Chapter 128

So, is she subtly reminding me? Hmm... She's really something. I thought this girl was the kind of carefree, brainless type, but now it seems I was wrong. This girl has some skills.

"Miss Kiana, you're quite something."

Having reassessed her perception of Kiana, Rita nodded slightly to Kiana with a serious expression. Indeed, one should never underestimate anyone; those who treat others as fools are the fools themselves.

"Huh? Hmm... Yes, Rita, you're quite something too."

What on earth is this woman saying? Why am I getting more and more confused? But I can't show that I don't understand at all, so Kiana can only nod at her like Rita. Then the girl quickly ran to Mei's side. This maid is weird, I'd better not deal with her.

There's no way around it; trying to keep up with the Kiana's way of thinking is Rita's fault.

Chapter 499 Stop talking, I'm hanging up.

Panic, anxiety... I shouldn't be here at all. There's somewhere I should be. No, even if I continue training like this, it won't make any difference.

In St. Freya's training room, Valkyrie Fu Hua was undergoing her own training. Although only a few people were missing from the academy, she felt as if the entire academy had fallen silent. Because of the headmaster's orders, she could only stay in the St. Freya Academy and wait for orders. She didn't know how their mission was going. Honestly, she was just wasting her time here.

Fu Hua punched the training dummy away, then let out a soft breath. Sweat clung to her gray hair, making her feel slightly uncomfortable. St. Freya had been unusually quiet these past few days, probably because the academy was missing its most boisterous members. This quiet was unsettling. She wished she could take a vacation like Durandal and Rita, so she could go wherever she wanted. As for Shen Gonglin, she wondered what was going on with her now.

After drying her hair with a towel, Fu Hua decided not to continue training. She felt like she had no energy for anything. She thought she would take a shower and then go back to her room to space out. She was too lazy to eat. These past few days, Fu Hua felt like she had no motivation at all and felt completely listless. It was really annoying.

Just as he was about to leave the training room, the communication device rang. Upon seeing the signal, Fu Hua narrowed his eyes. It was this guy! When the communicator rang earlier, Fu Hua thought it was someone else. However, Fu Hua knew that this was probably wishful thinking. After all, with that idiot's brain, he couldn't possibly remember his communication ID. Usually, Fu Hua was the one who initiated communication with him. He casually opened the pinned communication device, and just looking at it made Fu Hua smile.

What do you want to eat today?

[Casual.]

How about making porridge? It's good for digestion to eat this at night.

No, I don't want to eat the porridge Mei made.

What should we eat?

[Casual.]

"Would you like some small cakes? The restaurant should still have some."

"That's perfect! I want the double-filling one. Class President, can you buy it for me when you get back?"

It's mostly these pointless conversations, but Fu Hua can sometimes spend an entire day reading them. What's infuriating is that this guy almost never messages her; she has to take the initiative to contact him for this idiot to talk to her. This Shen Gonglin acts so aloof and arrogant; she's really conceited.

Lost in thought, Fu Hua's attention was finally drawn to the incessant ringing of the communicator. Sure enough, it wasn't Shen Gonglin. She was quite disappointed.

Otto, what's up?

Business as usual, Fu Hua answered the call and looked at the blonde figure on the screen. They were both blonde, but why did this person not look cute at all? Was it because of the eye color? No, that couldn't be it. It was probably because the person on the call wasn't Shen Gonglin. It wasn't because of the blonde hair, nor because of the purple eyes, it was just because it wasn't Shen Gonglin.

My old friend, there's no need for such formality. I'm here to tell you something: our plan can begin.

The person on the other end of the communication was none other than Otto Apocalypse, the mastermind of Schicksal. All preparations were complete, and it was time to execute the plan. After being put on hold for so long, all the necessary factors were in place. By obtaining divine power in a human form, the Honkai would be at my disposal!

"It was your plan. I was just keeping my promise. You still have no intention of giving up, you madman."

The words of the bishop opposite her made Fu Hua's eyes flicker slightly. She had forgotten that she actually had a mission in St. Freya: to monitor the Herrscher's body and wait for Otto's plan to unfold. She had completely forgotten about this matter. Was it because she had spent too much time with Shen Gonglin and really thought she was just reporting for duty in St. Freya?

[I prefer to call this plan genius, my old friend. Only one final spark remains. The wounded comrades, the regret over one's own power, and the despair of grasping at hope only to watch it vanish—all of this is enough to fuel the Herrscher's revival. Then comes the glimmer of light in the face of despair, friendship... even love. When all of this blossoms, we will usher in our final glory!]

As if he were preaching, the bishop on the other end of the communication raised his hands and had a kind of fanatical emotion on his face. Humans are very complex animals. Although they are physically weak and can even be called weak, they have something that transcends everything, and that is emotion. As long as this is used properly, anything is possible.

[You really are a madman... Wait a minute, this communication... Otto, I'm hanging up now. We can talk later. I have things to do right now.]

Fu Hua shook her head. She couldn't understand the bishop's thoughts, or rather, no one could understand what he was saying. Just then, Fu Hua's communicator rang again. Looking at the flashing avatar, Fu Hua's eyes widened in astonishment. What was going on? This guy actually sent her a message. This was the first time he had ever messaged her on his own initiative... Did this mean Theresa and the others' operation was successful?

Shen Gonglin has been rescued!

[Hmm? My old friend, I haven't finished yet. Next, we just need to figure out a way to get K423...]

Why is this happening? Why doesn't Fu Hua react at all to my grand plan? In the past, she would look at me with a complicated expression, but this time Fu Hua seems to have completely disregarded my plan. It would be such a pity if no one understands such a brilliant idea. What's wrong with Fu Hua?

[Okay, I understand. Just continue with your plan. Just tell me what you need me to do. Alright, that's all for now. See you next time... no, don't contact me anymore. Just text me what you need to do.]

Fu Hua didn't have time to say anything more to Otto, and hung up the call unilaterally before he could finish speaking. She then eagerly connected to another call.

"Hey? Shen Gonglin, what's going on with you? Did Theresa and the others rescue you?"

Fu Hua was very familiar with this phone number, not to mention the nickname below it. Was he trying to let her know he was safe?

Chapter 500 Professional Opinions

[Fu Hua, it's me. The rescue mission was a success, and Shen Gonglin is currently on the transport plane returning to St. Freya... I'm calling you because I have a question for you.]

To everyone's surprise, it wasn't Shen Gonglin's voice that came through the call. Durandal's voice was clear, serious, and very distinctive, and Fu Hua recognized it immediately. However, this time, the strongest Valkyrie seemed hesitant and troubled in her words. What was going on? Why was she calling using Shen Gonglin's phone? Had something happened to Shen Gonglin?

[What happened? Is something wrong with Shen Gonglin? I should have known sooner. I should have gone with the headmistress and the others. How are you all doing? Is Shen Gonglin with you?]

Not hearing Shen Gonglin's voice immediately worried Fu Hua. She knew what was going on; Shen Gonglin had been captured by Anti-Entropy. What kind of place was Anti-Entropy? It was Schicksal's Schicksal enemy. As an S-rank Schicksal Shen Gonglin, how could Jingu Rin possibly fare well after being captured? She was probably tortured beyond recognition by now. Damn it, those Anti-Entropy guys are inhuman!

[He is indeed with me now, but I can't say he's fine... It's just that, Fu Hua, I want to ask you something. Shen Gonglin has a fear of heights, right? And when he was on the Hyperion, he kept insisting on sitting by the window, saying that you always let him do that when you're on missions with him... Now he's passed out. I thought you should have experience with this, so what should we do in this situation?]

On the Hyperion, Durandal looked on helplessly. The Valkyrie were frantically trying to save Shen Gonglin. Who could have imagined something like this would happen? Shen Gonglin had immediately started complaining about wanting to sit by the window and enjoy the view, so Himeko simply activated the transparent panel on the floor to satisfy Shen Gonglin. Then Shen Gonglin's eyes rolled back and he fainted. Didn't he say he often did this with Fu Hua? Why did he still faint from fright? In desperation, Durandal thought of asking Fu Hua for help. After all, she should have some experience with this and know what to do.

"Hey, hey, hey, Shen Gonglin, wake up! If you don't wake up, I'm going to take advantage of you, like leaving you with just a pair of socks. Get up... Mei, I can't help it, Shen Gonglin can't get hard, I'm at my wit's end."

Kiana squatted down next to Shen Gonglin and patted his cheek. He didn't react to this level of threat, so he must have really fainted. I knew it. How could Shen Gonglin possibly overcome his fear of heights? He was just bragging when he said he often did this with the Class President.

"Idiot, don't say such ambiguous things. I think we should start with CPR. Who's going to do it? If you can't, I'll just do it myself."

Theresa gave Kiana a helpless tap on the head. Her silly niece was truly an incurable idiot. How could her words sound so strange? As a reliable headmistress, she offered a mature suggestion: no matter what the problem, just give her CPR. That's how it's portrayed in the manga.

"Wait a minute, Headmaster, let me handle this. After all, I've studied battlefield first aid. Although I haven't practiced it in a long time, I think I'm fine. Let me do it."

Himeko also stepped in at this moment. As Valkyrie from the vanguard, who could beat her in battlefield first aid? Everything was for saving lives, and there was no time to back down.

"Major Himeko, this is a maid's duty, as everyone knows... Miss Mei, what are you doing?"

"If this drags on any longer, I don't know if Shen Gonglin can be saved. By the time you've discussed it, it will be too late. I'll take over."

"Mei- neechan is so powerful, Wendy wants to help too..."

That's basically it. Fu Hua, do you have any good ideas?

The situation over there was complete chaos. If they didn't find a solution soon, Durandal felt that they might even start fighting. She had finally managed to escape from Anti-Entropy Headquarters, and she couldn't afford to get hurt by her own people. Durandal put her phone back to her ear, and Fu Hua also heard the farce. In short, that guy, Shen Gonglin Rin, was courting death again. Honestly, without her by his side, he would really die from his recklessness. Why didn't he understand?

[...In short, first pull those idiots who only have CPR on their minds away. This isn't about CPR at all. Also, let Shen Gonglin lie down on anyone's lap for a while. He's afraid of heights but likes looking down from high places; he says it gives him a tightrope-walking-like satisfaction...I usually hold him and let him look down, that makes him feel safe. Why am I telling you this?]

It's no wonder that things don't go smoothly without Shen Gonglin by her side. Even they can't solve this kind of problem. Fu Hua felt helpless, but a strange sense of pride also rose in her heart. As expected, only she could handle this kind of problem. Please call her Shen Gonglin Problem-Solving Master.

However, if possible, Fu Hua still wants to solve this problem herself, since professional problems should be left to professionals.

"Is it okay if I lie down for a while? Okay, I understand."

Having gotten the answer she wanted, Durandal hung up the phone without saying anything more. Fu Hua, on the other end, then realized she'd been used as a tool. Someone had learned how to deal with Shen Gonglin from her and was now going to deal with Shen Gonglin herself... Suddenly, she felt incredibly stupid. There couldn't be anyone dumber than her in the world...

Feeling inexplicably defeated, Fu Hua composed herself and silently walked towards the airport. Although she didn't know when they would return, Fu Hua didn't care at all. She just wanted to go to the airport for a walk, not to do anything, just to wander around aimlessly.

"Come on, leave it to me. I just asked Fu Hua, and she said this is fine."

As if possessing its own aura, Durandal's arrival immediately silenced the somewhat noisy environment. Durandal sat on the bench and placed Shen Gonglin's head on her lap. Fu Hua said that this would be fine. She didn't know the reason behind it, but if Fu Hua said so, then it should be correct.

After all, it's common knowledge that Fu Hua is Shen Gonglin's guardian. Asking Fu Hua means asking Shen Gonglin's family, which is an authority.

Why is this woman so confident and self-assured? Even though Durandal beat her to it, no one in the room dared to say anything because of her temperament and status. Kiana gritted her teeth inwardly. So what if she's the so-called strongest? What's so great about that? One day, I'll be able to be like that too!

Chapter 501 Return and Farewell

St. Freya, your king has returned!

The Hyperion's hatch opened, Shen Gonglin stood arrogantly at the doorway, hands on his hips, looking down at the St. Freya Academy. His energetic demeanor made it impossible to believe he was the same person who had fainted from fear of heights earlier. Finally back in St. Freya! Shen Gonglin already missing St. Freya cafeteria and girls' dormitory. Although a separate dormitory had been arranged for him, he actually preferred to stay with Kiana and the others; he found sleeping at Anti-Entropy's place extremely uncomfortable.

However, sleeping on the Hyperion was quite comfortable. I didn't expect Durandal's thighs to be so comfortable to use as a pillow. Could I take those thighs back with me? Speaking of which, Jinhua ham seems to be quite valuable, but Shen Gonglin feel that Durandal's legs are probably more valuable. After Shen Gonglin, I definitely wouldn't be able to sleep with Jinhua ham as a pillow.

It's like a kitten trying to sleep with a salted fish, practically teasing Shen Gonglin. Whether it's Jinhua ham or Durandal's legs, Shen Gonglin wants to try them all.

"What are you looking at? I already said that Fu Hua said this would work, so I did it this way. Don't even think about doing it again."

With slightly stiff movements, Durandal walked to Shen Gonglin's side. Even the strongest Valkyrie would have numb legs, let alone after being used as a pillow by Shen Gonglin for so long. Durandal felt very uncomfortable in her legs, numb and itchy. Does this guy even have poison on the back of his head? What a terrifying Shen Gonglin.

Because of her identity and personality, even though they were on the same warship, Durandal rarely spoke to Kiana and the Kiana. Kiana and the others, of course, wouldn't take the initiative to interact with Durandal either. In front of this strongest Valkyrie, they couldn't help but feel nervous and unaccustomed to this atmosphere. Before they knew it, only Shen Gonglin and Durandal remained in the cabin. Actually, Shen Gonglin didn't find Durandal difficult to get along with. This girl was quite interesting.

"Huh? Is there really no chance to lie down again? I was actually quite comfortable."

Shen Gonglin woke up halfway through, but he only just got off Durandal's lap. If you really want to talk about it, Durandal's lap is probably a little more comfortable to use as a pillow than the class Class President's. After all, with the Class President, you can see her face as soon as you open your eyes, while with Durandal, there are obstacles blocking your view. So if Shen Gonglin wants to continue experiencing this in the future, Durandal shouldn't be so stingy, right? Given their relationship, it should be okay to sleep with her once in a while.

"... Really? It really feels good?"

Sometimes she can be a bit arrogant, but generally Durandal is quite direct. Hearing him say that, Durandal blushed a little. Looking at the way Shen Gonglin was standing there, Durandal moved a little and walked behind him. The strongest Valkyrie thought for a long time before finally reaching out and hugging Shen Gonglin from behind, resting her pointed chin on his shoulder. Durandal said those words. Was he telling the truth? Was he really not lying to himself?

"Hmm, the comfort level should be close to the top three. I haven't tried Himeko, but just thinking about it makes me think it would be very comfortable. Then there's the Class President, Class President legs are very elastic. Kiana is also good, these can even be used as white stockings... Ouch, that hurts. Durandal, what are you doing?"

The girl's chin was pressing painfully against his shoulder, Shen Gonglin stopped her long-winded speech and turned to look away. A strand of golden hair brushed against his nose, Shen Gonglin couldn't help but sneeze. He was just trying to educate her, so why was Durandal suddenly getting angry again?

"You really have no sense of atmosphere. I really shouldn't treat you like this anymore... He turned his head away and spit all over my hair."

With a look of utter disdain, Durandal pushed Shen Gonglin's head back and returned to her previous posture. She and Shen Gonglin looked ahead together, from which they could see Kiana and the others. Medical staff were pushing the unconscious Bronya and Wendy towards the medical department. This mission could be considered a complete success, and with the mission accomplished, it was time for her to return to headquarters to report for duty.

Durandal couldn't stay in St. Freya on vacation forever. She had her own identity and responsibilities, and she would have to give an explanation for her unauthorized actions when she got back. Although she didn't care about the bishop or anything like that, she really hadn't set a good example for the Immortal Blade this time. As the captain, she had disobeyed orders... How annoying. Just thinking about it made her feel annoyed. Durandal was also surprised when this thought arose in her mind. Why did she feel this way?

This is nothing like my old self. I used to be known for my straightforwardness, and being extremely serious, strict, and rigid was my defining characteristic. How did I become like this?

Durandal glanced slightly to the side, and the girl gently nuzzled her cheek against Shen Gonglin's. She had found the reason; it felt really nice to be close to her.

"Shen Gonglin, I'm leaving."

After rubbing her cheek against Shen Gonglin's cheek and feeling satisfied, Durandal rested her chin on Shen Gonglin's head. Given their height difference Durandal could barely manage to do so, since Rin seemed to be only slightly taller Bronya. As Durandal spoke, Shen Gonglin's golden hair would restlessly twitch to Durandal's lips. The Valkyrie bit her hair, Valkyrie voice somewhat muffled. She really didn't want to go back, but she couldn't stay. The Honkai was so annoying.

"Huh? You're leaving? Where are you going?"

Upon hearing this, Shen Gonglin tried to look up, but Durandal pressed her chin down on his head, preventing him from even doing so. Shen Gonglin felt a deep sense of malice from this; it must be because she was wearing high heels. After finding this reason, Shen Gonglin's mood improved. He noticed Durandal playing with her hair, so Shen Gonglin casually pulled her hair up and started playing with it too. Only then did Shen Gonglin realize that Durandal's hair wasn't pure blonde; the ends of her light blonde hair had turned a light coral color, which was quite pretty.

"Of course I'm going back to headquarters to report for duty. I might have to go back to the front lines after I get back, and we might not see each other for a long time."

Ignoring Shen Gonglin's playful hair, Durandal sighed and leaned all her weight on Shen Gonglin. It felt nice, no one bothered her, and she could just lean against her quietly. Durandal felt like she could stay like this for a whole day.

"Oh."

Shen Gonglin nodded, almost forgetting that Durandal wasn't St. Freya's student. She was Schicksal's strongest Valkyrie, and it was clearly inappropriate for her to stay here. So it was only natural for her to go back. However, going back now was a bit too fast.

Chapter 502 What Do You Like to Listen To?

Oh?

That's it? Is this Shen Gonglin's reaction is?

Durandal brows twitch. The girl, who had been somewhat relieved, suddenly became a little angry. Why was Shen Gonglin's reaction so indifferent? Did he even hear what she was saying? What did a simple "oh" mean? This guy is so infuriating.

Suddenly displeased, Durandal straightened up and stopped trying to get close to Shen Gonglin, even refusing to let him play with her hair. The Valkyrie pulled her hair away from Shen Gonglin's hand, and the previously warm atmosphere instantly turned cold. Durandal's blue eyes were filled with indescribable emotions. She looked at Shen Gonglin, hesitant to speak for a long time. This Shen Gonglin, he really is a fool.

"Don't you have anything to say to me? I'm leaving now, going back to headquarters, and maybe even to the front lines. Is there really nothing to say?"

Durandal want to turn around and leave, but what did her so-called strongest pride matter at this moment? Besides Durandal never thought she had any strongest self-awareness. What was that thing? She had no idea. Although Shen Gonglin was very intelligent, Durandal knew about other aspects of her life, so she wasn't angry. She really wasn't angry at all.

"Oh, you're in such a hurry? Why don't you eat before you leave?"

As for what she wanted to say... could it be that Durandal meant for her to be polite? So Shen Gonglin pretended to be polite. Isn't that how everyone is? Durandal shouldn't have anything to complain about now.

"That's not what I meant. Is there anything else you'd like to say?"

Who wants to eat at a time like this? Of course, it would be a different story if Shen Gonglin cooked for her herself. Durandal looked at Shen Gonglin expectantly. "Say it already! Even though you have a low EQ, you should know what to say at a time like this. I went against orders to rescue him at Anti-Entropy Headquarters, and the two of you were so close just now. Shen Gonglin should know what I want to say."

"Hmm... By the way, do you have enough money for the trip back? I remember you took economy class and then a bus to Anti-Entropy -Entropy, right? How are you going to get back to headquarters? Do you want me to lend you some money? I'll ask Kiana for it."

Shen Gonglin realized this was the problem. Judging from Durandal's toothache and stomachache, it must be because she was short of money. Although Shen Gonglin didn't have any money either, Kiana did. Given their close friendship, her money was her own. Of course, it was money she had lent to Durandal, so she had to pay it back.

When it comes to economic issues, Shen Gonglin is very shrewd; she doesn't need much interest, just enough to get by.

"If we go back, there's the Immortal Blade's own battleship... That's not what I meant! Ugh, Shen Gonglin, you really don't understand anything!"

Durandal was on the verge of losing her temper. Was this Shen Gonglin really not doing it on purpose? It was obviously intentional, but looking at this naive and innocent guy in front of her, Durandal just couldn't get angry at him no matter what. She was so upset that she started rubbing her hair. This Shen Gonglin... This world is so annoying.

"What's wrong? Just say what you want to say. Are you afraid of heights and don't dare to take the warship back? It's okay, just go up and sleep. You'll be there when you wake up... I'll miss you."

Heaven knows what's wrong with this woman again. After witnessing Durandal's fighting power, Shen Gonglin was a little afraid to provoke her. Even a robot as big as the Father was killed by her with a single shot. Her small body definitely couldn't withstand it either. So Shen Gonglin reached out and stroked her head, trying to soothe this golden Persian cat on the verge of going berserk. Shen Gonglin has always been good at taming beasts.

Didn't you see how well he tamed Kiana?

Just take it as a serious listen.

"This is it... This is exactly what I want to hear!"