I, Herrscher Slayer

"Please wait a moment, Fu Hua. As long as neither side calls a stop, this test cannot be halted. Not even you can interfere, and besides, he hasn't lost yet, has he?"

The maid stepped in front of Fu Hua. It seemed Fu Hua truly doted on Shen Gonglin, going so far for him. Rita was somewhat surprised, as Fu Hua had always given off an impression of correctness, calmness, and rigidity. Seeing her act with such strong personal will was truly rare. However, she couldn't back down now. As a maid, her duty was to prevent accidents and ensure the battle continued until her master's fight was over.

"Call a stop? I doubt Shen Gonglin would say that before he collapses from exhaustion. He hasn't lost… Rita, you can see it too, right? Shen Gonglin can barely stand. This guy is clearly afraid of pain and exhaustion. This time… fine, I won't interfere with the battle."

Fu Hua stopped walking. She understood that arbitrarily deciding the course of the battle wasn't what Shen Gonglin would want. She didn't understand why Shen Gonglin was so persistent. Fu Hua forced herself to stand still. She'd treat Shen Gonglin better when they got back today… even if he wanted to rest his head on her stomach, she'd allow him a little indulgence.

If Shen Gonglin knew that acting this way would allow Fu Hua to rest her head on him, he'd probably go out and pick fights every day.

"Thank you for your understanding. I've prepared chocolate cake and various desserts. I will comfort Shen Gong well after the battle."

The maid bowed slightly to thank Fu Hua, but her words made Fu Hua's brow twitch. Did her disciple need her comfort? This maid, could she have been bitten by Shen Gonglin and then fallen in love with the feeling, wanting to get closer to him? It was highly possible. Having personally experienced that feeling, Fu Hua knew how addictive it was. Even she, who controlled Mindful Essence, couldn't resist. Just thinking about that feeling made her breathing quicken. So, Rita…

It was highly likely.

"No need for trouble. I'll take Shen Gonglin back after the battle. This mission to headquarters was for a strength test, right? Since it's completed, I should take him back to St. Freya. After all, he's more familiar with everyone at St. Freya. It wouldn't be good to be away for too long."

Fu Hua directly decided Shen Gonglin's next course of action. Headquarters wasn't suitable for Shen Gonglin; his environment was more suited to St. Freya.

"It's no trouble at all. Besides, Shen Gong likes sweets. Eating sweets helps to lift his mood. And he must want to try my cooking. Fu Hua, do you not feel that you're spoiling Shen Gonglin a bit too much?"

The maid said this to Fu Hua with a smile. It was true. Rita had always felt that Fu Hua was too doting on Shen Gonglin, spoiling him to the point where others couldn't get close. She was nothing like the Fu Hua she used to know.

Chapter 132: Missed Shot

Spoiling him too much? You're the one spoiling him more, aren't you? You even prepared comfort cake for him after he lost. And you have the nerve to say that to me?

Fu Hua glanced sideways at Rita. What was this maid saying? She was his master… the one who taught him martial arts. It was only natural for her to be good to him. Why was this maid trying to get close to him? Wasn't this maid always infatuated with Theresa? She scared the Headmaster so much that he didn't dare come to headquarters. Now, had she set her sights on Shen Gonglin? Someone so fickle couldn't be allowed to interact with Shen Gonglin.

Don't underestimate Shen Gonglin just because he looks smart; one still had to worry.

"Rita, you and Shen Gong probably just met not long ago, right? Don't you feel… you're being a bit too intimate with him? He's not like the Headmaster."

She said it directly. Only by doing this could Fu Hua temporarily shift her attention away from the battle below. Fu Hua couldn't bear to watch Shen Gonglin get beaten. Talking to the maid to distract herself was clearly a good method.

"Fu Hua, of course I know that. But please understand, I like cute things, but I consider myself a normal woman. My orientation is the same as most women. As for the seemingly intimate relationship between Shen Gonglin and me… I'm sorry, but I can't clarify this matter with you."

The maid smiled and lowered her head. Although her attitude was respectful, her words made Fu Hua frown deeply. What exactly happened between Shen Gonglin and Rita when they were alone… She'd have to ask them about it when she had the chance.

The class monitor's emerald green eyes returned to the battlefield. This guy, his strength had already exceeded her expectations. She didn't expect his talent in this area to be even greater.

"Are you rested? If you need more time, that's fine too."

On the battlefield, after Shen Gonglin took a step forward, Durandal spoke again. She had been giving Shen Gonglin time to rest since earlier. During their previous exchange, she had already discovered Shen Gonglin's problem: his stamina seemed insufficient. The battle with that intensity had only lasted about ten minutes before he was panting. It looked like he hadn't even undergone basic stamina training. Even the probationary Valkyries who had just enrolled were stronger than him in this regard, because those who could become probationary Valkyries were able to strengthen themselves using Honkai. As for Shen Gonglin, although Honkai energy existed within him, he didn't seem to know how to use it.

To possess power surpassing an ordinary A-rank Valkyrie without even learning the most basic application of Honkai energy was something even she couldn't do.

"Enough. It's useless to recover without a beautiful girl to sleep with me. Besides, being treated like this by you makes me feel like you're letting me win. Come on, this young master hasn't lost yet."

Shen Gonglin gritted his teeth fiercely. The woman in front of him was as strong as a monster. No matter what attack he used, it was useless against her. However, the unyielding will in his heart continued to support him. How could he lose so easily? There were people watching him. Besides, hadn't the class monitor instructed him before the battle? He couldn't embarrass her.

"Does a girl sleeping with you help your stamina recover? What a strange constitution. Well, if there's a chance after the battle, I'll arrange it… Do you consider me a girl?"

Durandal actually believed Shen Gonglin's nonsensical talk. She nodded and asked Shen Gonglin this. She had a good impression of Shen Gonglin. If he really couldn't get up after being beaten by her, she would help him recover. In Durandal's mind, sleeping together simply meant sleeping in the same place. Although she didn't know what the point of such an action was, perhaps Shen Gonglin's constitution was just like that.

Think of it as him owing her a favor. The favor of playing soccer together had already been repaid with ice cream. As for going to the supermarket with her… Durandal wasn't even sure who owed whom for this.

"……I was just kidding. If you want to sleep with me, you have to pay extra!"

Shen Gonglin took a deep breath. When he looked at Durandal again, his deep purple pupils were once again flashing with electricity. With Mei not around, it was difficult to recover on his own. Dragging out the time wouldn't do any good. It was better to give it his all while he could still launch an offensive. Shen Gonglin wasn't so open-minded as to sleep with a woman who gave him such a sense of defeat. Even though her chest was so large, in Shen Gonglin's eyes, it wasn't as comforting as the class monitor's flat chest!

He wondered if the class monitor would cry tears of joy if she knew his current thoughts.

"Lightning Strike Spear!"

Electricity flashed between his brows. Shen Gonglin gestured with his finger, and a bolt of lightning shot towards Durandal at the speed of light. Even the strongest Valkyrie wouldn't have reacted in an instant to such speed. Shen Gonglin actually had such a hidden trump card; he had underestimated him.

The blue current hit Durandal, but the expected pain didn't come. Shen Gonglin was already at the end of his rope. The attack power of this Lightning Strike Spear was originally insufficient. With Shen Gonglin's current power, which was like a few AA batteries, it could only be used as a diversion. However, blinding her vision was enough!

Shen Gonglin had never encountered such a difficult opponent since he woke up. Taking advantage of Durandal being surrounded by electric light, Shen Gonglin rushed towards her with all his might. As he ran, he opened his mouth. His appearance was like a pervert who had found his target. Seeing him like this, both Rita and Fu Hua's eyes narrowed. Shen Gonglin, he was indeed using this move.

If this move hit, she wondered if Durandal's strength could withstand it.

"Die for me!"

Shen Gonglin stomped his feet. The two shining little canine teeth in his mouth made the momentarily distracted Durandal react in time. Rita had mentioned something special about Shen Gonglin's teeth, but no matter how special they were, as long as she wasn't bitten by him, it wouldn't matter.

Crunch.

With a light sound, Shen Gonglin immediately felt a sharp pain. His teeth felt like they had bitten steel… No, his teeth had bitten steel. Even vampire teeth were no match for steel. In a critical moment, Durandal swung her knight spear horizontally, blocking it in front of Shen Gonglin's mouth. Even with such a fatal move, it was useless in front of Durandal if it didn't hit.

The game should end now.

Reaching out and grabbing Shen Gonglin by the neck, Durandal looked directly into Shen Gonglin's eyes. The test could stop now.

Chapter 133: Bloodline Half-Activated

Did I… lose?

Looking at Durandal, who was constantly moving further away, Shen Gonglin's mind was blank. His final move had no effect on Durandal, and then he heard her say the game was over. He had clearly given his all, but in her eyes, it was still just a game? This woman was truly as strong as a monster.

Speaking of which, shouldn't he be the protagonist? Could it be that he was really going to lose so easily? Don't protagonists always have something like a cheat or an overpowered ability? Why hadn't his cheat arrived yet? It shouldn't be delayed this long…

[Bloodline Activation: 65%]

When his mind went blank, he finally heard the voice. Shen Gonglin didn't understand what it was, but the corners of his mouth still curved into a smile. It's finally here.

"Are you alright?"

After being sent flying by Durandal's move, Fu Hua and Rita moved as Shen Gonglin was thrown away. Before he could even hit the ground, Fu Hua appeared behind him and caught him. Rita, a step too slow, could only stand by the side. Master Fu Hua, you say you don't spoil him!

"Mm, I'm fine… … But, Class Monitor, you should stay away from me for a bit. My fight isn't over yet."

With his head bowed deeply, Fu Hua, who was holding Shen Gonglin from behind, couldn't see his current state. But what was he saying? His fight isn't over? Shen Gonglin shouldn't have any strength left to fight now. He still refuses to admit defeat even like this?

"Shen Gonglin, calm down. You should be aware of the gap in combat power between you two. I'll teach you the complete Great Void Sword Qi when we get back, so don't…"

Before Fu Hua could finish speaking, a powerful force suddenly pushed her away from Shen Gonglin. The Valkyrie's eyes widened in shock. She stared with wide eyes at the feathers dancing in the air before her. What, what is this?

Even Durandal in the distance frowned. The two huge pink wings that appeared behind Shen Gonglin reignited her interest. This should be Shen Gonglin's complete combat form from the video. The Angel, truly lives up to its name.

The maid's eyes sparkled. This is it, this is it! Shen Gonglin, just wearing that armor didn't complete the look from the video, but now he's changed so much! Those two giant wings support Shen Gonglin as he floats in the air. This is the Angel Highness from my imagination!

"Shen Gonglin, what… what's going on?"

Pushed away by the wings, Fu Hua sat on the ground, staring blankly at Shen Gonglin in mid-air. Is this still my disciple? How did he suddenly change races? How come I didn't know Shen Gonglin had this move? Was he holding back earlier?

"Ah, I don't know what's going on either. I just feel like I have the ability to fight another round now. It feels like I've gone from a stage one boss to a stage two boss. This feeling now, it seems I'm a little stronger than before."

Shen Gonglin slowly descended. He turned and reached out to pull Fu Hua up. Fu Hua was even more surprised when she saw Shen Gonglin's current appearance. His originally beautiful deep purple eyes had turned deep green, and one strand of his brilliant golden hair had unknowingly turned pink. Furthermore, with Fu Hua's eyesight, she could see that the pink color was slowly deepening. What on earth is going on with Shen Gonglin?

"Class Monitor, don't be so surprised. In this world, if you don't have a split personality or a transformation, how can anyone get by? Don't worry, I'm… feeling super good right now."

The wings flapped, and a fierce gale forced Fu Hua and Rita to cover their eyes. When the gale subsided, they found that Shen Gonglin had already charged towards Durandal. This guy really had no intention of stopping; he still didn't want to lose.

"Sorry to keep you waiting. Let's continue now… Whoa whoa whoa, it's so high!"

Approaching Durandal, Shen Gonglin full of spirit declared his intention to fight again. But before he could even look cool for three seconds, he was a bit dizzy from the height. It seemed that even after transforming, Shen Gonglin still hadn't overcome his fear of heights. No good, I need to go a little lower. Otherwise, I'll pass out before the fight even begins.

"What a beautiful form, Shen Gonglin. Is this your true strength? However, I don't feel any different."

Changing from looking up to looking at him at eye level, Durandal didn't hide her admiring gaze. Shen Gonglin truly could surprise her. Just like a boss in a video game, when you think you've defeated him, he appears in a new, stronger form. Shen Gonglin is truly interesting.

"Who said there's no difference? Now… I can fly."

Hearing Durandal say that, Shen Gonglin also seemed to feel it. Besides being able to fly, he didn't seem to have any special abilities right now. In front of an opponent like this, even being able to fly didn't seem to change anything. No, I feel like I should have some different ability right now.

Even with his bloodline awakened, Shen Gonglin was still Shen Gonglin. His bloodline awakened, but his brain hadn't.

"There's no change."

Durandal shook her head slightly. She picked up her knight lance, ready to continue fighting. Since Shen Gonglin didn't want to stop, they would continue. It didn't matter what form he took; the outcome of the battle wouldn't change. Rather, Durandal hoped Shen Gonglin would display angelic combat prowess, as that would make it more interesting for her.

Even without wearing her combat suit, even though she was only holding a training knight lance, Durandal was always that strongest Valkyrie!

And so, Rita and Fu Hua witnessed this scene. Shen Gonglin, who could fly but dared not fly too high, was being chased and poked by Durandal as embarrassingly as before. Despite being able to fly, Shen Gonglin didn't seem to have gained any combat power. His internal electricity hadn't recovered, and his stamina was the same as before. Being able to fly but being afraid of heights… such a Shen Gonglin…

It would have been better if he hadn't transformed into an angel.

No, my feeling shouldn't be like this. Why do I feel weaker than before?

Shen Gonglin dodged Durandal's attacks in a flustered manner, but his current posture felt like a hindrance. Due to his fear of heights, Shen Gonglin dared not fly too high, and this current altitude was perfect for Durandal to pursue him. Those two large wings looked impressive but seemed to be of no use at all.

Frustrated, Shen Gonglin casually swatted at the large pink wings, and a missile materialized in the air. Could it be… this was the correct way to use these wings?

Chapter 134: Useless Fu Hua

"Take this! I knew I was a ranged class. Let me show you technology… probably the power of technology. Missiles, blow her up for me!"

Having figured out the function of these wings, Shen Gonglin waved his hand. A ripple suddenly appeared in the space behind him, and then countless missiles emerged. Although he didn't know the name of this move, as long as it was effective, that was all that mattered!

Durandal's eyes flickered. She temporarily stopped pursuing and leaped into the distance. The missiles behind her also changed direction and sped towards her. So that's it, they're tracking missiles? Is this the ability of that armor? I have to admit, it's quite interesting.

But only interesting.

Durandal swung her knight lance, and the force from the tip of the lance detonated all the approaching missiles. The explosions and smoke temporarily obscured Shen Gonglin's vision. Durandal no longer wanted to entangle with Shen Gonglin. She would defeat him now and then thoroughly research the capabilities of his armor, as this was related to the research and development of the 4th Generation God-Slaying Armor, and it had to be approached with caution.

I feel like Shen Gonglin hasn't truly unleashed the power of this armor.

The smoke hadn't even cleared yet, and Shen Gonglin certainly wouldn't say that kind of "she's dead" flag. Following the "no damage in smoke" rule, Shen Gonglin was not surprised to see Durandal slowly walk out of the smoke. Just how strong is this woman? Her clothes haven't even gotten dusty from this fight. Doesn't this prove that she hasn't used even a fraction of her true strength against me?

The thought of this made Shen Gonglin furious. I shouldn't be this weak, should I? It makes me angry just looking at her!

Spreading his wings, Shen Gonglin rapidly attacked Durandal. The missiles were useless against Durandal, and the close-range explosions might injure him. His electricity hadn't recovered, so Shen Gonglin could only engage Durandal in close combat. In the blink of an eye, he entered the Mindful Essence state. Durandal, who was already feeling bored, lit up again. How should I put it? This Shen Gonglin truly knows how to surprise me.

"Mindful Essence. It seems Fu Hua has indeed treated you well, even teaching you such a technique… Have you also learned the Cun Xin Fist? And there are even traces of the Kaslana family martial arts. I really suspect you've learned them before. Considering how long you were unconscious, Shen Gonglin, you are a genius."

His martial arts were also quite good. Durandal, with almost no stamina consumed, and Shen Gonglin's figures intertwined. As their fists and feet met, she didn't spare her praise for Shen Gonglin. Now she admitted that perhaps Shen Gonglin was even more formidable than her. At least she knew that in his situation, she wouldn't have been able to achieve this. Durandal considered herself a hard worker, and her current combat power was entirely the result of her efforts. Now, she felt she had discovered a true genius: Shen Gonglin.

If he continued to work hard, he would eventually surpass her.

"Of course she's good to me. Where else can you find a master who gives you head-pats while teaching you martial arts and lets you rest your head on her stomach? But do you know, your attitude like this makes me really angry!"

Just how strong is this guy? Shen Gonglin couldn't help but ask himself this question again. He had already used almost all his tricks – except for the unrecovered electricity, he had used his physical techniques, wings, and missiles. Yet this woman still looked like she was taking it easy. This dismissive attitude severely bruised Shen Gonglin's pride. He wouldn't be satisfied until he could pin this woman down and beat her up. Who told her to bully me!

"Hmm? Did I do something to provoke you? I apologize if that's the case. Be careful next, I'm going to stab from the right."

Durandal apologized to Shen Gonglin very seriously, but hearing this made Shen Gonglin feel even more stifled. Who asked her to remind me? Does she really think I can't dodge it? After fighting for so long, Shen Gonglin has a pretty good understanding of her attack patterns. Next will be from the right, then either a sweep or a thrust, or perhaps a sudden change of pace. Who doesn't know that?

Knowing it is one thing, but whether you can dodge it is another.

"Argh! It's precisely this attitude of yours that makes me even angrier! You definitely don't have many friends usually!"

"Ah? You're angry again? You're really petty… Sorry, okay?"

"Pfft... You! You! ...Watch me do my flying head attack!"

The battle remained fierce, while Rita and Fu Hua, watching from the sidelines, wore subtle expressions. It was rare to see anyone push Shen Gonglin to such a state. Perhaps Durandal's straightforward personality was Shen Gonglin's bane. He couldn't defeat her in combat, and his words were useless. Seeing how frustrated the boy was, they both felt a pang of sympathy.

Indeed, Shen Gonglin had always found ways to handle the girls he encountered, whether it was Kiana, Fu Hua, or Rita. But when faced with Durandal, who possessed immense strength and such a personality, he was completely at a loss. His most effective weapon, his teeth, was utterly useless. Shen Gonglin, grinding his teeth in anger... was so cute.

A strange blush crept onto the maid's face. She turned her gaze away, her cheeks flushed. But as Rita looked at Fu Hua, who was intently focused on the battle, a question arose in her heart. Was what Shen Gonglin said earlier true?

"Lord Fu Hua, did you really pay that price to have Shen Gonglin learn your martial arts...?"

Knee-pillows and belly-pillows, Rita had never imagined Fu Hua would do such a thing. She never expected it! Fu Hua, with your seemingly honest and upright appearance, to be this kind of person!

"...This brat, why does he blurt out everything? He feels better saying it, but where does that leave me, his master? It makes it sound like I was begging Shen Gonglin to learn my martial arts, to the point of sacrificing my own virtue. I'm so angry! What's the use of keeping such a disloyal disciple?"

It would be better to take him back and feed him to Kiana!

"...That was just an accident. You know Shen Gonglin's personality. If I didn't give him a little something sweet... No, it wasn't to make him learn martial arts that I did that. It was that I did that first, and then he learned martial arts. Those actions have no necessary connection to learning martial arts. Do you understand this, Rita?"

Alright, Fu Hua didn't even know how to explain it herself. In any case, she didn't do it to make him learn martial arts by giving him such benefits. Fu Hua didn't feel that lewd. Sacrificing her virtue to impart martial arts? How could that be!

"Oh, I see."

Rita nodded understandingly. See? It's this person. Even though she doted on Shen Gonglin so much, she wouldn't let anyone else dote on him. Tsk tsk, what a trashy Fu Hua.

Chapter 135: True Awakening

The time for idle chat was over. Although she didn't know why she kept provoking Shen Gonglin, Durandal was also tired of his constant apologies. Since apologies were going to happen anyway, she might as well just defeat Shen Gonglin into submission. She felt that Shen Gonglin hadn't unleashed the power of his angelic form shown in the video, so continuing like this was pointless.

Therefore, she decided to settle this matter directly. It should be known that Durandal's body wasn't really suited for strenuous activity today. But because Shen Gonglin had been exercising for so long, she wanted to finish quickly and go home to have Rita brew her some brown sugar water.