Volume 2, Chapter 49: Cooperation with Raven

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On the day Rita departed, Xia Chen received a communication from Ana.

The young girl's radiant smile shone through as usual.

"I have some news - I passed my garrison assessment."

Ana still spoke with pride, but her tone seemed less enthusiastic than before. In the past, she would have feigned humility while eagerly awaiting Xia Chen's praise. However, now she hesitated and said, "Suddenly, I don't want to go to Coral Island anymore."

If there was anyone Ana trusted at this moment, it was likely Xia Chen.

She sighed, "I had a dream about Coral Island collapsing. It's not that I fear death... well, never mind, I admit it; I am still a bit scared of dying."

"In the dream, I became a Herrscher," she revealed.

Xia Chen's heart sank.

"Is there no way to refuse this transfer order?"

"What reason could I give?" Ana sounded somewhat frustrated. "If I reject it just because of this dream, forget others, even I would mock myself."

"Besides, my father wouldn't agree either."

Even now, Ana continued to struggle internally.

"Forget it, it's alright. It was just a dream, wasn't it?" Ana took a deep breath and smiled at Xia Chen. "After all, dreams often contrast reality, right?"

"Indeed, I won't let that happen." Xia Chen's gaze slightly hardened.

He already had a rough plan forming in his mind.

Forcing Ana to defy Otto's orders seemed impractical, even if she herself hesitated. Otto's influence was immense.

In this situation, external assistance would be necessary.

Though reluctant, Xia Chen knew he had no choice but to seek help. Fortunately, he possessed an unfamiliar communicator.

Xia Chen once again arrived at Nagazora City, this time without needing any pretext as compared to his previous visit.

The freedom within the Far East Branch was akin to that of the Ocean Branch for him. Thanks to Moon Ash's abilities, he didn't even require a flying device, simply soaring directly there.

Due to the Herrscher of Thunder's influence, although Honkai Energy had weakened in Nagazora City, it had not been completely eradicated. However, compared to his last visit, the Honkai Beasts now were significantly weaker.

Upon seeing Xia Chen, despite their mindless aggression, he effortlessly dispatched them with ease.

"Must you always cause such commotion whenever you come here?"

Raven appeared out of nowhere and remarked coolly, "It's actually quite rude."

"I'm not yet familiar enough with you to worry about manners."

"Very well, let's discuss the agreed-upon trade. What are your terms?" Raven gazed at Xia Chen, her eyes captivating and intense.

However, such intimidation held no effect on Xia Chen.

When dealing with snakes, one must first be strong themselves, rather than focusing on etiquette.

Much like its namesake, the World Serpent organization does not extend courtesy; instead, they seek ways to turn others into prey, swallowing them whole.

"The data from Coral Island," Xia Chen began. "I believe you already know what is going to happen there and understand the significance of this data.

"At the most critical moment, I can provide a backup copy to the World Serpent."

"What's the price?"

"I want all the Honkai Energy from Coral Island's Major Honkai Eruption."

His words, spoken calmly, instilled fear in Raven.

"As you should know, I am now Schicksal's Valkyrie. Therefore, during that time, no other Valkyries must be present on Coral Island; only me."

"This is something World Serpent can ensure, correct?"

His demand essentially meant to keep this information confidential.

If any Valkyries were stationed there, potential survivors could exist. Such a request was entirely reasonable.

What truly frightened Raven, however, was his intent to consume an entire Honkai event.

A large-scale Honkai eruption has the potential to birth a Herrscher.

"The deal is acceptable."

Raven suppressed her astonishment and replied evenly, "However, compared to this transaction, World Serpent is more interested in you personally.

"The value of what you offer isn't as significant as you might think. This gesture merely shows the serpent's goodwill towards you."

World Serpent does not force individuals to join.

This seemingly arbitrary, even comical rule was strictly adhered to by every member of World Serpent's leadership. Consequently, those who voluntarily joined exhibited unwavering loyalty to the organization.

Although Raven could be considered an exception, she still largely followed this principle.

World Serpent recognized Xia Chen's potential, so despite the unbalanced nature of this deal, they agreed nonetheless.

"Your perspective genuinely surprises me."

Xia Chen had to admit, World Serpent's grand gesture genuinely surprised him.

He was prepared to pay an even higher price, such as offering his own blood.

After Xia Chen returned from Nagazora City to the Ocean Branch, Raven instructed Gray Serpent to investigate information about him.

As expected of a master spy, Gray Serpent swiftly uncovered Xia Chen's performance within the Immortal Blades.

His rapid progress, coupled with his eerie resemblance to a MANTIS fusion warrior, piqued World Serpent's interest.

Schicksal did have fusion warriors; Theresa was one example. However, from World Serpent's perspective, Theresa's fusion could be considered a narrowly successful case, pieced together despite initial failure.

While valuable for research, her priority was not high.

On the other hand, Xia Chen... at least based on current observations, appeared to be a highly advanced and successful product of a fusion warrior. Moreover, he possessed exceptional evolutionary capabilities.

This alone made him significant enough for World Serpent to take notice.

One day, Xia Chen found contact details for Raven mysteriously added to his room.

World Serpent had already infiltrated Schicksal thoroughly, turning it porous like a sieve.

"What will you do?"

"That is not something you need to know."

Raven's eyes narrowed slightly, "Strength can solve many problems, but there are also numerous issues that cannot be resolved by brute force alone."

World Serpent always had multiple contingency plans.

There were few options to render Coral Island independent of Valkyries' presence, at least none that immediately came to Xia Chen's mind. That's why he sought Raven's assistance.

Since the World Serpent made this commitment, it must have its own methods.

Of course, placing hope solely on others, especially strangers, is incredibly foolish. The reason Xia Chen engaged in a deal with Raven was actually to prepare for his future entry into the Elysian Realm.

He had numerous doubts about the system, and only by delving into the pre-epoch civilization could he find plausible answers.

To keep Ana away from Coral Island, he needed an event significant enough to involve her fully, preventing her from attending to both duties simultaneously.

After bidding farewell to Raven, Xia Chen began contacting his tool, Alvitr.

"If I approach the Schariac family head now to propose marriage, what are my chances of success?"

"Approximately 80%, wait, you're proposing?" Alvitr exclaimed, shocked.

Ana had been back from Saint Freya Academy for only a short time...

What transpired between them?

"Is Ana pregnant?" she cautiously asked.

"That's certainly possible," replied Xia Chen.

This revelation stunned Alvitr for the entire day.