

"I also hope that in the future, they can control their own destinies and choose what they want to protect."

"I hope that when they recite their vows, beautiful memories will surge in their hearts."

"They should truly understand the meaning of those words, not just say them out loud."

And Cecilia, who had just said this, lived a life isolated from the world in her childhood.

As mentioned earlier, until she met Siegfried, and through the experience of that incident a few years ago,

it was only then that Cecilia came to understand the various beauties of the world.

All these changes began with her encounters with Siegfried.

From that moment on, Cecilia set a small goal in her heart:

To let the Valkyries she could help live at least like ordinary people, as a way of giving herself an explanation.

Thus, the plan for the Far East Branch Academy came into being.

This plan also benefited from the help of her friend, Theresa, the granddaughter of the Archbishop of the Schicksal.

After the matter was settled, Cecilia began to look forward to the plan that was about to be implemented.

But she didn’t know yet that in the future, she would not have the opportunity to be a teacher at this academy.

Instead, Theresa, who was reluctant now, would later take on the role of head of the academy.

Was this a coincidence, or the arrangement of fate?

Theresa had already begun to accept Cecilia’s ideas; she just hadn’t realized it herself.

"What we need to do then is to witness and protect these, right?"

As elders, they had to pave the way for their juniors and watch them grow.

Until one day, they could stand on their own and move forward safely, then the guardians could rest assured and let go.

"Mhm, you’re right," Cecilia turned back to the topic, "Theresa, it’s okay if you don’t want to be a teacher!"

"Why are you bringing this up again?" Theresa looked at Cecilia with confusion.

Didn’t she refuse just now? Why bring it up again?

Perhaps misunderstanding, Cecilia quickly explained:

"I hope you can make time to occasionally come and see Kiana and also her classmates."

"I’m confident you’ll be greatly surprised when that time comes."

"Haha, then I look forward to that day," Theresa said, looking forward to it. Suddenly, she remembered something and asked Cecilia:

"But, such a special school, and it’s called the Far East Branch Affiliated Academy, doesn’t that lack a certain flair? Aren’t you planning to give it a unique name?"

After all, such a wonderful plan deserves a resounding name, doesn’t it?

If it were to be called "Far East Branch Affiliated Academy," it just didn’t seem to fit Cecilia’s style.

It was just an ordinary high school under the Schicksal.

Hearing this question, Cecilia suddenly realized: "Oh! Now that you mention it, it does make sense. But what should we teach?"

"Hmm, that needs some careful consideration."

"How about calling it St. Freya Academy? It sounds like a name full of youthful spirit."

And so, the future academy where Herrschers congregated, with its unique name, was decided. 』

『 .....』

~Dimensional livestream, Chat Room~

[ Fu Hua (Honkai: Impact Third) "So this is the naming process of St. Freya Academy." ]

[ Himeko Murata (Honkai: Impact Third): "No wonder our academy has this name, it turns out it was Ms. Cecilia’s idea back then." ]

[ Himeko Murata (Honkai: Impact Third): "It’s indeed very good." ]

[ Theresa (Honkai: Impact Third): "That’s right, I also came to this academy to fulfill Cecilia’s wish, and of course, I brought you along." ]

[ Himeko Murata (Honkai: Impact Third): "Thank you, my Dean." ]

[ The Doctor ⦍12th⦎ (Doctor Who): "But the proposer of such a great plan did not witness its completion." ]

[ Haibara Ai (Detective Conan): "Doctor, isn’t it a bit inappropriate to say that at this moment?" ]

[ The Doctor ⦍12th⦎ (Doctor Who): "Oh, oh, I’m very sorry." ]

[ Theresa (Honkai: Impact Third): "....." ]

[ .....]

『 The scene shifted back to the battlefield.

Theresa floated in mid-air, tightly gripping Judgement, gazing at the gradually forming giant gear, and softly murmured:

"Just as you said, Cecilia."

"The students of St. Freya have become strong beyond our wildest imagination."

"They can now control their own destinies, choose to protect what they love in their hearts, and even if they are scattered across different places, they will firmly march towards tomorrow."

"Although the students of St. Freya often cause all sorts of trouble, your view is correct, Cecilia."

"This is a future that is completely different from ours."

"This is precisely the future we should protect."

Theresa let out a long sigh and clenched the Oath of Judah:

"Judah, my old friend, I have always believed you are omnipotent, so...."

"This time, please help me one more time!"

With that said, Judgement rapidly unfolded in Theresa’s hand, and a strange energy erupted from Judgement’s Oath.

"Oath of Judah, Zero-Rated Power!"

"Divine Prayer Barrier, positioning... Deploy!"

Following Theresa’s immature yet firm voice, massive energy rippled around her, surging towards the giant gear in the sky.

The two immense forces met, and instead of exploding or vibrating, they miraculously canceled each other out.

Soon, the gear in the sky seemed to have exhausted its strength and slowly vanished.

At this moment, without the escort of the Authority’s restraint, Otto’s church, that is, was exposed nakedly to everyone’s sight. 』

『 .....』

~Dimensional livestream, Chat Room~

[ March 7th (Honkai: Star Rail): "Great! This thing is finally gone." ]

[ Ex-Aid (Kamen Rider): "Although that’s what I say, this Miss Theresa seems to be..." ]

[

Kiriya Kuyo (Kamen Rider): "Looking at her, she seems to be on her last legs." ]

[ Poppy Pipopapo (Kamen Rider): "Say less." ]

[ Theresa (Honkai: Impact Third): "I am very happy with this ending of mine, and I will be reunited with Cecilia." ]

[ Kiana (Honkai: Impact Third): "Auntie, no!!!" ]

[ Theresa (Honkai: Impact Third): "Alright, alright, I’m not dead yet." ]

[ Otto (Honkai: Impact Third): "My granddaughter Theresa, how could your Grandpa Otto let you be in danger? I will make arrangements." ]

[ Theresa (Honkai: Impact Third): "But, I’m completely exhausted now, who else could it be?" ]

[ Otto (Honkai: Impact Third): "Perhaps, it’s someone you know?" ]

[ .....]

『 Thus, Theresa Apocalypse, the former S-rank Valkyrie of the Schicksal, achieved her victory.

The price was that all her strength suddenly disappeared, and she plummeted to the ground like a withered leaf.

Before the extremely weak Theresa, a light suddenly flashed, illuminating her.

In the light, she felt a familiar and powerful energy, the energy of a friend she had met not long ago.

"Cecilia..." Theresa softly uttered the name.

Unexpectedly, someone actually appeared in the light, but it wasn’t Cecilia that Theresa had in mind.

It was an existence that surprised everyone - the holder of the Black Abyss White Flower, who had recently been declared missing - Durandal.

She was dressed in splendor and appeared behind Theresa, gently picking her up:

"I’m sorry, I was delayed by something earlier."

"Theresa."

With an apology, Durandal landed gracefully.

Then, the Black Abyss White Flower in the distance seemed to be summoned and quickly returned to her hand.

The moment she obtained the weapon, Durandal immediately unleashed the power that this weapon was meant to possess.

"I am the darkness of the abyss. I am the light of the clouds."

"I existed before the creation of the world, and I will remain after all things perish. I wish to give the Spring of Life to the thirsty to drink without compensation."

"Divine Key - Black Abyss White Flower, Zero Rated Power... Release!"

Waves of healing energy surged towards the weakened Theresa.

Soon, Theresa, who was on the verge of death, showed some recovery, but due to excessive consumption, one treatment was not enough to fully restore her. 』

『 .....』

~Dimensional livestream, Chat Room~

[ Natasha (Honkai: Star Rail): "Miss Theresa’s injuries are still quite serious, but she is no longer in mortal danger." ]

[ Durandal (Honkai: Impact Third): "After all, it was caused by that dangerous thing. One treatment cannot directly restore her, and it will take some time in the end." ]

[ Himeko (Honkai: Star Rail): "However, it seems you have lost another combat power." ]

[ Himeko (Honkai: Impact Third): "I feel like this is a setup by Otto, step by step, to make you lose combat power outside the church, but not die." ]

[ Bronya (Honkai: Star Rail): "But, what is the meaning of this?" ]

[ Seele (Honkai: Star Rail): "Could it be that something is brewing inside that cannot be stopped?" ]

[ .....]

『 After the initial treatment, Durandal’s gaze turned to Seele, who was holding Bronya not far away...

"You are Miss Seele Vollerei, right?"

"Yes, yes. Then, who are you? Valkyrie Durandal?" Seele looked at the beautiful woman timidly.

Durandal’s eyes showed satisfaction, and she gently raised the Black Abyss White Flower.

"Mhm, it seems the Black Abyss White Flower has a good impression of its new owner."

This simple sentence made Seele think that her previous use of the weapon had displeased the original owner, Durandal.

"No, I just wanted to save Sister Bronya."

Just as she was about to apologize further, Durandal casually said:

"It’s okay, the White Flower is a special weapon for saving lives and healing the injured. I hope it can help more people in this situation."

"For example, can the task of taking care of Senior Theresa be entrusted to you? Her injuries are special and require a longer time to fully recover."

As she spoke, she handed a separated part of the White Flower to Seele.

"Mhm, of course, I’ll leave it to Seele," Seele said firmly, "She is our head of the academy."

"Then I’ll trouble you," looking at this resilient girl, Durandal recalled a saying she had heard:

The gentlest child will eventually grow into the strongest person.

After this scene, Durandal, holding the Black Abyss, prepared to enter the church alone to resolve the trouble caused by Otto, the former Archbishop of the Schicksal.

It was most appropriate for her, as a Valkyrie of the Schicksal, to handle this matter.

However, just as she was about to act, she was stopped by someone.

"Wait, Durandal." Kiana said with dissatisfaction, "You returned silently, and now you’re going to fight Otto alone?"

"Let me tell you first, I still have many accounts to settle with that guy."

"I understand," Durandal replied faintly.

Seeing this, Kiana insisted in a firm tone: "You should understand what answer I’m expecting."

"I understand," Durandal agreed decisively, "Then let’s fight side by side, Kiana Kaslana."

Receiving a satisfactory answer, Kiana smiled.

"That’s more like it. If you’re worried about leaving people behind, we still have Seele, and more people on the Hyperion can come."

"Indeed, although I just met Miss Seele, she seems very capable and should be able to take care of everyone properly." Obviously, Durandal had a high opinion of Seele.

Kiana knew this well and echoed: "Yes, Seele is very capable."

This statement was also affirmed by Dark Seele.

"Hmph, what else needs to be said?"

At this moment, although Seele’s appearance hadn’t changed, her inner self had switched to Dark Seele, who longed to display her strength.

However, Durandal was completely unaware of this.

But Seele immediately noticed that the combat suit Durandal was wearing now was more gorgeous than the previous one.

"By the way, Durandal, why did you suddenly appear? The timing is too perfect! And, you changed your clothes on purpose?"

Logically speaking, Durandal should no longer be here.

But precisely when they were in a desperate situation,

She, like an angel from heaven, descended magnificently from the sky,

Just in time to catch the falling Theresa.

The timing was too precise.

Although it was indeed because of her appearance that things took a turn for the better, the question still had to be asked.

Otherwise, how could Dark Seele still be called Dark Seele? 』

『 .....』

~Dimensional livestream, Chat Room~

[ Tetsuo Shinjoh (Ultraman): "Could it be that this Miss Durandal was silently observing from somewhere?" ]

[ Tetsuo Shinjoh (Ultraman): "Otherwise, it wouldn’t be so timely, right?" ]

[ Durandal (Honkai: Impact Third): "No, that’s impossible. I would never watch others fight." ]

[ Seele (Honkai: Star Rail): "If that’s the case, it’s very strange." ]

[ .....]

『 If it were anyone else, their mood might have been affected.

But this was Durandal.

After knowing so many things in the Imaginary Space, she did not become unhappy when facing Dark Seele’s question.

Instead, she smiled and prepared to explain: "Haha, I do need to explain properly."

Then, Durandal began to recount her experiences in the Imaginary Space before contacting Rita.

Of course, she didn’t mention the parts related to the Kaslana family.

After listening to this true journey, even Dark Seele began to feel that this matter was quite real.

"Alright, it seems that your Schicksal is quite complex internally, but that’s not too important."

"After all, Otto is our common enemy now."

In the past, if anyone spoke ill of the Schicksal, Durandal might have been offended.

But now, she herself was caught in a crisis due to the resignation of the Archbishop of Schicksal.

Having weathered many storms, she agreed with Dark Seele’s viewpoint: "He might be more complex than a simple enemy, but the current situation requires us to defeat him."

Wanting to destroy the world and return everything to 500 years ago,

This was absolutely unacceptable to modern people.

Regardless of Otto’s other schemes, the known truth was that

His doomsday plan must be stopped.

However, perhaps due to habit, or unwillingness to mention the plan to return to 500 years ago. 』

『 .....』