Volume 1, Chapter 28: Initial Display of Stigmata Power

Durandal's words echoed like a battlefield charge signal, and Xia Chen instantly felt an overwhelming pressure bearing down on him.

She had been controlling her strength all along.

Realizing Xia Chen's skills had significantly progressed, she began increasing her power output.

With just bare hands, the force felt akin to a towering mountain pressing upon him.

Xia Chen didn't dare to underestimate her and hastily attempted to dodge the incoming punches. However, Durandal's speed was unmatched; even without her Valkyrie Armor, he found no escape.

This tactic was commonly used by Durandal during training sessions. Once she gauged her opponent's strength, she would escalate, swiftly ending the fight due to their significant power disparity.

As for potential injuries...

A Valkyrie's physical prowess typically prevented severe harm, especially since Durandal always controlled her force carefully.

Nevertheless, Xia Chen differed from previous sparring partners. Unwilling to let the training end prematurely, he chose to take the blows head-on.

Indeed, losing to Durandal wouldn't be embarrassing, as very few could ever defeat her. However, after experiencing the simulation space, Xia Chen realized that his future adversaries would include multiple Herrschers, possibly even higher-dimensional manifestations of the Will of Honkai.

If he couldn't withstand Durandal's bare-fisted strikes,

how could he dream of overcoming Honkai?

Flashes of death scenes from various simulation scenarios flickered through his mind. With unwavering determination, Xia Chen braced himself and met Durandal's punch with his own fist.

"Oh no."

Outside, Ana's expression changed slightly as she observed.

Just as she was about to call for medical personnel, an incredible scene unfolded before her eyes.

Xia Chen's fist unexpectedly contained Honkai Energy, instantly lowering the surrounding temperature and forming an ice shield that blocked Durandal's strike.

Despite his face turning pale and stumbling back several steps involuntarily, he managed to withstand it.

Durandal did not capitalize on her advantage but instead stood there, deep in thought.

Ana couldn't help but feel astonished.

"Is this a special bloodline?"

"Or perhaps... Stigmata?"

Her gaze towards Xia Chen now held surprise.

Among the three prominent families supporting Schicksal today, each possessed unique bloodlines. The Kaslanas, regardless of gender, exhibited exceptional compatibility with Honkai Energy and extraordinary strength. The Schariac lineage, although weakened now, still retained the ability to neutralize Honkai Energy.

As for the House of Apocalypse... well, Ana didn't have much knowledge about them.

Currently, Schicksal could confirm that only these three special families carried distinctive bloodlines. However, Xia Chen clearly wasn't from any of these clans.

Thus, the answer became quite clear.

It was the power of Stigmata.

Xia Chen exhibited the strength associated with Stigmata.

However, Schicksal had previously assessed his Honkai Energy compatibility to be only A-level, which clearly did not align with the innate potential expected from a natural-born Stigmata bearer.

Despite this, the force emanating from him undeniably related to Stigmata and seemed connected to the previous Simulation Scenario.

The most pressing issue now was how to cover up this revelation, at least avoiding becoming a lab rat for experiments.

"My apologies," Durandal suddenly spoke, addressing Xia Chen. "I didn't realize you possessed implanted artificial Stigmata."

Xia Chen remained silent.

On the side, Ana's thoughts became increasingly complex.

Artificial Stigmata... were technological creations by Schicksal, modeled after existing natural Stigmata. They served the same purpose as their natural counterparts, allowing adaptation to and control over Honkai energy.

However, the cost was significant. Due to the absence of the mysterious blessings from heroes found in natural Stigmata, holders of artificial Stigmata faced strong rejection and erosion effects from modern technology limitations.

This is why most Valkyries retire in their late twenties - their lifespan drastically shortens after receiving artificial Stigmata.

However, after implanting an artificial stigma, recipients often had significantly reduced lifespans.

Unlike natural Stigmata holders, most artificial stigma bearers could display the power of their Stigmata, albeit crudely and barely effective compared to innate abilities.

Additionally, due to inherent rejection issues with artificial stigmas, using the Stigmata's power was not advisable. The more it is utilized, the deeper its corrosive effects on the body become.

Rita's case was exceptional due to her unique circumstances, making her an exception. For other Valkyries implanted with artificial Stigmata, they typically avoid manifesting Stigmata powers unless absolutely necessary.

This explains why Durandal felt compelled to apologize.

Xia Chen knew they misunderstood him. After a brief silence, he said, "Captain, my Stigmata...appeared during the Manila Honkai incident."

There were significant differences between artificial and natural Stigmata, and he understood he couldn't hide this fact. So, he crafted a subtle lie.

"During the Manila Honkai event, my body was affected by erosion. However, thanks to the Stigmata, I faced no serious consequences." He paused before continuing, "I just didn't want to go to the research institute, so I kept it hidden."

The term "Schicksal's research institute" carried a negative connotation.

However, at this moment, Durandal and Ana were clearly unaware of its darker implications.

Ana couldn't help but question, "Why would you think having Stigmata would send you to the research institute?"

She continued sarcastically, "By the time artificial Stigmata technology matured, Amber had already ensured thorough studies on both male and female bodies. There's no need for your data now; exceptional cases rarely hold value."

Male Stigmata bearers were exceedingly rare.

So scarce that there was virtually no possibility of widespread study. Typically, Schicksal relied on individuals from the Kaslana family as substitutes for their research.

To some extent, males from the House Kaslana were considered the most valuable experimental subjects.

As she spoke, Ana cautiously glanced at Durandal, fearing she might try to claim Xia Chen herself.

The reason was simple - with Stigmata, Xia Chen's talent and potential needed reassessment.

However, Durandal didn't seem to concern herself with such matters.

After pondering for a moment, she suggested, "In that case, tomorrow I'll have Rita personally guide you on harnessing Stigmata's power; she is more knowledgeable than me."

"Also, regarding your accommodation issue as mentioned by Captain Ana earlier, considering today's events, it would be best if you continue staying at your current place. It's convenient for accessing the training grounds."

Xia Chen was initially taken aback by Ana's comment but quickly realized his oversight.

Clearly, he had underestimated Otto too much.

As the leader of Schicksal, how could Otto not have researched male Stigmata holders? Even encountering one or two exceptional cases wouldn't deter him significantly.

These exceptions were not representative, and moreover, the research value of male Stigmata holders paled in comparison to Herrschers.

Nevertheless, this incident might slightly elevate his standing with Otto.

As for being subjected to experimental trials like a lab rat, it was unlikely to happen. Unlike Mobius, consumed by scientific obsession, all of Otto's endeavors revolved around Kallen.

"Thank you, Captain Durandal, and thank you, Captain Ana."

"Just call me Ana from now on." Ana blinked and continued, "Come, train with me; it seems like you're quite bored anyway."

"All right."

Durandal glanced over but didn't say anything.

Time passed uneventfully.