"Irene!" Theresa looked at Irene, who had just climbed in through the window. "Where have you been running off to these past few days? We couldn't contact you at all."
"I went to a place." Irene smiled. "The signal there wasn't great, so I couldn't be reached. I'm sorry for making you worry."
"So you do know you made me worry." Theresa looked at Irene, practically gritting her teeth. Gone for two weeks, not answering a single call, and completely unreachable.
"Aren't I back now?" Irene hopped down from the windowsill, patted Theresa's head, and then turned to look at Einstein. "Good evening, Miss Einstein."
"It seems I wasn't wrong to entrust that reagent to you back then."
"We lived up to Miss Irene's trust, in a way." Einstein looked at Irene, her tone calm. "However, for now, we have only roughly replicated the compound's structure."
"Whether it truly works is still unclear."
"It doesn't matter." Irene shook her head. "It's better than having no movement at all. If it is effective, it would be a tremendous thing."
Einstein nodded in agreement. Leaving aside other factors, if this substance alone were used for all of humanity, the survival rate of humans in the face of the Honkai would rise by a percentage.
Do not underestimate this. Even though the Stigmata gift left by the Previous Era has increased the Honkai resistance of most people, those who can survive the Honkai are ultimately still the minority.
Take the recent events in Nagazora City, for example. Out of ten thousand people, the survivors Anti-Entropy managed to save numbered less than a few dozen. The survival probability wasn't even one in a hundred thousand.
Even if part of that was due to the impact of a Herrscher-level Great Eruption, the mortality rate of a small-scale Honkai outbreak wouldn't be much better.
However, given the difficulties in synthesis, Einstein still had to pour a bucket of cold water on Irene.
"But I must first remind you that if you want mass production right now, it is still unlikely. The synthesis process of the compound is extremely difficult, and the yield is very limited."
"It doesn't matter." Irene looked at Einstein. "As long as it can be optimized, right? You guys can do it, right?"
"We can only say we will do our best." Einstein didn't make promises too fully. Some things couldn't be achieved just by working hard, especially given the complexity of that compound as it stood.
It was hard to say if they could achieve a certain degree of simplification or mass production. To achieve simplification, they would need to understand the entire synthesis process at the very least. That might be possible, but it would likely take a very long time.
Irene nodded in understanding, paused, and then asked, "By the way, how is Dr. Magi's situation now? Is he still with you?"
"Yes, Dr. Magi is currently still with us." Einstein's voice remained calm. "He feels deep remorse for his past actions, especially regarding the matter of handing the Gem of Serenity to Cocolia."
"According to him, he was outrageously wrong before and nearly caused a catastrophe. Now, he hopes to make amends for the things he did wrong."
"He has also handed over the complete formula for the Honkai energy neutralizing agent he researched previously to us." Einstein continued, "I must say, this Dr. Magi is indeed a genius."
"The Honkai energy clearing effect is extremely significant. He has also been helping with the enhancement reagent, working very desperately."
"A good attitude toward atonement." Irene nodded slightly. It seemed he hadn't fallen into direct depression. Since he wanted to atone, let him do it; at least it was several times better than his previous state.
"That is truly good news. Then how do you plan to handle this formula?"
"We have already begun research into mass production." Einstein replied. "Given that you should also know about that reagent, I will offer you the same guarantee."
"These reagents will be used for the right path. They will be used to treat all those severely infected by Honkai energy, or used to combat certain high-threat Honkai energy units."
Irene looked at Einstein and nodded. "That couldn't be better. Please send my regards to Dr. Magi."
"I will convey them." Einstein responded. "Then, regarding the research on the Honkai Resistance Enhancer, we will continue to push forward and will notify you as soon as there is progress."
"Thank you very much. I look forward to your good news." After Irene nodded, the communication screen dimmed.
Once the call ended, Theresa immediately turned to Irene, hands on her hips, wearing an expression that was a mix of worry and anger.
"Alright, now it's time to talk about your business!" Theresa's tone carried obvious dissatisfaction. "Irene, do you know how worried I... we were about you these past two weeks?!"
"Suddenly, we couldn't contact you. If it weren't for news from Anti-Entropy saying you had appeared in London, we wouldn't have even known where you went!"
"And after you appeared in London, you vanished again immediately! For a full two weeks!"
Irene smiled apologetically. "I'm really sorry, Principal Theresa. The place I went to... the signal wasn't very good."
"Signal wasn't good?" Theresa raised an eyebrow, slammed the table, and used the force to hop off her chair. "In this day and age, are there still places with absolutely no signal? Where exactly did you go? What did you do?"
"Just a relatively remote place." Irene spoke vaguely. "I went to handle some... private matters."
Theresa stared at Irene for a good while, seeming to judge the truthfulness of her words. Finally, she sighed, her tone softening. "Irene, I know you might come from a not-so-beautiful future, that you come from the Sea of Quanta, from a world similar to ours."
"Everything you do is so that we don't have to experience those tragedies you experienced."
"But you have to know, as the Principal, I have a responsibility to ensure the safety of every Valkyrie. I want to protect you, I want to help you. If something happens to you, I..."
Irene looked at Theresa, seemingly chuckled lightly, then stepped forward and gave Theresa a gentle hug. "I'm sorry for making you worry. But I promise you, I know what I'm doing. Please believe in me."
Theresa leaned against Irene's chest, listening to the heartbeat constantly coming from Irene, and her cheeks turned slightly red. It took a while before she remembered to break free from Irene's embrace, but the expression on her face had already softened considerably.
"Any gains?"
Irene smiled mysteriously. "Well... it's not quite convenient to say right now, but you will know very soon."
Seeing that Irene wasn't willing to say more, Theresa could only sigh again. "Fine, since you don't want to say, I won't force you. But remember, St. Freya is always your shield. If you need help with anything, you must tell us."
"I will." Irene nodded solemnly. "When I really need it, I definitely won't hold back~"
Theresa turned to look at the calendar hanging on the wall. That thing was actually used to mark the release dates of Homu comics, but now...
"You asked for a month of leave before, and only half a month has passed. Do you plan to end your vacation early, or continue resting?"
Irene thought for a moment and shook her head. "No, I still have some matters to handle. However, I need you to help me call Bronya over."
"Bronya?" Theresa was somewhat puzzled. "Do you have business with her?"
"Something very important for Bronya." Irene's expression softened. "Part of my trip this time was also regarding this matter."
"Then reveal a little bit to me first. What exactly are you going to do?" Theresa crossed her arms, looking at Irene. "You can't possibly tell me nothing at all."
"Just the Sea of Quanta." Irene patted Theresa's head. "Mm, to be a bit more specific, it's to help find someone."
"Sea of Quanta? Irene, what exactly are you planning?" Theresa's voice carried worry. "And who exactly are you looking for?"
"Please believe in me, Principal Theresa." Irene looked straight into Theresa's eyes. "I won't do things I'm not confident in. Besides, this matter is also very important to Bronya."
Theresa locked eyes with Irene for a few seconds before finally nodding. "Alright, I'll call Bronya over right now. But Irene, you have to promise me, don't take risks."
"I promise you." Irene smiled. Unless she crashed directly into Sa in this vicinity, the possibility of something happening to her wasn't high. After all, she was a bona fide Herrscher.
And a knowledgeable Herrscher at that. So unless she crashed into Sa within the Sea of Quanta, she didn't feel she would encounter any danger.
However, that guy couldn't possibly be in this vicinity. She was scared to death of the Proper World—or rather, she was scared to death of the Cocoon of Finality.
She would absolutely never come to this surrounding area. So, basically, Irene wouldn't say she could walk sideways in this area unhindered, but at least she didn't have to worry about her life.
The only other one who could threaten her was Kevin. But before Kevin thought about beating her up, he'd have to ask if Pardo in her mind agreed, and if that photo album in Little Corruption's hand agreed.
If Kevin dared to make a move, Irene dared to let Little Corruption snap Elysia's photo in half and summon Elysia over—or summoning him over himself would also be a nice choice.
Theresa picked up the communicator on her desk and connected to Bronya's line. "Hello, Bronya? Come to my office for a moment. No, not to discuss the plot of the Homu comics. Irene says she has business with you."
"Is it that Irene has returned..." Before Theresa could finish, the phone in her hand was taken by Irene.
"Hello, it's me. Mm, I'm back. Don't tell others yet, just come quietly yourself. What is it? Mm, a matter very important to you. Anyway, I'll tell you when you get here."
"Mm, yes, at the Principal's office. I'll wait for you here."
After speaking, Irene hung up the communication and returned the phone to Theresa.
Taking the phone back, Theresa looked at Irene. "During this time, Irene, can't you tell me... I most want to know where you went. Was it just for the Sea of Quanta matter?"
"Not just that matter, there were many other things." Irene looked at Theresa. "Don't worry. After this matter is over, I think there shouldn't be any need for me to go out again."
"Anyway, just believing in me is enough."
"Since you want me to believe in you, you should at least tell me a bit about it." Theresa looked at Irene, who still refused to loosen her lips, and pursed her mouth. "How can you ask someone to believe you while saying nothing at all?"
Irene mused for a moment, but ultimately shook her head. "I'm sorry, Principal Theresa, it's not the time yet. But I can promise you, when the timing is right, I will tell you everything."
"And not saying it now is actually to protect you. I'm very sorry I have to use this method, but please believe me, doing this is definitely for your sake."
"Really..." After Theresa mumbled for a while, she could only suppress the curiosity in her heart and didn't ask further. The two waited quietly in the office, the atmosphere becoming somewhat awkward for a moment.
Fortunately, it wasn't long before there was a knock on the office door. Then, the door was pushed open, and Bronya walked in expressionlessly. However, the clothes on Bronya's body were obviously a bit messy; it looked like she had rushed all the way here.
"Came really fast." Irene looked at Bronya. She knew how far it was from the dormitory to here. For Bronya, she was afraid she had flown all the way here directly using Project Bunny.
"Teacher Irene, you were looking for me?" Bronya's voice was flat and waveless, but her tone carried an excitement that even Bronya's emotionless facade couldn't conceal.
On the way here, Bronya had already used her clever little head to figure out what the 'very important matter' Irene mentioned might refer to.
Or rather, she hoped the matter Irene was going to speak of was the thing she was looking forward to. She had waited for this hope for too long, far too long.
Irene smiled and walked toward Bronya. "Looks like you've already guessed it. Then I won't keep the mystery. Bronya, yes, I found a way that allows me to enter the Sea of Quanta and return."
"So, the thing I promised you last time—I can help you do it."
A trace of light immediately rose in Bronya's eyes. "Really? Teacher Irene! You... you really can..."
"Yes, I can." Irene nodded. "I still have half a month left of my vacation. I think this half-month should be enough to help you find your Seele."
Bronya looked at Irene like a drowning person finally seeing a straw by the roadside, her eyes carrying a bright light. "As long as Elder Sister Irene helps Bronya, Bronya is willing to do anything..."
Before Bronya could finish, she felt a gentle touch on her lips. Irene had arrived in front of Bronya at some point, crouching down and looking at Bronya with a face full of tenderness.
"I said it last time: 'willing to do anything' is still too heavy. This is just a simple matter of a teacher wanting to help a student. Absolutely do not think of it as too complicated."
"Teacher Irene..."
"I'm sorry to disturb your atmosphere." Just then, Theresa at the side suddenly spoke up, interrupting the mood. "Will one of you explain to me what kind of agreement you two have actually reached?"
"I'm completely confused over here!"
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