Xia Chen was almost certain that his simulated scenarios had an impact on reality. Otherwise, there was no explanation for why Ana and Chen Tianwen were together. However, when he queried the System, it insisted that simulations have no effect on reality.
With such a firm response from the System, he couldn't argue further.
After expending considerable effort to defeat the Dead Silence, the group found shelter and took a brief respite. Reunited, Chen Tianwen and Chen Tianwu cherished nothing more than this regained bond between siblings.
On the other side, Xia Chen and Ana discussed their current situation.
"Hello, I'm Xia Chen from the Immortal Blades."
He paused briefly before continuing, "Captain Durandal had been on an intense mission for the past month and couldn't personally attend. I am participating in this rescue operation under my own name."
"How is the current situation of the Snow Lotus Squad?"
Ana found it too coincidental.
Both from the Immortal Blades, with similar appearances...
Nevertheless, she suppressed her suspicions and replied, "After the Honkai outbreak in Manila, our squad leader immediately ordered everyone to investigate the source within the city and assist survivors. However, due to the high concentration of Honkai Energy, I've been unable to communicate with my teammates for seven hours now."
High concentrations of Honkai Energy interfere with electromagnetic signals, forcing even rescuers to operate independently. This was currently the most challenging aspect of the relief efforts.
"That's problematic." Xia Chen slightly furrowed his brow.
After a moment, he suggested, "Here's what we'll do - you escort these two to the safe zone, and I'll inform you of its location."
"No," Ana interrupted firmly, "I cannot agree to you acting alone. In this situation, collective action by a team is necessary."
While Valkyries possessed strong combat capabilities, their physical endurance has always been notably lacking.
In regions with high concentrations of Honkai Energy, aside from other dangers, the number of Honkai Beasts is significantly abundant. Venturing alone was practically no different from suicide.
She asserted firmly, "We move together."
"Agreed."
Xia Chen thought for a moment and said, "The safe zone is still three kilometers away. Chen Tianwu's condition isn't good; let's rest briefly. We'll set out in five minutes."
"Alright."
With additional members in the squad, the atmosphere also improved considerably.
Five minutes later, Xia Chen supported Chen Tianwu, while Ana carried Chen Tianwen on her back as they continued towards the safe zone.
Perhaps due to sheer luck, they managed to successfully avoid both Honkai Beasts and Zombies along the way, reaching the temporary safety spot where Xia Chen had initially stopped.
"We're here. Is there a battlefield medic available?"
Xia Chen and Ana brought the Chen siblings inside, noticing that several survivors had already arrived, mostly women, all appearing to be in poor condition.
In such large-scale Honkai outbreaks, few men typically survived; Chen Tianwu was an exception.
"There's no battlefield medic within this camp; you'd need to go outside the city for medical assistance. However, we do have some emergency medications."
"Do you have any serum to suppress Honkai effects?"
"Ah, yes, are you injured?"
"No, it's for a civilian."
Upon hearing this, the Valkyrie hesitated.
The Honkai-suppressing serum was extremely expensive, and its side effects on ordinary people were significant. Even if it temporarily suppressed Honkai, they would eventually still transform into Zombies.
Seeing her hesitation, Xia Chen guessed her concerns immediately.
He paused briefly before saying, "This person has a high compatibility with Honkai Energy. The rarity of surviving males amidst such chaos speaks volumes about his potential, I'm sure you understand."
"I'll prepare the serum right away."
As the Valkyrie went off to retrieve the serum, he couldn't help but sigh in relief.
He wasn't certain if it would truly benefit Chen Tianwu, as Schicksal currently lacked a complete cure for Zombie transformation. For Chen Tianwu to continue living without suffering, seeking out World Serpent for a limb replacement surgery might be his only viable option.
Half an hour later, Xia Chen approached Chen Tianwu.
"How's your body feeling? Any improvement?"
"The sense of weakness has significantly reduced," Chen Tianwu admitted honestly. "Thank you. I overheard your conversation with that young lady earlier; is this medication very costly?"
"Indeed, and its effect only delays your transformation into a Zombie."
Xia Chen paused briefly before continuing, "I won't delve into explaining what 'Zombification' means; you can learn about it here if desired. However, listen carefully to what I'm about to say next, and keep it confidential."
He whispered softly into Chen Tianwu's ear, "Your talent is exceptionally high, even quite rare, but your body poses significant danger. Currently, Schicksal has no cure for Zombification. Therefore, you must seek out another organization called World Serpent."
"That's all I can tell you. Whether you survive or not now depends on yourself."
"As for your sister, she's luckier than you - she hasn't been infected by Honkai. Most likely, Schicksal will take her to a safe place. If her talents are outstanding, she may become a Valkyrie; otherwise, they'll arrange for her placement in a welfare institution."
Xia Chen's words left Chen Tianwu momentarily silent.
He realized that he and Little Wen would have to part ways.
"Thank you."
Xia Chen patted Chen Tianwu's shoulder, "Perhaps we'll meet again someday. For now, I must go."
He still had rescue missions to attend to.
Soon, Xia Chen and Ana rejoined the relief efforts.
The Major Honkai Eruption in Manila occurred unexpectedly. However, thanks to the coordinated efforts of multiple Valkyrie squads and rescue teams, the catastrophe was contained solely within Manila, showing no signs of spreading further.
But the cost was immense: at least six Valkyrie squads, including the local garrison, were completely wiped out. Numerous Valkyries were infected by Honkai, rendering them unable to fight, and many rescuers also suffered casualties.
These details were confirmed only after a week when the Honkai Energy concentration dropped sufficiently, allowing communicators to reestablish contact.
Using the locational data from the Snow Lotus Squad's communicators, Alvitr determined their final resting place before their demise. Xia Chen accompanied Ana to retrieve the squad's remains.
They had fallen at the hands of a newly born Imperial Honkai Beast.
Only S-rank Valkyries could typically handle such creatures, but the Snow Lotus Squad bravely sacrificed themselves to exhaust and defeat it. Otherwise, with Manila's high Honkai Energy concentration, this Imperial Honkai Beast would have evolved into an even more formidable threat.
Xia Chen felt deeply saddened by their fate.
After all, the end for most Valkyries often unfolded similarly.
Just as Xia Chen prepared to console Ana with comforting words, an unexpected situation arose.
A high concentration of Honkai Energy reactions appeared around them.
Xia Chen's expression involuntarily turned grim.
This reaction...
It resembled that of a highly concentrated Honkai Crystal, signaling the birth of a Herrscher.
His immediate instinct was to flee with Ana swiftly. Unlike Himeko wearing the Mark-IV Valkyrie Armor, he couldn't handle even a newly born Herrscher.
However, Ana did not leave. Instead, facing the intense Honkai Energy, she cut her own wrist.
"Holy Blood, Liberation."