Volume 2, Chapter 8: Raiden Mei and Bronya

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Xia Chen spent virtually the entire day on the training grounds, consuming almost one-third of the nutrient supplements available there by himself.

As his physique strengthened, ordinary nutrient supplements barely met his increasing demands. It was akin to a gluttonous beast, feeling famished if unable to consume enough sustenance.

Fortunately, with Schicksal's provisions, Xia Chen never went hungry. However, if he solely relied on food to satisfy his appetite, it wouldn't be enough.

But gaining a stronger physique through meals was something Xia Chen found quite satisfactory.

Currently, his body surpasses that of the Emperor of Honkai, albeit still within certain limits.

To become even more powerful, he likely needs additional Honkai Energy. Perhaps one day, he might turn into a monstrous entity capable of devouring all available Honkai Energy, but could he maintain his sanity then?

Xia Chen felt somewhat apprehensive about this possibility.

With these concerns weighing on his mind, he consumed two more doses of nutrient solutions.

Just as he prepared to leave the training ground, he noticed Raiden Mei and Bronya entering the area.

"Teacher Xia Chen," Raiden Mei gently called out.

The girl, who shared his age, displayed proper etiquette and asked, "I would like to seek advice on how to become stronger."

Surprise flickered in Xia Chen's eyes.

He shook his head and said, "Do you want the truth or a lie?"

"The truth? Or a lie?"

Xia Chen calmly responded, "A lie would be to simply keep exercising diligently."

"But I'm sure you're aware that even without relying on their armor, a formidable Valkyrie can repel massive Honkai Beasts. This level of strength exceeds what mere exercise can achieve."

"Then what's the truth?" Raiden Mei pressed.

"I don't know," Xia Chen replied seriously.

Despite every Valkyrie's dedication and hard work within Schicksal, their ultimate achievements were fundamentally determined by innate talent.

Dumb Goose doesn't count.

Durandal, with her exceptional abilities, has no set limit.

The significance of relentless training lies in reducing the time it takes to reach one's potential ceiling.

However, surpassing this limit requires additional power.

For instance, the Gem of Conquest...

Xia Chen hesitated to look at Raiden Mei's face, sensing his inner desires stirring once again.

This notion of relying solely on talent clashed with societal values, so even within Schicksal, nobody openly promoted such beliefs. Nevertheless, Xia Chen chose to speak honestly.

He genuinely didn't know unless Raiden Mei transformed into a Herrscher.

If there were any means beyond enhancing armor and weapons to increase strength, Schicksal would have already researched and implemented them.

"All I can do is shorten the time it takes for you to reach your individual limits, nothing more. However, given most people's level of effort, they haven't yet reached the point where talent truly matters." He chuckled self-deprecatingly.

In his previous life, he too often admired others' talents, failing to recognize that his own lack of dedication was the real issue.

"However, I've heard you possess Stigmata as well, indicating exceptional talent. There's no need to feel disheartened," Xia Chen said sincerely.

Raiden Mei's talent was indeed remarkable... or more precisely, exceptionally strong.

After Wendy received the Gem of Desire, she endured its torment almost day and night. In contrast, when Raiden Mei obtained the Gem of Conquest, her daily life remained unaffected, showing little influence from the gem.

While Mei's willpower might not be as steadfast as Wendy's, due to her Stigmata, even without becoming a Herrscher, she could still become an outstanding warrior. Her innate talent was that high.

Unfortunately, Saint Freya Academy's training conditions were somewhat wasting Mei's potential.

Raiden Mei fell silent for a moment. After pondering briefly, she suddenly asked, "Xia Chen-sensei, may I challenge you?"

"Certainly, although it may not hold much significance."

Xia Chen feared no form of combat. Standing on the training ground, he queried, "Should we wear our armor? Or fight unarmored?"

"With armor on."

The Valkyrie Armor is part of one's strength, a fact Raiden Mei fully understood.

She held her katana, gesturing courteously towards Xia Chen with a 'ready' signal.

Xia Chen nodded, "Be prepared."

Clutching the Red Sakura, it took merely an instant for his blade to reach before Mei's face.

Her pupils slightly contracted, yet she stood frozen, unable to react.

Her defeat was swift and decisive.

The proud family sword technique had no chance to shine, and her once impressive talent proved utterly inadequate against Xia Chen.

Unbeknownst to her, a chasm-like gap had already opened between Xia Chen and B-rank Valkyries.

Xia Chen sheathed his blade with an apologetic smile, "Sorry, I couldn't fully control my strength just now."

"Swordsmanship isn't my forte; please excuse me," he added politely.

Raiden Mei hesitated before suppressing her disappointment and looking at Xia Chen, her words filled with mixed emotions, "I lost, so it's me who should apologize."

As Xia Chen mentioned earlier, she possessed talent, but within Saint Freya Academy, she hadn't reached its full potential. Raiden Mei always believed maintaining her current level was commendable.

However, now she felt uncertain.

If unable to overcome Honkai, the burden of three million lives' guilt would drown her in the swamp named remorse.

She asked, "Can I learn from you, Xia Chen-sensei?"

Xia Chen shook his head, "My advice would be not to."

In truth, he barely managed to control himself moments ago.

Driven by desire, he felt like a lion, wanting to launch a frenzied assault on Raiden Mei.

He yearned to devour her whole!

If it weren't for Ana's timely intervention, he might have lost control completely.

To draw an imperfect analogy, Raiden Mei was akin to a lamb before a lion. With the lamb constantly wandering near the lion, it's nearly impossible for the lion not to consume it.

He calmly stated, "Your talent is exceptional, and you already have teachers better than me. Besides, I dislike unnecessary complications."

'Ana' had even suggested that he could seek swordsmanship guidance from Raiden Mei, but he chose to decline.

Raiden Mei bit her lip.

As a young lady, she likely wasn't accustomed to being rejected, yet she wasn't one to persist relentlessly; instead, she simply felt momentarily disheartened.

"Regardless, thank you very much for today."

"Bronya, let's go."

She led Bronya away with her.

Xia Chen merely shook his head at this.

In the future, Raiden Mei would become an indispensable hero to the world, but that held little relevance for him. As he was about to leave, a voice suddenly echoed behind.

"I thought you'd accept her offer."

Fu Hua had appeared on the training ground without notice.

Xia Chen, already aware of her presence, simply smiled and said, "Accepting it would have been quite troublesome, wouldn't it?"

"Self-awareness is commendable; I'm not exactly a good teacher," the young boy reflected upon himself.

Fu Hua grinned, "Interested in sparring?"

"Sure."

Xia Chen never shied away from a challenge.