In the recent past, Murata Himeko had experienced a vivid dream.
Within it, she battled Honkai Beasts on Schicksal's floating island and managed to save a male combatant during the fight.
The dream felt incredibly real, leaving her slightly disoriented upon waking up.
However, for Himeko, it was just a dream.
But whether by coincidence or some other reason, she now saw the person she had rescued in that dream.
"Hello, Captain Himeko," Xia Chen greeted with a warm smile. "I apologize in advance for any inconvenience I may cause at the Far East Branch."
On the side, Kiana puffed her cheeks and asked curiously, "Why does Schicksal have Kaslana Gunmanship techniques?"
At this point, she was still unaware that her father, Siegfried, was a wanted criminal within Schicksal.
Xia Chen tilted his head, somewhat puzzled. "Did Senior Theresa not inform you?"
Feeling slightly awkward, Theresa interjected, "Kiana, you must be tired after all that training. Let's discuss this back at the base."
She gently pulled Kiana away and instructed Himeko, "I'll leave our guest with you, Himeko."
"Always delegating tasks so effortlessly." Watching Theresa drag Kiana off, Himeko couldn't help but chuckle.
Turning to Xia Chen, she asked curiously, "How is Captain Durandal from the Immortal Blades doing?"
Xia Chen nodded, "With Vice-Captain Rita constantly taking care of her, Captain is doing well."
"Really? Training under Durandal's watchful eye every day must be quite challenging, I imagine," she teased lightly.
Himeko had previously interacted with Durandal, attempting to bring her to Saint Freya Academy. However, Durandal declined due to finding it too laid-back for her taste.
Recalling those two grueling days under Durandal's training, Xia Chen empathetically nodded in agreement.
Instead of complaining, Xia Chen responded, "With Honkai incidents increasing worldwide, the Immortal Blades need to become more self-reliant faster. We understand Captain Durandal's intentions."
Hearing this, Himeko couldn't help but express her admiration, "Truly deserving to be part of Schicksal's strongest squad. If only my students had such awareness."
Currently, she still struggled daily with Kiana skipping classes, sleeping during lectures, and failing exams.
Xia Chen remained momentarily speechless before smiling, "Actually, Miss Kiana is already quite impressive."
"That's true. Let's go; I'll show you where you can rest." She paused for a moment and added, "I'm aware of Ana's situation now. In about three days, Ana should wake up. At that time, we will accompany you back to headquarters for your report. Until then, please take some time to relax here."
Perhaps influenced by their encounter in the dream, Himeko held a favorable impression of Xia Chen, especially after learning about the Manila Honkai incident, which further deepened her appreciation.
"Yes, Major Himeko," he replied.
Lying in one of Saint Freya's guest rooms designated for external visitors, Xia Chen couldn't help but take a deep breath.
He finally had the chance to rest properly for some time.
The mental exhaustion he experienced over this period was not easily conveyed in just a few words.
However, despite having just finished a shower, he found himself unable to sleep again.
"I refuse to believe it; every simulation fails on the first day."
Perhaps driven by his determination to overcome this setback, Xia Chen decided to use the simulator once more.
[Simulated World Activated.]
[Current Scenario: Herrscher of Corruption event from the intrinsic world's previous civilization era.]
[Equipment Weapons: None.]
[Equipped Stigmata: Hannah (Middle).]
[System generating records...]
[Day 1: You are an ordinary soldier of Fire Moth...]
When Xia Chen woke up again, he realized he was inside a base.
It looked very familiar to him.
After all, this was where he conducted experiments with Mobius.
According to the System's simulation, he now played the role of a surviving Fire Moth soldier post-Binding Tragedy, and his current duty involved guarding a girl suspected to be a Herrscher due to Honkai reactions within her body.
The suspected Herrscher girl was named Rin.
After repeatedly confirming his identity, Xia Chen couldn't help but feel astonished.
Could it be that the System, seeing his numerous tragic deaths, deliberately chose a low-difficulty scenario for him?
Having played the game multiple times in his previous life, he naturally knew the issues surrounding the Herrscher of Corruption event. And now, as her guardian...
At least getting through the first day shouldn't be a problem.
Through the window, he observed the serene girl just beyond a single wall, feeling somewhat reassured.
However, just as this thought crossed his mind, a sudden voice echoed within him:
["Kill her."] ["Kill her."]
This voice appeared eerily, abruptly resonating in his brain.
As Xia Chen struggled to break free from the voice's influence, he suddenly realized that at some point, he had opened the door imprisoning the Herrscher. The girl named Rin was trembling and staring fearfully at him.
She was scared.
Xia Chen felt fear too.
It seemed like an instinctual dread from deep within his soul, causing him unconsciously to draw a sharp dagger.
"Sorry."
Xia Chen gritted his teeth, barely managing to utter the word amidst his internal turmoil.
His body felt uncontrollable, teetering on the brink of madness.
At the crucial moment, he slapped himself hard with his other hand.
The intense pain jolted him awake, causing the dagger to clatter to the ground.
"Sorry, I'm sorry."
He fled like a disheveled dog.
After securely locking Rin's room, Xia Chen leaned against the wall, feeling utterly drained.
"This simulation is too realistic, even replicating the soldier's fear," he couldn't help but mock himself bitterly.
Perhaps this fear stemmed from long-term self-suppression, and he took a deep breath involuntarily.
Just as he was about to gather his thoughts and resume his duty as a guard, the voice in his mind echoed once again:
[Kill her.]
[Kill her.]
His expression involuntarily turned menacing.
"How annoying."
In agony, Xia Chen banged his head against the wall.
Outside, the loud crashing sounds terrified Rin inside the room. Unable to see what was happening, she could only gaze at the dagger Xia Chen had dropped, recalling his recent actions.
When the commotion ceased, she mustered the courage to ask, "Out there... Mister, what's wrong?"
"It's really so noisy!"
The door opened again.
Rin saw Xia Chen, bloodied and with a grim expression on his face. His eyes were crimson, like those of a furious beast.
"Ah."
Rin couldn't help but jump in fear.
Instinctively gripping the dagger, she pointed its sharp blade at Xia Chen. "Don't...don't come any closer. G-go away!"
Her stern command seemed to momentarily clear Xia Chen's mind, causing him to painfully curl up on the floor, writhing.
Terrified, Rin cried out:
"Is anyone there? Anyone?"
She couldn't hold back her sobs.
"Kill me," Xia Chen roared, anguish evident in his voice. "Just kill me quickly!"
The excruciating pain felt worse than being impaled by the Void Lance; he feared he could no longer endure it.
Suddenly, as if struck by a heavy blow, Xia Chen lost consciousness.
Behind him stood Kevin, who had hastily arrived. With a detached glance at Rin, he promptly dragged Xia Chen away.