Volume 1, Chapter 41: Otto Appears in the Training Room

Thanks to Rin's presence, Xia Chen's body had recovered considerably; at least the discomfort had vanished.

Unwilling to waste any opportunity for self-improvement, he promptly headed to the training room. Naturally, before leaving, he tossed the sweat-soaked bedsheet into the washing machine.

The terror experienced between life and death often causes cold sweats. He considered himself fortunate not to have developed electrolyte imbalances due to it.

Fortunately, Xia Chen had prepared saline solution beforehand.

Though unpleasant to drink, he finished it all.

Clad in his armor, the young boy entered the training facility.

Due to the delay caused by resting on his bed, it was already 9 PM when he arrived, with only a few people present.

Xia Chen spotted Ana and started to greet her but hesitated, pausing mid-gesture.

At the edge of the training ground, Rita, Durandal, and a man stood together, seemingly engaged in a hushed conversation.

Xia Chen recognized him immediately:

Otto Apocalypse, the Archbishop of Schicksal.

What could bring such a high-ranking figure to this place?

It had been three months since Xia Chen joined the Immortal Blades, not just a day or two. He was aware that the revered Lord Bishop, adored by Valkyries, rarely visited the training grounds.

With his Soulium-enhanced body already at its pinnacle, there was no need for him to train physically.

As for strength...

Does the Archbishop of Schicksal require it?

Clearly, Otto's presence here must be related to him.

Xia Chen felt slightly uneasy, despite having endured numerous life-and-death simulations that tempered his composure. However, Otto's unexpected visit still exerted considerable pressure on him.

Everyone knew what Otto desired,

But no one could predict how he would achieve it.

Currently, Xia Chen likely wasn't part of Otto's plans yet, but evidently, his exceptional talent has garnered Otto's significant attention.

He didn't deliberately greet them, instead focusing solely on his workout routine.

Otto, engrossed in a quiet discussion with Durandal, appeared indifferent to Xia Chen's presence.

Only after Xia Chen completed eight sets of exercises did Otto slowly remark, "Bianka has truly taught a remarkable student. The intensity of his training just now is equivalent to four days' worth for an average Valkyrie."

"Yes," Durandal paused before adding, "However, he isn't my student; I only taught him Kaslana Gunmanship."

"Not just that," Otto replied slowly. "I am aware that during the Manila Honkai incident, he took it upon himself to request a rescue mission. Furthermore, he was the first to challenge the virtual Glorious Knight in the Memory Battlefield. Such courage and determination cannot be possible without your influence."

Otto, after all, is not omnipotent; he couldn't account for the existence of the system.

Xia Chen's recent exceptional performance was too striking, leading Otto naturally to attribute his success to Durandal's guidance.

A hint of confusion flickered in Durandal's eyes. Had she truly influenced him that much? Nonetheless, she firmly shook her head.

"His achievements are the result of his own efforts. It wouldn't be fair to credit them solely to me, Lord Bishop."

Durandal highly valued fairness, regardless of its form.

"Alright." A touch of resignation crept into Otto's voice, yet his gaze grew even more profound.

He had to admit, Xia Chen's sudden rise made him worthy of attention. Although Xia Chen's growth seemed beneficial for Schicksal overall, Otto could not overlook the potential variables this might introduce into his future plans.

"I suddenly have an interest in having a chat with him. Bianka, Rita, would you like to join?"

"No need," Durandal shook her head. "He doesn't require excessive lecturing, and for other topics, I wouldn't be able to handle them effectively. If I go, it'd merely be for sparring."

This reflected Durandal's straightforward nature, focusing only on food nutrition and combat.

Rita also slightly shook her head, declining the offer.

Otto remained unfazed. With the grace of a medieval gentleman, he approached Xia Chen.

At that moment, Xia Chen had just finished his workout and accepted the saline solution and nutrient supplement from Ana.

She commented, "Your complexion looks much better today compared to before. And during training, you seem less frenzied, more composed now. Hmm, has something improved your mood?"

"Yes, seeing you certainly lifts my spirits," Xia Chen replied naturally, unable to mention Rin.

"Pfft, typical man talk." Ana wasn't buying this nonsense.

However, the corners of her lips still curved upwards subtly.

"My apologies for interrupting the young pair."

Otto's voice preceded his arrival, smiling warmly at Xia Chen as he asked, "May we have a conversation?"

"Lord Bishop."

Beside him, Ana blushed slightly, resembling a student caught by their teacher for early romance, feeling both embarrassed and awkward.

"Don't worry; I won't interfere with this matter."

The Schariac's holy blood was crucial, but Ana's displayed talent did not match Cecilia's caliber, so Otto wasn't overly strict with her supervision. Instead, during this period, he provided Ana with ample resources, clearly intending to groom her as the next S-Class Valkyrie.

Yes, the next S-Class Valkyrie, not the next Cecilia.

Otto no longer needed 'Cecilia,' and his previous debt to House Schariac would be repaid through Ana.

Of course, these intentions couldn't be openly stated.

Otto's words visibly relieved Ana.

On the other hand, Xia Chen remained cautious inside while asking casually, "Lord Bishop, I'm unsure what aspect you wish to discuss."

"Any aspect is fine." He spoke jovially, "Don't be nervous. It's just that we have too few male combatants against Honkai, and seeing you brings me some delight."

"Care to take a walk with me?"

Xia Chen composed himself slightly and agreed, "Sure."

Under the envious gazes of several Valkyries on the training ground, Xia Chen walked alongside Otto, listening to his cryptic remarks.

He openly admitted that Schicksal was investigating Xia Chen.

Furthermore, Otto revealed that Schicksal had discovered another world bubble using unconventional methods.

"While our investigation may seem somewhat underhanded, I hope you won't hold it against us."

When matters did not involve Kallen, Otto conducted himself like an elegant gentleman, speaking warmly, "Of course, since I believe we've done nothing wrong, I won't apologize to you."

"If there's any compensation you desire, feel free to mention it now. Hmm, even if you need help persuading Ana's parents, I can assist with that."

Xia Chen acknowledged feeling much more at ease.

Despite knowing Otto's deceitful nature, he couldn't bring himself to dislike him entirely.

However, he didn't foolishly accept the offer right away.

In his previous life, Xia Chen was a student but not naive or impulsive.

"In my hometown, there's a saying: 'Every family has its own set of challenges.' Besides, compared to these issues, Schicksal has already given me much more."

"Hmm, truly impressive thoughts. So, you really believe that?"

"Yes," he replied firmly.

"Ha ha, not bad at all. Come with me then." Otto seemed intrigued and led Xia Chen away from the training room.

Despite his confusion, Xia Chen followed obediently.