Chapter 35: Partings Are for Better Reunions

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Indeed, this likely represents the world's corrective force at work.

Currently, within the game, it's nearing the end of Version 1.2. Although this may seem early, four main story chapters have already been released.

Up until now, Ana's character has only appeared in comics or side stories, having minimal impact on the game itself.

If Ana continued to stay with the three main factions, it would imply that she must appear in subsequent chapters of the main storyline, specifically within these four existing arcs.

So, how did the writers handle this situation?

At this point, the writing team had not yet undergone significant changes, and mihoyo lacked the courage to overhaul the entire plot drastically. Instead, they opted to patch Chapter 4 in future updates, creating an opportunity for Ana's introduction.

This is the true reason why Ana was compelled to leave Saint Freya Academy, at least according to her own speculation. Naturally, there was no way for her to confirm it definitively, but the prolonged silence from the system's voice largely affirmed her suspicion.

"World Serpent..." Ana gently tapped the table, deep in thought.

She was no longer the timid Valkyrie who could only flee during the Manila Honkai incident. Now, she stood as a formidable powerhouse, Schicksal's ace, and a mature family head.

Precisely because of this elevated status, she needed to consider her actions carefully.

In truth, Ana didn't harbor much animosity towards the World Serpent.

Gray Serpent, born from a chance experiment as an artificial life form, possessed a profound understanding of human nature. Consequently, his methods often faced rejection by others.

First, there's Jackal, World Serpent's Tesla—a genius scientist, albeit somewhat arrogant.

Then, Hare, embodying the ideal of Schariac Stigmata. In a way, they're related; genetically, she is even closer to Hare than Bronya. Perhaps Ana could potentially exert control over Hare herself, similar to how Kevin effortlessly dominated the Kaslana Stigmata's will. Considering her bloodline purity and origin, it wouldn't be incorrect to view her as the ancestral progenitor of the Schariac lineage, despite having no descendants yet.

Next, Raven, seemingly just a noisy and tearful Pidgey, but actually the feared mercenary queen—an employee who gets things done for payment, not inherently evil.

And finally—

Ana didn't continue pondering. Instead, she slowly slid the letter back into its envelope, which promptly began disintegrating upon this action. This came as no surprise; Gray Serpent's methods were always meticulous, leaving no room for escape. Unless she immediately sought favor with Otto, which would still align with the world's corrective force—forcing her departure from Saint Freya Academy.

But why would Ana let that deter her? Going to the World Serpent could be an opportunity for her, after all.

Raiden Mei was a Herrscher, and so, technically speaking, was Ana—just not yet.

No matter! She intended to carve out a piece of the Elysian Realm storyline for herself. Even if she couldn't claim it entirely, she'd make sure to leave her mark on it.

Admittedly, these were somewhat lofty ambitions.

At this point, the World Serpent wasn't as formidable as it would become in the future, still mostly lurking in the shadows. Their interest in Ana likely stemmed from when they first took notice of her during the Unnamed Locomotive incident.

Or perhaps it was due to Heaven's Fire at her side, which caught their attention.

Of course, the most probable reason was her private funding of Divine City Pharmaceuticals earlier. The letter in her hand served both as an invitation and a test for her intentions.

Regardless of the true motive, Ana wouldn't back down. However—

A hint of reluctance flickered in Ana's eyes. She genuinely loved everyone at Saint Freya Academy, and over these past days, they had taken great care of her.

Himeko often visited her for drinks, though she had terrible alcohol tolerance and always ended up needing Ana to carry her back to her dormitory.

Fu Hua needed no introduction; thanks to Nuwa, her expressions were more vibrant than before. Now living next door, Fu Hua usually took care of Ana.

Despite being a Westerner and a traditional Valkyrie, Ana was originally from Shenzhou in her previous life. Having Fu Hua, a genuine local, around along with Nuwa made life truly enjoyable. The only downside was that Fu Hua, being quite dense, remained completely oblivious to any flirtatious advances—no matter how Ana tried to tease her.

Inconceivable, you say?

Come on, Ana's signature trait is being both clumsy and playful. Unfortunately, Fu Hua is exceptionally unyielding, never falling for her antics, while Nuwa loves stirring up mischief all day long.

Sometimes, Ana would join Mei for meals, usually dragged over by Himeko. Kiana invariably sneaked bites, only to get caught by Fu Hua, followed by Bronya teasing "foolish Kiana" afterward.

As for Principal Theresa, let's just say she turned out even clingier and childlike than Ana imagined.

Just a few days after moving in, Ana often found Principal Theresa unexpectedly snuggled up with her during late-night bathroom trips.

She understood that Theresa was treating her as if she were Cecilia. Biologically, they shared the same lineage; only their appearances and demeanors differed slightly. However, due to both possessing Schariac holy blood, their aura felt remarkably similar.

Despite these subtle differences, there was no doubt that Ana and Cecilia shared a common purpose, likely another reason why Theresa grew so close to Ana.

"Well, it's not a permanent farewell. Why feel so attached?" Ana closed her eyes, images of everyone at Saint Freya Academy floating through her mind, a resigned smile gracing her face. Despite trying to reassure herself, a hint of sadness lingered in her heart.

With this thought, Ana stood up, walked over to her desk, pulled out several sheets of letter paper, and began writing swiftly.

Writing letters had always been a habit for Ana, and she still cherished this tradition. Whenever she returned to the floating island, she would prepare letters for Rita and Bianka, quietly placing them by their bedsides before leaving.

Occasionally, Rita and Bianka would leave replies filled with caring words and playful banter typical among young women.

Now, Ana is doing the same thing, hoping that when she returns, everyone at Saint Freya Academy will have grown and matured.

Yet, paradoxically, she doesn't want them to progress too quickly; otherwise, there might be no place for her in their stories...

Rather than focusing on the so-called mission, she desires more to leave her mark within their world. She doesn't merely wish to witness their tales; she wants to become an integral part of them...