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Xia Chen was certain that these changes within his body began only after acquiring the system.
From initially needing just nutrient solutions, now he experiences intense cravings for Wendy, energy, and even Honkai Beasts...
Wait...
The first instance occurred during the simulation scenario when facing Ana, with the voice in his head.
After hearing that voice, his craving for energy intensified significantly.
Raven, observing Xia Chen's grim expression from the side, couldn't help but feel suspicious.
"What's wrong?"
If something happened to this S-rank Valkyrie here, it could lead to serious complications. Although Raven was unaware that Xia Chen wasn't actually an S rank.
"Do you have any food on you?" Xia Chen asked directly, looking at Raven.
"No, why?" Raven narrowed her eyes slightly. "Are you so broke you can't afford a meal?"
"Then it's settled. You can leave now."
Xia Chen decided to find a secluded spot to taste the Honkai Beast's flavor. Since Kiana had eaten them before, it should be relatively safe.
A hint of suspicion flickered in Raven's eyes. She couldn't simply depart without understanding Xia Chen's true intentions. She still doubted that he came here merely to deal with these low-level Honkai Beasts.
Just as she hesitated, something astonishing unfolded before her.
Xia Chen extracted the frozen Core from the Honkai Beast and promptly consumed it.
"Are you a MANTIS?" Raven blurted out instinctively.
Even the most gifted Stigma wielders could not directly ingest a Core. Only a MANTIS could explain such behavior.
"I haven't..." Xia Chen started, intending to clarify that he hadn't undergone any MANTIS transformation experiments. However, he suddenly realized an issue.
The system had repeatedly displayed 'Your Honkai Energy compatibility has increased.' Could this mean a fusion with Honkai genes?
He had already harbored doubts earlier; during the third simulation scenario, he unexpectedly mastered the Stigmata's power to defeat Sirin. Such talent, if not unparalleled, must be exceptionally rare.
But if he is indeed a MANTIS...
Does that mean I possess the ability to control this power?
Pausing, Xia Chen changed his response, "Never mind, it's too complicated to explain."
Raven's gaze intensified.
Xia Chen displayed abilities similar to the Lord, capable of freezing the surroundings, and now exhibiting characteristics of a MANTIS...
Could he possibly be the descendant of the Lord?
However...the Lord was known for having white hair and blue eyes, whereas Xia Chen clearly has typical Shenzhou features.
"It's necessary to inform Gray Serpent about this," Raven thought to herself before promptly leaving.
After Raven departed, Xia Chen contemplated the Core of Honkai Beast in his hand.
If the system has indeed transformed me into a MANTIS, which Honkai Beast might I have been fused with? Could there also be instances of artificially induced Honkai transformations?
Feeling the immense power surging within him, enough to render even Valkyrie Armor insignificant, he couldn't help but furrow his brow.
His body felt like it housed a wild beast.
At present, it seemed like a positive development.
Based on his experience in the simulation scenario, he could potentially grow strong enough to confront newborn Herrschers, couldn't he?
With this thought in mind, consuming Honkai Beasts... didn't seem so unusual anymore.
After all, even Kevin and Kiana have done it before.
Two days quickly passed by.
In the ruins of Nagazora City, Xia Chen was communicating with Ana.
"So you spent just two days clearing out all the Honkai from Nagazora City?" Ana's mouth slightly agape, her expression somewhat exaggerated.
"Yes, they were mostly B-rank Honkai Beasts that any Valkyrie could handle; I easily took care of them."
"Ah, well..." Ana blinked. "No wonder Principal Theresa complained about it."
Nagazora City served as a practical training ground for students under Principal Theresa. With fewer Honkai Events occurring at this time, she intentionally allowed some Honkai Beasts to remain unaddressed for training purposes.
However, over the past two days, the Far East Branch's Science Division detected a rapid decrease in Honkai Energy concentration and a swift reduction in the number of Honkai Beasts around Nagazora City through satellite monitoring. This raised concerns about the severity of the situation.
However, by the time Theresa protested to Ana, it was already too late.
Xia Chen casually remarked, "Honkai Beasts of this caliber provide no real training effect. It felt like I barely warmed up before it ended."
Despite consuming numerous Honkai Beasts, he didn't perceive any significant increase in his strength. Clearly, these creatures could only sustain his energy, but advancing further proved immensely challenging.
Handling such low-level Honkai Beasts merely served as a warm-up for Xia Chen, failing to achieve any meaningful exercise purpose. That's why he held them in such low regard.
Ana blinked, "Since when did you become like Durandal?"
"Uh, really?"
"Yes, both detached from reality," Ana responded offhandedly. "I understand what you mean, but not everyone has our advantages and resources."
"Alright."
Xia Chen realized his mistake; his earlier comment made him akin to an emperor who naively suggested eating meat if one had no bread.
He blinked, "So what should we do then? As compensation, should I go to the Far East Branch and serve as sparring partner for those Valkyries?"
"No need for that; those young girls might swoon at the sight of you," Ana said somewhat grumpily. "The training intensity at the Far East Branch isn't as rigorous as the Immortal Blades. They have plenty of free time, and showing up there would be like walking into a den of wolves."
As if struck by a sudden thought, she asked, "Have you been flirting with any young girls?"
"Do I look like someone who flirts with young girls now?"
"Good point."
She remained confident in Xia Chen's character.
"However, I do plan to flirt with one particular girl later." Xia Chen briefly explained Wendy's situation.
Unaware of Wendy's circumstances until now, Ana was taken aback upon hearing it.
"I had no idea she endured such suffering."
Considering Wendy had lived over a year with a Herrscher Core implanted, Ana couldn't help but imagine herself in her place. She pondered whether her own willpower could last just a few days... perhaps even less.
Undeniably kind-hearted, despite occasional moments of jealousy akin to any ordinary girl, Ana also felt empathy and fear.
She said, "Gretel will return, right? Let me assist in finding laboratory records for her. Since you don't have much else going on, why not spend more time with Wendy?"
"Don't you fear I might flirt with other girls?"
"Hmph, feel free to try," she replied with a playful grin, looking utterly adorable.
Xia Chen blinked and said, "Alright, no more jokes. How's everything on your end?"
"The team is integrating well; we should be ready for missions soon. However, because of this, I won't have much time off in the coming days and can't visit you often. Sorry about that."
With bright eyes and a charming smile, she added, "Once things settle down, I'll come see you."
"Sure, pinkie promise?"
"How childish." The girl giggled softly but still extended her delicate pinkie finger, winking, "Okay, pinkie swear."