Had this background college student in the Honkai World just given in to despair?
That was far too hasty.
There had to be more to it.
A fingertip slid across the glass screen.
The camera pulled back.
It cut over to Durandal.
Within the illusion, all was silent.
The device was called the Sumeru Box.
It was a gift left by a certain pioneer two years ago.
At that moment, Schicksal's strongest Valkyrie sat cross-legged.
A lance floated beside her.
Abyss Flower.
Death and vitality intertwined within it.
Clearly divided, yet seamlessly united.
So much like the loneliness and bonds of the human world.
Its previous wielder was Cecilia Schariac.
Five years ago, a few words from the Traveler had prompted Durandal to start paying attention to this predecessor.
Later, the Archbishop had revealed the secrets of the holy blood and the Herrscher of the Void.
The result was this.
At some point, Abyss Flower had begun appearing far less often on ordinary missions.
It was not because it was difficult to wield.
Her Honkai energy resistance was exceptional, and her mastery of the lance was consummate.
Nor was it jealousy or arrogance.
Even in a mere sparring match, she habitually gave her all.
That was her way of respecting her opponent.
Of course, it had even less to do with those dark rumors among the Valkyries.
None of Abyss Flower's successive wielders had met a good end.
In that respect, it was even more dangerous than the Kaslana family's Judgment of Shamash.
But a weapon was ultimately only a weapon.
On the battlefield, death was the impartial backdrop, unrelated to whatever blade one held.
No.
The trace of hesitation in Durandal's heart stemmed neither from fear nor aversion.
It was a sense of distance bordering on fastidiousness.
She did