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It wasn't until the next morning that Xia Chen regained enough energy to move.
The emotional turmoil had taken a significant toll on him, requiring considerable recovery time. Fortunately, his foundation was strong, allowing him to swiftly regain his composure through cultivation.
Despite this, he appeared lethargic, his mind clouded. It took until evening before he fully recovered, finally making his way to the training ground.
There, Xia Chen spotted Kiana.
He must feel fortunate that regardless of Sirin's six-core existence, what happened is already part of the past timeline.
Although every event can be seen as a possibility, for him, currently residing within the intrinsic world, past possibilities hold no significance. Only future possibilities have value worth changing.
For now, Ana's situation should be set aside temporarily; he has done all he could. If her fate cannot be altered, then worst-case scenario, he would escape Schicksal with Ana.
Perhaps seclusion in Shenzhou could be a viable option.
At least according to the storyline, it wasn't until 2017 when Otto revealed the existence of Honkai, making it known to most people. In many parts of this world, they remain relatively safe.
The most crucial matter at hand, undoubtedly, concerns Kiana.
His feelings towards her were quite complex.
On one hand, within the simulation scenarios, he witnessed the disasters caused by Sirin. Despite being an essential part of Otto's plan, he still chose to confront and engage with her during those simulations.
Back then, his understanding of the simulation scenarios was limited; he simply acted based on his instincts.
On the other hand, he couldn't propose an alternative to Sirin Project, and after interacting with Kiana, his perception of her had significantly changed for the better.
Undeniably, although Kiana may seem naive in many aspects, she demonstrates remarkable dedication and effort towards achieving her goals—aside from theoretical classes, that is.
He harbored an unrefined idea:
To deprive Kiana of her Authority before she transforms into Sirin.
At Saint Freya Academy, there would be multiple opportunities to carry out such a plan.
However, obtaining the Core of the Herrscher of Wind was already sheer luck. Currently, he remains unrecognized as a Herrscher himself. Even if he were to strip Kiana's Authority, it's highly likely that he would not gain the God of Honkai's acknowledgment, resulting in becoming an empty Herrscher of the Void.
He had to admit that if he were in Kiana's situation, facing such trials might not have resulted in her level of resilience.
In other words, all Xia Chen could do now was help with minor improvements.
Just as he planned to start his training, Kiana approached him.
"What is it?" Unconsciously stepping back, Xia Chen composed himself.
This wasn't the six-Core Sirin; there seemed no need for such vigilance.
"I want you to teach me how to become stronger," Kiana said earnestly. "I wish to learn the Kaslana Marksmanship Arts from you."
Her request caught Xia Chen slightly off guard.
"Are you feeling pressured?"
"Do I look like someone who gets easily discouraged?" Kiana lifted her head, determination shining in her azure eyes. "But, I'm not overly arrogant either."
"You're stronger than me, so I should seek guidance from you."
Clearly, losing to Rita had greatly impacted Kiana.
Kiana didn't know the source of Rita's hostility, but she certainly wouldn't tolerate it passively.
"Just because she's an S-Class Valkyrie doesn't mean I can't achieve the same," thought Kiana.
Currently, within Saint Freya Academy, Kiana was already quite strong. Theresa couldn't provide advanced guidance, and Himeko's health remained poor, plus their weapons differed significantly. As for Fu Hua...
Admittedly, Kiana had once sought Fu Hua's guidance but couldn't comprehend it.
As Xia Chen observed her, an idea formed in his mind.
Why not help Kiana harness her latent power? He could even assist her in awakening the Herrscher of the Void within Nagazora City.
This way, many tragedies could be prevented.
"I see. If you wish to learn from me, I can provide that knowledge and even more beyond."
"But there is one condition; your mental fortitude must withstand the consequences."
Kiana nodded confidently, "I am certain I can handle it."
"And there's another matter, which you must keep secret. At least until you fully grasp this power, you cannot reveal it to anyone." His eyes held a hint of mischief. "This power is forbidden, and if discovered, not only will you die, but Mei and your Auntie as well."
"I...I agree," Kiana hesitated before committing. "So, as long as I don't tell anyone, everything will be fine?"
"Yes."
"Alright then, Miss Kiana agrees! I swear on the honor of House Kaslana."
"Follow me, then."
Xia Chen took Kiana to Nagazora City, flying them there using the Moonscorch Armor.
As Kiana gazed at the desolate city before her, confusion surfaced in her eyes. "We're not using the training grounds?"
In her understanding, proper training required a designated area.
Xia Chen countered with a question, "Do you think the equipment at the training grounds can significantly enhance your abilities now?"
"Uh..."
Kiana fell silent.
With her increasing strength, the training facilities had become quite limited in further boosting her combat skills.
Similar to how Xia Chen's daily exercises merely maintained his condition without improving it, no matter how diligently Kiana trained, she would only remain stagnant.
At her current level, there was no way for her to progress further.
In truth, once reaching an A-rank Valkyrie, advancing beyond that typically relies on innate talent or life-and-death experiences.
However, Kiana's imagination ran wild. "Are you going to teach me some secret martial arts? Class Monitor mentioned Shenzhou has martial artists with numerous hidden manuals; is that true?"
"Hmm, I suppose you could see it that way." After a moment of thought, Xia Chen said, "Attack me."
He continued, "If you manage to land a hit, I'll share those martial secrets with you."
"Well then, don't mind if I do."
Without hesitation, Kiana opened fire immediately.
Yet, Xia Chen effortlessly evaded her shots.
He utilized Sirin's Stigmata power.
"This is..." Kiana couldn't help but feel astonished.
She knew that the Valkyrie Armor possessed space-time disruption capabilities, but Xia Chen's maneuver wasn't a typical disruption. Strangely, this power seemed somewhat familiar to her.
"Come on, continue."
"Hmph." Kiana launched another attack at Xia Chen.
This time, she activated her armor's assistance mode before charging towards him.
However, a massive hand appeared and blocked Kiana's assault.
It was the Unreal Hand.
For a moment, Kiana stood stunned.
A sudden longing surged within her heart. A voice whispered that this power belonged to her; she needed to obtain it.