Chapter 166: Volume 3, Chapter 35: Durandal's Wisdom
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The conclusion of every legendary tale does not necessarily require a grand finale scene.
Such was the case with the Coral Island Honkai incident.
If this could be considered a sacrifice, its outcome undeniably proved successful.
However, no one would mourn or commemorate this elaborate ritual, including Xia Chen, despite being the apparent beneficiary on the surface.
In reality, at that moment, the Valkyries of Schicksal found themselves engulfed in a tumultuous wave of conflicting thoughts.
One week after the Coral Island event, Otto officially accepted Herrscher Xia Chen into Schicksal. Meanwhile, Kiana, descendant of Cecilia, followed Theresa's lead and announced her departure from Schicksal.
Coral Island seemed to conceal numerous secrets, leading to rampant rumors among the Valkyries.
Had it been just other Valkyries spreading rumors, Xia Chen could have easily managed them. However, when Durandal approached him, he felt quite overwhelmed.
Otto and Amber had provided no explanation regarding the Galactic Ladder, and as for Kiana's departure, he himself bore the primary responsibility.
Xia Chen found the situation somewhat intriguing.
Rumors had it that negotiations were underway between Schicksal and Anti-Entropy. The reason being, Schicksal believed Kiana was misled by Anti-Entropy members, leading to her departure from their organization.
Naturally, Anti-Entropy would not hand over Kiana, prompting Schicksal to assemble Valkyrie squads for targeted strikes against multiple Anti-Entropy bases.
A war had erupted between Schicksal and Anti-Entropy.
However, this conflict felt distant to Xia Chen, as his immediate concern remained Durandal's presence.
"Regarding the details of Coral Island's Honkai incident and Kiana, I want you to tell me everything."
On the fourth day after returning to Headquarters, Durandal confronted him directly.
It was evident that Durandal had already approached Otto and Amber seeking information about Kiana, but they failed to provide satisfactory answers.
Thus, she turned to Xia Chen.
Could he simply blame everything on Otto? Even if he did, would Durandal believe him?
After a brief pause, he replied, "When the Honkai first occurred, everything seemed normal. However, I am aware that Senior Theresa engaged in discussions with Kiana for some time.
"At that moment, I was focused on rescue operations with the Snow Lotus Squad, and since there was no direct involvement with Kiana, I didn't pay much attention to these matters. Who could have anticipated that during the midst of Coral Island's Honkai, Senior Theresa would..."
Even now, Xia Chen couldn't comprehend why Theresa chose to rebel against Schicksal.
It seemed there were no irreconcilable conflicts between Theresa and Schicksal; all she needed was a peaceful transition of leadership.
Being not Theresa herself, he found it difficult to understand her inner beliefs and convictions.
Perhaps if she had overlooked Coral Island's Honkai incident, she would cease being the Theresa they knew.
Durandal spoke mildly, "Do you think I'm easily deceived?"
"Not at all, absolutely not," Xia Chen hastily shook his head.
"Rita still maintains contact with Theresa, and given Rita's unwavering loyalty to Schicksal, it suggests that there is more to the story," Durandal stated directly. "Theresa will return."
Xia Chen blinked, "If you already know this much, then why not ask Rita directly?"
"I don't want Rita to lie to me."
Although Durandal could sometimes be naive, she wasn't foolish. She understood that if she questioned Rita, Rita would undoubtedly provide a flawless explanation. However, such explanations were not what Durandal desired.
She highly valued her friendship with Rita, and regardless of how eloquently Rita responded, lying remained lying. Therefore, she wouldn't give Rita the chance to deceive her.
Xia Chen blinked. "So you want me to lie to you?"
He had already made it clear that he didn't wish to discuss the matter.
Durandal was highly disciplined, and even if she retaliated against him, there was little cause for concern.
However, Durandal appeared thoughtful.
"Your reaction indicates that you know Kiana's reason for leaving. And since you're aware, it means Lord Bishop must also be informed. I won't burden you further; goodbye."
She decided to approach Otto again.
Xia Chen stood speechless.
He hadn't anticipated that Durandal would employ indirect tactics. Had he been consistently underestimating her intelligence?
As Durandal turned to leave, Xia Chen sighed.
"All right, no need to make things so complicated. There's nothing I can't tell you." He paused before continuing, "Kiana, like me, is also a Herrscher."
"That isn't sufficient reason for her departure," Durandal immediately responded. "After all, if Schicksal accepted you, they should accept her too."
"I can only say this: A single Honkai event cannot produce two Herrschers."
"You mean..." Durandal's eyes widened slightly, deep in thought.
"There's crucial information I possess, let's consider it as an exchange for your intel."
Beneath the floating island at Schicksal Headquarters lay a prison for detaining its enemies.
This military organization was not devoid of adversaries; rather, many harbored ill intentions towards it. However, most attempts failed, leading to their captives either becoming experimental subjects or meeting death within these cells.
Despite lacking constant supervision, Schicksal implemented its best security measures here, ensuring no escape.
Following Durandal's information, Xia Chen arrived at this location.
The exchange between the Head Valkyrie of Schicksal and him was straightforward: During the Honkai incident at Coral Island, Fu Hua had reached Schicksal Headquarters and clashed with Bishop Otto.
The reasons were unclear, but Fu Hua ended up imprisoned within Schicksal's high-security jail.
To Xia Chen, Fu Hua was undoubtedly a revered teacher who bestowed knowledge upon him.
Although they lacked formal mentorship ties, he felt compelled to assist her, at least by understanding her situation better.
Xia Chen never considered himself overly loyal to Schicksal.
Even if this situation might be another trap set by Otto, Xia Chen remained undeterred. His unique abilities provided him with confidence against such pitfalls.
Just as he entered Schicksal's prison, alarms blared outside.
"This is... someone attacking Schicksal?" Xia Chen's expression turned serious.
No longer focused on Fu Hua, he quickly left the area.
However, as soon as he emerged from the prison, he noticed someone brushing past him.
"Wait..."
Xia Chen instinctively tried to stop her but was swiftly evaded.
"I don't have time to play with you now."
The voice belonged to Fu Hua.
Xia Chen's eyes narrowed slightly as he watched 'Fu Hua' depart.
He sensed the presence of a Herrscher Core within her.
Upon arriving at the scene, Xia Chen found Durandal and Rita standing grim-faced outside the Schicksal Bishop's office.
Otto Apocalypse was dead.
This turn of events seemed utterly absurd, yet it had unfolded before his eyes.
In a decisive moment, Durandal spoke up, "Seal all information; no one present is allowed to disclose this incident." She asserted her authority immediately, "Lord Bishop has merely fainted, nothing more unexpected occurred. Schicksal must halt its operations against Anti-Entropy and initiate a manhunt for Fu Hua, but refrain from any offensive actions for now."
Pausing briefly, she added, "Amber, Rita, and Xia Chen, ensure the maintenance of order within Schicksal."
Xia Chen stood speechless, almost doubting whether Durandal herself was truly the rightful heir of Schicksal.