Behind-the-scenes video of the beginning of Honkai.

“No, Miss Cocolia, the current situation is exactly what Lord Walter expected.”

"Are you trying to say that Lord Walter entrusted all of this to you? Don't be shameless. What's the difference between your Human Alliance now and the former Mandate of Heaven?"

“Miss Cocolia, humans are selfish creatures. After the destruction of Destiny, the leaders of various countries will inevitably fall into a struggle for the division of its resources and technology. As you know, if we allow them to move forward according to their own selfish desires, then the destruction of humanity is only a matter of time. That is why I need to stand in this position, so as to unite humanity on the right front and avoid internal strife due to the division of resources.”

"What you're saying is utterly nonsensical, Magician. What is your true purpose now, or in the future?"

Cocolia was no fool. She didn't believe what Merlin had just said. She couldn't possibly believe this crazy woman who only knew how to scheme and plot.

"Well, I've said it many times already. Of course, it's to unite humanity and take our destiny into our own hands, so that humanity can better focus all its efforts on fighting the Honkai."

Chapter 345 The Mysterious Bird, Searching for Totori

"Don't give me that crap. Do you think I didn't anticipate your possible rants before you used those extraordinary means to get me here? Your high-sounding rhetoric is utterly boring! It'll probably only incite a political crisis among people in various countries towards those in power. But you know what you're saying now?"

"For example, the leaders of those major powers in China would never believe your empty talk. They might even feel deep fear rather than trust because of your past betrayal of destiny. I'm sure you know this yourself, Merlin."

"Hehe, it seems that compared to that Thunder Dragon Horse who can't see the situation clearly, you still have some insight into the essence of the matter."

At this moment, Merlin also put away her fake smile and revealed her true purpose.

"But I might as well tell you now, so I'll be frank with you. My true purpose now? You know it too!"

"The Honkai is an unpredictable natural disaster for the human world. Its greatest characteristics are its destructiveness and uncertainty. No one can be sure who the next victim will be. Therefore, in the face of such a disaster that can come at any time and is inexplicable, the top priority of world leaders will inevitably be to try to preserve their national strength from loss when the Honkai occurs."

"Although Destiny possesses the technology and strength to combat the Honkai, providing them with a powerful protective umbrella, it has also become a cage that they have ensnared themselves in. Even though Destiny uses this to manipulate the heads of state of various countries, they can only be forced by its tyranny and dare not act rashly."

"Ultimately, humans are selfish creatures, a fact that is vividly demonstrated when applied to the concept of the nation. Unity? The future of humanity? Ha! The current human alliance is nothing more than a collection of power."

"They secretly serve as council members of the Human Union, demanding the disclosure of the Honkai information and technological power held by Destiny, in order to control the various actions of the Human Union as much as possible while protecting their own national interests. In essence, the so-called Human Union is nothing more than an 'alliance' built on the premise of the selfish desires of various countries."

"And I simply took on a role that they were unwilling to play."

"Magician, you haven't answered my question directly. If what you say is true, then your throne is meaningless. You're not suggesting you'd willingly become a puppet on a string, are you?"

Cocolia brought the issue back to its original point, since she already knew what Merlin had said, but she still didn't reveal her true purpose.

"Listen to me, Miss Cocolia. With the expectations of the council members of various countries, the Human Alliance is about to launch a plan to revive the original civilization. They covet the technological power of those civilizations that far surpass modern civilization, hoping to use it to greatly enhance their national strength. But there is a blind spot in this process."

"I think you should still remember what the personality AI of that Stigmata Terminal said: there is a computable relationship between the progress of human civilization and the Honkai energy level. The development of technology will inevitably lead to a stronger Honkai, which is a situation that humanity must face."

"You don't mean to..."

Cocolia clearly guessed Merlin's idea: to strengthen human technology by sharing the technology of Destiny's past, thereby accelerating the current Honkai to strengthen again, so that the Honkai would force countries to unite for survival with even greater terrifying power.

"That's right. It's not that technological superiority guarantees victory in the war against the Honkai. The Primordial Civilization has already given us a lesson in this regard—even with their god-like military technology, they had to bow down to the Honkai and resort to the outdated and conservative Stigmata Project."

"But in my opinion, their failure was precisely caused by humanity's pedantry and selfishness. Only with proper guidance and use can technology become a sharp weapon for humanity to fight against the Honkai. Otherwise, it will become a compromise and expediency, just like the original civilization."

"Therefore, I believe that the revival of civilization and the development of science and technology require the right people to guide them, and I believe that you, Ms. Cocolia, are fully capable of doing so. If you are willing to continue to cooperate with me, then in the coming new world, you and I will both be able to win higher positions and territories."

"So you've finally revealed your true purpose after all this talk. Magician, you've certainly flattered me, but don't think I don't know what you're up to."

Cocolia also hit the nail on the head regarding Merlin's true intentions in inviting her. If she weren't still useful, it's estimated that more than just Raiden Ryoma would have fallen.

"Your Human Alliance, and even the Knights of the Apocalypse, are nothing more than military organizations specializing in combat against humans. In the face of the Honkai, they are nothing but inexperienced dregs. But those warriors who are truly capable of fighting the Honkai are still resisting your rule. That's why you have to seek my cooperation, am I right?"

"Heh, it seems I can't hide it from you after all. That's right, I don't intend to deny it, but I think you should also understand that the world order has been restarted. With the revival of civilization, humanity is bound to face a new round of collapse."

"As the saying goes, troubled times breed heroes. I think this would be the perfect stage for someone like you. And this opportunity to enter the scene is simply for you to continue our cooperative relationship with Anti-Entropy. This should be a worthwhile deal."

“Ms. Cocolia, this is a race against time, and we don’t have much time left.”

"Hmph... Magician, I admit, you have indeed exceeded my expectations. I hope you will remember your words and actions today. If I see even the slightest deviation from your plan, then Otto's fate will serve as a warning to you!"

“I have received your reply. Miss Cocolia, I think we can discuss the next steps further.”

Merlin nodded in agreement with Cocolia's reply. Every beginning is difficult, but at least she had gained an ally.

“I hope you can help me find a missing partner. She is crucial to our plans, but she seems to be in some trouble right now.”

……

In Elshaus, Netherlands, Cocolia arrived at Merlin's behest. However, the weather there was not good. Merlin had calculated through her instruments that the Herrscher of Wind, Wendy, would be arriving, so she cautiously brought her capable assistant with her.

"What... Magician, why did you bring them here!?"

Cocolia saw Apricot in front of her, and Bronya, Seele, and Ninti were also somewhat surprised. They questioned Merlin on the communication channel.

"Huh? That damn magician never said this woman was here!"

"Mom, Mom!?"

"Mother……"

The three little ones were somewhat surprised to see Cocolia, after all, Cocolia had abandoned them. However, since they were also raised by Cocolia, they had very mixed feelings upon seeing her again.

"..."

Ningdi looked at Cocolia with a very complicated expression, but she didn't say anything.

"Gentlemen, as I said when you came, your primary task is to support any potential battles against the Herrschers."

"As for your doubts, Miss Cocolia, as far as I know, they are your closest daughters in both Anti-Entropy and Destiny, and should be the most suitable candidates as support troops."

"you……"

Seeing Merlin feigning ignorance, Cocolia was filled with rage. "You know what happened between them," she thought, "aren't you just making her look bad?" If Merlin weren't out in the room, she probably would have slapped her.

Chapter 346 The Appearance of Wendy, the Herrscher of Wind

"Whoever was intimate with this woman, I'd want to rip their head off right now!"

"Xing, don't be like this. You should understand that your mother has her own difficulties."

"Then ask this woman if she has ever thought about these things for us. In other words, she's a madwoman!"

“Xing, now is not the time to talk about this. If Master… no, Meilin’s words are true, we have more important things to do now.”

"Hehe, as expected of Bronya. Everyone, I know there are still many misunderstandings and grudges between us, but the situation is urgent now, so please cooperate fully with Miss Cocolia's command."

"Magician... I'll remember this debt."

Cocolia knew that the mission was the priority right now, and since Merlin wasn't here, she had no choice but to swallow her anger for now and settle the score with you when she got back.

“Miss Cocolia, I’ll listen to all your complaints when you get back. The decision-making on the spot is up to you. In any case, please prioritize your own safety—*sizzle sizzle*…

Before Merlin could finish speaking, the communication device was severely disrupted, and a powerful wave of Honkai energy was approaching.

"Tsk, looks like there's no time for nonsense. You lot, if you're scared, you'd better go back to where you came from. I don't have time to take care of you."

However, the three little ones naturally wouldn't listen to Cocolia's orders to leave. They came here to help, so in the end, they were willing to follow Cocolia's command and began the battle.

Thus, the operation against the Herrscher began. First, the crowds near the Herrscher were evacuated to reduce casualties, and the Titan forces were on standby at any time.

……

Meanwhile, Wendy, the Herrscher of Wind, is buying ice cream.

"Hmph~? Hmph~? Lost little bird~? Where are you?"

"Hey little sister, are you alone today?"

The ice cream shop manager, seeing the little girl who regularly bought ice cream, also asked her questions warmly.

"Oh, Wendy remembers you, you're that...you know, what's your name again, the human who sells ice cream!"

"Haha, little sister, you're still so funny! Today's ice cream flavor is a limited edition, would you like one?"

The store manager didn't pay much attention; he just thought the little girl was interesting.

"Hehe, okay, here you go."

...(Wendy's ice cream time)

"Ugh! Wendy! Are you dining and dashing again?!" Totori arrived just then and was furious to see Wendy doing the same thing. "Honestly, how many times have I told you, you have to pay for what you buy!"

"Money? Oh! Wendy remembers, but Wendy doesn't have that kind of thing."

"Hehe, little sister, don't worry, this is a free gift from me. Just accept it as a token of my appreciation."

"Oh, I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry to trouble you every time. Thank you so much."

After thanking the ice cream shop owner again, Totori pulled Wendy aside for a lecture.

"I won't listen, little bird, where are you going to play today? How about we play hide-and-seek?"

"No, Wendy, you're so despicable, always flying."

"Then, let's take Wendy to see that thing called 'movie'."

"Huh? You clearly don't understand anything."

"But it's so much fun! Isn't it great?!"

"..."

However, this time Totori remained silent, and after a long while, she finally answered.

"Wendy, I may not be able to play with you for a while. I've come to say goodbye."

"Here we go again, little bird. Wendy won't let you go. You're Wendy's first human friend."

“But I’ve been here too long, and I need to go back to somewhere.”

"Then Wendy will go with you~"

"Wendy, not now. Your existence is a threat to humanity."

Totori knew that Wendy was a Herrscher, and just because she could accept Wendy didn't mean that others could accept Wendy as a Herrscher. Therefore, for the safety of other humans and Wendy, she couldn't let others meet Wendy.

"I don't care! This is what we agreed on!"

"Wendy, I've told you so many times, if you keep being so stubborn, I'll never play with you again!"

"Liar, Little Bird is a liar!"

Wendy was furious when she saw the little bird had deceived her, and the consequences were severe; a violent force emanated from her.

"Wendy...it's not like that. Please wait patiently. I know how to find you."

"Little bird, Wendy said it before, that you have to play with Wendy until you're tired of her. If you don't keep your promise, then this place has no value."

An endless storm began to spread from Wendy, turning houses in its path to dust. Of course, Totori, who was closest to Wendy, was unharmed, after all, the little bird was Wendy's first friend.