NOVEL NEXT Chapter 145: A New Future
"I've done many things in my life, made many mistakes. I can't say I have no regrets. But I've never regretted bringing you back from that snowy wasteland in Siberia twelve years ago."
"Bronya, you're my pride."
With those words, Cocolia felt a weight lift from her shoulders. She opened the door to leave, finding the twins eavesdropping.
"Rozaliya, Liliya… Mama won't be able to stay with you anymore. Listen to Bronya-nee-chan." Cocolia forced a smile, reaching out to pat their heads. Liliya leaned into her touch, but Rozaliya instinctively flinched.
She wasn't sure why. Perhaps it was seeing Cocolia abandon Liliya, perhaps it was her own failure to keep her promise. Or perhaps it was the discomfort of being treated like a child again.
Cocolia's hand froze, her expression falling. She turned and left.
Einstein was waiting for her. There was much to discuss, paperwork to sign. Cocolia's life, as she knew it, was over.
"Let's go."
…
"Rozaliya, you just…" Liliya looked at her sister, confused. They were closest to their mother. Bronya's rejection was understandable, but Rozaliya had no reason. Cocolia had saved their lives. This was likely the last time they'd see her. Why had she pulled away?
"Ahaha… well, I was a bit nervous."
"You're lying!"
"Oh, Bronya and Seele are waiting!" Rozaliya abruptly changed the subject, a tactic she often employed. Liliya sighed, defeated.
Bronya sat on the bed, lost in thought. Seeing the twins seemed to lighten her mood. They peppered her with questions about her experience in the Sea of Quanta, gasping and exclaiming.
A while later, Seele woke up, her condition much better than Bronya's. She could even walk on her own. They chatted, catching up, just like old times.
Taking the opportunity, Rozaliya told Bronya about Cocolia's efforts to care for the orphanage after the Great Eruption, about the other children, about their graves.
"Mama has paid the price, Bronya-nee-chan. Can you forgive her?"
Seele, though subjected to Cocolia's experiments, held no resentment. She'd done it to protect Bronya.
Looking at their hopeful faces, Bronya wanted to say yes, but the hurt was still too raw. She had trusted Cocolia the most, and that trust had been betrayed, making the wound harder to heal.
She noticed a photo on her bedside table, left by Cocolia. Five young children, the original group from the orphanage.
The annoying Anya, now older, caring for the younger children.
The twins, with their newfound powers.
Seele, back from the Sea of Quanta.
And herself, Bronya, burdened with the weight of the Herrscher of Reason's memories, entrusted with a new mission.
Dwelling on the past would only hinder her fight against the Honkai. Perhaps it was time to let go.
"Yes," she breathed, a weight lifting from her chest.
"Yay!" Rozaliya cheered, Liliya echoing her excitement. Seele smiled. The four of them hugged.
"Let's go to the beach! Seele's always wanted to go to the beach with everyone. We can play in the sand!"
"Yeah! The sand is super soft!"
As the girls discussed their plans, Welt, his physical body restored, entered the room. He wanted to discuss Bronya inheriting the Herrscher of Reason's power.
It had happened sooner than expected, but Bronya had been acknowledged by the gem in the Sea of Quanta. This was a good thing. Anti-Entropy had much to deal with. Welt, as sovereign, had to consider many factors, including finding a successor.
Sensing a serious conversation, the three girls quietly retreated to a corner, eavesdropping.
"Bronya, it will be more effective in your hands. The Herrscher core isn't a requirement for becoming sovereign. Power should be wielded by those with the most potential."
Bandages covered Welt's body. He'd recovered, but his injuries were severe. He'd reached his limit. Only a successor could carry on the fight.
But Bronya lacked confidence. Being so easily defeated by Kevin had shaken her. She doubted her ability to wield the Herrscher's power.
"But I lost. I couldn't change anything."
"No. As long as you remain true to yourself, you haven't lost. You don't have to answer now. When you're ready, I'll teach you how to use its power."
"..."
Welt left. The girls immediately crowded around Bronya. "Does he want you to be the next sovereign? Will you change your name?"
"Welt Zaychik? Doesn't sound very good," Liliya commented.
Bronya shook her head. "I won't change my name. I am who I am."
"Aw, I thought I could slack off a bit with the connection," Rozaliya pouted.
"Theresa-sensei said she'd take us in, teach us to control our Honkai beast powers, right, sister?" Liliya asked.
Rozaliya, distracted, replied softly, "...Yeah."
"Dr. Einstein is interested in Stigmata powers. Seele will stay here too. We can fight together, sister!"
They all had new goals, new paths. A new future.
For the next two days, they played without a care in the world, just like at the orphanage. They ran on the beach, watched the sunset, grilled seafood.
…
But why?
Watching the pink-haired girl drift away, Liliya felt a heavy drowsiness, her eyes closing as she fell into a deep sleep.