Chapter 252

Shen Gonglin shivered from the cold. Unlike these Valkyrie, his physique was just that of an ordinary person, so such severe cold was a considerable challenge for him. However, Shen Gonglin didn't cause any trouble this time. Despite the cold, he still followed them out of the warship. What came into view was a city that looked like it was frozen in ice. The ice and snow were spreading at a visible speed. Without a doubt, only Herrscher could cause such damage.

"We are currently on the cross-sea bridge on the outskirts of Coral Island. The Immortal Blade needs to break through the bridge, enter the city, and establish a defensive line. Please give specific mission orders, Lady Durandal."

Once on the battlefield, the entire Immortal Blade team became serious. Even the support character, Alvit, seemed much more reliable. The girls straightened their backs, ready to receive orders. They were the Immortal Blade, the strongest squad and the strongest blade in the entire Schicksal. Fighting against the Honkai was their mission. Even though there might be Herrscher ahead, they continued to move straight forward as always. All of this was because of the person standing at the very front of the team.

Durandal, the strongest Valkyrie of Schicksal.

Chapter Seventy-Six: Couple's Style?

"Rita, Shen Gonglin, and I will head to the front lines to eliminate the Honkai Beast. The rest of us will prioritize rescue missions and protect the survivors during their evacuation."

The radar on the warship had just detected traces of Honkai Beast. This was bound to happen; how could the Honkai Beast not appear when the Honkai occurred? Durandal decisively issued a combat order. Their mission now was to break into Coral Island. There must be many survivors on the island. With her, Rita, and Shen Gonglin, these three high-end combatants, leading the way, and the rest of the Immortal Blade carrying out the rescue mission, this was the most reasonable arrangement.

"Yes, sir!"

The Immortal Blade moved in perfect unison, and only then did Shen Gonglin truly witness the execution power of this so-called strongest squad. Durandal's command of the Immortal Blade truly lived up to its reputation as Schicksal's strongest squad.

"Let's go, we won't be cold if we move around a bit. This level of Honkai shouldn't pose any threat to you, right?"

Durandal was actually a little nervous when she gave the order, after all, Shen Gonglin was watching right beside her. It felt like she was working hard in front of her boyfriend. She was sure there was nothing wrong with her order. Durandal wanted to show Shen Gonglin her best side. Unlike Rita, she couldn't stick to Shen Gonglin's side without restraint. She could only show herself to Shen Gonglin in her own way.

"No problem at all, let's go."

Shen Gonglin breathed on her palms. They were a little cold, but not enough to interfere with their mission. She couldn't afford to hold the Immortal Blade back. The group began to head deeper into Coral Island. They had originally intended to visit Rita, but they hadn't expected to get involved in such a mission. How unpredictable life was!

"Lord Rin, please stay behind us. It will be safe."

Rita, who had been standing behind Shen Gonglin like a standard maid, also took out her scythe. Sensing the human's reaction, she realized that Honkai Beast were approaching from the bridge. The maid prepared for battle. Actually, she was also furious. She could have been strolling around town with Shen Gonglin, but this mission had tripped her up. She needed to vent her anger, and these Honkai Beasts were the perfect outlet.

"Alright Rita, don't let other emotions affect you during the operation, attack."

Having drawn their knight's lances, the two S-rank Valkyrie stood before Shen Gonglin, like two reliable knights. Both were wearing white armor, making them look more like a couple... no, they were practically wearing matching outfits! Even their earrings were a pair, one on each side. Were they wearing a set of earrings? How economical!

"Um, are your earrings a matching set?"

Shen Gonglin, rubbing her arms, suddenly asked the question. The two Valkyrie, who were preparing for battle, paused in their tracks, then turned around in unison and said the same thing.

"No!"

How could they be a couple's item? Although they are exactly the same, and one wears it in the left ear and the other in the right ear, it's just a coincidence. There's no strange relationship between them. Without a doubt, both Rita and Durandal are straight women. We can't let Shen Gonglin misunderstand.

Meanwhile, in the Hyperion, Kiana was searching high and low in Shen Gonglin's room, but there was nothing there. She couldn't find him anywhere. Where on earth had he gone? They had agreed to train together, but he had sneaked away again. If she had known he would do this, she should have tied him up with a rope.

"Kiana, we've searched the women's restroom too, and Shen Gonglin isn't in there... Also, Bronya thinks Shen Gonglin wouldn't be hiding in the trash can."

Bronya looked at Shen Gonglin, who was rummaging through the trash can, speechless. She really didn't know what this girl was thinking. How could Shen Gonglin possibly hide in a trash can? Kiana was still the same Kiana after all; her thought process was completely abnormal.

"That's hard to say. Shen Gonglin is capable of anything... Seele went to the beach to look for him, but he wasn't sunbathing. Where did he go?"

Kiana was disappointed when she put down the trash can and couldn't find any trace of Shen Gonglin. However, at that moment, Theresa appeared at Shen Gonglin's door. The little principal was deep in thought. Seeing her like this, Bronya and Kiana also became nervous. What happened?

"Kiana, Bronya... According to Anti-Entropy's intelligence, a new Honkai has occurred."

Theresa took a deep breath. This was the information she had just received. After learning about the situation, she rushed over to check on Kiana. Only after seeing that Theresa was still safe and sound did Theresa feel relieved. Fortunately, this time it had nothing to do with Kiana, otherwise Theresa really wouldn't know what to do.

"Headmaster, should we join the war?"

The group entered the command room together. Bronya quietly inquired about Theresa's decision. To be honest, it wasn't a good time for them to appear in the sight of Schicksal and World Serpent. Kiana's condition was still unstable, and neither World Serpent nor Schicksal was likely to let her go.

"No need. According to our intelligence, this Honkai will be dealt with jointly by World Serpent and Schicksal. If we act rashly, we cannot rule out the possibility that World Serpent and Schicksal will join forces against us. Honkai, it seems that World Serpent and Schicksal already have a plan to deal with this Honkai. Schicksal has deployed the Immortal Blade. This time, we'll just be spectators."

Theresa made this decision. If neither World Serpent nor Schicksal took action, then without a doubt, the Hyperion would join the war. When facing the Honkai, the three organizations had this tacit understanding. Even though they were enemies, they all belonged to the side of humanity. But now that Schicksal and World Serpent had joined forces, they would not join on their own to avoid becoming the target of everyone's attacks. So this time, they left it to Schicksal and World Serpent.

"...Understood."

Kiana and Bronya clearly understood why Theresa made that decision, and without a doubt, it was the right one. However, this did not stop them from paying attention to the situation at the Honkai site. The screen in the command room lit up, showing the current situation on Coral Island. The Immortal Blade had broken in. This was an image that Tesla had obtained through certain means. However, when they saw one of the figures that flashed by, the three people in the command center widened their eyes.

Shen Gonglin? How come he's with the Immortal Blade?

Chapter Seventy-Seven

The blizzard intensified as they advanced. The other members of the Immortal Blade had already been assigned rescue missions by Durandal, and they were also advancing towards their designated locations in the city from different positions. Meanwhile Shen Gonglin, Rita, and Durandal were struggling to move forward on the bridge. In a blizzard of this magnitude, any delay could result in being blown away.

"Durandal, we received a communication from Alvit. The other team members are advancing cautiously into the interior of Coral Island. It seems that our progress is a bit slow. They have already detected the Herrscher's reaction. The coordinates are... the location where the Snow Lotus Squad lost contact ten minutes ago."

With Durandal leading the way, Rita and Durandal were subtly keeping an eye on Shen Gonglin. Although he hadn't said anything yet, Durandal and Rita understood his constitution, so they both subconsciously slowed their pace. But now that this communication had come, it seemed they couldn't dawdle any longer.

When this information was reported to Durandal, the expressions of the two S-rank Valkyrie became solemn. Although the Snow Lotus Squad was an A-rank Valkyrie unit, if they encountered the Herrscher of the Upper, there was only one possibility: their comrades might have already perished.

"Rita, Shen Gonglin, let's go provide support now."

She made a quick decision. Knowing that her comrade might be in danger, Durandal couldn't waste any more time. She glanced at Shen Gonglin was shivering from the cold, and nodded to her. He was fine and couldn't be a burden to others at a time like this. Although Shen Gonglin was usually quite pampered, he knew when to stop.

"Don't worry, I'll hold you this time, we'll get through this quickly."

Gently comforting Shen Gonglin, Durandal adjusted her Valkyrie Armor. She couldn't continue following the established path; she needed to find another way to break through. As for the blizzard, she would protect Shen Gonglin herself.

"Hey, Captain, are you guys planning to make contact with the Herrscher...? But the Archbishop told us not to interfere in Herrscher matters, and that acting without authorization... would be punished, right?"

While Durandal and Rita were talking, the communication between the Immortal Blade remained uninterrupted. Hearing their plans, Alvit hesitated and tried to dissuade them. At least they had both said that the Immortal Blade was only responsible for routine Honkai rescue work, and any missions involving Herrscher should be handed over to World Serpent. But now it seemed that the two captains were going to take Shen Gonglin with them, which was clearly a violation of orders.

"Alvit, you need to understand that our mission is to deal with the Honkai, and rescuing the missing Valkyrie squad is naturally included in this. In this situation, we need to know how to adapt to the situation. That way, even the Bishop can't deduct our wages."

Rita spoke softly to her incompetent subordinate, explaining that the child was a bit stubborn and hadn't heard of the saying, "When a general is in the field, he may disobey his master's orders. I should really recommend that she watch 'Bright Sword' (a popular Chinese TV series), that way, Alvit's mind will become a little more flexible."

"Yes, I see. That way it doesn't count as disobeying orders. The vice-captain is really smart! I understand. The rest of you will proceed as planned. We'll meet at the coordinates."

Having been taught this knowledge, Alvit suddenly understood. As expected of the vice-captain, she had unique insights in various aspects. She even heard that she had obtained a considerable amount of allowance from the bishop using various legitimate reasons. Indeed, there was still much for her to learn. As expected of the vice-captain!

"My dear child... Durandal, since the situation is urgent, it seems we need to change our approach. According to intelligence, the bridge is too chaotic. We can proceed faster through the outer pipes, but the Honkai energy reaction there is even stronger than on the bridge. I will follow your orders."

The blizzard had a significant impact on Shen Gonglin; his lips had even turned a bit purple. Rita felt sorry for him. They needed to find another way, and the outer pipe area should be safe from the blizzard, making it a suitable spot.

"Okay, let's go, Shen Gonglin, hold on tight to me."

Durandal shared the same thought. She reached out and embraced Shen Gonglin, while Rita's eyes turned sinister. "Durandal's actions are quick," she thought. "It seems I've miscalculated this time."

Durandal placed one hand on Shen Gonglin's back, and the sudden increase in height caused Shen Gonglin to instinctively hug her waist. Blue flames erupted from the armor on the Valkyrie's back Durandal protected Shen Gonglin. A blue streak of light flashed across the sky, and when Shen Gonglin opened her eyes again, they had arrived at another place. There was no blizzard here, and the temperature felt slightly warmer, which was the best possible situation.

"This is the outer perimeter of the bridge. We can also enter the interior of Coral Island from here, but... Rita, keep pushing forward, we're in a hurry."

With Shen Gonglin arriving, Durandal gripped her spear tightly. Honkai Beast had already appeared in their path. Although there was no blizzard to disturb them on this road, there were more Honkai Beast than before. However, for the three of them, Honkai Beast of this level were not a problem.

"Yes, Durandal... Hmm? Lady Rin, what's wrong?"

Rita gripped her icy blue scythe and prepared to step forward, but at that moment, Shen Gonglin blocked her way. Her hands and feet felt a bit cold if she didn't move them. Shen Gonglin glanced at the Honkai Beast horde in front of her, and a flash of lightning suddenly appeared in her eyes. It was a good opportunity to test her new power, which she had never used since obtaining it.

Within Shen Gonglin's body, a purple energy core quietly lit up, and red lightning began to flicker in his hand. Durandal and Rita looked at him in astonishment. This energy reaction... it was Herrscher... They knew that Shen Gonglin possessed the power of Herrscher, and more than one. He most frequently used the Herrscher of the Void, rarely using the Herrscher of Reason's power, but now...

Can he also use the power of the Herrscher of Thunder? Shen Gonglin's physique is truly a mystery.

Red lightning poured down from the sky, but Shen Gonglin's eyes were blank. Rita clapped her hands in admiration, praising Shen Gonglin, "She's really amazing."

"But this isn't me..."

He raised the red lightning in his hand, and the energy gradually dissipated in Shen Gonglin's hand. He hadn't even launched the attack yet; the attack just now wasn't caused by him.

Chapter Seventy-Eight: The Sarcastic Combination

Did they get their kills stolen?

The three looked at the red lightning. The raging lightning disappeared, and two figures walked out of the lightning. When they saw the pair of red horns, Shen Gonglin showed a happy expression. It was Mei and Raven. She didn't expect them to come. Mei goes without saying. Raven was the only person Shen Gonglin had a good impression of among the World Serpent. Seeing the two of them made Shen Gonglin quite happy.

"Mei!"

Shen Gonglin raised her hand and waved vigorously at Mei, who beamed with joy upon seeing her. However, Mei's expression quickly changed. He was here... did that mean Kiana was here too? She had joined World Serpent to keep Kiana away from Honkai Shen Gonglin, but she...

"Don't worry, I came alone this time. Kiana and the headmistress didn't come... Hmm? Rita, what's going on?"

Shen Gonglin wanted to run over and greet Mei, but Rita stopped him. The maid looked wary, and the target of her wariness was the tall woman in the cloak next to Mei. Although Schicksal and World Serpent were currently in a temporary cooperative relationship, it didn't stop Rita from suspecting the other party with the utmost malice.

"Lord Rin, it's best not to go there. The air quality over there isn't very good, and there might be bird flu."

She explained softly to Shen Gonglin, but when Rita raised her eyes, they regained their sharp glint. Rita held a deep grudge against this Raven.

"Raiden Mei... I never expected you to join World Serpent."

Looking at Raiden Mei in her Herrscher form, Durandal couldn't quite describe her feelings. When she first met this girl, she wasn't like this. It seemed that a lot had indeed happened to her during this time.

"I have my own path to walk, that's all."

After becoming Herrscher, Mei's attitude became very cold and capable. Only when she was with Shen Gonglin would this girl reveal the emotions buried deep in her heart. Facing Durandal, Mei no longer felt the helplessness she once had. But it was precisely because of her current increase in power that she understood just how terrifying this strongest Valkyrie was. Even now, Mei still could not fathom the upper limit of Durandal's power.

"Miss Mei, so the ally His Holiness the Bishop was referring to was you. A newcomer who just joined has been assigned to such a dangerous place. It seems that World Serpent... really has no one else to use."

After stopping Shen Gonglin, Rita greeted Mei with a charming smile. Although Schicksal and World Serpent are now allies, it doesn't stop Rita from being sarcastic. Although she was greeting Mei, her sarcastic remarks were actually directed at the Dodo bird over there.

Mei remained silent. Anyone could tell who she was targeting. Mei wasn't one to take the fall for others. Let them handle their own business.

That said, World Serpent's treatment was really not great. It's all thanks to Shen Gonglin who brought him so many daily necessities. If only he could have given him Canned Food he stole from under Bronya's bed, but he only gave him one. That's too stingy.

"Oh, isn't this Miss Rita? Long time no see. As for what you were worried about earlier, I can only say that you were overthinking it. Please rest assured, we'll draw another card with Schicksal. World Serpent has never liked the tactic of overwhelming numbers. Although there aren't many of us, we will complete the mission."

Of course, Raven knew who this Valkyrie was targeting with her sarcastic remarks. The two already had a grudge against each other. Raven stepped forward and spoke up, while also retorting, "World Serpent won't use useless human wave tactics like Schicksal. What's the point of bringing so many people?"

"Heh, that's quite offensive. I'm looking forward to seeing what you plan to use against the Herrscher this time? Gas? A truck? Or... a suicide bomb?"

Rita chuckled softly, but her gaze turned icy. Seeing the Raven reminded her of what happened in Sky City. If it weren't for Shen Gonglin and Kiana, she might have been killed in that basement. Rita counted on her fingers the little tricks the Raven had used before. Trying to deal with Herrscher with such methods was wishful thinking.

"I'm sorry, I still feel bad that I ruined your mission before, so seeing you like this now, tsk tsk, I'm really sorry."

With his hands clasped together, Raven also adopted a sarcastic tone. The maid could only bark helplessly. No matter how loudly she barked, she was still outmaneuvered and dealt with by Raven back then. Hearing the wail of a defeated dog was a pleasant experience for Raven.

I really want to stab this woman, but if I do it now, it would be a bad move.

The maid remained elegant, her expression unchanged – the mark of a perfect maid. Rita composed herself and adopted an apologetic look. Anyone can engage in a verbal battle.

"I'm the one who should feel sorry for you. I've hindered Shencheng Medicine's plans and caused your great undertaking to fall apart."

"Don't mention it. I'll have to trouble you with the logistics this time. Leave the Herrscher to us."

"That would be too much trouble for you. Please rest assured that if you were to die by accident, I would give you a proper burial and place a large stone on your tombstone so that you can rest in peace."

"Thank you for your safety. Please take good care of yourself as well."

"Yes, you too."

As if they were performing a duel, the two were at loggerheads, their smiles gradually becoming sharper, and the air thick with tension. Shen Gonglin, however, watched with great interest. She loved watching girls fight or argue; it was so interesting. This sarcastic attitude... she never knew Rita had this side to her. The maid had always acted gentle and kind in front of her, but it turned out she was like this when she was being sarcastic. So cute!

"Hey, stop watching the show and try to persuade them. We still have a mission, and we can't let the two of them fight here."

Shen Gonglin was enjoying the show, but Durandal couldn't stand it anymore. She gently poked Shen Gonglin show, okay? We didn't come here to do this kind of thing. Durandal knows that Rita and this Raven have a conflict, but now is not the time to argue.

Chapter Seventy-Nine: Special Envoy of the Divine Palace

You can practically smell the gunpowder emanating from Rita and Raven. It's easy to imagine that these two women don't get along, since they were mortal enemies in Sky City. Now they're suddenly forming an alliance. But people aren't machines; they can't just unite like that. Rita and Raven are both vengeful, and if we don't intervene, they'll definitely start fighting. Actually, to be honest, Shen Gonglin is quite keen for them to fight.

After all, this guy loves watching excitement, and girls fighting is super entertaining.

However, Durandal gestured for him to stop the friendly interaction between Rita and Raven, and Mei also gave him the same look. Helpless, Shen Gonglin could only gently pat Rita's shoulder. He was closer to Rita than to Raven.

"My apologies, Lord Rin, I lost my composure."

Realizing her earlier lack of composure, the maid took a half step back and bowed slightly to Shen Gonglin. She wasn't some mercenary who could be left unattended. As a maid, her behavior had indeed been somewhat irrational, and it had caused trouble for her master, which was truly inappropriate.

"I don't want to take action against Schicksal."

"This maid really listens to Shen Gonglin," Mei thought to herself with a slight sigh. She took the initiative to speak, extending her hand to Durandal to make her stance clear. She wasn't here to argue or fight with the Valkyrie of Schicksal. Mei always kept her mission in mind: to deal with the Herrscher first. If she could resolve the situation in time, Kiana wouldn't come, and that wouldn't be a burden on her.

Durandal looked up at the girl opposite her. Since their parting in Sky City, she was no longer the same. It seemed that a lot had happened to this girl during this time. In this world, everyone has to carry a lot in order to move forward, and she had already felt her awareness.

"We share the same goal. Since we are now allies, let's fulfill our respective missions and not interfere with each other."

Seeing that Durandal didn't intend to shake hands, Mei didn't mind. She explained the current arrangements: Schicksal and World Serpent's upper echelons had already discussed it. Schicksal would be responsible for the standard Honkai rescue plan, while World Serpent would handle the Herrscher aspect. It was truly baffling what benefits Kevin had used to persuade the Archbishop of Schicksal to willingly take on such menial work.

"I understand. The Valkyrie forces will be stationed in the outer city to evacuate survivors and prevent the Honkai from spreading outwards. As agreed, Herrscher. We will not interfere arbitrarily. The Herrscher is moving towards the center of Coral Island. Go quickly."

Before Mei could lower her hand, Durandal reached out and grasped the girl's small hand. This gesture signified the establishment of cooperation. Schicksal and World Serpent shook hands and made peace with their best fighting forces at this moment. After looking at Durandal and Mei, Miss Dodo's eyes darted around. This woman, who called herself a ruthless mercenary, was actually quite wicked. Of course, she had to annoy Rita again at this time.

I love seeing her looking at me with dislike but unable to do anything about it.

"Miss Rita, shall we shake hands and make peace?"

With a blink, the Raven extended an invitation to Rita, but the maid's eyes were filled with coldness. Rita clasped her hands in front of her, having suppressed Rita earlier irrationality. However, looking at the Raven, Rita still wanted to slash her neck with a scythe.

"Sorry, I will not shake hands with someone who intends to kill me and my teammates."

Rita coldly and politely refused Raven's offer. If it weren't for Shen Gonglin and Kiana, the first and second squads of the Immortal Blade, along with herself, would probably have been stuck in Sky City forever. Raven was the culprit behind it all. Now, due to the joint orders from the bishop, Rita couldn't take action against her, but that didn't mean she wanted to get along with her.