Honkai Simulator: Start with Confessing to The Herrscher of Finality

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If the objective was solely to recover Kiana, sending Durandal alone wasn't the optimal solution.

Or rather, having only Durandal come wasn't ideal. At least Rita should have accompanied her. After all, Durandal was not particularly skilled in negotiations unless resorting to physical persuasion.

After considering various possibilities, there seemed to be only one purpose behind Otto's move:

To make Xia Chen sever ties with Saint Freya as well.

Since Kiana has already awakened, maintaining relations between Xia Chen and Saint Freya became unnecessary. This aggressive approach could instead bind Xia Chen more closely to Schicksal.

As for whether the Far East Branch might rebel later, Otto did not consider it a concern. Regardless of their actions, he was prepared for any outcome—it was merely a minor detail.

Realizing this, Xia Chen couldn't help but sigh.

However, the current situation was far better than he had anticipated. At least, with Kiana mastering the Herrscher's power, no conflict arose between the Far East Branch and Headquarters, sparing him from being caught between two difficult choices.

Most importantly, Kiana had not yet triggered a Major Honkai Eruption resulting in countless deaths.

Silently, he continued training alongside Durandal.

As Fu Hua and Raiden Mei arrived at the training ground and saw Durandal, their expressions varied distinctly.

Fu Hua's emotions were somewhat conflicted, as she too had received instructions from Otto.

It was impossible to claim that Fu Hua held no friendship for Kiana. With her genuine and childlike nature, it was hard not to like her. However, there were times when Fu Hua found herself bound by circumstances beyond her control.

Despite these mixed feelings, her face remained expressionless.

On the other hand, Raiden Mei appeared as if facing a formidable adversary.

She could sense Durandal's immense power, relying on her warrior's intuition.

If Raiden Mei could be likened to a sheep, then Durandal was akin to a tiger. While a sheep might muster courage to confront a tiger with its horns, in most cases, the only choice against a tiger is to flee.

Nevertheless, Raiden Mei resolved to be that courageous sheep.

Her thoughts were tangled, especially upon seeing Xia Chen with Durandal, which further dampened her mood.

In her simplistic mindset, she began associating Xia Chen with 'betrayal,' despite him never expressing any interest towards her.

Despite Xia Chen never showing any interest in her.

Xia Chen remained oblivious to the complex emotions swirling around him.

His focus now was solely on matters concerning Coral Island.

Based on Durandal's information, upon returning to Schicksal Headquarters, he would be assigned to deploy there immediately. Due to Ana's situation, the Snow Lotus Squad would not be stationed at Coral Island but instead receive all necessary resources for training at the headquarters.

Considering Ana's notable talent as a Valkyrie and being part of the Schariac clan, this treatment wasn't unreasonable.

After all, true geniuses remain rare in the world.

Under Schicksal's protection, Ana wouldn't face any danger, which was the best outcome for Xia Chen.

However, Durandal only briefly mentioned Ana, focusing more on Wendy. She highly admired Wendy and had intended to transfer her to the Immortal Blades, but Rita advised against it, leaving Durandal feeling regretful.

Xia Chen found himself unable to comment on this matter.

Since Wendy's departure to Headquarters, they hadn't maintained much contact, even privately. This was actually for the best, as it allowed them to maintain distance and focus on their duties.

With each person harboring their thoughts, an awkward atmosphere enveloped the training ground.

The tension persisted until Theresa hurriedly arrived at the scene upon receiving news of Durandal's arrival. She appeared genuinely anxious this time.

Anyone who had spent considerable time within Schicksal understood the significance of being recognized as the strongest Valkyrie.

However, Kiana was her niece, and in Theresa's eyes, she believed Kiana could overcome the Herrscher's will, just like Raiden Mei did through sheer determination.

Moreover, Kiana becoming a Herrscher hadn't caused any significant disruptions.

Therefore, Theresa strongly disagreed with sending Kiana to Schicksal Headquarters. After learning about certain events during the Second Honkai Eruption, Theresa had long harbored intentions of breaking away from Otto.

Yet, she had to admit that the Far East Branch, heavily reliant on resources from Schicksal Headquarters, lacked any leverage to oppose them - absolutely none whatsoever.

Then Theresa realized she had arrived too soon.

If only she'd delayed a bit longer, might she have thought of a better plan? She couldn't help but smack her head, regretting her haste.

Durandal noticed Theresa's presence and spoke calmly, "Greetings, Lady Theresa. As captain of the Immortal Blades, I am here to retrieve the Herrscher for Schicksal Headquarters."

"She isn't a Herrscher," Raiden Mei countered Durandal firmly.

Her chest heaved as if suppressing some strong emotion.

However, Durandal possessed one notable strength—she remained undeterred when focused on a task. Her gaze remained fixed solely on Theresa.

Theresa found herself stammering awkwardly, "Um... Durandal, since you've come all this way, why not stay at the Far East Branch for a few more days? Rest assured, I'll make sure everything is arranged to... to ensure your comfort."

"Perhaps another time; I'm not here for vacation." Durandal was resolute in her purpose.

Seeming aware of this trait, Theresa quickly responded, "But without agreeing to my request, I simply cannot hand Kiana over to you."

"Why?" Durandal responded, "If you're concerned about Kiana's safety, don't worry. As Cecilia-sama's daughter, I will protect her well.

"And if it's my safety you fear for, there is no need to worry."

Durandal's words momentarily stunned Raiden Mei, who had been contemplating risking everything.

She hadn't anticipated such a statement from Durandal, nor was she aware that Kiana was actually Cecilia's daughter.

Cecilia's achievements were documented in history books, but Raiden Mei never imagined this connection between Kiana and Cecilia.

Given their relationship... it seemed unlikely that Kiana would be in any mortal danger.

Although reluctant to admit it, Raiden Mei felt slightly swayed.

Nevertheless, she persisted, "In that case, please allow me to accompany you."

As usual, Durandal ignored Raiden Mei without a second glance.

Xia Chen exchanged a knowing look with Fu Hua; they remained the only ones seemingly relaxed enough to observe the unfolding drama like a casual spectacle.

Theresa paused before saying, "Because... because I'm concerned Kiana might not be accustomed to it. You know, she has been away from Schicksal Headquarters for quite some time. During this period, I've been teaching her about the rules and regulations there."

"She can be impulsive, and I don't want her to cause any trouble for my grandfather," added Theresa.

Durandal tilted her head, asking, "Does Schicksal have many rules?"

"As an S-rank Valkyrie, naturally, most of Schicksal's rules wouldn't apply to you," Theresa responded promptly. "But Kiana is only a B-rank Valkyrie."

Durandal frowned, surprised. "Kiana is just a B-rank Valkyrie? Lady Theresa, then I believe there's a need to enhance Saint Freya's educational curriculum significantly. The daughter of Cecilia should not be limited to such achievements."

Theresa was left speechless.

"In that case, during this time, I'll focus on training Kiana in combat, while Saint Freya's teachers intensify her cultural education. Lady Theresa, please help Kiana adapt quickly to life within Schicksal."

Theresa hesitated, feeling somewhat caught off guard. "This..."

Theresa felt like she had inadvertently shot herself in the foot.