Volume 2, Chapter 25: Simulation - Coral Island Honkai Revisited

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In the evening, after exiting the training room and returning to his dormitory, Xia Chen received some good news.

"Hehe, the Snow Lotus Squad has been awarded honors."

Through the video call, Ana eagerly shared her joy with him, saying, "Now, our Snow Lotus Squad consists of three A-ranked Valkyries and four B-ranked Valkyries, making us quite formidable."

"During this time, Wendy and I completed several Honkai incidents, finally earning our recognition. I'm so thrilled!"

The girl beamed like a proud kitten, boasting about her prized treats. She continued, "And let me tell you, we'll soon be responsible for a massive project."

Xia Chen's thoughts raced. "Is it the Galactic Ladder?"

"Oh, you know about it too?" Ana seemed puzzled but quickly added excitedly, "Yes, indeed! The Galactic Ladder, symbolizing humanity's hope for space exploration, will now fall under the protection of the Snow Lotus Squad."

Xia Chen's expression turned grim. "Is it happening now?"

He initially thought that after Otto revealed the Galactic Ladder plan to him, he would solely handle the information transmission from Coral Island.

However, he didn't expect Ana to also be involved.

"Of course not."

Then with a hint of disappointment, Ana continued, "To oversee a base as Snow Lotus Squad's captain, I need to pass numerous theoretical tests. Headquarters won't entrust it otherwise. So, I'll have to stay at HQ for some time."

"However, once the Snow Lotus Squad reaches Coral Island, the distance between us will be much shorter."

Xia Chen couldn't help but frown.

It seemed Ana would still go to Coral Island; is this truly unchangeable?

He hesitantly asked, "Has Amber mentioned when I'm expected to return to my squad?"

"Don't worry, I specifically inquired about it. Once Headquarters sends personnel to assess Saint Freya's students, regardless of the outcome, your mission will be complete. If I recall correctly, it should be around March next year... Ah, that's still half a year away, feels so long." Ana sighed involuntarily.

Their relationship needed no further words, yet having just come together, they were now forced apart again.

Although video calls could alleviate their longing, Ana felt the wait would seem endless.

"Well, that's all the good news for today. I must get back to work now. And you... don't even think about flirting with other girls."

"Yes, yes, yes," Xia Chen assured her promptly.

Xia Chen promptly assured her.

After ending the call, Ana's joy couldn't fade from her face.

She still vividly remembered the dream where she transformed into a Herrscher.

In that nightmare, Coral Island was the site of the Honkai outbreak.

Fear lingered like a haunting presence deep within Ana's consciousness.

Similarly, Xia Chen felt a heavy burden after disconnecting the communication.

If Ana inevitably becomes a Herrscher, his options to restore her sanity were limited. The first method he considered was using the Gun of God, much like Himeko did with Kiana.

However, this approach merely addressed the symptoms rather than the root cause.

Xia Chen was well aware of the aftereffects associated with using the Gun of God.

Of course, there might be another solution—absorbing the power from the Coral Island's Major Honkai Eruption to transform himself into a Herrscher, thereby depriving Ana of her chance to become one.

But this method lacked theoretical guidance and had never been attempted before. He couldn't determine its feasibility.

Alternatively, as seen in the simulation, he could potentially seize Ana's Authority just like how he took control of the Herrscher of the Void...

Lying on his bed, Xia Chen couldn't help but think, "It seems I have quite a few methods now to restrict Herrschers."

His heart found some comfort in this realization.

Although it felt somewhat self-reassuring, compared to when he first started, he now possessed numerous strategies, making him significantly less powerless.

As he lay on the bed, he began simulating once more.

[Schicksal World Simulator activated.]

[Current Scenario: Intrinsic World - Coral Island Honkai.]

[Equipped Weapon: Red Sakura.]

[Assigned Stigmata: Ana Schariac; Sirin Ascension.]

[System generating records...]

When Xia Chen regained consciousness, he found himself at Schicksal Headquarters.

A command echoed in his ears:

"Coral Island, coordinates 155.6°E; 0°N. A Major Honkai Eruption is currently underway, with suspicions of a Herrscher's emergence. The Snow Lotus Squad has lost contact, and the situation appears grim.

"The advance Valkyrie forces have secured the area and established frontline positions. Your responsibility is to lead the assault, penetrating deep within Coral Island, and pave the way for others."

"Additionally, on the Lord Bishop's orders, the World Serpent will participate as allies in this operation. Schicksal should focus on standard Honkai response tactics. If a Herrscher is discovered, handling them will be entrusted solely to the World Serpent."

Alvitr's words caught Xia Chen off guard, but he maintained his composure and asked, "I don't understand. Why isn't Schicksal taking charge of the recovery?"

"It's an order," Alvitr emphasized, echoing Amber's earlier statement.

Xia Chen's expression turned grim.

"I'm concerned about confronting a Herrscher alone. I request authorization for the Gun of God."

"The World Serpent will provide weapons specifically designed for Herrscher retrieval," Alvitr once again denied Xia Chen's request.

"Hurry along now. Don't let our allies underestimate us. If you feel unable to complete the mission, assistance from the Immortal Blades can be arranged."

"No need," Xia Chen took a deep breath. "I can handle it."

Unsure why he found himself back at Headquarters, Xia Chen knew it wasn't the right time for the Immortal Blades to intervene.

Fortunately, reassuring him was the Fourth-Gen Valkyrie Armor he wore, providing confidence to confront the World Serpent if necessary.

After confirming his location, he promptly used the armor to rush towards Coral Island.

Xia Chen could work for Schicksal, but matters concerning Ana were off-limits.

Soon, he arrived at the rendezvous point with his allies:

Raven,

Raiden Mei,

and someone he hadn't seen in quite some time, Chen Tianwu - or rather, Owl as he should now be called.

"This is Owl, our partner on this mission, skilled in reconnaissance," Raven introduced. "As for Raiden Mei, I believe no further introduction is needed."

Owl greeted Xia Chen warmly, "How's Little Wen doing?"

Standing between Xia Chen and Raven, while out of her line of sight, Owl discreetly dropped a note near Xia Chen's feet.

"Training diligently," Xia Chen replied, subtly stepping on the paper ball without showing any change in expression.

Raven couldn't help but sound puzzled, "Do you two know each other?"

"Just crossed paths once," Xia Chen quickly interjected.

Raven's eyes narrowed slightly, sensing suspicion, though such acquaintances were not unusual.

Xia Chen shifted the topic and asked mildly, "Tell me about your plan."

"There's not much to it. We're responsible for locating the Herrscher, while you just need to ensure the Herrscher doesn't escape from Coral Island. I imagine that should be no challenge for Schicksal's S-Class Valkyrie."

He didn't respond directly but looked towards Raiden Mei.

Now, she should rightly be called the Herrscher of Thunder.

From her emanated the aura of a Herrscher, stirring within him a deep longing.

Raiden Mei sensed his gaze, meeting it with a composed expression. "Long time no see, Xia Chen-sensei."

"Indeed."

Raven interrupted, "Alright, let's begin the operation. Any issues on your end?"

"If the Herrscher escapes under our watch, it won't look good," she stated.

"No one can breach my defenses," he confidently replied.

"Oh? That confident, huh? Alright then, we'll split up."

Raven trusted Schicksal's technology; since Xia Chen expressed confidence, there was no cause for concern. However, she remained unaware that Xia Chen had withheld the second half of his statement:

"I am Ana's line of defense."