Honkai, why do you only throw me into high-level battles?

Schicksal HQ, the floating island.

"Is that so? Alright, I understand. Thank you for your hard work."

The call ended. In the empty cathedral, Amber lowered her hand from her ear, gazing at the empty throne elevated on its platform. She seemed lost.

The ornate throne, usually occupied by Otto, mirrored the emptiness of the cathedral.

"What should I do without the Overseer?" she wondered.

Her duties were always clear: execute Otto's orders, report back, and await new instructions. She'd never made independent decisions; such a thought never crossed her mind.

But this unwavering loyalty now left her adrift.

"...I'll wait for his return," she decided, opting for the familiar: file and store.

"I hope this doesn't hinder his plans," she thought, a flicker of anxiety in her normally stoic expression. She exited the cathedral to attend to other tasks.

Otto had delegated most daily operations to her, keeping her constantly busy. His absence wouldn't disrupt Schicksal's functions. Amber's competence was unquestionable.

Click, click...

Her rhythmic footsteps echoed through the hallways as she reviewed her schedule through her visor. She expertly categorized tasks, archiving the critical ones for Otto's review upon his return, while prioritizing the urgent but less significant matters.

But what if a task was both urgent and important?

Amber stopped, the dilemma surfacing again.

"Should I contact him through the emergency channel?" The thought died as quickly as it arose. No, I can't disturb him. Otherwise, I…

"Greetings, Amber. What a pleasant surprise," a graceful voice interrupted her thoughts.

Amber quickly composed herself. "Greetings, Rita. There's no need for such formality."

There was no mistaking that enigmatic voice.

"My apologies for interrupting," Rita said, approaching from the other end of the hallway. Her visible eye held a touch of apology. "I've never seen you hesitate like this, so I couldn't help but inquire. Forgive me if I've overstepped."

"Not at all, you're too kind!" Amber waved her hands dismissively, eager to change the subject. "Your return must mean progress on your mission."

Rita was supposed to be in Europe, searching for the Second Divine Key.

"You flatter me. I've encountered a small obstacle," Rita admitted with a wry smile, clearly not enjoying her current assignment.

The search was Otto's top priority, overriding all other tasks. Amber's concern was evident as she inquired about the problem.

"Apologies, my lapse in composure. It's nothing serious," Rita quickly recovered, explaining, "The European investigation went smoothly. Although fruitless, it led us to the British Isles…"

"Britain? But isn't that…?" Amber asked, surprised.

"Indeed, my birthplace…" Rita sighed, a hint of weariness in her voice.

After searching the globe, the target seemed to be right under Schicksal's nose in Europe. Now…

"Yes, who would have thought? The Second Divine Key, possibly in my homeland…"

It was like undergoing countless medical tests only to be diagnosed with a common cold. It felt like all her efforts had been for nothing.

"Why didn't I start there?" Rita questioned herself, feeling a pang of self-doubt. "This is quite embarrassing…"

Amber, oblivious to Rita's inner turmoil, asked, "Isn't this good progress?"

"So far, yes. But there have been… complications," Rita said, shaking her head.

"As you know, our investigations rely on local cooperation. We contact governments, universities, museums, and enlist experts. This allows for a systematic search," Rita explained.

"Of course." Amber nodded.

"...But in Britain, while visiting a London University professor, a misunderstanding arose, leading to a refusal. Similar issues followed with other institutions," Rita continued, her frustration clear.

"I see…" Amber acknowledged the situation, surprised by Rita's social misstep. However, she didn't consider it a major setback. "Why not try other avenues? Like…"

"The government? You know how efficient they are, Amber," Rita interjected with a strained smile. Relying on those bureaucrats was a fool's errand.

Amber was speechless.

But Rita's troubles didn't end there.

"The British Museum, our expected ally, suddenly closed for 'maintenance.' The director, Katherine, conveniently left for Central Asia to examine historical ruins…"

"That's… unfortunate," Amber said, stunned by the string of coincidences.

"Indeed, unfortunate…" Rita echoed.

"So, we're on our own in Britain. I've tasked Alvitr with re-examining historical data, hoping to find clues…"

She tried to find a silver lining. "At least the archives are still accessible… Though Alvitr will be overworked…"

"I even returned to HQ, hoping to help with the paperwork…"

"That's certainly… dedicated of you." Amber was relieved it wasn't a disaster. "Do you need more personnel?"

Rita brightened. "If possible, that would be wonderful. Thank you for your assistance."

That was precisely why she'd come.

"Then, I'll take my leave."

As Rita turned to go, Amber had a sudden realization, a solution to her earlier dilemma.

"Rita, wait!" she called out, her voice rising slightly in urgency.

A rare excitement, mixed with nervousness, fluttered within her. She had a solution, but it was her first independent decision.

"Yes, Amber? What can I do for you?" Rita asked, noticing Amber's uncharacteristic anxiety. She paused, intrigued.

"...Do you have any pressing assignments?" Amber asked, her breathing slightly quick, her chest rising and falling.

"No. As I mentioned, I anticipate paperwork for the foreseeable future," Rita replied calmly, though a flicker of curiosity crossed her mind. Did something happen that requires my involvement?

"Excellent!" Amber's lips curved into a stiff, unfamiliar smile. The moment quickly passed, her composure returning.

"The Overseer tasked me with monitoring Anti-Entropy. Just now, my informant reported their entire leadership, both conservative and radical factions, have vanished," she explained.

Rita's expression turned serious. What is Anti-Entropy planning? With both factions involved, it was unlikely to be another Nagazora City incident. Could they have found the Second Divine Key? It seemed plausible.

"Normally, I'd inform the Overseer, but he's away, and I hesitate to disturb him. However, ignoring this could jeopardize Schicksal's interests…"

Amber looked at Rita gratefully. "Since you're available, could you investigate this? See if Anti-Entropy is plotting something?"

Rita stared at Amber, surprised. Amber had always been Otto's mouthpiece, content with her role.

Now, she seemed anxious, fidgeting with her fingers, almost pleading. It was a strangely endearing sight. She seemed more human, somehow.

A wave of compassion washed over Rita. She smiled gently, bowing slightly.

"I accept your request. Do you have any other information?" A hint of playfulness laced her tone.

"Request? No... Rita, please don't…" Amber stammered, flustered. She'd given orders to Rita before, but only on Otto's behalf.

Seeing Rita's polite smile, Amber relented, sharing the information.

"I only know they contacted a single location several times before disappearing: Singapore."

"Singapore?" Rita frowned. "Is the Second Divine Key there?" It didn't make sense; that area had been thoroughly searched.

"No, Rita, you misunderstand," Amber clarified. "We've been monitoring them. We'd know if they moved against the Second Divine Key."

Rita nodded, understanding dawning. Otto considered the Second Divine Key untouchable. Any attempt by Anti-Entropy would be met with swift and brutal retaliation.

If it wasn't about the Divine Key, the situation was less critical, even intriguing. What is Cocolia up to?

"If there's nothing else, I'll prepare for departure." Rita was genuinely relieved to have a distraction from the relentless search for the Divine Key.

She almost viewed it as a vacation – especially after seeing how relaxed Durandal had been recently.