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

After discussing Soulium, Zeke took a stroll around Otto's laboratory, witnessing numerous peculiar—some downright unsettling—experimental processes.

The title "mad scientist" indeed suited Otto well.

Then, declining Otto's offer to accompany him, Zeke ventured out alone for some fresh air. After all, their agreed-upon sightseeing couldn't be entirely spent at Otto's gloomy lab, could it?

With the ever-troublesome white-haired girl temporarily absent, Zeke seized the opportunity to truly unwind and relax.

Upon returning to the upper levels of the base, under the sunlight, a graceful young maid awaited elegantly by the door.

"You've been waiting here the whole time?"

"It is my duty, Sir Zeke."

"Thank you for your hard work. Let's find somewhere to sit—how about Durandal?"

"Certainly, after you. I'll lead the way."

Smiling, Rita gestured elegantly with her slender hand clad in black lace gloves.

Her graceful figure and the faint fragrance carried by the breeze were truly enticing.

Zeke couldn't help but take another lingering look.

Thinking back, most of the girls he had encountered in this world were still young, barely more than kids. Cocolia was older, but considering her reputation, she didn't arouse Zeke's interest. As for Dr. Einstein and Dr. Tesla—Einstein was a good friend, while Tesla was quite the comedian. Both were attractive, yet Zeke regarded them as elders or friends without any romantic thoughts.

But Rita before him now, ah, she was simply captivating; not taking full advantage of this sight would be a loss.

"Sir Zeke... Why have you been watching Rita so intently?"

Under his intense gaze, Rita's keen senses prompted her to turn around and inquire.

Zeke rubbed his chin nonchalantly and replied,

"You're beautiful."

"...Thank you for your kind words, Rita feels truly honored."

"I'm just stating the truth. When it comes to finding a girlfriend, this type is definitely the most appealing."

Rita turned back, facing forward again, but her delicate arched eyebrows involuntarily twitched.

How should she respond to that? Should she hastily offer herself to such a high-ranking figure?

"Don't misunderstand; I'm merely being honest. With your beauty, obedience, and maid-like qualities, it's no wonder so many people admire you."

"Ah ha ha, you mean the Valkyries at Headquarters, right? It's all in jest; Rita is just an ordinary member among them." She giggled softly, subtly quickening her pace.

Zeke lifted his head, not looking at the sky but pondering on another world where Captains would drool over Rita—Not bad taste, Captains! We seem to appreciate similar types!

Following this stunning beauty, Zeke's spirits and eyes were refreshed along the way as he swiftly arrived near Durandal.

She was training, just as usual. The only difference today was the location—yesterday's training ground had nearly been blown through to the base foundation, requiring more than a couple of days for repairs.

Despite such extensive damage, there wasn't even a hint that the base might sink, and remarkably, the optical camouflage remained intact throughout. This showcased the unfathomable technological prowess of Sky City.

"Boom!"

After demolishing a training mecha with a single punch, Durandal retracted her fist, approached Zeke, and pounded her chest.

Instantly, her full, snow-white curves displayed a tantalizing bounce, then compressed into an even more captivating shape, barely contained by her revealing training outfit—a sight truly heart-stopping.

With a serious expression, she bowed slightly and said,

"Durandal reporting, Sir Zeke!"

As an S-rank Valkyrie and prominent figure within Schicksal, yesterday's breach of etiquette and misconduct were exceptions. Normally, aside from formal occasions when meeting Archbishop Otto, Durandal would not kneel before anyone else.

But already, Zeke began shaking his head disapprovingly.

It was indecent, yet seemingly without any self-awareness.

Such was the custom in Europe; there wasn't much to criticize about it. Still, one must acknowledge—well played, Otto.

Should Kiana's black armor... No, absolutely not. Upon returning, I'll revise the design, adding more thickness and external skirt-like elements. She cannot meet people dressed like this!

"Sir Zeke?"

"It's nothing, just some nagging thoughts."

"Is there anything Durandal can assist with?" Her eyes sparkled, seemingly still preoccupied with the matter of the First Herrscher, Welt.

It made sense. Defeating Honkai was her ideal, and confronting a Herrscher would be a direct path toward achieving that goal.

"No need, it doesn't concern you. Did I interrupt your training?"

"Not at all, I was nearly finished anyway."

"Do you have time for a walk together?"

"Certainly... Oh, could you please let me change first?"

Zeke waved his hand, signaling she could leave ahead.

He then approached the wreckage of the machinery, carefully examining fragments as if inspecting for issues.

Meanwhile, after some hesitation, Rita finally spoke up:

"Sir Zeke."

"What is it?"

"Do you have any particular thoughts about Lady Auran Dai'er?"

"Hmm, I'm quite impressed with her abilities. If possible, I'd love to poach her from Otto's grasp. But she's fiercely loyal, and I've arrived too late; it seems highly unlikely," Zeke replied candidly, filled with deep regret.

Rita, however, let out a slight sigh of relief.

As long as his intentions aren't those dirty ones. Although Lady Durandal is incredibly strong, Sir Zeke's titles and positions are even more intimidating, coupled with his close relationship with Otto. If he truly insisted, Rita couldn't predict the outcome.

Zeke glanced at her and asked, "What about you? Are you interested in working under me? The compensation can be negotiated; whatever Otto pays you, I'll double it."

"Sir Zeke must be joking..."

"How about quintuple then, plus recent candid photos of Theresa Apocalypse... And if you prefer something more daring, that could also be arranged."

With Welt routinely active at Saint Freya Academy, given his powers as the First Herrscher, obtaining such photos would undoubtedly be within his capabilities. As for overcoming any potential resistance—no worries; worst-case scenario, Zeke would simply find an irresistible offer.

Rita's pupils trembled, not because of the prospect of Lady Theresa's photos but purely due to the allure of additional income.

Ah, just consider this story as hearsay.

Then, Rita managed to force a smile and said,

"Sir Zeke, you jest. As Schicksal's Valkyrie, I unconditionally follow orders from both Director Otto and yourself without any distinction."

"If even such enticing terms don't sway you, it seems my efforts to recruit talent today will be fruitless," Zeke lamented with a sigh.

Rita remained silent, partly due to her principles and partly because she was neither aware nor interested in getting involved in the power struggles between high-ranking figures. Her sole focus lay in combating Honkai and accompanying Lady Durandal. Naturally, if given the opportunity, she wouldn't pass up serving Lady Theresa either.

The conversation reached its conclusion shortly before Durandal returned briskly, now clad in formal black military attire, exuding confidence and vigor.

"My apologies for keeping you waiting, Sir Zeke."

"Not at all, it gave me a chance to chat with Rita. Since I've already mentioned it, let me be straightforward—would you be interested in joining me? Whatever Otto pays, I'll match thirty times that amount. Additionally, I can provide you with a dedicated room for your cats; feel free to have as many as you wish."

Durandal appeared taken aback.

Meanwhile, Rita subtly twitched the corner of her mouth.

Wow, offering thirty times more to Lady Durandal right off the bat? Isn't this blatant favoritism? While their power discrepancy is undeniable, treating them so differently—aren't you pushing it too far?

If Zeke knew her thoughts, he might have coldly replied, "Why should I spare your feelings when you didn't even consider joining me? Besides, your value indeed doesn't match up to Durandal's."

"Lady Durandal jests; my loyalty lies solely with Schicksal."

"Joining me still aligns with your loyalty to Schicksal," Zeke responded without a hint of embarrassment.

If he could sway Durandal, securing her allegiance would be crucial. Even requesting a genuine position within Schicksal from Otto wouldn't be out of the question. She was a future deity-level combatant, representing unparalleled strength. With Finality not yet present, having her on his side would virtually make him invincible—a truly invaluable asset.

"This... Still, please forgive Durandal's refusal."

"No room for negotiation?"

"My apologies, I have my own mission to fulfill."

"All right then, let's at least take a stroll together as a gesture of goodwill." Zeke remained unfazed, calmly waving his hand.

In any case, it was just worth a shot. Zeke never truly expected to poach Otto's talent.

However, with these two attempts unsuccessful, there remained one even more seasoned divine figure worth trying again.