Volume 2, Chapter 40: Simulation - Arrival of the Herrscher of Dominance

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There was still some time before Rita's arrival, allowing Xia Chen to make preparations beforehand.

Although, there wasn't much he needed to prepare for.

Regarding the Moonlight Throne event, it currently had no direct impact on him, and as for what happens later, only time would tell.

On the matter of Kiana, he briefly mentioned it during a conversation with Ana.

Following the day when Kiana challenged the Memory Battlefield and caught the attention of Headquarters' Valkyries, Ana excitedly shared with him:

"I just found out that Kiana is actually Cecilia-sama's daughter! Come to think of it, Cecilia-sama is my aunt too. That makes Kiana my cousin."

Although Cecilia married Siegfried, she remained a pride of the Schariac family. Despite this, by the time Ana's memories returned, Cecilia had already sacrificed herself during the Second Honkai.

Xia Chen couldn't help but wonder how Ana would react if he told her that Durandal was actually her true cousin, given her admiration for the esteemed Valkyrie.

In fact, there might not be a single Valkyrie who doesn't idolize Durandal.

Ana continued, "Next time I have some free time, I'll visit the academy and share stories about Lady Cecilia with Kiana."

Xia Chen felt a sudden unease.

Kiana's breakdown occurred after being affected by Sirin's illusions in Saint Freya's basement, leading to a near-loss of control and subsequent confinement at Schicksal Headquarters by Fu Hua.

If Ana came to Saint Freya and discussed Cecilia with Kiana, it could trigger another episode where Kiana might inadvertently harm or even kill Ana—a scenario he couldn't risk.

"I think it's best not to," Xia Chen hesitated before adding, "Don't you still need to prepare for your Valkyrie garrison exam? Shouldn't that be your focus right now?"

"Xia Chen, your emotional intelligence is beyond repair. Why bring up such sensitive topics?"

As expected, Ana's attention shifted, and she scolded him fiercely, "Shouldn't you be comforting me at times like this?"

"Cough, sorry. Then... I'll see if I can request some time off to visit you."

He felt there wasn't much keeping him at Saint Freya, so taking leave shouldn't be a problem.

"That sounds better." Ana instinctively lifted her chin, revealing her slender neck and delicate collarbones, resembling a proud swan. "Talking with you always makes me angrier; I'm hanging up now."

Xia Chen simply smiled in response.

However, after ending the communication, he found himself deep in thought.

It was clear that Otto's plans were steadily progressing within Saint Freya, and Xia Chen had no means to intervene or halt them.

He might not even get a chance to recover the Herrscher, as Durandal would undoubtedly obstruct his efforts.

From Saint Freya's perspective, he would have to temporarily become a traitor to Schicksal, potentially involving both Ana and Wendy.

But from Schicksal's standpoint... well, perhaps Otto would arrange for his rehabilitation eventually?

After all, Xia Chen believed he had gained some influence and value by now.

However, the safest course would actually be to withdraw beforehand and head to Coral Island.

Rationally, his mind told him this was the best approach.

Yet...

The memories from the simulation were too vivid for Xia Chen to simply ignore the impending Major Honkai Eruption.

"Find an excuse to remain at Headquarters," he thought. "Perhaps I should first inquire about the assessment process for S-rank Valkyries with Alvitr."

Xia Chen considered his options—there was still one simulation attempt left for this week, and it was Thursday today.

Knowing that Rita might visit again, he decided to use it now.

[Schicksal World Simulator activated.]

[Current Scenario: Emergence event of the Herrscher of Intrinsic Law's Dominion.]

[Equipped Weapon: Red Sakura.]

[Assigned Stigmata: Ana Schariac; Sirin Ascension.]

[System generating records...]

[Day 1: As a fugitive wanted by Schicksal, you have taken refuge in Canghai City, Shenzhou.]

When Xia Chen regained consciousness, he couldn't help but feel startled.

He was aware of the Herrscher of Dominance event, but why had he become a fugitive sought by Schicksal? Could this simulation be a continuation of the previous one?

With Ana's death, being sent to the World Serpent, and subsequently breaking ties with Schicksal seemed logical steps.

However, he had no memory of how he arrived in Shenzhou. This was a common issue with simulation scenarios; they only provided a general background and some key memories.

Specific details were absent.

Instead of speculating further, Xia Chen focused on addressing his current situation.

If it's Herrscher of Dominance, things get complicated.

The Herrscher of Dominance isn't particularly strong but is cunning like a rat. Unlike other Herrschers, its emergence did not coincide with a Major Honkai Eruption. Instead, there was a surge in criminal activities worldwide. Locating the Herrscher of Dominance amidst these incidents would undoubtedly be challenging.

Of course, Xia Chen had another option:

To sit back and let Schicksal or Anti-Entropy handle the situation. However, he decisively chose to involve himself.

Giving up just because something is difficult could significantly impact his resolve. After all, each simulation scenario inherently has a predetermined outcome. He could choose not to engage with the plot, wait for the conclusion, and still receive rewards.

But that wasn't what he desired.

Moreover...

With two Herrscher Cores already in his possession, the Herrscher of Dominance would inevitably come seeking him out.

And as expected, events unfolded just as Xia Chen anticipated.

As someone possessing both the Herrscher Cores of Wind and Ice, Xia Chen swiftly received an unconventional invitation from the Herrscher of Dominance.

It was at a bustling street intersection where a flying car suddenly crashed, causing a fatal accident for one individual.

The person's severed head landed near Xia Chen, accompanied by an invitation to a theater performance.

On the invitation, it detailed the next crime target, euphemistically referred to as an "act."

Xia Chen remained silent.

Although his temperament had been stabilized by Taixuan Sword Qi, such provocation still stirred within him.

"The Herrscher of Dominance excels in stripping Authorities, but from what I've seen so far, that seems to be their limit."

He assessed his physical prowess; if only facing puppets, he felt confident.

Moreover, whether due to Schicksal's oversight or some hidden reason, he still possessed Valkyrie Armor:

Purgatory Knight - Moon Ash.

Xia Chen slightly narrowed his eyes, noted down the address on the invitation, and headed in that direction.

As for the decapitated head...

All Xia Chen could do was silently apologize, knowing this wasn't directly his responsibility.

However, upon reaching the location, the crime had already concluded.

A woman plummeted from a high-rise building.

On her mangled corpse, resembling ground meat, lay an identical opera house invitation:

Next Performance: Canghai City, Oriental Tower.

Xia Chen's pupils slightly contracted as he gazed towards the tallest point in Canghai City.

He sensed the presence of Honkai Energy.

"Damn those lunatics!"