Volume 1, Chapter 32: Just a Vacation Mission

At Raven's bar, Xia Chen and Ana safely enjoyed two glasses of cola without any incidents.

As they stepped out from the bar, Ana couldn't resist saying, "I observed her for a while; she doesn't seem like someone from Anti-Entropy."

"Hmm? Why do you say that?" Xia Chen raised an eyebrow, recalling, "I remember even though Anti-Entropy primarily focuses on Titans, they also have methods for training Valkyries."

Currently, Anti-Entropy lacked Valkyries, relying mostly on Titans for their combat strength. However, as a faction split from Schicksal, they possess a well-established process for cultivating Valkyries.

Thus, stating that Anti-Entropy has no individual Valkyrie units is incorrect.

"Anti-Entropy's Valkyries aren't this seasoned; they're completely reliant on their armor." Ana paused before adding, "Moreover, without artificial Stigmata technology, fewer people would qualify as Valkyries."

After all, Valkyries directly confront Honkai Beasts, essentially serving as human equivalents of rampaging dinosaurs in many ways.

The scarcity of such individuals is naturally evident.

Despite its numerous flaws, artificial Stigma technology indeed lowered the threshold for becoming a Valkyrie.

"Currently, Anti-Entropy doesn't prioritize this area, so I suspect it's likely someone from another faction."

It must be acknowledged that Ana's observations were keen.

This world has never been solely about Schicksal and Anti-Entropy.

According to Schicksal's intelligence, some large nations and governments have attempted to replicate their model by establishing similar Valkyrie programs. Otherwise, where would military companies producing Honkai weapons find their clients?

However, without the key technologies, these factions could only rely on purchasing arms.

Nevertheless, money can often buy significant capabilities.

Although the efficiency of funding utilization may not match Schicksal's, these nations could still establish small-scale teams akin to Valkyrie squads. Additionally, there were private armed forces operating similarly.

To put it plainly, even Schicksal's Valkyrie Squads were stationed primarily in crucial cities across Asia, Europe, and Africa, rather than every city.

Among these organizations, one notable group was the "Charon Catalog."

It served as a ranking list for assassins, but it was rumored that even those on the list possessed capabilities to combat high-level Honkai Beasts and Zombies.

"Notify Ghost," Xia Chen paused before adding, "and tell her to be cautious."

"What should we do next?"

"Follow the original plan, of course."

He wasn't overly concerned about Ghost's safety; as an exceptional intelligence operative within Schicksal's special department, she undoubtedly had formidable skills.

An A-rank Valkyrie is never ordinary, despite Ghost claiming she isn't skilled in combat.

"The original plan..." Ana blushed involuntarily.

The initial plan involved them pretending to be a married couple on vacation here.

This might just be Xia Chen's most relaxed day since joining Schicksal.

In Singapore, Ana still carried worries, and their outing, although enjoyable, primarily served to distract her mind from grief.

This time, their mission posed little difficulty, and Ana's mood had significantly improved.

For a Valkyrie, dying in battle was an inevitable fate, and she knew not to dwell on it for too long.

Despite having only around ten thousand inhabitants, the island offered no shortage of entertainment facilities.

Amusement parks, theaters, and even aquatic zoos...

Ana indulged herself, swiping her card extravagantly without concern for practicality. As she revealed, since birth, money had never been an issue for her.

Xia Chen couldn't help but feel envious.

As evening approached, they received a communication from Ghost.

"Your mission is progressing well. We've also obtained some valuable intelligence here. Expect the mission to conclude tomorrow. Find accommodation for tonight."

Ana and Xia Chen looked at each other.

"I never imagined a mission could be this straightforward," she remarked with a hint of self-deprecation. "Perhaps, I simply lack experience."

Since they were playing the role of a married couple, they ended up staying in the same room.

It was a standard double room with two beds.

As they lay side by side, a subtle atmosphere filled the space between them.

Xia Chen recognized it as hormones at play.

Undeniably, Ana was beautiful, and even Ghost's makeup couldn't diminish her allure.

To claim he wasn't affected would be a lie.

However, the Herrscher issue constantly weighed on his mind. Despite having the Gun of God, there was no guarantee it could perfectly resolve this problem. It was not yet the right time to reveal his feelings.

Similarly, Ana felt unsettled.

Only she knew that she had another mission here, specifically related to gathering intelligence on Xia Chen.

Her eyes flickered with internal conflict, as if making a decision, before softly speaking, "Xia Chen."

Her tone lacked the liveliness from earlier.

"What is it?" He couldn't help but ask, sensing something significant.

"Yes, there's something I've been curious about." She carefully chose her words, "I realize I haven't really gotten to know you well. Could you tell me about your past?"

Xia Chen's thoughts raced, instantly comprehending the situation.

His mood grew heavy, and the previous romantic ambiance vanished abruptly.

From the start, Ana must have known the true purpose of this mission.

Then, today's intimate moments...were they spontaneous expressions of affection or part of a calculated plan?

However, Ana continued speaking as if to herself, "This isn't what I wanted to hear; it's Amber who needed to know. I'm sorry for bringing you here."

Her voice trembled slightly, "It... doesn't matter whether you say or don't say anything."

"Idiot."

Xia Chen's tone was filled with exasperation, yet his heart brimmed with gratitude.

He could tell that Ana chose honesty because she trusted him completely.

Smiling, he said, "Whether it's you or Amber, if there's something you want to ask, just come directly to me."

Xia Chen didn't want this incident to burden Ana further.

Naturally, the young man couldn't reveal his journey from Earth to a game world, nor could he explain his seemingly erased past experiences.

"If I told you I'm an alien, would you believe me?"

"An alien?"

"Yes, from another world bubble."

After a moment's thought, he decided to introduce the concept of world bubbles.

"In my world... well, before I crossed over here, it hadn't been destroyed by Honkai. In fact, I only learned about Honkai after arriving in this world."

"To be honest, even I am quite bewildered. However, fearing Schicksal might capture and study me, I've never revealed this."

Without hesitation, Ana blurted out, "As long as I'm here, they won't study you."

She continued with a slight embarrassment, "I'm sorry, I deceived you."

Pausing briefly, she revealed her true feelings, "The act of pretending to be married today was not part of any planned script. On this matter, I, Ana, swear by the honor of House Schariac that it was no jest."