Miss Riddler just wants to level up in peace.

As the saying goes, the simplest truths are the most profound. The girl not only had no Honkai energy, but she didn't even have any Stigmata, which made Welt sigh in admiration.

"Plan ahead for every step you take; being prepared prevents trouble."

Ziyao randomly picked up a book with the title 'Pride and Prejudice' written on it.

“You are a rare talent, why should you condescend to be a teacher here?”

Walter extended an olive branch to Ziyao.

They came to the academy today not only to confirm the traces of Honkai energy left by the Herrscher.

Incidentally, it would be even better if we could get Ziyao to join us.

"Are you really that comfortable letting me enter Anti-Entropy?"

The black-haired girl crossed her legs and looked at the cover of the book in her hand.

“Cocolia’s philosophy differs from ours, but the only thing we have in common is that we both aim to defeat the Honkai.”

"With you here, I believe the cause of anti-entropy will go even further."

Walter said that he sincerely hoped Ziyao could enter Anti-Entropy.

"I am not interested."

"Hey, the monthly salary here is over 100,000, which is much better than the few hundred here."

Tesla found it strange that Tesla would give up a high-paying job to do a cushy job all day. What was the idea behind that?

"It's so lively, Teacher Yang! Didn't you say you were going back to your hometown in Europe?"

Himeko, dressed casually and carrying a stack of documents, happened to bump into someone in the infirmary.

Upon closer inspection, all the faces were familiar.

“Perfect timing, I’ll treat you tonight, at the same restaurant as last time.”

She patted Walter on the shoulder generously and said cheerfully.

"Who is this?"

Finally, Himeko noticed Tesla, who was slightly shorter.

"She is Teacher Yang's assistant, just call her Xiao Te."

Ziyao helped with the introduction.

"Huh? I'm older than your grandma."

Tesla was unhappy and put his hands on his hips.

"Can I drink alcohol? Or would you like some juice?"

Himeko said with concern.

"It's alright, Tesla Bo... cough cough, little Tesla is already an adult."

Unable to refuse Himeko's hospitality and not wanting to reveal his true identity, Walter had no choice but to follow Himeko's lead.

So, going with the flow, the two were taken out to eat at a restaurant.

This restaurant was recommended to Himeko by Fu Hua; it's a rare Chinese restaurant with a strong regional flavor.

“…”

Tesla's face turned pale as he stared at the extra-spicy Mapo Tofu that Ziyao had ordered for him, lost in thought.

If I eat this... will I really not die?

Volume 1: Chapter 42 Weekend Break

"Little Te, please have a seat."

The glass was filled with rum, and Himeko poured Tesla a glass of juice as well.

"You promised you wouldn't drink alcohol."

Taking a small sip of the spicy and mellow wine, Ziyao sighed, knowing this would happen.

Having had experience accompanying her superiors to several drinking parties, she has a fairly good alcohol tolerance and knows her limits.

At least they won't be drunk and wandering around aimlessly, or even go to the wrong room.

"It's my day off today, nothing's wrong, no worries."

Himeko smiled and said, "It seems a lot of good things have happened today."

Ziyao was the only person in the academy who could drink with her, so they got along exceptionally well.

As the only male, Walter naturally wouldn't order juice, so he had to drink it along with everyone else.

"Teacher Yang, let's skip the joining."

After finishing her drink, Ziyao gave her answer.

"Join? Join what kind of group?"

Himeko asked, puzzled.

"A bizarre organization full of mad scientists, though destiny is pretty much on its side."

"Cough cough... We're different from Destiny. Those bastards have done countless disgusting things."

The juice in the glass was half gone, but the spiciness hadn't subsided, and Tesla's eyes were red from the spiciness.

Ziyao didn't expect that just a simple provocation would result in the girl actually eating the whole plate of tofu.

Getting too caught up in trivial details is not a good thing.

"Given the current situation, destiny cannot be ignored. Little Te, you should drink some beverages to calm down."

As she spoke, Ziyao refilled Tesla's orange juice.

In the fight against Honkai, destiny must exist.

In terms of scale, Anti-Entropy is several times smaller than the vast and powerful Destiny, and it is itself a part that was separated from Destiny.

Ziyao has no intention of siding with either side; remaining neutral is the most appropriate course of action.

"See? She won't join."

Tesla crossed her arms; she had already guessed the outcome.

The burning pain in her throat made her very uncomfortable. She drank glass after glass of juice, but it couldn't get rid of the strange aftereffects.

"Gifts are not acceptable; I do not accept bribes."

Seeing Walter take out a small box, Ziyao spoke righteously and sternly.

A man's word is his bond.

“Teacher Nightingale, I didn’t mean to make things difficult for you. This is an apology for yesterday.”

"The matter of the Herrscher is no small matter, and Anti-Entropy hopes to get your help."

St. Freya has two S-rank Valkyries. If she rashly tries to take Kiana away, she will likely not only fail but also attract an attack from Destiny.

"I am not interested."

The girl brushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear and gently shook her head.

"Open it and take a look first, don't be scared."

"It's Soul Steel."

"Huh? You...how did you know?"

Tesla nearly dropped his drink.

"Guess."

He gave a casual reply and refilled his glass.

A short, white figure flashed past the door.

Ziyao quietly poked Jizi's soft flesh, hinting that she shouldn't drink anymore.

Himeko remained unmoved, drinking her beverage while complaining about how poor the students' comprehension was during class.

And then there's the headmistress, Theresa, who confiscated her treasured wine collection—it's so upsetting!

“…”

With a light tap of her finger, Ziyao poked it again.

Want to touch it?

Himeko grabbed her hand....

Damn it, are there really no normal people in St. Freya Academy?

Ignoring the soft touch in her hand, Ziyao couldn't help but complain.

"Ji-zi-"

"Have you forgotten what you promised me?"

Theresa, her face contorted with anger, appeared behind him and spoke each word with resentment.

"Theresa??"

Himeko immediately shuddered and quickly finished the wine in her glass.

"You promised you wouldn't drink it this month!"

"Just a little drink, just a little drink. Look, everyone's drinking, I'm just following the crowd."

Himeko quickly explained.

"Hmph... It's the weekend, so I'll let you off this time, but you're not allowed to drink on weekdays."

Theresa sat down next to Ziyao. No wonder she hadn't noticed Himeko drinking these past few days; she had moved on to another place.

Standing before him was Theresa, his former comrade-in-arms. Walter calmly adjusted his glasses, knowing she probably wouldn't recognize him.

Theresa, aren't you staying?

"Busy. I have to go to the Destiny headquarters next Monday. There's a ton of mess to clean up."