I, Herrscher Slayer

If I were to be beaten by Kiana even after saying all this, I'd have a good reason to blow up. I'm truly a man of deep thoughts, so resourceful. I should be a strategist.

"Got it, to accommodate you, this young lady will also pick a character she's not good at. Is that satisfactory now?"

Unaware that she was walking on a tightrope, Kiana even felt like chuckling. This was the first time anyone had called her a master, and it felt truly amazing. Was this the kind of life Bronya had been living? What a scheming little girl. She had to properly enjoy herself at Shen Gonglin's expense too.

If that's the case, then she couldn't just crush Shen Gonglin. She had to give him some chances. If she completely demoralized Shen Gonglin, wouldn't that ruin the fun? Kiana knew the difference between having fun once and having fun continuously. She'd go easy on him a little, letting him believe he could defeat her. This way, she'd play hard to get, letting Shen Gonglin fall completely, and then she could... Heh heh heh, she was such a clever girl.

It's confirmed, she must be an intelligence-type Valkyrie. Bronya always called her stupid, but look at her current plan, how could she be stupid? She was clearly explosively smart.

Chapter 25: Playing Games

...What is this? I lost?

Kiana stared blankly at the screen. The character she controlled lay on the ground like a beached fish, while Shen Gonglin's character stood tall with a sliver of health remaining. She had truly lost.

But how was this possible? Everything had gone according to her plan at the start, so why was she the one who fell in the end? Was this some kind of joke? It had to be fake, right?

Shen Gonglin, on the other hand, nodded in satisfaction. For the first time, his gaze towards Kiana carried a hint of fondness. She was a good girl too, really letting him win when she said she would. Even when he only had a sliver of health left, she didn't finish him off. Beautiful girls were indeed the most precious treasures in the world, and Kiana was no exception. Thanks to her letting him win, otherwise, he would have truly lost.

Initially, Shen Gonglin genuinely didn't know how to play. The first time he encountered this game, he only knew how to press buttons and kick. Although Kiana was using a character she wasn't good at, her gaming foundation was still there. Shen Gonglin was thoroughly dominated by Kiana for the first half of his health bar. However, things changed later. As Shen Gonglin slowly familiarized himself with the controls, he unleashed his true potential. He could even grasp the Kaslana family's combat techniques and Fu Hua's Inch-Heart Fist style at a glance. Learning the game controls wasn't difficult for him either. Thus, the outcome became this.

"Kiana, thank you. I feel like I've learned how to play now. If you hadn't stood still and exposed so many openings, I wouldn't have learned so quickly. You're not that bad, you know."

Happy to have won the game, Shen Gonglin patted Kiana's shoulder and casually pinched her cheek. This was purely an unconscious action from Shen Gonglin. Kiana, whose mind was in a daze at the moment, didn't react to Shen Gonglin's action. Had she really exposed any openings to Shen Gonglin... Perhaps at the beginning, but in the end, Kiana had truly given it her all. Yet, the result was far from satisfactory.

"Kiana is very skilled. Her ability to go easy on someone was so good that even I couldn't tell. It was as if she was fighting with all her might."

Bronya, who was watching from behind, added her commentary slowly. Hearing her voice, Kiana immediately turned her head, puffed out her cheeks, and glared at her. With Bronya's understanding of games and Kiana's skills, she could naturally tell whether Kiana had used her true strength or not. Wasn't she mocking herself by saying that? Mocking herself for not even being able to beat Shen Gonglin, a beginner who had just started playing the game. This loli was truly wicked!

"Heh... Haha, it's good that you know I was going easy on you. Then now, I'll use my true strength to... to guide you. Don't worry, I'll still go easy on you."

Forcing herself to maintain her pride, Kiana patted her chest. She felt it was necessary to salvage her dignity. She couldn't possibly lose to Shen Gonglin, this game beginner. Losing to Bronya was normal, but losing to Shen Gonglin was something Kiana truly couldn't stand. She made up her mind. This time, she wouldn't give him any chances. She would attack fiercely from the start and use her most proficient character!

"Yay... Kiana, you changed characters? Then which character should I use this time? Should I use the same one as before?"

Very interested in the game, this was much more fun than watching Mei cook in the kitchen. Seeing Kiana change her game character, Shen Gonglin hesitated. Should he use the same character as before? He hadn't touched any other characters besides that one.

"Change one, change one. What you need to do now is to familiarize yourself with as many game characters as possible. What's the point of only using one? Hurry up and change."

She didn't care about Bronya's disdainful gaze from behind. Kiana felt she could still pull off many such "trash" plays. Not only did she bring out her most proficient character, but Kiana also wanted Shen Gonglin to use another unfamiliar game character. This way, it should be foolproof! She definitely wouldn't lose!

"Mm, Kiana, you're right. Then I'll change one too."

It seemed this girl really wanted to teach him how to play this game. Looking at the agitated girl beside her, Shen Gonglin's affection for her increased by a tiny bit. At first, he thought she had malicious intentions and wanted to get revenge on him in the game. He didn't expect Kiana to be such a pure girl. How could a girl who likes playing games be a bad person? Kiana was a good person.

Sigh, Kiana... has become increasingly despicable. To win, she's willing to go to such lengths. Bronya shook her head, her gray eyes fixed on the screen, saying nothing. Although Kiana brought out her most proficient character, in Bronya's eyes, tsk tsk tsk, it was useless.

"Phew... Kiana, you're amazing. I almost died again this time."

"Ugh! Again!"

"Mm, I've already gotten used to this person's response strategy. Half a health bar should be enough."

"Wah wah wah! Again!"

"...Kiana, I think I've learned this game. You don't need to go easy on me anymore. Not being able to touch you at all is a bit ridiculous. Why don't you use a little more strength?"

"Okay, you said it yourself!"

"...Again?"

"Again!"

"That Kiana... honestly, aren't you not very good?"

"..."

After playing countless rounds, the end of one round was faster than the start of the next. Shen Gonglin played more and more confusedly. He looked at his full-health game character on the screen and then at Kiana beside him, her mouth agape as if she had completely run out of energy. Shen Gonglin held back for a long time before finally asking this question. From the last round, he had been a bit confused. Kiana's gaming skill didn't seem as high as he thought.

She was basically a complete noob.

"Uh, it's just that my hand feel isn't good today. Shen Gonglin, I believe you know that, right? Games really depend on hand feel. You're quite talented. How about this, you play a round with Bronya, and let me rest. I'll show you this young lady's true strength later."

As if her sore spot had been poked, Kiana's cheeks turned red. Why did Shen Gonglin always speak the truth? She really couldn't beat Shen Gonglin. But even so, he couldn't be so arrogant. How dare a mere newbie question her? She decided it was time to deploy the strategic weapon, Bronya.

Kiana knew Bronya's gaming skills very well. Her words would definitely defeat Shen Gonglin!

"Shen Gonglin, Bronya wants to play games with you."

At this moment, Bronya, who had been watching, was already itching to play. Her calm gray eyes seemed to be sparkling. Playing games with him would definitely be super interesting!

Chapter 26: A Gentleman

Hmm... to have a loli solemnly tell you she wants to play games with you, Shen Gonglin's mindset was a bit complicated. But since it was the loli's request, Shen Gonglin would naturally oblige. Although he wasn't a lolicon, playing with a loli was fine. He didn't have any other intentions anyway, Shen Gonglin was upright.

"Bring it on. I'm tired of playing with Kiana anyway. I hope Bronya can give me some excitement."

He accidentally made a suggestive remark. Fortunately, one of the people present was an ignorant loli and the other a pure maiden. If Mei had heard this, she would have started overthinking, but with them, he wasn't afraid at all. Kiana, wanting Bronya to help her regain her standing, moved aside and leaned next to Shen Gonglin. She wanted to see how Shen Gonglin played. How could he defeat her as a beginner?

"Let's begin."

After taking the controller, Bronya seemed like a different person. Almost as soon as the match began, Shen Gonglin felt immense pressure. It was completely different from when he played against Kiana. Shen Gonglin didn't have time to pay attention to Kiana's beautiful figure leaning against him. He was now fully immersed in the game with Bronya. This was not an opponent of the same caliber as Kiana!

It immediately entered a heated phase. Kiana's eyes widened in disbelief as she watched their fingers create afterimages on the controller. What kind of god-tier moves were these? All sorts of ultimate moves and hidden combos appeared on the screen. Kiana wasn't surprised that Bronya had such skills, but how could Shen Gonglin also be so strong? He had only just learned this game. Seeing Bronya's serious expression, Kiana had never seen her look so tense before, not even when she competed with the class representative. Was Shen Gonglin's skill really that amazing?

Kiana felt like she had found a gaming master who could compete with Bronya. The key was that this master was someone she had taught.

"Ugh ugh ugh... Wow, that's amazing. I lost... How annoying, how could I possibly lose!"

The battle was fierce, and ultimately, Shen Gonglin's HP was depleted first. Shen Gonglin had given his all, but Bronya's strength was indeed superior to his. On the screen, Bronya's game character's HP was still about a finger's width wide, yet no matter how Shen Gonglin attacked, he couldn't break through her defense. Instead, Bronya seized an opportunity and took him down with a combo. Although he was reluctant to admit it, he had truly lost. There was no way he could cheat his way out of it; a loss was a loss.

"Hoo... Shen Gonglin, you're very strong."

Bronya also let out a quiet sigh of relief. She stretched her fingers and looked at Shen Gonglin, who was rolling on the ground. A trace of admiration flickered in her usually emotionless eyes. This was the first time Bronya had been pushed into such a desperate situation. If Shen Gonglin hadn't panicked at the end, it would have been hard to say who would win. Great masters always respected each other. Shen Gonglin's strength deserved Bronya's respect, and what's more, this was his first time playing this game. If he practiced more, Bronya felt her own position might be threatened.

"So annoying, Bronya, how can you be so strong? You're completely different from my previous opponents. Let's go again!"

Kiana, sitting behind Shen Gonglin, got a headache from his words. What did he mean by that? Wasn't she his previous opponent? Just a few minutes ago, he was still calling her a master, and now he was like this. He hadn't forgotten that she was the one who trained him... However, speaking of which, Shen Gonglin was indeed very strong to have pushed Bronya to that extent. Kiana saw a glimmer of hope in Shen Gonglin's skill that could overthrow Bronya's dominance.

"Wait a minute, I want to play too! Shen Gonglin, we are master and disciple, and together we can break anything! Let me help you!"

Kiana hurriedly grabbed another controller and sat on the sofa, resting her legs on Shen Gonglin's shoulders, ready to join the fray. She thought that Shen Gonglin's skill was probably only a tiny bit worse than Bronya's. With her help, they could definitely defeat Bronya. Being able to beat Bronya, even with both of them playing, would be something she could brag about for months. This chance to make a name for herself was right in front of her, and Kiana felt she had to participate.

"Both of you together? That might not be a good idea."

Shen Gonglin looked at the fair, slender, jade-like legs by his neck and suppressed the urge to lick them. Calm down, these are Kiana's legs. If I lick them, I might contract some irreversible disease. He tried to shift his gaze away from Kiana's legs and looked up at her face. This girl showed no signs of being a stranger. Not only did she rest her legs on his shoulders like that, but she also used his head as a support. Considering the "benefits" she was giving him, he decided not to argue with her this time.

"No problem, you two can come at me together. Bronya will also have to use her true strength."

Bronya, however, didn't seem to mind at all. Whether Shen Gonglin came alone or with Kiana, it wouldn't affect the outcome. Shen Gonglin's strength had stimulated Bronya. She couldn't be in a playful mood when dealing with him; she had to bring out her Bronya side.

"Hey, Shen Gonglin, can you stand seeing Bronya like this? Hurry up and use all your strength to cooperate with me, and this time, we'll definitely win!"

With Shen Gonglin's powerful support, Kiana was exceptionally confident. Shen Gonglin was already on the same level as Bronya in terms of combat power. With her added, it would definitely be a case of one plus one being greater than two. The thought of Bronya falling beneath her miniskirt excited Kiana. But her excitement was one thing; Shen Gonglin's suffering was another. Could you please stop moving around? Do you really not take me seriously, girl?

Kiana sat on the sofa, her two fair and slender legs crossed over Shen Gonglin's shoulders and resting on his legs. The girl's hands, holding the controller, braced against Shen Gonglin's head, forming a combined pose. This meant she was completely surrounded by Kiana. If he turned his head, he would see her legs. How could Shen Gonglin concentrate? Although her intelligence might be lacking, judging by her face and figure, Kiana was an exceptionally beautiful woman. A girl like this sitting on his head... this was a test for him.

Without a word, Shen Gonglin focused his attention on the screen. Hardships always come in succession. I'll just take it as training. I might have been a virtuous gentleman who remained unmoved in the past.

Chapter 27

At this moment, at Schicksal headquarters, as a massive organization fighting against Honkai, Schicksal headquarters was located on a huge floating island. As the earliest organization established to combat Honkai, everything was controlled by one man. And that man was...

The Bishop, Otto Apocalypse.

"What progress have we made in analyzing that outfit?"

In the headquarters' conference room, Otto Apocalypse sat in the central main seat. Those summoned for this meeting were all elites from the research and development department. Everyone sat quietly in their seats, waiting for the Bishop to speak, holding his wine glass. Fortunately, Otto didn't keep them waiting long. Although the Bishop wasn't a stern or strict type, perhaps due to his status, everyone couldn't help but feel nervous whenever they were around him.

"We still can't crack the core. However, based on the intelligence gathered previously, we've made significant progress on the 4th Generation God-Slaying Armor. What an astonishing creation. Its material is more special than any known material. Its defensive capabilities are insufficient, but its recovery ability... No, the special nature of the material is secondary. The most important thing is the "Uranus System" seen in the video footage. According to the energy data transmitted from the Hyperion at the time, if allowed to develop, it would surpass any destruction we know. Bishop, this armor is simply not something that can be manufactured by human hands."

The head of the technical department placed a thick stack of intelligence reports he had researched on the table. The document prominently displayed the words: "4th Generation God-Slaying Armor Design Concept." They had initially thought this work would be shelved for a long time, but they didn't expect the armor sent over to give them so much inspiration. Undoubtedly, the armor still lying in the research department would be the prototype for all God-Slaying Armors.

"Is that so? It seems that to explore the deepest secrets, we need the assistance of the original owner. An angel who suddenly fell from the heavens... Continue the research on the 4th Generation God-Slaying Armor. Headquarters will provide the greatest support. Since it's an angel, let's use 'knight' as the project element for the 4th Generation God-Slaying Armor. Are there any other questions?"

Otto put down his wine glass. Schicksal's very nature was to research various supernatural products as a force against Honkai. The armor they accidentally obtained a few months ago had restarted the long-dormant 4th Generation God-Slaying Armor project. They were sure that once designed, it would be able to strike a heavy blow against Honkai, as the 4th Generation was, after all, prepared for God-slaying.

"Bishop, if we're talking about problems... there are indeed some. After so long, we still can't unlock the core. Most of the designs so far are essentially imitations based on previous combat footage. As you just said, without the original owner's help, this work will be very difficult to carry out. Is there really no way to invite the original owner?"

Saying this made the director of the technical department blush, but there was nothing he could do. Even they, who could unravel the secret of Soul Steel, were helpless against this armor. This was truly an apology from the technical department, but they had no other recourse. They heard that the original owner of the armor was currently at St. Freya, and if possible, they really wanted to meet him.

"Unfortunately, our angel lady... no, our young man, has not woken up yet. Headquarters had already sent someone to check on him before. The trauma to his brain was very severe, and he still hasn't woken up..."

Otto shook his head. When Shen Gonglin was first brought to St. Freya Academy, he had sent his most capable maid. However, she only brought back the armor. According to Rita, his condition at the time was such that he couldn't withstand long-distance travel, so they could only study the armor.

"Bishop, excuse me, this is a joint email from Theresa and Fu Hua. That angel young man has woken up."

Just then, the conference room door was quietly pushed open, and a girl with short, ash-blonde hair walked in. The maid outfit she wore highlighted her identity: Rita Rossweisse. Don't let her maid outfit fool you; she was actually one of the top three strongest fighters openly acknowledged by Schicksal, and she was involved in the current God-Slaying Armor project.

Although as a maid, she shouldn't have interrupted the meeting, Rita felt this email was very important and needed to be conveyed to the Bishop as soon as possible. Looking at the photo on the document, Rita narrowed her eyes. As expected, he was even cuter when awake than when he was unconscious.

"Oh? Is that so? It seems luck is still on our side. And Rita, not an angel lady; our angel is male."

Otto's tone was surprised, but his actions were unaffected. He projected the information Rita handed him onto the big screen. Waking up when he was needed most, he truly was an angel. Was he sent to this world to help humanity?

"I'm sorry, but having seen him like that, I can't really consider an angel to be male... So cute, it must be... a boy?"

This elegant maid seemed to be caught in a strange dilemma. Rita was also happy to get the information that he had woken up, and was slightly losing her maid-like composure.

"What detailed information. As expected of Fu Hua's summary. Waking up and already possessing the combat power comparable to an A-rank Valkyrie... However, he has the combat power but not the body to support it. It seems our angel still needs some training. But before that, he needs to come to headquarters. The issue of the 4th Generation God-Slaying Armor prototype still depends on him..."

Looking at the various pieces of information summarized by Fu Hua in the document, Otto's interest in Shen Gonglin grew. The recording from before didn't indicate he had any ability to control lightning. If the Conqueror Gem wasn't still inside that little girl, he might have suspected something. Interesting, very interesting. Perhaps this person could become a powerful pawn in the future.

"Rita, convey my order to St. Freya. Tell our angel, Shen Gonglin, to come to headquarters soon. As for who will accompany him... the young lady of the Kaslana family would be excellent. Although she's not yet a formal Valkyrie, she's the most suitable candidate... Rita? Rita? Did you hear me?"

He gave such an order, but the maid didn't react. Otto looked back in confusion. The reliable and elegant maid seemed to be spacing out. He coughed twice, and Rita finally snapped back. How strange, could Rita also make such a mistake?

"Yes, I will convey your instructions. However, please allow me to handle the welcoming arrangements. After all, the last time I saw him, he was still unconscious, and I'm a little curious about him."

Rita bowed slightly, and Otto agreed to Rita's request.

"If you're interested, then leave it all to you."

Chapter 28 Ten Years Less of Life

"Shen Gonglin, I think our tactical arrangement just now wasn't very reasonable. Look, I deliberately created such a big opening for Bronya to attack me. You should have attacked her then, but why did you just stand there? To be honest, did she send you to stab me in the heart?"

In front of the TV, Kiana was earnestly lecturing Shen Gonglin. If you ignored her long legs that were clamping Shen Gonglin's neck and squeezing hard, her words would have sounded even more earnest. Feeling betrayed, Kiana decided to squeeze this fake teammate to death. What use was he?

"Huh? You created an opening just now? I thought you were trying to give yourself up or make it harder for me... I'm dying, Kiana. If you don't let go, I'm really going to die. Don't force me!"

Shen Gonglin clawed at her legs, struggling to breathe. But with brute force, he really couldn't match Kiana. So, when Mei came out, she saw this scene: Kiana and Shen Gonglin were tangled up on the floor, and it looked like Kiana had the upper hand. Just then, Shen Gonglin, spurred by desperation, opened his mouth. Doesn't a gentleman use his words, not his fists? I'm definitely a gentleman.

"Ah! Shen Gonglin, how dare you bite me? See if I don't take your life!"

Shen Gonglin bit down ruthlessly on the sensitive skin of her inner thigh. Kiana regretted wearing miniskirts. Since this guy was using his mouth, she wouldn't hold back either. Kiana promised not to use her mouth weapon first, but he started it! She had wanted to bite his head for a long time!

"Bronya, what's going on?"

Mei instinctively wanted to break up the fight, but the brutal scene made her hesitant to approach. Placing the pot she was holding on the table, Mei asked Bronya, who had been keeping her distance from the start, how Shen Gonglin and Kiana had ended up looking like sworn enemies in the short time she was cooking.

"According to Bronya's understanding, it's because Kiana scammed Shen Gonglin and then acted unreasonably. Shen Gonglin was forced to retaliate... however, he put his full effort into biting Kiana."

Bronya, who understood everything, felt that Kiana's involvement was the only reason she could maintain her winning streak. Fighting Shen Gonglin alone required Bronya to be fully alert, but with Kiana, Bronya felt she could take them on with one hand while at low health. So, halfway through the fight, Bronya even suspected Kiana might be a spy she sent. Kiana's impact on Shen Gonglin's combat effectiveness was too significant.

That was natural. Who could focus on playing a game when they were graced with a pair of fair, slender, and powerful legs? On top of that, Kiana's terrible gameplay made it a miracle if they won at all.

"Alright, alright, it's just a game. Don't fuss anymore, you two. Shen Gonglin, I made you cream stew specially. If you don't eat it now, it'll get cold."

Upon learning the specific reason for their fight, Mei found herself torn between laughter and tears. She cautiously approached Shen Gonglin and patted his shoulder. Mei had actually intended to pat his head, but Kiana was currently perched on it. Such childish behavior, fighting over a game. Hadn't these two grown up yet?

This was where Mei didn't understand. Fighting over a game wasn't a big deal; many people had lost their mothers because of games.

"Oh, I'll eat right away. Wait for me to leave another tooth mark on her... Mei, your panties are showing. Pure white doesn't suit you."

Shen Gonglin looked up and was immediately captivated by a certain view. He and Kiana were now lying on the floor, with Mei crouching in front of him. This prime viewing spot allowed Shen Gonglin a clear look. Before, the black stockings had guarded that pure white forbidden zone, but this white was too plain. He felt Mei would look better in black.

"Ouch... Hey, Mei's panties are showing! Where, where? I want to see too... Ouch!"

Kiana, who was holding Shen Gonglin's head and fighting him, lit up at his words. She had to see this good stuff too. Although she often saw it when changing clothes with Mei, was that the same as seeing it when it was accidentally exposed? Overjoyed, Kiana let go of Shen Gonglin's head. Before she could even look up, a hand pressed down heavily on her on the floor. Mei's pretty face turned as red as blood, her purple eyes almost flashing with lightning. She was already shy to death from just Shen Gonglin seeing it, so why was Kiana joining in the fun!

"...Get up quickly and eat!"

Not knowing what else to say, Mei could only change the subject and not mention it. The girl quickly stood up and adjusted her skirt. She rarely interacted with boys and had no defenses against Shen Gonglin, which led to this embarrassing situation. She'd have to be more careful in the future; Shen Gonglin was a boy, after all.

"Oh, I'm coming... Bronya, check my head for me. I think I'm bleeding."

Seizing the opportunity while Mei was holding Kiana's head, Shen Gonglin quickly broke free from Kiana's entanglement and sat down at the dining table with Bronya. This was a good chance for the girl to check his head. Kiana was too strong; even his skull couldn't block her.

"Serves you right for bleeding. Who told you to bite me... Luckily, you didn't draw blood, or I'd never be done with you... Mei, will this leave a tooth mark?"