Against the Storm (1)

"We've got our target! Let's move out!" Himeko's voice echoed through the room, commanding attention.

"Major Himeko!" A female Valkyrie approached us and then saluted before reporting, "There are hundreds of Honkai beasts incoming! We're also detecting Honkai readings at the port side!"

"Move out immediately!"

"Roger that!" The Valkyrie swiftly dashed out of the room.

"It's about to get even busier, Shin," Himeko remarked, turning to me. "Are you familiar with Honkai Classes?"

"I believe so, Major Himeko."

"Hehe, glad to know you've been paying attention in my class."

"Why? What's the matter, Major Himeko?"

"Templar, Chariot, and Seraph classes are landing on top of the Helios!" A Valkyrie's warning blared over the speaker.

"You heard the orders, Shin."

"Give me your command, Major Himeko."

Himeko nodded decisively. "Clear them out."

"Understood!"

I quickly paced through the corridor, frantically searching for a way to reach the top of the ship.

"Where's the way up?!" I muttered under my breath, feeling a sense of urgency.

A female Valkyrie approached me, her demeanor concerned. "You must be Shin, right? What are you doing?"

"I can't find the way to the top deck!"

"Hey, no need to shout," she said, adjusting her stance. "Take this elevator." She pointed to a nearby lift.

"Thanks," I said hurriedly, feeling a bit embarrassed by my outburst.

"No problem," she replied, her expression softening. "But are you sure you can handle those Honkai beasts?"

"I'll manage," I assured her, rushing towards the elevator and pressing the button.

"Here, take these," she said, handing me a bottle of pills.

"What are these?" I asked inspecting the bottle.

"I'm Enma from the Research Houkai Team, Those pills will boost your houkai energy... Although it's still a test, I'm sure it'll work just fine! But be careful not to take too many; you might pass out!"

With a nod of understanding, I accepted the pill and swallowed it.

Woah...?! My body suddenly feels very smooth!

I offered her a smile before entering the elevator.

"Miss Enma."

"Yes?"

"I won't forget your name!"

"Which floor would you like to go to?" asked the AI-powered elevator.

"The top of the ship!"

"Understood. Heading to the top of the ship," the A.I. confirmed, and the elevator closed the door swiftly ascended.

As I ascended in the elevator, the only sound accompanying me was the hum of the A.I. and the mechanical whirring of the elevator. But amidst the silence, a familiar voice broke through my thoughts.

"Are you prepared, Kid? I sense something more sinister ahead."

"Tsurugi..."

"Heh, if you wish, I can handle it."

"You're not taking over my body, Tsurugi."

"Stubborn as always."

"Let's focus on the task at hand."

"Hmph..."

The elevator doors opened, and I stepped out onto the deck of the ship. The rush of wind against my face and the roar of the houkai beasts greeted me.

"There seems to be quite a few of them."

"I'll handle them."

"And how do you plan to do that?"

With a grin, I struck my left palm with my right fist and summoned my sword, taking a ready stance.

"It's time to end this in one swift strike."

I surveyed the multitude of houkai beasts covering the deck, their menacing forms ready to attack. But I remained undeterred, focusing my gaze on them with unwavering determination.

They're all dead the moment they're inside.

"Domain Expansion."

Suddenly, darkness enveloped the surroundings, leaving only the eerie glow of the cross-like structures and the sakura tree in the shrine that materialized behind me.

"Sayonara."

In an instant, The houkai beasts froze in their tracks as my domain took hold. And in an instant, as the domain vanished, the creatures fell, severed, and disintegrated by the flurry of blades.

the houkai beasts fell one by one, severed and vanquished, reduced to nothing but dust.

The houkai beasts froze in their tracks as my domain took hold. And in an instant, as the domain vanished, the creatures fell, severed and disintegrated by the flurry of blades.

I let out a breath, feeling the drain of using such power.

"Tch... You've taken a page out of my book," Tsurugi muttered.

"Your technique is mine as well," I said feeling the exhaustion creeping in. I crouched down, feeling the weight of the exertion, "I didn't expect it to take such a toll on me."

"You're stupid to use that technique."

"Better than wasting time... but it seems I still have much to learn."

A surge of energy rippled through the air, accompanied by thickening clouds and darkening skies.

"Shin!" Himeko's hologram materialized before me. "Be cautious! We're detecting significant Honkai energy readings near the transport ship!"

"What's happening?" 

"A colossal monster is encircling the Helios!"

Lightning crackled overhead, striking the ship's surface.

"What in the world...?" I scrambled to my feet, dodging the incoming bolts. "This is insane!"

"The Honkai levels from this entity are off the charts," Himeko informed.

"Then act fast!"

Just then a massive dragon descended upon the Helios, its roar shaking the air.

My heart raced as I faced the worst-case scenario that I hadn't experienced in my entire life.

 "This has to be the most absurd thing I've ever faced!"

"Shin!" Himeko's voice echoed in my ears.

"Major Himeko! Do something!"

"We're doing our best... Principal Theresa is aiding us. Please, give us time!"

"I can't just stand here!"

The dragon charged at me, its attacks relentless.

I dodged and countered, but it seemed to heal instantly, rendering my efforts futile.

"Oh? That must be Benares"

"Who the hell is that!?"

"It's a massive, draconic Judgment-class Houkai Beast," Tsurugi explained. "It wreaked havoc during the 2nd Houkai War in February 2000 under the command of the 2nd Herrscher."

"Fantastic! I don't need a history lesson right now!"

The exhausting cycle of attack, evade, and counter was taking its toll on my body, each movement heavier than the last.

"I can't keep this up much longer!" I gasped for breath, feeling the strain.

"Shin!" Theresa's holographic form appeared before me, her voice urgent. "The Helios's anti-air systems are operational again! Just give me the signal to attack!"

"Principal Theresa, you scared me!" I exclaimed. "Please, just focus on attacking!"

"Teri-Teri~ sorry for the surprise! Did you miss me?" Theresa giggled. 

Piece of... ####!!!

"I'm ready to strike when you give me the chance."

"There's already an opening right now!"

"Eh? What do you mean?"

I pointed to Benares as it prepared to unleash its breath attack. "Can't you fire at its mouth?"

"Oh, splendid idea!" Theresa's voice sounded delighted. "I'll take that shot."

Suddenly, the turrets aimed directly at Benares's gaping maw and unleashed a barrage of energy beams.

Did it work!?

Benares roared in pain and frustration.

"What happened? Something's wrong with this dragon!"

"Be cautious! Its Honkai level is still escalating!" Theresa warned.

"I don't know how much longer I can hold on..."

"Shin! I've detected another Honkai signature approaching rapidly!" Himeko's voice sounded through the comm. "I'll join you shortly!"

"Another Honkai beast?" I leaned on my blade for support, feeling the fatigue setting in. "I'm running out of breath..."

Ugh... You're tougher than I thought... huh?

Huh? That battlesuit... That's familiar...

"Fu Hua?!"