Kallen's radiant image earned her great prestige within the Schicksal army during the Eastern Expedition. She was the bright moon in the sky that everyone could only look up to.
That was until she was defeated on the Kipchak Steppe, taken down in a single blow by the Celestial, Fu Hua. The Schicksal army collapsed, their morale plummeting.
Upon returning to Europe, the failure of the Eastern Expedition exacerbated the domestic class conflicts and economic problems.
Schicksal took a step towards becoming a demon. The Schicksal issued "indulgences" to exploit the common people. Schicksal clergy abducted the wives and daughters of commoners on the streets, abused their power to imprison those who were disobedient and tried to resist, beat confessions out of them, and trampled their dignity.
This period was a nightmare for the common people, a purgatory for the righteous, and an abyss for idealists.
The Schicksal Castle and the Apocalypse family joined forces once again. All sorts of slander and fabricated "facts" were spread, causing the Kaslana family's influence and reputation to drop to rock bottom after Francis's death.
As Schicksal's S-rank Valkyrie and Europe's strongest warrior, Kallen became a pariah, scorned and hated by countless people.
At first, only a few ignorant children were incited to curse her in public, calling her a war criminal and the root cause of their poverty. But gradually, when everyone realized that Kallen wouldn't use her power to have them arrested, nor would she curse back, but would rather bear it all silently, the long-suppressed pain and resentment could no longer be contained.
The common people didn't dare to curse the nobles, so they vented their accumulated grievances and hatred on the one who wouldn't fight back—Kallen. Although they still held back somewhat, their actions were still incredibly vile.
Kallen gradually reduced the frequency and duration of her patrols, spending most of her time in the barracks, melancholic. She didn't understand. She wasn't the culprit. Why were so many people willing to believe such obviously false news? She had always been saving the world, helping the common people!
Kallen didn't dare to speak of these things to the Valkyries in her squad. Besides the fact that some of them were spies, the bigger reason was that the others couldn't accept that their captain was so weak. In the years of the Eastern Expedition, everyone had placed her on such a high pedestal. Even she herself had almost started to believe she was omnipotent...
But the Celestial from Shenzhou had barely made a move, and it was already beyond the limits of her abilities, a height she could never reach in this lifetime.
At the time, she had questioned the Celestial: "Why do you, who are so powerful, choose to stay in Shenzhou? Shouldn't you be saving more people?"
The Celestial had pondered for a moment and replied, "I do not have such great power. Saving the world is no easy task. Sometimes... we can't even save a single person. Holder of the Key, think carefully. What should you, who have inherited this power, do?"
Kallen was lost after receiving this reply. She began to doubt whether her actions and motivations in the first half of her life had been just and correct. Even someone as powerful as the Celestial claimed she couldn't save the world and could only protect a corner of Shenzhou.
Then what was she, who had been defeated so easily by the Celestial? A clown clumsily showing off her meager skills on a stage?
Kallen couldn't figure herself out on her own, and she couldn't find an answer.
Li Mo knew that the current Kallen probably didn't know what to do in the future, so he took the initiative to go to her and offer some guidance. He knew that she desperately needed a motive to convince herself. Before, it was fighting the Honkai and saving the world. Now, she needed a new purpose.
Kallen: "Otto, why does everyone look at me like that? Haven't we... always been helping them? The nobles don't treat the common people like human beings. Shouldn't everyone be on the same side as us Kaslanas?"
Li Mo: "Kallen, have you ever read a novel?"
Kallen: "A novel? You mean those scripts at the theater? I haven't really read any."
Li Mo: "Let me take you to see one. Just dress up a little so you won't be recognized. Let's go see what the world looks like from their perspective, as ordinary people."
Kallen: "But, the theater isn't a place ordinary people can go, right? So many people can't even afford to eat now..."
Li Mo: "You're mistaken. If you only use the vast majority as a reference, then the poor will always be the majority, and the slums will be the truth of the world. But that's not the case. Their suffering needs no description; every era has such people."
"People who can't even satisfy their basic needs for food and warmth can hardly think about the true state of the world, nor can they understand the relationship between nobles and commoners, power and duty."
"What we need to do is to understand those 'pioneers' who have risen from the bottom but are unable to advance further due to the limitations of the era and society. They know what the bottom looks like, and they have seen the scenery at the top. They are the most just and objective storytellers of this era."
"And the theater is such a place. It's probably the best job an ordinary person can get in their entire life."
Kallen was a little angry, puffing out her cheeks in dissatisfaction. "But the plays at the theater lately have all been about the helplessness of the nobles and then demeaning me."
Li Mo smiled. "Let's go and see. I happen to know someone with great talent who dares to face oppression head-on. It's her performance today. I think it might give you a new perspective."
Kallen: "Alright."
After a brief exchange, Kallen was convinced by Li Mo. They changed their clothes and went to the theater together.
Inside the grand and luxurious opera house, the lights were brilliant, and shadows danced. The theater was packed. The audience, dressed in splendid attire, their eyes sparkling with anticipation for the upcoming play, filled the air with an indescribable excitement and solemnity.
At the center of the stage, the massive curtain slowly drew back. A spotlight fell precisely on a corner of the stage. Shakespeare, wearing a violette mask, spoke with a resonant voice, her expression solemn.
As the plot progressed, the scenes changed, from a bustling court to a gloomy forest, from a lively market to a silent convent. The music rose and fell, at times passionate and surging, shaking the soul like a torrential storm; at other times delicate and gentle, like a soft spring breeze caressing the heart.
The actors, dressed in meticulously designed costumes, their faces painted with detailed expressions, were deeply immersed in their roles with every movement, every glance.
This was the best opera house in all of Europe. Even though many people in reality were still worrying about their next meal, for the nobles, it was just one less form of entertainment.
Shakespeare's talent was undeniable. Her innovative ideas and unique performances drew applause from many. The audience laughed, gasped, and fell silent, completely captivated by the joys and sorrows displayed on stage. They were moved by the loyalty and sacrifice of love, or sighed at the complexity and treachery of power plays.
When the final music sounded, the theater fell silent. Everyone waited with bated breath, anticipating a more moving performance from Shakespeare.
"A person can pretend to be an angel, but they might be hiding their true selves deep within their heart."
Under the mask, Shakespeare's lips curled up slightly. She glanced at Li Mo in the audience and gave a meaningful smile. Li Mo returned the smile.
This was the path of the phantom thief, something he had thought about for a long time and arranged for Kallen. It was also the most suitable path for her.
After all... if you want to get something, you must pay an equal price within your ability. Saving the world was too absurd. He could only find another way to make Kallen feel fulfilled.
"They roam like venomous snakes, they gorge like vicious rats."
As she finished speaking, the smiles on the faces of the nobles in the audience froze.
Kallen couldn't help but open her mouth in a daze, her attention completely fixed on Shakespeare's exquisite performance.
"For their own benefit, they indulge without restraint, tyrannize with insatiable greed, and disregard the lives of the people!"
Shakespeare pointed her rapier at the audience. The audience in Europe's most luxurious opera house were by no means commoners. Therefore, Shakespeare's words completely went against their desires.
"Twisting black and white, slandering heroes."
"It is I—the wielder of the sword of justice—who will slit the throats of your Schicksal!!"
Her words were powerful and resonant. The theater was deathly silent. Before anyone could react, Li Mo grabbed Kallen's hand and quickly left the audience.
Kallen wanted to resist, to keep watching, but Li Mo dragged her away forcefully.
Kallen: "Otto, the show isn't over yet!"
Li Mo: "I know."
Kallen: "Then why are you?"
Li Mo: "It's time to save someone. We still have time."
Kallen: "Save someone?"
Li Mo: "Yes. You don't actually think she can get away safely without our help, do you? We've been planning this performance for a long time. In her own words: 'I have to piss off these spineless people before I go!'"
"Anyway, I've already arranged for someone to pick you up. You'll take her and leave Vienna later. Don't let the Schicksal react and catch you."
Kallen: "...Okay!"
Kallen immediately agreed. This move by Otto was tantamount to rebellion. To stir up trouble at such a sensitive time... Kallen's lips curled up uncontrollably. She really hadn't misjudged him!
The two of them retreated backstage. Just then, a change occurred. Several Schicksal members suddenly rushed forward and pinned Shakespeare to the ground, preparing to tie her hands with ropes.
"You vile people! The public will no longer be deceived by you like this!!"
Shakespeare struggled with all her might, but it was useless against the overwhelming strength of several grown men.
"Otto, what do we do?"
"Save her. It's not convenient for me to act now, and it's too late. We absolutely cannot let the Schicksal take her away, or her fate will be miserable. It's up to you, Kallen!"
Li Mo skillfully grabbed a brown cloak from the side, along with the violette mask that Shakespeare had worn during her performance on stage.
Kallen was stunned for a moment, but without much thought, she immediately put on the cloak and mask and walked out from behind the curtain.
"Stop!"
Instantly, everyone in the venue was drawn to Kallen, who had suddenly spoken so loudly.
"Who are you?" The Schicksal members subconsciously stopped and looked back. The audience in the opera house was either rich or noble. It was possible that some noble had taken a liking to this girl and wanted to take her away.
But when they saw who it was, their lips twitched. From the white braided pigtails under the cloak, they could already guess her identity. There were only three people in the Kaslana family who had the courage to say no to the Schicksal. Francis was already dead.
Otto Kaslana did not inherit the Kaslana bloodline, and his style was by no means so reckless. So the answer was obvious—Kallen Kaslana.
Meanwhile, Kallen stood on the stage, at a loss.
What do I do? What do I do? What should I do? Should I just beat them up? Or talk them down? I probably can't talk them down, right? Do I have to use force? What if I accidentally kill them?
As Kallen's mind raced, she instinctively looked in Li Mo's direction, only to find that he was long gone.
"You're the Kaslana family's..."
A Schicksal member was just about to reveal Kallen's identity.
"Hehe~" In her panic, Kallen let out a very abstract villainous laugh.
I absolutely cannot be recognized here! Otherwise, the Schicksal will have leverage against the Kaslanas. I have to pretend to be someone else...
Although Kallen's mind wasn't as sharp as Li Mo's, she still remembered the long-standing warnings from her family. As long as there was no evidence, with the two powerhouses of Otto and herself, the Schicksal wouldn't dare to make a move against the Kaslana family, unless it was an extreme situation.
"Poor thing, have you also fallen into the web of love?"
"You, what nonsense are you talking about?" the Schicksal member asked, his face full of confusion.
Aaaahhhh!!! What am I saying?
Kallen had subconsciously recited a line from one of Shakespeare's previous plays.
Whatever! As long as I don't leave any evidence and give everyone here the impression that I'm definitely not Kallen Kaslana, it'll be fine!
Kallen decided to let loose, putting on what she thought was a very charming smile. "Do you want me to speak my name in the midst of your suffering?"
"You despicable person hiding in the dark corners, how dare your heart look directly at the sun in the sky!"
"Pfft..." Li Mo, observing from a corner of the opera house, couldn't help but chuckle. Kallen seemed to have awakened some hidden attribute, but... it was still quite cute.
"Now!" Kallen's eyes flashed. She rushed out and rescued Shakespeare from the Schicksal members.
Li Mo had chosen the time well. It was dusk when they arrived, and now it was night. Under the cover of the thick darkness, Kallen quickly brought Shakespeare to a safe place.
"Uh, th-that is, hello!"
Facing her idol, Kallen suddenly stuttered.
Shakespeare smiled, took the initiative to walk up and take off the violette mask from Kallen's face. Seeing Kallen's face, she said with some surprise, "No wonder."
Kallen asked, confused, "No wonder what?"
Shakespeare smiled faintly. "Nothing. I was just marveling at how you're not only beautiful on the outside, but even more beautiful on the inside. No wonder he went to such great lengths, disregarding all gains and losses, to conspire with me on this farce. Though I was quite eager to perform it myself."
"Are you talking about Otto? Oh, right, he told me to get you out of Vienna. This city is no longer safe for you. In less than a day, Schicksal will issue a warrant for your arrest here. Do you have any plans for the future?" Kallen asked with concern.