"—?!!!"
Cecilia only managed a sharp cry of alarm.
Otto let out a muffled grunt and glanced at his arm.
From the point of impact, his palm separated cleanly and fell to the ground. Violet motes flickered at the wound, rapidly spreading upward—eroding, disintegrating.
"What an unexpectedly delightful gift…"
Otto calmly examined his dissolving arm, then lifted his gaze toward the masked woman stepping slowly out from the shadows.
There was little surprise in his eyes.
"I hope this satisfies you, Overseer."
Jackal's expression suddenly steadied. She bent into a deep bow—almost excessively respectful, like a devout Schicksal retainer.
"Lord Otto. This is your end."
"My end? Mine?" Otto raised a brow, his tone leisurely. "You bring about my demise?"
"Of course, Lord Otto." Jackal remained composed. "I may be but a speck in a sea of millions, yet I stand backed by our Lord and World Serpent. Thus, I possess this capability."
She still looked so humble. So serene.
"The weapon you used to kill me reveals your standing within World Serpent," Otto exhaled lightly, deducing aloud. "The Third Divine Key—Seven Thunders of Retribution. If I recall correctly, that's the only Divine Key your organization currently holds."
"As expected of the Overseer of Schicksal." Jackal inclined her head. "You know secrets buried this deep."
She chuckled softly. "Though I never expected to surpass you in intelligence gathering. Today's apparent victory… is merely exploiting your blind spot."
"A valuable lesson for Schicksal," Otto acknowledged, glancing at Cecilia, who stood frozen. "See that, Cecilia? Never assume your enemy understands only the world you perceive."
"Wise words indeed," Jackal bowed again. When she straightened, her calm facade could no longer fully conceal the madness in her eyes.
"World Serpent's Jackal hereby bids farewell to the Overseer of Schicksal."
"You wish to send me off? How amusing…"
Otto laughed quietly, emotionless.
As his body continued to disintegrate, he seemed to recall something.
"So—why is World Serpent stationed in London? I have a rough idea. Still, I'm curious."
"In respect for your five hundred years of rule, I would answer," Jackal said smoothly. "My answer is—out of personal will, I refuse to answer."
She smiled teasingly, searching his face for a reaction.
She found none.
"Refuse?" Otto smiled faintly. "Excellent. That clarifies things. There must be something important here, then."
"No surprise you would deduce that, Overseer," Jackal replied lightly, though her fingers tightened unconsciously. "To outmaneuver you even once is a once-in-three-lifetimes honor."
"But our original objective… no longer matters."
She examined his dissolving form, then offered what appeared to be a sincere smile.
"My apologies, Overseer. To leave you in such a… pitiful state."
"Yes. Quite pitiful." Otto chuckled self-deprecatingly. "Since the Second Honkai War, this is my greatest loss."
"Your Divine Key protection scheme wasn't grand—but it was meticulous. Congratulations. This is the most glorious achievement any human organization has had against Schicksal this century."
"…Divine Key protection scheme?"
For the first time, genuine shock flickered across Jackal's face.
Something was wrong.
This wasn't how it was supposed to feel.
From the moment she devised the assassination plan, her heart had pounded relentlessly. Warning bells had screamed in her mind.
Jackal was arrogant—but in 2013, she wasn't yet reckless enough to treat Otto as insignificant.
She had simulated every step, rehearsed every variable, refined every contingency.
Yet when the attack finally landed—when she saw his arm disintegrating—
It still felt unreal.
I… really killed Otto?
Shock gave way to ecstasy.
Joy. Exhilaration. Near tears.
She had nearly lost control—nearly burst into manic laughter along the Thames.
She wanted to shout it to the world.
To Schicksal. To World Serpent. To every continent and ocean—
She killed Otto.
She. Jackal.
Killed Otto Apocalypse.
Hahaha—
No.
Too undignified.
She must remain elegant.
After all, she had slain Otto.
How could she behave like a lunatic?
Grace. Poise.
She must be refined.
A rational killer is far more impressive than a hysterical one.
Yes. Maintain composure.
Deliver his death sentence with the same calm superiority he once displayed.
Would that not be the greatest irony?
And so she had bowed.
Spoken steadily.
Pretended indifference.
Yet—
Why that expression?
When she raised her head, she saw not fear, not rage—
But the same gentle smile.
As though everything remained under his control.
How?
How could he be so calm?
How could he so quickly deduce her motive?
Impossible.
He should fear her.
He should admire her.
I killed Otto.
I killed him!
"I know," Otto said evenly, still looking down at her despite his fading body, "you're trying very hard to accept the ending where I die."
He met her gaze directly.
"But you understand nothing about Otto."
And then—
He crumbled into dust.
Jackal lowered her head, hiding the distortion on her face.
"No… no… that's not right…"
"This isn't how my script was written…"
The Thames wind carried away the last remnants of golden light.
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