章 49: Chapter 49: Cocolia, Somewhat Righteous right?

"Ryoma hid the truth deeply from his daughter. Cocolia could only discover that the Conquest Gem was inside Raiden Mei and had remained stable for a long time. She likely believed that Ryoma had achieved the stability of the Conquest Gem, so she boldly attacked Ryoma and then captured Raiden Mei. Who knew..."

Who knew that the World Serpent would be so crazy?

Who knew that Raiden Mei's situation was actually not stable at all?

Cocolia was limited by the information gap, her impatience, and the behind-the-scenes calculations of the World Serpent, which eventually led to the tragedy of Nagazora City. If we trace the source, Raiden Ryoma, who implanted the Conquest Gem into Raiden Mei, may be the real culprit, and Welt, Einstein, Tesla, and others who acquiesced were also accomplices.

For the safety of an old friend's daughter, the gem was given away, and it was allowed to stay in the city for more than ten years, hidden in the body of a little girl who was completely unable to control it—a Herrscher gem that could give birth to a new Herrscher at any time. How could it be treated so carelessly?

Welt and Einstein sorted out the cause and effect relationship and realized that they were also responsible, not any more innocent than Cocolia!

"Huh—"

Welt lowered his head deeply, and his waist seemed to be bent a little by the heavy burden of guilt.

He felt that the whole incident was completely clear at this point, and all the previous confusions were filled in, becoming a true history without any flaws.

"Yang, it has happened. We still have a lot to do. Now is not the time to be depressed."

"I know... The victims in Nagazora City, North America should also provide more support. Although it is a meaningless compensation, we should do something."

"Well, I will. In fact, Cocolia is better than us in this regard. She started to act very early. The Tachibana Consortium almost went bankrupt helping the victims in Nagazora City. It must be because of her instruction. We can also cooperate with the Tachibana family. This is the most efficient way."

"Okay, I'll leave it to you."

Welt nodded with a look of disgust. He didn't pay too much attention to these specific details but changed the subject and said:

"So what do you think about Cocolia's three cooperation demands: building the East Shenzou Sea base and exploring the Eye of the Abyss?"

It was said to be three demands, but Welt only mentioned two.

Einstein didn't seem to have any doubts and gave a well-thought-out answer:

"The purpose of studying The Deep is to enter the quantum world and find Seele Vollerie. I have no objection to this and can agree. If the East Shenzou Sea Base is just for expanding power, she has the qualifications based on her performance in the Siberian collapse incident. But I'm worried that her purpose is more than that. You know what I'm saying."

Welt sat up straight, his face becoming completely serious.

"I understand. The East Shenzou Sea Base is likely to serve her third cooperation demand—eliminating the Herrscher of Thunder."

"I think we can agree to let her build it for the time being. It will take time anyway. When the East Shenzou Sea Base is fully completed, we don't know what the situation will be. After all, it is to expand the power of Anti-Entropy, so let her do it."

"I think so too. We can build it. As for how to use it after it is built, we will discuss it then. As for the Herrscher of Thunder, the matter of Raiden Mei... Tell her that I'm still observing and to not act rashly for the time being."

Welt had a headache again. After sorting out the Nagazora City incident, he felt that Cocolia was not so evil. At least her intentions were good. It was just a moment of carelessness and mistake, right?

And she proposed to eliminate the Herrscher of Thunder. Obviously, she felt guilty about the Nagazora City incident, which is why she was determined to wipe out this huge source of danger that was temporarily dormant.

It was a very reasonable request, so reasonable that Welt found it difficult to refuse.

He thought that Raiden Mei had a good personality and might become the next Joyce, allowing humans to gain another Herrscher's power.

However, this reasoning seemed as crazy as the World Serpent's. How could it convince Cocolia, who was determined to make up for the mistakes she caused in Nagazora?

"Just say it's my order, and use the authority of the leader to stop her for now."

"Okay, I'll keep an eye on her... I have a suggestion: you can communicate with Bronya and let Bronya persuade Cocolia. Cocolia attaches great importance to her children, and her previous mistakes were basically because of these children. Bronya's words should be more effective than the authority of the leader."

"Bronya? You make sense, I'll try."

"Well, I'll keep an eye on her too, and inform you if there's anything wrong."

Einstein said, and then looked at Welt quietly with a gentle and caring smile.

Welt noticed this concern, and his heart warmed. Then he smiled and said:

"Okay, I'm fine. I just have to keep going. I won't be depressed. After all, it won't help."

"I know. When I sorted it out, I also felt it was ridiculous and funny. It was like fate was playing tricks on us. Obviously, no one wanted it, but we jointly promoted the events in Nagazora."

"Then, remember these regrets and do better in the future... You have been with Cocolia for two weeks. Except for the last time I contacted you and the information you sent me two days ago, you didn't send me a single message in the meantime."

Welt put on his glasses and said in a low voice.

Einstein squinted at Tesla, who was biting his thumb with a gloomy expression. She understood what Welt meant and changed the subject:

"Little Ninti inherited Joyce's power and potential. Her future is limitless, but she is still very ignorant and confused about her life. You should find time to meet her. You are Joyce's successor, and you may be able to inspire her."

"Okay, okay. You only care about your little Ninti now, and I don't care what happens to me. Ha, I'm here every day worrying about getting into an accident!"

Welt crossed his arms and said melancholily and resentfully.

Tesla finally came over.

"Fuck you! Little Ninti was just born not long ago, and you're jealous of a baby? I warn you, don't bully Little Ninti behind our backs, or I'll make you look good in a not so nice way!"

"... Am I finally a villain?"

"Fuck you!"

Tesla held the communicator and spat out sweet words, spraying Welt to beg for mercy.

As for how much of this was genuine anger and how much was venting the frustration and depression caused by the Nagazora City incident, only Tesla knew.

After a series of clamors, Tesla finally took the communicator, stroked Welt's eyebrows on the screen, and said in a muffled voice:

"So, when are you coming home?"

"It was almost time. I have almost investigated Theresa, so I can rest assured. But now Mei has enrolled in school again, and it's related to the Herrscher of Thunder. I have to stay and observe and guard for a while."

"Oh, then you can die outside. Goodbye!"

Tesla pouted and was about to hang up the call when she heard Welt's gentle chuckle and a low, sincere word:

"Tesla, take care of yourself. I miss you and everyone very much."

"Hmph!"

Tesla made a charming nasal sound, cut off the call, then held the communicator in her arms, turning her head to look out the window so that Einstein wouldn't see the corners of her mouth curling up involuntarily.