Volume 1, Chapter 15: The Inescapable 'Surviving Not Beyond the First Day'

"He's already been examined. All his wounds were self-inflicted, with no major issues found," Dr. Mei explained to Kevin at the Fire Moth's base. "Based on the surveillance footage, it appears this soldier suddenly experienced mental distress but managed to regain control just in time."

"Su is currently taking care of him; he likely guessed what happened," she added.

Kevin nodded.

"I will personally oversee that Herrscher from now on," he stated.

Rin, as the first Herrscher under their control who could maintain self-restraint, held immense significance for the Fire Moth—an importance that needed no further explanation.

However, Xia Chen's bizarre behavior, even upon reviewing the surveillance, left both Mei and Kevin deeply disturbed.

They had no doubt that Xia Chen was deliberately inflicting harm on himself, driven towards suicide.

"My thanks for handling this."

Currently, few survivors remained within the Fire Moth, and each member of The Thirteen Flame-Chasers harbored their own thoughts. It wasn't just Mei who wanted to study this Herrscher; undoubtedly, others had their plans as well.

Among them, the only person she could fully trust was Kevin.

Kevin nodded and walked out.

On the other side, Xia Chen gradually regained consciousness.

Before his eyes, he saw a tall and slender man with a refined demeanor.

"Awake now? Would you like an apple?" Su offered a peeled apple to Xia Chen.

"Thank you." He accepted it, a hint of confusion flickering in his gaze. "What happened to me?"

"It's due to the Laws," Su replied.

Su did not hide it. After a pause, he said, "It's nothing serious; just resting here for some time should suffice."

"Oh."

"Additionally, thank you for controlling yourself at that crucial moment," Su sincerely expressed his gratitude.

As a compassionate doctor, with the world on the brink of collapse, he was even more unwilling to witness further acts of violence and killing.

Xia Chen remained silent.

"That girl... Is she alright?"

"She is fine." Su paused before continuing, "Now, can we discuss your matter?"

Xia Chen nodded, "Is it about those Commandments you mentioned earlier?"

He had no knowledge of what these Commandments were, likely because they were features not yet introduced before his transmigration. At the time of his arrival in this world, the double S versions' information confirmation was still ongoing.

"Hmm."

Su smiled warmly, "No need to be nervous, look into my eyes."

Involuntarily, Xia Chen complied, watching as Su slowly opened his eyes.

Xia Chen felt as if he 'saw' something different.

It was a nun.

Xia Chen believed he had never encountered this character in the game from his previous life. Yet upon seeing her, he experienced an indescribable sense of familiarity.

She began praying devoutly.

In this dim and lightless place...

When Xia Chen 'awoke', he found himself drenched in cold sweat.

A belated sense of terror washed over him.

For a fleeting moment, he felt as though the nun had controlled him.

"Who... is that woman?"

"Aponia."

Su closed her eyes again, smiling gently. "Regarding the Commandment issue, I will handle it. Don't worry too much; rest here peacefully."

Xia Chen nodded.

Even after Su left, he continued to feel an inexplicable unease.

"So, she must be one of The Thirteen Flame-Chasers, right? Could she have been responsible for Sakura's sister's death, but... why would she do such a thing?"

Numerous questions flooded his mind unbidden.

In Xia Chen's understanding, Rin's death resulted from survivors' fear of Herrschers, leading to a desperate act of madness. However, now it seemed there might be more to the story.

The System's simulations were based on historical contexts, suggesting that these Commandments did not arise arbitrarily.

Fortunately, he managed to regain control, despite appearing slightly deranged.

Meanwhile, outside Rin's prison cell.

Kevin observed the unswept bloodstains, his brow furrowing involuntarily. He could almost imagine the intense suffering Xia Chen endured at that moment.

Suddenly, a fleeting shadow flashed before Kevin.

"Rin, are you alright?"

She bypassed Kevin and opened the confinement room door.

Upon hearing the familiar voice, tears welled up in Rin's eyes.

"Big Sister, I'm so scared."

Her fear intensified.

Sakura tightly embraced Rin, gently patting her back to soothe her.

After a while, once Rin had cried herself out and grown weary, Sakura turned to Kevin. "What exactly happened here? Why was Rin locked up? And there's blood... What occurred?"

"Aponia's Commandment," Kevin replied calmly.

"Her Commandment pushed ordinary soldiers to the brink of mental collapse; these bloodstains bear witness to their struggle. Fortunately, he regained consciousness just in time, or else... the outcome would have been uncertain."

He didn't answer why Rin was imprisoned here, but Sakura could likely guess.

"I understand," she took a deep breath.

"Kevin, please thank that soldier for me."

"What do you intend to do?"

"Go deeper within this place."

Sakura rose, determination flashing in her eyes.

However, Kevin stepped in front of her.

"Kevin, don't stop me."

"It's not about stopping you," he replied calmly. "But once you leave, who can you trust with your sister's care?"

Sakura fell silent.

Indeed, this is Fire Moth territory.

No one harbors goodwill towards Herrschers. If she left, would there be any hope for her sister's survival?

It's important to remember that the Commandments affected more than just Xia Chen.

After a long moment, she said, "Thank you."

"Please keep both Rin and me together."

"I'll apply to Dr. Mei for it."

As the first day neared its end, Xia Chen couldn't help but sigh in relief.

Thankfully, he seemed to have escaped the curse of 'not surviving past the first day.'

In the Fire Moth's hospital bed, several people came to visit him, including Kevin, Sakura, and even Mobius.

Among them, Sakura arrived to express her gratitude, accompanied by Kevin. On the other hand, Mobius was genuinely intrigued by him.

From Mobius's perspective, Xia Chen's actions completely defied biological instincts, piquing her interest for further study.

Fortunately, this wasn't Xia Chen's first encounter with her. Moreover, the tension between MOTH's regular soldiers and the Thirteen Heroes was palpable. With a stern expression, he prompted Mobius to leave unceremoniously, losing her interest.

At such moments, there should always be a second day, right?

However, just as he thought he might survive longer this time...

The incident involving the Herrscher of Corruption erupted once again.

Rin was killed by another soldier who seized the opportunity while Sakura and Kevin were thanking Xia Chen.

Before Xia Chen's consciousness faded entirely, only one word crossed his mind:

"Damn!"

[You died due to the outbreak of the Herrscher of Corruption event, succumbing to the corruption.]

[Your experience in the simulated Honkai world has concluded. You may permanently retain the following items and extract them into the real world. Congratulations! You've obtained Crimson Stain Sakura (Demon Blade) x1. Extract now?]

Meanwhile, at the World Serpent's base:

A sudden uprising occurred within the Elysian Realm.

The Hero named Sakura abruptly ventured deep inside, as if seeking confirmation of something.