Chapter 39: Wendy's Tears

Please support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I'm working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for most novels - There are at least twice as many available chapters on Patreon, compared to here on Webnovel.

Additionally, there are also free extra chapters available for Free Members, so head on over:

Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff

******

Otto certainly didn't hold back on equipping Ana with the Godslayer Armor—though technically, he still took a risk, as even Otto couldn't be certain if this scrapped project would truly succeed.

As soon as the armor connected to the Gem of Desire, Ana felt an immense surge of power flooding into her body, impacting her entire being. This was the backlash from the Herrscher Core. However, unlike the Herrscher of Flame, the Herrscher of Wind, whose authority involved creating Ideal Fluid, exhibited less violent tendencies.

Moreover, Ana's inherent strength far surpassed that of Murata Himeko, allowing her to swiftly adapt to the powers of the Gem of Desire within moments and wield them effectively.

To fully master this newfound force and reach its pinnacle, however, would require extensive practice and learning. After all, the manifestation of the Herrscher of Wind's power is primarily controlling wind, which can seem rather ordinary at first glance.

As Ana harnessed the power of the Gem of Desire, the Honkai Energy levels within the laboratory surged beyond normal thresholds. With her innate affinity for Honkai energy comparable to that of a Herrscher, she could now sustain Herrscher-level quantities effortlessly.

Apart from needing the Godslayer Armor as a medium to access these abilities, there was little distinction between Ana and a full-fledged Herrscher at this moment. In fact, she might even be more powerful than the Herrscher of Wind during their encounter in New Zealand.

Although Ana hadn't yet taken any action, alarms blared throughout the laboratory, red warning lights flashing like it had turned into a nightclub scene.

Unfazed by the hurried footsteps echoing in the corridor, Ana raised the Abyss Flower in her hand and began chanting:

"I am the black from the depths of the abyss, I am the white descending from the skies, born before creation, existing after annihilation; I shall freely give the water from the fountain of life to those who thirst."

As Ana chanted, the Abyss Flower emitted a dazzling radiance, enveloping the entire laboratory and transforming the world into a sea of white.

"Divine Key - Abyss Flower, Zeroth Echelon Power: Holy Lance Aloe!"

The Power of Creation flowed from the tip of the lance to Wendy lying on the surgical table. Under its radiant glow, her injuries rapidly healed, and a hint of color returned to her previously pale face.

Her legs, rendered useless due to Honkai Energy exposure, were also restored. This was the power of Abyss Flower, directly repairing wounds at the genetic level. As long as there was still a breath left, it could revive anyone.

After a moment, Wendy slowly opened her eyes.

Seeing the glowing white lance held by the unfamiliar Valkyrie before her, she couldn't help but widen her gaze.

As a graduate of Saint Freya Academy, she immediately recognized this weapon—the Divine Key, Abyss Flower.

She recalled that Principal Theresa once mentioned this Divine Key belonged to House Schariac and was originally wielded by Schicksal's strongest Valkyrie, Cecilia.

However, the Valkyrie standing before her clearly wasn't Lady Cecilia, and moreover, Lady Cecilia should no longer be with them. Could it be—Lady Durandal?

"Is...is it Lady Durandal?" Wendy weakly asked.

Weakly, Wendy asked, "No, you can call me Ana."

Ana shook her head and gently replied, looking at Wendy.

Despite other captains often mocking Wendy's combat prowess, Ana held immense respect for her. As an ordinary Valkyrie who willingly participated in experiments and resisted the Will of Honkai's corruption for so long, Wendy truly demonstrated exceptional qualities.

"I am also a teacher at Saint Freya Academy. Don't worry; you're no longer the Fourth Herrscher. Your injuries have been fully healed by the Abyss Flower. From now on, you will embark on a new life."

"A...new life?" Wendy's eyes widened, finding it utterly unimaginable. Just moments ago, she was near death, but now...

As these thoughts crossed her mind, tears welled up in Wendy's eyes, releasing years of pent-up frustration all at once. No one knew the extent of indifference and ostracism she endured, nor how she managed to persevere until this point.

But thankfully, it was finally over.

On the operating table, Wendy sobbed uncontrollably, her cries echoing throughout the laboratory. Caught off guard, Ana found herself at a loss; she had never comforted anyone before.

"Um... don't cry... I... I'll take you out of here... The Principal is still waiting for you..."

At the mention of the Principal, Wendy suddenly remembered something. Despite not having undergone any rehabilitation training, she attempted to stand up but promptly collapsed back down.

The Abyss Flower might have healed her legs, but it couldn't restore the memories or muscle memory needed for normal walking—those could only be regained through Wendy's own recovery exercises.

Though she fell, Wendy struggled to get back on her feet, only to tumble again.

"Don't panic, take your time! It's alright."

Ana quickly reached out to help Wendy up, but unexpectedly, Wendy grabbed both her hands tightly instead.

"Hurry! Please save Big Sisters Mei and Bronya! Lady Ana, please! I'm begging you..."

The sight of Wendy's desperate plea stirred mixed emotions within Ana, momentarily transporting her back to Manila and recalling the little girl who had begged for her help.

Suddenly, a sharp pain surged through Ana's mind, causing her teeth to clench tightly.

Yes, despite all this time passed and feeling like she had moved on, the abandonment from that past still lingered like a needle embedded deep in her psyche, waiting to erupt at any moment.

Even with numerous rewards received, they could not heal the emotional scars, which remained the root cause of her Herrscher transformation.

"Don't worry, Principal will rescue them. Trust me!" Supporting her head with one hand, Ana endured the excruciating pain, forcing herself to smile reassuringly. She then lifted Wendy gently and draped her own white lab coat over her shoulders.

Abyss Flower could only heal wounds, not mend clothing.

As Ana prepared to leave with Wendy, before taking more than a few steps, a blonde woman clad in a military coat appeared at the laboratory entrance.

Seeing Wendy in Ana's arms, veins bulged on Cocolia's forehead.

"Who are you? How dare you infiltrate Anti-Entropy's headquarters! Hand over the Gem of Desire!"

At that moment, Ana managed to regain some composure, and as her emotions settled, the pain in her mind also eased slightly. She looked at Cocolia, astonishment evident in her eyes.

She genuinely didn't expect Cocolia to be so courageous!

By breaking in here and taking Wendy, it was clear that Ana had no fear of her. Moreover, could Cocolia not discern the Valkyrie Armor on her? This is armor equipped with a Herrscher Core!