Honkai Diary: Start With Picking Up A White-Haired Treasure

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Anti-Entropy's central archive was truly impressive.

It housed numerous cutting-edge technologies distinct from Schicksal's path, and unlike Schicksal's mix of various scientists' achievements, which varied widely in quality, Anti-Entropy's central archive showcased primarily the brilliance of Tesla and Einstein.

On the left, you'd find significant experiments signed by Einstein, while on the right, there would invariably be equally groundbreaking findings attributed to Tesla, and vice versa.

The two genius scientists seemed to compete within this database, their ideas and imaginations colliding everywhere. Ingenious concepts and boundless creativity abounded, yet each grounded firmly in practicality, devoid of mere grandiosity.

Masterpieces! Zeke nearly drooled over these exquisite experimental data.

Unfortunately, it appeared that Otto had likely used similar methods to infiltrate before, making their detection system exceptionally sensitive.

Zeke managed to snatch only a small portion of urgently needed information before the central archive swiftly reacted. A vast amount of data vanished instantly, followed by relentless code counterattacks and tracking along the network cables.

To avoid exposure, Zeke promptly redirected the retaliatory data towards Schicksal's endpoint and then decisively withdrew.

"Ah, Mr. Otto, truly remarkable! Sneaking into Anti-Entropy's central archive undetected once again. As expected from you, sir, simply amazing."

Zeke initiated a video call and raised his glass towards Otto, still sipping plain water.

On the screen, Otto pressed his fingers against his temples, visibly exasperated.

"You, always finding ways to create trouble for me, aren't you?"

"The captured data has already been backed up to your personal database, Mr. Otto."

"...Well, well, as if I can't just waltz into Anti-Entropy's central archive whenever I please? A mere Tesla and Einstein can't stop me. Enough talk, let me see what kind of mess those two have stirred up this time. We'll chat again later."

Smiling broadly, Otto ended the call.

Subsequently, Schicksal's system engaged directly with Anti-Entropy's system.

From now on, unless Otto confessed, no one would trace the intrusion into Anti-Entropy's central archive back to Zeke.

Wait, you say Zeke's new technology resembles Anti-Entropy's?

Come on, we're all geniuses here. If Tesla and Einstein could develop a Titan force, why couldn't Zeke create similar Djinn machinery? It's not that far-fetched!

Moreover, what if my creations surpass yours in advancement? Genius scientists navigate through a maze of possibilities; while you're searching within it, Zeke is flying above, instantly recognizing the correct path upon seeing new experiments and theories!

"Damn you, Otto!" With his right arm equipped with a red mechanical appendage, Tesla punched through the table, roaring in frustration.

Beside him, the more composed blue-haired girl took a sip of tea and, with a voice tinged with curiosity, asked:

"How did Otto find the external interface to the central archive without any warning?"

"Who knows what underhanded tactics he employed this time? Thankfully, my brilliant detection system was advanced enough to prevent the core data from leaking... Ah! No, still can't let it go. I'll use the backdoor I left sixty years ago to strike Schicksal hard!"

"Please remain calm, Dr. Tesla. That is our trump card for critical moments only; once used, there's no second chance. We shouldn't waste it on meaningless venting."

"Then tell me, what should we do?! Aside from exploiting vulnerabilities, every other defense is impenetrable. Are we just supposed to accept defeat and chalk it up to bad luck?!"

Einstein lowered her head, pondering for a moment before saying:

"For now, we'll have to accept our misfortune; there's little we can do about Otto, just as it has always been. First, let's assess the damages and then try optimizing our systems. After that..."

She paused, seemingly struck by an idea.

Impatient, Tesla couldn't wait any longer and hastily asked:

"After that, what? Mophead, don't keep me hanging, spill it quickly."

"Well, if two geniuses aren't enough, how about three?"

Einstein's tone remained neutral, but beneath her gaze flickered a glimmer of hope. If they could bring in a more balanced genius, their situation would significantly improve. At least it'd be better than dealing with Dr. Tesla's boundless energy every day.

Tesla scratched his head.

"Three? Who else is there? You mean Yang? No way, he's too dumb."

"...Have you forgotten the cheeky kid who scared your mask off this morning?" Einstein prompted.

Tesla recalled the incident and blinked.

"You're talking about that precocious, audacious brat, daring enough to bed even the Second Herrscher? Gat Federovski?"

"She's not the Second Herrscher but rather a clone of Siegfried's daughter, implanted with a Herrscher Core. Now that even Siegfried acknowledges her identity, we mustn't expose this secret casually. As for the boy, it's best to call him Zeke. By changing his name, he might be trying to distance himself from the painful memories of losing his parents. Using his original name could inadvertently trigger those traumatic experiences."

Einstein corrected Kiana's status and provided a plausible explanation for the name change to "Zeke."

In reality, they hadn't obtained any detailed information about Otto's plans. Their understanding of Kiana's situation was inferred solely from Siegfried's firsthand observations, yet their deductions were largely accurate.

As for Zeke's new name... Einstein's reasoning was indeed quite reasonable, and even Otto privately agreed. Whether it was correct or not wasn't their fault; after all, the information available within their world was limited. Who could have reasonably connected these dots to the concept of a reincarnator?

Tesla pursed her lips.

"Fine, I got it. So, the third prodigy you mentioned is this Zeke?"

"His performance during the Honkai Beast incident at Yordle City and his ability to single-handedly take down a Titan force—how could he not be a genius?"

"But what if it's part of some scheme orchestrated by Otto?"

"Well then, why not meet him ourselves and find out?"

Einstein glanced at Tesla, noticing a hint of intrigue on the redheaded scientist's face.

After a moment, Tesla nodded. "Fine, let's see what he's really made of. And we'll bring Welt along just in case."

"Welt Yang?"

"Yes! If he truly is a prodigy, we should recruit him to cause trouble for Otto in the future. But if this is one of Otto's baited traps... hmph! I'll have Welt blow him away on the spot! It's foolproof—a true testament to my brilliance, ah-ha-ha!"

Einstein shook her head with a sigh. Yet she had to admit, their approach was prudent. As Anti-Entropy's technological backbone, they couldn't afford any missteps.

However, a breathtaking genius might possess the potential to reshape an era, making it worth taking the risk to investigate further. Should he prove genuine, it would be essential to guide him correctly; losing such talent would be a loss for all civilization.

As a precaution, enlisting Welt Yang's assistance was indeed reasonable.

Soon, a certain history teacher at St. Freya Academy received an urgent message.

URGENT! RETURN IMMEDIATELY!

—From Tesla.

"Huh?!?"

Welt, enjoying his afternoon tea on a weekend, jolted upright.

"What's going on? Has Honkai manifested again? Or has Otto reached our doorstep?"

Teaching and relaxing here was comfortable, but Welt had not forgotten that he was still the Anti-Entropy Alliance Leader with more crucial responsibilities.

He promptly requested time off, bracing himself for the heartache of losing his entire paycheck to Theresa, and embarked on the journey back to headquarters.