Chapter 70 - Trouble in Changkong City

Chapter 70 - Trouble in Changkong City

"Mei, there are so many enemies. First, rendezvous with the squad leader and Teacher Himeko!"

As a massive cat's paw swung out, the mech in front of Kiana was kicked away by her.

"Got it!"

Meanwhile, Raiden Mei's battle was a bit more difficult. Her electromagnetic pulse katana was specifically designed to combat the Herrscher and the Honkai beasts, but it was much less effective against the mechs before her compared to Kiana.

As the mech was kicked away, a gap opened in the encirclement of the two.

"Mei, run!"

Kiana grabbed Raiden Mei's hand, and the two were about to break through the gap. However, before they could escape, new mechs surrounded them.

"What's going on? Why are mechs attacking us?!"

Looking at the mechs descending from the sky and surrounding them from all sides, Kiana shouted in frustration.

Mechs were developed by humans to counter the Herrscher and the Honkai beasts. According to their allegiance, mechs should belong to the human faction. So why were they attacking her and Raiden Mei?

-------------------

On the other side, at the Schicksal Headquarters.

"Grand ArchBishop, there's an urgent communication request from Changkong City."

In Otto's office, a large screen displayed the image of a sweet-looking valkyrie slowly appearing.

Otto was somewhat surprised. It hadn't been long since the last report from Kafka in Changkong City. Why were there new developments already?

Otto glanced at the screen. "Oh? An urgent communication request from Changkong City? Who is it?"

"Valkyrie Kafka."

"Kafka? Connect the call."

"Connecting!"

A few seconds later, Kafka's anxious expression appeared on the screen, and her voice came through the moment the call connected.

"Grand ArchBishop, there's an emergency situation in Chiba City."

"What's the situation?"

Kafka took a deep breath. "Grand Bishop, just a short while ago, a large number of unidentified mechs appeared in Changkong City. These mechs are currently engaged in battle with the valkyries stationed in Changkong City."

"What? Kafka, are you saying there's a large number of mechs in Changkong City?"

What's going on? Mechs? Otto was momentarily puzzled.

"Yes."

Upon confirming Kafka's words, Otto quickly realized something. The sudden appearance of numerous mechs in Changkong City could only mean one thing—they were from Anti-Entropy.

Given the current situation, there were only two organizations capable of deploying a large number of mechs: Schicksal and the splinter faction of Schicksal known as Anti-Entropy. Other organizations lacked the capability.

Schicksal was under Otto's control, so the mechs in Changkong City couldn't be from Schicksal. That left only one possibility—the mechs were from Anti-Entropy.

But why were they attacking Changkong City? Was it possible that they knew about the valkyries' presence there?

That would imply...

Was it possible that the legendary figure, Lu Yu, was a member of Anti-Entropy?

If that were the case, what was his intention? Did he deliberately urge Kafka to send valkyries to Changkong City, only to have them ambushed by Anti-Entropy?

No, that doesn't make sense. The valkyries sent to Changkong City were reserves, and Schicksal and Anti-Entropy hadn't openly clashed yet. There was no reason for Anti-Entropy to attack them.

Mechs... Anti-Entropy... Defending Changkong City... Lu Yu....

Wait a minute. Lu Yu was a guardian of the world, and from the perspective of protecting the world, Schicksal was on the same side as him. If Lu Yu wanted to protect the world, then...

I see! So that's how it is!

A smile crossed Otto's face as he finally understood Lu Yu's intentions.

Early in the morning, Immortal of the Shenzhou warned Kafka about the situation in Changkong City. He was hinting at some potential danger or research that Anti-Entropy was conducting there.

As a guardian of the world, Lu Yu would naturally oppose Anti-Entropy's activities. So, he used Schicksal's valkyries as a way to strike at Anti-Entropy.

Everything made sense now. Lu Yu's warning was essentially a message to Kafka.

With this insight, the situation was clear. Otto wanted Kafka to withdraw the valkyries from Chiba City to avoid a confrontation with Anti-Entropy's mechs.

Kafka seemed surprised. "Ah? Grand ArchBishop, aren't we going to counterattack against the enemy?"

"No, there's no need. Changkong City's forces are insufficient right now, and engaging the enemy would only result in unnecessary casualties. Inform all valkyries to withdraw."

Otto understood that today's events were likely a show orchestrated by Lu Yu. Knowing this, Otto saw no reason to risk his valkyries in a confrontation with Anti-Entropy's mechs.

Kafka nodded. "Understood."

After ending the call with Kafka, Otto closed his eyes and began to reevaluate the entire situation.

Mechs, Lu Yu, Anti-Entropy...

After a moment of contemplation, Otto's eyes snapped open.

"Did I misjudge Lu Yu?"

In Otto's perception, he had always believed that Lu Yu, as a guardian of Shenzhou, had a similar mindset to Phoenix. However, today's events made him realize he might have been mistaken.

This individual known as Lu Yu seemed different from Phoenix...

He possessed a more powerful intelligence network than Phoenix, being able to discern Anti-Entropy's activities in Changkong City while seemingly stationed at St. Freya Academy.

He also differed from Phoenix in that he didn't rely solely on himself to protect the world. Instead, he made use of Schicksal's influence to confront Anti-Entropy.

This kind of being...

Was truly extraordinary!

As Otto pondered how to deal with the Lu Yu, another call from Kafka came in.

"Grand ArchBishop! Valkyrie Kafka is requesting communication again."

"Connect the call."

A few seconds later, Kafka appeared on the screen again, her expression completely different this time. Now, she wore a look of urgency.

"Grand ArchBishop, there's a major problem. A large amount of Honkai energy has appeared in Changkong City. It seems like the Honkai energy is spreading rapidly."

Hearing Kafuka's words, Otto's facial expression froze for a moment.

"Honkai energy?!"

What on earth was happening? Honkai energy again? It's Anti-Entropy, and now there's Honkai energy involved too? What's going on in Changkong City?

"Cocolia Matushka, is the mission to continue?"

"Continue!"

After ending the call, Cocolia, known as Cocolia Matushka, maneuvered the massive mech to obliterate another Honkai beast with a powerful shot.

Damn it! What's wrong with Changkong City? We just had an Honkai outbreak a few days ago, and now there's another one?

Not long ago, Cocolia received information that there was a formidable valkyrie accompanying Raiden Mei. Ordinary mechs wouldn't stand a chance against them. As a result, capturing Raiden Mei had proven more difficult than expected.

Cocolia had been considering personally intervening to apprehend Raiden Mei when suddenly, a large concentration of Honkai energy coalesced in the sky. The next moment, several Honkai beasts materialized out of thin air beside her mech.

"What's happening?!"

Weren't the valkyries dispatched to Changkong City for defensive duties? Why is there new Honkai energy spreading?

Could it be that Schicksal's intentions were never about defense in the first place? Instead, they were well aware of the impending Honkai outbreak and sent valkyries to Changkong City in advance to deal with it?

Thinking this, Cocolia pressed the communication button.

"Personnel around the mission target, continue the mission. All others in different areas, temporarily suspend the mission. A large-scale outbreak of Honkai has occurred in Changkong City. Prioritize the elimination of Honkai beasts and Deadwalkers!"

Meanwhile, at the Schicksal Headquarters, Otto issued a similar order.

Otto: "Inform the valkyries in Changkong City to cease engagement with the mechs. Once they have regrouped, work together to combat the Honkai threat!"

Faced with the Honkai outbreak, both Otto and Cocolia made swift decisions.

They both understood that regardless of the situation, when the Honkai descended, the primary focus for both sides would shift to combating the Honkai threat. It was a rule that humanity followed.

"I have to personally intervene."

Locking onto the coordinates of Raiden Mei, Cocolia maneuvered her mech to move toward her location. While dealing with the Honkai was a priority, she couldn't abandon her mission to capture Raiden Mei.

...

On the other side of the battlefield, Raiden Mei and Kiana found themselves fully immersed in an intense battle.

Between the Anti-Entropy mechs and the sudden appearance of numerous Honkai beasts, along with Kiana and Raiden Mei, three forces clashed wildly in a chaotic melee.

[Analysis: Conquest Gem host, Raiden Mei, is currently engaged in battle with a formidable enemy. There is a risk of awakening the Conquest Gem. Host should be cautious. If the Conquest Gem is awakened, Raiden Mei may lose her individual consciousness and become a vessel for the Thunder's Will.

Note: Current awakening level is 18.81%.]

Meanwhile, at St. Freya Academy, Lu Yu paced around like an ant on a hot plate, struggling to comprehend the current situation.

"What's going on? A strong enemy? Several Honkai beasts aren't much of a threat to Mei and Kiana. How could the Conquest Gem possibly be awakened preemptively?"

After a few minutes of pacing, the voice of the system echoed once more.

[Analysis: Conquest Gem host, Raiden Mei, is currently engaged in battle with a formidable enemy. There is a risk of awakening the Conquest Gem. Host should be cautious. If the Conquest Gem is awakened, Raiden Mei may lose her individual consciousness and become a vessel for the Thunder's Will.

Note: Current awakening level is 19.35%.]

"What's going on?!"

[19.38%]

[19.79%]

This is bad, this is bad!

Listening to the constant stream of system notifications, Lu Yu's anxiety grew.

He was genuinely puzzled by the situation. How did a few Honkai beasts suddenly turn into a strong enemy?

"They were just small-scale Honkai manifestations!"

Lu Yu distinctly recalled the system's initial notification. Small-scale Honkai manifestations weren't formidable opponents for Mei and Kiana. Could the system have made a mistake? Perhaps the manifestations in Changkong City weren't small-scale at all? Were they something much more powerful, even at the Emperor level?

No, that couldn't be. The system couldn't be wrong!

"What should I do?!"

Lu Yu was well aware of the distance between St. Freya Academy and Changkong City. Setting aside the fact that he couldn't physically reach Changkong City in time, even if he were to depart immediately, the Conquest Gem would likely be activated before his arrival.

What would it mean if the Conquest Gem were completely awakened?

Lu Yu knew all too well—it would signal the awakening of the Herrscher of Thunder's Will!

And... Kiana was currently with Mei. If the Herrscher of Thunder's Will were to awaken, it might even trigger the premature awakening of the Herrscher of Void's Will!

Oh no! How do I handle this?

Just as Lu Yu was growing increasingly anxious, a soft voice suddenly reached his ears.

"Big brother, you seem like you could use some help?"

"Of course, I definitely need help right now!"

Turning around, Lu Yu found himself facing a young girl in a black dress, barefoot.

Curiously, the girl looked at Lu Yu. "Big brother, what do you want?"

Lu Yu replied, "What do I want? I need to get to Changkong City quickly! It's urgent!"

The girl looked at Lu Yu. She remembered a few days ago when this big brother had been standing in a corner, saying things she couldn't understand.

Blinking her eyes, the corners of her mouth lifted slightly. "How about we make a deal?"

"A deal? What kind of deal?"

Lu Yu looked at the girl in front of him. She was barefoot, her feet clean as she stepped on the ground. Something seemed off about her.

"Simulator, movies, female protagonist, system."

The girl enunciated these words one by one.

"You tell me what these mean, and I'll help you achieve your wish. How about that?"

Hearing the words spoken by the girl, Lu Yu hesitated for a moment. However, given the urgent situation, he didn't have time to ask more questions.

"Fine! I agree."

Upon hearing the man in front of her agree to her request, a hint of joy appeared on the girl's face.

"Come, hold my hand!"

Just as Lu Yu was pondering what this girl might be up to, the girl suddenly used her pristine right hand to grab Lu Yu's hand.

The next moment, a system notification arrived!

[Detected: Host has gained the approval of the Stigma - Ascalon. The power of the Stigma - Ascalon has been temporarily activated!]

Lu Yu felt as if he were enveloped by something soft. After a moment of contemplation, he realized that it was the sensation of the girl's skin. At this moment, it felt as if a young girl was hugging him tightly from behind.

[Raven's Poem Stigma Skill [Raven Queen] has been activated. Host can now fly freely and flight speed is greatly enhanced!]

As a burst of light flashed, a pair of black wings manifested behind Lu Yu.

The girl's tender voice came from behind.

"Big brother, the contract is sealed. Those who violate the agreement will have their eyes pecked out by crows, you know!"