Chapter 69: Unconsciousness: Rita's Thoughts

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"Oh? You're already aware?"

Surprise flickered beneath Jackal's mask; she knew Ana had well-informed sources, but didn't expect them to be so extensive. The experiment was recent, and even Gray Serpent wasn't fully briefed on the details.

"Uh..." Ana's expression became somewhat odd.

Primarily, in the Honkai world, individuals with these specific traits left a deep impression on her. They were two children from Cocolia's Orphanage—Vodka Girls Liliya and Rozaliya.

"It seems you have some collaboration with Anti-Entropy."

"That doesn't concern me." Jackal shrugged.

"I'm merely a researcher; any collaborations with organizations or individuals fall under Gray Serpent's purview. However, it appears Gray Serpent is indeed working with Cocolia."

"Cocolia?!" Unable to contain herself, Himeko interjected from the side.

"Oh? What insights does this lady have?" Jackal raised her head and looked at Himeko.

"This is Himeko, a former teacher at our Saint Freya Academy. You should be aware that Cocolia has some unresolved issues with us," Ana explained calmly.

"I see."

Jackal nodded slightly, indeed acknowledging the situation involving the Gem of Desire. However, ultimately, the gem had fallen into the hands of the very person before her now.

Frankly speaking, in terms of experimental value, none of the numerous subjects she encountered could match Ana's significance. Unfortunately, Ana was off-limits for experimentation; not only due to Gray Serpent and Hare but also because the impressive creations Jackal herself boasted about were insignificant compared to what Ana possessed.

"In any case, take good care of her. If there's anything you need to research, ensure you obtain her consent first," Ana said mildly.

"She once controlled the Red Knight equipped with the Gem of Haste using her mortal body and sealed the Second Herrscher. I treated her injuries with the Abyss Flower's Transcendence state, so she may exhibit unique traits you haven't seen before." As Ana spoke, she gave Himeko a meaningful glance.

First, a stern warning, then a sweet reward—a combination of both pressure and incentive. Being Jackal's experimental subject might not be entirely bad, as she indeed possessed considerable expertise.

With Ana by her side, Himeko would undoubtedly learn much, and unlike Ana herself initially, Himeko wasn't as stubborn or headstrong.

Admittedly, to swiftly master the Gem of Desire's power, Ana had employed some radical methods. Later, she realized that involving Hare could have simplified things significantly. By having Hare acquire the necessary knowledge first and then transferring it to herself, the process could have been more straightforward.

"In that case, there is indeed significant research value," Jackal rubbed her chin thoughtfully, agreeing seriously. A hint of surprise flickered in her gaze when looking at Himeko; she never expected this seemingly ordinary Valkyrie, with minimal Honkai resistance, to have defeated the Second Herrscher.

"Well then, see you later."

With those words, Ana waved goodbye to Jackal and turned to leave Divine City Pharmaceutical's building.

Watching Ana depart, Jackal shook her head. Honestly, she couldn't fathom what exactly this influential figure intended. As the leader of Schicksal's Far East Branch, if they needed artificial Stigmata transplants or similar procedures, wouldn't it make sense to seek assistance from their own experts?

As for Ana's ulterior motives, Rita could guess them well enough. However, she believed Schicksal could provide Himeko with anything Ana might offer. Thus, she needed to find another way to repay her generous patron's care.

A few days later, at a secluded spot high above Tianqiong City.

Rita stowed away her equipment and activated a holographic communication link.

"Lord Bishop, I have arrived in Tianqiong City. Please provide further instructions."

To avoid arousing suspicion among these individuals, Otto ultimately employed the simulated Fenghuang Down to alter their memories. They now only recall engaging in a sparring match with Ana, resulting in her becoming Schicksal's most powerful Valkyrie, standing equal to Otto himself.

Additionally, she took over Theresa's position as the new head of the Far East Branch and Principal of Saint Freya Academy.

"Two weeks ago, we detected a leakage of Honkai Energy in Tianqiong City."

"Upon reviewing the post-incident footage, traces of the Herrscher of the Void were discovered."

"Your mission is to locate her whereabouts."

"Yes, sir..."

Just as Rita was about to respond, another familiar voice suddenly interrupted.

"Mission aborted. Rita, I'm borrowing her for a bit—no objections, Mr. Otto?"

Following the sound, Rita saw Ana standing nearby, eyes squinted, hands casually tucked into the pockets of her trench coat, smiling warmly at her.

"A...na..."

When Ana initially left Schicksal Headquarters, Rita was still unconscious and unaware of her destination. Upon waking up, Bishop Otto only mentioned that Ana had taken over the Far East Branch. However, upon reflection, Shenzhou indeed falls within its jurisdiction.

"Haha, naturally no problem, my friend. But regarding the Herrscher of the Void..." Otto shifted his tone.

"Rest assured, if there is any news about her, I will inform you. Leave this matter to me; I'll handle it accordingly, how does that sound?"

Understanding Otto's thoughts perfectly, Ana confidently responded:

"Moreover, she's currently in a dire state. If unable to control her Authorities, she becomes a ticking time bomb. I believe Mr. Otto comprehends this well."

"Yes, Ms. Ana, you're absolutely right." Otto nodded, which was uncommon for him.

He needed the Herrscher of the Void—a controllable one—but not an unstable and half-dead version.

Now, with Ana willing to step forward and manage the situation, he gladly accepted.

Furthermore, based on Ana's implication, the Herrscher of the Void should be split...

"I've sent Heaven's Fire back with Unnamed Locomotive. Remember to dispatch another battleship to retrieve my Heaven's Fire later."

Ana interrupted Otto's thoughts.

"Heaven's Fire?!"

Otto was puzzled; he had no idea Ana possessed such assistance. Even when activating the Unnamed Locomotive earlier, he didn't notice Heaven's Fire present.

"It's the guardian that used to watch over the Unnamed Locomotive, the ELF. I've rebooted it," Ana casually explained, unconcerned about Otto's reaction.

"That little fellow has as peculiar a temperament as its owner. Don't provoke him; with the energy I replenished, he could dismantle Schicksal Headquarters without breaking a sweat."

Ana's words were a blatant threat, knowing well how shameless Otto could be. She needed to be even more ruthless than him.

Want to study my ELF? No problem! But if you're not afraid of Schicksal Headquarters being torn down or the Unnamed Locomotive disappearing, go ahead and research. Let's see if you dare to court disaster!

"If you truly seek answers, delve deeper into the Unnamed Locomotive," Ana added finally. "But please prepare yourself mentally for what you might find."

Despite Otto's questionable character, Ana believed he deserved to fulfill his long-held aspiration—to bring back an exceptionally gifted Valkyrie. This desire wasn't unreasonable compared to the years of relentless effort he had invested.

Thus, Ana harbored both disdain and sympathy towards Otto but also held immense admiration for him.

Upon hearing Ana's words, Otto's eyes lit up. He knew she wouldn't mention something without reason, especially since her previous possession of Unnamed Locomotive must have granted her extensive knowledge about it.

"Many thanks, Lady Ana. If needed, I'll request assistance from you anytime."

With that, Otto's figure vanished from the holographic projection.

Ana suspected that unless something unexpected occurred, he might personally visit Saint Freya Academy to research Unnamed Locomotive, possibly even conducting his studies on-site.

Otto was relentless; give him a glimmer of hope, and he would relentlessly pursue it.

"Lady Ana..."

As Ana remained lost in thought, Rita's voice suddenly interrupted.

"May I ask if there are any instructions?"

"Hmm... How about going on a date with me?" Ana blinked, then smiled warmly.

"Eh?!"

Even someone as composed as Rita did not anticipate such a request from Ana. It wasn't that she objected, but rather...what kind of mission was this?

"Don't worry, everything is under control. You just need to enjoy our date!"

As Ana spoke, she glanced up and down at Rita.

"Since it's a date, there's no need for this armor; it might be uncomfortable."

"Yes, Lady Ana." With a respectful bow, Rita deactivated her Phantom Iron hunting suit. Beneath the armor, she revealed her signature maid outfit.

"Oh, Rita, give me a big hug quickly!"

Ana exclaimed as she launched herself towards Rita. Having missed out on a hug from her adorable Hare earlier, she eagerly sought to make up for it now with Rita.

In response to Ana's enthusiastic leap, Rita opened her arms, embracing Ana tenderly, her gaze filled with affection.

"Wahh, Rita, I've missed you so much! These past few days have been really exhausting..."

Ana nestled in Rita's embrace, pouring out her hardships. The scent of flowers, reminiscent of Rosemary, emanating from Rita, intoxicated and comforted Ana deeply.

Despite being the most powerful Valkyrie in this world and even a transmigrator, her path was inherently lonely, devoid of companionship. Each decision she made felt like walking on thin ice, leaving her without any sense of security.

In this moment, cradled in Rita's arms, Ana felt a rare sense of comfort she hadn't experienced in a long time. She vividly recalled that summer day in the stifling office when Rita had stayed by her side, offering all the support and solace she could muster beyond their work duties.

"Although I don't know what Lady Ana has endured, you've been through so much," Rita gently stroked Ana's head, her voice soft and comforting. Seeing Ana like this broke her heart; even amidst the hectic chaos at Schicksal Headquarters, Ana never appeared this worn-out.

Not even when Bianka first brought Ana back did she seem so vulnerable.

Rita wanted to understand what exactly happened to Ana, but as she tried to speak, the words wouldn't come out. It felt as though, somehow, Ana had become a part of another world, creating an insurmountable distance between them.

However, Rita remained undeterred. To her, or rather, according to her beliefs, companionship was the best form of confession.

She understood well that Ana didn't need her strength. Ana was already immensely powerful, capable of defeating Rita, Lady Bianka, and Li Sushang combined.

All she could do was stay by Ana's side.

However... Rita still couldn't quite grasp how Ana claimed to have everything under control. How exactly did she plan to find and stabilize the Herrscher of the Void, transforming her completely back into Kiana?

"Don't worry..." Ana's voice suddenly echoed from within Rita's embrace, but compared to her earlier confident and lighthearted tone, it now sounded weak and subdued.

"Lady Ana?"

"I will protect you all... Please... trust me..."

With those final words, Ana fell silent, her body gradually going limp. Rita hastily tightened her hold to support her.

Upon checking, she discovered that Ana had drifted off into deep sleep.

Despite being sound asleep, Ana's brows remained tightly furrowed, as if even in slumber, she carried immense worries—a stark contrast to her past demeanor.

Although training as Valkyries of Schicksal was arduous, everyone approached it with enthusiasm and hope, driven by their desire to combat Honkai. It was unthinkable that this once-vibrant girl had transformed into her current state.

Unbeknownst to Ana, she seemed to have unwittingly shouldered burdens beyond her understanding—burdens that perhaps never needed to fall on her shoulders in the first place.

She could have lived a simple life as an ordinary Valkyrie, diligently fulfilling her duties, retiring eventually, marrying a boy she loved, raising a family, and living out an unremarkable existence.

Rita's eyes gradually misted over, unnoticed amidst her thoughts.

Becoming a Valkyrie was Rita's own choice, inspired by her admiration for Ragna. However, for Ana, as a descendant of House Schariac, becoming a Valkyrie was compulsory; her innate compatibility with Honkai left her no other option.

Having access to Schicksal's confidential files, Rita was well aware of these circumstances.

A tear dropped onto Ana's cheek, causing her already furrowed brows to crease even more deeply, her expression hinting at slight distress. Despite being unconscious, it seemed as if she were saying, "Please don't cry; your tears make things difficult for me too."

In truth, Rita rarely cried.

At least, after becoming a Valkyrie, she hadn't shed tears since crying is seen as a sign of weakness and inadequacy. As a Valkyrie of Schicksal, she couldn't afford to display such vulnerability.

But now, all she could do was weep—for this girl she loved, cradled in her arms.

"Sorry, Lady Ana, I'm sorry..."

Rita gently wiped away her tears, striving with all her might to regain composure. Finally, after a few minutes, she composed herself.

"Goodnight...Lady Ana...May you have pleasant dreams..."

Under the glow of streetlights, amidst the night, Rita carried Ana, their figures gradually disappearing into the darkness...