I, Herrscher Slayer

Fu Hua asked Rita in a deep voice, while Shen Gonglin cowered behind Fu Hua, warily watching the maid in front of them. If they couldn't agree, she'd take off her own clothes. If you really want to do it, just say so, I won't resist. My first impression of Rita was correct, she's a perverted maid, she's definitely been lusting after my body, panting and huffing like that.

"Please don't misunderstand, Lord Fu Hua, I just want Shen Gong to wear this outfit. After all, it's an order from above, and I can only obey."

Having anticipated Shen Gonglin and Fu Hua's reactions, Rita calmly explained. Didn't she leave Shen Gonglin with underwear? If she really wanted to do something to Shen Gonglin, how could she leave him with anything? What kind of women do they all think of me as?

Slurp.

"An order from above?"

Fu Hua was slightly taken aback. If Rita said so, it could only be Otto. She didn't expect that guy to care so much about Shen Gonglin, or rather, about Shen Gonglin's armor... But as long as it wasn't Rita having ulterior motives towards Shen Gonglin, Fu Hua was worried about that.

"So, Shen Gong, come here quickly, or else... you know."

The maid winked at Shen Gonglin, who, unbeknownst to her, had added another mark to his mental notebook for Rita. This maid is very smug right now, isn't she? Just you wait.

Chapter 128: Bloodline Activation in Progress

"Um, how do you feel now?"

After helping Shen Gonglin put on the white armor, Rita took half a step back and looked at Shen Gonglin expectantly. Dressing Shen Gonglin personally filled Rita with a sense of satisfaction. She hadn't expected that simply dressing Shen Gonglin would make her this happy. She should be past the age of playing with dolls.

By the way, this guy's skin is really nice, even better than mine, it seems. You could squeeze water out of it. It's such a shame he's a boy... But maybe it's precisely because he's a boy that he gives me this feeling. I kind of want to turn him into a chibi doll and hang him on my phone.

On the 1st, 3rd, and 5th, I'll hang Lord Theresa's, and on the 2nd, 4th, and 6th, Shen Gonglin's. Perfect!

"I feel extremely ashamed, like I'm about to die."

Shen Gonglin said his thoughts with vacant eyes. He felt like he was constantly embarrassing himself. Kiana treated him like that on the bus and even took a video. Now, in front of the class monitor, he was forced to wear women's clothes by this perverted maid. Shen Gonglin now wanted to dig a hole and bury himself. He no longer had any reason to live in this world.

"Oh, I wasn't asking about your feelings, I meant physically, do you feel any strange power awakening... like you're turning into light?"

The maid squatted in front of Shen Gonglin, helping him adjust his armor. In fact, the armor didn't fit well; the chest plate was completely empty. But the video proved it was Shen Gonglin's. Yet, after he put it on, there were no changes, nor did the two pairs of huge pink wings from the video appear. What was going on?

[Bloodline Activation: 5%]

Not paying attention to the faint voice in her mind, Shen Gonglin fell into thought after Rita's words. As for how he felt now...

"Does wanting to punch you in the face count? To be honest, this feeling is getting stronger and stronger, Rita. A punch like this to someone as cute as you would probably make you cry for a long time, right? Didn't you want to test my combat power? How about we test it on your face? Don't worry, I'll definitely go all out."

The shame was growing stronger. Didn't Fu Hua look away from him, unable to bear watching? After putting it on, he felt nothing but intense shame that grew with time. This maid's heart is truly dark. He's fallen into her hands. She's definitely not a good person. She even knows how to force you to do more shameful things by using your shame. Shen Gonglin had figured it out. To escape this predicament, he needed to make Rita do something even more shameful.

To be honest, Shen Gonglin had prepared a basket of revenge plans, the core of which was using his two sharp teeth.

"Please calm down. I'm not in charge of combat power testing, Shen Gong. If you want to fight, you can do as you please later. For now, follow me. That person is already waiting for you there."

The maid immediately distanced herself from Shen Gonglin. As long as Shen Gonglin didn't bite her, she would remain the perfect maid. Honestly, Shen Gonglin wasn't her match right now. She didn't know why the Bishop arranged for that person to be Shen Gonglin's opponent. It would be a complete crush. She hoped he wouldn't have any psychological barriers then, because no matter who faced that person, the result would be the same.

Because that person is invincible.

"That person... Rita, are you referring to her? It shouldn't be necessary to mobilize her... Shen Gonglin, don't dwell on it. You've already put it on anyway, and I won't tell Mei and Kiana, so don't have any psychological barriers... Don't come over here! If you dare to hug me casually, I'll tell them when we get back!"

Hearing Rita say that, Fu Hua's eyes flickered slightly. There was only one person Rita would refer to like that. Just as the maid thought, Fu Hua also felt it wasn't necessary to mobilize that person. While asking Rita, Fu Hua pulled the motionless Shen Gonglin and followed the maid's footsteps. As a result, this guy got excited and hugged her again. Fu Hua pushed Shen Gonglin's face and shoved him away forcefully. She felt like this guy was trying to take advantage of her in every way possible. It must be her imagination, right?

"Class monitor, you can't mention this. I'll be good and return it, okay? ... By the way, who are you talking about? Who is that person? It sounds like they're very powerful."

Since Fu Hua pushed him away, Shen Gonglin couldn't take advantage of her anymore. The class monitor was good in every aspect except for being too vigilant. And now Shen Gonglin didn't want to have any further dealings with this maid, so he could only quiet down and ask curiously. It seems the person he'll be sparring with later is quite a character. Is it some kind of powerful figure?

"Of course, that person has always maintained an undefeated record. She's one of Schicksal's three S-rank Valkyries... Shen Gong, you must not be rude when you meet her later."

When talking about that person, Rita's tone unconsciously carried a hint of admiration. Seeing her like this, Shen Gonglin became even more curious. The so-called three S-rank Valkyries of Schicksal... Isn't it just a strange organization with a strange name?

This useless maid seems to be one of those three Valkyries. But she's clearly terrible at fighting. According to Kiana and the class monitor's explanation to Shen Gonglin, the Honkai Beasts from that time were just ordinary types. Yet, even then, this useless maid couldn't win and almost knelt. Is this the power of the legendary S-rank Valkyries?

Shen Gonglin was a little doubtful.

"Um, let me ask, who are the so-called three Valkyries? Isn't there a combined name called S-rank Three Valkyries?"

Given Rita's strength, Shen Gonglin really couldn't take the so-called S-rank Valkyries seriously. If this useless maid also had such a title, then the class monitor should be an SSR.

"It's not like that. S-rank Valkyries are the highest combat power belonging to Schicksal, and I am one of them... Shen Gong, I told you there was a reason for my performance last time, don't look at me like that, even I would care."

Even without looking back, she knew what kind of look he was giving her. Rita quietly clenched her fist. She had to show Shen Gonglin her true strength, otherwise, in his eyes, she would always be a useless maid in charge of logistics!

Chapter 129

"Are there others?"

Not wanting to expose the true nature of this useless maid, Shen Gonglin was also a mature man who knew how to consider women's feelings. He had plenty of ways to get revenge on Rita. Let her continue to brag for now. Shen Gonglin was interested in the other S-rank Valkyries. Perhaps only Rita wasn't very strong.

"There's one more person you know, and that's the Headmaster of St. Freya Academy, the world's... the world's cutest Lord Theresa... Shen Gong, your expression looks even more rude than before. Lord Theresa is a very strong Valkyrie, I hope you remember that."

Before Rita could finish speaking, Shen Gonglin let out a scoff. It's confirmed, this S-rank Valkyrie combination is designed for uselessness. Shen Gonglin really couldn't imagine that Valkyrie who only knew how to lie on the table and whimper would be a super powerful person. He felt like she might be good at acting cute, but when it came to fighting, she should step aside. She couldn't even take down the scarf hanging on the coat rack. Despite being a loli, she had a very dangerous mature woman's hairstyle. These are all S-rank Valkyries. Schicksal is too strange.

Could it be based on looks? Shen Gonglin admitted that both Rita and Theresa were impeccable in terms of appearance. If that were the case, Shen Gonglin felt that Kiana, Mei, Bronya, and the class monitor all had the potential to be S-rank Valkyries.

"Alright, you don't need to say more. I'm not interested in the remaining person. So, can I go all out later? To be honest, I'm really holding back a fire in my heart right now, so angry that I can use the flying head kill without hesitation regardless of how beautiful the other person is. Can I really go all out?"

Now that he knew who the S-rank Valkyries were, Shen Gonglin felt confident. Although he was wearing such a shameful outfit, if his opponent was a useless maid or a cute loli, Shen Gonglin felt he could still win. Shen Gonglin couldn't wait to fight!

"...Please, do as you please. Or rather, it would be best if Shen Gong used his full strength from the start. In short, no matter the outcome, please do your best."

She was already thinking about how to comfort Shen Gonglin after the battle. In Rita's opinion, the outcome of the battle was obvious. How could Shen Gonglin be Durandal's opponent? After it's over, she would embrace him gently like a big sister and pat his back. It's not his fault. No matter who it is, the result would be the same.

"Shen Gong, cheer up. Your opponent is not an ordinary person. Regardless of the outcome, just do your best and have no regrets."

Fu Hua said this after a moment of thought. Such a failure was not an unacceptable outcome. Or rather, it could serve to temper Shen Gonglin's martial heart. Failure leads to progress. Although he didn't show it in daily life, Fu Hua could feel that Shen Gonglin's heart was very proud. Appropriate setbacks would be beneficial for her to teach him more deeply in the future.

When they go back later, she'll buy him an ice cream to appease him. Shen Gonglin is actually quite easy to coax. If you give him some treats or buy him some good food, he'll be very happy. Today, she can let him sleep on her lap for a while longer.

Even Fu Hua said so, Shen Gonglin became even more curious about his next opponent. Why did they both seem so convinced they couldn't win? Shen Gonglin actually felt quite strong himself.

"Alright, this is it. This training ground can simulate all sorts of combat environments. Shen Gonglin, please put on a show."

Arriving at a very spacious area, Shen Gonglin looked up to see it was larger than two or three football fields. The lights came on, and the ground beneath his feet had somehow become sand. Standing proudly in the center of the arena was a solitary figure. This must be his target.

[Bloodline Activation: 35%]

As he got closer, Shen Gonglin could clearly see who the person in front of him was. Before Rita could speak, his pupils contracted. How could it be her? The people he randomly bumped into were S-rank Valkyries. Were they really not that uncommon?

"Let me introduce you, Shen Gonglin. This is the person who will be your..."

"That's enough, Rita. Let me handle this. Besides, we've already met, haven't we? Shen Gonglin."

Before Rita could finish, Durandal interrupted her. The blonde girl looked at Shen Gonglin. Seeing Shen Gonglin as he was now, a hint of a smile appeared on Durandal's usually serious face. Why is this guy dressed like this? And he must be very surprised to see me now. The older sister who kicked a ball is the opponent he's about to face. Rita must have told him my identity.

She even framed Rita when she kicked me back then. What a wicked person.

"I don't know her at all. This should... No, this is definitely the first time we've met, and my name isn't Shen Gonglin. I wouldn't have such a cool name."

Shen Gonglin denied it completely. His purple eyes stared straight ahead, his tone resolute as if he were speaking the absolute truth. If it weren't for his face, Durandal would have truly believed she had mistaken someone else. What was going on?

I haven't even changed my clothes. Does this Shen Gonglin have the memory of a fish? How could he not recognize me?

How could I possibly admit it! It's already embarrassing enough that Rita and the class representative saw me like this, but now even this older sister, who I felt good about when we first met, has seen me. Shen Gonglin, who appeared calm and fearless on the surface, was internally screaming and covering his face. I absolutely cannot admit my identity here. I am still the incredibly handsome Shen Gonglin, not this little pervert dressed in female armor!

"Shen Gonglin, what's wrong? Lady Durandal called out your name, how can you not know her? Also, when did you two meet?"

Rita looked at Shen Gonglin in surprise. What was wrong with this guy? He was perfectly normal on the way here, but why did he become so strange the moment he saw Lady Durandal? And if he wasn't Shen Gonglin, then who could he be?

If he wasn't Shen Gonglin, would she have given him so many benefits? That was a joke.

"Did you meet this morning? If you know each other, stop playing these jokes. Shen Gonglin, the person before you is the Valkyrie who will be testing your strength. Give it your all, and don't disgrace me."

Patting Shen Gonglin's shoulder, Fu Hua also affirmed Shen Gonglin's identity. Shen Gonglin, on the other hand, looked like he was about to cry. No, I'm so embarrassed I feel like I'm going to die.

Chapter 130: Battle Against the Strongest

"Although I don't know why you're pretending not to know me, it's fine. I'll introduce myself again. I am Bianca·Durandal·Attagina. Please guide me."

Shen Gonglin's stubbornness didn't affect Durandal. Rita and Fu Hua had already retreated to the observation deck. Only Shen Gonglin and Durandal remained on the battlefield. Holding an ordinary knight's spear, Durandal introduced herself again.

"Okay, Estée Lauder. I'm Rita Rossweisse. No need for guidance."

Shen Gonglin blurted out whatever came to mind. He would never admit his name. As long as he insisted on this, no one could say he had worn women's clothes. This was Shen Gonglin's last stand. No one could stop him. As for why he impersonated the maid's name... Who else could I trick? The key is that her name is so long. If I don't say a long name, I feel like my presence isn't strong enough.

"You remember Rita's name so clearly, yet you've forgotten mine? It's fine. I'll make you remember me in the upcoming battle. Remember, I am Durandal."

Her blue eyes fixed on Shen Gonglin, Durandal exuded an aura of seriousness. The two on the viewing platform also felt Durandal's presence. Fu Hua opened her mouth. She wasn't marveling at Durandal's strength, but looking at her like this... She really believes Shen Gonglin forgot her and is earnestly trying to make him remember her?

"Strong and straightforward. So straightforward that you could even call her dense... Lady Durandal is just like that. Although we are all S-rank Valkyries, you and Theresa could be called [Talent], while Bianca is through [Effort]. We are all S-rank because that's the highest limit, or perhaps Bianca should be called..."

"Durandal-class."

The maid looked at the battlefield below. This was the unanimous opinion of all Valkyries who had witnessed Durandal's battles. The strongest known in Schicksal's history. Having her conduct Shen Gonglin's strength test, what conclusion did the Bishop want to draw?

"Remember it, Durandal."

"It's Durandal. I'm going to attack now."

Emphasizing her name once more, Durandal slightly bowed to remind Shen Gonglin. She wasn't wearing her mission uniform, but was dressed casually. Upon hearing her words, Shen Gonglin felt something was wrong. The skin on his body tingled unconsciously. The Mindful Essence within the Great Void Sword Qi automatically circulated, and electromagnetic force stimulated the joints of his body, putting him in the optimal combat stance. All of this was Shen Gonglin's subconscious reaction. It seemed this S-rank Valkyrie was different from the other two... or perhaps, those two had never shown their true strength in front of him?

He didn't have time to think. Although he hadn't seen it, Shen Gonglin instinctively dodged to the side. At that moment, the white spear tip appeared exactly where he had been standing. A cold sweat trickled down Shen Gonglin's forehead. But only the spear had lunged; where was Durandal?

"Good reaction speed. You've surpassed A-rank Valkyries."

A calm voice sounded beside Shen Gonglin. Shen Gonglin turned back in astonishment. Durandal was standing behind him. If she hadn't spoken, Shen Gonglin wouldn't have noticed her standing there, let alone reacted. If she had wanted to attack just now, he would have probably been on his knees.

Quickly creating distance, Shen Gonglin warily watched Durandal, who was slowly walking to her spear and picking up her knight's spear again. His previously careless attitude was now completely serious. Shen Gonglin might be lazy usually, but when it came to combat, he didn't want to lose!

"A good look in your eyes. It seems you're finally serious, Shen Gonglin."

Sensing the change in Shen Gonglin's aura, Durandal nodded. However, in her eyes, nothing had changed. The gap in combat power was real and wouldn't change just because Shen Gonglin was serious. You don't want to lose, just like me. But I won't lose now.

"Ah, Durandal the slowpoke, I'm serious now, so you be serious too."

With a flick of his finger, Shen Gonglin gathered black iron sand from the surrounding sand onto his hand. Crackling electric arcs flashed before his eyes. This time, it wasn't that his true strength was insufficient, but even with his change in mindset, Shen Gonglin felt completely uncertain. The Valkyrie before him put immense pressure on him, but... he couldn't lose!

It was like an ingrained obsession. Shen Gonglin would never admit defeat. Fu Hua's pocket rustled in the distance, and a coin was attracted by magnetism and sent her way. Shen Gonglin flicked his finger, and surging electromagnetic force enveloped the coin, shooting it towards Durandal. The orange current formed a cannon and rapidly approached Durandal's eyes, but the girl's blue eyes showed no fluctuation. The speed was indeed fast.

But it was useless.

Raising her knight's spear, Durandal thrust it forward without dodging. The spear tip accurately struck the spinning coin within the orange current. So this was Shen Gonglin's attack method called Railgun, a very fitting name. This attack was indeed quite powerful.

"It's not over yet!"

Current and magnetic force at his ankles, Shen Gonglin charged towards Durandal. The coin that Durandal had pierced with her spear tip exploded. Metal fragments scattered under the force of magnetism and the spear, like fireworks blooming. The dispersed fragments couldn't withstand the electricity and began to melt, but before they did, they could still act as carriers for the current, which Shen Gonglin controlled. Railgun: Scatter Mode, Fire!

"Versatile combat modes. Very impressive."

Durandal changed her stance, sweeping the training knight's spear around her. The power of the scattered Railgun also weakened. After clearing away these fireworks-like currents, Durandal blocked the black longsword with her spear. Looking at Shen Gonglin's face behind the sword, she offered a very pertinent evaluation. But this attitude annoyed Shen Gonglin. Why was this woman acting like an instructor? Shen Gonglin's master was Fu Hua, he didn't need guidance from anyone else!

The Iron Sand Sword, which was locked in a stalemate with the knight's spear, changed. The iron sand seeped towards Durandal along the contact point. However, Durandal's reaction speed exceeded Shen Gonglin's expectations. An unimaginable force came from Durandal's side, instantly shattering the Iron Sand Sword, and Shen Gonglin was sent flying backward.

Who knows she also had this strange strength attribute!

Chapter 131: Should We Continue?

Watching the two figures in the arena trade blows... no, it was more like a one-sided crushing, a silence fell between Fu Hua and Rita in the stands. The maid seemed fine, but Fu Hua found it difficult to watch. Her fists clenched unconsciously. She knew Durandal was just doing her job, and that this strength test for Shen Gonglin was necessary. But seeing him like this... Fu Hua's heart ached.

"Indeed, his combat power is beyond expectation. If we consider just one aspect, he's already reached S-rank standards. If his physical condition matched, even if not S-rank, he would definitely be among the top A-rank Valkyries."

The maid suddenly spoke. Although she appeared calm on the surface, a keen observer would notice something was amiss. Rita and Fu Hua shared the same sentiment, her violet eyes fixed on the white figure in the arena. Rita hadn't expected Shen Gonglin to possess such tenacious fighting will.

Does he really not want to lose that badly?

His stamina was clearly at its limit. Shen Gonglin's fair, young face was slick with sweat, yet Durandal remained as composed as if strolling through a garden. Shen Gonglin was sure he had given his all, but under her onslaught, simply avoiding injury was his limit. There was no opportunity to counterattack. Whether in defense or offense, this woman was monstrously strong. From the shifts in attack and defense, Shen Gonglin could tell he wasn't her match.

But what does that matter? Am I supposed to surrender? Impossible!

"What, do you want to continue? If you do, I'll increase the intensity of my attacks."

Her breathing undisturbed, Durandal, still immaculate, waited calmly for Shen Gonglin to recover. Shen Gonglin's displayed combat power had indeed exceeded her expectations, but only just. Far from posing a threat to her, Shen Gonglin probably wouldn't even be a match for Rita if she got serious. However, in Durandal's eyes, this was already quite good. Shen Gonglin, like this, had already surpassed many.

"Tch, are you saying you haven't used your true strength yet? I kind of figured, but hearing you say it still makes me furious!"

Shen Gonglin gritted his teeth and glared fiercely at the golden-haired, single-ponytail opponent. It seemed brute force wouldn't work. He needed to think of another approach. Right now, forget launching any decent offense, he was already panting just trying to stand. He pondered what other options he had.

"I apologize if I've provoked you, but it's the truth. Strictly speaking, this is barely a warm-up."

She didn't know how to lie, or perhaps Durandal was simply that straightforward. Since Shen Gonglin asked, she answered truthfully. After all, she was Schicksal's strongest combatant. If she found this level taxing, Schicksal would have collapsed long ago. It truly was just a warm-up, akin to running a dozen laps around a track.

"I think what he's shown is enough. There's no need to continue. Let's stop the test."

Fu Hua frowned in the stands. Anyone could see Shen Gonglin was at the end of his rope. The electric sparks that had surrounded him were gone, and the Iron Sand Sword he had maintained had vanished. However, ending it now wouldn't count as a loss for Shen Gonglin. Although she initially wanted him to experience the feeling of defeat, Fu Hua changed her mind as she watched. There was no need for him to go through this. If he lost, he would surely be heartbroken.

And Fu Hua knew, with certainty, that she didn't want him to be heartbroken.