Chapter 23: Chapter 23
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Without waiting for their reaction, Ana immediately contacted Lady Theresa.
"Chiyou has ceased its movements, Ana. Is it because you've destroyed the Core?"
As soon as the communication link was established, Theresa's excited and urgent voice came through.
"Yes, but now isn't the time to discuss this."
"Lady Theresa, please arrange for immediate medical readiness on the Hyperion to receive critically injured personnel. Himeko's condition is severe."
"Understood, I'll make the necessary arrangements right away."
Hearing Ana's request, Theresa wasted no more words. Although she didn't know the specifics, based on her understanding of Himeko, there was no need to question the severity.
Himeko's nature had always been one of walking the edge, constantly pushing herself to the limit—a necessity given her circumstances.
A talented and powerful Valkyrie could effortlessly dominate the battlefield by following standard procedures. However, for those without innate gifts, survival demanded they give their all—this was their only option.
Alternatively, some might cling to influential figures like Rita did. Unfortunately, Himeko lived in an era where such opportunities were scarce, leaving her with no one to rely upon.
"Alright, see you later."
With that, Ana ended the communication.
"Let's go!"
Ana turned around, waved at the Main trio, and handed Himeko to Raiden Mei. Why not Kiana? Because Kiana was rather clumsy, making Ana slightly uneasy about entrusting her with such responsibility.
In comparison, Raiden Mei was much more reliable, exuding a homely and nurturing aura.
Without further ado, Ana raised her Pledge Spear, infused it with Honkai Energy, and then hurled it forward.
The lance pierced through the air like a beam of light destined to extinguish stars, instantly penetrating Chiyou's outer skin. With Chiyou's demise, its body no longer possessed self-healing capabilities.
Under the combined effects of holy blood power and binding forces, the punctured hole rapidly expanded. A ray of sunlight streamed in from above, marking the first time in millennia that sunlight had entered Chiyou's interior.
Had there been other living beings here, this moment could have been considered epoch-making.
Unfortunately, within Chiyou's body, only Honkai Beasts existed due to the presence of Honkai Energy, and Ji Lin's soul had already dissipated. However, this place could potentially be developed into a tourist attraction or transformed into a secluded paradise with some modifications.
That is, assuming the World Serpent's agents haven't discovered it yet - which they inevitably would.
For Honkai Beasts, Chiyou's remains were indeed immensely beneficial.
Shortly thereafter, Ana returned to the Hyperion with the Main trio, completing the mission without any complications.
The Hyperion swiftly transported Himeko and the Main trio back to Saint Freya Academy for immediate medical attention using its advanced technology.
Naturally, Ana accompanied them to Saint Freya Academy but didn't stay long before reboarding the floating warship, Hyperion.
At Schicksal Headquarters on the floating island, the Hyperion quickly docked at the aerial port.
As Ana disembarked from the battleship, several Valkyries approached her.
"Welcome back, Lady Ana."
"Please contact Amber; I need to see Lord Bishop immediately," Ana nodded solemnly, recalling the moment she left the Hyperion earlier.
"You're returning to Schicksal Headquarters?" Theresa looked at Ana, visibly surprised. After all, Ana had just arrived at Saint Freya and completed only one mission; it seemed rather abrupt.
"Yes, Himeko's condition cannot wait," Ana replied calmly.
Indeed, her purpose for going back to Schicksal Headquarters was to request the Abyss Flower from Otto.
For Bianka, since acquiring her Stark Drive, the Abyss Flower's significance diminished considerably. A Valkyrie of Bianka's caliber rarely sustains injuries easily. As for offensive capabilities, as the unparalleled Durandal-class, her combat strength doesn't rely on the powers from the Abyss.
"You're asking Durandal for the Abyss Flower," Theresa realized, feeling somewhat relieved internally. Losing such an elite newcomer so soon would have been disheartening. However, she didn't anticipate that Ana's departure was actually driven by Himeko's condition.
In hindsight, it seemed she had jumped to unwarranted conclusions.
"If it's Durandal, there might be a chance." Theresa blinked, pondering briefly before sharing her thoughts.
"Indeed," Ana agreed without objection, offering a faint smile. In reality, obtaining the Abyss Flower did not depend on Bianka's opinion but rather on Otto's willingness.
"I should return this to you now." With these words, Ana raised her hand, and golden chains slithered down like ethereal serpents from her arm-it was the Oath of Judah.
Currently, the value of Judah to Ana was minimal. Aside from already possessing the Key of Domination, considering the attributes of Divine Keys, Judah could not significantly enhance Ana's abilities.
In contrast, this Divine Key would maximize its potential in Theresa's hands, enabling her to truly become an S-rank Valkyrie at the pinnacle of A-class.
"For now, you should find use for Judah," Ana added.
Truthfully, she shouldn't have left at this juncture, but Himeko's situation demanded immediate attention, and with Anti-Entropy's invasion underway, even if Ana couldn't make it back in time, Theresa and others could handle it.
After all, Saint Freya Academy had another top-tier combatant—the Red Kite Immortal Fu Hua.
Of course, as per Otto's request, Fu Hua would undoubtedly conceal her true abilities.
"Alright."
Theresa didn't refuse; she felt an inexplicable closeness and trust towards Ana. Looking at her, Theresa experienced a similar sentiment as when facing Cecilia, inadvertently lowering her guard.
"Since you're heading for Himeko, take the Hyperion! It will get you there faster."
Seeing the warmth on the white-haired loli's face, Ana gratefully accepted the offer without hesitation.
She didn't want to miss Anti-Entropy's invasion, despite it being a relatively minor part of the game storyline, potentially offering limited rewards. However, she was determined not to skip any significant plot events.
Regardless, these moments still yielded rewards, and so far, nothing from the system had been disappointing.
With the assistance of the Hyperion, Ana reached Schicksal Headquarters' floating island from Saint Freya Academy within just half a day.
She didn't have to wait long at the island before Amber, dressed in her signature attire, emerged and gestured towards Ana with a welcoming hand.
"Come along, Lady Ana. The Lord Bishop is waiting for you."
Taking a deep breath, Ana nodded. This would be her second meeting with Otto, and this time, she needed to present something substantial.
"Thank you, Amber," she said gratefully.