Never did Ana imagine that after experiencing a nightmare, she would wake up to find it had become reality.
As if fulfilling a prophecy, the entire city lay shattered, with Honkai Beasts and Zombies rampant everywhere.
"Everyone, split up and rescue survivors," the captain issued orders nearly identical to those in her dream, leaving Ana momentarily disoriented.
She faintly recalled saving a member of the Immortal Blades who was on vacation here. Additionally, he seemed to have witnessed her struggling against a Templar Honkai Beast. Following that, they heard cries for help; he drew away the beasts while she rescued a young girl.
The dream abruptly ended at this point.
"Sigh, I won't embarrass myself this time." As if bolstering her resolve, Ana clenched her fist, then gathered bandages and spare firearms from the base.
However, when she defeated the Templar Honkai Beast, the bloodied individual from her dream did not appear.
Ana's expression turned somewhat dazed.
"That's right, it was just a dream."
Taking a deep breath, she decided to leave the area. Time was limited due to the Honkai crisis, and as a Valkyrie, her duty called to save more lives.
"Your request for assistance has been approved, but headquarters cannot provide you with a separate aircraft. Therefore, you'll have to depart with the rescue team."
"Thank you."
With Amber's approval, Xia Chen's anxious heart finally found some calm.
He was still too weak and urgently needed to acquire greater capabilities.
Although using the simulator seemed faster for obtaining resources and enhancing his strength, Xia Chen knew he required actual battlefield experience.
The Memory Battlefields were useful, but facing them couldn't fully replicate the mindset of a real-life combat situation.
He couldn't rely on following Durandal indefinitely.
Xia Chen successfully boarded the designated aircraft chosen by Amber and set off with the rescue forces.
Everyone's hearts felt incredibly heavy.
For Schicksal, the Honkai outbreak in Manila was devastating news. Especially concerning was that it occurred less than two years after the Nagazora City incident.
While humanity could withstand the loss of one city like Manila, they had only so many cities to spare.
Moreover, various signs indicated that the frequency of Honkai outbreaks was spiraling out of control.
Xia Chen sat quietly on the corner of the aircraft, eyes closed, until Alvitr's message sounded through his communicator.
"I've sent you a copy of the information related to Manila's Honkai collected by the Technology Department. By the way, did Lady Amber provide any specific mission details?"
"She instructed me to prioritize assisting civilians and, if possible, investigate the truth behind this Honkai eruption. Lady Amber suspects Anti-Entropy's involvement."
"Indeed, the Technology Department shares that suspicion. After all, they have a history," Alvitr nodded before continuing, "Currently, our satellites are obstructed by high concentrations of Honkai Energy. Once it subsides, I'll transmit more data via satellite. Oh, right."
She paused momentarily and said, "There is one more thing you should be aware of."
"What is it?"
"It concerns Ana Schariac."
Alvitr explained, "I assume you've heard about House Schariac, haven't you?"
"Yes." He blinked, "Wait, don't tell me you want me to safely bring Ana out?"
Schariac was one of the Three Knight families within Schicksal, holding significant political influence. If Headquarters had such a request, it wouldn't be surprising.
"She's already an A-rank Valkyrie; why would she need your help?" Alvitr couldn't resist teasing.
Pausing briefly, she continued, "What I mean is, members of the House Schariac possess the ability to neutralize Honkai Energy. If unfortunately, a Herrscher emerges in Manila and you can't control it, have Ana give it a try."
"Currently, the high concentration of Honkai Energy shields communication between Headquarters and local Valkyries, so this message must be delivered by you alone."
"Me? No one else?"
"Your performance on the Memory Battlefield was impeccable," Alvitr stated matter-of-factly.
With Xia Chen now possessing the strength of an A-rank Valkyrie but without the burden of leading such a squad, he was perfectly suited for delivering crucial messages.
"How do I convince Ana?"
"You underestimate the resolve of the Three Knight families." Alvitr rolled her eyes before adding, "Alright, once you reach your destination, stay safe. The Technology Department has been coordinating with Headquarters. If the rescue operations show no significant progress within a week, Captain Durandal's leave will be canceled, and she'll be sent as reinforcement."
"I understand."
Xia Chen nodded.
In other words, his first task was still to find Ana.
However, considering Ana later becomes a Herrscher, could this event be related?
Xia Chen wasn't sure, but it wasn't his place to ponder such matters.
As the aircraft approached Manila, it began its emergency landing. With Alvitr's city map fresh in his mind, Xia Chen followed the rescue team into the shattered remains of Manila.
Witnessing a city torn apart as if by an apocalypse was not a pleasant experience for Xia Chen.
The intense earthquake had left the roads treacherous and impassable, with Zombies and Honkai Beasts scattered everywhere. It's important to note that regular rescue teams were ill-equipped to confront these creatures.
He promptly addressed his teammates, "I'll clear an area while you set up a temporary camp here."
Despite being strangers, the Immortal Blade uniform on Xia Chen was enough to convince the team.
"Alright."
Xia Chen swiftly took charge, securing a strategic position, and cleared two Vanguard-level Honkai Beasts in quick succession.
This action quickly drew attention from numerous other Honkai Beasts. Xia Chen's eyes chilled, immediately employing the new combat techniques taught by Durandal.
During the second and third Honkai simulations, his practical combat experience grew exponentially, crucially aided by acquiring Stigmata.
Hannah's joy was palpable.
The enhancement from natural Stigmata far surpassed that of artificial ones. Xia Chen had never undergone any artificial stigma implantation surgery; instead, he directly obtained game-based Stigmata, significantly boosting his power.
It was akin to undergoing a complete transformation.
Even if an Imperial Honkai Beast appeared, he now felt confident enough to face it head-on.
Within just half an hour, he cleared all the nearby Honkai Beasts, rapidly increasing his Stigmata experience.
Looking back, he noticed that a temporary base had been set up within their group.
With the temporary base established, there would be a place for treating injured personnel.
"I'm going inside to rescue survivors. Stay alert."
After giving a brief notice, Xia Chen headed towards the heart of Manila.
Alvitr had instructed him to find Ana, but he didn't dwell on it. In such a vast city, they might cross paths or not—it was fate. Regardless, based on the game's storyline, Ana should be safe.
However, at that moment, he remained unaware that Ana was currently aiming her sights at the swaying Queen of Honkai.
She was determined to save the little girl, even if only for the honor of Schariac.