I Don't Want to Be a Valkyrie (Honkai Impact 3rd)

However... unleashing Shamash Unsheathed would result in too many casualties...

The entire Schicksal headquarters and surrounding city could be destroyed outright. Such consequences... Serenade wouldn't act recklessly.

Therefore, unless absolutely necessary, Shamash should remain unsheathed.

"Wait, Kallen!"

Serenade suddenly recalled something and turned to Kallen.

"What is it?"

"Is Schicksal headquarters built high in the sky?" Serenade remembered the game's depiction of Schicksal headquarters - it had been constructed in mid-air.

Am I supposed to fight up in the sky?

"The sky? Impossible! How could they build anything up there? Do you think we're in the Heavenly Realm? There's no way to construct buildings in the air," Kallen retorted, her face contorted in disbelief as she stared at Serenade, convinced the girl was pulling her leg.

"Not in the sky..."

Serenade paid no mind to Kallen's incredulous expression and instead let out a relieved sigh.

Upon reflection, it made sense. It was still the year 1500 AD, and the technology of the Honkai World's civilization had only just begun to take root. How could such a powerful Schicksal headquarters exist in the sky at this point?

Moreover, Schicksal's meteoric rise from a state of corruption and decay to becoming the most dominant force in the Honkai World was largely due to Bishop Otto's efforts.

All of Schicksal's technological advancements, which allowed them to leapfrog centuries ahead of their contemporaries, were directly tied to Bishop Otto. It wasn't until after he became the Grand Bishop that Schicksal's technological progress truly took off.

But at this point in time, Bishop Otto hadn't yet ascended to the position of Grand Bishop.

Therefore, the current Schicksal... was fundamentally different from the Schicksal that would exist five centuries from now.

After gaining a clearer understanding from Kallen, Serenade's confidence grew even stronger.

The Schicksal of this era belongs to me! I fear nothing!

Just wait, the grand show will begin soon enough.

-

The next morning at dawn.

In the height of summer, the early morning air offered a welcome respite from the heat. Off the coast of Echigo, nestled between the Far East's northeastern shores and Shinano's borders, an anachronistic vessel approached the beach.

A dozen young girls stood upon the deck, their Western nun's habits contrasting sharply with the era. Crosses in hand, they carried various close-combat weapons on their backs - a striking sight.

Their stances were impeccable, forming two orderly rows. Silver cross necklaces gleamed as they gazed silently at the orange-haired girl standing at the ship's bow.

This girl differed from the others - no nun's habit adorned her, but rather a silver knight's armor. Not the heavy male plate, but a feminine design that accentuated her curves. She was a vision of beauty.

Silver boots climbed to her thighs, leaving her arms bare beneath the sleeveless armor. Steel gauntlets encased her wrists and fingers. A crimson war skirt embroidered with crosses cinched her waist, completing the image of a perfect knightess.

The personal knight every male lord dreams of.

On the young girl's back, she carried a Great Sword nearly as large as herself, lending her an air of extraordinary allure.

"We've finally arrived..."

The girl gazed at the ship nearing the shore, her expression brimming with impatience.

-

As the vessel approached land, the knight girl was the first to leap ashore. The other nuns followed in orderly formation, securing the boat to the bank.

With preparations complete, a dozen nuns formed a row facing their leader, awaiting her command.

"Check for any omissions, then we depart! We must apprehend the criminal Kallen Kaslana and recover the sacred relic before nightfall."

The girl unsheathed her Great Sword, gazing at the weapon in her hands that resembled a mythic holy blade. Her heart swelled with joy.

All thanks to Kallen's betrayal!

Without this, how could I have risen so quickly? How could I have gained such favor from Schicksal's higher echelons?

Previously, the girl had served as Kallen's deputy - vice-captain of the Valkyries' main forces. Though Kallen treated her well... with Kallen constantly overshadowing her, there seemed no hope for advancement.

Who could have imagined that Kallen, as the captain of the Valkyrie Corps, would betray both the Valkyries and Schicksal, then steal the sacred relic and flee?

It was simply unthinkable.

The knight girl found Kallen's actions utterly incomprehensible, tinged with a hint of mockery. Even if Kallen was the most exceptional Valkyrie, what did that matter?

Did she truly intend to oppose the entire Schicksal?

How delusional.

However, since Kallen was the daughter of the Kaslana family head and destined to become the future bishop's wife, it was likely... even if captured, she wouldn't face death.

After all, the young heir of the Apocalypse family held such affection for Kallen...

"Captain Zofia, the inspection is complete. Everything checks out," the nuns nearby reported after confirming no issues.

"Then let's depart. Capture the criminal Kallen," the knight girl declared, raising her Great Sword with heroic resolve.

"We should remain cautious. Even wounded, Kallen defeated a Valkyrie platoon during her escape. Given the time, Captain Kallen's injuries have likely healed completely."

"Ellie, Kallen is no longer a Valkyrie. She's a criminal. Why are you still calling her captain?" Zofia glared at the blonde nun before her, her tone sharp with displeasure.

"Captain Kallen... she must have done it for a reason..." The nun couldn't help but defend Kallen. She didn't know why Kallen had committed such an act, but there had to be an unavoidable cause. Based on her understanding of Kallen, how could Captain Kallen's selfless devotion to the nation and people have changed so easily?

"Ellie, I know Kallen used to care for you, but I'm the Valkyrie captain now. Keep ignoring discipline and speaking to me like this, and I'll kick you out of the Valkyrie Corps." The knight girl Zofia's eyes flashed with irritation as she stared at the nun.

"..." The blonde nun opened her mouth to protest, but seeing Zofia's determined gaze, she relented.

"..." Zofia nodded in satisfaction at the nun's surrender.

"Though Kallen's strength is indeed formidable... most of what's considered S-rank Valkyrie power is built upon the Oath of Judah."

With the Oath of Judah now at Schicksal's headquarters, Kallen without it is no match for me!