Chapter 232 Otto: Su Mu, Do You Want to Become Schicksal's New Overseer?
Lately, discussions regarding the plot of The Day You and the Stars Disappeared in Honkai Impact 3rd have remained at an all-time high, with the hype far exceeding previous updates. Part of this was due to the high production quality and grand scale of the event story, and the other part... was naturally due to the "timeless classic" moment Otto left behind in Theresa's livestream.
After all, it was the first time viewers had ever seen someone play a game so hard they actually ended up in the hospital. The entertainment value was peaked. Simultaneously, this made many players realize once again just how truly "inhumane" the Old Thief Su Mu could be.
Unsurprisingly, because Kongming was so beloved, MiHoYo's revenue for this version exploded once again. Although Kongming was an SP character, the sheer number of players who loved her was staggering. Between the Shuijing stigmata set, the Zither's Lament weapon, and her new skin, players bought everything in sight, contributing to a massive wave of revenue.
Furthermore, in the latest Main Story Chapter 19, "From the Deep Freeze," facing the powerful Herrscher of Rimestar, Durandal's new armor, Dea Anchora, was incredibly cool. Especially the moment she activated her burst and performed the armor fusion, it sent the player base into a frenzy. Combined with the move where she draws her bow with her foot, many players were completely enchanted.
As for the plot of Chapter 19 itself, it allowed players to witness Su Mu's "sinister intentions" once more. Following the events of Chapter 18, after Anna and Chen Tianwu (Owl) fled, they arrived at the Schicksal defensive line guarded by Rita. Anna froze the unyielding Rita and the other Valkyries of the Immortal Blades, breaking through the line. "Big Rita" took yet another "L."
Following this, Anna's memories were stripped away bit by bit, turning into ice sculptures. she used her last strength to reclaim her body, taking Chen Tianwu back to the garden to say goodbye and begging Mei to let her die as a human. However, this final wish was again thwarted by Chen Tianwu. Anna could no longer suppress the Herrscher consciousness and killed Chen Tianwu as he stood in her way.
The dying Chen Tianwu, guided by the Imaginary Tree, saw Anna's past failure to save him and his sister. Extreme rage and despair turned him into the Herrscher of Stars. Chen Tianwu felt a mix of love and hate for Anna, but he could no longer view her as his emotional pillar. Ultimately, he chose to give up his life, surrendering his core to Anna so she could live in his place.
The Herrscher of Rimestar—the fusion of Anna and Chen Tianwu—was killed by the joint efforts of Mei and Bianca. The post-death explosion turned Coral Island into a barren wasteland. The Fifth and Sixth Herrschers' story ended in such a tragic manner, leaving players sighing in regret. Many had thought there might be a way for Anna to become a human-aligned Herrscher and help fight the Honkai... but fate was cruel.
The fusion of the Herrschers of Earth and Ice also sparked discussion. The concept of two cores in one body felt familiar... Ah. Kiana. Kiana had the Serenity Gem and the Void Core, and before the thunder struck the sky, she even had Mei's Conquest Gem... Since Anna could fuse cores to become Rimestar, did this mean a future Kiana could use multiple cores simultaneously to become even stronger?
At the mention of Kiana, everyone sighed. After Mei left, Kiana was taken away by the Hyperion. No one knew where she was or what she was doing... Mei's departure must have been a heavy blow to her. But no matter how much they worried, the main story was still in a "To Be Continued" state. Many guessed that the next update would finally focus on the Tuna and the Hyperion.
How will the evil Old Thief Su Mu torture Kiana in the next chapter? With the precedent of "Star-Gone," players no longer fantasized about sweet stories. They only begged for the "knives" to be a bit less sharp. Onegai!
Su Mu was currently unaware of the players' shift from "you can't do this" to "please be gentle." He was facing a severe problem of his own: how to refuse Otto's invitation to bathe together.
The livestream accident had indeed sent Otto to the hospital, but the check-up revealed it was just low blood sugar caused by over-excitement and staying up late. after a day of rest, Otto was discharged as if nothing had happened. As for Kallen, she recovered even faster than Otto. After watching the ending where Kongming was saved and eating a hotpot meal in the hospital with Cecilia and Siegfried, she was instantly full of vigor... it was hard to imagine she looked like she was on death's door not long ago. Su Mu had to admit, the Kaslana genes were powerful; their constitutions were simply too good.
On the other hand, Su Mu felt he really owed Kallen one. Otto had originally intended to challenge Su Mu to an unrestricted MMA fight upon discharge, but a phone call from Kallen made him change the invite from a fight to a bath... Su Mu didn't want to fight Otto; winning or losing would be awkward. Lose, and he loses face; win, and he's beating up a shareholder. It was a lose-lose situation.
"Just be happy in secret," Theresa glared at Su Mu crossly. "Grandmother Kallen is the kind-hearted one. you don't know—with those plots you wrote... back during Sakura Samsara, Auntie Sakura was already reaching for her sword to come find you, but she was stopped by Grandmother Kallen."
Su Mu raised his hands in surrender. "What does Ms. Kallen usually like? How about I send some gifts?"
Theresa rolled her eyes hard. "you definitely should. If not for Grandmother Kallen, you might have been dumped in Tokyo Bay by now."
Although Su Mu and Kallen had never met, he was incredibly grateful for her "disaster avoidance" help. He mused that he should have Yae Sakura bring some local specialties back for her. Kaslanas were like that—they loved to eat. If you don't know what to give, give delicious food; you can't go wrong.
Despite his reluctance, Su Mu couldn't escape Otto's invitation and was dragged into a shared bath. Su Mu was terrified that Otto would suddenly say, "Do you have any interest in becoming the next Overseer of Schicksal?" and recreate the Joyce incident... Fortunately, Otto didn't mention that. instead, he talked about work.
"I heard the new game from your Glamoth Studio, 'Titanfall,' is launching soon? Around June, right?" "Yes, we've already conducted some closed beta tests with players. Prep is nearly complete." "Mechs, huh... Hmph, Welt must be beside himself with excitement. That boy probably won't be able to sleep on launch day..." Otto huffed lightly, then looked at Su Mu. "Ah, don't misunderstand. while on the surface Welt and I don't get along... privately, we aren't exactly friends either."
Su Mu wiped his sweat. Lord Otto certainly had a sense of humor.
"Haha, just a joke, don't be nervous—" Otto leaned against the edge of the pool, laughing as he picked up a glass of red wine prepared by the butler. He swirled the glass, the liquid shimmering under the lights. "Smart as you are, my friend, you should be very clear about why I came to Arc City."
Su Mu sighed. "I imagine you aren't here to inspect my work, right?"
Otto smiled. "I never use men I don't trust. you have proven your professionalism; clearly, no one is better suited to helm MiHoYo than you... Ah, sorry, I know the current President is the Kaslana girl. But in my eyes, you are the actual helmsman."
Su Mu shook his head. "If you think that, you are mistaken. MiHoYo's success isn't due to my strength alone. Bronya, Kiana, and many others have poured their hearts and efforts into it. I'm not thick-faced enough to take all the credit."
Otto laughed. "But it is because of your unique charisma that these talents gathered around you, is it not? I like your humility, but excessive humility isn't always a good thing."
Su Mu narrowed his eyes. He felt Otto's words were just a setup; the true intent was yet to come. "Mr. Otto, if you have something to say, please be blunt."
What was meant to come would come; Su Mu didn't want to keep circling.
"Straightforward and blunt, exactly why I like talking to smart people... So, friend, I'll be direct—have you thought about leaving MiHoYo?" Though Otto kept his smile, his gaze turned sharp.
"I don't understand what you mean." "How could you not...? Though, if I were in your shoes, I would play dumb too. Fine, let's be even more direct: Su Mu, have you thought about becoming the next CEO of Schicksal?"
"...?" Otto's sudden statement left Su Mu with a bewildered expression. "I think I've been soaking too long and I'm hallucinating... I'll be heading out now."
Just as Su Mu was about to stand up, Otto spoke again. "If you didn't hear clearly, I can repeat it, Su Mu... do you have any designs on the position of the next CEO of Schicksal?"
Otto's repetition made Su Mu's heart drop. Damn it. Otto, I have no grudge against you... well, that's not exactly true since I just sent you to the hospital. Ahem. Otto, even if we have a grudge, you can't treat me like this! are you trying to make me sacrifice myself to save New York (recreate Welt's tragic lore)?! Hmm??
"Can I take that as a joke?" "Before it was a joke, but this time it's different. I am sincere." "...What kind of answer are you looking for?" "Oh?" Otto was startled, clearly not expecting Su Mu to throw the question back. "Interesting. I'm the one who asked, yet I'm the one being questioned... No matter, I can answer you."
Otto set down his glass and looked at Su Mu with a smile. "I don't want to hear 'yes' or 'no.' I don't like people who can be recruited by a simple olive branch, nor do I like those who reject me to my face... so whichever you answer, I won't be satisfied."
Otto's answer made Su Mu sigh. "This reminds me of a Sherlock Holmes story... the criminal presents two glasses of wine, one poisoned, and tells Holmes to choose. If you view it as a 50/50 chance, you are mistaken. In reality, both are poisoned; no matter the choice, you die. If Watson hadn't arrived in time, Holmes would have suffered... Like you said, whether I agree or refuse, the outcome would likely be the same—because from the start, this 'olive branch' was just a ruse. What you want to confirm, Mr. Otto, is the purpose behind my approach to Theresa, isn't it?"
Otto couldn't help but applaud. "Splendid, truly splendid! Su Mu, my friend, you are indeed a smart man! you saw through the essence of the matter in an instant... But it is because you are so smart that I must be doubly vigilant. you know, Theresa is an irreplaceable treasure to me, and I do not wish for her to become a tool used by someone to climb to high positions."
The moment had finally arrived... Before Otto's visit, Su Mu had more or less guessed his purpose. after all, the rumors between him and Theresa were everywhere; how could a "granddaughter-con" not be nervous? But it was enough already; after circling so much, he was just here to check what was happening between him and Theresa.
Thinking of this, Su Mu shrugged. "Rumors on the internet—I imagine Mr. Otto doesn't believe them. after all, if you did, we wouldn't be chatting here."
"you are right. I certainly don't believe those rumors... yet I cannot help but be cautious. To me, Theresa is my most important granddaughter and the future of Schicksal. you should understand how vital that position is, so I must be careful." Otto sighed, his smile vanishing.
"So, Su Mu... I want to ask you one last question. I want your honest heart." "do you think Theresa is suited to be the next CEO of Schicksal?"
END OF CHAPTER
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