Honkai Simulator: Start with Confessing to The Herrscher of Finality

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Despite Rita's most tactful approach to revealing Durandal's identity, it still felt too abrupt for her.

She needed time to calm down.

However, when Durandal suggested that Rita temporarily assume her duties, Rita declined. It was at this moment that Durandal keenly realized just how heavy the responsibility she bore truly was.

According to Rita, the day Durandal gains access to Schicksal's most confidential archives will also be the day she becomes its leader. Even if Otto were to awaken again, it is highly unlikely he would resume his role as Schicksal Bishop.

In essence, Otto has already passed on Schicksal to Durandal—through this extraordinarily unique method.

Durandal herself remains perplexed by this arrangement.

After leaving the office, a hint of confusion flickered in Durandal's eyes. The weighty mission entrusted to her left her directionless. Having no plan for what actions to take or how to proceed once becoming the leader, Durandal felt utterly unprepared.

She had no idea how Otto brought Schicksal to its current heights, nor did she know what this colossal organization should focus on under normal circumstances.

As if serving as the brain of this organization, theoretically, everything should move according to her will. However, she didn't even know the primary objectives Schicksal ought to pursue.

Schicksal was Otto's tool to realize his ideals, perfectly tailored to him and no one else.

Thus, the young girl's confusion was understandable.

Unconsciously, she found herself at the Immortal Blades' training room.

It had been some time since she last visited. Although Durandal didn't feel any decline in her abilities, looking around the training room gave her a sense of unfamiliarity.

The members of the Immortal Blades were still hard at work, many familiar faces among them.

"Lady Durandal," Susannah greeted her warmly. "I see you have some free time today."

Recently, the Immortal Blades primarily trained independently, as they were all experienced Valkyries who didn't require constant supervision.

"Indeed." Composing herself, Durandal smiled at Susannah. "Keep up the good work during your training."

"Oh, it's just part of our duty; not hard at all," Susannah replied casually. "Captain, when will we get another mission?"

"No missions is actually a good thing, Susannah."

Hearing Susannah's words, Alvitr, who was also training nearby, couldn't help but interject, "It means there's no Honkai activity, right?"

"Alvitr is right," Durandal smiled. "It's indeed a good thing, so there's no need to rush."

Since the elimination of the Herrscher of Dominance, Honkai Events worldwide have significantly decreased. It had reached a point where even the Valkyries began questioning if their existence was still necessary.

This starkly contrasted with 2015 when she led the Immortal Blades on a relentless thirty-day campaign, purging Honkai Events across the globe.

Recalling those times, even Durandal couldn't help but show a wistful expression.

Although it hadn't been long, the cumulative events over this period made it feel like a lifetime ago.

"Lady Durandal?"

"Lady Durandal?" Alvitr called out twice, pulling Durandal from her thoughts. "Is something wrong?"

"No, just noticed you seemed somewhat distant." The girl cautiously asked, "Lady Durandal, are you feeling quite exhausted lately?"

"Exhausted?" Durandal inadvertently questioned.

Then, she realized a rare sense of fatigue enveloping her body.

Despite enduring intense battles and rigorous training before without feeling this way, why did she feel exhausted even before engaging in combat this time?

"Perhaps a little," Durandal composed herself and changed the subject, "By the way, any news on Xia Chen?"

Given his current situation with the World Serpent, it was both emotionally and logically necessary for Durandal to express concern. After all, losing an S-rank Valkyrie is not something taken lightly.

Fortunately, Durandal held her position now; if Otto were still in charge, Xia Chen's actions would have raised suspicions long ago.

While Otto's Schicksal operated as a strict military organization, under Durandal's leadership, it has become more akin to a fan club community.

Alvitr responded, "I chatted with Ana just a couple of days ago, and she assured me everything was fine. However, I haven't been able to contact them recently. Based on what Ana said earlier, the issue with the Herrscher of Sentience should be resolved soon."

"Hmm, that's good to hear." Durandal paused briefly before saying, "You two can go ahead with your tasks. I'm going to train now."

Suppressing her inner weariness, she headed towards the training ground.

At the World Serpent and Elysian Realm,

Xia Chen had struck a deal with Mobius.

However, the foundation of this agreement differed from what Mobius initially proposed.

He would not allow Mobius to reside within his Stigmata, considering her too dangerous as a beauty serpent. Nor would he leave any part of his consciousness in the Elysian Realm, given the inherent risks posed by every individual there.

Thus, Xia Chen modified the terms of their transaction.

Instead, he agreed to leave some of his blood and genetic material in the Elysian Realm for Mobius to use freely. In return, she would disclose all her knowledge about Stigmata to him.

Even if Mobius cloned another version of Xia Chen using this blood, it wouldn't concern him.

For Mobius, having access to Xia Chen's blood genetics opened up numerous avenues for research.

Mobius consented to the revised terms.

"For information on Stigmata, I'll need time to compile a comprehensive report for you."

She collected samples of Xia Chen's blood and hair, then satisfied, assured him, "Rest assured, I keep my word. At least in this matter, our interests align."

Mobius also wanted to understand what the ultimate form of Stigmata would look like.

The Stigmata on Xia Chen was not the final goal of Project Stigma.

As if recalling something, before Mobius left, Xia Chen asked her, "Oh right, you must have met Hare. Could you tell me about her?"

"Hare? Ah, you mean that woman." Mobius's eyes slightly narrowed. "She is by far the best test subject I've encountered. Oh, within her, I saw the starting point for infinite evolution."

Xia Chen did not expect such high praise from Mobius regarding Hare.

"If I'm understanding correctly, she should be the ultimate product of Project Stigma, at least achieving its ideal state," he paused briefly and then continued, "So, what is the ultimate goal of this project?"

"Of course, it's to survive."

Mobius's response surprised Xia Chen.

"The ultimate goal of Project Stigma is to enable humans to endure even after civilization collapses completely."