Honkai Simulator: Start with Confessing to The Herrscher of Finality

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Xia Chen couldn't rightfully criticize Siegfried, as he didn't share a close bond with Kiana, Durandal, or even him. He was neither their guardian nor truly considered a friend. At best, they were acquaintances whose names he knew.

Ultimately, he didn't deeply care about the details of this plan; his primary concern now was Ana.

If preventing Ana from becoming the Herrscher of Ice meant offering this sacrifice to Kiana instead, it wouldn't be an issue for Xia Chen. However, such decisions were not within his power, nor likely even Otto's.

Everyone understands that life is unpredictable and subject to change.

Siegfried eventually departed.

As Xia Chen gazed at the gradually darkening night sky, he couldn't help but sigh.

At the same moment, inside Anti-Entropy's Eye of the Abyss base,

Cocolia was reviewing documents.

Upon receiving intelligence about Coral Island, Cocolia had been strategizing her next move.

The Stairway to Galaxy Project involved numerous aspects, yet none directly concerned her. Undeniably, with this data, Schicksal would gain control over large-scale Honkai events.

In that case, what need would the world have for Anti-Entropy anymore?

Even considering the financial support from legislators, she could not allow this information to fall into Schicksal's hands.

Thus, Cocolia swiftly devised a justification: rescuing victims trapped by Schicksal.

While the Stairway to Galaxy Project received widespread acclaim, not everyone is prepared for death. Moreover, many individuals on Coral Island remained unaware of the impending danger.

"If we introduce enough variables, the data from Coral Island will become meaningless."

"Going further, injecting Honkai Energy to trigger a Major Honkai Eruption..."

"At that point, even Schicksal won't be able to complete another Galactic Ladder."

Time swiftly reached January 2016.

"So, I'll be heading to Europe for a team-building event next. For now, I'm leaving things here in your hands, Kiana and Fu Hua, understood?"

Xia Chen addressed both girls, unable to resist reminding them.

Kiana blinked her eyes playfully, "Got it, got it. You can go ahead."

Raiden Mei and Bronya were arriving soon, and she eagerly wanted Xia Chen out of their way.

Valkyries also had vacations, as no one could work year-round without breaks. However, some Valkyries had lost their families due to Honkai incidents, so they preferred spending their holidays freely at their usual posts. Others, like Xia Chen, applied for time off elsewhere.

He considered inviting Kiana along but decided not to disturb her since Raiden Mei and Bronya would visit Coral Island.

During this period, Kiana didn't encounter any World Serpent agents again.

It was unclear whether Otto warned the World Serpent or if some sort of deal was struck. Regardless, Coral Island remained peaceful.

Smiling, Xia Chen boarded the plane heading to Europe.

He and Ana did not plan to meet at Schicksal Airport, as it would have been too inconvenient upon arrival.

Or rather, he had no intention of leaving Coral Island at all.

"Now, time to lure them into my trap."

Silently, Xia Chen apologized to Ana. Just before his departure, he postponed their meeting.

The reason was simple: Alvitr sent him a message.

"Schicksal's intelligence through special channels indicates that Cocolia will initiate a covert operation against Coral Island today."

This revelation caught Xia Chen completely off guard.

He anticipated Cocolia might intervene after Honkai erupted, aiming to recover the Herrscher. However, with the Honkai on Coral Island still dormant, what could be her motive now?

Unfortunately, Anti-Entropy members were not like Honkai Beasts; they possessed human intellect. Naturally, Xia Chen didn't underestimate them.

Thus, playing along with their scheme, he set up this elaborate trap akin to leading a guest into a cage.

He had already relocated the head of the Stairway to Galaxy Project and secretly informed everyone he was going on vacation. To maintain the charade, Ana had already departed for their planned destination.

Xia Chen couldn't determine Cocolia's intentions, but by process of elimination, it likely involved either Kiana or the Galactic Ladder project data.

However, Amber discovered her plans before any action could be taken, clearly indicating there was a mole close to Cocolia.

The infiltration of spies between Schicksal and Anti-Entropy was unsurprising.

To complete his act convincingly, Xia Chen had no choice but to inform Ana via communicator:

"I encountered heavy traffic on the way to the airport and missed my flight. Now I'll have to wait until tomorrow."

This infuriated Ana, making her grind her teeth.

"You're trying to kill me with frustration! How could you not anticipate traffic during such a crucial time?"

"There's nothing I can do; Coral Island is just too bustling," he reassured her with a well-intentioned lie. "Don't worry, enjoy yourselves for two days, and I'll definitely join you tomorrow."

"Hmph, that's more like it."

At this moment on Coral Island, although not yet under imminent threat, several key personnel had already prepared for potential danger.

No one knew what Cocolia might do. Despite Xia Chen's deep disdain for her, he had to admit that few could match Cocolia's ruthlessness.

He circled around and once again went undercover near Coral Island.

As night fell, he finally awaited the arrival of Anti-Entropy's Titans.

Cocolia ultimately weighed between obtaining data and executing destruction, choosing the latter plan.

She understood that possessing this specific data held little value for her. Instead, preventing Schicksal from acquiring it was far more significant.

Moreover, sabotaging this operation would bring numerous benefits to herself.

Gray Serpent had already contacted her, promising additional technological support from World Serpent if she carried out the sabotage. The Titan's teleportation technology they previously obtained stemmed from such arrangements.

Cocolia wasn't concerned about being used; she had been exploited many times before. Without these opportunities, how could someone with limited knowledge ascend to her current position?

Especially now, with Coral Island's S-Class Valkyries away, it presented an ideal chance for her.

However, out of caution, Cocolia chose not to personally involve herself in this operation. Instead, she deployed numerous Titans in unmanned mode for the planned destruction.

With their FTL systems activated, these Titans were capable of causing pure, unmitigated havoc without regard for cost.

Xia Chen found it somewhat regrettable.

"Rin, you've confirmed that there are no operators within the opposing Titans, correct?"

"Yes."

"Then modify the Titans' commands and have them dismantle the Eyes of the Abyss Laboratory."

While unlikely that these Titans alone could completely destroy the laboratory, inflicting losses on Cocolia would still be satisfying.

Using Rin against these Titans was perfectly suited to her capabilities.

Just as he issued the command, Xia Chen's expression suddenly changed.

A small-scale Honkai Event had erupted.