Chapter 218

The sounds on the street faded into the distance. Rita watched Shen Gonglin and Kiana leave until Shen Gonglin's figure was completely out of sight before she looked away. She quietly looked at the syringe and magnetic card in her hand. These were things Kiana had given her. Of course, she knew Kiana's intention in giving her these things. It was nothing more than wanting to use the power of the Immortal Blade Squad to investigate Shencheng Medicine. However, Rita didn't care about such things. Shen Gonglin's request alone was enough for her to do this, not to mention that this matter also involved Schicksal. What was Shencheng Medicine doing under the banner of Schicksal? Prioritize this mission, no problem.

"Immortal Blade, all personnel return to the Eos. We need to investigate what this thing is. Also, when you get back, review the Valkyrie Squad Rules with me. Bringing so many things unrelated to the mission, it seems I need to give you a proper lesson on what makes a qualified Valkyrie."

"Put the things away," Rita instructed her team members. The girls' faces froze. "No way, Vice-Captain, we're feeding your lover! You don't even thank us, and now you're trying to settle scores?" The Valkyrie exchanged bewildered glances. Finally, they pushed Alvit forward as their representative. "You're closer to the Vice-Captain, so you should explain things to everyone."

"Vice-Vice Captain... there's no need to be so serious. Everyone just brought some snacks... no problem! I'll make sure everyone copies the Valkyrie Code five times... no, ten times!"

Why is it always her? Alvit, pushed forward, was on the verge of tears. Why did she always have to be the one to take the fall and step on landmines? But burdened by the expectations of her teammates, Alvit could only take a deep breath and grit her teeth to plead for them. She hadn't given Shen Gonglin any snacks earlier, since the two of them had already eaten them all on the way here, so this had nothing to do with her. Pleading for her teammates wasn't out of the question, but when she saw Rita's nonchalant gaze sweep over her, Alvit was terrified.

How audacious and arrogant must she be to do something like this? Plead for mercy? What does this have to do with her? Realizing her situation clearly, Alvit straightened up and gave Rita a military salute. She would strictly supervise their review of the Valkyrie Code. Alvit felt that if she didn't speak up in time, she might be buried by Rita. She had already offended Durandal, and she couldn't afford to offend Rita as well. She had to keep Rita in check. Alvit didn't think she had the same charming ability as Shen Gonglin, so she absolutely couldn't become someone who was universally hated.

"Very good, then let's go back and begin the analysis and investigation immediately."

Rita nodded casually, and then the maid walked directly towards the temporary base. Seeing Shen Gonglin this time was a pleasant surprise, and Rita needed to go back and calm down.

"Phew... Everyone, let's go back together... Why are you all looking at me like that? I was forced into this."

Alvit breathed a sigh of relief and prepared to go back with Rita, but then the team members reached out and grabbed her. Meeting their resentful eyes, Alvit swallowed hard. Sure enough, she had managed to make everyone her enemy.

That's really impressive, I need to put Alvit hands on my hips for a bit.

Chapter 225 Simple and Effective Thinking

"Speaking of which, Kiana, how did you determine that there was a problem with Shencheng Medicine? Rita shouldn't be in any danger if she investigates, right?"

Back at Kiana's place, Shen Gonglin lay sprawled on the bed, snacking as she asked Kiana the question. They had wandered around outside for a while, making sure the Immortal Blade hadn't sent anyone to follow them, before returning home. Although she trusted Kiana and Fu Hua, Shen Gonglin also needed to figure out why they were targeting Shencheng Medicine. And Rita's investigation shouldn't be too dangerous, right? Rita was quite capable, but that maid...

In Shen Gonglin's eyes, Rita may seem very smart and wise, but for some reason, Shen Gonglin always feels that she is quite reckless inside.

"It was my judgment with the Class President. During the time you were away, the Class President and I investigated all the Honkai locations in Sky City, examined the wreckage, dug up clues, and kept searching for every piece of the mystery. In the end, we discovered this fact... The Class President said that the Honkai disaster that occurred in Sky City had nothing to do with me and was not a sign of her awakening within me. I started to care from that moment on."

After tidying her hair, which had been messed up during her fight with Rita, Kiana explained her conjecture to Shen Gonglin. The girl, seemingly unconcerned, sat on the bed and leaned back against Shen Gonglin. The feeling of the two of them snuggling together made Kiana feel wonderful. Her hand rested on Shen Gonglin, unconsciously stroking his hair gently, as if petting a cat. She didn't usually have a particular fondness for cats, but Kiana felt an overwhelming liking for Shen Gonglin, this big cat. It was really strange.

"I have already explained that these disasters have nothing to do with you, because I have been observing your situation."

A flash of white light appeared, and Fu Hua appeared next to Kiana. The small bed was crowded with three people. Just as Fu Hua was about to get down, Shen Gonglin pressed her down and put her head on Fu Hua's lap. Now Fu Hua was helpless. It wasn't that she didn't want to get down, but she couldn't move at all because Shen Gonglin was pressing her down.

The fairy lady's eyes flickered slightly, "That's how it is."

"Yes, Class President, you said that if the Herrscher Persona within me attracts Honkai Beast, then they should appear around me. This statement gave me direction. Honkai Beast and Suicide Squad will always be attracted to places where Honkai energy is better."

Kiana glanced at Shen Gonglin, who was nestled on Fu Hua's lap, and ruffled his hair in annoyance. "The Class President's here again! Doesn't she give me and Shen Gonglin a chance to be alone?" Kiana rolled her eyes but didn't say anything. After all, now wasn't the time to dwell on such things. The girl summoned a spatial rift, teleporting the thumbtacks on the table into her hand. "Try to adapt to the power of the Herrscher of the Void in daily life," Shen Gonglin had taught her. Kiana flicked her finger, and the thumbtacks accurately embedded themselves into the map hanging on the wall, subtly surrounding a certain area.

"Look, if you mark all the locations where disasters occurred in Sky City, you'll find that these locations are all subtly surrounding a center, which is the industrial zone of Shencheng Medicine."

The map was clear and easy to understand, but after glancing at it, Shen Gonglin focused her attention on Kiana. "She's not simple," Shen Gonglin and Fu Hua exchanged a glance. If this had happened to anyone else, like Mei or Bronya, Shen Gonglin wouldn't have been surprised. But when it happened to Kiana, he was somewhat incredulous. "Is this really Kiana? When did she become so smart? Amazing!"

"Simple and effective thinking, that's so unlike you."

Fu Hua exclaimed with considerable admiration, "Kiana is not stupid at all; on the contrary, she is very intelligent. This is not only evident in her martial arts talent, but although she doesn't have the astonishing comprehension ability of Shen Gonglin, Kiana has her own way of doing things, and she can also be called a genius. And now, Kiana has also shown her keen insight in these matters. This girl is indeed very outstanding."

"Heh, the only good thing about a nomadic life is that it prevents people from becoming lazy... This isn't the first time I've experienced this kind of life."

Kiana smiled faintly. Fu Hua's words reminded her of her past. She wasn't stupid, just too lazy to think. When she wandered across Europe alone, she was always by herself. If she were truly stupid, she probably would have been in danger back then. Now, she was simply reviewing her past experiences. Kiana glanced at Shen Gonglin. Now, in this guy's mind, she must be one of those smart girls.

"If Kiana, you're not mistaken, that industrial area should be hiding the secrets behind these disasters. Unfortunately, we haven't found any conclusive evidence yet."

I'm somewhat amazed by Kiana's transformation. This girl has gone through so much without my knowledge, but thankfully she has Shen Gonglin by her side now. That makes Fu Hua feel a little more at ease. It's too hard for her to bear it all alone.

"That's why we had to drag Schicksal into this too, so they could find out the key behind it all. It's all thanks to Shen Gonglin that that maid, who's always thinking about what belongs to others, was able to follow our plan. If it weren't for Shen Gonglin, her goal would probably still be to capture me by now."

Kiana sighed softly, then poked the face of the "femme fatale" on the bed. Thank goodness for Shen Gonglin; otherwise, Kiana really wouldn't know what to do with that stubborn maid. As long as she asked, the maid would help without any reason. Shen Gonglin was truly very useful.

"Yes, well done. Schicksal should be more worried about this than we are. After all, it was an aid program they participated in. That man won't allow anyone to stir up trouble in his name."

Fu Hua nodded knowingly. Kiana's strategy was spot on. It was hard to believe that this was something she had planned. This girl was not stupid at all.

"I dare not trust Schicksal. Originally, I had no idea what Rita would do, whether she believed me or continued to hunt me down. But now, seeing her attitude towards Shen Gonglin, I understand that no matter what she plans to do, I must find out the truth. This is a test, both for her and for myself."

After saying that, Kiana leaned back and completely relaxed on Shen Gonglin. Shen Gonglin was lying on the Class President, and Kiana was lying on him. After relaxing her body, Kiana's eyes regained their determination. It was time to go and check on the situation.

Chapter 226 The Problems of Shencheng Medicine

In Sky City, at the temporary base of the Immortal Blade Eos, Rita sat in the command room, quietly pondering the information she had received from Kiana. Because of Shen Gonglin, she had decided to launch an investigation. However, preliminary work still needed to be done, such as verifying the remaining medication in the syringe and the magnetic card...

Without a doubt, this was something from Shencheng Medicine. The maid's slender, fair fingers gently stroked the magnetic card, the markings on it clearly indicating ownership. Actually, she had initially decided to prioritize bringing Kiana back to Schicksal Headquarters, even if there were hidden things here, it wasn't her current task. However, Shen Gonglin being with Kiana completely disrupted Rita's plans. Alas, what could she do? She was just a pitiful maid; she could only do as her master commanded.

[Rita, I've reviewed the intelligence you sent me before, and I agree with your assessment. Let's temporarily suspend the mission to capture the Herrscher of the Void and prioritize investigating the internal workings of Shencheng Medicine. Heh, it seems our partner isn't so docile after all.]

The communicator on the table lit up, and Otto's command came through. Since it wasn't a video call, Rita didn't bother to get up and pay her respects. The maid's attitude towards the bishop was becoming increasingly disrespectful. After all, all her respect was reserved for Shen Gonglin. It was enough to just be on the surface and be amicable with Otto. Anyway, she might have to use a scythe to slash him in the future, so it didn't matter as it was for now.

Yes, Your Excellency, as you command.

Rita responded and hung up the call. It had already been reported to her superiors, so it wasn't that she needed Otto's permission to act. Rita was doing this because it would be an extra bonus if it was considered a formal operation. The increasingly greedy maid wouldn't miss any opportunity to get something for nothing. Money, after all, still needed to be saved.

"Miss Rita, I checked the serial number of the syringe. It is indeed one of the vaccines provided by Schicksal to Shencheng Medicine, but the injection fluid inside has been replaced, or rather, modified..."

At that moment, the laboratory on the Eos opened, and Alvit ran out with a heavy expression. After returning Rita handed her the syringe to analyze. Alvit lived up to her reputation as a tool and quickly figured out what was going on. What exactly was Shencheng Medicine trying to do? What were their plans for this?

"Calm down, Alvit, speak slowly."

Rita gently comforted her subordinate. Seeing how anxious she was, Rita knew that things had probably gone very well. Even in this situation, Rita remained calm and composed, always having a solution for any problem.

"Yes... According to my research, this is based on the vaccine formula provided by Schicksal, which has been modified into an activator that can significantly enhance the human body's resistance to Honkai energy. However, judging from the efficacy, it doesn't seem to have any harm to the human body... That shouldn't be the case. This kind of drug should have undergone many experiments before it can be officially developed and produced, but Shencheng Medicine... Hmm, Miss Rita, I don't understand."

Alvit scratched her head in distress. Although Shencheng Medicine had changed the vaccine formula provided by Schicksal, as for potential harm... it seemed that no harm had been found yet?

Shencheng Medicine, what exactly are they trying to do?

Rita pressed her fingers against her smooth chin. Based on the current information, it was indeed not the right place, and she still needed to investigate it herself.

"Um... Miss Rita, there's something I feel I need to tell you. During today's operation, when Shen Gonglin and I were heading to the battlefield, we had some battles on the way. I saw glowing patterns on those Suicide Squad. Now that I think about it, those glowing marks were undoubtedly Stigmata."

After hesitating for a moment, Alvit decided to tell Rita her discovery, even though she knew it sounded shocking, but it was true.

"Stigmata? Alvit, do you know what you're saying? You should understand the consequences of getting this wrong."

Upon hearing this, Rita's brows immediately furrowed. Stigmata were something Schicksal kept very secret. Only a very small number of Valkyrie with Honkai energy resistance had patterns on their bodies that embodied the will of the sages. These were called Stigmata. In order to improve the overall combat power of the Valkyrie, Schicksal attempted to artificially replicate this ability. However, due to technological limitations, although Artificial Stigmata existed, their effectiveness and side effects were problematic. Even so, this was a secret of the Valkyrie. Now that Alvit said that Stigmata had been found on the bodies of the Suicide Squad, it made one think deeply.

"I... I absolutely wouldn't be wrong! Although many friends say I'm reckless, I would never make a mistake in this matter... If you don't believe me, Miss Rita, you can ask Shen Gonglin. He saw it too, although I felt his attention was entirely on the Suicide Squad's legs..."

Rita's sudden change in tone startled Alvit. She quickly assured Rita that she would never joke about something like this. She knew how important this was, but it was true. Alvit would never lie. If she didn't believe her, she should at least believe Shen Gonglin.

"Lord Rin saw it too? Then you shouldn't have gone the wrong way."

Upon hearing the name Shen Gonglin, the maid's suspicion vanished instantly, while Alvit subtly rolled her eyes. The vice-captain was such a hypocrite; the mere mention of Shen Gonglin's name seemed to make her lose her mind. She'd probably believe Shen Gonglin if she said being stabbed with a knife wouldn't hurt. Women in love are truly terrifying. It's hard to imagine Durandal being like this.

"If you're right, then what happened in Sky City is more complicated than we imagined. The Stigmata is a technology that only Valkyrie of Schicksal can be equipped with. Its appearance on an ordinary Suicide Squad can only mean two things: someone has turned Valkyrie into Suicide Squad, or someone is conducting experiments on ordinary people to implant Stigmata. Either way... it's hard to accept."

Rita pondered for a while, and after a long time, the Valkyrie had made her decision, raised her head. Sure enough, she couldn't leave it unattended. The maid with the super-efficient action had already made her decision. It seemed that she really had to give Shencheng Medicine a try.

Chapter 227

"Miss Rita, are you planning to enter the Schicksal Industrial Zone? This is a violation of regulations."

Seeing the serious expression on Rita's face, Alvit knew what she was planning. Although a thorough investigation was indeed necessary, such an action would undoubtedly violate the cooperation agreement between Schicksal and Shencheng Medicine. Without concrete evidence, acting rashly would be disastrous...

"Sometimes we have to break some rules in order to achieve certain goals, and now, the priority is no longer K-423."

Rita shook her head. Violate the rules? If you were still worrying about that now, you'd be a fool. If everything were done according to the rules, the world wouldn't be like this. Rita was very decisive; once she made a decision, she wouldn't hesitate. It was time to act. Without further ado, let's start tonight.

"The vice-captain makes a good point. Sometimes we do have to break some rules in order to achieve our goals. So, vice-captain, what do we need to do?"

Deeply moved by Rita's words, Alvit thought about her own situation. The vice-captain's choice was correct. As her subordinate, the Immortal Blade would definitely support all her actions. It seemed that tonight would definitely be a sleepless night. For the Valkyrie combat team, this kind of thing was perfectly normal.

"Notify everyone to remain concealed outside the industrial zone and await my orders. I will be the first to enter the industrial zone to investigate. Alvit, go and relay the orders."

Rita said in a deep voice, and at the same time she changed into combat gear more suitable for infiltration operations, the Immortal Blade, and began to move!

Just as Rita was taking action, in some unknown area, two illusory figures were gathered around a table, watching something appear on a screen. It showed the scene of Rita and Kiana's previous meeting. Sky City was a place where Shencheng Medicine had been based for many years, so obtaining such information was not difficult for them.

"The Schicksal ones have come uninvited, and we are still being suspected."

The video stopped, and a ghostly figure sighed softly. Her true face was obscured by the electronic signals, but her purple eyes were clearly visible. If Rita were there, she would definitely recognize her as the consultant from Shencheng Medicine who had previously received her, Chiora, or as she was known, Raven.

"How disappointing... But weren't you planning to kill them anyway?"

Another phantom spoke, and compared to the Raven's voice, her voice sounded exceptionally rough. It was a specially modified and concealed voice to ensure maximum safety.

"If it's not necessary, I don't want to engage in combat prematurely. I originally planned to use that Herrscher girl as bait to let the Schicksal people eliminate this threat for us and at the same time divert their attention. Now it seems that the situation has changed. I didn't expect that Rita would give up the mission of capturing the Herrscher so easily. It's really unexpected... However, I have already prepared a backup plan for this situation."

At this point, Raven focused his gaze on Shen Gonglin's face in the video. He had managed to change Rita's mind with just a few words. It seemed he needed to be investigated more thoroughly. He might be a variable in the plan. A proper investigation should yield some results.

"That's right. I didn't expect that Rita would be so obedient to his orders. According to Gray Serpent's intelligence, he played a significant role in Sea Abyss City. The Lord also speaks highly of him and is already investigating his intelligence. He will send you a copy soon so you can be prepared. Also... you said you have prepared a backup plan. What kind of backup plan is it?"

Raven's companion, Jackal, also became serious when talking about Shen Gonglin. This Shen Gonglin was a variable in the plan, which was really worrying. They hadn't paid enough attention to him all along, and now that they thought about it carefully, it was indeed a big mistake. What he had done all along could not be underestimated. As a former S-rank member of Schicksal, he shone brightly in the War of Schicksal, stopped the destruction of the Herrscher of the Void, and even possessed the Herrscher of the Void's abilities. Why hadn't they paid more attention to this person before?

"Since Rita wants to get closer to the answer, then just show it to her openly. The moment a person is focused on the answer is when she is full of flaws."

Raven revealed her plan: it was obviously unrealistic to stop Schicksal's S-rank Valkyrie invasion by other means. So why not do the opposite, lure her into a trap specifically designed for her, and then kill her? Wouldn't that be a good plan?

"Oh? Remember to use the gift I prepared for you when you make your move. I'm really looking forward to its effects. How will the Valkyrie of Schicksal's struggles and screams, and her ability to endure pain differ from that of ordinary people? I really want to observe her up close... If possible, leave one alive for me to study."

The voice became excited, and Raven was not surprised by her companion's behavior. This person was not quite normal to begin with, and Raven did not consider her a companion, at most a collaborator. Enjoying the sound of people screaming? Raven really couldn't understand this hobby, but for the sake of the plan, she really had to do it.

"Once I start, the experiment must immediately enter a countdown state. We must obtain the data we want before the main force of the Schicksal arrives."

Without commenting on the collaborator's hobbies, Raven spoke in a deep voice, "If we take action against Rita, it means we're going to be enemies of Schicksal. We must be prepared for this. Schicksal is a very large organization, the official and largest force against the Honkai. Offending such an organization without prior preparation is not an option."

"Don't worry, after the mission is over, you will have a brand new identity and go far away. Schicksal will not find you."

The Jackal voiced Raven's concerns: for now, they might still have to avoid the brunt of Schicksal's power, but she believed that such days wouldn't last long, because the Lord had returned, the World Serpent would also bare its fangs, and Schicksal's position in this world was about to change.

"The people in this city..."

Raven hesitated, as if to say something but then stopped. If they really acted that way, the people in this city probably wouldn't be safe anymore.

Chapter 228 Rita's Infiltration

Understanding Raven's meaning, Jackal chuckled softly. He hadn't expected her to have such thoughts; this behavior was unlike World Serpent's usual style, nor did it fit her image as a ruthless mercenary. To worry about something like this...

"Do not indiscriminately pity things that have no value. Your compassion should be given to humanity itself. Although the Schicksal possesses great power, it has always been deceiving humanity and pursuing its own interests, making people mistakenly believe that the world is safe with their protection. As long as the Schicksal exists, humanity will be like weak lambs in a sheepfold, only knowing how to seek shelter. But now the times are different. The Lord has returned, and he will sweep away the Schicksal's control over the world. What we need to do is to let the world be transformed and reborn under the Lord's guidance, because only in such a world will you and those you want to protect have a place."

The Jackal launched into a long tirade. Compared to the Raven, who still possessed some rationality, this man seemed more like a fanatical follower of that sovereign. Humanity had been blinded by Schicksal for far too long; they simply did not know that the future depended solely on themselves, and the World Serpent was the entity that granted them this power. Schicksal, to them, was nothing but a bunch of useless trash.

"... Then, let's get started."

Without saying much to Jackal, Raven hung up the communication. The organization she belonged to was really strange. Raven, Jackal, Gray Serpent, World Serpent... it was like a zoo. But there was nothing she could do. The zoo paid her well enough, and only such a source of funding could support what she wanted to do. Besides, being in this organization also allowed her to carry out her revenge against the Herrscher.

The Herrscher of the Void —I'll kill her with my gun sooner or later. Such a large villa island, just like that, sunk. Thinking of that sunken island, Raven silently clenched her fists. This wasn't just her effort alone; it also contained the hard work of another kind person, and yet it just disappeared on the sea surface. Indeed, Herrscher shouldn't exist in this world.

Thinking of this, Raven helplessly rubbed his head. Under the hood, his handsome face, which was completely at odds with that of a cold mercenary, was full of guilt. The island didn't belong to him alone. He had only paid half the money; the other half was given to him by that kind person online. He had originally planned to surprise him after the villa on the island was built, but now Raven didn't even know who he was. The only things he knew were that ID and the location information from back then. How was he supposed to find him?

If that person knew about this, they would probably be very sad and upset, and maybe they would also roll around on the ground without any regard for their image, just like me?

Probably not. That person must be a very reliable and loving person, maybe even an old man who has seen through the ways of life... Would he forgive himself?

However, just looking at his ID, it's hard to imagine that he's the kind of wise man who has seen through the ways of life.

Raven shook his head, and at that moment, the Jackal sent him some intelligence. This was all from Gray Serpent. Gray Serpent was indeed very good at intelligence; he could investigate any kind of information. As for developing all sorts of strange things, that was Jackal's achievement. As for operations... well, he could only do it himself, working hard without complaint.

The World Serpent is truly full of talented people, each with their own specific role.

Kiana Kaslana, an artificial human created by Schicksal, codenamed K423, the vessel of the Herrscher of the Void...

[Shen Gonglin, former S-rank member of Schicksal, now a defector...]

Casually glancing at the intelligence report in her hand, Raven noticed something that caught her attention in that casual glance. Her eyes widened suddenly, Raven quickly flipped back to the report. The report was very detailed, even revealing Shen Gonglin's online ID. It was this detail that made Raven's eyes widen: the name, the address... there was no mistake!

Is he the imposing figure?

Looking at the blonde, purple-eyed face in the intelligence report, Gray Serpent's eyes darted around uncontrollably. "No way," she thought, looking again. The ID and address were correct. She had received a large sum of money from this ID. At the time, she thought she was dreaming, only to be brought back to reality just as the island was nearing completion. And now she saw the person who supported her dream... But why, why is he an enemy?

Under the cover of night, a green figure moved swiftly through the industrial area of Shencheng Medicine. Rita was adept at dodging cameras and finding blind spots in surveillance. Even if there were cameras that were impossible to avoid, she could have Alvit remotely hack them. With the ID card in her hand, most of the doors and gates here posed almost no obstacle to Rita. Rita's goal was also very clear: she would prioritize finding Shencheng Medicine's database, which would solve many of her doubts.

In the industrial area, the maid wielding a scythe moved with elegant and swift steps. Following the intelligence instructions from Alvit in her earpiece, Rita gradually approached the database. Alvit could be quite useful and reliable at times like this; she was truly reassuring.

Please stay in touch, Ms. Rita. I will be a reliable support person and provide you with assistance whenever needed.

Standing outside the industrial zone, Alvit pointed out the direction to Rita while looking at the topographical map on her microcomputer. She had now figured out the situation. Although Durandal was the strongest, the vice-captain was clearly more adept at dealing with Shen Gonglin. Now, as long as she got on good terms with the vice-captain, she wouldn't have to be afraid of the captain. From now on, the Eternal Palace... ugh, Miss Rita's job would be the most important job. No matter what it was, even if she asked her to get up in the middle of the night to buy medicine for her and Shen Gonglin, she would run off happily.

Alvit felt like she had discovered the secret to survival.

Hmm, let's see what secrets Shencheng Medicine is hiding.

Activating her armor's stealth mode, Rita evaded the patrolling drones and entered Shencheng Medicine's database. Now was the time to get what she wanted to know. Rita strolled leisurely to the table, where a file lay—a paper file. This was Shencheng Medicine's medical assistance plan.