Feeling, inferior to Anqi / Fu Hua: I have no experience!

"Yes, I'm sorry, I was too presumptuous!"

Hearing Anqi's stern rebuke, Kiana quickly apologized in a conciliatory manner.

Anqi is concerned about her and is earnestly helping her relieve stress.

To act inappropriately at a time like this would undoubtedly tarnish this genuine affection, and might even result in a beating.

Kiana settled down, making no further movements except for the soft moans of pleasure as she enjoyed the massage.

Anqi secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Although she was also a carnivore, she was still a girl, and sometimes Anqi couldn't resist Kiana's flirtatious advances—what did she mean by "preferring the original flavor"? I, Anqi, am a proper Herrscher; even if I wore tall leather boots all day, I would never have any strange smell!

"Snort!"

"Don't be angry, Anqi. How about I take you out this weekend and treat you to a big meal?"

"It's not good at all. You probably just want to take me out as a body pillow!"

"Hehe, don't say that!"

Kiana, embarrassed by her thoughts being exposed, gave an awkward, silly laugh.

After a while, amidst the feather-light yet precise foot massage, Kiana exhaled a long breath and whispered:

"Thank you, Anqi, I feel much better now."

"It's not over yet. Later, there will be a full-body massage to improve blood circulation and a foot massage, followed by stretching. After sweating it out, take a hot shower. That'll really make you feel comfortable."

"Hmm, that sounds great!"

I'm so excited about this that I want to keep Anqi at home. One of us can be in charge of earning money to support the family, and the other can take care of the quality of life. We'll definitely live a wonderful life until we're ninety-nine!

Kiana couldn't help but let her imagination run wild.

However, after the brain had enjoyed the comfort for a while, the worries and anxieties from before still kept coming back.

Kiana didn't want to think anymore, so she asked sullenly:

"Anqi, have you ever thought about how the artificial Stigmata of Schicksal came about?"

"I don't know. I'm a naturally awakened one, so I don't need to have Artificial Stigmata implanted, and therefore I don't know much about it. But..."

"But what?"

"But a little thought will make it clear that the price and sacrifice behind such an incredible technology, which allows people who originally only had a weak Honkai Energy adaptability to kill Honkai Beast head-on, is probably too heavy for us to imagine."

Anqi knew what Kiana was investigating.

The truth about the artificial Stigmata is also part of Kiana's origin story, and there's nothing to hide about it.

Kiana remained silent for a moment, her heart heavy with complex emotions. Then, she forced a smile and said:

"So, this is what they call a necessary sacrifice?"

"From the perspective of civilization as a whole, that's true. But for those living in it, it's a different story. I think only when we're actually there can we know how to deal with it."

While controlling the force of her steps, Anqi calmly and composedly spoke.

A grain of sand in the era, when it falls on an individual, can become a mountain that crushes everything.

From an outsider's perspective, you could certainly say that Schicksal's experiment was correct, because it was indeed intended to enhance the Valkyrie's power and increase the success rate in fighting the Honkai. However, for Sirin, who was directly involved, what crushed her was pure darkness and malice.

Therefore, there is no pure black and white, only each person's own position, and that is the tragedy of that year.

Of course, as things ultimately unfolded, Otto, the troublemaker, played an irreplaceable role, a point that must be emphasized.

Kiana recalled the speculations and conjectures she had made over the past few days: Sirin's identity, the meaning of K423, and the truth about her other self—the more she thought about it, the more she felt a heavy veil of darkness shrouding her heart, making her want to uncover it like crazy, yet she was also afraid that what she would find after uncovering the darkness was an even more terrifying darkness that would engulf everything.

Finally, she sighed in resignation and said:

"Anqi, can I ask you for a favor?"

"Explain."

"Help me look up information about the Babylon Experiment Tower, and don't tell anyone else."

"Good."

Anqi responded readily, because she knew what Kiana wanted to know, so there was no need to ask why.

Kiana's eyes welled up with tears. The various speculations about her these past few days had frightened her, so she dared not tell anyone. Making this request had taken a great deal of effort for Kiana, and Anqi's prompt response was undoubtedly the best way to satisfy her needs.

Aren't you going to ask why?

"I only know that Kiana needs my help, so I will definitely help you."

"Is anytime okay?"

"Of course, anytime is fine!"

Anqi nodded sincerely and earnestly.

Kiana's lips moved, as if she wanted to say thank you, but then she felt it wasn't necessary. She simply smiled, sniffed her sore nose, and contentedly enjoyed Anqi's care.

As the sun sets, people going to work or school gradually return home.

But Himeko's house was unusually quiet today, and everyone who entered the living room smiled and lowered their voices.

Because right there on the sofa in the living room, Kiana was resting her head on Anqi's lap, and Anqi's hand was on Kiana's white hair. Both girls were fast asleep, their breathing almost in sync, creating a warm and still scene.

Chapter 164 Feelings, Not as Good as Anqi's

Theresa has been having some troubles lately.

It wasn't because her mischievous niece seemed to have mental problems. After all, Kaslana's bloodline has always been strange, and she has an extraordinary tenacity. Besides, she has Anqi, Raiden Mei, and others taking care of her, so Kiana is unlikely to be in any serious trouble.

The reason for her distress was—

"Oh no, what should I do about Anqi's A-level promotion document?!"

The dignified headmaster had just finished today's "Slacking Off: HOMU Comic Appreciation" activity. He turned on his computer, and the promotion file was right there on the screen, impossible to ignore.

Generally speaking, the process for a goddess to be promoted to A-level is as follows:

First, after a long period of observation, the direct superior determined that the applicant's overall qualities, including ability, experience, achievements, and knowledge, were all up to standard, and then submitted a promotion application to the higher authorities.

Then, the application is reported up the chain of command until it reaches the head of the directly subordinate branch. After the branch head approves it, he signs it and submits it to headquarters.

Finally, the headquarters will arrange an assessment and evaluation, and promotion will be completed after all assessments are passed.

Anqi's case is a special one. Because of her outstanding qualifications or special talents, she caught the attention of the headquarters, which then directly arranged for her to be assessed and certified. After passing the assessment, she was assigned to the branch manager. There have been many precedents for this.

After that, promotion to Grade A was a foregone conclusion. The branch secretary could only delay it as much as possible, but sooner or later he would have to sign his name and complete the promotion.

Himeko stared at the documents on the screen, resting her chin on her hand, and sighed with a headache.

"That makes sense. For Valkyrie, strength is the most crucial factor. If you're strong enough, other limitations don't matter at all. Even though Anqi's resume is still thin, it will eventually become truly substantial. To be honest, it's perfectly normal for you to sign it directly."

"This is exactly what annoys me! Grandpa has already completed the assessment process, and now it's just a matter of handing the nuclear button over to me alone—wait, Himeko, what are you doing here?!"

Theresa turned her head, her delicate, doll-like face displaying a bewildered and amusing expression.

Himeko lowered her head and pinched her friend's soft cheek.

"I saw your office light was on in the middle of the night, so I came over to see if you were slacking off or working overtime, is that not allowed?"

"No, no, no, I wouldn't be surprised if you were like this before, but it's really problematic now! Lately, you've been asleep at this time every night, haven't you? When I call you to come out for a late-night snack, do you still lazily say things like 'I've already been fed by Anqi's or ' Anqi so soft and fragrant, I don't want to get out of bed' or anything like that!?"

Theresa tapped Himeko's forehead with a displeased expression.

Himeko subconsciously touched her face, tilted her head elegantly, and smiled faintly without realizing it:

"Huh? Did I do that?"

"Of course! You've never praised me like this before when you used to hold me while I slept! Honestly, I'm the cutest person in the world, it's me!"

Theresa slammed her hand on the table in a fit of anger, her expression one of resentment.

Himeko smiled tolerantly at this, then sighed softly and said:

"I was out wandering around in the middle of the night, and it's all Kiana's fault."

"Hey? My dear niece, what's wrong with her this time?"

"Because her mental state hasn't been good these past few days, Anqi was very worried. Not only did she take her home to rest in the afternoon, but she also stayed with her to sleep at night. I'm left alone in this empty bed, it's so lonely!"

Himeko gazed at Theresa with a resentful look.

He tried to rebuke her with his eyes, implying that she, his aunt, was irresponsible.

Theresa's momentum faltered, and she muttered softly, fiddling with her fingers:

"Don't blame me, I haven't taken care of children much either. Besides, Kiana is already so old, I don't understand what children her age are thinking."

"That's true. Sometimes I'm also quite troubled, not knowing what's going on in Anqi's little head. All she does is cling to me for hugs every day, she's super enthusiastic about making me delicious food, she massages my back every day, she's so happy when she changes my underwear, and she's very serious when she cleans the room... Sigh, what is that child thinking?"

"You're showing off, aren't you! You really were showing off!"

Theresa's barely suppressed anger erupted even more violently.

What an all-around perfect junior maid!

If Kiana could be so virtuous and understanding, making her period comfortable every day, Theresa would be laughing in her sleep.

Himeko thought for a moment, shook her head, and gave Theresa a bitter smile with mixed feelings.

"It's comfortable, but... never mind, I won't say anything more."

"Get to the point, stop beating around the bush!"

You wouldn't understand even if I told you.

Himeko rolled her eyes.

You're just a 40-year-old loli who's been single since birth; what do you know about relationship issues?

Especially with this forbidden love that seems to transcend worldly conventions, Himeko no longer expects others to give her good advice or help her handle it properly.

But what Theresa hates most is being treated like an immature child, and she can't tolerate Himeko's contempt.

"Hey! Explain yourself! We've been friends for so many years, is there anything you can't discuss with me? Let me tell you, there's no problem in this world that Lady Theresa can't solve! Just say what you want to say!"

"No, no, no, friendship is friendship, but it just doesn't feel right to discuss this kind of thing!"

"What's wrong? Don't you believe me?!"

"No, why are you arguing with me about something like this?"

Himeko looked down and saw Theresa pounding her chest in frustration. It didn't hurt; instead, it bounced and swayed, making her feel a little itchy.

Frontal armor is really useful in situations like this.

Himeko stroked Theresa's head, comforting her friend while absentmindedly reminiscing.

Finally, Himeko went to Theresa's room and, after a long time, hugged her friend and went to sleep together.

However, the room was a bit messy, and the pillows and blankets didn't have that dry and comfortable feeling that comes from being sun-dried and carefully tended. There was no relaxing massage before bed, and when I woke up, there was no soft and cute "good morning" from Anqi or any other thoughtful care.

Well, after waking up, Himeko rubbed her sore eyes, patted Theresa's head (who was still snoring and drooling), and muttered:

"I feel that she is not as good as Anqi, in every sense of the word."

Achoo!

On the playground in the early morning, Anqi sneezed cutely, then rubbed her nose and tilted her head expressionlessly.

Beside her, Kiana cast a concerned glance. Because she had been well taken care of yesterday and slept exceptionally well, even though she was dragged out of bed for morning exercise on a weekend morning, she showed no signs of sleepiness; her large, clear eyes blinked brightly with boundless energy. She said:

"Are you alright, Anqi?"

"No. Let's begin. It's the weekend, so the goal is a 15-kilometer jog, which should take 20 minutes to finish. Just a little warm-up will be enough."

Anqi was describing indicators that would make a normal person faint.

Kiana, however, beamed a bright smile, revealing her healthy, beautiful white teeth, and gave a spirited reply:

"Oh! No problem!"

Then, those long, white, rounded, firm, and toned legs started moving, rushing forward, their whiteness dazzling to the eye.

Anqi's lips curled up slightly as she rushed forward, following the youthful and vibrant figure.

Chapter 165 Fu Hua: I have no experience!