After some heated discussion, the destination for the hot spring trip was finally settled.
Kinosaki Onsen, located near Nagazora City.
Elysia turned to Durandal and explained, "Kinosaki Onsen is said to have a history of 1,300 years."
"Besides soaking in the hot springs, it's also a food paradise, with shops offering everything from hot pot, red bean soup, to udon noodles."
"It's a shame though—the most recommended way to experience it is in April during the cherry blossom season. That way, you can enjoy the bath while watching cherry blossom petals drift down slowly."
Durandal answered out without thinking, "Then let's go again in April."
"Did everyone hear that? The boss has spoken—we're going again next April!"
Elysia led the applause.
Faced with everyone's clapping, especially Elysia's somewhat 'provocative' smile, Durandal felt a dark line creeping down her face.
Had she just fallen into Elysia's trap?
Since when had their dynamic shifted? Elysia was no longer the one always ending up on the losing side...
Durandal fell deep into thought.
This question lingered in her mind all the way back to the Schicksal organization's temporary office, and she still hadn't figured it out.
Soon enough, though, Durandal had no more time to dwell on it.
After returning, she began receiving feedback from Schicksal members regarding the matters she'd announced at noon.
Overall, there weren't many objections or suggestions.
Most of the feedback revolved around minor details.
For example, if the leaders of each Schicksal combat team were to be called Flame-Chasers, what about the team members? Should they be called soldiers, or warriors, like in Fire Moth?
Durandal's answer was simple and direct—Valkyries.
Male members would be Male Valkyries, female members Female Valkyries.
In Durandal's vision, any member joining a combat team as a regular would need at least the strength equivalent to what she recognized as an A-Rank Valkyrie.
Those below that level would remain as reserve members.
Those above could first serve as deputy leaders and, after a probation period, be promoted to Flame-Chasers, leading their own combat teams independently.
Members of the logistics and research teams would also be called Valkyries.
In Durandal's view, not only those on the front lines were fighting—logistics and research were battlefields too!
As for promotions within logistics and research, Durandal planned to delegate appropriately.
The current leaders of the two logistics teams and the two research teams would assess candidates, then submit applications to her with explanations.
After approval, they could establish third, fourth, and more teams in both logistics and research.
Submitting applications to her wasn't just a formality. As the leader of Schicksal, she needed to at least know how many teams existed under her command, so this step was essential.
Additionally, several members came to speak with her in person.
"Dr. Mobius."
Durandal was somewhat surprised to see who it was.
She could understand if Eden or Vill-V came to talk to her directly.
But given Mobius's personality, wouldn't she usually just write a report and have Klein deliver it?
Mobius naturally noticed Durandal's surprised look.
"Some matters aren't suitable for Klein to convey on my behalf."
After a brief explanation, Mobius sat down opposite Durandal.
Once seated, Mobius asked, "Durandal, how much do you know about Fire Moth?"
Durandal pondered for a moment before answering.
"Fire Moth should be divided into two parts. In the narrow sense, it was established in recent years as a subsidiary of the United Nations."
"Its original purpose likely had nothing to do with the Honkai—I suspect it dealt with mysterious incidents. After the first Honkai eruption, Fire Moth's functions gradually shifted toward combating the Honkai. As for the broader sense..."
She paused, then recited, "On that day, It fell from the sky. The people on earth looked up and beheld the stars."
Hearing this 'ancient chant' from Durandal, Mobius's expression shifted slightly, and she let out a sigh of relief.
"Let me put it this way—whether it's Einstein or me, we're both founding members of Fire Moth, part of the organization in the narrow sense."
"Our ideals might differ, but our goal has always been the same: to fight the Honkai.
"However, there's another group within Fire Moth. They recite chants like the one you just spoke, treating it almost like a creed. The name 'Fire Moth' is actually tied to that creed."
"These people's intentions, from the beginning until now—and even into the future—have never been about fighting the Honkai.
"They're just using the fight against the Honkai as a pretext to seize supreme power and military strength, aiming to fulfill their original purpose."
At this point, Mobius gave Durandal a deep look.
"So, even though you used a scandal to pressure Fire Moth temporarily, gaining Schicksal recognition from the United Nations and even securing my transfer, those people won't give up easily."
"Allowing Schicksal to grow would essentially strip them of their chance at ultimate authority and power. For the sake of their creed, they're capable of anything."
After Mobius left, Durandal's mind kept echoing the final words she'd said—
"So, beware of 'Fire Moth'!"
Durandal let out a heavy sigh.
She had always known that saving the Previous Era's tragedy and becoming the Savior mentioned by Gnius wouldn't be easy.
Fire Moth indeed suffered from severe 'internal strife,' but the reasons behind it were far more complicated than anyone imagined.
One particularly intriguing point stood out—
Kalpas fell alongside a stone, and according to Sakura's later investigation of the site, the place where he landed resembled some kind of eerie ritual ground.
Additionally, that area was very close to the birthplace of the Fifth Herrscher, whom Kalpas obliterated almost immediately after his arrival.
And the time of Mei's assassination attempt by Sakura coincided with the period right after the Fifth Honkai Eruption.
So, why would Fire Moth's internal conflicts involve someone like Mei, a newcomer scientist who had just joined?
Perhaps because Mei had keenly uncovered some hidden truth within Fire Moth.
In her effort to wrest control of the organization from those people and focus on fighting the Honkai, she was forced into the heart of the conflict.
--+--