Volume 1, Chapter 31: Raven's Bar

As per Ghost's instructions, they were to simply enjoy their time on the island like vacationing tourists.

Xia Chen glanced at Ana, who had just been complaining but was now eagerly shopping, feeling somewhat amazed.

The simplicity of this mission made him suspect someone might be orchestrating things behind the scenes; he wouldn't believe otherwise.

It could very well be the handiwork of Rita or Amber.

The reason...

was likely due to the Stigmata on his body.

With his newfound abilities differing from his previous display, Schicksal would undoubtedly want to investigate his origins further.

In Schicksal's records, Xia Chen had always been categorized as 'origin unknown.'

While there may be a legitimate mission, it certainly didn't warrant the involvement of two A-rank Valkyries. No wonder Ghost referred to it as a vacation.

It was evident that even Ghost found it peculiar for two A-rank Valkyries to be assigned here.

By framing it as a mission, they couldn't refuse, and being on this island prevented them from noticing any unusual activities outside. Moreover, the task itself posed no danger, essentially making it akin to a vacation.

Xia Chen could only surmise that Schicksal's actions might be overly cautious.

However, he didn't particularly mind. In fact, for a military organization, not conducting thorough investigations before allowing someone into higher ranks would be disastrous. These inquiries indicated that he would likely receive appropriate resources and treatment for his development once cleared.

Schicksal's approach, though subtle, demonstrated their willingness to shield darker aspects, which perhaps explained why so many Valkyries remained loyal to Otto.

Having faced life-and-death situations multiple times, Xia Chen no longer dwelled on such matters.

Ana pointed out, "Look, there's a bar over there. Let's go."

"Hmm?" Xia Chen found it somewhat odd. "Even a place like this has a bar?"

"Let's check it out."

The girl gently took his hand.

"You..."

"We're supposed to act like a vacationing couple, so we need to make it convincing," she said nonchalantly, but her blushed cheeks belied her words beneath the makeup.

Xia Chen nodded and reciprocated by holding her hand firmly.

He seemed to sense a joyful emotion emanating from her Stigmata.

The bar they entered was tranquil.

No live musicians or DJs, just a few tables scattered around.

However, the bar's interior design had excellent taste, blending slightly retro elements with modern simplicity. The predominant color scheme was bright gray, creating a surprisingly uplifting atmosphere rather than feeling oppressive.

"What would you both like to drink?"

Behind the bar stood a woman with short, light-gray hair.

She was strikingly beautiful, but what captivated most attention was her alluring figure displayed prominently at the counter.

Ana could almost be certain that many men here came specifically for her presence.

Subconsciously, Ana glanced at Xia Chen and then puffed out her cheeks, nudging him playfully on the waist.

"Hey, they asked what you'd like to drink?"

The girl's voice carried a hint of danger beneath its perfect pronunciation.

Xia Chen shook his head, "I've never had alcohol before. Do you have any non-alcoholic beverages?"

"Even Coca-Cola would be fine."

He already recognized who this person was.

A member of World Serpent, codenamed Raven.

After a moment of silence, Ana responded lightly, "Then I'll have the same as him."

"Drinking cola at a bar? Now that's interesting."

Raven didn't intend to rush her guests away; for her, it was currently vacation time. It wouldn't do to let anything dampen her mood.

Since the failure to recover the Second Divine Key, Unnamed Locomotive, and its subsequent exposure, World Serpent ceased their operations in Europe. Instead, they began collaborating with the Shenzhou government.

Recently, she had been busy with matters related to Divine City Pharmaceuticals, but now finally managed to take some time off.

This bar was established by her after briefly leaving World Serpent, often lacking customers due to limited foot traffic. After rejoining World Serpent, whenever on holiday, she would spend her free time here.

Not to manage the business, but simply to relax.

Currently, Raven was severely short on funds. She purchased a small island but lacked the capital to build a villa.

Typically, she would stay here for about a week, then visit the children in Nagazora City before her break ended.

However, just prior to this, she received a message from Jackal:

Schicksal and Anti-Entropy personnel have been active near the Mariana Trench, keep a close eye.

In response, Raven only scoffed dismissively.

With the vastness of the Mariana Trench and limited islands around, how could she keep track?

After serving Xia Chen and Ana two glasses of cola, she leaned back against the bar counter, awaiting her next customer.

Wait...

Something's not right.

Raven slightly narrowed her eyes.

As a highly trained soldier, her observational skills were keen. She noticed a distinctive aura on both Xia Chen and Ana—a characteristic unique to individuals who undergo rigorous long-term training.

To Raven, they seemed like kindred spirits.

"A Valkyrie from Schicksal accompanied by a man? How intriguing. If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I would've thought Schicksal forbids romantic relationships."

She chuckled, shaking her head.

Even with members of Schicksal present, she remained unfazed.

After all, Raven was merely a mercenary.

"Hey, enjoying the view?" At their booth in the bar, Ana glanced at Xia Chen and whispered teasingly, "Should I ask for her contact information on your behalf?"

"Sure."

"You!"

"All right, just kidding." Xia Chen looked at the pouting girl and said, "Didn't you notice? That woman is quite dangerous."

"Hmph, maybe only to you, considering she has a special attack against certain male areas," Ana remarked sarcastically.

Despite being a beautiful young woman with promising potential, currently... well, let's just say one particular aspect of her figure was still rather modest.

"Don't be silly." After a moment, Xia Chen asked, "Did you not see how rough her hands were?"

Ana narrowed her eyes, understanding the implication immediately.

Calluses—indicating a soldier.

"Do you mean...?"

"Shh, we have a mission at hand." He quietly sipped his cola to calm himself.

Raven was undoubtedly a formidable individual, having repeatedly outwitted even S-rank Valkyrie Rita. Right now, he had no intention of provoking her further.

However, if Raven was here...

Could it imply that World Serpent supports Anti-Entropy's operation this time?

Or perhaps, due to Raven's presence, Welt Yang was alerted to the Sea of Quanta and initiated the Abyssal Eye projection experiment.

Tsk, it's all so complicated.

Hopefully, Ghost is alright.

"Should we try contacting Ghost?"

"Let's be cautious," Xia Chen whispered, scanning their surroundings filled with ordinary civilians.

"Don't underestimate Ghost's intelligence capabilities; remember her performance in Singapore. Schicksal entrusted her with this mission for a reason, showcasing her competence."

"Besides, how do you know Ghost might not want us to draw attention to her intentionally?"

He didn't wish to complicate matters further here.

Ana realized, "You're right."

Meanwhile, at Schicksal Headquarters.

Amber presented Otto with a report on Xia Chen.

"We've confirmed once again that before the Honkai Disaster, there was no trace of Xia Chen's existence. It seems his past activities were completely concealed by some unknown force."

"However, as of now, Schicksal has not identified any organization closely associated with him. Susannah and Alvitr, who have closer ties to Xia Chen, have been thoroughly investigated, and their loyalty to Schicksal is unquestionable."

"In that case, find an appropriate time to bring them back."

"Lord Bishop, your meaning is..."

"Schicksal is severely lacking in skilled personnel, isn't it?" He gently shook his head.

In his plan,

Xia Chen was fundamentally unimportant.

For something insignificant, there's no need to expend effort or concern oneself with it.