Chapter 5: Chapter 5: The First Holy Blood, A New Priestess
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Following the robotic voice's message, additional information was transmitted directly into Ana's consciousness, revealing the reward crucial for her progression as mentioned by the System.
[Schariac Holy Blood: This is the exclusive power of the Schariac lineage, a variation distinct from Stigmata and also a curse. As the Stigmata awaken and the family proliferates, this power continually gets suppressed. By claiming it, you will obtain the complete first-generation Schariac holy blood, surpassing former Priestess Cecilia to become the most powerful Schariac priestess!]
"..."
Ana's eyes flickered, reflecting a hint of internal struggle and indecision.
Undeniably, this was a reward both difficult to choose and hard to refuse.
If Ana were destined to remain an ordinary Valkyrie of Schicksal throughout her life, she would have accepted this reward without hesitation. The prospect of surpassing Cecilia's level with such holy blood would be irresistible for any warrior of the House of Schariac.
However, in the future, Ana is fated to become a Herrscher.
The first-generation Schariac holy blood, akin to the Moonlight Throne designed by the previous civilization as an anti-Honkai weapon, possesses significant suppression and transformation effects against Honkai. It stands in direct opposition to the Herrscher Core.
Possessing holy blood would mean she could face the Cocoon's trials without fear. However, it also implied her body would constantly endure the dual torment of ice and fire.
Ultimately, the likely outcome would be a fatal explosion from within.
Nonetheless, there might be a chance for symbiosis. After all, Durandal achieved unity between holy blood and Stigmata, reaching Heavenly Yuan. If Ana obtained holy blood surpassing Durandal's level, perhaps she too could succeed.
Undoubtedly, this was a daring gamble.
"Regardless, let future concerns wait until the future!" Ana clenched her teeth and ultimately chose to accept the reward. The first-generation Schariac holy blood could help her overcome most obstacles before becoming a Herrscher.
In some sense, possessing first-generation Schariac holy blood even surpassed Bishop Otto's Gun of God, as the weapon itself relied on Schariac holy blood.
Moreover, wielding such holy blood's power could elevate her standing with Otto. Currently, to him, she remained entirely dispensable.
Perhaps others might see being inconsequential to Otto as advantageous.
However, within the Honkai World, before Lord Bishop succumbed to love and lost control, he held all the strings, being the true mastermind behind the game. Now, Ana barely even qualified as a chess piece.
Without becoming a significant player, she had no chance of participating in the main storylines shaping the Honkai World's development.
By showcasing her power and expressing loyalty, Ana believed Bishop Otto would gladly utilize her influence. Moreover, as a member of the Schariac family and a new priestess, her presence could boost Schicksal's morale significantly.
As Ana claimed her reward, an indescribable sensation enveloped her entire body. It was complex, starting with an unbearable intense pain followed by immense relief.
Ana felt an unprecedented surge of strength, her adaptation and control over Honkai reaching a whole new level.
Despite its mutation, the essence of Schariac holy blood remained rooted in Honkai. Its effect resembled that of the Herrscher of Binding, acting like white blood cells against Honkai energy.
Ana sensed she could now effortlessly defeat the Lava Emperor from earlier, confident enough to even challenge the distant Imperial Rank Honkai Beast. The power of the holy blood instilled great assurance within her.
"Roar—"
The Lava Emperor's bellow echoed, reminding Ana that she had merely put some distance between them, not truly escaped.
"Hmph!"
Interrupted by this roar, Ana snorted coldly.
"I haven't even come for you yet, and here you are delivering yourself to me! Don't blame me for not giving you a chance!"
With those words, Ana turned to confront the Lava Emperor head-on. Even at her peak without any enhancements, she could effortlessly outmaneuver such creatures. With a suitable Honkai weapon, it would have been an absolute slaughter, but unfortunately, resources were limited.
However, things were different now. Although she still lacked a proper Honkai weapon, with a gentle cut on her wrist, crimson blood flowed forth. Under Ana's control, it transformed into a long, blood-red spear. As more blood poured out, her complexion paled slightly, but a smile lingered at the corners of her lips.
Cecilia had once used a similar technique, albeit aided by the Abyss Flower as its vessel, which Ana did not possess. Nevertheless, the power of the original holy blood allowed her to manipulate Honkai Energy freely according to her will.
Although there was no definitive proof linking House Schariac to Elysia, their holy blood undoubtedly possessed immense power.
Historically, House Schariac has always controlled the Abyss Flower, making mastery of the lance essential for every member, including Ana.
"Hah—"
With a low cry, Ana raised her blood-red lance and charged towards the Lava Emperor.
As the pinnacle of Low-Class Honkai Beasts, the Lava Emperor had developed rudimentary intelligence. Sensing the threat from Ana's crimson lance, it summoned raging flames around itself, forming a fiery layer as a barrier against the attack.
However, for a lance forged from the First Generation Holy Blood, this mere attempt was akin to a mantis trying to stop a chariot with its arms.
The lance effortlessly pierced through the Lava Emperor's sturdy exterior. The moment it penetrated deep within, the potency of the holy blood erupted, instantly disintegrating the Honkai Crystal. With the destruction of the crystal, the entire Lava Emperor swiftly crumbled apart.
"Boom!"
Casually, Ana thrust the lance into the ground behind her as the Lava Emperor transformed into a spectacular explosion, resembling fireworks due to its molten nature.
Despite the breathtaking spectacle unfolding behind her, Ana didn't turn to watch. Naturally, though, her heart was filled with immense excitement.
This marked her first true solo victory against a formidable Honkai Beast. In previous encounters, she had always relied on coordinated teamwork within her squad.
In reality, the Lava Emperor wasn't exceptionally powerful; even a B-rank Valkyrie equipped appropriately could defeat it. As a lower-tier Honkai Beast, its attack repertoire was limited and predictable. The only challenge earlier for Ana had been her lack of effective combat strategies.
"Let's capitalize on this power while it lasts and take out that guy too!" Ana murmured, gazing at the rampaging Imperial Honkai Beast in the distance. The red riding lance, derived from her own blood, couldn't be recalled once unleashed, nor could she sustain it indefinitely.
Moreover, she was eager to see how long this Imperial Honkai Beast could withstand her onslaught!
Hmph, fortune ebbs and flows every thirty years; never underestimate... ahem, a girl's potential!
I'm here for my revenge!