Volume 1, Chapter 25: From Full-Time to Temporary Worker

On that day, Xia Chen spent the entire time immersed in the training room.

When no Honkai incidents occur, the life of an Immortal Blade Valkyrie revolves around training and duty assignments.

Xia Chen noticed that Chen Tianwen, who had recently joined the Immortal Blades, was not present in the training room. According to others, while her talent was commendable, her physical fitness lagged behind.

As a result, her training regimen within the Immortal Blades differed from Xia Chen's continuous full-time schedule. Instead, she trained only two days per week. The remaining time was dedicated to rapidly mastering the theoretical knowledge required for a Valkyrie.

Once Chen Tianwen gained more experience, she would consistently accompany the Immortal Blades on missions.

Hmm, just another backdrop character, essentially.

However, it must be acknowledged that Schicksal takes great care in nurturing each Valkyrie. In Chen Tianwen's case, her placement seems well-considered with no missteps.

The exception being his own arrival at the Immortal Blades, where he endured three consecutive months without rest... Perhaps it was sheer luck, otherwise, he wouldn't have encountered the simulator so soon.

Just as he finished today's training and returned to his room, his communicator beeped.

It was Ana.

Slightly surprised, he heard her chuckle through the line.

"Hi! I timed this call perfectly; your training should be over now."

"Yes, you're right on schedule." Xia Chen couldn't help but ask, "Is there progress with the squad's situation?"

"Mm-hmm."

Excitedly, Ana replied, "Lord Bishop said we can initially form an all-female Valkyrie squad with me as captain, using only numerical designations. The name 'Snow Lotus' will be reserved for us. Once we complete several missions, our squad status can be restored."

"In other words, we're currently a numbered squad?"

"Though it feels a bit awkward, that's indeed the case."

Ana playfully stuck out her tongue.

Within Schicksal, numbered squads and titled squads have distinct meanings, with the former essentially serving as reserves for the latter.

When forming a new Valkyrie Squad, they don't immediately receive a title. Instead, they start as a numbered squad. During this phase, headquarters does not assign them a permanent base; instead, they remain at HQ on standby to undertake mission after mission.

As Amber explained, this period is considered a probationary stage, assessing whether the squad possesses the capability to handle Honkai incidents effectively.

After completing these missions, the squad would earn their title and be assigned to a designated garrison by the headquarters.

At that point, both the headquarters and the nearby branch would provide resources, enabling them to establish themselves in the region. Their primary responsibilities would then include handling Honkai incidents within their garrison area and maintaining relationships with local officials.

The Snow Lotus Squad was formed through this process initially.

In essence, the relationship between temporary squads and titled squads is akin to transitioning from probationary status to becoming permanent staff. Although there may not be significant differences in treatment, the mindset and allocation of resources still vary.

At Schicksal Headquarters, the Immortal Blades were not the only titled squad.

Essentially, Xia Chen had given up a chance at becoming permanent staff and now had to start anew as a temporary worker.

No wonder Ana looked sheepish, trying to gloss over this detail.

He couldn't help but ask, "What about our teammates? Shouldn't there be others besides just us?"

"Originally, there should have been."

Ana's eyes dimmed slightly as she said, "But too many Valkyries sacrificed themselves during the Manila incident. It's not just the Snow Lotus Squad needing replenishment."

She paused and then said, "Our teammates will likely join us after some time."

Currently, Schicksal was severely understaffed.

After all, there were too few girls suitable for combat roles.

"So you'll agree, right?" She winked playfully.

"I have one more question." Xia Chen hesitated before asking, "If I accept, where will I train from now on, and what about accommodation?"

He fondly recalled the treatment he received with the Immortal Blades. Their training facilities were exceptionally comprehensive.

"Ah, you didn't know?"

"What is it?"

"The Immortal Blades' training room... Well, to be precise, it's actually open to all Valkyries at headquarters, not exclusive to the Immortal Blades. Do you wonder why the Immortal Blades have so many members?"

Xia Chen couldn't help but express his confusion, "Why?"

"Of course, because the best talents here get recruited by the Immortal Blades," Ana replied with slight resentment.

The reason the Immortal Blades maintained their elite status was that their squad members were also considered the strongest among other Valkyrie squads.

The Immortal Blades' strength was maintained by recruiting exceptional talents from the start.

Alvitr, as a member of the third squad's Technology Department within the Immortal Blades, highlighted this distinction. Typically, ordinary Valkyrie squads wouldn't have such specific numbering.

For instance, Kiana's own Moonlight Squad consisted of only three members.

"Originally, the Immortal Blades training room was designed for use by all base personnel, including numbered squads. After all, not utilizing such abundant resources would be the greatest waste. However, with the best prospects being recruited away, the captains often prevent their team members from attending."

"For example, Susannah isn't actually part of the Immortal Blades," Ana explained, shedding light on the situation.

Xia Chen's understanding of the Immortal Blades had solely come from playing the game, so he was unaware of these intricacies. He hadn't given much thought to Susannah's presence among them either.

It seemed even within the Valkyries, intense competition prevailed.

Through Ana, Xia Chen began to grasp both the positive aspects and the underlying issues. No wonder she expressed concern and specifically timed her communication.

"Accommodation indeed seems problematic."

Feeling slightly embarrassed, Ana explained, "The accommodation for numbered squads isn't significantly worse than your current place, but it's somewhat remote. Considering you still need to continue training, we can discuss with Lady Durandal to see if any changes are possible."

Curious, Xia Chen asked, "When you were at headquarters before, where did you live?"

"At my own home," Ana replied.

Xia Chen paused momentarily, almost forgetting that Ana was essentially considered a little princess.

She continued after a brief moment, "If Lady Durandal finds it unsuitable, then I'll move into the numbered squad accommodations with you temporarily."

"Once we earn our titles, we can leave the base."

"Sounds good."

Xia Chen nodded in agreement.

Excitedly, Ana exclaimed, "So, you're accepting the offer?"

"We've already made a pinkie promise; why would I have any reason not to?" Xia Chen responded, somewhat helplessly. "Just remember to treat me to dinner when you have time."

"Deal!"

Satisfied, Ana ended the communication call.

Shaking his head, Xia Chen prepared to undress and take a shower. After today's intense training, especially sparring with Rita, he felt rejuvenated once again.

Now he could once again seek challenges within the simulation.

[Simulated World Activated.]

[Current Scenario: Intrinsic World - Queen's Descent.]

[Equipped Weapon: Demon Blade - Red Sakura.]

[Assigned Stigmata: Ana Schariac.]

[System generating records...]

[Day 1: ...]

He was back.