The Vixen's Gambit: Tonight We Hunt

"I heard you've been getting pretty close with the Kaslanas lately?"

When Otto returned home after saying goodbye to Lihua and Kallen, he was immediately greeted by his older brother's mocking tone. "Have you forgotten what your name is?"

"It's Apocalypse, Brother."

Otto bowed his head respectfully, showing no sign of aggression.

The older brother clicked his tongue in annoyance at Otto's passive demeanor, but didn't make any other moves.

"Hmph, the Kaslana family head's daughter and some stray mutt... If you enjoy wasting your time with those people, be my guest."

Otto's brother chuckled coldly and turned away. "They won't live long anyway."

"Goodbye, Brother."

Otto kept his head bowed, showing no sign of protest.

But his hands, hidden in his sleeves, were clenched into tight fists.

The Kaslanas won't live long?

What a joke. I won't let that happen!

Otto made this promise. But as reality proved, his power alone was nothing in the face of certain events.

In 1466, less than a year later, Kallen's father, the Kaslana family head, died in battle against the Honkai.

The smell of burning flesh filled the air. Otto watched, his limbs growing cold, as Kallen wept over her father's coffin.

Kallen's father was the strongest person Otto knew. In some ways, Otto considered him a guardian, someone who could easily resolve any crisis.

But now, this "god" was lying in a coffin.

What about Lihua?

She didn't possess that kind of strength. She didn't have the Judgment of Shamash. As an illegitimate child with diluted blood, her Honkai resistance was weaker than the other Kaslanas.

But as a Kaslana, she would undoubtedly be sent to the Honkai battlefield. It was only a matter of time.

[Energy +5000]

Lihua, suddenly receiving the notification, turned her head in confusion. Otto's face was pale, his body trembling.

Ah, right. Even Kallen's father died, so of course he'd be scared.

Did he gain energy because he was worried about me dying? That kid has more of a conscience than I thought.

But his worry was meaningless because she was going to die.

Thinking that, Lihua reached out and patted Otto's shoulder, giving him a comforting smile.

"It's okay. I'll protect you from now on."

That should give me some more favorability, right?

But no system notification appeared.

Not even that? Is level 10 really the maximum?

Lihua, deep in thought, didn't notice Otto's complicated expression.

No, Lihua, I will protect you.

No matter the cost...

---

Lihua had recently found her energy farming plans in a rut.

Since her father's death, Kallen had focused on training. She spent almost all of her time at the training grounds, so Lihua was too embarrassed to disturb her.

And after attending the funeral, Otto became strange and withdrawn. He would either spend his time in the library or disappear somewhere by himself. He was mostly out of contact, and Lihua couldn't find him.

Left with no other options, Lihua went about her own business.

Time flew by.

Although she was a Kaslana, Lihua's low blood purity meant she couldn't keep up with the other clan members' training. So, they simply gave up on turning her into a Valkyrie. Once she reached adulthood, the clan gave her a sum of money and let her do whatever she wanted.

They probably thought she was so useless that sending her into battle would be a waste of life.

Lihua had something to say about that.

With the System and all the energy she'd harvested from Kallen and Otto, she could have surpassed even Kallen, Schicksal's strongest Valkyrie.

But then she realized that becoming too strong would probably mean she wouldn't die as easily.

That won't do! I'd rather throw it all away!

For other Kaslanas, being kicked out would be a cause for outrage. But for Lihua, it was a pleasant surprise.

She didn't have to do anything. Awesome!

And so, Lihua became the first Kaslana to ever be kicked out of Schicksal.

When the day to leave came, Kallen abandoned her usual training and cried her eyes out, making Lihua feel like she wasn't being kicked out but sent off to her funeral.

But since Kallen also provided a large amount of energy, Lihua decided to forgive her.

But Otto, that jerk, didn't even show up to send her off!

How heartless!

She knew he only cared about Kallen, but they'd been together for five years! He couldn't even bother to see her off?

And he didn't even give her any energy. What a cheapskate!

If she hadn't seen his favorability still at 10, Lihua would have thought he'd forgotten her.

Oh well, it seems I'll have to rely on Kallen for my energy. Even though her 900% charging efficiency is a bit lower than Otto's, I don't have a choice.

She hoped that Otto would shed a few tears when she died, just enough to give her a little energy, or else all this effort would be wasted.

On a tower at Schicksal Headquarters, Otto watched as Lihua, carrying her bags, comforted the wailing Kallen. His emotions were complex.

To be accurate, Otto was the one who had caused Lihua to be banished from Schicksal.

He knew how weak Lihua was. If she stepped onto the battlefield, she would likely die. So, he decided he needed to keep Lihua away from the battlefield.

But he also knew that Lihua, as a Kaslana, would never accept running away from her duty. To keep her away from fighting, Otto had to work behind her back.

He worked hard to prove himself, achieving significant accomplishments in science and medicine. He then took advantage of the Black Death that was spreading throughout Europe to become the head of Schicksal's medical department, steadily establishing his position within the organization.

He then introduced a policy of elimination, requiring Schicksal's weakest Valkyries to be dismissed, thus relieving some of the pressure on the medical wing.

Of course, he could have used his power to protect Lihua. But doing that would undoubtedly expose her to enemies who would target her because of their connection to him.

After getting involved with Schicksal's politics, Otto realized just how dirty and dark this world was. If he revealed his relationship with Lihua, those people would not hesitate to attack her.

Unlike Kallen, Lihua had no high status or power. As an orphan taken in from the outside, it was too easy for those influential people to make her disappear.

So Otto had no choice but to take this route.

It's alright, Lihua, I'll bring you back. And that day won't be too far away...

[Energy +3000]

Who was that?!

Lihua scratched her head, confused. She'd received an incredibly high score. That had to come from someone who had high favorability towards her, which was only Otto.

But Otto didn't even come to see her off...

Whatever, let's just say it was Otto.

With that thought, Lihua shouldered her bag and smiled as she waved at Kallen. "Goodbye, Kallen. Remember to tell Otto to take care of himself. After all, even if he wants to eat, there won't be anyone else to cook for him."

In the past five years, she'd made sure to cook for Kallen and Otto every day, hoping to maintain their high favorability.

Kallen was still okay, even if she hurriedly ate before going to train. At least she saw her progress.

But Otto... Lihua couldn't even see him when she delivered the food to his usual spot in the library. After doing that for several days, Otto finally told her to not bring him food anymore.

That darn brat! Other people wanted food but couldn't get any! And he dares to say no! If not for the 1000% efficiency, I would have used force on him!

It was too late for him to regret that now!

"Goodbye then, Kallen. Take care of yourself."

"Lihuaaa! Waaahhh—"

[Energy +4500]

Thank you, Kallen!