Winter Departs, Spring Arrives

March 11, 2000. Theresa noticed a faint hint of green on the withered tree outside her window—a sign it was about to sprout new leaves. But Theresa held little hope for the tree's rebirth; after all, the weather forecast predicted a violent storm would pass through here tonight.

In the church, the deep, resonant chime of bells rang out. Valkyries and other Schicksal personnel around the world, except those still on the front lines, paused their work.

Today, Schicksal was holding an online memorial service to honor the valkyries who had fallen in the Second Honkai Outbreak.

As an S-rank Valkyrie who had saved countless lives and an A-rank Valkyrie with distinguished battle achievements, the members of the Snow Wolf Squad naturally received a measure of glory after death. But more B-rank Valkyries, who had died violent deaths, could only leave behind a name—some couldn't even leave that.

Before long, after confirming communications were stable everywhere, Otto's voice rang out:

"I, Otto Apocalypse, thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to join me in remembering these fallen warriors."

Otto took a deep breath and continued:

"Over a month ago, a terrifying disaster struck. Without exaggeration, this enemy was incredibly powerful—it could easily kill our loved ones and destroy our cities. But the warriors of Schicksal did not yield. It was through their relentless sacrifices and close cooperation with like-minded partners that the damage caused by the disaster was minimized. They are all heroes."

"But... unfortunately, many, including Schicksal's strongest valkyrie, Cecilia Schariac, gave their precious lives in this brutal war. Their departure is not only a loss for Schicksal but also for all of humanity."

"Life is only once, and it is undoubtedly precious. But the essence of humanity is the ability to sacrifice life for something that is not oneself. I believe that those fallen heroes will not regret wasting their years nor feel ashamed of mediocrity. When their lives came to an end, they could proudly say: 'My entire life and all my energy have been dedicated to the most magnificent cause—fighting against the Honkai and protecting all of humanity!'"

"So, warriors of Schicksal, today we must not only remember their names but also engrave their spirit in our hearts. The Honkai has not yet been defeated; we must continue to strive. In the future, we may face new challenges. When you feel exhausted and can't hold on; when you feel powerless and can't do anything—they will transform into guiding lights, leading all of us to continue fighting for the beauty of this world!"

As Otto's impassioned speech ended, thunderous, unending applause erupted at Schicksal HQ and all its branches. After the memorial service, each branch received an incomplete list of the fallen. Beside brief introductions were their black-and-white photos.

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. Sacrificed herself at the dawn of victory during the Second Honkai Outbreak to prevent the spread of Honkai Energy.

Salome Jokanaan (1976–2000), born in Paris, formerly a renowned dancer. Became an A-rank Valkyrie in 1992. Died tragically in battle against the Herrscher.

Sabine Nicholas (?–2000), background before joining Schicksal unknown. Became an A-rank Valkyrie in 1993. Died tragically 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. Was at the site of the Herrscher's birth while on a mission and died tragically.

Lyudmila Mikhailovna (1971–2000), born in Siberia, formerly a professional soldier of a certain country. Became a B-rank Valkyrie in 1987. Encountered an Emperor-class Honkai Beast during a search and rescue operation and died tragically.

Annie Sophia (1985–2000), born in Canberra, formerly a student. Became a B-rank Valkyrie in 1999. Encountered an Emperor-class Honkai Beast during a search and rescue operation and died tragically.

Yamamoto Yuka (1972–2000), born in the Far East, professional valkyrie. Became a B-rank Valkyrie in 1987. Died tragically in battle against Honkai Beasts.

Theresa stared at this very concise information, unable to speak for a long time. In this battle, Schicksal had lost 1 S-rank Valkyrie, 4 A-rank Valkyries, and 146 B-rank Valkyries. Another 32 B-rank Valkyries were severely injured and disabled, never to set foot on the battlefield again. Nine out of ten of them were under thirty years old.

Each of them had carried hopes for the future. The moment they stepped onto the battlefield, they were still thinking about going to the clothing store afterward to buy new outfits, or to the dessert shop to try new sweets. They were like buds waiting to bloom—cut down before they could fully blossom.

Theresa knew this was not the time for grief. As the strongest valkyrie in all of Schicksal, she accepted the title of S-rank Valkyrie, leading Schicksal to protect humanity like Cecilia had, and continuing to fight against the Honkai.

That night, as soon as she fell asleep, she dreamed of going to an amusement park with Cecilia and her family. It was the happiest moment she'd had in a month. In the haze, the wind howled across the earth, as if singing her a lullaby, or perhaps offering a dirge for the fallen valkyries.

The next day, the wind stopped. When Theresa woke up, she found that the nameless withered tree outside her bedroom, after enduring a night of wind and rain, had actually grown green leaves. She knew spring had arrived.

She walked into her office as usual. With the help of Judah's height-boosting mode, she could finally reach the documents on her desk. She had only read a few pages when a knock came at the office door.

"Come in."

Theresa set aside her work for the moment and looked at the valkyrie who pushed the door open.

She had brownish-gray hair and violet-red eyes, with a reddish-brown gradient at the tips of her hair. Her bangs were parted in a 70/30 split, and her long hair was tied into a braid with a white ribbon that hung down her back. She radiated vitality.

"Lady Theresa, newly promoted A-rank Valkyrie, Ragna Rodebrock, reporting for duty!"