Honkai Simulator: Start with Confessing to The Herrscher of Finality

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Europe, Schicksal Headquarters.

"Let me think... what happened the last time I had such a dream?" murmured Otto, the Schicksal Archbishop, to himself.

It had been a long while since he experienced dreams. As a consciousness entity, dreaming is akin to a peculiar disturbance of the mind, resembling a virus.

However, the previous time, he dreamed about Xia Chen nearly sabotaging the Sirin Plan.

And this time, he dreamed of exiling Xia Chen.

"Hmm, that individual still retains his awareness and appears even more powerful now. If it were my choice, I wouldn't opt for such extreme measures."

"Unless, this action benefits both him and myself."

"Possibilities..." Otto's eyes flashed like lightning. "Thirteenth Herrscher, just who are you?"

This simulation had provided Xia Chen with an unforeseen path, leaving him dazed even after waking up the next day.

However, the most significant impact was likely on his attitude towards Otto.

Previously, he held a complex mix of admiration for Otto. Now, while not considering him an outright enemy, he viewed him as a formidable rival.

He would not allow his fate to be manipulated so easily.

Of course, this didn't mean Xia Chen would act recklessly.

"Based on the analysis from the simulation, the root cause of my tragedy seems to stem from the collapse of Coral Island."

"The Coral Island incident turned Ana into a Herrscher." He couldn't help but furrow his brow.

Undoubtedly, becoming a Herrscher triggers a Major Honkai Eruption, which is an inevitable step—at least currently.

Ana's mental resilience has always been weak; hence, even in the previous Coral Island simulation, despite being saved, she still chose suicide.

One could attribute it to the pride of a Valkyrie of Schicksal or her attempt to escape reality.

Regardless of Xia Chen's intentions, he cannot avoid the impending Major Honkai Eruption on Coral Island.

Considering Ana and her entire family's admiration for Otto, the best approach would be to sever her connection with Coral Island.

Having Ana voluntarily abandon her mission is impractical; thus, his only option is to discreetly sabotage her reputation, making Schicksal doubt her capabilities and reassign her elsewhere.

"The Thousand Fists Union..."

"The World Serpent..."

"Perhaps, I should contact Miss Raven."

Xia Chen gathered his thoughts.

Today, instead of heading to the training ground, he had another matter to attend to.

As per Theresa's instructions, Rita was scheduled to arrive at Saint Freya this afternoon. Clearly, her purpose revolved around Kiana.

Currently, it did not concern him directly. According to Xia Chen's initial plan, all he needed to do was ensure Rita's accommodations were taken care of, although even that might not be necessary.

In essence, he felt like just filling a role.

However, his perspective has now changed.

He wanted to try challenging the man who aspired to become a false deity.

Of course, this didn't mean he intended to sabotage Otto's plans. Xia Chen wasn't that shortsighted; Honkai remained the primary enemy, not Otto.

At least for now, the Sirin Project had tied everyone's fate to its chariot of war.

Among the visible strategies available, the Sirin Plan offered the quickest path to success. His goal was to minimize the devastation caused by Honkai while Otto pursued this shortcut.

For instance, preventing future Major Honkai Eruptions.

To intervene effectively, Rita undoubtedly held the key. Loyal to both Otto and Durandal, her stance might seem uncertain, but she genuinely cared about the people.

Unlike Otto, who could be ruthless.

However, Xia Chen wasn't inherently cunning or strategic. Even his current thoughts could be seen as impulsive rather than a well-thought-out plan.

He slowly exhaled, deciding to use the most basic approach: listing pros and cons.

His strengths, weaknesses, resources; others' strengths, weaknesses, conditions.

Though rudimentary, it was the quickest method to analyze the situation at hand.

Soon, it was afternoon.

Xia Chen, clad in the third-generation armor, met up with Rita.

As the vice-captain of the Immortal Blades, she wore the Black Rose Armor resembling a maid's attire, which accentuated her striking beauty.

In reality, Rita had often used this armor to extract valuable intelligence. While primarily assigned to care for Durandal, she also handled certain special tasks for Schicksal.

She essentially served as one of Otto's additional covert operatives.

Consequently, she possessed deep insights into Otto's plans.

"Vice-Captain Rita."

Xia Chen approached and greeted her, "Principal Theresa is currently dealing with the aftermath of Canghai City's attack and entrusted me to meet you here. Hmm, Vice-Captain, do you not have any luggage?"

"I have a room here, so there's no need for luggage," Rita replied casually.

Her rose-colored eyes scanned Xia Chen before softly sighing, "You've become stronger."

Although Rita's combat strength was limited, her observational skills were exceptional. She could effortlessly detect that since his departure, Xia Chen had significantly increased in power. This was a pure instinct shared by warriors, and Rita always trusted her instincts.

"Among everyone I've met, your talent is second only to Captain Durandal," Rita remarked casually.

"Perhaps it's just good luck," Xia Chen responded.

Although he worked hard, most of his power enhancements were directly linked to the system.

Rita shook her head skeptically. She never believed in mere luck, but since Xia Chen didn't elaborate, she respected his choice and didn't press further. Rita was always emotionally intelligent, knowing when to stop probing.

Smiling, she changed the subject, "Now that you're part of the Snow Lotus Squad, calling me 'vice-captain' feels inappropriate. Just using my name would be better."

"My affiliation with the Immortal Blades hasn't changed, but since the vice-captain insists, I won't hesitate." Xia Chen understood flexibility within boundaries.

However, feeling slightly uncomfortable addressing her by name, he opted to skip even mentioning it altogether. "Do you have any specific mission here at Saint Freya?"

"No special missions this time, but there is a personal request," Rita said with a hint of mischief in her eyes. "Ana asked me to keep an eye on you."

"Hmm, how to put it? When you joined the Immortal Blades, I anticipated someone might become quite attached to you, but I didn't expect it to be Ana."

"She's the little princess of Schariac; good luck with that."

Rita indeed had a knack for conversation. With just a few words, she effortlessly bridged the gap and made no one feel uncomfortable or abrupt.

Without Honkai, solely based on this ability, Rita would have undoubtedly become a successful career woman, unless she chose not to pursue professional advancement.

In some ways, Rita represented the type of genius accessible to ordinary people. Her aptitude and character were at the pinnacle of human potential.

Anything beyond that ceased to be truly human.

Xia Chen smiled warmly, "Sure, if there's ever happy news, I'll definitely raise a toast with you then."

"Agreed."

Their friendly exchange continued as if they were old acquaintances who had known each other for years.

Xia Chen remarked, "Since you've been here before, there's no need for me to introduce other places. Honestly, I'm not very familiar with Saint Freya myself."

"Do you have any specific locations you'd like to visit next, Vice-Captain?"

"It's nothing; let's head to the training ground first." Rita paused and then said, "I originally intended to observe the students here. If you don't mind, would you accompany me?"

"Of course not, you're joking."

Xia Chen hadn't yet figured out how to strengthen his relationship with Rita. After all, he wasn't particularly skilled in social interactions or, more accurately, adept at mutual exploitation.

So, he opted for the simplest approach:

Interacting genuinely without any ulterior motives.

At least by avoiding giving offense initially, he could earn the right to discuss other matters later on.