Honkai Simulator: Start with Confessing to The Herrscher of Finality

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"I was curious to see how Durandal would handle this situation, only for it to fall directly onto me."

Upon receiving the assignment, Xia Chen couldn't help but sigh, "But using Ana as leverage is impressive; Durandal has certainly come a long way."

Noticing Wendy nearby, Xia Chen paused and asked, "What are your thoughts on this matter?"

Wendy shook her head.

"I'll follow your lead."

Currently, Wendy had become an S-Class Valkyrie. However, the development of her Fourth-Gen Valkyrie Armor was still ongoing.

She had previously tested Yue Huang and Moon Heretic during their trial phases but found them unsuitable. As a result, she held the title of an S-Class Valkyrie without having access to corresponding armor.

Despite this, as Schicksal's fifth S-Class Valkyrie, Wendy commanded great respect. Yet, she maintained a low profile and rarely undertook missions outside, lacking commensurate achievements.

But that was merely a matter of time.

Xia Chen glanced at Wendy and couldn't help but say, "Follow my lead... Never mind, I don't have much experience with such situations. We'll just take it step by step when we get there."

Durandal's request was straightforward - regardless of truth or falsehood, she needed concrete evidence.

This likely stemmed from Rita's influence; if anyone would unwaveringly support Durandal without complaint, it would undoubtedly be Rita. With multiple information channels at her disposal, Rita must have long suspected issues within the Ocean Branch.

Sending two consecutive S-Class Valkyries was both a show of force and an attempt to gain leverage.

Perhaps from Rita's perspective, if this issue wasn't swiftly resolved, even more problems within Schicksal would surface.

Both Xia Chen and Wendy understood this implication clearly.

Wendy evidently didn't wish to involve herself in such conflicts, but her position made it inevitable, trapped amidst these tedious power struggles.

As for Xia Chen, he remained indifferent; his loyalty to Schicksal was not unwavering. He simply knew how to handle tasks efficiently, yet when given a chance, he preferred to take shortcuts.

However, Durandal's request to expedite Ana's promotion to S-rank Valkyrie essentially amounted to a deal between them.

Xia Chen pondered and found it quite advantageous.

Thus, he accepted the mission.

During their journey, neither Xia Chen nor Wendy had much to discuss, both being rather reserved individuals.

Yet, Xia Chen noticed that Wendy occasionally furrowed her brows deeply while aboard the flying device.

"What's on your mind?" Xia Chen asked curiously. "Or is there something specific you're concerned about at the Ocean Branch?"

"Not really concerned, just never having done this before, I worry about handling it well."

If it involved combat, Wendy was confident in her abilities. However, the issue here was that this task wasn't related to fighting, and she had no prior training or experience in such matters.

Hearing her concerns, Xia Chen couldn't help but respond, "It's perfectly normal; this is my first time as well."

"Actually, any government agency would likely handle this task better than us; expertise varies widely between fields."

"But why?" Wendy couldn't comprehend.

Sending Valkyries to investigate such matters was akin to seeking fish by climbing trees, something Durandal and Rita must have realized.

Xia Chen casually explained, "We're just there to draw attention publicly, making others aware of Schicksal's seriousness towards this issue. The Special Intelligence Department will gradually arrive after we reach the Ocean Branch."

This information came from Rita herself.

Schicksal needed to assert its dominance. Even without Otto present, chaos like this could not be tolerated.

However, mobilizing established families and researchers at the Schicksal Headquarters was challenging. With the branch stepping forward, it became clear who should take action.

If mishandled, it could directly impact Schicksal's relationships with other branches and governments worldwide. Conversely, proper handling could bring numerous benefits to Schicksal.

Rita viewed this as a test for Durandal orchestrated by Otto.

Though she didn't understand why Otto suddenly decided on this whim, she faithfully upheld her duty as a maid, aiming to help Durandal excel.

Wendy pondered, "So essentially, once we get there, we won't need to do anything, right?"

"Theoretically, yes. We're merely serving as a distraction to attract attention. After all, S-rank Valkyries can be quite effective tools."

Xia Chen paused before responding, "However, practically speaking... who knows if other organizations might be involved this time? It's always better to be prepared."

If nothing of that nature occurred, he had planned to contact Raven and visit the Elysian Realm.

Alternatively, he could go to Taixuan Mountain to check on Fu Hua's situation.

All it would take was finding any plausible excuse to leave with Ana temporarily.

But this unexpected event forced Xia Chen to remain under Schicksal's watchful eye, preventing him from making any subtle moves.

As an S-rank Valkyrie of Schicksal now, he couldn't privately communicate with external forces. Enjoying the privileges of his position also meant fulfilling its obligations.

There are no free lunches without responsibilities.

Thus, Xia Chen still couldn't comprehend why Theresa chose this moment to announce breaking away from Schicksal.

Shaking his head to clear these thoughts, he reassured Wendy, "This mission won't really pressure us; don't worry too much about it."

"Okay." However, Wendy's frown did not ease despite Xia Chen's comforting words.

Clearly, her concerns ran deeper than what she expressed.

Just two days prior, Gretel contacted her, having heard rumors about the turmoil within Schicksal. Her advice to Wendy was simple - avoid getting involved, and if possible, request a transfer. Even moving to Africa would be preferable to staying in Europe amidst this chaos.

While Gretel's combat strength might not be exceptional, her attention to detail in such matters surpassed Wendy's.

However, the current Wendy was no longer just an A-rank Valkyrie; she had become entangled in this absurd political drama as well.

She couldn't comprehend why humans were so consumed by internal conflicts? Despite a recent Major Honkai Eruption, it seemed now that Honkai itself has lost its significance.

Time ticked away, minute by minute.

Xia Chen and Wendy once again arrived at the Ocean Branch.

Since their departure, little had changed within the branch. However, familiar faces were fewer, replaced by more newcomers.

Valkyries eager to fight found ways to leave this place, while those remaining sought comfort and privileges behind the front lines.

For merchants, investing minimal funds to maintain relations with Schicksal, a colossal organization, was considered a highly profitable deal.

As a result, the Valkyries here enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle.

Yet, merchants always crave more, driven by insatiable greed. Of course, they wouldn't see it that way; instead, they justify it as reasonable demands.

The selfish nature ingrained in human genes often dictates selfish behavior.

Naturally, among them, there could also be non-human entities involved.

Upon arriving at the Ocean Branch, Xia Chen sensed a peculiar aura - the presence of Honkai.