Chapter 375

"Yes, I betrayed Schicksal, while you have been serving Schicksal all along. You even helped Otto conduct space experiments."

Standing next to Shen Gonglin, Kiana blinked. After all, it was only a preliminary alliance, and it was still a bit difficult for her to completely trust Durandal right away.

"That's right... Five months ago, I remember you questioned me about why I was helping Schicksal, and I countered by asking you, if there were no Schicksal, who would protect the billions of people on the planet from the Honkai?"

They also stood on the other side of Shen Gonglin. Although they were now cooperating, it did not mean that Durandal was inferior to them. Female knights have never been like that.

"... That's right. You also said that there is no absolute good or evil, right or wrong in this world, only mission. Of course, now I can understand that you must have had your own position and difficulties in saying these things, but at the time I really didn't understand what your mission was? Why did you have to obey Otto so obediently?"

Kiana finally voiced her question, one she hadn't had the chance to ask before, now in front of Shen Gonglin, someone they both trusted. Durandal, the idol of the entire Valkyrie squad, why would someone like her obey Otto's orders and do so many things she shouldn't have?

"Although I won't hold a prejudice against you because of this now... I would still be very grateful if you were willing to tell me the real reasons behind them."

Kiana's words surprised Shen Gonglin. This girl had always acted as optimistic as ever in front of him, but now her behavior made Shen Gonglin realize that this Kiana -like girl had finally grown up. She still maintained her former liveliness and innocence in front of him, but she had her own opinions on other things.

Thinking of this, Shen Gonglin couldn't help but reach out and gently stroke Kiana's head, as if she were petting a well-behaved and adorable kitten. This child has really grown up. Not only is she more mature, but after experiencing so many things, she not only has her own insights into the world, but she also retains that pure and lively spirit. Who wouldn't love Kiana like this?

Chapter 110

Kiana... she's really amazing. My previous thoughts about her were indeed correct; she and Shen Gonglin are indeed very close.

Seeing Kiana being patted on the Shen Gonglin and stroked by Rin, it was impossible for Durandal not to feel envious. However, Durandal's character wouldn't allow her to say it out loud. The strongest Valkyrie wanting to be patted on the head was something she couldn't bring herself to say.

However, I can't let Shen Gonglin continue touching him, not for any other reason than that I'm drooling over what she's looking at.

"To use a somewhat inappropriate analogy, Bishop Otto is to me what Theresa is to you. You can't deny that he shaped who I am today; you also can't deny that his understanding of the Honkai far surpasses that of all of us. Of course, I know that the question you really want to ask doesn't point to this, but well..."

Damn it, she's still touching her! And what's with that look of enjoyment on that girl's face? The female knight was practically bursting with jealousy. Durandal glanced at Kiana halfway through her sentence. The white-haired girl knew what she meant, and although she didn't know why she wanted to fight again, Kiana was ready to play along.

"At least after I've beaten you by one move, right?"

Kiana was also eager to try, wanting to prove to her that she was no longer the person she was five months ago, and that she was now qualified to compete with her.

"That's right, that's it! Come on, Kiana Kaslana, let's settle this fair and square!"

Durandal drew her knight's lance, ready to get serious. "I know you and Shen Gonglin are close, but you can't just show me off like this! I was your ex-girlfriend, but that's all in the past. Do you know how much effort I put into getting rid of that ex-girlfriend status? Just thinking about how Kiana can be so close to Shen Gonglin without doing anything makes Durandal resentful."

You can't swallow your anger at times like this, or you'll have plenty of lemons to swallow later. Durandal isn't the kind of person who holds her anger in!

Kiana understood Durandal's meaning. A meaningful smile appeared on the girl's lips. "Hmph, does she think I don't know about her infidelity? What is she up to? She's just eyeing her own pig. Shen Gonglin will definitely have the title of Bishop of Schicksal in the future, and this strongest Valkyrie will probably be his subordinate. The two of them will definitely have many opportunities to interact in the future, and I'm going to let her know who Shen Gonglin truly loves the most."

"...Why do I get the feeling that these two are serious this time? Rita, is this just my imagination?"

Looking at the two who had already taken their stances, Shen Gonglin looked at the maid who had been standing behind her with a smile, quite puzzled. Before, the two of them seemed to be just sparring, but now the two of them... Shen Gonglin felt that they seemed to want to draw blood.

"It is indeed an illusion, Rin-sama. Rita believes that, out of respect for you, neither Lady Durandal nor Miss Kiana will actually cause any real problems. However, if you don't treat them equally in the future, it could really cause a huge mess."

The maid smiled at Shen Gonglin, which was the advantage of having a personal maid. Neither Kiana nor Durandal had any objections to her standing next to Shen Gonglin. They were such silly deer. In the future, she would definitely be the one who had the most contact with Shen Gonglin.

"A huge mess... I don't understand."

The two girls in the arena had already begun their exchange, but Shen Gonglin was extremely curious about what Rita was saying. What did she mean by "treating everyone equally"? What did she mean by "big mess"? And what was with the riddle-maker? She hated it the most.

"Yes, this situation is most likely to be triggered by male protagonists who are herbivorous. Rin-sama, I think you need a trustworthy, prestigious person who everyone is willing to trust to assist you in management."

Rita said meaningfully, the fierce battle over there that was almost driving her crazy couldn't affect Rita's thoughts. Who else could be so capable besides herself?

"Oh... that makes sense, but I have to remind you, I'm not a herbivore male protagonist, I'm a carnivore."

Shen Gonglin emphasized very seriously that the idea of a herbivore male protagonist was an insult to him. As everyone knows, Shen Gonglin eats meat, and she eats different kinds of meat at the same time. If you don't believe me, you can ask the Class President, ask Little Herrscher of Consciousness, and Kiana, Mei... Oh right, and Raven too, they all know.

As for what Rita just said, looking for someone trustworthy, prestigious, and capable... Saint Demon Situation did think about it seriously. If someone fits these characteristics, Shen Gonglin has a perfect candidate in mind. This person must be Theresa, right?

"Hehe, how about that? This is what the Class President meant by 'a scholar should be looked at with new eyes after three days' separation'!"

While Shen Gonglin was pondering how to handle Theresa's potentially disastrous situation, the battlefield situation finally changed. Just as Rita had predicted, although the two girls were a little more serious this time, they couldn't really fight each other. In the end Kiana seized an opportunity and used the power of the Herrscher of the Void to narrowly defeat Durandal by one move. Hehe, she won.

"... Indeed remarkable. Compared to five months ago, your control over the Herrscher power is worlds apart. However, this makes you even more wary of Bishop Otto. He has said more than once that the power of the Herrscher of the Void is essential."

Durandal lost by a small margin, but she didn't mind. After all, it wasn't a real life-or-death struggle. There's a big difference between sparring and a real battle. She looked at Kiana with great approval. She had seen the girl's progress. Back then, Kiana could only last ten moves against her, but now she could do this. One could imagine how much growth this girl had made in just five months.

However, it is precisely because of this that Durandal is even more worried about Kiana. The more proficient Kiana is in mastering the power of the Herrscher, the more dangerous she is. Durandal said in a deep voice, "Shen Gonglin also has the power of the Herrscher, but Durandal is not worried about him. As for Kiana... Otto must have some kind of conspiracy against her. The power of the Herrscher of the Void is not as simple as just traversing space."

Chapter 111 Bearing the Burden of the Whole World

"Is the power of the Herrscher of the Void necessary for Otto?"

They had already heard this from Theresa, but hearing it from Durandal now seemed even more credible. The Herrscher of the Void's abilities were indispensable to Otto, which meant that Kiana was still not safe in front of Otto. The Riddler was still trying to scheme against Kiana, but in this situation, they really didn't have a good solution for the time being.

Although Shen Gonglin also possesses the power of the Herrscher of the Void, due to her unpredictable personality and elusiveness, Kiana is more Otto's first choice in every respect. The girl's abilities and personality are all within his planned scope.

"Yes, and this is also related to the answer I wanted to tell you. After all, for me, the Second Divine Key is indeed necessary, and the power of the Herrscher of the Void is probably the same for the Bishop."

Taking myself as an example, since I have already lost the bet, I should tell Kiana what she wants to know. I hope that my experiences and insights can help Kiana a little.

"The Second Divine Key... In other words, Divine Key made from the core of the Herrscher of the Void from Previous Era?"

After briefly recalling her knowledge about Divine Key, Kiana realized she didn't know much about these Divine Key made from the Herrscher Core of Previous Era's Herrschers. The only ones she knew were Judah, which Theresa used, and the two Divine Key that the Class President had used. However, Kiana did know the basics: the Second Divine Key was a weapon made from the Herrscher of the Void Core from Previous Era.

"That's right, it can observe the fluctuations of the Sea of Quantum and glimpse the veins of the Imaginary Tree. For me personally, it has also helped me partially fulfill my mission. Helping the World Bubble anchored within me to reconnect with the Imaginary Tree."

Durandal recounted these events, while Shen Gonglin began to drift off in her usual reverie. Come to think of it, Durandal and Kiana are indeed quite similar. Kiana possesses the powers of the Herrscher of the Void, while Durandal used Divine Key crafted from the Herrscher of the Void Core from Previous Era. Kiana has the core of the Herrscher of Death within her, and Durandal also possesses the Black Abyss White Flower, created from the Herrscher Core of Death. These two girls are truly alike.

"The World Bubble inside my body... Can I assume that this is the most fundamental reason why you've always stood on Otto's side?"

Such a thing had never been heard of before. Even Shen Gonglin only vaguely knew that something like this had happened to Durandal. Because of her personality, Shen Gonglin never asked any further questions. Now that she had heard about it by chance, she was very curious. Kiana felt that she finally knew the truth. After all, Durandal was the idol of all the Valkyrie.

Kiana was furious when she learned that her idol, Otto, still followed him despite knowing all the bad things he had done. But now, it seems there was a reason why she made that choice.

"Indeed, you have reason to think so. After all, like your own experiences, it's a long story, a story that originated from a seemingly tedious and dangerous field mission. If there's anything interesting about it before the mission even started... maybe it was that I was only twelve years old at the time."

Speaking of this very important event in her life, Durandal's face showed a look of reminiscence. It was because of that wonderful experience that she became who she is today. No matter when, that wonderful experience will always be an indelible experience for Durandal.

Twelve years old... Shen Gonglin looked at Durandal in great surprise. He knew that Durandal was the youngest A-rank and S-rank Valkyrie in history, but twelve years old was still too young. Shen Gonglin could hardly imagine what Durandal looked like when she was on a mission. Just think, twelve-year-old Durandal was even younger than Bronya is now.

"Do you want to see what I looked like at twelve years old? If you want to see, I'll show you the photos later. Maybe my body matured earlier. But that's okay. After all, by today's standards, I couldn't be considered Valkyrie on my own back then."

Seeing that Shen Gonglin was interested, Durandal smiled at Shen Gonglin. Anyway, she had been good-looking since she was a child, so she didn't need to be afraid that Shen Gonglin would see her old ugly photos. Besides, given her relationship with Shen Gonglin, what was wrong with looking at old photos?

Yes, she is indeed precocious. After all, Durandal only seventeen years old, just like Kiana, right? To have such a figure at this age, capable of dribbling and bumping into people, is certainly mature.

Shen Gonglin didn't speak. He just stared at Durandal's beautiful figure encased in the God-Slaying Armor and nodded deeply. Durandal was indeed exceptionally talented. Apart from Rita and Himeko, who were slightly older than her, perhaps only Mei could rival her. Kiana was slightly inferior, not to mention Bronya.

The question of whether Mei or Durandal is stronger is indeed a matter of debate.

"In short, Rita and I received a mission to explore the Sea of Quantum. I heard that your companions had been to the Sea Abyss City deep in the Mariana Trench. However, our destination was not the perilous alien world inside the Eye of the Abyss... The place we arrived at, although somewhat fragmented in space, had a long history and rich culture, just like this world."

Durandal took a deep breath, her eyes sparkling with reminiscence—an indelible experience from that time, a lasting treasure.

"In that world, there was the King's Theater Troupe with submarines, Alexandria with its widespread use of intelligent machinery like Sky City, the Yucatan Federation with its passion for football... and the Republic of Inca, which unified the South American continent and almost single-handedly saved the world. That world originally floated in the depths of the Sea of Quantum. Although it was on the verge of extinction, it also brought together heroes from different eras and different worlds."

These things are all in her mind. Although she can hardly see them now, these people and these events have been deeply imprinted in Durandal's mind. Thinking about these things makes Durandal feel heavy-hearted.

Chapter 112

"The magnanimous and optimistic Captain Shakespeare, the cautious and wise Dr. Schrödinger who had seen it all, the generous, kind, brave, and resolute Grandpa Cervantes... Hehe, if you're interested, come to my room after this event is over and I'll tell you all about it. If I were to continue now, it would probably take a long time to introduce each of them to you, but for us now... the real story is that they chose me as a guarantee for that world to continue to exist."

As she talked about the people and things she knew, Durandal fell into a brief reverie. Seeing the interest on Shen Gonglin's Durandal extended an invitation to him, saying that she would be happy to tell him all the stories she had experienced if he was willing to listen. Shen Gonglin wanted Durandal Shen Gonglin to continue to understand her, and the more interested he was in her, the happier Durandal would be.

"Don't look at me like that. It's not because I was twelve years old and I really had the ability to make so many people believe in me... It's because of various reasons that I was the only one they could choose at the time. With the Aether Anchor, they implanted their world into my body. That way, as long as I live in my own world, their world will not be shattered and disappear in the Sea of Quantum."

Durandal told Kiana about her situation, which is the biggest reason why she always stays by Otto's side. Only with his help can the world that depends on her be safe.

"So... you've been carrying this mission since you were twelve years old?"

From this moment on, Kiana truly realized what this strongest Valkyrie was carrying. Had she been like this since she was twelve? Kiana suddenly understood why Durandal was so strong.

"How come... compared to your struggle against another Herrscher of the Void, my experiences are obviously much easier? To me, the world within me is like my hometown deep in the mountains... Its prosperity cannot be compared to that of a metropolis; but at the same time, only a few people connected to that hometown can bear its past, present, and future. For the past five years, I have been searching for a way to de-anchor the World Bubble to my world... because only by doing so can the fate of that world not be entrusted to me alone."

Bearing the weight of an entire world on her shoulders sounds incredibly cool, but only Durandal knows the immense pressure she faces. Only if she lives can that world continue to exist. It is this belief that drives Durandal to relentlessly strive for greater strength. However, as Valkyrie, who knows how many more dangers she might encounter? If she were to perish due to a moment's carelessness, wouldn't the entire world within her be destroyed along with her? Therefore, Durandal is constantly searching for a solution; it is a mission that only she can accomplish.

"So, going back to your question about five months ago, after this setup, I believe you can understand me now, right? When someone who grew up in Schicksal needs to complete such a mission, is there another answer to the question of who she can rely on? After all, I'm not like you. During the time you were wandering, you had Shen Gonglin to rely on. As for me... I was still known as your ex-girlfriend back then."

At this point, Durandal rolled her eyes at Shen Gonglin, who had been feeling the most wronged during that time. When explaining to Kiana, Durandal also said that she had her reasons for siding with Otto Shen Gonglin. Although it was indeed her doing, Shen Gonglin hadn't given her a kind look for a long time, which made her very sad.

You are still my ex-girlfriend.

Kiana silently grumbled to herself, but the girl still didn't quite understand. Before she could ask further, Durandal continued.

"I know that from your perspective, I am obviously a fool who aids and abets evil. But for me, Schicksal has irreplaceable value, both in public and private matters. This is the full meaning of that sentence: there is no absolute good or evil, right or wrong in this world, only mission."

Durandal made that choice. Putting herself in Durandal's position, Kiana probably would have made the same decision. However, Kiana remembers that Durandal once said...

"You just said that the Second Divine Key has already helped you complete part of your mission. What do you mean by that?"

"Yes, a month ago, thanks to a stroke of luck, I arrived near the Imaginary Tree, which gave me the ability to transfer the World Bubble to another person for safekeeping, so that this mission can be continued... So you can think of me now as being a little freer than before."

At this point, Durandal glanced at Shen Gonglin. This guy was her first choice. He was the person she trusted most right now. If it was him, she believed he was capable and could shoulder the heavy responsibility she was currently undertaking. Of course... Durandal wouldn't let him bear it all alone.

"... I told you five months ago that the title of the strongest S-rank Valkyrie in Schicksal was something I aspired to and pursued. It might sound strange... but if our paths eventually lead to conflict and confrontation in the future, I'll probably be quite disappointed."

Kiana felt very relaxed during this calm conversation. Durandal was indeed the role model she had always admired; she knew Durandal wouldn't be as stupid as she thought.

"I understand that feeling. I once thought you had great potential, and in such a short time, you have already truly delivered on it. Since fighting the Honkai is our shared ultimate mission, then the path we've taken should eventually become one. In my current position, I can't promise you anything, but I hope you believe that our shared mission is much closer now than it was five months ago."

Durandal was also quite relaxed. Although there might still be some minor conflicts, things were much better than before when they were irreconcilable. She had a very good impression of Kiana, Durandal felt that their paths would eventually converge.

It's not impossible for us to fight side by side, in every sense of the word.

Chapter 113 I still have a lot of money

Durandal was aware of this, and she knew that she would be spending a lot of time with everyone on the Hyperion. After all, she was always thinking about Shen Gonglin, so she couldn't avoid talking about everyone. Fortunately, she had a good impression of Kiana, and if she could get along with her... to be honest, it made Durandal, who was rather straightforward and even a bit dense in some ways, think so much.

That's already a miracle worth remembering.

"Speaking of the bishop's incomprehensible actions today... it has indeed given me some extra worry. Although there is Second Divine Key as a substitute, if the Second Divine Key cannot fully meet his needs, then that person will most likely still covet your abilities. Shen Gonglin, you too. Although he assured me that he would not attack you, you also know that the bishop's promises are not worth trusting."

Durandal has indeed tried to maintain good relations with everyone on the Hyperion. On the surface, she is still the Valkyrie of Schicksal. Discussing matters of guarding against the bishop with "outsiders" like this is quite a bit of pressure for this girl who prides herself on being a knight. Sigh, people always end up becoming the kind of person they hate the most.

Only Shen Gonglin remained consistent; he disliked those lucky people who got a golden item on their first try. So now, looking at the dazzling golden light on Rita's phone, he felt a surge of envy, jealousy, and resentment. Why couldn't he get anything after so many tries, while Rita got everything on her first try?

He was unwilling to accept it! He would just spend Durandal's salary on it later. Since he couldn't pay it back anyway, he would just owe it as much as possible. At worst, he could repay it in another way. Shen Gonglin was already prepared for this!

"Thank you for reminding me. Everyone in the Hyperion has been on guard against him."

Kiana nodded. Durandal didn't need to emphasize this; everyone knew Otto was up to no good, and it wouldn't be an exaggeration to be extremely wary of him.

"That would be perfect... It's getting late. You need to go back to the Hyperion to complete the Herrscher collision experiment, right? I'll come too. I really like the honey coffee that Dr. Einstein makes... Shen Gonglin? What are you doing? Want to go back together?"

Durandal smiled at Kiana, feeling that their relationship had grown closer. No wonder Shen Gonglin liked this girl so much; she certainly had a charming quality. Durandal prepared to go with Kiana to conduct the experiment, but then she noticed something strange about Shen Gonglin. He was sitting under the statue of Saintess Kallen, looking up with a pious expression. Kiana and Durandal looked at Rita with puzzlement.

What's wrong with him now?

"Durandal, Miss Kiana, please don't worry. Lady Rin just wanted to use some mystical methods to increase her luck. Please rest assured, I've got Lady Rin's support."

Looking at the text message about the deduction on her phone, Rita kept smiling. What guy could resist a girl who would spend money on him? Even while Durandal and Kiana were talking, Rita didn't stop her strategy to win over Shen Gonglin. Spending a little bit of money could make Shen Gonglin happy for so long, so why not? She had saved up money for so long just to spend it on something worthwhile.

Furthermore, it seems that the game Rin-sama plays is from a game company invested in by Bronya. So, rounding it off, the money is just going from one pocket to the other.

"...Okay, then you guys come over as soon as possible. Rita, keep an eye on him, don't let him act alone."

Durandal and Kiana were speechless. They had never seen Shen Gonglin pray so devoutly. If Saintess Kallen could see this, she would probably be both amused and exasperated. Durandal could only helplessly tell Rita that although the Hyperion was nearby, she was still worried that Shen Gonglin might get lost. With Rita watching over her, it should be fine.

"Yes, I understand. Please rest assured, Lady Durandal and Miss Kiana."

The maid obediently lowered her head, while Durandal and Kiana glanced at her and left. Only Shen Gonglin would be considering spending money on gacha pulls at a time like this. Shen Gonglin and Rita remained, praying devoutly. After praying for an unknown amount of time, Shen Gonglin opened her eyes. Her deep purple eyes were filled with confidence. This time, there would be no mistake. With the blessing of faith, she would definitely be able to unleash a golden light!

With growing confidence, Shen Gonglin pressed the button on his phone screen. The dazzling blue light caused his expression to freeze completely. This Shen Gonglin incredibly wronged. He covered his mouth, looking at the statue of the saintess with a mixture of embarrassment and anger.

"It must be because of you! I've prayed to you so fervently, why isn't there any golden light! You must be cursing me!"

Refusing to admit that she was just unlucky, Shen Gonglin bared her teeth and claws and lunged at the statue. Luckily, Rita caught Shen Gonglin in time, otherwise the maid was really worried that Shen Gonglin would bite the statue. Poor Kallen. Besides, the saintess probably doesn't care about the lottery, right?

Shen Gonglin is practically chanting Amitabha Buddha's name for the Three Pure Ones.

"Alright, alright, Lady Rin, we're not angry. We can just do it again. Look, Rita has a lot of money here."

Like coaxing a child, Rita hugged Shen Gonglin and pulled him away from the statue of the saintess. Shen Gonglin calmed down after a while and didn't continue spending money. After all, this was all the hard-earned money that Rita earned as a Valkyrie in Schicksal. Spending a little money occasionally was fine, but if he continued to spend money endlessly, Shen Gonglin was afraid that he would become addicted and be scammed.

After all, he had been scammed online before, which was terrible. He still owes money to Durandal Rita and Anna.

"What are you doing?"

While Shen Gonglin and Rita were arguing, a seemingly emotionless voice suddenly rang out from behind. Although it was the same tone as always, even Rita could hear the slight emotion in the voice. Oh dear, I think I smell a hint of jealousy. Is someone jealous?

"It's nothing, Miss Bronya. We're just having our usual playful banter as maids and masters. Would you like to join us?"

Rita smiled at Bronya. Rita, who was being seen, made no attempt to avoid being seen. After all, in her opinion, this was how a maid and her master should interact, and no one had any reason to interfere.