Collapse: Cross-Dressing Strategy Kiana

It's inevitable that I can't keep up with everyone's progress, and this feeling of powerlessness naturally breeds a lazy mindset.

I don't blame her.

As for the current evaluations, although they are primarily based on practical combat, practical combat cannot be generalized.

The current world's Collapse can still be managed by everyone for now. Even if there was a Third Collapse, the most terrifying Herrscher was instantly converted.

But this is a PvP phase; being a minute off or not trying your best will genuinely cause you to lose rank.

The most stagnant Far East Branch has already started to panic.

Besides Kiana, who is eager to try, there's also Bai Yan, who is aloof.

"Mei, why do you guys seem so worried about this competition? Isn't it fun to spar with those guys from headquarters?"

"That's why Kiana is an idiot."

Bronya linked her arm with Bai Yan's—she's been doing this often lately, it's become a habit.

"What? Is there something wrong with what I said?"

"If the test results rank too low or are at the bottom, St. Freya might have its funding cut, and idiot Kiana will have to go hungry."

She said the last part to scare her deliberately, but Kiana bought it.

"Huh?" She was slightly taken aback, but her fighting spirit quickly intensified. She clenched one fist, "I'm not scared. This time, I'll show them my strength as the combat genius of the Kaslana family! Right, Xiao Yan and Mei?"

"Yes, I believe in Kiana," Raiden Mei said with a smile.

"That depends on who the opponent is, but they probably won't let a Valkyrie of that level fight you," Bai Yan replied lazily, propping his head up.

The image of golden hair flashed in his mind, but he quickly shook his head.

Even if they did come, they'd probably use the opportunity of others' exams to find trouble with me.

Forget it, no chance.

Even if there was a chance, I wouldn't fight.

Otto's objective is likely to observe Kiana's situation and, incidentally, see his granddaughter.

Just then, the vibration from his communicator made Bai Yan instantly vigilant.

He excused himself to the restroom and found it was a message from Rita.

[Rita: Anna is back, and she's already joined the examiner group this time.]

Huh?

It's not strange for Anna to return to headquarters, but joining the examiner group...

[Bai Yan: Isn't it Teacher Ragna causing trouble again?]

[Rita: I didn't say anything.]

[Bai Yan: Let's be clear, I'm not fighting.]

[Rita: The combatants are decided by lottery, but there's a small detail that makes a difference.]

Bai Yan understood.

There was insider information, and Kiana was definitely going to fight.

[Bai Yan: Who is the opponent?]

[Rita: Durandal-sama wants to see the growth of the new generation of the Kaslana family.]

Yes, Durandal discovered through her research that the Kaslanas possess monstrous strength and are known for producing powerful warriors.

Durandal has a heart that strives for strength.

As a child, she often pestered Theresa to find suitable sparring partners.

Besides that, it's also to mentor the juniors... or so she says.

[Bai Yan: Then why doesn't she want to see the new generation of the Saniate family?]

[Rita: They've already been evaluated, and Durandal-sama doesn't seem very satisfied.]

[Bai Yan: Then I'm even less likely to satisfy her.]

[Rita: You know, her requirements for you aren't about combat power.]

[Bai Yan: I think Kiana needs my help more right now.]

[Rita: You absolutely must not say that in front of her.]

Then she sent a laughing emoji.

[Bai Yan: So, why the sudden urge to organize an event like this this time?]

[Rita: According to my observations, this plan came about not long after Durandal-sama had a talk with the Bishop.]

This Dumb Goose is suspected of being a bit too proactive.

After chatting about work for a bit, Rita asked about Bai Yan's life again.

[Rita: How have you been doing lately?]

[Bai Yan: I've gotten used to it, but it's lonely without Sister Rita.]

[Rita: I'll be there in a while, along with Miss Durandal and the others.]

Bai Yan sent over a confused emoji.

Sister Rita, good; Dumb Goose, not good.

The next moment, an assembly announcement came from outside. He quickly explained his situation, ended the chat, and returned to the classroom.

On the training grounds, the students were assembled in neat rows, awaiting the Headmaster's speech.

No one questioned her appearance, unless they were tired of living.

The speech was delivered in a tense atmosphere, but after it concluded, everyone was even more tense.

Himeko, watching from the audience, covered her face, speechless at the counterproductive speech.

"We can't afford to be careless anymore, or we'll lose to the other branches," "Increase the training load and strive to catch up..."

The more Theresa spoke, the more Himeko felt overwhelmed.

"The good times are over..."

It was too late. Stopping her now would only be counterproductive.

It might be better to let Theresa remain in a state of apparent invincibility; perhaps everyone would hesitate before their morale collapsed.

Her gaze swept over Bai Yan and the others.

Kiana was fearless, while the others looked grim.

Only Bai Yan was completely unfazed.

"Ragna asked me more than once to look after Xiao Yan, and out of this batch, this child has the best mindset..."

Himeko suddenly remembered.

"When Xiao Yan first arrived, she helped Kiana pass her exam. Maybe she actually has a solution?"

However, as a teacher, Himeko couldn't bring herself to ask Bai Yan directly.

So, she secretly decided to ease up on the two of them starting today.

"Ragna was right. That child seems mischievous, but she's actually very sensible."

Himeko had already recorded seven or eight instances of the two of them sneaking out, but Kiana's grades had stabilized during this time, even showing a slight increase.

Bai Yan hadn't said anything, but Himeko had subconsciously reached an agreement with him.

According to the information Ragna had secretly revealed to her earlier, Kiana was definitely going to be tested.

"But what should we do now..." Himeko felt a bit powerless, yet also a little expectant that her students would step up.

Volume 1: Chapter 27: A Sword's Grace

For the next six months, St. Freya was plunged into an atmosphere of tense preparation, as if facing a formidable enemy.

This was more invigorating than the outbreak of the Third Collapse.

At first, everyone trained individually until Raiden Mei discovered someone was receiving special tutoring.

She joined Bai Yan, Kiana, and Fu Hua's tutoring group, and soon after, Bronya found out and joined as well.

Although Bronya didn't say anything, Bai Yan could see a hint of "you're not being loyal" in her gaze.

We agreed to be rivals forever, but you're playing with others behind my back.

Since discovering the "Luoshen Transformation" ability, Bai Yan only wore one earring unless there were special circumstances.

Putting on the remaining earring would activate the ability.

Despite this, under the diligent supervision of the Upper Immortal and the unreserved guidance of Master Jingliu, Bai Yan's strength inevitably improved at a rapid pace.

Originally, Bai Yan had planned to use other weapons to further conceal his strength.

However, before he could even choose, Fu Hua shoved a sword into his hands...

He couldn't escape it after all.

He hadn't anticipated Theresa targeting him.

"Otto's plan won't be advanced. His judgment standard is definitely Kiana's attachment to this 'home'.

"But Theresa can't fulfill her promise to Kiana if she doesn't meet the requirements. This is a tricky problem, heh.

"Currently, I have 'Luoshen Transformation' and I feel it can still be upgraded. Let's just fight..."

Bai Yan looked up at the purple-haired girl in front of him.

She held a katana, wore red armor, and lightning crackled around her.

Her determined eyes revealed an eagerness to fight.

"Beichen Ichiryu, Raiden Mei."

Bai Yan held his sword across his chest, pointing directly at his opponent.

This was a practice match, and Bai Yan's first encounter with Raiden Mei.

"Two and a half months of practice, Valkyrie trainee, Bai Yan."

"..."

Raiden Mei punched into the cotton, paused for a moment, and recomposed herself.

"Please guide me. Sus 4x Lin Qi VIII Shi Qi Si Liu."

"You're welcome."

Raiden Mei's eyelids twitched.

As expected, she just couldn't get along with this person!

In the audience, Fu Hua watched the two intently, a notebook in hand, ready to record any potential issues.

Kiana indifferently hugged a huge bag of potato chips, sharing them with Bronya beside her.

Seeing that both were ready, Fu Hua announced, "Begin!"

Raiden Mei flashed forward, her sword strike filled with immense power, aiming to take down this suspected rookie in one go.

However.

Clang clang clang clang!

As soon as the swords met, a continuous grinding of metal echoed.

"Oh!"

Kiana suddenly sat up, staring at Bai Yan with wide eyes.

The ice-blue girl moved like a drifting willow catkin, her long sword dancing gracefully, a truly pleasing sight.

Raiden Mei felt her opponent's swordplay was dazzlingly complex, her katana feeling as if it were about to be swept away by a waterfall descending from the heavens.

The ice-blue light and shadow formed a net, sealing off Raiden Mei's space to move.