Volume 1, Chapter 45: The Ocean Branch's Primary Work

News of Xia Chen being transferred reached his few close acquaintances.

Before even leaving the training ground, he spotted Susannah and Alvitr walking towards him.

Confused, Susannah asked, "Has the Memory Battlefield become insufficient for your combat needs? If so, please ensure your safety on the actual battlefield."

However, Alvitr reassured her, "Susannah, there's no need to worry about that." With a slightly peculiar tone, she added, "Aside from Xia Chen already being an A-rank Valkyrie, do you know what the most important work is at the Ocean Branch?"

"What is it?" Susannah remained perplexed.

"Of course, it's mining," Alvitr paused before adding with a hint of amusement, "Schicksal, being such a vast organization, requires income to sustain itself. Australia is rich in resources yet sparsely populated. Schicksal has secretly controlled numerous mineral veins there for quite some time, extracting and transporting them to Europe. This actually falls under the responsibilities of the Ocean Branch."

Susannah couldn't help but be taken aback, "Isn't that just like going to Siberia to plant potatoes?"

Alvitr glanced at Xia Chen, teasingly saying, "By any chance, did you upset the old family head by winning over the little Princess Schariac? Otherwise, why would they send you to such a place?"

"Even the Far East Branch would have been preferable to the Ocean Branch." She sighed, "At least there's more freedom in the Far East Branch."

Xia Chen smiled, "For me, it doesn't make much difference."

Naturally, he didn't mention one thought lingering in his mind:

Going to the Ocean Branch might not be entirely bad.

However, during these recent simulations, he hadn't obtained another Gun of God. The one he possessed was meant for Ana.

Rin, residing within the Red Sakura, despite originating from the previous era's civilization, had no knowledge on how to halt a Herrscher's transformation, let alone extract its core. She could transmit information carriers to Xia Chen, but her capabilities were limited to this extent.

As for Wendy's situation, they could only take things one step at a time.

"However, going to the Ocean Branch isn't entirely without its benefits," Alvitr paused before continuing, "At least you won't have Captain overseeing your training there. I heard that a month of training at the branch is less intense than just a week here."

Xia Chen shrugged and said, "Captain mentioned earlier that when we meet next, she'll spar with me."

"Oh no, that sounds rough. There's no Memory Battlefield over there, so finding suitable opponents will be tough. Progressing without competition will be difficult; you can only aim not to regress."

There was a hint of gleeful schadenfreude in the girl's tone.

A Valkyrie's advancement requires certain conditions, and the Memory Battlefield provides the best environment for honing skills.

Australia, where the Ocean Branch is located, hasn't experienced a Honkai Event for many years, and it likely won't in the foreseeable future. Without combat or opportunities akin to the Immortal Blades' training regimen,

how would he improve? At best, he could maintain his current level.

But Xia Chen wasn't concerned, thanks to the System. Even if he were tasked with mining, it wouldn't matter.

"Well, having said all this, I can only wish you good luck," Alvitr paused briefly and added, "Don't burden yourself too much. Your talent is strong; you'll eventually return."

"Thanks, I appreciate it."

Xia Chen genuinely felt no mental strain from the situation.

At the appointed time, Xia Chen accompanied Gretel to the floating island's airfield.

Ana did not come to see him off.

On the very night their relationship was established, four new members joined the Snow Lotus Squad. As the newly appointed captain, Ana had numerous responsibilities and tasks to manage.

The young girl wasn't one to let personal feelings overshadow her work; in fact, most Valkyries of Schicksal prioritize their duties over relationships.

Thus, despite Ana occasionally displaying her temper, she wouldn't falter in fulfilling her obligations.

Xia Chen understood this well.

He boarded the aircraft with Gretel.

During the flight, Gretel shared much information about the Ocean Branch with him.

As Alvitr mentioned, the primary role of the Ocean Branch is to supply raw materials to Headquarters. Although the work can be tedious, it is generally not dangerous.

Governments worldwide open doors for Schicksal, and Anti-Entropy, its main adversary, currently lacks the capability to provoke them directly. Unless incredibly unlucky with sudden maritime weather conditions, there is minimal risk involved.

Moreover, Australia, where the Ocean Branch is stationed, has almost no recorded Honkai Events. Consequently, combat training at the Ocean Branch is not considered essential.

According to Gretel, daily training required only two hours, and the rest of the time was spent on theoretical courses or personal relaxation. Occasionally, there would be maritime missions, making it quite a leisurely assignment.

However, this ease only weighed heavier on Xia Chen's mind.

It now made sense why Wendy could trigger such a massive Honkai Event in New Zealand without any countermeasures from the Ocean Branch Valkyries—they were simply complacent.

Otherwise, with A-rank Valkyries present at the Ocean Branch, although unable to directly confront a newborn Herrscher, they might have been capable of stalling until reinforcements arrived from Headquarters or the Far East Branch.

Xia Chen suddenly spoke up, "If I recall correctly, Amber sent me here for training guidance."

"More precisely, it's for training exchange," Gretel corrected him. "But honestly, it doesn't hold much significance. Apart from myself, no other combat-capable Valkyries come to the Ocean Branch. Even my presence is solely because my family lives in Australia."

She genuinely didn't understand the purpose behind bringing Xia Chen to the Ocean Branch, but his exceptional strength commanded her utmost respect. Therefore, Gretel suggested, "Here at the Ocean Branch, you shouldn't train as intensely as you did with the Immortal Blades; many wouldn't be able to handle it. If you don't mind, I can serve as your sparring partner, but you'll need to hold back some."

She smiled and said, "I certainly don't want to end up with any lifelong disabilities."

"Then I'll take you up on that offer."

"Oh right, there's one more thing." Gretel paused briefly before whispering, "There is another individual within the Ocean Branch. If you encounter her, do not get close."

Xia Chen naturally knew who she was referring to.

However, feigning confusion, he asked, "Why?"

"Hmm, well, you'll find out eventually anyway, so telling you now won't hurt."

Gretel considered for a moment before explaining, "Normally, branch duties only require three to five days, but our extended stay here is due to her presence."

"A 14-year-old A-rank Valkyrie named Wendy, hailed as a prodigy likely to become the next S-rank."

She sighed, "Due to a failed experiment, a Herrscher Core was fused into her body. As a result, we're currently seeking scientific assistance from Headquarters."

"The experiment may have failed, but we cannot sacrifice the life of our comrade unjustly."

The Ocean Branch wasn't entirely idle; however, it was clear their efforts were insufficient.

"And what's the outcome so far?"

A shadow of concern crossed Gretel's face.