Honkai: Man(Sludge) From Future

Academy City was advancing by leaps and bounds, but the negative consequences of Schicksal and Anti-Entropy retracting their power were also gradually being exposed.

The seeds Noldrei had been sowing were beginning to sprout.

The most difficult thing in the world was never killing someone, but making one person obey another's command. Welt Yang was confident he could shoot his way to the White House, but he had no confidence that he could make the governments of all the North American countries obey his orders.

Welt knew even more clearly that he couldn't even be sure that his own Anti-Entropy agents would listen to him.

In comparison, Otto could make his Valkyries adore him as their Overseer, even knowing that he conducted human experiments. In terms of power control, the difference between them was like heaven and earth.

Although Welt might have been able to reach Otto's level if he had five hundred years, he obviously didn't have that kind of time.

He first ended the call with Einstein, thinking about how to further improve Anti-Entropy's management within Academy City.

Currently, Anti-Entropy's situation in the city was not bad, but due to its own decentralized nature, it actually had less management authority than Schicksal.

Most of the people who had left Anti-Entropy had almost completely sided with Noldrei. In contrast, those who had come from Schicksal had not leaned towards Noldrei, but instead, with Ana and others as their center, had an attitude of starting a new venture with the local youth of Academy City.

These people seemed more like those who wanted to be close to Kiana. What they pursued was a more moderate Academy City lifestyle. They didn't want to worry about the threats of the past, nor did they want to accept overly radical changes. In short, they had a "live and let live" attitude.

Most of these people were maintained within the Stigma system planned by Kiana. They were usable, but perhaps not as effective.

The Stigma Battlesuits had replaced the dangers brought by artificial Stigmata, which was why these Valkyries had switched to the Stigma Battlesuit combat model. They already had very rich combat experience and had received a sufficiently firm Valkyrie spiritual education, allowing them to quickly adapt to using Stigma Battlesuits.

These people can help me. The original ideals of Anti-Entropy can actually attract them. But now I need to modify it a bit, otherwise, they will all be absorbed into the United Student Council.

Thinking of this, Welt contacted Miyuki Shirogane, calling the boy, who was considered a representative of the research department students, to his office.

Awkwardly, most of the boy's popularity came from his victory over the "Valkyrie Fist" faction. His transformation and finishing blow at that time had completely broken the morale of the opposing side, causing them to leave in disgrace.

Even their "leader," Kaguya Shinomiya, had switched sides and become one of Shirogane's helpers.

Miyuki Shirogane soon arrived at Welt's office.

But as soon as he entered, Welt dropped a "bombshell" on him.

Many people in Academy City knew that Hachiman Hikigaya was Miyuki Shirogane's good friend. They had always hung out together, and it wasn't like no one from the research institutes had seen them.

But the problem also lay here. Miyuki Shirogane wasn't the type who particularly craved power. He just had a strong competitive streak at times, and for the most part, just enough to help himself was sufficient.

But today, Welt dealt a heavy blow to Miyuki Shirogane.

"Recently, Academy City wants Hachiman Hikigaya to try running for the position of Prime Minister of the Far East. The students in Academy City are progressing too quickly, and I also want you to go to the Middle East to test out the Stigma system there."

"If the experience is good, you might be able to get some positions from Theresa. With your meticulous attitude and your grasp of human psychology, I have a lot of confidence in you."

Hearing this, Miyuki Shirogane's face took on the expression of a bewildered old man looking at a smartphone.

Did he just mishear something? Hachiman Hikigaya was going to run for Prime Minister?

Had there ever been such a young prime minister in the history of the Far East? Or was he planning to get engaged to some beautiful young lady from a noble family?

Gender was already fluid in the Far East now; could there still be such an ancient engagement custom?

"No, I... I feel that such a heavy responsibility is a bit much. Aren't there more suitable older people?"

Miyuki Shirogane felt he was still too young. He thought such a job was completely unnecessary for him. Welt! Aren't you just setting me up?

Welt actually didn't want to do this either. He couldn't compete with Otto here in Academy City. So, he thought of sending Miyuki to the Middle East, under Theresa, to secure a position in advance.

"Miyuki, I know this is a bit difficult for you. But don't worry, when you come back, I'll make it clear to Hachiman Hikigaya. He'll take care of the situation here in the Far East. Whatever manpower you need, I'll arrange it for you. How about it?"

"I..." Miyuki Shirogane felt that Welt was overestimating him. He knew in his heart that he was only of average ability. Although he was gifted, most of his success came from his own hard work.

Welt knew what the boy was thinking. After seeing that Miyuki Shirogane didn't often use Hachiman Hikigaya's influence in his work, he knew that the boy probably had a strong sense of pride. A person without any self-respect or pride wouldn't go to such lengths.

"So I don't need to worry about the things here in Academy City anymore?"

"You've already done a very good job. These selection processes just need a framework, that's enough. I'll handle the rest myself. You need a bigger stage to showcase your talents!"

Welt desperately fed Miyuki Shirogane feel-good platitudes, hoping the boy would rise through the ranks in the Middle East just like Hachiman Hikigaya.

Welt's eyes shifted, and his tone suddenly changed. "I know you're not too willing, but you also know... everyone at the institute sees how good your relationship is with Hachiman Hikigaya's sister. They always want to find a way through you to communicate with the security forces. You've been troubled by their interruptions, right?"

"Huh?!"

Miyuki Shirogane suddenly became much more alert. He had always thought he had won the favor of the institute's teachers through his own hard work. He never expected there to be such a "profound" inside story.

Miyuki wasn't actually wrong. Most of the people at the institute were straightforward and did like him for his abilities. But with Welt's little embellishment, it now seemed as if they had only approached him because they knew about his relationship with Hachiman Hikigaya.

"Teacher, the researchers are very simple people. Don't think so badly of them!"

Although Miyuki retorted this way, his heart was already beginning to feel uneasy. When had he ever been hit with such a blow? For a moment, he actually felt an impulse to go out and make a name for himself.

"After Hachiman Hikigaya is transferred back, I will arrange for you to go over and prove your abilities. My student, of course, will stand in the research institute with his head held high, relying on his own hard work!"

After Welt's passionate speech, Miyuki Shirogane was suddenly filled with determination.

"Alright, I accept!"