Volume 1, Chapter 2: Honkai Simulation Experience - Starting by Confessing to Finality

Mission time over. The total came to 46 chapters! Which is almost 47, which is basically the same as 48, which can pretty much just be rounded up to 49, and with that, let's just upload up to chapter 50.

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The Immortal Blades' garrison is located on Schicksal Headquarters' floating island.

They enjoy the best training facilities, weaponry, armor, logistics support, technology, and compensation within Schicksal. In return, they bear the greatest responsibility for combating the Honkai Disaster.

Upon returning to the garrison, the Valkyries naturally formed groups, gathering together. Xia Chen found himself somewhat isolated; strictly speaking, he only knew Susannah and Alvitr relatively well. However, Susannah was outgoing with many friends, while Alvitr served as a technical specialist, not typically accompanying field missions.

For Xia Chen, not having friends wasn't much of an issue.

During this period, his training had been relentlessly grueling, leaving little time or energy to make acquaintances. His familiarity with Susannah only arose because she saved him during intense initial training; he nearly fainted from dehydration and was revived by the electrolyte solution she provided.

After returning the weapon to the logistics department, Xia Chen dragged his weary body back to his room.

One positive aspect of Schicksal was that each member received a private single-occupancy unit, approximately thirty square meters, equipped with utilities and furnishings.

He took a shower, dried his hair, and lay down on the bed.

Xia Chen then began exploring the Destruction Simulator.

Similar to the Life Simulator he encountered before crossing over, the Destruction Simulator presented random scenarios where one could experience Honkai events. Death within these simulations was not real, nor did the experiences have any impact on reality.

With slight hesitation, he decided to give it a try.

Based on the storyline progression, future Honkai incidents would become more frequent, making it impossible for him to continually serve as Durandal's logistician.

Although the game he played in his previous life didn't extensively detail the Immortal Blades, the responsibility of clearing Honkai always fell upon Valkyrie squads, so the Immortal Blades were no exception.

Therefore, the rewards offered by the system became crucially important.

He attempted to communicate with the system using his thoughts.

The connection was successful.

[Do you wish to initiate the simulation of a Honkai scenario?]

[Please note, each simulation will be different and randomly generated. The system will award players based on their performance; please strive for excellence.]

[After each simulation, the system will provide a textual record allowing players to review their actions.]

Naturally, Xia Chen chose to agree.

However, before proceeding, he selected the 'System AFK' option.

According to the system, AFK mode could automate simple repetitive tasks like eating, drinking, and restroom breaks. For more complex behaviors, the system would make judgments based on real-world scenarios.

It's important to note that since the system lacks societal norms, some actions might not align with common human logic.

[Destruction World Simulator activated.]

[Current Scenario: Ruins of the previous civilization era in the intrinsic world.]

[Weapons Equipped: None.]

[Stigmata Equipped: None.]

[Generating system records...]

[Day 1: Eight MANTIS fusion warriors arrive at the moon for the final battle against the Finality Herrscher. You infiltrate a spacecraft, encounter the Finality Herrscher, and proceed to confess your feelings to it.]

[You died, resulting in an extremely gruesome scene.]

[Ding, your experience in this Honkai world has concluded. You may permanently retain one item to extract into the real world. Congratulations! You have obtained 'Courage to Face All', would you like to extract it?]

When Xia Chen woke up again, his expression was somewhat dazed, with his pupils slightly unfocused.

He had witnessed Finality.

As if encountering something indescribable and incomprehensible.

The overwhelming presence, suffocating and breathless, nearly drove Xia Chen to the brink of collapse from the start.

If not for his recently strengthened mental fortitude through training with the Immortal Blades, he might have even questioned reality, believing that the world glimpsed alongside Finality was truly his own.

This simulator was far too realistic—so much so that just one glance from Finality almost shattered him completely.

His final confession was entirely spontaneous, fearing that if he stayed longer, his mind would be 'contaminated' by Finality's influence.

Even though the Herrscher of Finality did not require believers, it was difficult for human minds to escape her unintentional contamination.

After a long moment, he gradually regained his composure.

"No wonder the System advised against continuous use of the simulator; this indescribable contamination is intense."

He noticed his hands were trembling uncontrollably.

Checking the time, only three minutes had passed, yet his clothes were drenched in sweat.

"But could someone really defeat such a formidable Final Herrscher?"

A sense of despair crept in, as the power gap seemed insurmountable.

Extracting the rewards from the System finally helped alleviate some of his disorientation.

"Phew, survived again."

Pouring himself a glass of water, Xia Chen suddenly felt inexplicably empty—a sensation stemming from his lack of confidence in his abilities.

Despite events in Honkai Impact 2, Honkai had never been fully eradicated.

The System provided the courage to face all challenges but not necessarily the strength to overcome them.

"I should go train." He made his decision.

Meanwhile, at Schicksal Headquarters.

Secretary Amber, wearing protective goggles, emotionlessly reported to the golden-haired Otto, "Lord Bishop, all instances of Honkai in Europe have been successfully cleared by the Immortal Blades squad. The current losses and expenses report has been sent to you."

"Understood."

Otto, facing away from Amber, focused his gaze on a map marked with the location of the Second Divine Key.

"The captain and vice-captain of the Immortal Blades are waiting in the rest area."

"Send them in," Otto replied.

Nodding, Amber followed through with the request.

Shortly after, Durandal and Rita approached, clad in third-generation Valkyrie armor.

"Lord Bishop, we're here to report our mission completion," Durandal stated directly. "The cleanup operation against Honkai is finished."

"Well done, Bianka." Otto smiled warmly. "Your efforts have been commendable, Immortal Blades. I've already approved your vacation application report."

He paused before continuing, "However, there's one more task I need your assistance with. Through observations by the Science Division, Schicksal has located the Second Divine Key. Rita, this mission is entrusted to you."

"Understood, Lord Bishop."

Rita was accustomed to receiving sudden assignments.

Noticing their exchange, Durandal couldn't help but ask from the side, "Is this mission dangerous? Perhaps it would be better if I handle it instead."

"No need, Lady Durandal," Rita replied with a warm smile. "For now, you should simply enjoy your vacation."

"All right then."

Durandal had no doubts about Rita's capabilities.

"Oh, and speaking of which," Otto suddenly asked with keen interest, "how has that male member assigned to the Immortal Blades been performing? If he doesn't fit well within the unit, have Amber reassign him elsewhere."

"He's doing fine," Durandal considered for a moment before responding. "Although his training dedication and foundational skills aren't on par with mine, he still shows considerable commitment. I've already planned to train him individually, aiming to make him capable of handling tasks independently."

"I see, hearing that puts my mind at ease."

Otto didn't pay much attention to Xia Chen specifically.

Initially, when Otto assigned Xia Chen to the Immortal Blades, it was merely to avoid wasting an A-rank Valkyrie's potential and have Durandal assist in honing his skills. That was the extent of his intention.

Xia Chen did not warrant much attention from him; instead, he valued Durandal's ability to navigate interpersonal relationships and handle affairs efficiently. Xia Chen served as a tool for her development.

"If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave now."

"Indeed." Otto waved dismissively.