Chapter 14: I Became Fu Hua's Teacher?!

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While Schicksal Headquarters was fervently searching for Unnamed Locomotive, the Far East Branch remained equally active, diligently exploring their region. Through deciphering ancient texts, they eventually uncovered clues leading to Shenzhou's treasured Xuanyuan Sword.

With the discovery of Unnamed Locomotive, the Far East Branch embarked on their journey into the Nine Realms. As fate's gears turned predictably, a new smaller gear unexpectedly connected to them.

"Lady Theresa, reporting for duty as S-class Valkyrie Ana Schariac of Schicksal."

On board the Hyperion, Ana, clad in her Schicksal Valkyrie uniform, respectfully bowed before the petite figure standing before her.

After successfully retrieving Unnamed Locomotive, Ana left Schicksal Headquarters and headed towards the Far East Branch. Unfortunately, timing wasn't ideal as the branch had just embarked on an external mission. To catch up with the unfolding events, Ana promptly arrived at the Hyperion to rendezvous with Theresa.

As for Kiana and the others? Naturally, they were exploring the Nine Realms Ruins.

Apart from Theresa, another familiar face was present on the Hyperion: a Shenzhou girl with average stature and glasses—none other than Fu Hua.

"So you're Ana."

Theresa examined Ana from head to toe, needing to tilt her head back due to their height difference—not because Ana was exceptionally tall but purely because Theresa was quite short.

After scrutinizing her briefly, a smile appeared on Theresa's face.

"Cecilia and I used to hold you when you were little. It's hard to believe how much time has passed, seeing you all grown up now, even becoming an S-rank Valkyrie of Schicksal."

A sense of nostalgia filled Theresa's eyes as she spoke these words.

Ana understood that Theresa wasn't reminiscing about her childhood self but rather, the departed Cecilia.

"If Auntie could see your Saint Freya Academy today, she would be truly delighted," Ana softly replied.

Theresa fell silent for a moment, then nodded, her smile returning once more.

"Yes, let's not dwell on that right now." She paused briefly before extending her small hand towards Ana. "Welcome to the Far East Branch!"

Seeing Theresa's smile and her extended hand, Ana felt her heart tremble with indescribable emotions—mixed feelings of overwhelming complexity tinged with melancholy.

Initially, she had anticipated that Theresa might harbor suspicions towards her. After all, Ana was sent by Otto, not to mention as an S-rank Valkyrie.

Yet unexpectedly, Theresa accepted her without reservation. Her gaze held no trace of impurity, clear and pure, filled with sincerity and warmth.

Ana had considered this possibility, but when it actually unfolded before her, she couldn't help feeling close to tears. It seemed as though, for the first time in this world, she finally found a place where she could truly belong, allowing her to breathe a sigh of relief.

During her time at Schicksal Headquarters as a Valkyrie, aside from her friends Rita and Bianka, she constantly felt restrained. She had to remain vigilant against any potential scrutiny from Otto. Now, however, she no longer needed to worry.

In a sense, she was indeed serving as an observer dispatched by Otto. Even if her actions differed somewhat from her past behavior, she could always claim it was part of her cover. In reality, this genuine side of herself had been suppressed.

Despite her high rank as an S-Class Valkyrie, it's essential not to forget that Ana is only a few months older than Kiana from Saint Freya Academy.

Deep down, she isn't much different from them.

However, Ana managed to hold back her tears and instead took Theresa's hand firmly. Regardless of which version of Ana, neither wanted to display their vulnerability or weakness to others; Chen Tianwu was merely an unexpected exception.

From a distance, Fu Hua observed their interaction, adjusting her glasses with eyes flickering thoughtfully. Perhaps she was reminiscing about her old friends, though sadly, at present, most of those memories had faded beyond recall.

"Oh right, do you remember Kiana?" After shaking hands, Theresa suddenly recalled something and eagerly asked, her demeanor akin to a proud collector showing off a cherished treasure.

"Is it my cousin Kiana? Of course I remember," Ana replied with a smile.

"Sigh, if only she would learn more from her older cousin like you. She never gives me a moment's peace." Theresa rested her head on one hand, sounding somewhat exasperated yet still carrying affection in her expression.

However, Ana merely smiled warmly.

"Lady Theresa, there's no need to worry; Kiana will grow up eventually."

Though such growth comes at a significant cost, Ana silently added to herself. To be precise, every instance of K423—no, Kiana's development was built upon others' sacrifices. However, it wasn't her fault.

"Hmm, you're right," Theresa nodded in agreement. "Once we return to Saint Freya Academy, I'll properly introduce them to you... Oh!"

Theresa smacked her head, then took Ana's hand and rushed over to Fu Hua standing nearby for introductions.

"This is Fu Hua, Saint Freya Academy's most outstanding student."

Ana studied Fu Hua closely, marking their first close encounter with the Red Kite Immortal. Well, compared to herself, Fu Hua indeed lacked any noticeable curves.

This thought unconsciously led Ana to puff out her chest slightly. However, Fu Hua seemed oblivious to this small gesture, likely because, to the Red Kite Immortal, physical attributes held little importance.

"Fu Hua, this is Ana. You can call her Ana-sensei."

"..."

Hearing Theresa's introduction, Ana felt somewhat perplexed. Becoming Fu Hua's teacher? That seems... Given their respective abilities, experiences, and even age, it feels rather embarrassing!

However, Fu Hua appeared completely unfazed. She looked at Ana and calmly greeted, "Hello, Ana-sensei."

This response even reminded Ana of her past life when she was still in elementary and middle school; encountering teachers elicited similar perplexity from her back then, though she never maintained Fu Hua's level of composure.

"Uh, hello."

Only as a transmigrator could Ana truly grasp Fu Hua's sacrifices and understand her greatness. Consequently, it became impossible for her to genuinely view Fu Hua merely as a student.

Teaching Kiana, Mei, and others posed no issue, but Fu Hua truly seemed...

"It appears you don't have much teaching experience, Ana," Theresa couldn't help but chuckle softly from the side.

"That's true." Ana nodded in agreement.

"Before the Manila Honkai incident while I was with Schicksal, I was always stationed outside. Afterward, Lord Bishop assigned me to oversee the House of Schariac, leaving me buried under piles of paperwork day after day."

As Ana spoke, a hint of resentment crept into her voice, reflecting her lingering dissatisfaction with Otto.