A Giant Dragon Attacks

"Raiden Mei isn't here, so without more information, we can't conduct in-depth research on the core for the time being."

Before she could speak, the technical department answered on her behalf, "Moreover, we are currently focusing all our efforts on the research and development of communication equipment."

Yes, the bishop's side is the most important, but... if it's not these two, what else could it be?

"It's about Kiana."

Kiana?

The leader paused for a moment, then thought of Kiana's extraordinary physical qualities in the report. Had they figured out why her physique was so strong?

"Yes, based on an unexpected discovery we made..."

Holding the report in his hand, the man hesitated before speaking, "Kiana Kaslana... is very likely related to Bishop Theresa, or perhaps not, but their medical reports both show unique characteristics."

"...ah?"

This statement stunned everyone present. Then they suddenly remembered that the two of them seemed to have white hair and blue eyes. After thinking about it more deeply, they felt that the two of them did have some similarities in their eyebrows and eyes.

"No... Bishop Theresa never said she had a daughter..."

"No, I don't even have a daughter, let alone any descendants!"

"This might not be something that needs to be said in public, right?"

"It hasn't been confirmed whether they are actually related yet!"

"Alright! Let's put this matter aside for now!"

The chief was also taken aback by the news, but quickly calmed down. "We will have plenty of time to understand this matter after the bishop returns. Since there is nothing else, return to your posts, especially the technical department. You should be aware of the current situation. Because of your delay, every second that passes may increase the possibility of failure for Bishop Theresa's rescue plan."

"Yes." ×N.

Chapter Twenty-Four: Dragon Attack

The Schicksal's concerns about Theresa have reached a point where they could explode at any moment. So what is Theresa doing at this time?

She is leading a prayer.

In the dim cave, illuminated by the glow of candles, thousands of people knelt on the ground, their hands clasped in devout prayer towards Theresa, or rather, the cross behind her.

Their clothes and appearances looked somewhat disheveled, but their emotions were very peaceful.

The priest stood not far from Theresa, quietly watching the scene unfold, but memories kept surfacing in his mind.

It was daytime a week ago, and it was no different from usual. Although the arrival of foreign believers and caravans had brought some subtle changes to the town, it was still peaceful and tranquil overall.

They cut the pasta and easily preserved dried meat in the Church into small pieces, and today they also unconditionally help the refugees in the Church. These foods almost all come from the church's aid and donations from believers. The connection and kindness between people can help the Church support those lambs living in suffering time and time again.

Ms. Theresa, who had visited the country for two consecutive days to learn more about it, arrived on time as usual. The priest was very patient with this girl who shared his faith and clearly held a high position in a foreign church, explaining in detail everything he knew.

Although he is now a priest, he was once a missionary who, while not traveling all over the country, has at least set foot in most regions, so he can still tell many interesting stories.

Although the girl opposite him couldn't match his knowledge in this area, as a listener she could provide the priest with a constant source of emotional value. This stirred a sense of compassion in the priest, who had no children, and he was even more willing to share his experiences with her.

If things had been as usual, they would have enjoyed themselves immensely today, but the sudden shadows disrupted their peaceful life.

"That's... a dragon?"

"It... it won't come... right?"

"Of course! The gods we believe in will protect us and punish any intruders!"

"No evil dragon can break through the Lord's protection."

Just as the priest was chatting with Theresa, a series of voices suddenly rose and fell outside, including not only panicked refugees but also resolute believers.

"That's...!?"

The priest noticed this as well and immediately ran out of the Church, looking in the direction everyone was looking. Sure enough, a huge creature with crimson scales all over its body and a length of about twenty meters was flying straight towards them.

Alarm bells rang in his mind, but out of devotion to his faith, he chose to remain silent, just like the believers, and prepared to begin praying.

What are you doing!?

However, a childish and confused voice interrupted them.

The girl carrying the enormous cross drew everyone's attention. Her expression was anxious as she continued, "Why don't we seek refuge immediately!"

"This..."

The priest's hand, holding the cross necklace on his chest, tightened slightly.

"Ms. Theresa, as a fellow believer in the Lord, you should understand the power of the Lord."

Inside the Church, a believer explained slowly, seemingly convinced that his piety surpassed that of the white-haired girl before him, a reassuring smile on his face, "Please do not panic, the dragon cannot harm us."

"What joke are you talking about? God doesn't save those who seek death! His tests aren't about unconditionally protecting everyone; they're about selecting those who are worthy of salvation!"

Theresa knew that the church in this world was not developing rapidly or authoritatively. It was more of an organization that sought protection and provided hope in people's hearts. After all, there really was a God in this world, and who dared to say that they understood God's will?

Doing this, let alone praying for divine protection, you'd be lucky not to get killed immediately.

However... this is very good news for Theresa.

After all, when 'God' does not speak, the final right of interpretation will belong to the person closest to God, and in universal understanding, the higher the religious status of this person, the more trustworthy they are.

"This..."

Theresa's words surprised the believer, who wanted to refute that what he knew was not so, but was interrupted by Theresa's next sentence, "Are you trying to say that the Lord will save everyone equally, regardless of whether they are noble or base? Then why does hell exist?"

"This... this..."

"To presume to entrust one's safety and future to the Lord is no different from the sin of sloth. If humanity does not forge its own future with its own hands and face suffering with a noble soul, why will the Lord favor humanity?"

"This... I..."

Theresa's barrage of questions turned the man pale, and left the surrounding believers and priests staring at her in disbelief.

"Bishop Theresa!"

Just then, the Valkyrie's crisp and respectful shouts came from outside. Before anyone could react, fifteen figures had already run into the Church and uniformly performed a standard salute to the white-haired girl.

"The... bishop?"

Not to mention the believers, even the priest stared wide-eyed.

This girl, with whom I had such a pleasant and approachable conversation, was actually a bishop from a foreign country? Why would a bishop come to a place like this?

No one thinks the word "bishop" is a lie or an abstract statement used to gild oneself; in people's minds, clergy would never do such a thing.

Therefore, they had no doubt about Bishop Theresa's identity, only shock.

"That evil dragon is heading our way! Please take refuge as soon as possible!"

The Valkyrie looked somewhat anxious.

Based on the intelligence they've gathered over the past two days, dragons are as unreasonable as Magical Girl, or even more terrifying Catastrophe than Magical Girl or evil leaders. Even their team of all A-Class Valkyrie wouldn't dare say they could protect Theresa from a dragon.

(To reiterate, in this world, A-Class Valkyries should be considered equivalent to normal C-rank to B-rank Valkyries. The upper and lower limits of A-rank Valkyrie in the Honkai 3rd are quite different.)

Where is the refuge in this small town?

Theresa looked at the priest beside her.

"...this..."

The priest opened his mouth, then said sheepishly, "This town... has no shelter. Although there is an underground icehouse, but..."

No one can stay in an ice room; not only is there not enough space, but the environment is also unsuitable.

The surrounding refugees and believers also panicked. If they could still question and take a chance before, now that they knew Theresa's identity, they completely became mindless super topic moderators who believed that "listening to her is always right".

"... Then run towards the back mountain. There are trees there to provide cover, and it's not on the dragon's path. Tifa, you two take them to safety."

Upon hearing this, the leading Valkyrie immediately raised her eyebrows. "What should we do about Bishop Theresa?"

"I... will hold off that big guy and buy you some time."

Chapter Twenty-Five: Theresa, who covered the rear alone.

"Absolutely not!"

Tifa immediately straightened up. "Bishop Theresa! Please be more aware of your own importance! If Schicksal loses you, do you know what the world will become!?"

Her voice was loud, and although her words were respectful, her intense tone proved that she was not in a stable emotional state at the moment.

The surrounding people's attention was drawn to her voice. In fact, they could understand Tifa's urgency at this moment. After all, she was a bishop. Beings who could hear the will of God were extremely rare. How could they, ordinary believers, let a bishop cover their retreat and sacrifice himself for them?

The priest wanted to say something, but then held back. This was no longer a situation he could control. Although it was a foreign church and a foreign bishop, a bishop was a bishop, and he, a priest, had no right to interfere.

What surprised the priest even more were the female priests who were clearly Church guards.

Questioning a bishop's decision is something that would never happen to them.

"This is the first time... no, the second time you've contradicted me, Tifa. The last time was before we came here."

However, Theresa's expression remained unchanged, firm yet compassionate. "Do you remember the first responsibility you were given when you joined Schicksal?"

"...I remember, but the bishop is different!"

"Nothing is different. It was a responsibility I set for myself, a creed I should abide by. Now, I should do what I'm supposed to do."

The white-haired girl carrying the cross spoke as she walked past the crowd toward the direction from which the dragon had flown.

"Ms. Theresa! Theresa!"

At this moment, Reiner, whose physical abilities were far inferior to those of the Valkyrie, and the others also arrived and immediately spotted Theresa walking out of the Church.

"Ms. Theresa! Seek refuge immediately!"

Reiner called out a reminder.

"I'll stay here. You all go and evacuate all the citizens of the town as soon as possible."

Reiner wasn't stupid either, and he immediately realized what Theresa meant. The disappearance of Schicksal would naturally have disadvantages for the America, but it would also have many advantages. However, this standard was based on the fact that this Otherworld was discovered before.

The current situation and pressure in this Otherworld are beyond what the United States, or even the United Nations, can easily explore or bear. The Schicksal that Destiny is willing to raise and implement this matter and is on the front line resisting the pressure is definitely that of a tall person waiting for the sky to fall.

Therefore, Theresa absolutely cannot be allowed to get into trouble.

The reason why Schicksal's advanced and powerful nature has not made it a public enemy or an anomaly of the world is entirely due to Theresa's leadership plan and personal charisma. If Theresa were to have an accident and another leader were replaced, the world's landscape would likely undergo a dramatic change.

A Schicksal without limits— Reiner couldn't imagine what that would be like.

"Ms. Theresa! You absolutely cannot stay here! Even if we all die, you absolutely cannot be harmed!"

Compared to the Valkyrie of Schicksal, who is Theresa's subordinate, Reiner's words were more personal. "Do you know what would happen to our world if you died!?"

"I'm not that easy to die. Obey my orders."

Her words carried an uncertainty that was enough to make Reiner stand still. "Please reconsider!"

Time was of the essence. Saying they would give it more consideration was really just a way of hoping she would give up the idea.

"Follow my orders, Colonel Reiner. Don't forget, I'm the leader of the Scout Team."

Theresa's inclusion was actually decided at the very last minute. In principle, she didn't have much power, and people listened to her more because of her status on Earth. However, after the representatives from various countries left two days ago, Theresa was put in the highest position in the Scout Team, and only then did she have the real right to give orders.

Obeying orders is a duty that cannot be defied. Seeing that Reiner's persuasion was useless, the Valkyrie silently carried out Theresa's orders. Watching the figures pass by one by one, Reiner knew he was powerless to stop them and could only say dejectedly, "You will regret this."

Although it was called evacuating the people, they were actually already gathering in the direction of the Church. Even though they trusted in God, they still needed more spiritual comfort when the dragon was close at hand, and coming to the Church was obviously the best choice.

But the dragon was much faster than the people could gather. A torrent of flames descended from the sky, and the houses affected by the flames were instantly ignited, even the stone bricks melted under the intense heat.

The unexpected scene terrified the residents, and their pace toward the Church quickened immediately. With the Valkyrie constantly helping the elderly and infirm with their mobility issues to move quickly, the assembly proceeded much faster than expected.

"Follow us to the back of the mountain! We're going there to take refuge!"

Once everyone had arrived, the priest immediately shouted.

The dragon's flames were already close to the Church, and rubble and bricks were flying everywhere from the explosion.

"Your opponent is me!"

The white-haired girl, dressed in bishop's robes, had somehow managed to place the cross behind her and stand beside her on a high rooftop, loudly attracting the dragon's attention.

The red dragon immediately noticed that the humans on the ground not only didn't run away, but also dared to stare directly at him. The overestimation of the inferior creatures was on full display before him, and he naturally regarded this gaze as a provocation.

Without a second thought, he spat out a fireball imbued with explosive magic, then prepared to savor the Skullshatterer sight of the provocateur being blasted to pieces.

However, things turned out completely differently than he expected.

Faced with the fireball he spewed, the white-haired girl simply placed her palm on the cross, and the originally solemn and magnificent Golden Cross unfolded back and forth, then shot out several chains, detonating the fireball before it was even in mid-air.