I, Herrscher Slayer

Fu Hua looked at Rita with considerable surprise. Of course, she knew Rita's strength. Although she did not understand why Rita had gotten mixed up with Shen Gonglin, the injuries on her body were real. How could this maid have been reduced to such a state by these low- and mid-level Honkai Beasts? It was completely different from what Fu Hua knew of Rita's abilities.

Even if she had messed up, it should not have been this badly.

"...Greetings, Lady Fu Hua. I apologize for meeting you in such a state. I must have made you laugh."

Rita lowered her head in greeting. Though she appeared calm on the surface, her heart was in turmoil. Why did someone have to discover her in such an embarrassing state? Had she known this would happen, she might as well have stood in front and died earlier. Even passing out would have been better. Being this miserable in front of someone she knew made Rita feel as if she were about to explode. This was what it felt like to lose all will to live—Rita had truly experienced it this time.

"I would not laugh at you... but once this is over, explain it to me properly. After all, seeing you like this is indeed rare."

Her gaze briefly lingered on Rita's green coat. Fu Hua seemed to be considering something before turning away. That clothing undoubtedly belonged to Shen Gonglin. It seemed she had arrived a little late. There were things she did not know about yet. Once she had cleaned up these Honkai Beasts, she would ask Shen Gonglin what exactly had happened.

"Shen Gonglin, you understand the importance of martial arts now, don't you? In battle, what matters most is still your own strength. You have mastered Mindful Essence very well. When we return after this, I will teach you the other essences. For now, rest properly. Leave the rest to me. Watch carefully, and learn well."

Fu Hua was very satisfied with Shen Gonglin's performance just now. It seemed he had truly integrated Mindful Essence into his fighting. In Fu Hua's eyes, Shen Gonglin's talent was utterly unparalleled. As long as she polished him properly, he would surely become her most dazzling masterpiece... so she absolutely could not let certain people interfere with him. The path of martial arts had no end, and Shen Gonglin clearly seemed particularly susceptible to temptation. As his senior, she had to ensure that he always retained an innocent heart. Therefore, something like what happened with Himeko before must never happen again!

Then again, did Shen Gonglin really have an innocent heart? Could simple lechery be considered a kind of innocence?

Settling her mind, Fu Hua used Mindful Essence to adjust herself into the state best suited for battle. A layer of black armor covered her fair, jade-like palms. Every Valkyrie had her own means of attack, while Fu Hua relied purely on martial arts.

"Inch Force: Rockbreaker."

Facing the incoming sphere of electricity, Fu Hua neither dodged nor evaded, striking it with a single punch. The electric sphere exploded, and Fu Hua lightly leaped up, arriving before the Honkai Beast like a nimble bird. It was the same technique Shen Gonglin had learned. Fu Hua's punch struck the Honkai Beast and directly shattered its white shell. A battle-hardened Valkyrie truly lived up to her name; Honkai Beasts of this level were simply not worth her attention.

So this was how it was. Look at a real Valkyrie—slender figure, protective steel plating over her chest, and flowing martial arts whenever she encountered a Honkai Beast. Then look at the one beside him. What even was this?

His gaze shifted from Fu Hua to the maid in his arms, and Shen Gonglin's expression immediately became contemptuous. Look at that outfit—clearly more decorative than practical. It fluttered around so much that she was nearly exposed with every movement. Then there was that seductive figure. Calling her a Valkyrie was less convincing than saying she was the heroine of some game. And then there was her attitude—always boasting about being the strongest S-rank Valkyrie. Tsk, tsk.

Fu Hua was so powerful, yet she still said this mission had not been perfect. Clearly, Rita had only bluffed and scammed her way into becoming a Valkyrie.

"Why am I suddenly so annoyed... You aren't badmouthing me in your head again, are you? I already told you, this was just an accident. If you keep looking at me like that, believe it or not, I'll bite you?"

Sensing Shen Gonglin's contemptuous gaze, the elegant maid immediately became irritated. Why could she never maintain her calm and graceful demeanor around him? One look at his eyes told her he was once again thinking something indecent. Could Shen Gonglin not at least hide it a little better?

"Mhm, mhm, I know. You're an S-rank Valkyrie, the incredibly powerful kind. You only messed up today because you were in bad shape. I understand. Girls always have a few days every month. I get it, I get it."

Shen Gonglin nodded perfunctorily, and his attitude made the maid puff out her cheeks in displeasure. Such an expression was practically impossible to see on Rita. Fu Hua, who had just finished the battle, glanced over and was so startled that she nearly fell. No way—was this really Rita, rather than someone strange pretending to be her?

"Who was talking about that?! That is not what I meant. It was because... My apologies, Lady Fu Hua. I am truly embarrassed for you to see this side of me. If possible, could you please forget it?"

As if she had two entirely different faces, Rita had just been arguing with Shen Gonglin, but the instant she saw Fu Hua approach, she became that calm maid again. She bowed apologetically toward Fu Hua. Even though it tugged at her wounds, her expression did not change. Perfection was Rita's habit, yet for some reason, she simply could not maintain it in front of Shen Gonglin.

"Mhm, I did not see anything just now... Shen Gonglin, what did you do to Rita? Why has she become like this?"

Considerately preserving some of Rita's dignity, Fu Hua nodded at her before immediately turning to Shen Gonglin. Her instincts told her that Shen Gonglin was ninety-nine percent responsible for Rita's current state. For some reason, Fu Hua had that much confidence in him.

Even an S-rank Valkyrie like Rita would surely get dragged into trouble by Shen Gonglin.

Love for a Beloved Disciple

"How could it have been me? She was the one boasting. I only tested her a little using the standards for evaluating a maid, and she took that chance to go all limp, drape herself over me, and whimper that she could not go on. Class President, look at her. She still said she was an S-rank Valkyrie. You two seem to know each other, so tell me—does she happen to be a logistics Valkyrie?"

Deeply dissatisfied with Fu Hua's suspicious look, Shen Gonglin loudly explained what had happened. He still could not believe an S-rank Valkyrie could be this weak. He had only tested her a little, and she was already done for. Were all S-rank Valkyries like this?

When he had the chance, he definitely needed to test the other two S-rank Valkyries. If they were all like this, would that not mean he was even stronger than an S-rank Valkyrie?

"Shen Gonglin, Rita was telling the truth. She really is an S-rank Valkyrie... For now, let me ask: what exactly did you mean by testing her?"

Fu Hua was Fu Hua, indeed. She immediately caught the crux of the matter. Rita had most likely ended up this way because of that test. It was definitely related to Shen Gonglin—that much was certain. Otherwise, how could someone with Rita's strength have failed in a situation like this? Fu Hua was somewhat curious. What kind of method did Shen Gonglin possess that could even bring down a fighter like Rita?

Fu Hua's suspicious gaze shifted back and forth between Shen Gonglin and Rita, while the perfect maid turned her head away rather unnaturally. It was rather embarrassing to say. She had confidently told Shen Gonglin to come at her with everything he had, only for him to peck at her neck once and reduce her to such a disgraceful state. What perfect maid? She was clearly just a lewd maid with nothing but dirty thoughts in her head.

She still had a long way to go.

"Um... simply put, I bit Rita's neck once, and I did not even use any force. Then she became like this... Ah, now that I think about it, Rita looked kind of like you did in the bathroom that time, Class President. What does it feel like? Why did both of you... mmph!"

"Enough. Stop talking. I understand. You do not need to say any more."

Before Shen Gonglin could finish, Fu Hua rushed forward and covered his mouth. Under Rita's strange gaze, Fu Hua could only try her best to maintain a normal expression. So Shen Gonglin had used that move on Rita. No wonder Rita had ended up like this...

Fu Hua knew that move well. She had experienced it twice herself—once with his fingers, and once with his mouth. Even with her state of mind, she had been unable to endure it. Her first kiss, which she had treasured for who knew how many years, had been given away just like that. Rita had not lost unfairly to such a move. It could practically be considered a technique specifically for Valkyries. Fu Hua could not withstand it, and neither could Rita. She just did not know whether that person could.

Sometimes, she rather wanted to see it. If she were bitten by Shen Gonglin like that, then she would probably... most likely surrender too.

So Shen Gonglin and Lady Fu Hua had an unknown story between them as well. In the bathroom... what sort of scene could that have been?

Waves flickered in the maid's violet-red eyes. She was very curious, very eager to know what had happened. And judging by things, Lady Fu Hua had suffered the same experience she had. If that was the case, she did not need to explain herself any further. She truly wanted to see what Lady Fu Hua looked like when embarrassed. And if it were Lady Theresa instead...

"Rita, what is wrong? Why are you suddenly having a nosebleed? Is it because of your wounds?"

Fu Hua was quietly warning Shen Gonglin to keep it secret when a sound came from behind them. The two turned and saw Rita covering her nose, her slender, fair fingers stained with fresh blood. The maid's expression was strange as well. What could she possibly have been thinking about to make herself have a nosebleed?

Shen Gonglin nodded to himself. This maid did have some skills. In his impression, a perfect maid was supposed to have nosebleeds from time to time.

"It is nothing. I merely thought of something pleasant. Lady Fu Hua, since you are here, does that mean St. Freya has entered the battle?"

After quickly dealing with her nosebleed, the maid changed the subject with a serious expression. She silently buried her wicked ambitions in her heart. It was more important to discuss serious matters first. She had never expected Fu Hua to come save the day. If St. Freya had joined the battle, did that not mean Lady Theresa might come as well?

If that were the case, could she perhaps encourage Shen Gonglin a little to do something to Lady Theresa... No, no, no. Why had her thoughts gone astray again? At least not at a time like this.

"No. Some people and I merely happened to be nearby on business... Rita, can you still walk?"

At that, Fu Hua could not help twitching the corner of her mouth. She had nearly forgotten—someone nearby was an expert at picking up unconscious girls and a notorious lolicon. She could not let Himeko discover Shen Gonglin, or who knew what she would think. The best thing was to get Shen Gonglin out of the battlefield. Himeko absolutely could not meet him. Fu Hua still wanted Shen Gonglin to focus on learning martial arts from her. She could not let him be blinded by female beauty at such a young age.

Though she was clearly not his teacher, Fu Hua had been worrying about Shen Gonglin all along. What use was indulging in women at such a young age? Was it not better to learn martial arts from her?

"Mhm. Simple movement is not a problem. I have also notified the Immortal Blade members. The battle should be nearly over by now. What comes next is rescue and reassurance work. Immortal Blade can already return."

Though she had many wounds of varying severity, Rita's resolute spirit still supported her as she rose to her feet. With Fu Hua here, she could not continue embarrassing herself. Although having Shen Gonglin carry her would have been a fine choice, it was time for her to display the responsibility of a veteran Valkyrie.

"Is that so? Good. Then Rita, let us first go meet up with Immortal Blade... Shen Gonglin, what is wrong with you now?"

Rita, who was seriously injured, had managed to stand, but Shen Gonglin was sitting on the ground and refusing to move. She had just said that the battle was probably about to end. If it was nearly over, why should he keep running around? Shen Gonglin's stamina had long since reached its limit. All he wanted now was for Mei to come charge him up already. Fu Hua was here, so Mei should be here too, right?

"No, I cannot do it anymore. Mei has to kiss me before I can get up... Hey, Class President, Class President, what are you doing? Put me down!"

Shen Gonglin wanted to keep acting spoiled, but Fu Hua simply hoisted him onto her back. She could not let this guy remain here any longer. It would be bad if Himeko saw him. Was he not supposed to go to headquarters? Let him go with Rita.

Tsk. If he really had to be carried, Shen Gonglin would rather have Rita carry him. At least she would not be so uncomfortable.

Draped over Fu Hua's shoulder, Shen Gonglin looked at Rita struggling to walk beside them and thought rather wickedly that if she carried him, she would definitely be more comfortable than the Class President.

What Happened on the Other Side

Not here. Not here. Still not here. Where had that Shen Gonglin guy run off to?!

Amid the ruins, a white figure raced through the area. Kiana leaped and ran everywhere in search of him, but no matter how hard she looked, she could not find Shen Gonglin. She had been rushing around the battlefield since earlier, but Shen Gonglin had vanished as if he had evaporated from the world. Had she really lost him?

Her heart grew increasingly anxious, but the Honkai Beasts kept thoughtlessly coming at her one after another. Looking at the Honkai Beast charging toward her, a glint of gold seemed to flash through Kiana's blue eyes. She did not have time for these annoying things right now!

Her twin pistols fired like shooting stars chasing the moon, bullets pouring forth like a torrential storm and venting Kiana's emotions. Honkai energy formed into bullets that pierced through the Honkai Beasts. Do not disturb her when she was busy!

Hm? That sound... was that lightning?

Just as Kiana was about to head elsewhere, a crackling sound rang out from that direction. Kiana excitedly turned her head and, without hesitation, sprinted toward it. Once she found Shen Gonglin this time, she absolutely could not let him leave her side again. That idiot was clearly directionally challenged, so why had he not said so earlier? If she had known about that problem, Kiana would never have let him act alone. Idiot, idiot, idiot. Kiana felt that she could officially award him that title. The two of them were partners, after all. How could he casually abandon his partner and act by himself?

She ought to chain him up with an iron chain.

Yet when Kiana vaulted over the ruins, the figure entering her view was not the one she had expected. A white flash of blade-light swept by. A girl wielding a katana dashed past amid flickering violet currents. Raiden Mei no longer looked gentle and considerate as usual. She was a Valkyrie, after all. Even as a trainee, she knew what to do on a battlefield.

"Mei, why are you here too?"

Although it was not the person she had hoped to see, which disappointed Kiana somewhat, seeing Mei was still a pleasant surprise. Kiana rushed over and finished off the last Honkai Beast with a flying kick, then ran to Mei's side to greet her. By all rights, Mei should still have been at St. Freya. Why was she here?

"Kiana? I came here with the Class President to handle something, and then the Honkai outbreak happened, so we joined the battle... Right, where is Shen Gonglin? Is he not with you?"

Mei was also surprised to encounter Kiana. If Kiana was here, did that mean Shen Gonglin was here too? Thinking of that, Mei worriedly looked behind Kiana. Teacher Himeko was here too. If she saw Shen Gonglin, it would not be a good thing. Yet Kiana had come alone. Where had Shen Gonglin gone? Why was he not with Kiana?

"It is a long story. I am looking for Shen Gonglin too. Mei, let us find him together quickly... I-I accidentally lost him. I do not know when he ran off. He had been following me the whole time, but when I turned around at the end, he was gone. Mei, what should I do?"

Seeing Mei was like finding her pillar of support. Kiana grabbed Mei's hand and asked for help. She had looked for Shen Gonglin for so long and still could not find him. It was good that Mei was here. With Mei helping her, the two of them would definitely find him faster.

"What? Kiana, you lost him... It is all right. Shen Gonglin will definitely be fine. He was evenly matched with the Class President when they sparred before, so he will be fine. We will look together. We can definitely find him."

Kiana really was still as unreliable as ever. This was the Kiana Mei knew. Mei helplessly patted Kiana's head to soothe her. Though she was anxious too, she could not panic. If she panicked, Kiana would certainly panic even more. Thus, Mei could only comfort Kiana this way. Shen Gonglin had problems in many respects, but purely in terms of strength, he was quite capable. Ordinary predicaments should not be enough to trouble him.

"B-but he was already out of power before. I even had to carry him here. Mei, he will definitely be all right, right?"

Mei's words could not put Kiana at ease. Shen Gonglin had entered battle after a drunken hangover. Without Mei beside him to charge him, he seemed to have been in a state of constant depletion. It was all that guy's fault for never saying a word of truth. Kiana did not even know what condition he was in now. Would it not have been better if he had obediently followed her? Why did he have to run off by himself?!

"What? You said he was... It is fine. If we move faster and find him soon, he will be all right. There are fewer and fewer Honkai Beasts now. Maybe he is hiding somewhere safe."

Bad news always came one after another. How could he be out of power at a crucial moment like this? Should she have stayed by his side the entire time? Electricity seemed very important to Shen Gonglin. The last time he had run out of power, he had not been able to move at all. This piece of bad news made Mei tense up as well. They could not delay any longer. They had to find him quickly.

"The Shen Gonglin you are talking about is the Shen Gonglin I know, right?"

A set of footsteps sounded. Murata Himeko approached with a frightening greatsword strapped to her back, quietly pricking up her ears. Her radar seemed to have picked up information related to romance. Having learned that the cute blond boy was Shen Gonglin, Himeko came over as soon as she heard Mei and Kiana discussing him.

It was not that Himeko wanted to be some kind of lolicon. Although he looked absurdly young, Mei had said he should be around fifteen. Fifteen was not really lolicon territory... at most, he was just a little young. Besides, she did not want to do anything to him. She merely wanted to properly get acquainted with him.

"Hm? Teacher Himeko, you are here too? That is even better. You know Shen Gonglin too? We have no idea where that guy ran off to. Teacher Himeko, help us look for him properly too... Oh, right. Teacher Himeko, do you know what he looks like?"

Before Mei could stop her, the quick-tongued Kiana spilled everything without noticing Mei's look. What Mei had been worried about all along had finally happened.

"Of course I know what he looks like. I even ended up in the police station because of him. As the saying goes, a life without going to prison is incomplete, and this time I have checked that box. You are saying he is lost? No problem. I will definitely find him!"

Looking at the fierce-looking Murata Himeko before her, Kiana innocently looked toward Mei. She had not said anything wrong, had she? Why had Himeko suddenly become so fired up? And why was Mei looking at her with such resentment? What had she done?

Full of Energy

At Immortal Blade's gathering point, their dark green standard uniforms represented their identity. In this battle against the Honkai, they had once again displayed their formidable strength. The battle had ended so quickly largely due to Immortal Blade's powerful offensive. Under the vice-captain's orders, along with the polishing of the team's most dependable workhorse, Alvit, Immortal Blade had suffered zero casualties!

"Vice-Captain, mission complete. Requesting instructions... Tsk, still no contact with the Vice-Captain. Do you think something happened to her? We have not been able to reach her this whole time."

After speaking into her earpiece for a long while, there was still no response from the vice-captain's channel. Alvit helplessly looked at the team members around her. Without instructions, what were they supposed to do next? The rescue operation had already been taken over by other Valkyrie squads. As the strongest blade of Schicksal, they had always carried out combat missions. The battle was over now, so where had the vice-captain gone?

"Alvit, what are you talking about? How could anything happen to the Vice-Captain? An Honkai outbreak at this level could probably be handled by an A-rank Valkyrie leading a team, let alone the Vice-Captain, who is an S-rank Valkyrie. I wonder when I will become an S-rank Valkyrie too. Just thinking about standing alongside the Vice-Captain and those other two ladies then... I am so excited!"

A team member beside Alvit set down her battle axe and spoke dreamily. The nearby members naturally cast disdainful looks at her. An S-rank Valkyrie? She had not even advanced to A-rank Valkyrie yet and was already daydreaming. Everyone present wanted to stand alongside those three legends, but it was just a fantasy. If becoming an S-rank Valkyrie were so easy, why were there only three active ones?

"Someone hurry up and give this daydreamer a hit. I do not have heatiness lately, so I cannot give her what she wants. And Alvit, there is no need to worry. Just like she said, how could anything happen to the Vice-Captain? Maybe she will come out soon and elegantly prepare afternoon tea for us. Honestly, I have never seen anything that could affect the Vice-Captain. Perfection must have been invented to describe her. She is so polite to everyone. Vice-Captain... I want to call her Big Sister so badly."

Another girl who wanted to go to the Peach Garden. But that also showed Rita's image and prestige within Immortal Blade. Every member trusted her. Only Alvit remained quite nervous. For some reason, she kept feeling that something was wrong.

"I should go look for the Vice-Captain... Looking for teammates. You know I am only a technician; I am completely useless in combat. Who will come with me?"

The workhorse looked toward the team members behind her. As members of the same squad, they should look out for one another on the battlefield, right? Besides, they were going to look for the Vice-Captain. They would surely help. After all, this was Immortal Blade!

"Huh? But we are too lazy to move. Alvit, you know fighting the Honkai is exhausting. Right now, I just want to rest properly. Of course, if you are willing to trade your share of the Vice-Captain's black truffle cake, I would not mind going with you."

To Alvit's surprise, the members she had placed her hopes on were lounging against the wall or sitting on the ground. They thought Alvit was simply wasting effort. How could anything happen to the Vice-Captain? Rather than worry about her, they might as well get some proper rest. Even though they were the strongest squad, they were still girls of the right age. And when girls had free time... what would they talk about?

"You only know how to eat. Stop dreaming about cake. Let us talk about that energetic boy instead—the Angel His Highness the Vice-Captain always mentions. What kind of person do you think he is? Maybe we will get to see him at the base this time."

At the mention of this subject, every squad member, Alvit included, perked up her ears. Several thin-skinned members had already quietly blushed. Everyone present had seen that scene. He really was quite an energetic boy.

"Exactly. Maybe we can meet him. Just from his face, he really does look like the angel the Vice-Captain always talks about, but... he is so scary. Do boys all carry such frightening things with them? It is all because the Vice-Captain would not let us keep the recording, or I would have really wanted to study it carefully."

Another member said this excitedly. This was it—she had wanted to say it earlier. An angelic face and a devilish... Calling it devilish did not seem quite right. He could only be described as a very energetic boy. Was that the boy who had remained in the Vice-Captain's heart all this time? She wanted to see him with her own eyes.

"I think... No, this is not the time to discuss that! Is no one coming with me to find the Vice-Captain? I was wrong about all of you. Fine, I will go by myself!"

She had nearly been led astray. Looking at the group of team members before her, who were no different from ordinary gossiping girls, Alvit was on the verge of tears. She had talked for so long, yet no one would accompany her to find Rita. What kind of people were these? What happened to comradeship and watching each other's backs?

"Hey, Alvit, we told you the Vice-Captain will be fine. Fine, if you insist on going, we will go with you... Huh, someone is coming over there. It looks like Lady Fu Hua... and that energetic boy!"

With no other choice, since Alvit insisted, they could only accompany her. Yet before they could set off, footsteps sounded from the distance. A valiant-looking girl walked toward them, gray-haired and green-eyed. Fu Hua was well known throughout headquarters, and these Immortal Blade elites had naturally heard of her. But at this moment, the girls' attention was not on Fu Hua. The boy on her back was not the energetic Angel His Highness they had seen in the video?

At the member's cry, everyone turned to look. Then Rita, trailing at the rear, entered their field of vision. Their elegant and perfect Vice-Captain was leaning on her scythe, looking extremely weak as she followed behind Fu Hua. Her torn dress and bloodstains made Rita look exceptionally miserable. How had the Vice-Captain become like this? What kind of brutal battle had she endured to end up like that?

The Immortal Blade members were shocked upon seeing Rita in such a sorry state. Even the Vice-Captain had been reduced to this condition, so one could imagine how powerful the Honkai Beast she had faced must have been. Otherwise, with the Vice-Captain's combat strength, how could she possibly have ended up this way?

She might disappoint the squad's expectations, but strictly speaking, Rita had only faced one danger: Shen Gonglin. Yet Rita felt that this had been more difficult than any battle she had ever fought.

Durandal

Siberia, amid a snowfield, a black figure stood silently in the white world. Beneath a black military cap, pale golden wavy hair fluttered in the wind. Her figure, far more mature than those of her peers, was wrapped in a fitted black military uniform. Beside the girl stood an enormous lance. Beneath those blue eyes, she silently watched the seemingly tranquil snowfield. Her name was Bianca.

Schicksal's strongest Valkyrie.

"Are you still not planning to come out?"

After a long time, the girl's cherry lips parted in a soft sigh. If possible, she truly did not want to ruin this picturesque scenery. Unfortunately, it appeared there was no way around it.

Reaching for the lance beside her, Durandal calmly moved its tip. Yet the sharp point seemed to scrape against the heart of something beneath the ice field. Unlike ordinary Honkai Beasts, the one lurking beneath the ice clearly already possessed basic awareness. It knew that this woman was about to attack.

Boom.

Unable to endure the sensation of that blade-like tip any longer, the ice field shattered. A thunderous roar rose from beneath it. Its white shell revealed its identity: an Emperor-class Honkai Beast. To other Valkyries, it was a calamity, but in Durandal's eyes, this was merely an ordinary mission. As Schicksal's strongest warrior, possessing such combat ability was only natural.

"Let us finish this quickly and go home... Hm? Bishop?"