Xia Chen wasn't quite sure why he chose to fire.
According to the System, his rewards depended on his performance. Purely from a logical standpoint, he should have left with Ana instead of attracting the Honkai Beasts, allowing her to rescue others unimpeded.
Perhaps it was driven by a simple hero complex.
Regardless, he decided to take action and fired.
Without the assistance of Valkyrie Armor, his abilities were comparable to that of a C-rank Valkyrie.
However, possibly due to Hannah's Stigmata taking effect, Xia Chen didn't feel overly strained.
After all, the Hannah set had accompanied him through his novice days.
As a Templar-class Honkai Beast rapidly charged towards him, Xia Chen narrowly avoided its attack, then aimed for its weak spot and fired.
Yet, it only left a faint bullet mark.
"This thing really isn't effective," he couldn't help but grumble.
The Colt pistol, not specifically designed as an anti-Honkai weapon, had minimal impact on Honkai Beasts, making it highly ineffective—almost like scratching the surface.
However, it was his only option.
Without the Valkyrie Armor, engaging in hand-to-hand combat would be suicidal. He couldn't replicate Durandal's feat of kicking the Emperor of Honkai dozens of meters away with just one barefoot strike.
Fortunately, his goal wasn't to defeat the Emperor; he merely needed to buy time for Ana to rescue the little girl.
Firing continuously while retreating, Xia Chen successfully drew the attention of all the Honkai Beasts towards him.
Seeing this, Ana gritted her teeth and found a nearby rope.
"Hold on tight, I'll get you out of here."
Her knightly honor momentarily overshadowed her fear, allowing her to swiftly rescue the girl.
As she watched Xia Chen struggling at a distance, she clenched her jaw silently, "Just wait until I've brought her to safety."
However, Xia Chen might not have that luxury anymore.
He never realized how formidable Templar Honkai Beasts could be. They were entirely different from those encountered in the Memory Battlefield.
Aside from their unpredictable ambushes, which already strained Xia Chen, the Queen of Honkai showed no respect for fair combat, frequently launching surprise attacks.
The Colt pistol proved woefully inadequate, its damage virtually negligible. Additionally, due to excessive blood loss, Xia Chen felt increasingly dizzy.
As he narrowly dodged two more Honkai Beasts' assaults, Xia Chen suddenly felt a cold blade slice through his body.
A Zombie had been drawn to him.
Xia Chen experienced a burning pain in his back, and upon seeing the Zombie's face, his eyes involuntarily widened.
It was a Dead Silence Zombie.
In that instant, his thoughts froze, allowing the Queen of Honkai to pierce his chest effortlessly.
"Truly pathetic..."
[Due to head injuries, you were overwhelmed by Honkai Beasts and Zombies leading to your death.]
The System's emotionless voice echoed.
[This Honkai World experience has ended. You may permanently retain one item to extract into the real world. Congratulations! You have obtained 1x Honkai Piece. Extract now?]
[Since the player did not survive past the first day in all three simulations, the achievement 'Surviving Not Beyond Day One' is granted.]
[Surviving Not Beyond Day One: When equipped, doubles the challenges faced on the first day of any simulation scenario. However, after surviving the first day, the player will become luckier.]
Xia Chen remained silent, perhaps due to becoming accustomed to such outcomes. This time, he didn't feel as disoriented as during the second simulation.
Even the pain inflicted by the Queen of Honkai paled in comparison to the agony when Herrscher of the Void pierced him earlier.
However, Xia Chen couldn't understand why Honkai Pieces were offered as rewards.
The description stated that Honkai Pieces are discrete forms of Honkai Energy. In the game, these fragments could be exchanged for weapons and Stigmata. Could it mean the System will provide such an exchange channel?
As he was pondering this further, he suddenly received a communication message:
"A high-concentration Honkai event exceeding 1700hw has occurred in Eastern Manila region. The primary manifestation is a massive earthquake; the cause remains unknown."
"Headquarters has dispatched multiple Valkyrie squads to support the Manila garrison area. Valkyries not receiving immediate orders should await further instructions from Headquarters."
He quickly checked his own messages but found no dispatch notifications.
It was evident that Rita was currently engaged in a critical mission, while Durandal was on leave. Without Durandal and Rita, the Immortal Blades essentially became just slightly stronger background characters.
Moreover, the Immortal Blades had already completed thirty consecutive days of intense missions, finally earning a hard-earned break. It would clearly be inappropriate to mobilize them again at this time.
But...
What a coincidence.
Taking a deep breath, Xia Chen contacted Alvitr using his communicator.
At that moment, Alvitr was at the Information Department. Seeing Xia Chen's incoming call request, she promptly answered.
"What is it?"
"Alvitr, what happened with the Honkai outbreak in Manila?"
"I'm not sure." Alvitr's tone turned serious. "The Technology Department is investigating and providing support to the deployed Valkyrie teams. Currently, based on available information, this Major Honkai Eruption seems comparable to Nagazora City."
"In other words, there might be a Herrscher in Manila?"
"Yes, the possibility is very high. However, Headquarters has already dispatched 42 Valkyrie squads, totaling 174 Valkyries for rescue efforts, along with various emergency response teams comprising over five thousand personnel. At least, they should be able to contain the Honkai disaster within Manila itself. Even if there is a Herrscher, it will likely be swiftly neutralized."
Alvitr paused before continuing, "But shouldn't this matter have nothing to do with you? The Immortal Blades don't have any rescue missions assigned, unless you have relatives in Manila?"
Xia Chen had an Asian appearance, so to Alvitr, Manila and Shenzhou were essentially similar regions.
He furrowed his brow slightly.
"Why doesn't the Immortal Blades have a rescue mission?"
"Lady Durandal's vacation hasn't ended yet," Alvitr stated matter-of-factly.
If Durandal were present, the Immortal Blades would naturally be part of the Manila rescue mission. However, she was currently away.
Xia Chen closed his eyes and discreetly queried the System:
"System, can I gain experience for upgrading Stigmata by fighting Honkai Beasts in reality?"
[Yes, you can.]
The System provided a definitive response.
Meanwhile, Alvitr said, "Alright, if there's nothing else, I'll hang up now. I don't have much time to chat."
"Wait, Alvitr," he responded, "I need your help. I want to go to Manila."
"Ah? Why?" Alvitr blurted out.
"That doesn't concern you." Taking a deep breath, Xia Chen continued, "I will request permission from Lady Amber for the Manila rescue mission."
"Don't tell me you actually have relatives in Manila? Fine, I'll assist you."
She agreed to help.
Immediately, Xia Chen headed to the Logistics Division to acquire Valkyrie Armor and weapons. This time, he wouldn't be going unarmed.