I, Herrscher Slayer

Durandal gripped her knight lance, preparing to hunt the Honkai. Just then, her communicator rang. After considering the priority of matters, and since the fight hadn't begun yet, she decided to hear what this man had to say. She hoped it wasn't another mission. She'd been away from Rita for so long, she already missed Rita's black tea.

"Hold on a moment."

The tip of her knight lance pointed at the Honkai Beast. Though her tone was calm, the Honkai Beast, which had been roaring to boost its morale moments ago, fell silent like a chick whose throat had been squeezed, as if naturally suppressed. As a Honkai Beast with senses far keener than humans, it knew this ordinary-looking girl before it was dangerous.

"Bishop, what is it?"

After connecting the call, Durandal spoke with the supreme commander of Schicksal. There was no sense of a superior speaking to a subordinate, but in terms of status, Durandal did need to obey Otto's commands. Therefore, Durandal would show Otto the respect he deserved.

"Durandal, how is the mission proceeding?"

Otto's voice came through the communicator. Although it was a question, Otto's tone carried strong confidence, as if he already knew the mission would succeed. Good steel should be used on the cutting edge, and this girl was undoubtedly the best steel.

"If it weren't for your call, Bishop, I would be on my way back by now."

Durandal stated calmly, without any hint of boasting. To her, this was only natural. She spoke her mind directly and was straightforward; she wouldn't engage in pleasantries with anyone. The most important thing was the result, and Otto's call had interfered with her actions. Thus, Durandal's tone clearly carried a questioning tone. If he couldn't provide a reasonable explanation, this strongest Valkyrie would be very displeased.

"I apologize for disturbing you, but headquarters does need your help. Among the new recruits this time, there's someone with excellent potential."

Otto's attitude towards Durandal was clearly different from that towards other Valkyries. However, Otto's somewhat flippant tone made Durandal frown. Such ambiguous words were already starting to displease her. She was about to engage in battle, yet Otto was disturbing her. It was truly annoying and severely clashed with her decisive way of doing things.

"Get to the point."

Sensing the displeasure in Durandal's tone, Otto organized the information before him and became slightly more serious. He felt it was truly unsuitable not to entrust this matter to Durandal.

"It's like this, you've heard about the Angel incident a while ago, right? That Angel has now awakened."

Hearing Otto's words, Durandal pondered for a moment and recalled the incident. She had indeed heard about it. Rita had mentioned that so-called Angel more than once, and she seemed to have a photo of the Angel unconscious on her phone. Durandal remembered it was a boy with hair color quite similar to hers. He did look like an angel when he slept.

But what did this have to do with her now?

"I said, get to the point."

She shifted her gaze to admire the intact snowscape on the other side. Meanwhile, the Honkai Beast behind her had quietly begun to move. It wasn't trying to attack, but to escape. Honkai Beasts also had intelligence, and it clearly understood that if it didn't seize this opportunity to escape, it would surely die.

"It's like this, after awakening, the Angel displayed formidable combat power, even fighting Fu Hua to a draw in an incomplete state. Of course, Fu Hua didn't use her full strength, but even so, we were very surprised. Therefore, at my request, the Angel is heading towards headquarters. However, I'm unable to get away, so the combat test for the Angel can only be handled by you, Bianca."

He quickly stated his purpose, giving Shen Gonglin sufficient importance. That battle suit alone was enough to make Otto act this way, let alone Shen Gonglin's inherent uniqueness. After much deliberation, he decided to have Bianca test him personally.

"Can't Rita do it?"

Just a test shouldn't require her to mobilize. Every step this man took might have other hidden meanings, but Durandal still couldn't figure it out. Was it really necessary for her to be deployed just to test a newcomer?

"Regarding Rita, due to certain reasons, she likely cannot use her full strength. Moreover, to obtain the most accurate data, we need you, Bianca, to handle it personally. After all, this also involves the research and development of your exclusive 4th Generation God-Slaying Armor. So, if possible, it would be more appropriate for you, Bianca, to handle it personally."

There were indeed considerations for this. Judging from the intelligence received, Rita was indeed not very convenient to act. Her body was one aspect, and there was another issue. Looking at the compiled intelligence in her hand, Otto frowned. An ability that could have such a significant impact on the physical condition of an S-rank Valkyrie, was it dependent on the individual?

He wondered if it would be the same for Durandal as it was for Rita. If that were the case... this research was very important.

Chapter 101: Courting Disaster and Enjoying

This Angel is truly full of surprises. If he possesses such terrifying power against S-rank Valkyries, can it be used elsewhere?

"I understand. I will return to headquarters after the mission is completed."

After speaking, she hung up the communicator. Although she didn't quite understand why Rita was inconvenient, since the mission was thus, Durandal wouldn't fuss about it. If she needed to test him personally, then she hoped he would give her more surprises. After all, the matter of the 4th Generation God-Slaying Armor was also very important. With that armor, she should become even more powerful.

"I apologize, can we begin now... An Emperor-class Honkai Beast also runs away."

She shifted her gaze back to the previous Honkai Beast. It was only then that Durandal noticed that her target, which had recently been promoted to Emperor-class Honkai Beast, had already escaped while she was contacting the Bishop. Its massive body ran further and further across the snowy plains. Durandal narrowed her eyes, and the black knight lance in her hand was half-raised. Run, as long as you can escape.

"Vice-captain, how did you get into this state? What kind of powerful Honkai Beast were you fighting? Why didn't you request backup?"

In the medical bay of the Immortal Blade's exclusive warship, Alvit was applying medicine to Rita. Looking at the wounds on the Vice-captain's fair back, she couldn't help but frown. These were scratches from debris and metal fragments, which indicated how fierce the battle Vice-captain had experienced was. To injure Vice-captain to this extent, it was likely not an ordinary Honkai Beast.

"It was my oversight. As for which Honkai Beast I fought... I can only say it was indeed very powerful. Even if I fought it again now, I might not be its match."

After sending all the intelligence to the Bishop, Rita stood up and changed into her spare maid outfit. The wounds on her back had already been bandaged. Now, on the outside, Rita looked no different from usual. After resting for so long, the feeling Shen Gonglin had left in her body finally showed signs of receding. She had to return to headquarters quickly. Here, there were only spare maid outfits, but no spare underwear.

This meant that inside Rita's maid outfit, there were only bandages. As for the chest wrap, it wasn't exactly going commando.

"Even Vice-captain isn't its match... Then we were truly fortunate to have Fu Hua's help this time. Fortunately, we didn't encounter it, otherwise, we would never see you again, Vice-captain... Vice-captain, are you going out? Won't you rest a bit longer?"

Alvit secretly clicked her tongue. If even the formidable Valkyrie Rita wasn't its match, then if she were to go up, she would be easily dealt with. The battlefield was truly terrifying. She'd better just be a technician. Just as Alvit was thinking to herself, she noticed Rita tidying her skirt and preparing to go out. Speaking of which, why didn't Vice-captain change her skirt too? If she wasn't mistaken, there was indeed a tear in her skirt. Even so, wearing it made it look like a fashion statement on Rita. Truly worthy of being Vice-captain. She was the most perfect woman she had ever seen.

"No need. It would be too rude to have guests waiting outside while I rest here. I must go and entertain them... Alvit, remember to call me Vice-captain a few more times later, hmm... but don't be too deliberate."

After a simple instruction, Rita walked out. After the feeling of weak legs disappeared, she could feel her body recovering. But for some reason, she was now a little nostalgic for that previous feeling.

"Shen Gong, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting so long... Fu Hua, what are you doing?"

As soon as she walked out of the medical bay, Rita felt that the atmosphere was wrong. The members of the Immortal Blade present were silent, and their gazes were all fixed on the pair over there. Rita followed their gaze and looked over. Upon seeing this, Rita's purple-red eyes carried a hint of inexplicable coldness. Besides this inexplicable coldness, Rita was also very surprised. Was this still the Fu Hua she knew? She could also act like this.

"He said he's afraid of heights, so he's been like this. I'm just helping him relax his nerves."

Sitting on the bench over there, Fu Hua maintained her rigid and proper demeanor, sitting perfectly straight. However, Shen Gonglin beside her completely ruined Fu Hua's image. This guy was currently lying on Fu Hua's lap, whimpering and wriggling around like a maggot in Rita's eyes. And this guy's leg was resting on the leg of a member of the Immortal Blade team. Was this some kind of pampered young master? And Fu Hua was even massaging him!

"My head is so dizzy, Class Monitor. You have to massage me properly. No, I'm afraid of heights, Class Monitor. Can you let me lie face down on your lap?"

Heaven knows, that idiot Kiana can attest that Shen Gonglin really has a fear of heights. So, ever since they got on the plane, he'd been pestering Fu Hua to comfort him. In the end, Fu Hua was so annoyed that she could only offer her lap as a pillow. And now this guy was getting more and more demanding, wanting to lie face down?

Fu Hua thought about that position for a moment and quickly grabbed Shen Gonglin's head, refusing his request. If she didn't stop him, he would definitely lie down. Was she being too good to him? Why did she let him lie on her lap? His ability to push his luck seemed to be getting stronger and stronger.

"No, either you get up, or you lie down like this. Don't move around randomly."

She pressed her hands on Shen Gonglin's head, fixing him in place while massaging him, considering it a reward for his previous combat. She had already heard the entire process from Shen Gonglin. This guy hadn't disgraced her, but this battle had also exposed his shortcomings. Fu Hua had already planned his subsequent targeted training.

"Alright then, Class President, you can put a little more force into it. I'm not afraid… Actually, maybe a little lighter. I'm sensitive to pain. Hey, you there, why does it feel like you're stroking me more than massaging me? Can you at least have some professionalism? You know, I did save your maid earlier."

Despite being afraid of heights, Shen Gonglin had specifically chosen a seat by the window. The thrill, combined with the feeling of pushing his luck without actually dying, made him feel particularly exhilarated. Daring to court death feels good, and continuing to court death feels even better. Shen Gonglin felt like he was starting to enjoy this feeling. On one hand, he was terrified, and on the other, he was lying on a girl's soft thighs, with someone specifically massaging his calves. This was just too comfortable.

Chapter 102: Crying Him a River

This guy… so arrogant.

Alvit looked at Shen Gonglin, who was lying there like a beached fish, and felt a mix of emotions. His personality was terrible. What did he mean by saving their maid? Was he referring to the Vice-Captain? How could someone like the Vice-Captain need saving by him? And what had he done to his fellow Immortal Blade colleagues while she and the Vice-Captain were away? Fu Hua was one thing, but why was she also massaging Shen Gonglin?

"Oh, oh, sorry, I zoned out for a moment. I'll massage you now… Please, continue telling me about how you saved the Vice-Captain. Was the Vice-Captain really scared to the point of crying?"

Her hands moved back and forth on Shen Gonglin's calves, the Immortal Blade member who had unconsciously zoned out didn't notice Rita approaching. It was only after Shen Gonglin spoke that she snapped back to attention, drawn in by the scene Shen Gonglin had described. So, while they weren't aware, the Vice-Captain had gone through such an experience.

"Of course! That maid was so scared she was crying her eyes out, her whole body went limp. If I hadn't supported her, she wouldn't have been able to stand. Fortunately, I remained calm. Just as the Honkai Beast attacked, I casually pulled her onto my back. That's how she survived. So, I'm practically your benefactor. It's not too much to ask for a massage… By the way, is she really your Vice-Captain?"

Shen Gonglin was still spouting nonsense. During the time Rita was tending to his wounds, he had gotten to know these Immortal Blade members. They were all very nice older sisters. He just didn't understand why they kept staring at him and smiling, always calling him a spirited young man. For now, Shen Gonglin decided to take it as a compliment.

"Of course, Lady Rita is our Vice-Captain. You're amazing. You could handle situations that even the Vice-Captain couldn't. Truly worthy of being such a spirited… Wait, did the Vice-Captain really cry? Can you show me how? I really can't imagine what she looks like when she cries."

The squad member continued to press Shen Gonglin for details. These two, who had walked on the edge of life and death, had no idea what they were doing. Fu Hua closed her eyes to rest, only massaging Shen Gonglin's head and participating in nothing else, letting Shen Gonglin spout whatever nonsense he wanted.

Uh… others might not be able to imagine it, but Alvit feels like she can probably guess what the Vice-Captain looks like when she cries. She looks so wronged right now, she's about to cry. To be able to see the Vice-Captain like this in my lifetime… it's worth it.

Alvit secretly glanced at Rita beside her, then quickly turned her head away, pretending to be nonchalant. She hadn't seen anything, and nothing had happened.

"Loth, excuse me, could you move somewhere else? And Shen Gonglin, when exactly did I cry?"

If she didn't speak up now, Shen Gonglin would completely disgrace her in front of the Immortal Blade squad members. Rita smiled and took a step forward. At that moment, the team member massaging Shen Gonglin's calf felt a chill run from her toes to the back of her head. Rita's smiling face looked like a demon from hell to her, it was terrifying. When did the Vice-Captain get here?

"Vice-Captain! Y-yes, I'm sorry. I was just joking with him. I know he's talking nonsense, and none of us believe him. We were just playing around!"

Loth quickly clarified the issue, jumping up from her seat in fright. She knew Rita's methods. Although she wouldn't directly punish them, being on Rita's bad side was the greatest misfortune. All the Immortal Blade members knew that their Vice-Captain was… black-hearted.

"Mmm, Loth, it's comforting that you're so smart. Alright, you can get up now, Shen. It's not the act of a gentleman to ruin someone's reputation when they're not around."

As the team member stood up, Rita smoothly sat down next to Shen Gonglin, very satisfied with the team member's sensible attitude. Rita temporarily abandoned the idea of assigning her to the worst possible post. Logically, Shen Gonglin should now know the truth about her identity, and he should also know that anything he fabricated would be useless. The Immortal Blade would simply not believe it.

"Huh? I didn't cry? But I clearly remember you shedding tears back then, or at least your eyes were red. Let me think, you were like this…."

Shen Gonglin wasn't afraid even with the person in question present. After all, his level of depravity far exceeded ordinary people's imagination. He watched Rita ponder for a moment, and when he spoke again, his voice had changed to mimic the maid's. At this moment, everyone's eyes widened. This Shen Gonglin, he has this skill too?

"You… don't stop… No, wait, you… what did you do to me… you torturous…"

His brain worked well. Shen Gonglin thought for a moment and recalled what Rita had said back then. She had said those words with red eyes. He shouldn't have remembered it incorrectly.

"Shen Gonglin, shut up!"

Rita suddenly exploded. The maid tore apart her elegant facade and lunged forward like a ravenous beast, covering Shen Gonglin's mouth. Why does this guy dare to say anything? Rita herself couldn't even remember what she had said in that state, but Shen Gonglin not only reproduced the voice but also her tone perfectly. Why is this guy so talented? Can't you allocate some skill points to your brain?

Tell me, what good does it do you to ruin me like this? Or does my survival really affect your output!

Hiss… The Vice-Captain like this is truly unprecedented. Could it be that Shen Gonglin is telling the truth? Was the Vice-Captain really scared to the point of crying uncontrollably by the Honkai Beast?

This was even more shocking than hearing that Shen Gonglin could imitate Rita's voice. After all, the Immortal Blade had never seen Rita like this. What had happened to the Vice-Captain when they weren't around? And that voice, those lines… I really want to know what happened!

"Alright, Rita, calm down. Shen Gonglin, you too. Now, tell Kiana and the others. We didn't inform them that we're going directly to headquarters. They must be worried about you now. Stop making a fuss."

It was Fu Hua who separated the two who were wrestling. Although she was also curious why Rita had become like this, the most important thing now was to inform everyone at St. Freya. To prevent Himeko from finding Shen Gonglin and interfering with his training, Fu Hua directly took him on the Immortal Blade's plane to headquarters. She had to let them know.

Chapter 103: The Vice-Captain's Brain is Broken

I almost forgot, I was on a mission with Kiana. That clumsy, directionally challenged girl ran off. It's only right and proper that I inform her. She's so worrying. Without me leading her, that idiot must be panicking.

Still not sure who among him and Kiana was more lost, Shen Gonglin took the communicator from Fu Hua. It was the Valkyrie-exclusive model, with a much stronger signal than a regular phone.

"Hello, hello, hello, Shen Gonglin calling Kiana, Shen Gonglin calling Kiana…"

As Shen Gonglin, who was lying on Fu Hua's lap, tried to roll over, Fu Hua held his head still with both hands. This Class President is really something. Lap pillows are supposed to be very comfortable, but it's a bit uncomfortable when she forces me to stay in one position like this. Shen Gonglin really wanted to lie face down on her lap. Now, in this position, he couldn't help but want to look out the window, but as soon as he looked, he felt dizzy again. This feeling of courting death is truly wonderful.

"Hey! Shen Gonglin, how do you have the Class President's communicator? Are you with the Class President right now? Where on earth did you run off to!"

The communication connected, and Kiana's loud, shouting voice came through. She was currently searching for Shen Gonglin on the battlefield with Himeko and Mei. But then he suddenly called using Fu Hua's communicator. They had been searching everywhere, only for Fu Hua to find him? She never expected to be beaten to it by the one with the smallest chest. What a miscalculation.

"Kiana, by the time you receive this communication, I may have already left. Don't be sad. May the holy light always shine upon you. Also, remember to tell Mei that I still love her… Ouch! Hey, Class President, what are you doing? I was being emotional, don't pinch my face, it hurts!"

Can't this Shen Gonglin be serious for more than three seconds? Seeing him spouting nonsense again, Fu Hua casually pinched his face. They needed to get down to business. If he continued to fabricate things like this, Kiana might actually believe him. After all, with her intelligence, anything was possible.

"Get to the point. We're about to enter a no-signal zone. Don't let them worry about you."

Instructing Shen Gonglin, Fu Hua released her fingers and continued to hold Shen Gonglin's head. Just because she had relaxed for a moment, this guy started wriggling on her lap like a maggot. His soft hair rubbed against her thighs. Should I wear pants when I see Shen Gonglin from now on?… No, that would seem like I'm preparing to give him a lap pillow.

"Oh… Kiana, you should be with Mei now, right? Because you're too directionally challenged, I've decided to go ahead. I'm going to headquarters with the Class President now. My game account is in your bag, remember to log in for me every day. It's hard to raise a character, you know. That's all for now."

It felt like a perfunctory call from a husband who had been out in the world for years to his wife who was anxiously waiting at home. Shen Gonglin ended the communication in a few words. Mainly, that maid was secretly moving around on his lap, making Shen Gonglin very uncomfortable. Besides, what was there to talk about with Kiana?

She was so directionally challenged and ran around randomly. He needed to teach her a lesson.

"Rita, what are you doing? If you keep touching me like this, even I will get angry. Of course, if you're offering money, that's another story. After all, I'm not just anyone. Let go quickly."

His leg skin was quite sensitive. Shen Gonglin felt ticklish when Rita touched him. It wasn't uncomfortable, he just wasn't used to being touched like this. She chased that older sister away and sat down herself. What's her motive?

"You can put the money on my tab. After all, the previous… I remember it was for 'saving the suffering and aiding the distressed,' right? I haven't paid that money yet. What I just did was merely to prepare for obtaining the most accurate reaction points. Please allow me to fulfill my duties as a maid. Providing perfect service is a basic quality of a maid. You've been running for a long time, right? A proper massage would be good for your body."

Still dwelling on Shen Gonglin's earlier remarks about a perfect maid, Rita found the most suitable pressure and acupoints after several attempts. Perfection was her attitude and requirement. After all, they were on their way back to base and had nothing else to do. It was idle time, so she might as well massage Shen Gonglin… It was also a chance to let him know her true nature as a perfect maid. What happened earlier was too embarrassing.

"Ah, a proper massage? Who goes for a proper… Hiss, right there, that's comfortable. I didn't expect you to be quite skilled. In that case, I'll charge you less. Now I believe you're not cosplaying, but a real maid."

Almost letting out a cry from Rita's massage, Shen Gonglin quickly buried his face in Fu Hua's stomach. Fu Hua, who had let her guard down for a moment, pulled his head back with a dark expression. Can't this guy just behave? Why does he have to move around like this? I really want to twist his neck.

"Thank you for the compliment. After all, I'm quite skilled in massage. For the rest of our journey, please just enjoy yourself."

Seeing Shen Gonglin's reaction, Rita narrowed her eyes and smiled with satisfaction. It seemed she had finally gained an advantage over Shen Gonglin. Ever since meeting him, she felt like she'd been underperforming. Honestly, Rita cared a lot about this. The first time they met, she almost injured him. Then, during a fight, he had completely thrown her off her game, and she nearly failed against an ordinary Honkai Beast. As an S-rank Valkyrie of Schicksal, she had no prestige at all. To this day, the guy still thought she was just a maid impersonating a Valkyrie. Now, he finally knew her worth, right?

She was a top-tier maid, not some underperforming Valkyrie.

This guy is truly arrogant…

Looking at the scene before them, the members of Immortal Blade couldn't help but think this thought once again. Fu Hua was giving him a lap pillow, and their highly respected Vice-Captain was not only massaging him but also seemed to be charging him. That's right, the Vice-Captain was massaging him, and he was paying for it. Most importantly, the Vice-Captain looked proud. What kind of brutal battles had she endured before?

Had the Honkai Beast hit her head?

Could someone so out of their mind still be the Vice-Captain of Immortal Blade, the strongest squad? And they had never heard before that this was a basic quality of a maid. Why did the Vice-Captain suddenly value the job of a maid so much? Wasn't she a maid out of pure interest?

Even though she always dressed like a maid, who in all of Schicksal would dare to treat her as a mere maid?

Chapter 104: Untitled

"Hey, hey, hey! Shen Gonglin, you didn't actually… Hey! Mei, Shen Gonglin actually hung up the phone! He hung up without listening to a word from me, after she'd been worried about him for so long. Look at this guy… Mei, why are you blushing? You don't actually believe that nonsense he said about still loving you, do you? Use your head, you know he's just messing around."

Looking at her now-blackened phone screen, Kiana clenched her phone in frustration, wanting to go crazy. Shen Gonglin's actions made her feel like a fool for all the effort she'd put into finding him. Who was the real lost one here? And rather than discussing matters with her, he seemed to care more about her helping him raise his characters and checking in for games every day. This guy really didn't want to be human; he didn't want to do anything related to people.

She wanted to find someone to share her complaints with, but when Kiana turned around, she saw Mei's unnatural blush. Honestly, Mei, this young lady blushes too easily and takes people's nonsense too seriously. It was clearly a lie, so why did she believe it? How could Shen Gonglin like Mei? After all… wait, it seemed there was nothing he wouldn't like about Mei. After all, Mei was gentle, a great cook, beautiful, and had a good figure. It wasn't impossible for Shen Gonglin to fall for Mei.

Are you kidding me? I genuinely considered him a friend, and he wants to steal my girl? What a scoundrel!

"Unlike his innocent and kind appearance, he actually has such a lively personality and speaks like a player… What a unique boy. I really want to meet him."

The one saying this was Himeko, who was inexplicably panting beside them. Because Shen Gonglin hung up so quickly, she didn't even get a chance to say a word to him. After hearing Shen Gonglin's conversation with Kiana, Himeko seemed to have developed a subtle illusion. Was this the legendary "reverse charm"? Beneath his usual obedient and cute facade, he hid such a side. She really wanted to find out.

"Teacher Himeko, you're so strange… Anyway, since Shen Gonglin and Class President have already gone ahead, I should hurry to headquarters too. Knowing the Class President's personality, she definitely won't be able to handle Shen Gonglin. This kind of thing still requires the professional me to handle it. After all, this was originally my and Shen Gonglin's mission. Himeko… Teacher Himeko, Mei, I'll be going on ahead."