Honkai's Thousand Laws, Abducting Kiana at the Start

After understanding each other's inner turmoil, it seemed as if the warm sun had returned to this world. Su Jue remained silent, while Kiana continued to push his wheelchair.

The two walked along the garden path, choosing the same route. They passed through the shadows of the trees, crossed the scattered stones blocking their way, and finally reached their destination, returning to the hospital.

Two days later, at another funeral for the victims, the girl pushed Su Jue, who still couldn't walk, to the public cemetery.

Rows of tombstones stood in the cemetery, and countless mourners bid farewell to their loved ones. Su Jue had been here once before, controlling Jian Yun the last time. This time, however, someone else accompanied him.

The dark night continued, but sparks had begun to ignite.

Chapter 88: Eos Arrives - Transition

Once Su Jue confirmed that Kiana had ignited her own conviction, he shifted his gaze elsewhere.

After Rita's failure, Otto decisively assigned her the task of investigating the hidden details of World Serpent within Sky City. He had initially intended to leave it for later, but two consecutive setbacks forced him to take this organization seriously.

The whereabouts of the Herrscher of Void were currently unknown, and there was a high probability that it was related to World Serpent. Furthermore, the continuous Honkai events had also caught Otto's attention, making him realize that World Serpent might be conducting some dangerous research.

Around dusk, a massive transport ship had docked under the thick clouds at some point. Below it lay a desolate suburban area, which brought back some unpleasant memories for Rita.

"Alvit, you will lead the members of Immortal Blade to investigate the recent Honkai clues. I will go and liaise with Shencheng Pharmaceuticals. Report to me immediately if you discover anything amiss—especially if you find any members of World Serpent." After assigning the task to her most trusted subordinate, Rita took a deep breath and leaped directly from high above.

The Moon Soul armor she wore quickly expelled cold particle streams, helping to slow her descent. She landed smoothly, maintaining her elegance.

Her arrival coincided with a drug support request from Shencheng Pharmaceuticals. According to the records, Shencheng Pharmaceuticals had always been dedicated to providing free medical treatment to ordinary people affected by disasters worldwide. Therefore, as the main force against Honkai, Schicksal naturally provided substantial support, delivering batches of inhibitors and other drugs at regular intervals.

However, there had been a mysterious and increasing shortage of medicine recently, while the Honkai infections showed no signs of abating. Furthermore, during previous investigations, Rita had discovered peculiar signs of damage at Shencheng Pharmaceutical, which, combined with being outmaneuvered by World Serpent, led her to suspect a connection between Shencheng Pharmaceuticals and World Serpent.

According to the original plan, the Eos would dock at Sky City's transport airport, and she would accompany it. But now, Rita only wanted to capture these scurrying rats, so she specifically chose to act in secret.

Returning to Shencheng Pharmaceuticals, the industrial area that had been destroyed some time ago seemed to have been repaired considerably. Numerous engineering robots were working on the damaged areas from the disaster. The bodies of MANTIS had already been cleared, but many traces of Honkai remained, along with some used syringes.

"What is this?" Seeing the type of syringe, Rita frowned. She recalled that this should be a standard model syringe produced by Schicksal, originally intended for the treatment of the Corrupted. How could it be found at the site of a Honkai outbreak?

In addition to these used syringes, she also saw many experimental supplies. Although most had been cleaned up, she still spotted quite a few instruments that should absolutely not be associated with a pharmaceutical company.

"What exactly are they researching?" With this question in mind, Rita began to attempt to infiltrate Shencheng Pharmaceuticals. However, before she could make a move, people from Shencheng Pharmaceuticals found her.

"Is this the attitude of a Schicksal Valkyrie? Preparing to trespass without permission?" A large number of mechs quickly surrounded her. Rita did not act rashly. Her current identity was that of a liaison dispatched by Schicksal. As long as she didn't make the first move, the people from Shencheng Pharmaceuticals would not dare to touch her.

She turned her head and saw a woman wearing a dog-head mask. She had brown skin and thick brown hair, making her ethnicity easily distinguishable. She stood at the entrance of Shencheng Pharmaceuticals, leaning on a cane carved with a dog's head. Her dark golden eyes met Rita's directly.

"I am merely saddened by the Honkai disaster that Shencheng Pharmaceuticals has suffered. Perhaps Schicksal can provide some resources for post-disaster reconstruction." Rita's expression was calm. After returning from being a warrior to a maid, her demeanor had once again transformed into that of a gentle woman. "May I ask who you are, madam?"

Jackal snorted as she looked at Rita, who had changed her demeanor in an instant. This handover task was originally supposed to be handled by Raven. However, due to Raven's dereliction of duty and premature confrontation with a Schicksal Valkyrie, Jackal had to be assigned at the last minute. It was worth noting that Jackal was still injured and could only walk with a cane, but she had to work despite her condition for World Serpent's plan.

"I am Clio, the chief researcher at Shencheng Pharmaceuticals, responsible for this Schicksal handover."

"Clio? If I recall correctly, the person registered to receive me was Ms. Xiola, a consultant from Shencheng Pharmaceuticals."

"Yes, but due to the recent Honkai disaster, Xiola had to participate in rescue efforts and is temporarily unable to disengage. I will be substituting for her this time. Miss Rita, please do not worry, I will take responsibility for the guidance." Jackal removed her dog-head mask and gestured to the surrounding guards. The robots that had surrounded Rita dispersed.

Rita said nothing more. There was no evidence yet, and she would have to wait until she found some before making a move. Therefore, after a moment of consideration, she decided to proceed according to Jackal's arrangements for now.

The handover staff quickly began transferring supplies, while the Immortal Blade squad, waiting on the Eos, quietly infiltrated the city under the cover of night.

After some time, with the cooperation of staff and robots, 30,000 doses of Honkai inhibitor drugs were all delivered to Shencheng Pharmaceuticals' industrial zone. Rita's eyes flickered, and she soon focused on the underground facilities of the industrial zone.

"I wonder if Miss Clio would permit me to tour the industrial zone? After all, Honkai Energy inhibitors are no small matter, and Schicksal needs to accurately track their whereabouts."

"Of course. However, the industrial zone suffered some damage during the previous disaster, and I myself was quite injured, making it difficult to move. If you don't mind, I will have a guiding robot accompany you on the tour." Jackal leaned on her cane. Her shattered shinbone had begun to heal after treatment, but the injury was real, and even Rita couldn't say much more.

Following the guiding robot, Rita finally managed to enter the underground of the industrial zone. However, there was nothing particularly noteworthy. All work areas were perfectly arranged, and dedicated rest rooms were even set up. But due to the recent end of the Honkai outbreak, many people had not yet returned to work, so the entire basement appeared deserted.

"Currently, Honkai incidents are occurring all over the world. Shencheng Technology has established branches globally to provide medical assistance to those in need."

"To facilitate nearby drug transportation, industrial zones like this are built on-site."

"Oh? Just for transporting drugs?"

"Of course. If you don't believe me, feel free to look around."

Chapter 89: Infiltrating the Underground - Transition

Clio said this naturally, feeling confident. The industrial zone was not just one building; the entire underground had been hollowed out. Without the guidance of a professional, it was impossible to find the hidden laboratory. Unless one forcibly broke through the passages of various floors like the failed experimental subject accidentally created last time, even if Rita searched for a day, she wouldn't reach the deeper levels.

Watching Rita on the monitor begin to search aimlessly, Jackal let out a cold smile. She cast a mocking glance at Raven beside her. "What do you think? I told you Schicksal Valkyries are all arrogant. Give them a little bait, and they'll obediently fall into the trap."

"Hmph, let's hope your plan doesn't go awry," Raven snorted and grabbed her bow. "That woman is not as simple as you think."

With that, she pushed open the door. This time, their objective was to keep all the Valkyries here. The vials and bottles at her waist clinked against each other; they contained the gas-type HSN drugs researched by Jackal.

After leaving the range of the surveillance cameras, Rita didn't waste time searching. She wasn't stupid enough to keep searching blindly when she knew the disguise was so well done. She directly called for backup, contacting Alvit.

"Vice-captain, we have preliminarily analyzed the treatment data provided by Shencheng Pharmaceuticals. Aside from the excessive drug consumption, we haven't found any obvious loopholes."

"Alvit, that's not what I'm asking. Can you check the recent surveillance data around Shencheng Pharmaceuticals? I suspect this company has major issues, but I can't find any evidence for now."

"Surveillance? In the previous Honkai outbreak, all surveillance data seemed to be destroyed, and information could only be obtained through the accounts of survivors. However, we did find some very strange information. During the Honkai event a couple of days ago, there were rumors of someone flying who eliminated all the Honkai Beasts, but most people couldn't accurately describe her appearance. Instead, some children seemed to mention magical girls."

"Magical girls?"

Rita's questioning tone seemed to have caused Alvit some misunderstanding. She quickly explained, "Although I occasionally watch those comics, I really didn't make up 'magical girls.' It's what those survivor children said."

"Moreover, during the investigation of those victims, I inadvertently saw some glowing patterns on the backs of some MANTIS. Now that I think about it, doesn't it look a bit like Stigmata?"

"Stigmata? Do you know what you're saying?" The technology for Stigmata was now entirely in the hands of Schicksal. It was precisely because of artificial Stigmata that so many Valkyries could be trained. The fact that they appeared on MANTIS was a huge problem.

"I'm absolutely sure I'm not mistaken. Those patterns really resemble Stigmata. Although most of them are incomplete, the more I recall, the more similar they seem." As Alvit spoke, she even sent the photos she had taken at the time to Rita's communicator.

This is Schicksal's core technology. If the Stigmata technology were to leak, it would mean a large-scale leak had occurred within Schicksal itself. Of course, another possibility is that an unknown organization has also mastered Stigmata technology, which would also impact Schicksal's current standing.

Originally, Rita would have leaned towards the first guess. However, after her encounter with Raven a couple of days ago, World Serpent's status had risen sharply in her mind. It wasn't impossible for such a clandestine organization to possess Stigmata technology.

"If that's really the case, then Shencheng Pharmaceuticals is highly suspect. Alvit, immediately conduct a geographical penetration of the Shencheng industrial district. Simulate at least the architectural structure of the three underground levels. Everyone else, continue your investigation. Based on your description, that so-called magical girl is very likely the Herrscher of Void. When you encounter her, do not engage. Upload all visual data to the Eos."

Quickly analyzing the current situation, a few minutes later, a rough perspective map was transmitted to Rita's communicator. Looking at the complex underground structure on the screen, Rita sneered, "A cunning fox has three dens, but you've likely become too arrogant."

Following the map's markings, Rita successfully entered the underground. It was only after reaching the depths that she truly grasped the immensity of the structure. Giant mechanical components were everywhere, and dense reconnaissance robots patrolled continuously. To avoid alerting Cleo, Rita spent some time circumventing the patrols one by one, finally locating the experimental area after half an hour.

However, the moment she stepped into the laboratory, she was shocked by the sheer number of nutrient tanks. Each cultivation tank contained the corpses of humans or MANTIS. Through the transparent glass, Rita could clearly see fine patterns interwoven on the backs of some MANTIS, eventually forming a glowing mark—a Stigmata, familiar to Rita.

Even more disturbing were the carelessly severed limbs. Some had key parts removed, while others had mechanical structures implanted. From a distance, it resembled a bizarre museum of humanity, showcasing to visitors the extent to which humans could be modified.

She finally realized she had reached the root of all secrets.

Her portable vital signs monitor showed her heart rate and blood pressure steadily rising. Even Rita, who had experienced countless battles, couldn't help but feel a surge of anger when faced with such a barbaric scene.

But anger wouldn't solve anything now. After calming herself slightly, Rita immediately began to crack the laboratory's programs. Soon, she obtained the same data Kiana had seen before. This data had originally been stolen from this laboratory by Su Jue, so naturally, the version here was more complete.

And the most shocking of all was the plan to use the entire city's population as experimental subjects.

"They must be insane..."

However, just as she was about to collect all the data and upload it to the Eos, the largest screen in the laboratory suddenly lit up.

"Honestly, I think so too."

Gray hair, red eyes. When that iconic face appeared, Rita's hands began to tremble with rage.

"It was you after all." The person on the screen was naturally Raven, but the background behind her was not a room, but a desolate street.

In an instant, all the cultivation tanks in the laboratory were quietly activated, releasing the MANTIS and modified humanoid weapons stored within. These were the ultimate weapons created by Jackal through the combination of Stigmata awakening and mechanical modification—Death Weavers.

Though they looked like ordinary MANTIS, Rita felt a strong sense of threat from them. "I'm surrounded. Immortal Blade Squad, prepare to rendezvous."

She immediately called her communicator, but Alvit's response was delayed.

Chapter 90: HSN Gas

"Are you looking for them?" Raven's voice came from the screen. As her perspective shifted, the slumped figures on the ground immediately came into Rita's view. Without a doubt, these were her teammates.

"You!" Finally realizing she had been completely tricked, Rita immediately counterattacked. However, the number of MANTIS was overwhelming, and their combat effectiveness was not to be underestimated. Escaping wouldn't be easy.

"Since Miss Rita enjoys investigating, then take your time to remember everything here. The price will be your life and the lives of your teammates."

Screech—

A cold frost spread out, instantly freezing the surrounding MANTIS. Rita's scythe swept through, and the MANTIS fell as half-severed corpses.

"If you think Schicksal Valkyries are only this capable, you're underestimating me. I'm looking forward to seeing if you can still talk like this when you fall into my hands."

"Whether I can or not isn't decided by you. Now, my colleague will negotiate with you. She seems to have prepared a gift for you. I hope you'll still be alive after I've finished chasing your teammates."

As the familiar dog-head mask appeared on the screen, a pale green gas began to spread through the laboratory. Rita immediately identified it as poison gas, but luckily she had a gas mask with her.

"That thing is useless. After my modifications, this gas will enter your body the moment it touches your skin." As expected of Jackal, she couldn't wait to explain her invention as soon as she appeared. "I didn't expect Raven to be right. Schicksal's rats are indeed good at burrowing."

Quickly putting on her gas mask, Rita didn't trust the enemy, but she still instinctively tried to avoid the gas as much as possible, attacking the MANTIS with maximum power. However, as time passed, the gas in the laboratory increased, and Rita quickly felt her internal strength draining.

The scythe in her hand no longer felt sharp, and her armor felt heavy. The power of a Valkyrie was disappearing.

Seeing the drug take effect, Jackal couldn't help but laugh.

"Do you feel it? This is your Schicksal's prized creation, HSN-b46 Serum. I've transformed it into a gas. As long as any part of your body comes into contact with it, it will invade and disrupt the Honkai Energy circulation in your body. In just half a minute, you'll become a completely defenseless ordinary person."

"How is it? Are you satisfied with this gift?"

Rita ignored her and desperately killed the surrounding MANTIS. But as her Honkai Energy disappeared, the God-Slaying Armor not only failed to provide her with buffs but instead became a burden.

"Oh my, your movements have slowed down. This doesn't look like the strength of an S-rank Valkyrie." After the disastrous encounters of the past two days, Jackal finally had a chance to turn the tables and began to mock her relentlessly. "Using Schicksal's weapons against Schicksal Valkyries, this is truly exhilarating."

"Hoo... hoo..." Rita panted heavily. Her Honkai Energy was completely gone now, and she could only rely on her pure physical strength to fight. "World Serpent, I will make you pay sooner or later."

"Pay? You..."

Suddenly, before Jackal could finish her sentence, the signal abruptly cut off. Deep underground, Rita felt a faint tremor, as if a massive explosion had occurred on the surface.

Half an hour earlier, at Sky City's municipal hospital, Su Jue was sitting on the bed looking out the window. Kiana was sitting by the bed, handing him a poorly peeled apple.

Su Jue's body had recovered considerably. Apart from his legs, which were still immobile, he could move normally elsewhere.

The neon lights of Sky City flickered like a sky full of stars.

"I'll help you investigate the truth. Cheer up, Su Jue." Noticing Su Jue's gaze, Kiana immediately understood he was thinking about the past again. Although he had given up on self-pity under her persuasion, he still had a knot in his heart.

Shencheng Pharmaceuticals. In the calm of the past two days, this name appeared in Kiana's sight once more. Having seen the research data, she knew very well that Shencheng Pharmaceuticals was not providing free medical care but conducting cruel human experiments.

If it weren't for the need to take care of Su Jue, who was in an unstable condition, Kiana would have already gone to confront them with the Spears of the Void. Now that his condition had improved, her own actions should be put on the agenda.

Just then, she saw a flash in the distant sky. Through the silhouette of the lights, she quickly realized it was an airship. With the frequent Honkai incidents in Sky City now, the only organization that could possibly arrive was Schicksal.

It was unrealistic to bring down Shencheng Technology by herself, but with Schicksal, it was different. Although Kiana also harbored animosity towards Schicksal, it was undeniable that they were determined to fight Honkai. Moreover, the Stigmata project researched by Shencheng Pharmaceuticals would inevitably clash with Schicksal's interests. It was not impossible to use Schicksal to counter Shencheng Technology.

The news of the Herrscher of Void had been exposed, and Schicksal's objective was likely her. Kiana decided to reveal herself and expose Shencheng Pharmaceuticals' conspiracy through violent means.

"I... I'm going out." Kiana grabbed Su Jue's hand, helped him lean back on the bed, and then closed and locked the window to prevent him from impulsively jumping out.

"..." Doesn't this whole 'my legs can't move' thing feel a bit excessive? It's like they're treating Su Jue like a puppet they can just manipulate.

"Oh, right, do you need to use the restroom?"

"No, I'm not that weak."

"Then do you want..." Kiana didn't finish her sentence. Su Jue shoved the apple he had just given her back into Kiana's mouth, effectively silencing her.

"Handle your own business, I can live normally." He pushed Kiana away with a dark expression. Su Jue knew exactly what she was planning. His puppets were already keeping an eye on Shencheng Technology, and any further delay would mean missing the main event.

"Mmmph mmmph." Chewing on the apple in her mouth, Kiana made unintelligible sounds. After leaving the hospital room, she quickly pulled up her hood and hurried towards Shencheng Technology.

Upon arriving, she quickly spotted members of the Immortal Blade Squad engaged in battle with MANTIS. However, the well-trained Valkyrie unit was performing no better than ordinary soldiers, even retreating under the onslaught of a large number of MANTIS. In other areas, many Valkyries had already fallen.

Seeing the team members who could still hold on for a while longer, Kiana didn't immediately join the fight. Instead, she first attended to the injured. Although the time for investigating Shencheng Technology was pressing, she didn't want a repeat of what Griseo had experienced. Furthermore, by saving these members, she could learn the reason for their weakened state from them and avoid falling into a trap.

Chapter 91: Alvit

Most of the Immortal Blade members had fallen unconscious. Kiana laid them down against the wall to prevent further injury. Just then, the Valkyrie with short gray hair seemed to wake up due to Kiana's movements. Upon seeing her face, she recoiled as if she had seen a ghost, constantly trying to back away.

Alvit: "Herrscher of Void!! Don't come near me..."

Looking at the terrified Valkyrie, Kiana felt nothing. After experiencing so much, she no longer rejected the title "Herrscher of Void" as she once did. "Your injuries aren't serious. What happened here?"

However, Alvit, who had long heard of the Herrscher of Void's infamy at Schicksal, maintained a strong sense of caution. She shook her head. "I won't tell you. You are, you are the enemy."

Seeing Alvit's reaction, Kiana felt a bit helpless. It seemed Su Jue was right; constant peace only made things more troublesome. These people really didn't listen to reason. She pointed to the other members of the Immortal Blade Squad still fighting. "If you don't talk, all your teammates will die there."

Only then did Alvit notice the condition of her teammates. Although still afraid of the Herrscher of Void, she cared more about her comrades. "They're too despicable. They used a special tear gas that causes power loss upon contact."

"Who are they?" Kiana quickly realized. It seemed Schicksal's people had already begun their investigation and had suffered a heavy blow.