Honkai, why do you only throw me into high-level battles?

Lin Wei didn't linger in the stigmata space. After learning about the events during his coma from Yae Sakura, he returned to his body.

"Passing out, then waking up twice… that's a strange feeling." He mused internally, opening his eyes to an unfamiliar ceiling.

He didn't get up immediately. Instead, he took a deep breath, testing his limbs, activating his muscles like a long-dormant machine.

"Hmm…" He'd expected, after recklessly overdrawing his stigmata, activating the Divine Key, and channeling that unimaginable power, to be at death's door. At the very least, he'd anticipated being as debilitated as the one in the Far East, if not worse.

But he had no regrets. That exhilarating battle… surviving it was a blessing. He couldn't ask for more.

Low HP is fine. Still playable! he thought.

The reality, however, was far more optimistic. Aside from weakness, hunger, and thirst, he felt no pain or discomfort. It was as if he'd simply been bedridden for too long.

"Strange." This unexpected outcome surprised him. Overloaded like that, and I'm fine? No way.

"Could it be…?" A flicker of an idea crossed his mind, then vanished like a shooting star, too fleeting to grasp. He frowned, searching his memory, but found nothing.

Perhaps his self-diagnosis was too crude. Better to use Schicksal's equipment for a thorough checkup. Might as well take advantage of the situation.

"But… didn't Sakura say Durandal brought me here?" He caught a familiar scent of perfume. "When did it become Rita?"

After Otto's abduction, the exhausted Yae Sakura had also fallen asleep, waking up shortly before him. Due to the shift change, even she hadn't known. This was a minor surprise.

Everyone knew Durandal was the protagonist type. She wouldn't be caught dead spraying perfume.

Lin Wei glanced around the spotless room. A meticulously trimmed plant with glistening leaves sat near the bed. He sighed inwardly. Definitely Rita.

Then, he noticed something even more egregious. She'd sprayed the perfume on the blanket.

No wonder the smell is so strong!

"…" Lin Wei felt his blood pressure rise. Was that deliberate or accidental?

As he reached to throw back the covers, the scent intensified, making him want to open a window.

"Excuse me…" The door opened, and Lin Wei looked up, surprised to see Rita enter, wearing a stylish maid outfit adorned with rose accessories. The lace headdress framed her face, its black horns resembling both soft sheep curls and devilish points.

"Greetings, Mr. Lin Wei. I'm glad to see you've awakened." Rita's voice was warm and polite. "But you still seem a little pale."

"Oh, really?" Lin Wei replied dryly. "Seems like you arrived at just the right time."

"My deepest apologies. Given the urgency, after your considerable sacrifice, Mr. Lin Wei, your condition required immediate transfer to HQ for treatment."

Unfazed by his accusatory tone, Rita's smile remained fixed. "However, in my excitement at your awakening, I neglected basic etiquette. Please forgive my intrusion." She bowed her head slightly.

Yeah, right. You're here to make sure I don't do anything rash. Lin Wei scoffed.

The tough cop's gone, now it's good cop time?

But why the switch? And was the overpowered Durandal lurking nearby? Unsure, he remained cautious.

"No need for apologies. It's quite the honor to have an S-rank Valkyrie like yourself attending to me." Lin Wei looked around the room, gesturing towards the door. "Now that I'm fine, can I leave?" It wasn't even a real question. He knew Rita would refuse.

"Of course, Mr. Lin Wei. You're Schicksal's guest. You may leave anytime." As expected, Rita's smile faltered. "However, for your health, further rest and observation are recommended."

"Oh, right. Thanks for your concern." Lin Wei feigned understanding, rolling his eyes internally. You're easy to fool.

"It's my duty," Rita replied, accepting his gratitude at face value.

Despite this, she remembered their brief clash in Singapore. She knew, from Durandal, that he'd deceived Otto, using a false identity, causing the Overseer's carefully laid trap to fail.

Knowing all this, she saw the pale yet composed young man before her, with his faint smile, as a cunning fox.

Only half a fox, she amended, recalling the other side she'd witnessed.

Regardless, she knew she was making excuses, and he knew it too. They both knew the other knew…

It was a giant game of "The Emperor's New Clothes." They all pretended, maintaining a polite facade.

"Let's go." Rita's thoughts were interrupted as Lin Wei stood up, his steps unsteady, heading for the door. Discarding her darker thoughts, she hurried to support him, feigning concern. "Where are you going?" You're not actually leaving, are you?

"I'm hungry. Going to eat." Lin Wei stated simply.

He hadn't eaten in days, and his stomach was growling. He had no energy for mind games.

...

Rita's preparations were even more thorough than Lin Wei anticipated.

She led him down a wide corridor to another room. Opening the door, soothing violin music and a delicate fragrance wafted out, calming and refreshing.

The room was simple yet elegant, adorned with tastefully arranged flowers. The music flowed from hidden speakers, creating a serene atmosphere.

Afternoon sunlight streamed through the spotless window onto a table set with a glass of milk, a simple sandwich, and a plate of artfully arranged fruit.

"I knew you might awaken at any time, Mr. Lin Wei, so I prepared meals at regular intervals." Rita's voice was humble, her expression calm, offering no hint of self-congratulation. Instead, she sounded apologetic. "Considering your weakened state, I opted for these simple, light meals. Please forgive any shortcomings…"

Wow, top-tier maid service. Durandal, you live like this? Lin Wei was impressed. And you're not spoiled rotten? Your willpower is incredible.

"…Is there something you're not satisfied with, Mr. Lin Wei?" Rita inquired, seeing his hesitation, attentive as a true maid.

"Uh, no…" Lin Wei eyed the sandwich, a strange expression crossing his face. "If I recall correctly, you're British, right?"

"…" Rita's eye twitched, her smile almost faltering.

You remember, don't you? So annoying. Don't eat it if you don't want to!

"Mr. Lin Wei, you…" She suppressed her frustration, about to speak, when Lin Wei interrupted, walking towards the table.

"Such a beautiful and elegant arrangement with such simple things. Truly befitting of British royalty. Admirable." He sat down, taking a large bite of the sandwich. Looking at Rita, still standing by the door, he mumbled through a mouthful of food, "Why are you just standing there?" He took another bite, then washed it down with a long gulp of milk, showing no sign of politeness or hesitation, nor any "discrimination" against "British cuisine."

"…" Rita entered the room, a strained smile on her face.

She now had a new appreciation for Lin Wei's audacity.

Is this really Welt? she wondered. But the miraculous power that swept away the disaster was undeniable. Only a Herrscher could wield such force.

Could it be…? She studied the ravenous Lin Wei. Did he become a new Herrscher during the Honkai eruption—the fourth Herrscher, the one who commands the power of Wind?

Recalling the power that calmed the tsunami and tore the sky, she found it increasingly plausible…

"Rita," Lin Wei's voice pulled her from her thoughts.

He'd devoured everything, stacking the empty plates and glass. He patted his stomach, looking slightly embarrassed. "I'm still hungry. Could I have another serving?"

"…Of course. One moment." Rita's eye twitched again, but her smile remained impeccable. Taking the dishes, she headed towards a small door leading to the kitchen.

Rita, always meticulous, had anticipated this possibility.

But… why am I so annoyed?

With her back to Lin Wei, her smile finally dropped, her expression turning thoughtful.

Is he really the Fourth Herrscher? Surely not… She questioned her own theory. How could someone like him control a Herrscher's power so easily?

---

The Emperor's New Clothes 1