Honkai: Strijder (Honkai Impact 3 Male MC)

"I'm not quite sure," Welt said after a long pause, frowning and staring at Sigurd.

"Schicksal has packaged the fight against the Honkai as their core ideology, and virtually everyone from top to bottom firmly believes in and follows it. With this common and clear ideology, all the Valkyries can fight loyally and selflessly."

Welt listened quietly, nodding thoughtfully.

Sigurd sighed and, with complex feelings toward Otto, continued, "Otto has emphasized this belief for five centuries and, in practice, defended it. That's why countless people have been willing to die for Schicksal. Even the existence of the dark side like human experiments all are geared and created based on this belief, Otto also never deliberately hid it, and almost all of those who follow him know about it. Yet the majority of people still choose to support him because Schicksal's ideology is clear and correct enough that some slightly shady methods can be forgiven in the name of a higher ideal. But for Anti-Entropy, leaving aside the low-level soldiers, even those at the top—Ryoma, do you know what our ideology is? Do you have enough belief to die following it?"

"I..."

Ryoma opened his mouth, hesitated for a while, and then awkwardly shook his head, unable to respond.

Sigurd sneered.

"You see, even Ryoma, who has climbed to the position of Executor, doesn't know our specific thoughts and doesn't believe in our ideology. Let alone the lower ranked members of Anti-Entropy, they didn't even know what they are fighting for, So, that's why Anti-Entropy are divided into so-called conservative and radical factions, and even someone like me who joined recently can start a faction. What is Anti-Entropy fighting for? If you yourself don't understand your own ideology and Anti-Entropy is all filled with opposing voices, how can outsiders know our beliefs? That's the third question."

Welt had deeply furrowed his brow and his face was heavy. He looked conflicted, and couldn't bring himself to speak for a long time.

"Sigurd, please show me the correct way," he said with great seriousness after a long while.

Sigurd just shaked his head and said:

"I'm not the leader of Anti-Entropy, it's you, I can't show you anything. I can only tell you this:

First, Anti-Entropy needs a clear, correct, and unwavering ideology.

Second, it needs to implement this ideology from top to bottom, building a pure and united organization.

Third, Anti-Entropy must raise its banner high and tell Schicksal and the world what it wants to do and what it must do, gathering people with the same kind of belief around itself.

Lastly, it must stay unwavering on its path. This is the correct way to reshape the world and bring about change."

".....I see. Listening to your words, I understand a vital point that has been overlooked before. Thank you, Sigurd. No, I should say, are you interested in taking over as the leader? Your thoughts are deeper than mine, and you're smarter than me. You can definitely lead us further."

"Leader!!"

Ryoma stood up, his expression constantly changing in surprise at the sudden proposal.

Welt pushed his hand down, but still looked intently at Sigurd.

Sigurd shook his head again.

"I can't do it."

"Why not? Qualifications and age are not the issue!"

"When the saint chooses a path, the ten thousand man would follow. Welt, you are the saint, I am not. Your proposed ideas, your issued orders, we will believe that they are speaking for justice and righteousness, and we can trust and implement them wholeheartedly. But I'm different; I can't even believe that the decisions I make are entirely selfless. I can be an Executor, but I can't be the leader. Welt, this is a responsibility that only you can bear. I can't do it, Ryoma can't do it, Siegfried can't do it, Only you can!"

Sigurd stood up with absolute conviction.

Welt leaned back, adjusted his glasses, and let out a bitter laugh.

"Well, thank you for your trust, but I think you're exaggerating. I'm just an ordinary person, and I feel the pressure is too great. I can die to protect the world, but when it comes to ideology, it affects all of Anti-Entropy and even more people, and it may be passed down through the ages... I'm afraid of making mistakes, yes, I'm afraid."

"Fear is the right response. Those who aren't afraid won't be able to do this."

Sigurd said meaningfully.

Welt paused for a moment and then nodded in agreement.

Yes, if you lack even basic reverence, you won't be cautious and won't take it seriously enough to shoulder the heavy responsibility of shaping a philosophy.

Sigurd waved his hand, and several books appeared on the table.

"This world lacks an epic that can be sung about... These books are based on some memories I've compiled, and they reveal a lot of things. They should help you. You can study and comprehend them carefully, but don't believe everything in them. Times and circumstances are different, and trusting books blindly is not as good as having no books at all. After that, I hope you can go out and explore."

"Go out and explore?"

"Not as the leader of Anti-Entropy, but as an ordinary person, go out and connect with people from different regions, organizations, and social classes. Truly communicate with them, understand their thoughts and desires. With your compassionate heart, you can surely resonate with them. I don't know what kind of ideology you'll ultimately develop, but I believe that an ideology that includes everyone's voices and gathers the wishes of all people will be the right one!"

Sigurd spoke slowly, recalling many histories and heroes from another world. He was filled with a sense of homesickness and longing.

Welt lowered his head, contemplating Sigurd's words.

"Everyone's voices... everyone's wishes... the right ideology..."

His eyes grew brighter, and a sense of determination ignited in his eyes, a stark contrast to the gentle and amiable look he had maintained since their first meeting.

"I will go, no- I must go! This world is already filled with distortions. If there's something that can save everything and reshape a beautiful world, it must start with the right ideology and the organization that believes in it. I will definitely do it!"

Welt burst into hearty laughter, and his laughter echoed throughout the meeting room, as if conveying his determination and enlightenment.

Even Kiana, who usually didn't like to use her brain, and Cocolia, who was more inclined to favor personal interests, looked at this man and were inexplicably moved.

Sigurd snapped out of his reverie and looked at Welt with a gentle smile.

"So, I entrust this to you. Let us develop the power to change the world, and I leave the task of guiding the path to you. Welt, I've been observing you for a long time, and this decision was not made lightly. After this journey, perhaps, you will be my true leader."

"After all this talk, you mean you never considered me your leader all this time?"

"I can trust idealistic thinkers with immature thoughts, but I can't follow them. This world is very cruel. If you're not strong enough, I might as well follow Otto. despite what he has done and would do, his motivation is pure and direct, and his path seems viable."

"Then you just wait. I will give you a satisfactory answer."

Welt carefully picked up the stack of books as if he were cradling a priceless treasure.

He believed that Sigurd wouldn't provide information without purpose, and there must be useful knowledge within these books.

Then he left, with a powerful and resolute stride that conveyed his determination, even as he carried the weight of those books.

Welt pushed open the door, and Bronya, who was acting as a guard, looked up at him.

Welt ruffled her head with one hand, smiled, and walked away.

'Old friend of mine, more than fifty years have passed. I have inherited your ideology and followed the teachings of Einstein and Tesla all the way to today. I don't feel bitter, and I don't think anything is wrong. '

'Their beliefs are beautiful, their souls are brilliant, and walking on their path, I truly believe in my righteousness. But Joyce, it's been enough. I've inherited everything from you, but I've remained stuck in the day you died. Now, I want to move forward, to make my own voice heard, to truly guide this world and make it better. You'll support me, won't you, Joyce?'

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