I, Herrscher Slayer

In fact, the worried Kiana had been snoring soundly just ten minutes earlier.

"Shen Gonglin, Shen Gonglin... Wake up! What's wrong with him? Why won't he wake up?"

Kiana gently patted Shen Gonglin's cheek while continuously shaking his shoulders. Yet under the effects of the alcohol, Shen Gonglin still showed no reaction. This guy had absolutely no tolerance for alcohol; that one drink was practically a lethal dose for him. Seeing no response, Kiana could not help worrying. She looked pleadingly at the police officer beside her. Was Shen Gonglin really just drunk? Why was he completely unresponsive?

"Don't worry, little girl. We already checked him. He really is just drunk. According to that woman, she only gave him one drink. My guess is that he has a low alcohol tolerance. Don't ever let him drink again... By the way, what's your relationship with him? Are you siblings?"

The officer who had been watching over Shen Gonglin came over to comfort Kiana. At the same time, he curiously studied Kiana and Shen Gonglin. They clearly could not be siblings—their hair and eye colors were far too different. Yet the concern on the girl's face was genuine. If they were not siblings... then were they a couple?

After all, he had learned during the earlier phone call that the two had been sharing one room and one bed. Had they just solved a case of picking someone up while unconscious, only for it to turn into some kind of underage situation? What was wrong with society these days? Why did everyone like this sort of thing? Were they all masters of lolicon?

"Siblings? No, no, we're... I don't think I can really explain what kind of relationship we have."

That question stumped Kiana. What exactly was her relationship with Shen Gonglin now? No matter how she thought about it, friends was probably the furthest she could go. Any other label felt a little off. But one thing Kiana knew for certain was that Shen Gonglin was important to her. Very important.

"I see... That's fine. Since you're with him, there's no problem. Come make a statement, and then you can leave. Next, we'll be taking action against that woman. Her situation is serious now—not only is she suspected of molestation, she also impersonated a public official. We need to teach people like that a lesson."

The middle-aged officer smiled kindly. The girl did not look like a bad person, and her current troubled expression reminded him of his own daughter when she had been dating. Since she herself could not figure out their relationship, he could simply turn a blind eye. It was already late, so he would not keep them any longer.

"What? She even impersonated a public official? Uncle, you have to teach that bad woman a proper lesson! This time, it was all thanks to you. If not for you, I really wouldn't have known what to do."

Kiana angrily waved her fist. If this were not a police station, she would have wanted to personally teach that bad woman a lesson. How dare she make a move on Shen Gonglin? She must have been tired of living!

"It's nothing. It's our duty. What's your name? And his?"

Spreading open his notebook, the officer prepared to take the statement. Ordinarily, they should wait until Shen Gonglin woke up before questioning him, but judging by his state, he was unlikely to wake today. In that case, it was better to let him go home. After something like this, he definitely needed proper rest. Still, with his little girlfriend beside him, he was probably fine.

"My name is Kiana Kaslana, and his name is Shen Gonglin. We came here to travel, but while we were sleeping at night, this guy somehow ran out. From now on, I'll lock the door whenever I sleep. I definitely won't let him run off again."

Kiana sat properly in her chair as she answered the officer's questions. She held Shen Gonglin in her arms, letting him lean against her as she tried to make him more comfortable. This guy was quite obedient when he was drunk or asleep. Let's see if he dared to disobey her again.

Confession Brings Leniency

"Talk! Are you still refusing to tell us? If you keep refusing, don't blame us for getting rough!"

The long-haired policewoman slammed both hands heavily onto the table, glaring furiously at Murata Himeko across from her. This woman was truly arrogant. She had already been brought into the station, yet she was still acting so brazenly, as though she had nothing to fear. Had she really pretended so long that she believed herself to be some kind of soldier? Did she spend all day imagining stories where a retired military god came home and got arrested, then gave one order and a hundred thousand special forces troops came rushing in, or something like that? She was thinking too much.

"Boss, boss, calm down. We're the people's police, not some ancient magistrate's court. Let's talk this out properly."

The junior officer hurriedly urged the policewoman not to act impulsively. He yawned as he helplessly looked at the two women. It was already past his shift, but because of his captain, he still had to stay here. After barely calming her down, he looked toward Murata Himeko. She had been rather cooperative at first, but there was simply no evidence.

"Um, Ms. Wuliangta, are you really an active-duty soldier and a teacher? Don't you have anything that can prove your identity?"

This woman kept saying she was in the military, but not only could she not clearly name her department, she did not even have basic identification. He wanted to believe her, but without evidence, words were useless. Besides, their boss had already locked horns with her, leaving him with no solution at all.

"I clearly remember bringing it with me when I left... How did it disappear?... Has that boy woken up yet? If he wakes up, he can prove that I'm not a bad person. Honestly, I treated him to food and drinks. Why do all of you think I'm some kind of bad person?"

Himeko helplessly turned her head toward the window. When she had arrived at the station and tried to prove her identity, she discovered that all her documents had vanished. That only made the two officers across from her distrust her even more. She could easily break out through force, but if she acted, things would definitely become even more troublesome. Himeko was a sensible adult. She would not do something so rash.

"That boy has already been picked up. Unfortunately, based on the statement from the person who came for him, it does not clear your suspicions. He ran out at night while that girl was asleep."

The officer who had taken Kiana's statement walked in. Hearing his words, Himeko's brows twitched. From what he said, she caught a piece of troubling information. A girl... Could it be that that boy was already involved with another girl?

"Wait, Officer. You said someone already picked him up, and it was a girl? What is that girl's relationship with him?"

Himeko could not help asking. No way, no way—could someone that young already have a partner? If he had a partner, what was she supposed to do? She had finally decided to properly pursue him. Could it be that things had died before she had even begun?

"That little girl did not seem able to explain it either, but in my opinion, they're probably a young couple. If they aren't siblings and can sleep in the same room in an unfamiliar city, they're most likely that sort of relationship. They probably just haven't confessed yet."

The middle-aged officer was quite friendly. Perhaps Kiana's vitality had reminded him of his own daughter. Based on what he understood, those two were probably in that kind of relationship.

"They haven't confessed yet? Then I still have a chance. May I ask what that boy's name is? Where is he staying now?"

Himeko hurriedly pressed for more information. Since she had set her sights on him, she would not let go so easily. What was there to fear if they had not confessed? Even if they had, she would not be afraid. As long as they were not married, there was still time. She refused to believe that, with her figure, looks, and charm, there was anyone she could not win over!

Who knew where that confidence came from? If she really were as impressive as she thought, why was she still single now?

"I can tell you his name. It's Shen Gonglin. But as for his address, it's best to wait until you prove your identity. Ma'am, if you have no documents, then give us the number for your unit or a friend. As long as we can verify your identity, there won't be much of a problem."

The middle-aged officer sat down across the table from Himeko and explained the policy of confession bringing leniency. After being a police officer for so many years, he had his own way of judging people. One look at Himeko told him she was not a bad person. But he could not rely entirely on his instincts. The best solution was to contact Himeko's friends or superiors and have them take her home.

"See? His name is Shen Gonglin, not Wang Tiezhu. The whole vibe is instantly right now. Uncle Wang, telling her all this is useless. I already told her earlier, but she refuses to give us her superior's contact information. I'd say she definitely isn't a good person. Maybe the recent rise in pork prices has something to do with her. We should lock her up and interrogate her properly first."

The long-haired policewoman added fuel to the fire. Himeko could neither prove her identity nor provide any other information, which irritated her greatly. She had already asked Himeko all of this before, and it had been useless. Therefore, she was definitely not a good person. Locking her up could not be wrong.

"Shen Gonglin... What a nice name. Fine, I'll give you the number now. I hope you can verify my identity as soon as possible!"

Himeko silently memorized the name and became extremely cooperative in an instant. She knew that if she could not prove her identity, they definitely would not tell her anything more. The sooner she got out, the sooner she could gather information on Shen Gonglin. She really did not want anyone at St. Freya Academy to learn about this embarrassing incident, but there was no helping it now. Theresa could be the only one who knew. At least she would only lose face in front of one person.

Huh? Why had she suddenly become so cooperative? Was there some other trick involved?

The three officers in the room looked at one another. What was going on? She had resisted every step of the way just now, but after hearing Shen Gonglin's name, she had changed into a completely different person. Looking at her fearless expression now, could she really be a major?

Meanwhile, Kiana, who had been carrying Shen Gonglin over her shoulder and leaping over rooftops, suddenly stopped. The girl frowned and carefully searched Shen Gonglin's body. Sure enough, something was tucked away there. What was this thing?

"This thing is pressing into my chest and hurting me. What kind of random junk is this? Throw it away, throw it away."

Kiana casually tossed aside an exquisite little case. The identification Himeko had lost had actually been on Shen Gonglin all along.

Chapter 73

Early morning, St. Freya Academy. Principal Theresa was currently sprawled on the sofa, preparing to spend her idle... pfft, leisurely morning. The academy was so peaceful. Without Shen Gonglin and Kiana around, the school was so quiet and relaxing that it made her whole body feel lazy, like she only wanted to stretch.

It would have been even better if her manga and snacks had been there too.

Shen Gonglin had swept away her entire stash. Without snacks and manga, there was no point in going to her office, so Theresa simply came to Mei and the others' dormitory to pass the time. Her own apartment had no one but her, and staying there was too boring. It was better here; at least she did not have to figure out meals for herself.

"Principal, please get up for a moment. I need to clean the sofa."

Looking at the white-haired little girl lying on the sofa, Mei had the illusion that Kiana was still there. Was this some kind of inherited trait? When Kiana was in the dormitory, she must have sprawled across the sofa just like the principal did. Kiana had only been gone for a few days, yet Mei already missed her a little...

It was Shen Gonglin's third day away. She missed him... Huh? Wasn't she supposed to miss Kiana? Why had she somehow ended up thinking about Shen Gonglin instead?

She wondered whether Kiana would run into trouble while taking him around. That girl was rather foolish. Whenever she went out with Shen Gonglin, Mei worried that she might lose him.

"Oh... Mei, it's a rare day off. Why are you doing a deep clean? You're so busy normally. Shouldn't you take this chance to rest properly?"

The white-haired little girl lazily shifted to another spot. She looked curiously at Mei, who wore an apron. The room was already very clean; there was no need for a deep clean at all. Theresa had wanted to help earlier, but there was nowhere she could even start, so she lay on the sofa to avoid getting in anyone's way. Mei was so much more diligent than Kiana.

It was not just Mei. Even Bronya and Fu Hua were wearing aprons and carrying feather dusters as they cleaned everywhere. Only Theresa was idle, and she felt a little embarrassed.

After all, she was the shortest one. She could not even help with something like wiping the windows.

"It's precisely because it's a day off that we should do a deep clean. Teacher Himeko should be back soon. If the dormitory is clean and tidy, Teacher Himeko will be happy too. She's been carrying out missions outside for so long, so when she comes back, we should let her rest properly."

Mei smiled at Theresa. Although this girl had the status of a young lady, she had a heart that cared for and looked after others. She seemed more suited to a support position than being a combat Valkyrie. Quite a few people agreed with that view.

"You're right. Himeko should be back in the next day or two... I wonder how Shen Gonglin and Kiana are doing now. Sending those two on a mission together really is worrying."

Theresa crossed her arms and sighed. She sounded mature, but it felt somewhat comical coming from her, since despite being the principal, she had the body of a little girl and could not seem imposing at all. Mei secretly smiled and did not tease Theresa about it. Although she looked like a child who never grew up, the principal was actually very dependable.

"Principal, there's a communication for you."

At that moment, Fu Hua walked over holding a tablet. For some reason, seeing Fu Hua like that made a phrase suddenly appear in Mei's mind: a flat board holding a tablet... Mei nearly burst out laughing. She had felt the same way when she tied Fu Hua's bra straps at the academy gate. Calm down, calm down. She absolutely could not show it.

Mei turned around with a blank expression. She could not laugh.

"Hm? A communication for me? Let me see what it is... Eh? Himeko got arrested?"

Theresa opened the message and cried out in surprise. Hearing her, Mei and Bronya turned around in shock as well. What did that mean? Teacher Himeko had been arrested? What was going on?

"Murata Himeko is suspected of molesting an underage male, encouraging an underage person to drink, and attempting to take him to a hotel and commit violent acts while he was unable to resist. She was caught by our officers at the scene. She showed no remorse and even attempted to impersonate a public official to evade criminal responsibility. We are now contacting Ms. Theresa to verify Murata Himeko's identity... What is this? How could Himeko do something like that?"

"...Although I don't want to believe it, it isn't impossible. I know Teacher Himeko. She wants to get married and fall in love, but for various reasons, that desire has never been fulfilled. Then, driven by desire and jealousy, she could have done something like this... It should not be impossible."

Fu Hua was equally shocked, but after the shock passed, she pushed up her glasses and actually analyzed Himeko's mentality. And honestly, Fu Hua's reasoning made sense. After hearing her, Theresa and Mei both nodded with grim expressions, while Bronya stood beside them expressionlessly. No one knew what she was thinking.

So Teacher Himeko was a terrifying existence who would make a move on underage boys. Luckily, Bronya was female. Otherwise, she would be in danger.

"I... I had felt something like this for a long time, but I never thought Teacher Himeko would really do such a thing... It seems we really cannot let Shen Gonglin keep living in our dormitory. Otherwise, sooner or later, Teacher Himeko might not be able to hold herself back. If that happens, it would be truly awful."

The first thing Mei thought about was Shen Gonglin's safety. She had previously considered whether to seek Teacher Himeko's agreement to let Shen Gonglin continue staying in their dormitory. But now that this had happened, Mei did not even dare consider it... Could it be a misunderstanding? At heart, Mei was still a kind child. She felt that Himeko probably... probably could not do something like that, right?

It was frightening. Mei did not know whether she should believe it.

"Enough. The most important thing right now is to bring Himeko back. We can ask her face-to-face when she returns. Fu Hua, bring the relevant documents. You and Mei go pick Himeko up. Honestly, she's already an adult—why does she still make people worry? Even if she likes someone that much, she cannot make a move on a minor... Remember, if this is true, try to keep Shen Gonglin away from Himeko in the future."

The only person at the academy who fit that description was Shen Gonglin. Everyone solemnly nodded. As expected of the principal—she had thought of exactly the same thing.

Chapter 74

So big, so soft... It felt so good to knead...

His consciousness gradually began to return. After an unknown amount of time, Shen Gonglin, who had been completely taken down by alcohol, finally regained sensation. He only felt as if he were lying atop a soft yet springy mass of cotton. Feeling comfortable instinctively, he reached out and touched it. It felt just as nice. So comfortable.

"Mm... Eek..."

Kiana frowned and let out a pained groan at being treated that way. The sleeping girl seemed to be having a bad dream, like a female knight who had stormed the Demon King's castle only to be taken down by the tentacle monster guarding the gate. It was uncomfortable, but there was no way she would surrender because of something like this!

Such a scene played out on a long-distance bus. The passengers seated across from Shen Gonglin and Kiana watched the pair with complicated expressions. Several men blushed and turned away. They were so jealous. Why could this blond brat do something so blissful while they could only watch? That girl was so beautiful. If they could, they wanted to do that too.

Early that morning, Kiana had carried Shen Gonglin onto this long-distance bus. This guy was still unconscious from drinking, so Kiana had to do everything—carry him, buy tickets, and stand in line. She was practically like an old mother. Since he could not take a plane, they could only travel by bus. After a whole night of work, Kiana had fallen asleep as soon as she boarded. Originally, she and Shen Gonglin each had a seat, but somehow, as they slept, Shen Gonglin shifted over to her side. Not only that, he curled his entire body into Kiana's arms. As a result, both he and Kiana were sweating profusely and sleeping restlessly from the heat. For Kiana, it was pure torture!

Why couldn't he squeeze it until it burst? It was like a water balloon filled with water. He refused to believe he could not pop it!

Shen Gonglin frowned in his sleep. Skilled at playing with balls, he felt he had met his match. This opponent was dark-hearted and ruthless. As Shen Gonglin kept kneading, he put more force into it, and Kiana was instantly pinched painfully. The girl did not have Shen Gonglin's issue of waking up with a bad temper and high blood pressure. After suffering such a huge attack to her chest, Kiana immediately opened her eyes wide. The moment she woke, she saw the pair of cat paws on her chest. The strange looks from the surrounding passengers made Kiana's face turn bright red.

The girl looked toward Shen Gonglin, who was sleeping peacefully. This bastard was even smiling. Wake the hell up!

Kiana grabbed Shen Gonglin by the waist and angrily lifted him in front of her. The humiliated girl opened her mouth and bit down. Shen Gonglin, you idiot, wake up!

"So I got drunk and nearly got picked up by someone? Then the police notified you, and you came to take me back?... What a pity."

Back in his seat, Shen Gonglin, whose face was covered in bite marks, confirmed what had happened after he blacked out with Kiana. The pain in his cheeks had woken him quickly, but after Kiana explained the truth, he felt nothing but regret. That red-haired older sister had an amazing figure and a pretty face. She seemed like exactly the sexy older-sister type he had always dreamed of. Even if she had taken him home, it did not seem so unacceptable.

"...Did I hear that right? Did you just say it was a pity? Are you kidding me? You think this is a good thing? Shen Gonglin, with looks like yours, if that kind of woman caught you, she definitely would not just play with you and let you go. Maybe she'd lock you in a room and do those excessive things to you nonstop, twenty-four hours a day. That's terrifying. You'd better stay by my side from now on... What is with that longing expression on your face?"

Kiana darkly explained the seriousness of the situation to Shen Gonglin. The girl's aura was practically black, and her white hair had slightly risen. Realizing he had been bitten, Shen Gonglin had immediately used an electric shock. They could now be said to have both suffered losses. Was this how he treated the lifesaver who had brought him back from the police station in the middle of the night? He could at least show her a little respect!

"Nothing. I just think that city was pretty nice. Kiana, how about we go back and stay another night? This time, we'll get two rooms. You can have the luxury room."

Hearing Kiana describe the possible consequences, Shen Gonglin's eyes immediately lit up. So there was such great treatment? He had already decided what to do if they could go back. This time, no matter what, he would not share a room with Kiana. She would only get in the way. Twenty-four hours a day to do this and that—wasn't that the pursuit of his life?

"...Do you think I don't know what you're thinking? You're completely delusional. Listen, as long as I'm here, don't even think about doing whatever you want. Starting now, until we reach headquarters and return to St. Freya Academy, you have to stay with me at all times. There's no room for negotiation!"

Shen Gonglin's expression was simply too obvious, and Kiana instantly knew what he was thinking. The eldest daughter of the Kaslana family immediately scowled and looked sideways at him. Her gaze was like one directed at a fly stuck to a window. This guy had a human face but did not do human things. Were those words something a person could say? To completely eliminate Shen Gonglin's thoughts, Kiana decided to solve the issue at its root. Whether day or night, she would stay beside him. Let's see what tricks Shen Gonglin could pull then!

"...Don't be like this. We don't have some deep grudge. There's no need for this, no need."

Shen Gonglin fell silent for a moment before saying that. If Kiana really kept that close an eye on him from now on, he probably would not have any chance for romantic encounters anymore. Having a beautiful girl of Kiana's level beside him was not bad, but a wildflower was always more fragrant than a house flower... Wait, why had he casually started thinking of Kiana as a house flower?

Unable to make sense of it, Shen Gonglin scratched his head. Whatever. In any case, doing all sorts of intimate things with different women and reproducing was a man's instinct. Even in his amnesiac state, Shen Gonglin was utterly certain of that. Having Kiana constantly following him around would always be a problem. This would not do.

"There absolutely is! Shen Gonglin, you can forget about getting rid of me... Wait, don't run! I said you can forget about getting rid of me!"

Kiana was especially determined this time, but Shen Gonglin merely curled his lip and jumped out of his seat. Kiana hurried after him, as if to prove what she had said. He would not escape.

"I'm going to the bathroom. Are you coming with me? Come on, then."

Shen Gonglin raised an eyebrow. After sleeping for so long, how could he not need the bathroom? Since Kiana was so determined, he would let her show him her courage.

"...Go to hell!"

Wanting to Die Once

Seriously, bringing up that kind of topic in front of a girl—it was like he did not consider her a girl at all. The same went for when he kneaded her chest. Even after she bit him, he did not blush at all. He had none of the shyness someone his age should have. It was as though he were doing something completely ordinary. If she had to put it into words...

It was like he did not see her as an outsider, but as one of the boys.

Kiana's bus was a luxury coach, so it even had a restroom. She leaned against the door, waiting for Shen Gonglin while thinking about this. She had said she would not leave his side for even a step, yet she had immediately broken that promise. Perhaps the girl was trying to make up for it this way. When it came to Shen Gonglin's attitude toward her, Kiana found it very strange. Whether it was the times he had taken advantage of her, peeped on her bathing, or slept with her, he showed no embarrassment whatsoever. Was it because she was not attractive enough?

Questions like this were too difficult for Kiana. She turned toward the direction the bus was traveling. At this speed, they should reach the next city before tomorrow. The person headquarters had arranged to meet them should arrive there as well. Then, after completing the mission, they could return to St. Freya Academy. When the time came, she could talk to Mei about this. Maybe Mei could help clear up her confusion.

Buzz.

Hm? What was that feeling?

It was as if something had suddenly stirred within her heart. Kiana instinctively turned her head. She had always been sensitive to a certain thing, perhaps because of her bloodline. However, having spent so long living peacefully at St. Freya Academy, Kiana did not react immediately. When she focused again on the sensation in her heart, her eyes widened at once.

This feeling—there was no mistaking it. Honkai!

Outside the window, an unidentified white object streaked with pinkish purple was rapidly flying toward them. Even while it moved at high speed, Kiana could clearly make out its appearance with her eyesight. There was no mistake. It was definitely a Honkai Beast. Why would Honkai erupt in a place like this?

"Shen Gonglin, get out here quickly! Something's happening... W-W-W-Wait! What are you doing? Put that thing away, quickly..."

Kiana shoved open the restroom door. Shen Gonglin's shocked eyes met hers, but besides those eyes, some other things that should not have appeared before a girl also entered Kiana's vision. The warrior who had been calm and composed only moments ago immediately screamed in fright.

Long time no see. Should I say hello to it?