Combat is often more exhausting than training.
While training physically demanding, it requires minimal strategic thinking and doesn't necessitate constant vigilance. In contrast, combat offers no moments of respite.
Especially when facing increasing numbers of enemies.
As Xia Chen ventured deeper into the city, the adversaries he encountered grew progressively stronger. Despite most being Schwertkreuzer-class or Templar Honkai Beasts, the pressure remained intense.
Fortunately, Hannah's continuous leveling made this trip to Manila worthwhile.
However, what troubled Xia Chen was witnessing the once-great city reduced to ruins.
Despite Schicksal deploying approximately 42 rescue teams, their efforts seemed insignificant amidst the vast expanse of the city, akin to small fish scattered in an ocean, rarely crossing paths.
He hadn't encountered any other teams nor found survivors.
"Should I head towards the city center?"
Xia Chen couldn't help but hesitate.
The high concentration of Honkai energy had effectively disrupted communication equipment, and there was a significant likelihood that a Herrscher could emerge from such an event.
If indeed a Herrscher existed, it would likely be at the heart of Manila, where the Honkai Energy concentration is highest.
Although his combat abilities had rapidly improved, they were roughly on par with an average A-rank Valkyrie's strength. Despite subconsciously believing that no Herrscher emerged from the Manila Honkai event, Xia Chen hesitated to directly apply game scenarios to real-life situations.
"Let's forget about rushing in for now. Instead, I'll search for more enemies at the outskirts and clear the Honkai Beasts first. If only these foes are present here, then finding some teammates would be beneficial before venturing deeper."
Having made up his mind, he prepared to seek out potential allies nearby.
After clearing several Honkai Beasts and Zombies, Xia Chen encountered the city's first survivor.
"Hey, wake up."
It was a young boy with typical Shenzhou features.
Fortunately, he hadn't been infected by the high concentration of Honkai Energy, but he was unconscious.
Xia Chen felt his forehead. "No fever, pulse is weak; seems like energy depletion. Lucky kid, appears to have quite good compatibility with Honkai Energy."
In this world, men generally lacked Stigmata, but there were still those who exhibited resilience against Honkai.
Notably, Raven had adopted several children from Nagazora City, all survivors of Honkai incidents.
He took out a portable nutrient solution.
This potion replenished physical exhaustion, containing large amounts of sugar and calories. Although unpleasant to consume quickly for most people, it proved highly effective.
Shortly after, the survivor woke up.
His eyes opened, momentarily showing a hint of confusion.
"You're awake," Xia Chen said with a relieved sigh as he observed the young man coming to consciousness. "Do you have any strength left? Are you injured anywhere? Getting hurt here can be quite troublesome."
"Are you... from the rescue team?"
"Let's just say that for now." Xia Chen paused before asking, "What's your name?"
"Chen Tianwu," the youth responded instinctively.
Suddenly, as if struck by a thought, Chen Tianwu blurted out, "My little sister... That's right, I got separated from my sister. Can you please help me find her? She's ten years old, and I have a photo here, I beg you..."
The boy named Chen Tianwu was trembling all over, seemingly envisioning something deeply frightening.
Xia Chen's expression became complex.
So this is Chen Tianwu himself.
He immediately placed his hand on Chen Tianwu's shoulder, saying, "Don't get too agitated or anxious; it'll only cause unnecessary trouble for both of us."
Despite knowing that in the game's storyline, Chen Tianwu's sister likely perished during this Honkai event, Xia Chen couldn't bring himself to reveal the truth. He offered some comfort instead, "In total, over five thousand people are involved in this rescue operation. Perhaps your sister has already been taken to the safe zone. Don't worry, she'll be alright."
In a sense, he was altering the plotline.
However, whether this change would prove beneficial or detrimental remained uncertain.
"Right, can you walk now?"
"Yeah."
Chen Tianwu composed himself.
Suddenly, his legs buckled beneath him.
"My apologies, I just lost all strength."
Xia Chen noticed that at some point, a wound had appeared on Chen Tianwu's arm, with purple veins spreading around it.
"Let me help you." Without hesitation, Xia Chen supported Chen Tianwu and asked, "When did you get that wound on your arm?"
"The wound?" Chen Tianwu belatedly realized and let out a bitter laugh. "I'm not sure, maybe when I passed out. By the way, does it mean something specific? You seem quite concerned about it."
"Let's wait until we reach the safe zone before I tell you. Sharing it now might only cause unnecessary concern."
He decided to temporarily withhold information about the collapse.
If this revelation led Chen Tianwu to lose his will to survive, it would be quite troublesome.
Although Xia Chen had cursed at Frappuccino while playing the game in his previous life, he still greatly admired the character of Chen Tianwu. Once they reached the safe zone, he planned to either escort him back to Schicksal Headquarters or directly inform him about the World Serpent, ensuring at least his survival.
Chen Tianwu nodded, leaning on Xia Chen's shoulder as they struggled through the city. The young man seemed drained of much of his strength, mirroring the battered state of Manila around them.
As he gazed at the towering Honkai Beasts nearby, he unconsciously felt suffocated.
"These..."
"Be cautious, I'll guide us around them. Don't worry; they may look imposing, but that's just their size." Interrupting Chen Tianwu, Xia Chen carefully navigated them away from the Honkai Beasts.
The Immortal Blades received specialized training for dealing with Honkai Beasts. These creatures have virtually no hearing and limited vision, making it relatively easy to avoid individual ones.
However, as Valkyries primarily aim to eliminate Honkai Beasts, such lessons were mostly theoretical and rarely put into practice.
This was especially true for members of the Immortal Blades.
When facing challenging beasts, it's customary for the captain to confront them head-on.
Unfortunately, Xia Chen wasn't Durandal at this moment. Although he could defeat these creatures, with Chen Tianwu effectively incapacitated, they had no choice but to cautiously avoid them.
Fortunately, Xia Chen still remembered the map of Manila, naturally knowing where the safe zones on its outskirts were located.
They continued walking for approximately two hours, during which Xia Chen closely monitored Chen Tianwu's condition.
Luckily, despite being infected by Honkai, there were no signs of the infection spreading. Chen Tianwu possessed exceptional compatibility with Honkai Energy, possibly even reaching S-rank levels.
This observation brought some relief to Xia Chen.
As they progressed towards the safe zone, suddenly, a voice emerged from an abandoned residential area nearby.
"Big Brother."
Chen Tianwu instinctively looked over and saw his sister being carried by another girl.
"Little Wen."
Overwhelmed with joy, he nearly shed tears and instinctively wanted to rush over but was stopped by Xia Chen.
"Don't be impulsive."
As Ana looked up from carrying Chen Tianwen on her back, she recognized a face similar to the one from her dream realm.
"The Immortal Blades'... male war god?"
Just then, Xia Chen fired towards Chen Tianwen's direction.
The gunshot echoed, precisely hitting a Zombie attempting to ambush the Valkyrie.
"A Dead Silence."
Ana's face paled as she quickly distanced herself. As a Valkyrie, she knew well how troublesome these Zombies could be—they possessed the ability to instantly teleport.
If not for Xia Chen's shot...