Volume 2, Chapter 62: Himeko's Farewell

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The unexpected sequence of events involving Theresa and Durandal left everyone, including Xia Chen, momentarily stunned.

No one anticipated such a turn, as Theresa successfully convinced Durandal to join the Far East Branch.

However, upon reflection, there were plausible reasons behind this outcome.

In truth, Durandal held Cecilia in such high regard that she naturally extended her admiration to the daughter of her idol.

She even considered entrusting Kiana with Abyss Flower, despite it not being a Divine Key passed down within their family lineage.

Durandal was unaware of Sirin Project, and due to Welt. Yang's influence, she harbored no animosity towards Herrschers.

She firmly believed that Kiana was exceptional and could maintain her own will.

The Far East Branch's report also confirmed Kiana possessed her distinct consciousness, albeit wielding Herrscher-like power. This reinforced Durandal's belief that Kiana was indeed unique.

As a result, she did not view this mission as confronting an enemy but rather protecting Kiana.

Her focus would be on external threats outside Schicksal, such as Anti-Entropy.

There were reports indicating increased activity by Anti-Entropy recently, with traces found across Oceania and other regions in Asia. Their intentions remained unclear, though likely connected to the Herrscher Cores.

Based on these circumstances, Durandal chose to personally oversee the situation.

Addressing Xia Chen seriously, she said, "Then you should return to Headquarters first. I'll inform Amber about my stay here."

"Alright," Xia Chen responded indifferently.

With Durandal at the Far East Branch, the likelihood of conflict between it and Schicksal Headquarters approached zero. Consequently, his primary concern—Himeko's potential demise due to this war—would not occur.

Indeed, there was no longer any need for him to remain at Saint Freya Academy.

He directly addressed Theresa, "My apologies, but I can no longer continue in my current position."

Theresa and Raiden Mei couldn't help feeling conflicted about this decision.

Despite numerous puzzling aspects surrounding Xia Chen's involvement with Kiana's Herrscher transformation, his performance at Saint Freya had been exemplary.

However...

Regardless of how one looked at it, a rift had already formed between Xia Chen and Saint Freya.

Neither Theresa nor Raiden Mei could foresee future events, so this misunderstanding would persist indefinitely.

Xia Chen remained unfazed by their sentiments.

Leaving the training ground, he returned to his room briefly to pack some belongings before stepping out again.

Just as he exited, Xia Chen unexpectedly found Himeko waiting outside.

"I've heard you're returning." Himeko paused momentarily before adding, "Let me see you off."

Xia Chen was slightly taken aback but managed to conceal his surprise well. "Thank you for your trouble, Teacher Himeko."

"As colleagues, there's no need for such formality." Himeko smiled warmly, displaying a rare intellectual charm despite her usual casual demeanor.

She continued, "I must apologize for any hardships you've endured these past few days on behalf of Theresa, and...thank you."

"Uh, why do you say that?" Xia Chen felt puzzled; why would Himeko be apologizing?

Himeko grinned softly, explaining, "Once, I had a dream about a catastrophic Major Honkai Eruption at Schicksal Headquarters. The Herrscher born from it was Kiana."

"In truth...that vision depicted the future, didn't it?"

Casually, she added, "Let me not withhold this from you - before joining Schicksal, I was already a knowledgeable woman. With sufficient information, predicting the future isn't difficult.

"I actually knew quite early that Kiana possessed the potential to become a Herrscher."

A hint of sorrow and melancholy flickered in her eyes. "As for why Rita targeted Kiana during the test, I have a fair understanding of the reasons. Ragna...was also my captain."

Xia Chen remained silent.

"Therefore, regardless of circumstances, Kiana would eventually transform into a Herrscher; the only difference lies in where it occurs."

"I don't know exactly what you did, but I can guess that you've already minimized the losses as much as possible. After all, Nagazora City is now just a ruined cityscape. If the Honkai eruption occurred on the floating island, the catastrophic consequences would be unbearable for anyone."

"Honestly, how you achieved this remains your private matter, and I won't pry into it," Himeko continued casually. "Theresa can still be quite naive at times; please forgive her shortcomings."

Xia Chen couldn't help but admire Himeko's astuteness, as she had accurately gauged his thoughts.

"Actually, Principal Theresa hasn't done anything wrong, so there's no need for apologies." He smiled and added, "Considering I haven't been expelled from Saint Freya yet, it shows the Principal's remarkable restraint. Her love for Kiana is truly selfless."

"Hmm, I agree with you there."

Himeko sighed, "If only Kiana could put more effort into her studies."

Realizing he hadn't asked about Kiana's condition, Xia Chen inquired, "How is she doing mentally?"

"Well, should I say she's optimistically carefree or genuinely unconcerned? She even mentioned that this situation brings her closer to Mei fatefully."

"Yes, that sounds very much like Kiana's character."

Their conversation touched briefly on each topic without delving deeper.

Himeko didn't inquire about Xia Chen's experiences in the dream realm, nor did Xia Chen discuss the potential future scenarios.

He was certain that now, he had altered his destiny.

But whether this would lead to a better or worse future remained unknown.

No one could provide an answer.

The impact of present actions on the future is often difficult to predict.

"We're here," Himeko smiled and said. "Come aboard."

"Alright."

Xia Chen entered the flying device.

Naturally, Himeko took the pilot's seat, while he chose a spot to rest comfortably.

Since there were no anticipated emergencies, he felt extremely relaxed at that moment.

As a result, he didn't notice Kiana crouching near the rear of the flying device, straining to conceal herself and barely daring to breathe loudly.

Several hours passed, and the Far East Branch's flying device arrived at the floating island headquarters.

Xia Chen stretched lazily.

After bidding farewell to Himeko, he got up from his seat.

Just then, he heard a familiar sound—snoring, to be precise.

Intrigued, Xia Chen walked towards the back and discovered Kiana hiding behind, curled up and fast asleep.

Confused, he stared at her.

Kiana slowly woke up, her eyes still slightly dazed. "Hmm, have we arrived?"

Xia Chen remained silent.

It was clear that Kiana had sneaked onto the flight unannounced.

Her motive seemed straightforward; she didn't want to involve Theresa.

Himeko, noticing from within the flying craft, couldn't help but ask, "What's wrong?"

"Hmm, nothing." He glanced at Kiana and sighed softly, then whispered, "We're here."

Kiana attempted to stand up but stumbled.

With teary eyes, she complained, "My legs fell asleep."

Naturally, Himeko heard the commotion. "Why is there another sound?"

She stepped out of the cockpit, witnessing Xia Chen's speechless expression and tearful Kiana.

Himeko was momentarily taken aback.

After a moment, she could only entrust Xia Chen with a request, "I'll explain to Theresa, but please look after Kiana for now."

Feeling slightly overwhelmed, Xia Chen responded, "I'll do my best to keep an eye on her."