219 Kouro loves 'Big things'

"I want to join Anti Entropy. " Kouro said with a calm expression.

Hearing his words, Bronya had a surprised expression and turned to look at him.

Cocolia's expression visibly changed, she looked at Kouro who was in front of her suspiciously, it was a pity that she was currently unable to see Bronya who could already show her expression.

If not, then she would have been very surprised.

'Had Bronya been found out so she revealed everything? No, considering that there was only Kouro in front of me it seemed like Bronya hadn't been found out yet, then....'

That means Kouro really wants to join Anti Entropy.

Ever since the Honkai Eruption incident in Singapore more than a few months ago, Cocolia had been specifically investigating Kouro, as this person had interfered with her plan to kidnap Mei.

Seeing his background and his outstanding achievements as an Einherjar who had completed various missions to earn the nickname "One-man Army", made Cocolia understand how talented Kouro was.

Perhaps even possessing talent on par with Schicksal's current strongest Valkyrie, Durandal?

After all, as an adult, Cocolia understood, in this world there was no such thing as eternal enmity in the presence of profit.

While thinking about this, Cocolia's mind was a little inclined to want to recruit Kouro now, but even so she must not immediately show her interest.

Moreover, by recruiting Kouro, she might be forgiven by the Sovereign for framing Ryoma, Mei's father who was currently still in prison.

"[What is your reason for wanting to join us? Moreover... What benefits do we get if you join us? ]" asked Cocolia carefully.

Facing her question, Kouro smiled as he displayed the authority ability [Death and Life].

Staring at the crow on Kouro's shoulder and the pencil spinning above his index finger like a helicopter propeller, made Cocolia pause and put on a thinking expression.

"I think Anti Entropy will welcome a Herrscher who aims to be on the side of humans with open arms." Kouro said with a relaxed expression.

At this time Kouro did not know that Cocolia had misunderstood him who had the authority of the Herrscher of Death.

'Don't tell me that the Honkai Eruption in Singapore that I made back then was actually successful and the person who became the Vessel of the Gem was Kouro?' he thought.

But if this was true, why did Schicksal take no action at all, did they not know? Or... Cocolia raised her head to glance at Kouro.

"[As a Herrscher, why haven't you been caught at all in Schicksal? Moreover, you are an Einherjar, the only man who fought on the front lines against Honkai. Surely you would've been noticed by Schicksal itself, right?"]" Cocolia asked suspiciously.

Cocolia wanted to make sure that Kouro was not a Schicksal spy who wanted to join Anti Entropy.

Although her relationship with the members of Anti Entropy was not very good, in the end this organization was still the only one that would accept her, so she did not want to make a stupid mistake like accepting a spy.

Kouro's expression did not change in the face of her question, in fact he had guessed that Cocolia would ask this so he already had a prepared answer.

"Do you know, Cocolia-san? There is a talented Valkyrie in Zealand, with her abilities she could become the fifth S-rank Valkyrie in Schicksal."

Kouro then broke the pencil he was making in half before continuing, "That Valkyrie was unfortunately influenced by her 'Valkyrie Oath' and volunteered to be the guinea pig of an experiment with her leg implanted with the Gem of Desire for research. Unfortunately she failed, she was unable to exert the Gem's power and even her leg became paralyzed."

"This led the scientists of Schicksal to treat her only as a vessel for the Gem, making the Valkyrie hate Schicksal and distrustful of others."

Cocolia listened to Kouro's story in silence before asking, "[What exactly do you want to say?]"

"I just want to say that the treatment of a Herrscher in Schicksal is not good." Kouro said while shrugging his shoulders.

He then subconsciously thought of Mei who had the Gem of Conquest inside her, if it weren't for Kouro's negotiations back then with Theresa...

Mei would have been restrained from her Herrscher's power by having a bomb implanted near her heart.

"[So is that why you want to join us?]" Cocolia asked.

"I know you don't believe me, so how about this? If you let me join Anti Entropy, I will gladly offer my body to the organization." said Kouro.

Listening to his words, Cocolia's eyebrows were raised, the body of a Herrscher did have infinite value, especially one who was still alive.

But this is for the organization, not for herself.

Seeing that Cocolia did not say anything, Kouro then raised one index finger before saying seriously.

"Not enough? Then how about I tell you that Seele is alive and I can bring her back?"

"Kouro!?" said Bronya with a completely shocked expression, she did not expect that Kouro would say such a thing.

Did that mean he could actually bring Seele back from the Sea of Quanta?

Kouro turned to look at her and smiled calmly.

Kouro's original plan of joining Anti Entropy was not only because the organization would be the main stage in the game, it was also because he wanted to contact World Serpent through Cocolia.

Saving Seele was a secondary goal because even without his intervention, Seele would be able to return to the real world either from her deal with Kevin or Bronya's help.

It was like hitting two birds with one stone.

In his memories, although there were slight inconsistencies, he knew that Cocolia's primary goal was bringing Seele back from the Sea of Quanta.

This was because Cocolia truly felt guilty towards Seele and also Bronya who were victims of the experiment.

But out of nowhere, Cocolia made a deal with the World Serpent to achieve her main goal, this can be seen from how she could make Welt Joyce's clones.

Unfortunately there is a slight inconsistency in the game plot or rather in chapter 1 and chapter 2 which shows how Cocolia sent the [Moonlight Throne] to Kiana and told her to collect 4 Herrscher gems.

In both chapters, it is shown how selfish Cocolia was in order to gain power and did not hesitate to control Bronya's mind using the 'Chip' planted in her brain to achieve her goals.

But in the end in the following chapters, she was betrayed by the World Serpent making her realize the mistakes she made and finally went to prison voluntarily.

"[Are you serious?]" said Cocolia with a serious expression.

Judging from how Kouro found out about Seele's existence and the experiment... It seemed like he was very trusted by Bronya.

"Of course, I wouldn't joke about things like this? So, are you going to accept it?"

"[...]" Cocolia looked deeply at Kouro before sighing and saying.

"[Wait a moment, I'll contact the Sovereign first.]"

The communication interface was turned off by Cocolia for a moment for a few minutes before it was finally activated again, this time the communication screen split to show Cocolia, Tesla, and Einstein.

The three of them looked at Kouro before Einstein spoke first.

"[Welcome, Kouro, apologies that it wasn't Sovereign who welcomed you as he has a busy schedule, but you can rest assured that we are truly happy that you joined our organization.]"

"[He really doesn't look like a Herrscher.]" Tesla said doubtfully.

It was like that at first, but seeing how Kouro could control the black fog resulting from the authority of [Death and Life] she believed it right away.

"[... The Herrscher of Death, huh?...]" said Einstein after seeing Kouro's ability.

"Do I have a mission?" Kouro asked them.

Einstein shook his head "[For now… not yet, you can relax first as a new member. You don't need to worry, we know your situation, Anti Entropy's rules are not as strict as Schicksal's.]"

Cocolia then said a few words, about the vision, mission and goals of Anti Entropy including some rules that must be obeyed, she also sent him a communication number of some Anti Entropy officials including the Sovereign himself to him.

"Alright, I understand." Kouro said while saluting the three of them.

Einstein nodded and said, "[Take care, Kouro.]"

"[I leave Bronya to you, take good care of her, don't make her cry or I'll make you regret it.]" Cocolia said before cutting off the communication screen.

Seeing this, Kouro then sighed letting the crow on his shoulder fly to his head and settled down as if his hair was its nest.

"Subject Kouro... Are you really able to bring back Seele?" asked Bronya cautiously but hopefully.

Kouro nodded his head in reply to her question, "I know where she is, I can bring her back, but not now, I hope you are not disappointed, Bronya."

Hearing his answer, Bronya smiled, "No, in fact Bronya feels very happy, it means there is still hope in saving Seele."

Kouro then stood up while stretching his body paying no attention to the crow who was currently sitting on his head.

"Uhh~ Alright, since my business is done I'll go back to my room. Bronya, I hope you can keep the fact that I am a Herrscher a secret from the others."

Bronya nodded her head with a gentle smile, 'A secret that only Bronya and Kouro know...'

She somehow felt happy, touching her chest she felt her heart flutter a little, she didn't know what this feeling was.

Kouro who wanted to go back then seemed to pat his forehead and turned to look at Bronya again with an embarrassed expression.

"That... Bronya, I want to ask you a favor, are you able to recommend a good date spot?"

Kouro knew that Bronya was good at technology whether it was networking or information, so he asked her that, but... Asking that to a 14-year-old felt a bit inappropriate...

"..." Bronya looked silent for a long time and with a flat expression she raised her head to look at Kouro.

"Who would Subject Kouro like to date?"

"No, let Bronya guess, does subject Kouro want to confess to Mei nee-sama?" she asked again.

Kouro did not answer but was scratching his neck with an embarrassed expression.

Seeing his expression, Bronya knew that her guess was correct, she then touched her chest with her head slightly bowed, her heart somehow felt very painful making her a little dizzy.

This pain was different from bullet wounds or cuts, this pain in her chest made her feel like she was drowning in the cold sea that made her dizzy.

"... Sorry, Bronya can't." she said weakly after gulping down saliva.

Kouro could not see her expression because Bronya's head was slightly bowed.

"Ah, it's okay, I just wanted to apologize if my favor bothered you." Kouro replied.

"Mhn?" Kouro saw that Bronya's state didn't look right so he approached her and asked with concern.

"Bronya, are you okay?"

'No dummy, it's all because of you!' That's what Bronya wanted to say but she stopped herself because it didn't fit her personality.

Just as she was thinking about sending Kouro away, she felt Kouro's hands on both her cheeks and raised her head, Bronya's pupils dilated at how close Kouro's face was to hers.

Kouro's expression at this time looked very serious and looked at her with concern.

"I thought there was a complicating effect on your brain because of my healing, thankfully you seem to be fine."

Seeing how worried Kouro was about her, Bronya felt a little warm, she who originally wanted to drive Kouro away unconsciously opened her mouth and said.

"... Bronya is fine, just a little dizzy... Subject Kouro... Bronya has a request, would Subject Kouro like to sleep in Bronya's room tonight?"

Kouro blinked before asking innocently, "Why?"

"Bronya feels... Subject Kouro may need to supervise in case there are any side effects from Bronya's healing."

Hearing her words, Kouro seemed to think for a moment before nodding his head.

"You're right, then you can sleep first, I'll watch over you tonight without sleeping."

With the vitality he currently possessed, he could not sleep or eat or drink for several months in an extreme environment.

"That... Bronya can't sleep if she's being watched, how about Kouro Subject sleeping with Bronya instead?" said Bronya trying to take the opportunity.

Kouro glanced at her with a strange expression and said, "Well... I don't mind, but what about you? After all, I'm a man and you're a woman."

Bronya gave him a deep look before asking, "Didn't the subject Kouro himself say that have no interest in small children like Bronya? Or was that just a lie?"

"Of course not! Alright! I'll lie down beside you. But let me throw this crow out first." Kouro said with a twitching eyebrow before heading out of the room.

Bronya looked at him back, after confirming that Kouro was really outside, she subconsciously let out a sigh of relief.

"...Baka." Bronya muttered, whether it was referring to Kouro or to herself.

...

A few minutes later, Kouro re-entered the room only to see that Bronya was already lying on the bed illuminated by the moonlight and revealing her slightly messy clothes exposing her navel and skin.

Kouro's expression was flat seeing this beautiful scene, no dirty thoughts of any kind crossed his mind, after all as Kouro himself explained, he was not interested in small children.

He is a man who likes 'Big things', like big swords for example.

(E/D: Shadow must have a big sword as well, I mean he is so strong. I wonder if Kouro would be interested in sparring with him using their swords.)

Kouro then walked over to Bronya who had changed her pose with her back facing him.

He glanced at her for a moment before lying down in the same pose except his back was facing Bronya's back and closed his eyes listening to Bronya's rhythmic breathing.

'Looks like she has fallen asleep.'

But just when he thought that, he suddenly felt Bronya's embrace from behind him.

"Bronya-?!"

"Please... Let Bronya do this, just for a moment." Bronya's voice was like she was sobbing.

Kouro who heard that in the end closed his mouth not saying anything and let Bronya hug him.

'Maybe Bronya is longing for someone, but because there is no one she can rely on she ends up depending on me.' he thought with a pensive expression.

Bronya felt that this was the first time she was so close to Kouro, she never knew that Kouro's back was so wide that it gave her a sense of security.

But she knew... This back was not hers, Kouro was not hers, she knew that she was physically inferior and less attractive, compared to Kiana, Mei and the others.

She didn't have the identity of a childhood friend like Ayame, the straightforward personality of Kiana, or even the beauty and grace of Mei.

She didn't have any of the advantages that made her close to Kouro.

At the thought of this, tears involuntarily slid from her eyes and ran down Kouro's back.

Her emotions that had long been pent up inside her had all been released.

'But that's okay, for now the subject Kouro belongs to Bronya alone.'

As she thought like this, her hands unconsciously hugged Kouro tighter.

Bronya did not realize that there was some kind of humanoid shadow staring at her from behind Kouro's shadow before the shadow returned to normal.

....

At this moment, there was Ayame, no, 'Ayame' wearing erotic clothes sneaking towards Kouro's room, she was in front of Kouro's room. She looked around and after confirming that there was no one.

She then inserted her finger into the keyhole of Kouro's room door and used her plant control ability to create a wooden key.

*Click!*

Hearing the sound, 'Ayame' smiled lewdly while licking her lips before entering the room.

"Excuse me~"

Inside Kouro's room, she looked around and could not find anyone.

"Did Kouro go out?" she muttered.

After confirming that Kouro really wasn't in the room, she then muttered while locking the door.

"Well... It's okay, maybe in a few minutes he'll come back here, I should hide soon."

She looked around before staring at Kouro's wardrobe, she smiled slightly and finally entered the wardrobe.

"I'll attack her after he sleeps..."

Little did 'Ayame' know that Kouro would not be returning to his room as he was staying in Bronya's room.

....

On the other hand, in Kiana's room.

Kiana was sleeping very soundly while mouthing Kouro's name.

"Kouro... Hehehe~... Don't touch there~..." she muttered with water coming out of her mouth.

The 'Sirin' personality was currently staring at Kiana with her yellow eyes shining coldly. She turned her head to look at the window reflecting the moonlight.

Earlier, she thought hard about how to defeat Kouro, starting from influencing Kiana to use her power so that she could gradually gain control over her body.

But these thoughts changed after Kouro disappeared without a word and seeing Kiana and the others trying so hard to find him as if they were dogs who had lost their owner.

Of course she knew that they were actually in love with Kouro, after all even a 6-year-old child would realize this after seeing their actions.

This then gave her an idea.

"I will make you fall in love with me, Kouro, make you unable to think of anyone else but me." She muttered with a determined expression.

"And then, after that, I will make you my beloved slave." she said with a wide smile.

(E/D: Slavery was abolished. Sirin: … F*ck!)