NOVEL NEXT Chapter 41: Chapter 41
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Meanwhile, Kiana and her team were engaged in battle with MSR-7 Wotan.
In the original storyline, the power source for activating MSR-7 Wotan should have been the Gem of Desire. However, with Ana's involvement, this part of the plot underwent adjustments.
The new narrative stated that MSR-7 Wotan's technology was derived from research on Herrschers.
Of course, activating MSR-7 Wotan wasn't particularly challenging since, prior to this, during the Second Honkai Eruption, Welt and her team had already developed an even larger mecha called Arahato.
However, with Arahato's destruction and the loss of related technologies, MSR-7 Wotan emerged as it stands today. Initially, during the conservative faction's dominance, Einstein and her team oversaw its creation. Unfortunately, control later fell into Cocolia's hands.
As a result, at this late stage, Cocolia had just completed activating Arahato moments ago.
Regarding the internal turmoil within ME Corp, Theresa and others were aware but didn't take it seriously. No one could have anticipated that Ana herself would descend here and intervene directly.
Such swift and decisive action was uncharacteristic of Ana's image in their minds.
Cocolia, as usual, continued her taunts before retreating to the secret laboratory. She had just ordered Wendy's execution and now urgently needed to return to research the Gem of Desire.
Following that, the events described in the previous chapter unfolded.
By the time Ana reached MSR-7 Wotan's construction platform, Kiana and her group had already been locked in fierce combat against MSR-7 Wotan for quite some time.
For Theresa and her allies, MSR-7 Wotan posed a formidable challenge: high defense, immense damage output, exceptionally thick health, and on top of that, it was purely mechanical.
Fortunately, being mechanical also meant limitations—restricted energy capacity and durability constraints. Combined with its unwieldy size and the relatively spacious area allowing Kia and her companions room to maneuver, they managed to hold out, gradually glimpsing hope amidst the battle.
Being mechanical, MSR-7 Wotan had limitations on its energy reserves and durability. Coupled with its massive size and the relatively spacious area available for maneuvering, Kiana and her team managed to hold their own, gradually seeing glimmers of hope.
Suddenly, a gust of wind swept across them.
The area where MSR-7 Wotan was located was within a secluded sector of ME Corp, completely sealed off from outside elements. Thus, it couldn't possibly be natural wind, immediately catching the attention of Kiana's group.
"It's the Fourth Herrscher's power!" Raiden Mei declared confidently.
"That's right! I recognize this sensation! Wendy... Wendy must still be alive!"
As she shouted, Kiana executed a space-time disruption, skillfully evading MSR-7 Wotan's heavy punch.
In contrast, Theresa's expression grew more serious.
It indeed resembled the abilities of the Herrscher of Wind, and there was a high chance that Wendy might still be alive. However, if they were truly facing both the Herrscher of Wind and MSR-7 Wotan simultaneously, their situation would become dire.
Only a fool like Kiana could underestimate the strength of the Herrscher of Wind. Regardless of how weak they may seem, even a normally awakened Herrscher should never be taken lightly.
"I must protect them at all costs!" Theresa resolved silently, scanning her surroundings for a way out.
Theresa thought to herself as she scanned her surroundings, searching for a way out of this predicament.
Whether Wendy had died or gone berserk again, it was unlikely they could save her now. Facing MSR-7 Wotan, their top priority should be withdrawal rather than standing their ground.
This place is MSR-7 Wotan's workshop; there must be an escape route available. If they can find and open it, then buy some time, they might just manage to get Mei and Bronya out...
As Theresa pondered, a sudden loud noise came from above.
The once impenetrable ceiling of the workshop cracked open with a massive hole. Upon closer inspection, one would notice its surprisingly clean edges, as if sliced instantly by something razor-sharp.
Through that opening, the Herrscher of Wind slowly descended.
Wings formed by the power of a Herrscher... flowing skirt hemlines, armor made of metallic Soulium... Something seemed off about this Herrscher of Wind...
"Don't lose focus, Theresa!" Himeko's voice suddenly rang in Theresa's ear, pulling her aside just in time to evade MSR-7 Wotan's attack. The urgency also jolted Theresa back to her senses.
"No way! That's not the Fourth Herrscher!" At that moment, relying on her MANTIS-enhanced senses, Ana recognized the face of the figure hovering mid-air: those strikingly similar features to Cecilia, pink eyes, and long chestnut hair...
"Ana! Is it you?" Theresa instinctively called out loud. Though phrased as a question, she was certain—she could never mistake this silhouette; it had to be Ana!
"Hold up, Auntie, are you hallucinating now?" Kiana, engaged in battle nearby, couldn't resist chiming in sarcastically at Theresa's exclamation.
"You're right, Theresa," Himeko added. Despite facing immense pressure, she maintained a smile, seemingly unfazed. "I remember the bishop assigning Ana on a mission, didn't he?"
"Not anymore." Theresa tried to explain but was interrupted by MSR-7 Wotan's next wave of attacks, forcing her attention back to defense.
Above them, Ana held Wendy securely while observing the intense battle below with amusement, a grin spreading across her face.
It's been quite some time.
Seeing their spirited combat, she hesitated slightly, reluctant to disrupt this delicate balance.
However, while Ana preferred not to engage, the hunk of metal before her had no intention of backing down.
Suddenly, MSR-7 Wotan locked onto Ana and unleashed dozens of missiles at her. With a graceful sidestep mid-air, she effortlessly evaded the barrage.
"Hey, tin can! I haven't even confronted you yet, but are you so eager for a factory overhaul?" Ana called out, exasperated. Unfortunately, MSR-7 Wotan couldn't respond or assess the situation; it only retaliated with intensified firepower.
As some of the missiles redirected towards the sky, the pressure on the four fighters below instantly eased. Curious, Kiana and Raiden Mei looked up to see Ana about to be engulfed by the incoming projectiles.
"Ana-sensei, watch out!" Raiden Mei urgently shouted without pausing to wonder why Ana was there, but Ana showed no sign of dodging.
The missiles exploded in mid-air, creating a cloud of smoke that made Kiana's and Raiden Mei's hearts leap into their throats. In contrast, Theresa could only shake her head in resignation.
Just like always, this woman thrives on risky maneuvers.
Even without knowing that Ana possessed the Gem of Desire, Theresa was well aware these missiles could never harm Schicksal's most gifted S-rank Valkyrie.
Moreover, Ana wielded Abyss Flower, one of the unparalleled Divine Keys capable of extraordinary feats.
For mere missiles, it was child's play!