"...In conclusion, I believe that Anti-Entropy might be searching for whatever caused these abnormal Honkai Outbreaks."
Luo Lin spoke confidently in the operational conference room, gesturing toward the map. Ragnar and the other Valkyries sat below, listening attentively to her analysis.
"Question: what could possibly cause this situation?"
Following the voice, Luo Lin saw a very familiar face, albeit younger, clad in the blue-black-white uniform of the Valkyrie Assault Team, with fiery red hair tied into a single ponytail, and vibrant red eyes.
— It was Murata Himeko, in her [Kriegsmesser] form!
"Good question, but..."
Luo Lin smiled at her. Although she wanted to directly disclose the answer, the information she possessed couldn't reasonably lead to that conclusion.
She could only stroke her chin and say with a speculative tone, "There could be many factors that could cause this phenomenon, such as a large amount of Honkai leakage in this area, or relics from the previous era..."
"If it's the worst-case scenario, it might even be a precursor to another Eruption..."
The Valkyries' expressions turned serious one by one. After all, the last Great Honkai Eruption occurred only 10 years ago, and the fear and pain it brought to humanity had not yet been forgotten. Among the Valkyries present, many became Valkyries only after experiencing the aftermath of the second Honkai Eruptions.
That disaster was still fresh in everyone's memory.
Ragnar also spoke up seriously, "Luo Lin, are you sure?"
Feeling the solemn atmosphere, Luo Lin, who knew the truth, became flustered.
She quickly added, "This is just speculation... The scientists at Schicksal have been studying the signs before the two Honkai Eruptionss, and abnormal small-scale Honkai Eruptions are just one possibility."
"And, globally, the occurrence of small sized Honkai Eruptions is increasing day by day. Maybe the many Honkai Eruptions here are just part of the normal growth... it just seems a bit more concentrated..."
Luo Lin felt that even she couldn't believe the explanation she had just given.
Ragnar looked around, sensing the somber atmosphere. She tapped the table with her knuckles to draw everyone's attention, then stood up and said loudly, "Cheer up, girls! Shouldn't you be happy?"
"Do you remember the duty of the Valkyries? We must fight against the Honkai and protect the safety of our families! And what is most terrifying about the Honkai? It's that it can happen at any time, anywhere! That's why Schicksal has established branches worldwide and deployed action teams in each branch."
"But now, what have we found? A region where Honkai Eruptions occur frequently! This means that we are prepared in advance, and the Honkai Eruptions here will be resolved quickly."
"At the same time, we also need to conduct research here to uncover the secrets of the frequent Honkai Eruptions. Whether it's relics from the ancient civilization or... another Honkai Eruptions—our experiences will be applied worldwide, making contributions to all humanity."
Ragnar paused for a moment, giving the Valkyries time to think. Seeing their expressions no longer heavy, but even becoming fiery, she smiled and said:
"After all, we are Valkyries, aren't we?"
Luo Lin, on the side, watched as Ragnar effortlessly lifted the team's morale with just a few words, and couldn't help but marvel at the charisma of the Assault Team captain.
At the same time, she realized that the Assault Team also had a high recognition of the Valkyries' mission, and their determination was also part of the elite quality of the Assault Team.
After boosting the team's morale, Ragnar turned to Luo Lin and said, "Luo Lin, what you said is possible. Now we need to seek support from Schicksal headquarters and have them send researchers to find out what's really going on..."
"Okay, I'll contact headquarters."
The captain of the Assault Team walked over, patting the girl's shoulder. "You found the direction of investigation as soon as you came, well done!"
Luo Lin scratched her head. "No, I have to thank the captain and the frontline reconnaissance personnel. It's you who found these clues. If the captain hadn't organized this intelligence before, it might have taken a long time to come up with these speculations..."
"Alright, don't be modest. Your talent has also played a significant role." Ragnar glanced at her watch; it was already nine o'clock in the evening. "Today is your first day here. Remember to rest early."
"Okay."
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"Teacher Himeko! I saw a young version of you today!"
"Uh...?"
Himeko looked at Luo Lin, who was dancing with excitement, her face puzzled by this nonsensical statement: "What did you say?"
"I joined the Valkyrie Assault Team! I saw someone who looks exactly like Teacher Himeko!"
Luo Lin's tone was filled with joy. "I didn't expect Teacher Himeko to be so beautiful when she was young... Oh, I didn't mean you're not beautiful now! It's just that your style seems completely different!"
"Ah... wait, you joined the Valkyrie Assault Team?"
"Yes!"
Suddenly realizing something, Himeko pretended to be casual and asked, "Congratulations, then. Seeing me when I was young... So where are you now?"
"Ahem, I'm currently stationed at the Schicksal Belarus branch with the Assault Team, providing intelligence support on the side..."
Luo Lin recounted everything she had discovered to Himeko like pouring beans from a bamboo tube, then looked at her expectantly, hoping that this person who had experienced this history could provide her with more clues.
Himeko had specifically investigated related information after the Valkyrie Assault Team accident, but it ultimately came to nothing...
Her chaotic mind gradually began to churn, comparing everything Luo Lin told her with her own memories—without missing a single detail.
In the parallel world where Luo Lin was, this part of history seems to be the same as hers.
She remembered the training and tests she had prepared specifically for Luo Lin not long ago... Now, Luo Lin had become an excellent B-rank Valkyrie.
With her talent in intelligence, she was bound to attract the attention of the Valkyrie Assault team. An excellent logistics and intelligence officer was crucial for the Valkyrie team, and as long as Luo Lin joined, it was like a promotion with a raise—almost no Valkyrie would refuse such recruitment.
Himeko was also very aware of the charisma of her former captain, Ragnar Lothbrok. She had a strong appeal at the time, so Luo Lin's entry into the Valkyrie Assault Team was also very reasonable...
But, Himeko distinctly remembered that there was no Valkyrie in the Valkyrie Assault Team named Luo Lin who specialized in intelligence.
She never expected that the student she accepted due to a chance encounter would become involved in this cruel fate because of her teachings.
After all, the main reason she went B-rank faster than the norm is due to her...
As Himeko thought about it, she almost couldn't maintain her indifferent expression.
She lowered her head, covering her face with one hand, not letting Luo Lin see her expression.
"Luo Lin... If I advise you to leave the Valkyrie Assault Team now, would you go?"
The girl looked at Luo Lin with pleading eyes, silent.
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Poll at patréon for the new fic, Deadline is may and june.