Volume 1, Chapter 22: Ana's Defense Line

Cold.

A bone-chilling cold permeated from Ana, draped over his shoulder. As an ordinary human with merely flesh and blood, Xia Chen felt his hands losing sensation due to the freezing temperature.

The Valkyrie Armor had become a heavy burden; the extreme cold damaged some of its components.

Yet, he persisted.

Despite the voice in his mind incessantly urging him to consume her:

"Eat her, and you will experience unparalleled delight."

Xia Chen paid it no heed.

His sole focus was on escorting Ana back to Schicksal Headquarters safely.

Due to Ana's presence, nearby Honkai Beasts ceased their attacks, leaving him only to contend with this artificially created chill.

Gradually, Ana regained control over her body, evident as Xia Chen sensed her actively cooperating with his efforts.

"Phew, it's so cold." Supporting her while speaking intermittently, he said, "Once we get back, I definitely need a warm bowl of hot porridge."

"And roasted sweet potatoes, along with a good hot pot feast."

"Hey, considering all I've done, asking you to treat me shouldn't be too much, right?"

Ana's lips moved slightly, as if she was trying to respond.

As if encouraging her or simply talking to himself, Xia Chen continued, "Thinking about it, there aren't many great food options at Headquarters anyway. The lamb stew is always too rich for my taste. After this ordeal ends, I'll take you to Shenzhou. We can enjoy a spicy hot pot together."

His words came out intermittently; the extreme coldness left him barely enough strength to speak and walk, with no energy even for coherent thoughts.

After what felt like an eternity, they finally spotted signs of human presence near a residential area.

Rita, clad in the Mark-IV Valkyrie Armor Artemis, was already stationed there, guarding the vicinity.

Her gaze shifted between Ana and Xia Chen, revealing her surprise.

"Vice-Captain Rita."

Xia Chen's voice trembled slightly as he asked, "Can you directly take Ana back to the base? The Gun of God...the Gun of God can resolve the issue within her body."

The Gun of God contained a significant amount of serum made from Schariac holy blood, which could completely neutralize Honkai Energy.

He surmised that during the Manila incident, Ana must have released a large quantity of holy blood, leaving herself vulnerable to Honkai's intrusion.

Despite this, she continued to fight against the Will of Honkai with her remaining willpower.

The Will of Honkai amplifies negative emotions, yet she refused to succumb to its influence.

"Agent Xia Chen," Rita paused before responding, "you've done well, but Ana cannot return to the base."

"Why not?" He couldn't help but question, then quickly composed himself and added, "If not returning to the base, is it possible to immediately request the base to deploy the Gun of God? She is very weak right now."

"Only the Gun of God can save her, even if it means she won't be able to return to the battlefield."

The Gun of God, crafted from vast quantities of Schariac holy blood, is specifically designed as anti-Herrscher weaponry to neutralize Honkai Energy. Himeko had used this very weapon to awaken Kiana from the control of the Herrscher of the Void.

However, the consequence was that Kiana might struggle to fight again as a Valkyrie.

But should such an outcome arise, it wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing.

Given the Schariac family's status, supporting Ana financially would not be an issue for them.

Rita sighed softly.

She said, "Lord Bishop has an agreement with World Serpent; the Immortal Blades will assist their forces in recovering the Fifth Herrscher."

"Xia Chen, leave now. I'll report your contributions during this mission on your behalf."

"I don't need more accolades!" Xia Chen suddenly snarled, his demeanor fierce.

He knew all too well what kind of place World Serpent was.

"Vice-Captain Rita, I've heard many members of the Immortal Blades sacrificed themselves in Shenzhou's Tianqiong City."

"...Yes," she confirmed, but the beautiful vice-captain remained unshaken. "But that belongs to the past. Moreover, due to the Herrschers, several more Immortal Blade members have been lost since then."

"Ana, wait for me just a moment."

Gently pushing aside Ana's hand, he gripped the Red Sakura tightly.

"If you want to take Ana away, first overcome her defenses."

For he himself was her defense.

He was merely an A-rank Valkyrie clad in Mark-III Valkyrie Armor, his lips turning purple from the cold, and blood trickled down the hand gripping his sword, now numb.

Yet, he steadfastly stood against Rita.

Because this wasn't right.

The script should not unfold like this.

Ana had fought valiantly against the Herrscher's consciousness; she deserved better than to become a sacrificial victim for World Serpent's research.

Even though Xia Chen knew it was just a simulation...

Still...

He chose, in that instant, to confront the harsh reality with a flash of blade light.

"Sakura Petal Fall."

With remarkable speed, he reached Rita's side, the chilling crimson glow of his blade poised to strike her neck.

Rita couldn't afford to underestimate him, as sometimes the distinction between S-rank and A-rank Valkyries wasn't always clear-cut. The ranking system for Schicksal's Valkyries primarily assessed their capabilities in combating Honkai, not individual strength.

However, this didn't mean she felt any fear.

"Awaken, Master of Frost."

Her Valkyrie Armor activated a protective shield, and Skadi Ondurgud swiftly met the incoming blade flash head-on.

The bone-chilling wind nearly sliced through his exposed skin, rendering the Mark-III Valkyrie Armor completely ineffective, transforming it into cumbersome scrap metal.

A hint of pity flashed in Rita's eyes; she had no intention of killing him but rather planned to incapacitate him.

Suddenly, an unexpected event occurred.

Ana lost control, generating a massive amount of ice that formed into icicles, poised to crash down on Rita's Immortal Blades squad.

Rita's eyes turned cold.

However, someone reacted even faster than her.

Xia Chen swiftly discarded the Red Sakura and lunged towards Ana, almost clumsily.

"Don't do this, Ana," he said tightly embracing her. "I was just joking with the vice-captain; she's kind-hearted and beautiful. I promise, I'll make sure she takes you back to Schicksal Headquarters."

"With the Gun of God, you won't have to endure this pain anymore."

The formed icicles slowly began to melt away.

Yet, the bloodstains from Xia Chen's hands were strikingly visible on the girl's clothing.

[Devour her/him.]

The consciousness known as Honkai echoed simultaneously in both their minds.

Xia Chen chose to ignore it.

"It will be over soon, Ana," he whispered, holding her as if cradling solid ice.

Outside, Rita's gaze flickered uncertainly.

"Vice-Captain," one of the Immortal Blade members cautioned, "Lady Durandal is asking for an update on our situation here."

"Just tell her everything is under control," Rita decided firmly. "And remind Lady Durandal to stay vigilant." She paused, then looked at Xia Chen.

"I will request for the Gun of God to be sent from headquarters," she said. "Until then, I'll keep watch over you here."

"Thank you."

His consciousness was fading rapidly.

Just at that moment, Rita witnessed something almost unbelievable.

Ana's face, encased in black ice, slowly began to melt away.

Then, as if embracing her lover, she gave Xia Chen a deep kiss.

Meanwhile, Xia Chen's body gradually transformed into an icy statue.

"Stay alive... Ana."

[You were consumed by the Herrscher of Ice, creating a scene once filled with poignant romance.]

[The simulated Honkai world experience has ended. You can permanently retain the following items and extract them to the real world. Congratulations! You've obtained Gun of God x1, Honkai Fragments x3, Supply Crate x1. Extract now?]

When Xia Chen woke up, he felt utterly drained, lying on his bed.

At the same time, another girl also opened her eyes.