On March 11, 2000, Theresa noticed a faint touch of green on the withered tree outside her window—the sign that it was about to sprout new leaves. But Theresa held little hope for the tree's rebirth. After all, the weather forecast showed that fierce winds and torrential rain would sweep through the area that night.
In the church, deep and melodious bells began to ring. Valkyries and other Schicksal personnel across the world, except for those still carrying out missions on the front lines, temporarily set aside their work.
Schicksal was holding an online memorial service that day to commemorate the Valkyries who had sacrificed themselves during the Second Honkai Outbreak.
As S-rank Valkyries who had saved countless lives and A-rank Valkyries who had achieved great military honors, the members of the Snow Wolf Squad naturally received a measure of glory after their deaths. But the many B-rank Valkyries who had died untimely deaths could leave behind nothing more than a name. Some could not even leave that much.
Before long, after confirming that communications were clear in every region, Otto's voice rang out:
"I am Otto Apocalypse. Thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to join me in commemorating these fallen warriors."
Otto took a deep breath and continued:
"More than a month ago, a terrifying disaster erupted. It is no exaggeration to say that this enemy was extraordinarily powerful. It could easily kill our loved ones and destroy our cities. But Schicksal's warriors did not yield. Thanks to their relentless sacrifices and the concerted efforts of their like-minded allies, the damage caused by the disaster was reduced to a minimum. They were all heroes."
"But... unfortunately, many people, including Schicksal's strongest Valkyrie, Cecilia Schariac, gave their precious lives in this brutal war. Their departure was not only a loss for Schicksal, but a loss for all of humanity."
"Life comes only once, and there is no doubt that it is precious. But the essence of humanity lies in being able to give one's life for something that does not belong to oneself. I believe that those fallen heroes will neither regret having wasted their years nor feel ashamed of having lived ordinary lives. When their lives reached their end, they could proudly say: 'I have devoted my entire life and all my strength to the most magnificent cause in the world—to fighting the Honkai and protecting all of humanity!'"
"So, Schicksal's warriors, today we must not only remember their names, but also preserve their spirit in our hearts. The Honkai has yet to be defeated, and we still have work to do. In the future, we may face new challenges. When everyone feels utterly exhausted and unable to carry on; when everyone feels powerless and believes they can do nothing, they will become beacons to guide us, leading every one of us to continue fighting for all that is beautiful in this world!"
As Otto's impassioned speech came to an end, thunderous applause rang out throughout Schicksal HQ and its branches. After the memorial service, every branch received an incomplete list of the fallen. Beside each brief introduction was a black-and-white photograph.
Cecilia Schariac (1976–2000), born at Schicksal HQ, professional Valkyrie. Became the youngest A-rank Valkyrie in 1989 and the youngest S-rank Valkyrie in 1992. During the Second Honkai Outbreak, she sacrificed herself on the eve of dawn to prevent Honkai Energy from spreading.
Salome Jokanaan (1976–2000), born in Paris, formerly a renowned dancer. Became an A-rank Valkyrie in 1992 and unfortunately died in battle against the Herrscher.
Shub Nicholas (?–2000), details before joining Schicksal unknown. Became an A-rank Valkyrie in 1993 and unfortunately died in battle against the Herrscher.
Patrick Highsmith (1974–2000), born in Chicago, formerly a professional soldier. Became an A-rank Valkyrie in 1991. Cause of death unknown.
Huò Bùfán (1978–2000), born in Canghai City, formerly a student. Became an A-rank Valkyrie in 1998 and happened to be at the Herrscher's place of birth while carrying out a mission. Unfortunately, she was killed.
Lyudmila Mikhailovna (1971–2000), born in Siberia, formerly a professional soldier of an unnamed country. Became a B-rank Valkyrie in 1987 and unfortunately died after encountering an Emperor-class Honkai Beast during a search-and-rescue operation.
Annie Sophia (1985–2000), born in Canberra, formerly a student. Became a B-rank Valkyrie in 1999 and unfortunately died after encountering an Emperor-class Honkai Beast during a search-and-rescue operation.
Yamamoto Yuka (1972–2000), born in the Far East, professional Valkyrie. Became a B-rank Valkyrie in 1987 and unfortunately died in battle against a Honkai Beast.
Theresa stared at the exceedingly brief information and remained silent for a long time. In this battle, Schicksal had lost one S-rank Valkyrie, four A-rank Valkyries, and 146 B-rank Valkyries. Another thirty-two B-rank Valkyries had suffered severe injuries and disabilities that made it impossible for them to ever return to the battlefield. Ninety percent of them were under thirty.
Every one of them had carried hopes for the future. At the moment they stepped onto the battlefield, they had still been thinking about visiting a clothing store to buy the latest clothes or going to a dessert shop to sample its newest treats after the mission ended. They were like flowers still waiting to bloom, yet they had withered away completely before they ever had the chance.
Theresa knew that this was not the time to grieve. As the strongest Valkyrie in all of Schicksal, she accepted the title of S-rank Valkyrie and, like Cecilia, led Schicksal in protecting humanity and continued fighting the Honkai.
That night, just after falling asleep, she dreamed that she had gone to an amusement park with Cecilia's family. It was the happiest moment she had experienced in a month. In the haze of sleep, fierce winds swept across the earth, as if singing her a lullaby—or perhaps offering a requiem for the Valkyries who had passed away.
The next day, the wind stopped. When Theresa woke up, she discovered that the nameless withered tree outside her bedroom had somehow still grown green leaves after enduring a night of wind and rain. She knew that spring had arrived.
She entered her office as usual. Only with Judah's height-adjustment mode could she manage to write and examine the documents on her desk. She had read only a few pages when a knock came from outside the office.
"Come in."
Theresa temporarily set aside her work and looked at the Valkyrie who entered through the door.
She had long brownish-gray hair and reddish-purple eyes, with a reddish-brown gradient at the tips of her hair. She wore her bangs in a three-seven part, and her long hair was tied with a white ribbon into a braid that hung down her back. Her entire person radiated vitality.
"Lord Theresa, newly promoted A-rank Valkyrie Ragna Rodebrock reporting for duty!"