Chapter Ten: The Fire Greatsword User

"Right, what are the requirements for forming a squad?" Xing asked Kiana after they escaped the cafeteria.

"Oh, it's nothing much. It's all here, take a look," Kiana said casually.

"First, gain the approval of two or more A-rank Valkyries (PS: you have to win the fight first);

Second, defeat one Honkai Emperor;

Third, complete one S-rank mission or ten A-rank missions during the pre-formation period;

Fourth, a personal signature from the Academy Director;

Fifth, clear all stages below A-rank in the combat simulation room;

Sixth, all members must pass the B-rank Valkyrie assessment."

Can I still back out of this bet?

You guys wouldn't be able to beat a Honkai Emperor even if you studied for three more years. As for A-rank Valkyries, Himeko alone could easily defeat the three of you, let alone Fu Hua. Clearing the combat simulation room? Forget it.

Wait, the rules seem to be that new students form a pre-group and are absorbed into existing squads after a semester. I should have Bronya hack into St. Freya's database. Since the academy was founded, no new teams have been formed besides the ones originally established by the academy!

No, it seems like one new student almost managed it, but they transferred to Schicksal HQ.

Let me see who it is... Bianca...

Ah, the "slowpoke." Never mind.

Bronya's expression was unreadable, but Xing felt like he saw a smug Bronya.

Speaking of which, why are you looking at me with such eager eyes, Mei? Are you planning for us to form a Bonded Weaponry and clear the Abyss together? I don't mind, but Kiana will kill me.

"I haven't decided what weapon to learn yet. Do you guys have any suggestions?"

"Are you serious?" Kiana looked at his expression and didn't think he was joking, but she still couldn't believe it. After all, she had been taught Gunslinger Arts by Siegfried since she was a child!

"Didn't your parents teach you Gunslinger Arts?" Kiana asked, staring at him.

"What's that? I don't know anything about my past." I should be able to learn Gunslinger Arts through St. Freya Academy. The "slowpoke" said in the main story that learning Gunslinger Arts isn't difficult.

"Oh, right, you two both have amnesia... Then choose dual pistols. I'll personally teach you Gunslinger Arts!"

Bronya's enthusiasm immediately surged, but I remember Siegfried didn't teach you the complete Gunslinger Arts, did he? Also, Gunslinger Arts seem to have quite a few branches. Have you learned them all?

"Why don't you consider a katana? I remember Xing's swordsmanship is pretty good," Mei recommended. Girl, he's using your swordsmanship!

"Bronya thinks a heavy cannon would also suit Xing," Bronya chimed in. Bronya, do you think everyone is a Stand user like you?

"How about a greatsword? Fire-element greatswords are OP. Wait, can I even lift it?" Xing suddenly remembered his Strength stat was only at 40. He played too much Genshin Impact and forgot that there are no magical artifacts in Honkai Impact 3rd.

"How about trying a bow and arrow or a chakram? I'm quite confident in my speed." As they spoke, the four of them arrived at the Human Resources office, a rare occurrence of not being far.

"Oh, you brought friends? Come, come, little sister, what major do you want to choose? How about considering a heavy cannon?" the friendly lady at the Human Resources office asked.

"I... never mind. Hello, I'd like to inquire about lances, bows and arrows, and chakrams."

!??? "Hey, are you out of your mind? Have you forgotten your Kaslana pride? You really forgot."

"Xing, as long as you like it."

"Bronya cannot comprehend."

This is because the starting weapons for these three are all two-star, while the others are one-star junk.

"The starting weapons for lances have already been snatched up. As for bows and arrows and chakrams, although St. Freya has some stock, there aren't any specialized courses. Aren't you considering a heavy cannon?" the lady asked, still persistent.

"Why are you so fixated on heavy cannons?"

"Because all the young girls lately are learning scythes and lances, and we're short on Valkyries for ranged combat."

"Looking at my physique, can I handle a heavy cannon?"

Right, not everyone is as small and strong as Theresa. Wait, doesn't this kid look a bit like...

Xing wandered around the Human Resources office and found something familiar. Gripping the hilt with both hands, he tried to lift the weapon, which was larger than him.

Easier than expected—Strength: 40 + Kaslana's monstrous strength bonus + Stigmata bonus.

A one-star starting weapon, the Prototype Pulse Greatsword. Although it's a one-star starting weapon, it can evolve with its owner, reaching up to four stars in the game.

"Why did you choose this?" Kiana asked, confused.

"Our team has Bronya providing ranged firepower, and for close combat against small enemies, you and Mei can handle it. Against large enemies, leave it to me."

"Besides, a greatsword can attack and defend, isn't that good?" This is the pride of the Kaslana family. Fire-element greatswords are OP, you know? (Although they all end up miserable...)

"This weapon..." The lady seemed to want to say something but held back. "Are you sure? Once you choose your starting weapon, it cannot be changed, not even your specialization."

"Yes, I'll take this one," Xing said firmly. The other junk weapons are at most two or three stars, but this one has greater potential.

"Alright, take this. It'll make it easier to carry your sword," the lady said, placing a disc on Xing's back. A strap automatically extended from one side of the disc, passed over Xing's right shoulder, went under his left armpit, and connected to the other side on his back.

"It can emit a special magnetic field to hold your weapon in place," the lady explained.

So the Mars big shots were telling the truth, Valkyries really do strap a magnet to their backs!

Watching the four figures walk away, the lady felt a headache. "That sword wasn't part of the starting weapon selection. Oh well, the Academy Director's relative is not someone to mess with. Besides, it's not like it's a four-star weapon, so it shouldn't be a big problem."

The lady suddenly remembered something. "Uh, haven't those three gotten their starting weapons yet? Wait, where are the Prototype Pulse Pistol, Prototype Pulse Katana, and Prototype Pulse Cannon? Why are they gone?" the lady exclaimed in frustration...

"Xing, are you sure these weapons are worth more? They look no different from ordinary weapons."

"Trust me, Kiana. These are definitely better than those common junk parts. Didn't you notice there's only one of each in stock? (Bronya hacked the database again.)"

Theresa's office—

"That little guy chose the same weapon as you," Theresa said, taking a sip of bitter melon juice with relish.

"Mhm, I'll have to look out for him," Himeko said, holding a glass of red wine and taking a small sip, showing none of the demeanor expected of a teacher.

"Is that team alright?"

"What's not to be alright about? I think the four of them are a perfectly reasonable combination."

"They're a huge problem! What kind of motley crew is this team? Kiana aside, she's a natural Stigmata holder with an unknown origin; ME Company's young lady, a suspected Third Herrscher candidate; a amnesiac Anti-Entropy spy and top assassin, Silver Wolf from Ural. Is this some kind of spy game?"

"Theresa, have you been slacking off again recently?"

"Uh..."

"But you're right, it is problematic. Kiana has great talent but is overconfident; Mei is gentle and considerate but emotionally fragile; Bronya is diligent and rigorous but lacks emotional depth. But the biggest problem is Xing—"

"When I was interacting with him, I noticed his words and actions were nothing like a child's. If I had to compare, he's a lot like you, Theresa, though less… mature than you." Theresa watched as Himeko put down Judas.

"Then why didn't you immediately ask him how he came to Changkong City?"

"Give him some time to buffer and think of a story, isn't that better? Besides, based on the information fed back from the ** installed on his terminal, I can almost be sure that Xing Kaslana hasn't lost his memory at all!"

"So should we increase our vigilance?" Theresa asked. "And when did you install it? I didn't even know."

"There's no need. I can tell that the little guy doesn't have any ill intentions. Don't worry, I'm a good judge of character."

—Divider—

"Raven, you know what to do, right?" Jackal stared intently at Raven, as if he wanted to devour her.

How could he not be angry? Such excellent experimental material!

"I know, but you can't expect me to snatch someone from under the nose of an S-rank Valkyrie, can you?" Raven said lazily. It was going to be deducted from her salary either way, so she might as well slack off.

"Theresa Apocalypse? What's there to fear from that little girl whose position is entirely thanks to her grandfather? This is my latest Honkai energy deactivator. Just one dose is enough to deal with that short white-haired brat—"

(PS: Don't actually think Theresa is stupid. Even though her nickname is 'Derelicte', just laugh it off. Those who treat her as an idiot are the real idiots.)

"I refuse," Raven said flatly.

"You!" Jackal was furious.

"Didn't I install a tracker on that little guy? We can just capture him when he goes on a mission. Moreover, I also installed a ** near him that will never be discovered. This way, every move he makes is under my control."

"Hmph, I'll let you off for now. There's been some abnormal Honkai energy fluctuation at the Yae Village ruins recently. You go..."

"Get lost!"

Raven wisely refused, but she didn't know that fate sometimes liked to play jokes on people.

—Divider—

Xing tested the weapon and was about to go to the combat simulation room with Kiana when a young lady approached him.

"My delivery?" Xing, completely bewildered, accepted the package from the D-rank Valkyrie. The three of them gathered around.

"Who sent it? Does Xing know anyone?"

"The sender and address are both blank."

"Highly suspicious. Bronya suggests caution."

Xing gently opened the box, which had quite a few small holes poked in it. What was inside made him freeze for a second.

"A manga, and a bird?" Kiana stared enviously at the sleeping Crimson Kite. "This bird is so plump, it must taste great as Kung Pao chicken."

Wasn't this the Crimson Kite he'd carried from Taixu Mountain and the manga he'd won? Hadn't he left them in Changkong City? Who sent them to him?

A big sister with gray hair and red eyes appeared in his mind. Was it her? Based on Kiana and Mei's descriptions, she really seemed to be Raven. Did he manage to escape a disaster? But why did she let him go? Did she think he was cute?

In any case, he had to save the Crimson Kite before Kiana sent it to the kitchen. If anyone was going to eat it, it would be him first.

Theresa's office—

"What form will this entrance exam take?" Theresa hated the start of the school year the most. As the principal, she not only had to give speeches but also host exams and other events. It was so troublesome!

"How about a practical combat test?" Himeko suggested.

"Oh, you mean the one where they're deployed to Honkai-active zones for practical tests, with experienced Valkyries providing covert protection to prevent accidents?"

"Exactly~"

"Alright, we'll use this one this year!" Theresa slammed the table, making her decision.

Another one bites the dust