Honkai Impact 3rd: Don't Die For Me/ Book 3 Paradise

Chapter 82 Justification

<Vienna>

Vera dangled her feet from the clock tower high above. She could see the vast cityscape, laid out in uneven grids formed by roads and blurred by people. She juggled her knife absentmindedly while waiting for the crescent moon to wane. A cloud would obscure its view and then her owl-like eyes would see the hidden lanterns lurking in the corners of the street. Of course, her work would be made easier if her sister wasn't dozing on her shoulder. Despite her medium height, Kallen's resting weight class was no different than that of a small hill. Realistically she was sixty kilograms of dense muscle and athletic fat though very few sense this weight by bypassing the pressure of her power.

"..." No Vera wasn't going to voice her mind. She rather enjoyed the proximity of Kallen's head, the warmth that radiated from her body into Vera's shoulder, and the reminder that Kallen was her idiot big sister. Moments like this wouldn't last.

Dusting limestone crumbled off the edge of the tower. Their nun attire was weathered from the days spent constantly combing the city.

Tong! Tong!

Midnight, the clock tower stirred Kallen from her slumber. Vera extended her arm to prevent the feline from stretching over the edge. Kallen would land on her feet, she wouldn't be harmed but many would find it odd to see a nun fall from above in the dead of night. Surely a folktale would follow, superstition of the horror variety.

"I told you to wake me up gently," Kallen grumbled. A week and no luck. It was at this point Sakura's spirit communion was rendered useless. The linger Honkai obsessions in the world varied in age. None of them were recent. The Black Rose was blooming quietly in Vienna.

"I have sweets,"

"Sweets?!" Kallen shot awake but she met with a mischievous smile. Fooled again, Vera was even worse than Otto.

"I know your ears quivered too. Beautiful fox, reveal thyself!"

Sakura exited her cloak with a cold and icy gaze. She picked up Kallen like a princess and retreated to the gear room of the tower. Vera followed closely, enjoying their collective embarrassment. A makeshift base had been established. Vera had stolen the table, chairs, sleeping bags, and all the amenities. Kallen and Sakura spent that time searching for the roots of the Black Rose. This arrangement was most unfortunate as Vera truly proved herself to be an honorary part of the Kaslana lineage by burning their rations.

"Their lives aren't in danger but the treatment is inadequate. Olivia's in the worst shape. Ava's not better. The rooms are clean but the medicine is scarce." Sakura reported. "They're not guarded well, most of the spare guards are stationed by your cell and Eleanors. The Keys are different. Yours could be moved by Eleanor's stays rooted by the gate."

Kallen clenched her fist. Vera sighed as she figured she might have to steal another table set.

"We're stupid. We can't find anything. I don't know how this city works. You don't know either. Vera, well Vera why haven't you found anything? You're smart right?"

"Duchess Schariac only taught me combat. I had the assistance of her intelligence unit when carrying out missions." Vera shot a knowing look at encompassed both Kallen and Sakura. For once she didn't tease them. Instead, she opted to turn away, shaking her head at the thought of comparing her intelligence to the both of them. Sakura wasn't dumb persay but she was slow. Kallen was Kallen. "Sakura will tail the Queen. Kallen and I will prepare to break out our Eleanor and the rest."

<Austrain Border>

"Uncle this is too far!" Frederick protested. The cold winds blew through the tent. Opposite him, behind a mountain of papers sat Cain Kaslana. He wore the Overseer's robes but underneath the stiff clergy uniform was hidden knight's armor. At his waist were the dual blasters, the Judgement of Shamash.