Honkai: Man(Sludge) From Future

Hachiman Hikigaya, finding the show rather dull, struck up a conversation with the "security guy" in the audience.

"It's strange, you know? I see so much bad press about the Church of Saint Freya in the news, but in all my time as a security cadet, I haven't caught a single one of them."

"The incident the other day involved someone with no backing, just some random lunatic acting up."

"You've been a security guard here for so long, have you ever encountered such extreme individuals?"

Fu Hua hadn't really paid attention to these matters. She hadn't been here long, occasionally helping to look after the children from Cocolia Orphanage.

And incidentally, keeping an eye on the Herrscher of the Void and Benares, who were also placed here.

As for the Church of Saint Freya, she didn't consider them a major problem.

"Actually, that Nobuna Nakamachi person doesn't have any organization. Based on the intel I have, she's acting alone. The ones really causing her trouble are two other factions."

The security guy's words startled Hachiman.

*You're a security guard, how do you know more than me, a security cadet?

Hachiman really hadn't gathered much information. Many things were beyond even Anti-Entropy's control. Cocolia's independent actions weren't exactly a secret within Anti-Entropy.

"One group calls themselves Primitivists. They advocate for genetic retro-evolution, saying they want to free humanity from the shackles of the flesh. They want to fully develop biological evolution and completely distance humanity from the cruel exploitation of industrial production. Naturally, they don't want the return of primitive religions, so they want to find Nakamachi and kill her."

The way the security guy spoke reminded Hachiman of those bragging uncles he'd see on the street.

"The other group calls themselves Futurists. They advocate for the combination of machinery and biology, like your ID tag thing. They claim to be Dr. Tesla's loyal followers. They're eager to capture and dissect Nakamachi, a feudal superstition believer who promotes the Church of Saint Freya."

"Groups like the Church of Saint Freya are small-time players, all being used by others."

"Do you know Schicksal (organization)?" Fu Hua suddenly seemed to remember something. "That environmental protection organization led by Theresa with all those degrees? She's also a very powerful Valkyrie."

"I know about them. There are records in textbooks about the contributions Schicksal (organization) and the Valkyries have made to humanity." Hachiman listened like he was hearing gossip. He felt Nagazora City was becoming increasingly bizarre.

"Many Primitivists come from Schicksal. A lot of Valkyries are unwilling to leave the front lines, especially since the treatment in frontline positions is far better than in logistics." Fu Hua briefly explained the difference between the front lines and logistics, thanks to Noldrei creating a state of equilibrium, preventing the Honkai from producing more Herrschers in the outside world.

The Valkyries had suddenly gone from being short-handed to having a surplus of personnel, forcing Schicksal (organization) down the path of disarmament.

This security guard sure knows a lot!

If the guy wasn't so young, Hachiman would have offered him a cigarette.

"How do you know so much? Is your source reliable?"

Fu Hua was momentarily speechless. She was actually the person who interacted most with the middle management, a "versatile talent" who could be used for any project.

Naturally, she knew about these messy personnel issues, but these weren't considered important by Tesla and Noldrei. As long as it didn't hinder Tesla's research, she basically didn't care.

"You know, I have a friend..."

Before Fu Hua could finish, Hachiman interrupted.

"Alright, buddy, I know what you're going to say. A friend who eavesdrops under the council's beds, right? I've seen plenty of those. Those people blab everything; you can't trust any of them. You should stay away from them too. You're just a security guard. How much do you make a month? If a security cadet like me notices you, how will you explain yourself to your family?"

"I..." Fu Hua wanted to explain, but Hachiman didn't give her a chance.

"I know you like to brag, but you should probably tone it down. What if some psycho reports you? That's what happened to me. Back in middle school, not only did my confession fail, but I was also reported to the disciplinary committee for 'misconduct' and 'harassing female classmates." Hachiman gritted his teeth. "If I were good with women, would I still be single?"

Fu Hua gave him a pitying look, unsure how to comfort him.

She simply said, "I'm just repeating what I've heard. You know how it is with these underground performers, it's a mixed bag. They tend to have… unique preferences. Most of them are lolicons, which is why they hired someone like me for security. It's not surprising to hear some unsavory things. You, as a security cadet, should be more careful."

Hachiman was just here to observe; he hadn't had a chance to approach the two little dragon lolis yet. However, the information his superior gave him was quite accurate. He decided to follow his superior's instructions and check out the nearby pastry shops first.

"I know what I'm doing, don't worry! The waters run deep in Nagazora City. As long as you're on the right side, there's nothing to worry about."

Hachiman knew that being on the right side solved most problems. The remaining small portion were things even his superior couldn't resolve.

"What are you really doing here?"

Fu Hua finally remembered her job, curious why a security cadet was suddenly here gathering information.

Hachiman explained, "It's a special assignment from my superior, confidential, so I can't say much. We suspect someone wants to harm those two little girls, so I came to take a look. But I don't know how to find the right people."

Fu Hua now understood. Of course, she knew about the Alyn sisters.

With their unique appearance and abilities, many research institutes would be after their genetic information. The number of people who wanted to harm them was… substantial, to say the least.

Even within Anti-Entropy, after learning about the sisters, the executives had tried more than once to negotiate with Cocolia for their "custody."

But now, that custody was in Dr. Tesla's hands.

"I understand what you mean. That is a big problem. It's hard to keep track of so many research institutes. No wonder you're looking into this Nakamachi person."

Fu Hua's words resonated with Hachiman.

She thought for a moment and said, "However, I do know where this Nakamachi person lives. Would you like to try contacting her?"

Hachiman was shocked. He had just randomly picked a security guard to chat with.

How could this guy be so well-informed?!