Honkai Simulator: Start with Confessing to The Herrscher of Finality

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During their conversation, Fu Hua and Xia Chen rarely discussed Rita.

It was evident that Fu Hua's impression of Rita wasn't favorable, yet Rita was considered a benefactor to Xia Chen.

In Shenzhou, there is a saying: "Do not speak ill of one's father before others."

The essence of this proverb suggests that during interpersonal communication, one should avoid mentioning faults or mistakes involving each other's parental generation, ensuring a more pleasant exchange.

Although Rita couldn't be considered Xia Chen's elder in age, the principle still applied.

Fu Hua may have been rigid, but precisely because of this rigidity, she conducted herself with great propriety towards others. While not as warm and inviting as Rita, her company was still highly comfortable.

This demeanor made her quite popular among the students at Saint Freya Academy.

As a result, their conversation focused mainly on Valkyrie combat strategies.

Xia Chen's understanding might not have been profound initially, but listening to Fu Hua's explanations felt enlightening. Despite her diminished strength now, her insights into combat remained top-tier.

Even when some Valkyries performed exceptionally well against opponents clearly outmatched, Fu Hua could pinpoint the reasons behind their eventual losses.

Drawing from her past memories ingrained as instinct, she imparted all her knowledge to Xia Chen. Although not all his experiences were directly applicable, he still took note of them diligently.

Experience can compensate for areas where talent falls short, and in this regard, Xia Chen remained humble.

As they engaged in conversation, the Valkyries' assessment gradually neared its end.

Rita silently recorded each participant's scores. Based on the names Xia Chen had mentioned yesterday, she paid close attention today. As he predicted, these students displayed impressive abilities, although falling short of A-rank Valkyries, they were notably talented.

However, mere talent alone was insufficient to truly impress her.

The most intriguing individuals were Kiana and Raiden Mei.

Kiana, being the subject Rita closely monitored, naturally warranted her interest.

On the other hand, Raiden Mei's innate talent deeply captivated her.

Despite still holding a nominal B-rank status, this student exhibited strength and agility comparable to that of an A-rank Valkyrie. Her exceptional swordsmanship made her an ideal candidate for rapid assault missions on the battlefield.

Raiden Mei surpassed most Immortal Blade Valkyries significantly.

Rita even felt an urge to specially recruit her on the spot. Unfortunately, as per Lord Bishop's words, Raiden Mei was also one of Kiana's crucial connections.

Still, it was merely somewhat regrettable.

As a side note, Bronya, due to losing control during the Moonlight Throne incident, although no issues were found upon examination, she was barred from participating in this battle.

The young girl stood alone, observing the arena from afar.

Her physical condition was attributed to the influence of the Moonlight Throne's energy, allowing her some respite for now.

Addressing the gathered Valkyries, Rita said, "Everyone has performed exceptionally well, at least showcasing your full capabilities. It truly inspires me too."

Her gaze swept over Kiana.

"You're quite outstanding. Would you be interested in sparring with me?"

"Sure," replied Kiana fearlessly, like a calf unafraid of tigers. "How should we proceed?"

"As a regular training match would suffice." Rita's tone carried a subtle edge. "Just be cautious; I won't hold back this time."

"This lady doesn't need you to hold back."

Kiana certainly didn't shy away from provocation.

Like a cat reacting to sudden stress, she swiftly engaged Rita on the training field.

Rita had to admit that Kiana possessed years of rogue combat experience. Her unorthodox Marksmanship Arts posed some challenges for her.

Without relying on the Valkyrie Armor, adapting to Kiana's rhythm proved difficult at first.

But Rita was still Rita.

She quickly adjusted and soon took control of the battle.

Now it was Kiana who felt increasingly uncomfortable.

There was no doubting Rita's prowess, and more importantly, her wealth of practical combat experience far surpassed Kiana's. Whether facing humans or Honkai Beasts, she excelled against all adversaries.

Yet despite having ample means to swiftly end the fight, Rita held back, prolonging their encounter instead.

Kiana, impulsive by nature, let her anger flare uncontrollably.

It was as if a voice inside her whispered, "Kill her!"

In the heat of battle, Kiana couldn't discern whether this voice stemmed from her own desires or external incitement.

Regardless, her fighting tempo accelerated rapidly, alarming both Raiden Mei and Theresa.

"Foolish niece, you'll exhaust yourself at this rate," Theresa fretted anxiously, but there was little she could do.

At this moment, it was impractical to abruptly halt the fight, leaving Rita with no choice but to observe silently, assessing Kiana's performance.

"The Herrscher may influence the subject's personality, but there are limits."

"It hasn't met the experimental conditions yet."

After confirming these observations, Rita swiftly concluded the battle.

Of course, to most observers, it appeared that Kiana collapsed due to exhaustion. Only Xia Chen and Fu Hua furrowed their brows, while Bronya seemed contemplative.

It was evident that both Xia Chen and Fu Hua recognized Rita had been manipulating the entire fight, compensating for her power deficit with experience.

Although Bronya didn't fully grasp this, she excelled at analysis. Suddenly, she realized that the battle wasn't as straightforward as it seemed, almost as if meticulously planned.

However, with limited information, Bronya didn't connect it to Sirin Project. Likely, few would suspect Otto of attempting to resurrect a Herrscher—it was too horrifying a thought.

Even Bronya from Anti-Entropy had heard negative rumors about Otto, but she merely perceived him as a ruthless and cold-hearted individual, somewhat reserved in combating Honkai.

That was the prevailing view within Anti-Entropy regarding Otto.

Thus, despite her suspicions, Bronya did not give them much importance.

Exhausted, Kiana allowed Theresa to help her down from the field.

Rita smiled apologetically, "My apologies, Kiana. I didn't hold back enough."

She harbored no fondness for this experimental subject.

Partly due to Teacher Ragna and partly because of Durandal.

However, Rita remained composed as always, concealing her dislike effectively, making others believe she genuinely cared for Kiana.

But Kiana despised her intensely, almost instinctively.

Kiana had never been good at dealing with overly refined individuals, except for Mei.

"You're quite exceptional, Kiana," Rita said, seemingly implying more than her words conveyed. "I hope you can maintain this mindset in the future."

In the end, Rita left this subtle warning behind.

Considering the test subject's intelligence, it likely wouldn't have much impact.

Kiana could only feign attentiveness before leaving the training ground.

Xia Chen couldn't help but sigh.

While he could swiftly eliminate Honkai Beasts, providing effective assistance for Kiana's situation proved challenging.

Theoretically, Xia Chen would also benefit from Sirin Project's success.

From the completion of Sirin Project until Otto's demise, Otto had already paved many paths forward. Although disasters might occur along the way, the overall preservation of civilization was ensured.

Until Xia Chen found a better alternative, he wouldn't risk interfering with this plan. Having Otto as his adversary did not justify reckless actions on his part.

Naturally, if he could irritate this bishop without jeopardizing civilization, Xia Chen wouldn't hesitate.