The Past

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[scene: Maghreb, past]

(A/n: Don't own images used)

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(A/n: Don't own images used)

Two men sat facing each other within the insulated void bubble above the sands. Golden light flowed and danced within the confinement created by the Void Archives, the first Divine Key. Otto observed the man before him. His inhuman gaze was devoid of emotions, memories, or warmth. Yet it made Otto a little nostalgic. None dared to belittle him ever since he became the Overseer. But this man belittled everything. Schicksal and Otto himself meant nothing to him. Nevertheless, Otto welcomed his arrival.

Otto: All hail the World Serpent.

Kevin:......

Otto: Haha, I was just trying to lighten the mood before we begin our friendly conversation. In any case, I humbly welcome the Lord of the World Serpent. I knew I would eventually meet you. I know who you are and what you did. I am an admirer of your great deeds and exploits. Father to the Kaslanas, hero of the Previous Era, Sire of the World Serpent, and enforcer of Project STIGMA... Kevin Kaslana, did you come here to declare war on me?

Kevin: No. The World Serpent does not intend to fight Schicksal. I came here for one thing - your support for Project STIGMA.

Otto: Any request will come with a promise. What are you offering in exchange for my support?

Kevin:......

Otto felt his hesitation. A great way to start the negotiation, he thought. He still commanded the initiative. But he would need to be extremely careful in his next move...

Kevin: I don't need your promise. You either submit, or you will be destroyed.

Otto:...Oh no, that wouldn't be wise. Despite your great powers, my Schicksal runs this entire world. Imagine us doing everything we can to fight you. We will be defeated, but not before taking up your time. You stand to lose precious time, and then you will fail to finish your project before the End of Days. I believe that is something you wish to avoid. It would be wiser for us to start proper negotiations. After all, I do not wish to fight the World Serpent.

Kevin: What do you want?

...He made an inquiry. He succeeded in steering the dialog to the intended direction.

Otto: I too have a project that I wish to finish before the Final Herrscher arrives. But the Honkai is intensifying at a rate faster than we think. The great enemy is evolving with our civilisation. Unpredictable Honkai incidents are happening across the planet, a sign of pending Imaginary dimensional bleed... The 5th Herrscher will soon appear.

Kevin: Guilty as charged.

Otto: You have a duty. I have a wish. None of us will be getting anything we want if the Final Herrscher arrives. *Both* of us are losing time. Instead of war, I believe... a partnership would be a far better choice.

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