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

"Why are you giving me that look?"

"Nothing, just thinking... Regardless of your plan, stealing the Gem of Desire takes some serious nerve. I admire your audacity," Zeke said sincerely, raising his glass as if offering a toast to Bolon's courage.

Bolon chuckled, pleased with Zeke's reaction.

"I won't keep you guessing any longer. The Schicksal Oceanian branch has applied for Herrscher Core experiments and received approval from Headquarters. In two weeks, the transfer of the Gem of Desire will take place."

"The transfer will begin at the Oceanian branch, where they'll dispatch an elite Valkyrie contingent to Headquarters as escorts for receiving the gemstone. At Headquarters, another coordinating Valkyrie team awaits with the Gem of Desire."

"Upon their convergence at Headquarters, after confirming the handover, both Valkyrie contingents will jointly escort the gemstone back to the Oceanian branch. The Headquarters' Valkyries, once assured that the gemstone is safely stored, will return to report to Otto, completing the transfer process."

"The lists of Valkyries from both sides are strictly confidential, and the handover will be coordinated using internal networks and codes. Even the Valkyries themselves won't know who they're meeting beforehand, to prevent exploitation by potential spies within. During transit, there will be no stops, and the route is kept secret, determined only on the day of departure by Otto himself... In short, opportunities to strike are limited."

Bolon meticulously explained, yet his tone seemed to carry a casual disdain towards this stringent plan.

Zeke pondered briefly before responding, "You specifically emphasized the handover process; do you suggest striking here?"

"It's always efficient to speak with intelligent people. Indeed, you may already know that I once had close ties with Schicksal and many old friends there... Let me put it this way: I have ways to intercept the Oceanian escort team and replace them with my own operatives. However, silently altering the handover information and obtaining the secret codes present two significant challenges."

"Hacking into Schicksal's system to replace the details of the Oceanian escort team while simultaneously investigating the secret codes... Is this what you're asking me to do?"

"Exactly right." Bolon stared intently at Zeke, seemingly confident that Zeke would agree and equally assured of his capability.

Zeke swirled his wineglass, once, twice, thrice, before looking up and asking:

"What can I gain from this?"

"I retain ownership of the gemstone, but under favorable conditions, occasional access for you is not out of the question. Additionally, your new faction—called Spark, correct? It will receive my full support."

"Empty promises. If you deny everything afterward, should I declare war on you?"

"Of course, there will be an upfront payment. Feel free to state your terms now."

Bolon extended his hand gesturing generously, indicating his willingness to show magnanimity.

Zeke pondered briefly.

"Five years' worth of operational funding for my faction. Calculate it based on current standards, payable upfront with no installments accepted. Additionally, production materials for ten thousand Titan robots."

Ah, just a little joke at Otto's expense. He wouldn't mind such trifles among friends, and securing this deal would be incredibly lucrative.

Moreover, by skimming off a small portion, he could fulfill his transaction with Su Tan for the secret manual.

Underneath the hood, Bolon's aged face twitched slightly. "I asked you to propose... but did you need to be so outrageously demanding?"

"You don't possess Lord Leader's capabilities; if your offer isn't substantial enough, why should I risk opposing Otto? People will die."

Yes, people will die—specifically, Bolon Albert himself. Once this deed is done, his fate is sealed, even Welt's intervention won't save him, as per Otto's words.

Thus, there was no better time than now to make a significant gain, or else the opportunity would vanish later.

Bolon fell silent for a moment before nodding. "The funds will be transferred within three days. As for the materials, they'll be handed over in the shortest possible time. However, do not disappoint me; the consequences are more than you can bear."

"The information swap is no issue, but I cannot guarantee the cipher code."

"That's sufficient."

"Then there shouldn't be any problems. You'll be satisfied."

After exchanging glances, they shook hands, formally sealing the deal.

"So, just by lifting a finger, you managed to secure all those resources?"

"In comparison to the Gem of Desire's value, it's hardly worth mentioning."

"Who believes he can actually obtain it?! Even if he does, before he can enjoy it, Otto would chop off his head and use it as a ball for kicking."

"What do you expect me to do then? Should I pass up free money and resources?"

Zeke rolled his eyes at Cocolia, took a bite of his apple, replenishing some vitamins.

Yes, he had candidly explained the entire situation to her.

In the original story, Zeke disliked Cocolia, but now, he didn't harbor any such feelings towards her.

However, regardless of which version, Zeke never meant to underestimate her. As a woman without any extraordinary abilities, climbing from nothing to become the leader of the Radicals, stirring turmoil in this world filled with hidden talents... How much sheer competence must one possess to even think about belittling Cocolia?

"Absolutely, we must profit!"

Cocolia slammed her hand on the table, then gritted her teeth and added, "You should have demanded more, making that old man bleed profusely in one go!"

"It was nearly at its limit. The deal isn't done yet, no matter how confident he is, he couldn't afford to give any more."

"You're right, what a pity... Oh, by the way, I've thoroughly analyzed all the data we collected over these days and finally grasped that old man's intentions. Would you like to hear about it?" Cocolia proudly crossed her arms.

Well, "crossed" might not be entirely accurate; she was actually supporting those awe-inspiring assets. With each movement, the mesmerizing waves of snow-white curves and deep valleys caught one's attention irresistibly.

Zeke glanced briefly but showed no lingering interest in this breathtaking sight. He simply said, "Go ahead."

"Bolon Albert, the prince of the oil kingdom, has been exceptionally intelligent since childhood, garnering significant attention within the royal family. Upon reaching adulthood, he found himself with only an elder brother, nearly thirty years his senior, who sat on the throne, and a younger sibling of average abilities. Essentially, Bolon was destined to be the next king, truly living up to the title 'Chosen One of Heaven'."

Zeke nodded, confirming that this matched the information he had gathered. Indeed, it aligned perfectly with Bolon's inherent arrogance.

"At sixteen, Bolon attended a banquet where he encountered Otto, rarely seen at such events. The aura of power and influence surrounding Otto, akin to a star amidst its celestial entourage, left Bolon captivated. It's possible Otto also managed to sway him during their interaction. In any case, Bolon became a devoted follower of Otto."

"After that, Bolon went all-in supporting Schicksal's various plans and repeatedly declared himself as Otto's most reliable and devoted friend in public... In simpler terms, he became a shameless bootlicker.

"However, being Otto's bootlicker had its advantages. On the contrary, due to his consistent support for Schicksal, Otto never refuted Bolon's public displays of loyalty. As a result, outsiders believed they shared a close relationship. Even members of our royal family saw Bolon's unwavering dedication as a testament to his courage and foresight."

"Gradually, Bolon gained more friends while facing fewer adversaries, positioning himself on the verge of becoming a promising ruler with limitless potential... Until one day, his queen encountered a Honkai Beast during their travels and contracted Entropy Erosion."

"Bolon, highly confident, immediately contacted Schicksal, requesting treatment for his queen. They swiftly agreed and took her away that very day. However... since she survived long enough to contract Entropy Erosion, it indicated some level of resistance to Honkai Energy. Consequently, she was promptly transferred to the laboratory, where she ultimately died."

At this point, Cocolia displayed a gleeful smirk, reveling in Bolon's misfortune.

Zeke raised an eyebrow.

"So, Bolon joined Anti-Entropy because... of love?"

"Not easily saddened... my ass!" Cocolia rolled her eyes, rebutting sarcastically. She continued her tale: "After that, Bolon, not yet middle-aged, went berserk. He abruptly cut off all support to Schicksal, adopting a defiant stance against Otto. It was also from then on that he began cultivating doppelgängers, meeting people through them each time, gradually making his true whereabouts unknown... I suspect he believed Schicksal wouldn't dare defy the unwritten rule of not challenging nobility directly. They wouldn't bypass him and target his assets before his demise. So, Bolon thought securing himself would allow him to continuously oppose Schicksal."

"Interesting. What happened next?"

"Afterwards, Bolon's confrontational attitude towards Otto led to a dwindling number of friends. The royal family, fearing Schicksal's authority, slowly abandoned him as well. However, Bolon remained undeterred, convinced that Otto increasingly saw him as a thorn in his side. Consequently, he intensified his efforts to cultivate and use doppelgängers. Then, at one gathering, the aging king encountered Otto again. Out of fear, he expressed the kingdom's stance regarding Bolon's situation to Otto. How do you think Otto reacted?"

Zeke stroked his chin thoughtfully.

"Based on my understanding of Otto, if he acted that way, it suggests Bolon never held much value to him from the start. If it were Otto, he would likely say... 'Who are you talking about? I don't recall anyone by that name.'"

"...Have you already investigated this beforehand?"

"No, just some basic information. As for the details you mentioned, I didn't waste time digging deeper; most of it remains unclear."

"Well, you truly understand Otto well. His reaction was exactly as you described. Afterward, Bolon defected to Anti-Entropy, severing all ties with Schicksal completely."

Cocolia squinted her eyes, imagining the expression on the proud Bolon's face upon learning Otto's response. It felt as refreshing as drinking a cold cola on a scorching summer day—simply exhilarating!

"Zeke, Mother Cocolia, something's not right!"

At that moment, Bronya burst through the door, her usually emotionless face unusually displaying signs of anxiety.

Simultaneously, Zeke received a message from Icarus via earpiece, causing his pupils to contract sharply.

Zeke and Cocolia walked out of the room.

In the main hall outside, Kia sat on a chair covered in bruises and minor cuts. Her pretty little dress was torn and stained with dirt and leaves.

"Oof... Seele, be gentle."

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry—did that hurt? Big Sister Kiana, what happened to you?"

While tending to Kia's wounds, Seele fought back tears, her eyes reddening from heartache.

"...Are you okay?" Zeke approached Kiana, crouched down, and asked expressionlessly.

Everyone felt an eerie chill, causing them to shiver involuntarily.

Kiana shrunk her neck slightly and muttered weakly, "I'm fine... It wasn't my fault! Some weird guys tried to capture me. Although Zeke's robots took care of them, I accidentally stumbled downhill..."

"Be more careful next time; don't rush headlong into danger. As long as you're okay, that's all that matters." With furrowed brows, Cocolia suddenly felt her pocket vibrate.

She retrieved her communicator, and her pupils contracted upon reading the message.

"Zeke, the funds have been transferred, and the first batch of supplies has arrived—twice the promised amount. Additionally, Bolon wants me to ask if you'd like him to send over...a few more cute white-haired girls he still has available?"

As Cocolia uttered those final words, her teeth began to chatter.

She noticed Zeke gently patting Kiana's head, his lips curving slightly upwards.

'Damn.'

Cocolia shook her head, contemplating how to explain to the Alliance Leader and others that Zeke was about to kill one of their Enforcers.