Chapter 255

Hearing the whispers of the Valkyrie behind her, Durandal felt her anger flare up even more. She felt as if her home had been raided right in front of Durandal. Did Rita even realize what time it was? How could she do such a thing?

"Yeah, yeah, Rita, what are you doing?"

Shen Gonglin touched her cheek, somewhat incredulous. Rita was so smart, she must have realized that she was joking, but she actually did it. What was Shen Gonglin supposed to do? She could feel the strange gaze coming from Durandal's side, so now Shen Gonglin needed to figure things out.

"Wasn't it Lady Rin who told me to do this? I'm just following your orders. Or is it that I alone am not enough, and Durandal has to do it too before you'll be willing to get up?"

Despite the stares of so many people, Rita remained unmoved. At this moment, her strong mental fortitude came in handy. The maid smiled at Shen Gonglin, seemingly willing to show everyone how intimate she and Shen Gonglin were. This maid's mental fortitude was indeed remarkable. Just moments ago, she was so embarrassed that she wanted to move to another planet, but now she acted as if nothing had happened. Even Durandal envied this ability.

What is she saying? She even Durandal to join in. This maid is getting bolder and bolder, daring to flirt with her boss like this. Of course, Shen Gonglin wouldn't do that in order to salvage her image. Didn't she see Durandal's gaze already drifting over? So now is the time for her to show how virtuous she is.

"Cough cough... It's alright, I'm fine now, there's no need for this. We should focus on the Herrscher's problem first."

She quickly scrambled off Rita's soft knees, Shen Gonglin face serious. She figured this would make them understand how proper she was, Durandal wouldn't think she was doing it on purpose... Wait, why is this woman staring at me like that?

I've already been so serious, so why is Durandal staring at me with such a gritted-teeth expression? Is there something wrong with her? If she's sick, she should go see a doctor. Why is she looking at me like that?

Chapter Eighty-Eight Alliance

On the other side of Coral Island, Mei, Raven Night Owl, and the others were chasing the Herrscher. Shen Gonglin had run in the wrong direction, and they were chasing the correct one. The only threat to Shen Gonglin on this island was the Herrscher, so he shouldn't be in any danger if he ran to other places. Therefore, Mei wasn't too worried about it. As long as the Herrscher was dealt with, everything would be fine.

"Hmm? This communication... is it Schicksal?"

As she moved forward, Raven suddenly received a communication. The frequency waveform made her understand the source of the communication. This direct communication really felt like an alliance with Schicksal.

[Gentlemen of World Serpent, I am a tool of the Immortal Blade... oops, I am Valkyrie Alvit of the Immortal Blade squad. Sorry, I just bit my tongue. I am here on the captain's orders to deliver information from Schicksal's investigation.]

Raven opened the communication, and a voice that didn't sound very reliable came out. It even bit its tongue. This Valkyrie really knows how to act cute.

"Durandal's orders? Tell me, what information do you have?"

In any case, the more information they could get, the better. Mei and the others stopped and looked at the communication device. Was it the progress of the investigation by the Immortal Blade?

[Okay, data is being transmitted... According to the investigation, this Valkyrie Anna is the Herrscher born during this Honkai.]

The data intelligence was transmitted, and Raven and the others opened the intelligence. The detailed information of a Valkyrie was displayed before their eyes. Night Owl's eyes flickered slightly after seeing the intelligence, but he remained silent. So that's how it is.

"It's Valkyrie... Is it possible for Valkyrie to become Herrscher by nature?"

Having learned about this, Raven shook his head speechlessly. Thinking about it, it was indeed true. Kiana was originally the Valkyrie of Schicksal, and then became Herrscher. Bronya was the same. Moreover, there was Raiden Mei by her side now. Does Schicksal produce Herrscher? Or is it because they can't beat them, so they simply join them?

[We were also surprised... but it's true. Anna Saniyat, a year ago, became the captain of the "Snow Lotus" squad and was stationed on Coral Island. After the Honkai outbreak, she unfortunately became Herrscher. Judging from the communication records, she tried her best to resist the Honkai's corruption, but ultimately failed... After killing the other Valkyrie, Anna chose to leave. We speculate that Anna probably still retained some human consciousness at that time, which is why she fled from places inhabited by humans and finally froze herself.]

The information from Alvit silenced Mei. As expected, the power of the Herrscher was a danger to everyone. Had that Anna already killed her own teammate?

[Thankfully, our Shen Gonglin arrived in time. Through some efforts that I can't tell you about, the members of the Snow Lotus Squad have now regained their fighting strength and are working with our Immortal Blade to build the outer defense line. In addition, a large number of frozen areas containing high concentrations of Honkai energy have been discovered at the site where the Herrscher was born. Although the ability is not yet clear, the Fifth Herrscher is tentatively codenamed the Herrscher of Ice.]

Immediately afterward, Alvit brought back the same information. This time, Mei and the others sensed pride in her tone. It was indeed something to be proud of. However, Alvit was still mindful of the situation and did not reveal Shen Gonglin's abilities. Although Shen Gonglin was a defector and World Serpent was now an ally, in the eyes of the Immortal Blade Squad, Shen Gonglin was undoubtedly closer to them, so they could not casually reveal Shen Gonglin's abilities.

It's probably the same power used to save Wendy. Thankfully, Shen Gonglin did a good job.

Mei had figured everything out in silence, and her expression relaxed. It seemed that Shen Gonglin was with Durandal and the others, so she didn't have to worry anymore and could focus her energy on the Herrscher. Shen Gonglin, as expected, you can always trust Shen Gonglin.

"The power of the Herrscher of Ice... We have already clearly come to understand it."

So, you've already made contact with the Herrscher?

"We've roughly made contact with her... Shen Gonglin fought her before, and we understand that Herrscher can create sharp ice, and the cold waves they unleash have considerable destructive power. She's a troublesome enemy, but we'll find a way to deal with her as soon as possible."

Raven's response suggests they've made contact with the Herrscher. While the truth is they were merely observing Shen Gonglin and the Herrscher's battle, they've analyzed some of the Herrscher's abilities, which are indeed troublesome. But isn't their purpose in coming here to deal with trouble?

[Shen Gonglin had previously fought Herrscher? Then why is he here? Isn't the reaction here completely opposite to that of the Herrscher ...? I think I understand now. That guy was bragging about coming out specifically to handle this situation, really... Got it. I'll report this to the captain. Thank you all for your assistance!]

From Alvit's mutterings, Raven and the others gleaned some information. Apart from Night Owl, Mei and Raven's expressions became somewhat unnatural, which was quite in line with Shen Gonglin's personality. His mouth shape and unwillingness to admit the truth were exactly the kind of things he was capable of. However, it seems that his running over had ultimately resulted in a good outcome.

This time, my terrible sense of direction came in handy.

"Don't mention it, there will be many more opportunities like this in the future."

Raven smiled at the Valkyrie on the communicator. Her intuition told her that there would be many opportunities like World Serpent and Schicksal in the future. Her smile made Alvit feel flattered. The executives of World Serpent seemed to be easy to get along with, and they had a beautiful smile. They were beauties who were no less than the captain and vice-captain.

Alright! Good luck in the battle!

Alvit's communication was cut off, and Raven's expression changed again. Her previously relaxed expression became serious again. Because of work requirements, World Serpent and Schicksal are now allies, and she would negotiate with Schicksal in that manner. But the current situation really made it impossible for her to smile.

"Let's go. No matter who the Herrscher is, we must end this crisis as soon as possible."

Mei began to speak, and they looked at the city skyline. The disaster had begun to spread, and the Coral Island was covered with ice crystals. If it was not resolved quickly, the danger would spread far and wide. It seemed that they did not have much time left.

Chapter 89 The Movements of the World Serpent

A few streets away from the Herrscher, Mei and the others stopped to rest. After all, a tough battle was about to begin, and they couldn't afford not to prepare in advance. A campfire stood out starkly against the snow-covered streets. Only by gathering around the fire could Mei and the others feel warm. The closer they got to the Herrscher, the lower the temperature became, making it freezing cold.

Thankfully, Shen Gonglin isn't here, otherwise he would definitely be freezing.

"To summarize the current situation, the Herrscher is currently moving towards the city center. The reconnaissance equipment that World Serpent set up inside Coral Island has all been disabled. The last data we received shows that the Herrscher created a large number of Honkai Beast during its advance. It was probably not intentional; it was the Herrscher's instinct. These Honkai Beast will create ultra-low temperature zones around them, which are dead zones that ordinary people cannot set foot in. Even for us, staying there for a long time is not an easy task. If we want to get close to our target, we have to eliminate all of these Honkai Beasts."

Raven rubbed her temples, looking exasperated. She had originally planned to take advantage of the Herrscher's unconscious state to eliminate her, but now there were so many Honkai Beast way, which was truly frustrating.

Night Owl then took over the conversation, explaining that their mission arrangements would proceed as follows.

"Even if we can get close to the Herrscher, we need a more comprehensive plan. Otherwise, she will only escape again. The core of the plan is the Staff of the Underworld. I don't think Senior Jackal explained what this thing is to you. In short, it is a restriction device targeting the Herrscher Core. According to the research principle, it can greatly interfere with the connection between the Herrscher Core and the Imaginary Space, distorting the channel between the two in a short time, causing the Honkai energy in the Herrscher's body Honkai energy fall into chaos. It will not kill the Herrscher, but it can greatly restrict her movements. Under normal circumstances, this restriction will not last long, but if you can severely damage the Herrscher and weaken her power first, it will be very useful."

The riddle-maker Jackal hadn't explained before, but Night Owl finally revealed it in detail: the Staff of the Underworld the Night Owl. This is currently the most useful item World Serpent has against Herrscher. It allows them to capture Herrscher safely without killing them. First, Raiden Mei will fight the Herrscher, crippling her, then the Staff of the Underworld will be used to limit the Herrscher's power. Finally, the Herrscher will be handed over to the Lord, who will seal Herrscher powers. In that case, the Herrscher will enter a state of suspended animation, becoming a safe and harmless vegetative state.

Mei fell silent for a moment. She understood what writing meant to Herrscher. She was Herrscher herself, and the Lord of World Serpent's goal... was probably that she, the Herrscher of Thunder, would eventually become a necessary part of his plan.

But it doesn't matter. For now, these things are indeed helping Kiana's situation, and that's enough.

"You're Herrscher too, it must be cruel to tell you these things."

It was still that lazy, decadent voice. Night Owl looked at the silent Mei. Beside them was a Herrscher, discussing with her how to treat her fellow Herrschers... Speaking of which, could this Raiden Mei be considered a betrayal of the Herrscher faction? Although the Herrscher faction doesn't seem to exist at all.

"Cruel? When did you become so kind?"

Raven looked at Night Owl in surprise. He didn't seem like the kind of person who would say such things. Hearing such words from him was indeed a bit disgusting.

"It's alright. If this is the only way, then I will do what I'm supposed to do and formulate a battle plan as soon as possible."

Mei interrupted Raven and Night Owl, saying that she had long been aware of this situation. If she hesitated now, she would be laughed at. She had even left Shen Gonglin Kiana for this reason. She could not hesitate and could only move forward.

"Understood. Mei will handle the frontal assault. Night Owl and I will fight using our preferred methods. Although Shen Gonglin is currently missing a combatant, he was never part of the plan in the first place. First, we need to pinpoint the Herrscher's location. The dual interference of Honkai energy and the cold current has rendered most reconnaissance methods ineffective. We can only locate the enemy with our naked eyes now. I will find a high vantage point to lock onto the Herrscher's location and then provide you with remote support."

Raven explained her mission: direct combat could only be left to Mei, because only she, who also possessed the power of crying, could fight the Herrscher of Ice; ranged support was Raven's forte.

"After discovering the Herrscher, I will place the Staff of the Underworld in a trap, and then Raiden Mei, you will lure the Herrscher into the trap... However, isn't this plan too simple? It's like catching a sparrow. That Herrscher used to be a well-trained Valkyrie. Will it succeed?"

Before the operation even started, the Night Owl was already spouting discouraging words. Raven glared at him with displeasure. It was unclear whether she was angry about catching sparrows or about the Night Owl's attitude, or why she was worried about this now.

"The premise is that she can still control human consciousness. Combining the information from Schicksal and her previous performance, she has probably lost even the ability to speak, and is probably only left with the impulse to destroy."

Raven explained her conclusion, and Mei nodded in agreement. She recalled what Einstein had said before, about that Valkyrie... Although her body had been completely corrupted, her mind was still resisting the Honkai. Neither her self-awareness nor her Herrscher consciousness could take control of her body, which was why she became so irrational. If her personality had completely succumbed to the Honkai, she wouldn't be so irrational.

"Alright, there's no point in saying more here. In any case, now is the best time to act. If you have no objections to the plan, let's set off. We can't afford to risk mission failure, so please, be serious."

Raven made her decision, and as she looked at Night Owl, she said to him, "This lazy attitude is really unreliable."

"Understood. Raiden Mei, you go and protect Raven to the high ground. I need some time to set up the traps. Good luck."

Despite Raven's words, Night Owl still seemed unmotivated. He waved his hand, and Raven and Mei's figures gradually disappeared from his sight. Looking at the burning fire, Night Owl's eyes flickered with the firelight. Was she still fighting the Honkai even now?

Chapter Ninety: The Problem of Code Names

On the bitterly cold street, Raven wrapped herself tightly in her arms. Looking at Mei ahead, who seemed completely unaffected, a hint of envy flashed in Raven's eyes. Herrscher is really convenient. Mei doesn't seem to feel cold at all, while Raven feels like she's about to freeze.

"Phew... Mei, talk to me for a bit, otherwise I feel like my mouth is going to freeze and I can't feel it anymore, it's so cold..."

"Who told you to dress like this? Dressed like this while on a mission, it's no wonder you're cold."

Mei glanced back at Raven. Without the outer cloak, Raven's curvaceous figure was on full display in the tight-fitting clothes. Of course she would be cold dressed like that. So Raven was the kind of person who valued style over warmth.

"Isn't it because I gave the cloak to Shen Gonglin? Honestly, if I had known it would be this cold, I wouldn't have given it to her... Speaking of which, didn't you tell me to do this? And what did you mean by dressing like this? You're the one who's colder, aren't you? Herrscher are really useful... So why is Shen Gonglin still so afraid of the cold?"

Both the cloak and her combat suit were specially designed to protect against the cold, but Raven never expected to encounter such weather on the equator. Even the warmest fabric can't withstand this kind of weather. If she had the cloak, things would probably be better, but she had already given the cloak to Shen Gonglin. Mei's appearance in a skirt with her legs showing is truly enviable. If this is a gift of her Herrscher status, then why didn't Shen Gonglin have one? He's still so delicate.

"I don't know, Shen Gonglin's Herrscherization seems to be different from ours... Even after Herrscherization, his physical attributes remain the same as before."

Mei didn't know why Shen Gonglin also possessed the power of Herrscher, was still afraid of the cold. His Herrscherization was completely different from theirs. However, no matter which Herrscher power he used, it didn't seem to affect him. He was never at risk of being Honkai by Honkai, which was really great.

"Oh, I see... It's freezing! That kid Night Owl must have made up an excuse to stay by the fire because he didn't want to freeze. He's always like that."

After getting to know her better, Mei realized that Raven was actually quite talkative, as evidenced by her constant chatter about her teammates. She seemed to be quite familiar with Night Owl, but was it just her imagination?

"You knew Night Owl before?"

"Of course, I met him on the battlefield. At that time, my goal was to destroy an organization called the Thousand Fist Society, and he was their hired bodyguard. It was a case of enemies meeting on a narrow road, and I fought him quite a few times. Of course, I won every time. Back then, he was just like he is now, even with a knife to his throat, he acted as if it was none of his business. I thought this guy was very interesting, so I spared his life and introduced him to the organization. When we met again, he had already become an officer, and I even received a bonus for it."

She's quite willing to talk to others, probably because Mei is one of the few normal people in World Serpent, or perhaps because she has a good relationship with Shen Gonglin Mei? So Raven treats Mei quite well. Talking to those abnormal people all day long, Raven feels like she's almost becoming abnormal herself.

"Although that person is lazy, he is indeed very capable. He can always find the most effective way to solve problems and never does anything unnecessary. In Gray Serpent's words, he is an efficient tool. But in my opinion, he is not suitable to be a comrade-in-arms because you never know what he is thinking."

Raven sighed after hearing this assessment of the Night Owl. If she could, she would still prefer to be with Shen Gonglin. Although she didn't know what he was thinking either, the only thing she was sure of was that he wouldn't trick her... or rather, she would be willing to trick him. She would never have to worry about him setting any dangerous traps for her. Being with him was quite relaxing.

"I see... It doesn't matter as long as he completes his mission. Let's end this small talk and move on."

Mei doesn't care about the Night Owl incident. As long as Shen Gonglin is not present, Mei always has this attitude in World Serpent. In any case, her goal is only to resolve the Herrscher and stop the Honkai. What others think is irrelevant to Mei.

"Heh, you're really carefree. By the way... speaking of which, don't you have a cadre code name yet?"

Suddenly, Raven thought of this question and looked at Mei curiously. Everyone in World Serpent has a code name: Raven, Jackal, Gray Serpent, Night Owl... And Mei is now a high-ranking executive in World Serpent, so she definitely has to have one too. According to the rules of World Serpent Zoo, she should also be an animal.

"No."

Mei replied coldly that she didn't need a code name; everyone knew her anyway, so what was the point?

"I advise you to choose a name for yourself, otherwise the Jackal might name you without permission. You probably don't want that to happen, right? Or... when you meet Shen Gonglin later, ask him to name you one?"

Raven offered this idea to Mei, but as soon as she spoke, both Mei and Raven fell silent. Mei looked at Raven with complicated emotions, while Raven realized what a stupid thing she had done. Given Shen Gonglin's aesthetic sense and personality, having him use a pseudonym was clearly not a good idea.

Just think, he can even give himself the nickname "Dodo Bird," so what about Mei...?

"Do you think he might give you a nickname like 'Red Electric Dragon'?"

Raven briefly adopted Shen Gonglin's thought process, and then tentatively uttered Mei's nickname, "Red Electric Dragon." It actually fits Mei's characteristics quite well, since she does indeed have a dragon.

Believe it or not, it's actually quite possible. We absolutely cannot let Shen Gonglin know about the title Raven mentioned, otherwise he'll definitely whine and force me to use that title.

"Don't tell Shen Gonglin, or you'll understand."

Mei's gaze was sharp as lightning as she glared at Raven, threatening her. Unbeknownst to them, the two had reached a high vantage point, where threatening Raven would be very effective.

"Understood, understood... This place has a wide view and is a suitable observation point, so I'll stay here."

Quickly changing the subject, Raven set up her sniper rifle here, while Mei jumped off the high-rise building without saying a word, turning into a red lightning bolt and disappearing. This guy actually dared to threaten her... Raven looked in the direction Mei disappeared and curled her lips. She must tell Shen Gonglin about that title!

Chapter Ninety-One: The Matter of Night Owl

One, two, three... As expected, the power of the Herrscher is really useful. Just the speed of movement alone is beyond the reach of ordinary people.

Hearing the distant thunder, Night Owl silently counted in his mind. After several dozen seconds, the red electric dragon... I mean Mei had already appeared in front of him. It seemed that Raven had been placed. If he was not mistaken, it should be in that location, which was her usual practice.

"Raven has found the Herrscher and is now monitoring her situation. Are you ready?"

Mei appeared in the lightning, and upon hearing her words, Night Owl shook the device in his hand and put it in his pocket. He was ready. Mei silently turned around, and Night Owl her. Neither of them spoke as they walked towards the cold Mei. They were like strangers, with only the ice shards and snowflakes falling from their clothes reminding them of the passage of time. The closer they got to the Herrscher of Ice, the colder the temperature became.

Mei maintained her speed. She could still endure the cold. If a Herrscher could feel the cold, then an ordinary person like Night Owl must be about to lose it. Mei glanced back at Night Owl. His clothes had almost turned into a block of ice. After hesitating for a moment, Mei finally spoke.

"... If you can't hold on, go back. The temperature will only drop further ahead, and that's not something an ordinary person can endure."

Mei stopped in her tracks, but her gaze remained fixed ahead. She was still the kind girl she always was. Although her words were still cold, she couldn't just stand by and watch someone bravely walk into such a dangerous place. With great power comes great responsibility. Only as the Herrscher of Thunder could she safely approach the Herrscher.

"Give me the device; I'll handle the Herrscher."

Mei turned around and reached out to Night Owl. She already knew the specific usage of the Staff of the Underworld. Just like capturing a Pokémon, she would first beat the Herrscher half to death so that she would have no ability to resist, then use the Staff of the Underworld to imprison her, and finally bring her back to World Serpent. It was that simple. Mei felt that she could do it.

"... I see. You're worried about me? Thank you for your concern, but don't worry, I'm not as fragile as you think. I think the term 'ordinary person' is no longer suitable for me."

The reaction seemed a beat slow. It wasn't until Mei finished speaking that Night Owl understood that she was worried that she couldn't stand this environment. So Night Owl pulled open the cloak, revealing the body covered by the clothes. After seeing what was in front of her, Mei's eyes widened in surprise. Through the gap in the pulled-open clothes, the red and black body reflected the light of steel. This was... artificial organs.

"74% of my body's organs have been replaced with machines; clothes are just decorations. This bit of cold doesn't affect me."

Night Owl spoke these words calmly, as if he were talking about someone else's affairs, as if the body undergoing modification was not his own. Mei's gaze faltered slightly. She hadn't expected such a thing to happen. However, considering World Serpent's style, this organization was indeed dedicated to human modification. Thinking of Gray Serpent, she had seen his modified body before, so it wasn't unimaginable for Mei to imagine that other members of World Serpent had been modified like this.

"... Was it the World Serpent that transformed you into this?"

"It was my own request. Unlike you, I wasn't born with Stigmata that could resist Honkai. For me, this was the only way to survive."

After straightening his clothes, Night Owl reverted to his listless, uninterested self. This world isn't very friendly to men right now; most men don't have resistance to Honkai. That's why Schicksal established the Valkyrie system—because women are naturally more adaptable to Honkai energy than men. And for ordinary people like himself to survive, this is the only way.

"The only way, what does that mean?"