"The Fourth Divine Key is a satellite floating in space for over fifty thousand years, housing the core of the previous civilization's Herrscher of Wind. It possesses capabilities to manipulate weather conditions and concentrate or disperse vast amounts of Honkai Energy. Once, it repaired Earth's ecosystem nearly destroyed at the end of the previous civilization, as well as the devastated Siberian landscape after the Second Honkai Eruption. Now, it will continue aiding the recovery of life in the Far East Region."
"As we can see, the land's wounds heal under gentle rain and wind, while Anti-Entropy's specially engineered plants begin sprouting. As they grow and eventually wither, this once-corrupted soil by Honkai Energy will swiftly regain its fertility, becoming a place where life can thrive anew..."
"During Major Honkai Eruptions, we have always lost much. In the First Great Honkai, my first mentor—the source of Anti-Entropy's founding principles—Welt Joyce defeated the will of Honkai but sacrificed himself. During the Second Honkai, I faced countless life-and-death situations alongside Schicksal's warriors; numerous Valkyries perished one after another, and Immortal Fu Hua even burned away her own life force and memories... Ultimately, leading to victory in the Siberian campaign."
"The Chi You Campaign long ago and today's Major Honkai Eruption in the Far East both achieved victory through countless sacrifices, ensuring the survival of our civilization. What I want to emphasize is that Honkai isn't just an issue for individuals or specific organizations; it's a collective disaster faced by all humanity. Each person stands on the front line, bearing the responsibility to fight against it.
"Research has shown that the intensity of Honkai varies with the advancement of civilization. Some argue we should simply halt progress, slowing down and mitigating the onset of Honkai."
"But can passively waiting, frozen in place, truly be the solution?"
"There are currently two theories about the essence of Honkai: first, as a test imposed by natural laws upon civilization, and second, as an anti-civilization force corresponding to increasing entropy, representing chaos. Regardless of which theory holds true, standing still only means waiting for extinction. Only by striving forward, overcoming hardships continuously, and exploring uncharted territories relentlessly, can civilization hope to find its true path. This is the consensus between our two organizations, and we hope the world understands and supports us."
"What I want to emphasize is that despite facing unimaginable calamity, the advanced previous civilization persevered until their ultimate demise. Nevertheless, they left behind gifts such as the Divine Keys, Soulium, technological relics, and MANTIS warriors. Moreover, over five millennia, they restored Earth, making our existence today possible. We have accepted these legacies from the previous civilization, developing and fighting with their aid up till now. It stands to reason that we should strive further than our predecessors, ultimately overcoming the challenge of Honkai.
"This path requires warriors ready for blood-soaked battles, supportive and united citizens, and individuals like us who will forever charge forward, never retreating a single step."
"Regardless of circumstances, please do not forget: Civilization is a shared community where every person plays a part, under its protection and contributing accordingly. Never forget the courage of martyred heroes; human history is a chronicle of bravery, and the anthem of humanity sings of valor.
"And let us remember, mankind's greatest invention is not technology or cities but love. Love possesses infinite power, flowing through everyone's veins. May all people embrace their loved ones and cherish life's beauties."
"I am Welt Yang, thank you for watching, farewell."
With the half-documentary, half-educational program concluded, the screen dimmed.
In the bright hall, Kiana and several other girls turned their heads simultaneously to gaze at Welt, who was leisurely sipping his tea, stars twinkling in their eyes.
"Wow, Uncle Welt, that was amazing!"
"Just sharing my thoughts," Welt responded modestly, scratching his face. "I hope it brings some comfort to those worried and fearful."
As he watched Kiana approach with her long silver hair framing her charming, wide-eyed expression, a warm paternal smile crept onto his face beneath his glasses. Unable to resist, he reached out to gently ruffle her hair.
"Slap!"
A slender hand, its fingers well-defined, smacked Welt's away, causing him to instinctively retract his gesture. Bewildered, he looked up to see Zeke seemingly engrossed in reviewing documents.
"Um..."
"She's grown now; maintain some propriety. Let's discuss business: these individuals emerged amidst the recent storm of public opinion—the surrender faction, troublemakers through and through. Stick to our usual protocol—hang them from the lampposts, Mr. Iron-Handed Benevolent Father."
"Erm..."
A virtual screen unfolded before Welt's eyes as he gazed at the list, momentarily speechless.
The term "iron-fisted" referred to his ruthless methods during internal purges and clearing obstacles on the path of reform.
As for "fatherly," it stemmed from that ideological framework which had become entirely public—so much so that it was even included as a mandatory course in Anti-Entropy schools. Zeke had read it; its core principles closely resembled the great thoughts he remembered, yet there were many differences in specific details. These distinctions arose due to variations in worldview, Anti-Entropy's capabilities and position, and the crisis posed by Honkai—the ideals were both grand and grounded in reality, possessing the potential for beauty and practical implementation. Consequently, those who studied Welt's Introduction to Ideology believed him to be nurturing humanity with a fatherly care.
Welt clenched one hand into a fist, brought it to his mouth, and cleared his throat awkwardly. He said,
"Cough! Um, could you refrain from using that nickname? It feels somewhat embarrassing."
"Why not? It shows how much people appreciate what you've done over these years."
Zeke looked up at Welt, genuinely puzzled by his discomfort.
With a forced laugh, Welt shook his head helplessly and replied,
"...Never mind, I suppose it's fine if it makes you happy. Looking at this list, there must be around two hundred names. What exactly are they thinking? Embracing Honkai is something I'll never understand."
"It's quite normal. In a vast forest, you'll find every kind of bird. Some may be overly fearful and resort to absurd self-deception, believing that embracing Honkai will help them escape judgment during the Trial. Others might just have too much idle time on their hands, despite not really experiencing hardship, and melodramatically chant 'overthrow human tyranny, the world belongs to Honkai.' There are even those who simply think Honkai is cool... Sigh, you can't expect everyone to possess sound reason."
"Can't they be educated?"
"The ones capable of being educated aren't on this list. Review their behavior records; if you feel any should be spared, we can remove their names."
Welt began perusing the content, meticulously going through each entry. After a long while, he sighed.
"I'll handle it. You don't need to get involved. Your reputation remains untarnished in the public eye; let's keep it that way."
"I wasn't planning to do it myself anyway. Given your track record over these years, openly taking action would have a stronger deterrent effect. Oh, by the way, shall I provide some suitable lamp posts for hanging?" Zeke asked with a hint of humor.
"Can we please stop referencing that incident? At the time, I was furious with those heartless, stubborn individuals, fueled by the collective outrage... But I haven't repeated such extreme actions since then," Welt replied, rubbing his nose sheepishly.
Death is merely the end; execution by firing squad suffices for even the most deserving cases. Hanging someone from a lamppost—while not strictly necessary—isn't something Welt appreciates either, as it involves dishonoring their remains.
Zeke nodded.
"You have a clear understanding of your role. Don't let momentary frustration cloud your judgment. You're a leader, not an impulsive troublemaker driven solely by passion."
"Thank you for the reminder. I'll be mindful."
"Oh, right, a couple of days ago, I awarded Chen Tianwu with the Assistant Executive badge."
"Hm? Oh... Those matters can indeed be decided by you alone."
Welt scratched his head, speaking matter-of-factly, seemingly unaware of his responsibilities as the Alliance Leader.
'But Chen Tianwu, huh? That kid has come this far already!' Welt couldn't help but turn and gaze at the moon outside the window.
His impression of Chen Tianwu was still that of the weary young boy running errands under Zeke's orders years ago. However, being both Zeke's student and receiving the badge directly from him spoke volumes about the child's exceptional talent. Having such promising successors within Anti-Entropy brought immense satisfaction to Welt.
Rolling his eyes, Zeke didn't want to waste more breath on this oblivious man and continued, "There's one more thing. We need to intensify efforts to promote the 'Selene' device. For regions resistant to cooperation, make sure to pay them extra visits. Use your iron-willed authority; this initiative significantly impacts the casualty rates during Honkai outbreaks—it's crucial."
"Understood, I know what to do." Welt adjusted his glasses briefly, and for a moment, a chilling glint reflected from their lenses before returning to its usual warm demeanor.
To this day, the countless lives on Welt's hands remain incalculable, yet anyone who met him would still perceive him as genuinely kind-hearted.
Hanging those deserving of death from streetlights did not prevent Welt from kneeling amidst muddy rain, carefully helping a fallen little girl back onto her feet—he was just that sort of person.
Meanwhile, Zeke finally resolved various issues, closed all data windows, and wearily stretched.
With this, the Major Honkai Eruption in the Far East Region could at last come to a close.
Leaning back in his chair, Zeke let his mind drift, momentarily lost in thought.