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As Xia Chen first laid eyes on Kukulkan, he initially thought Benares had arrived.
These two Honkai Beasts looked remarkably similar.
However, Kukulkan was far more formidable than Benares. In terms of overwhelming presence, it matched or even surpassed a fully manifested Herrscher from his intrinsic world.
Shigure Kira's eyes narrowed slightly. "Fall back, leave this to me."
The A-ranked Valkyrie swiftly drew her pistol, though Xia Chen didn't know its name. Despite facing the Honkai Beast, she showed no fear and appeared evenly matched against it.
Xia Chen fell silent, astonished.
Is this just an A-ranked Valkyrie? He felt that Shigure Kira now seemed comparable, if not on par, with Durandal from his intrinsic world. The capabilities of this world's Valkyrie Armors were truly enviable.
On the sidelines, Kiana also refused to be outdone.
After Kukulkan's appearance, numerous zombies rushed towards them. Kiana immediately began clearing the way for Shigure, providing ample space for her attacks.
Neither of them demanded anything from Xia Chen, showing understanding and respect regardless of whether he chose to join the battle or retreat.
However, having arrived in a parallel world, why would Xia Chen consider retreating?
"If this is indeed a parallel world, using Herrscher Authorities shouldn't pose any issues, right?"
With that thought, he decided not to hold back anymore.
As numerous zombies lunged towards Kiana, she swiftly dodged with her agile movements. However, these Honkai creatures seemed relentless and charged at her again.
Suddenly, a fierce hurricane swept through.
Xia Chen manipulated his Authority, feeling no discomfort as he hadn't gained recognition from the Will of Honkai in his intrinsic world anyway.
The invisible gust trapped the Zombies together. Observing this, Kiana, with a warrior's keenness, promptly aimed her weapon and executed headshots.
After dispatching them, she couldn't help but glance at Xia Chen, furrowing her brow.
"I'll explain everything later; right now, our priority is dealing with the enemies."
There was no time to waste here.
Kiana nodded, satisfied that Xia Chen stood as their ally.
For Xia Chen, this presented an excellent opportunity to gradually familiarize himself with his Authority. Unlike normal Herrschers who, due to their connection with the Will of Honkai, could naturally harness their respective Authorities over time without explicit training.
He, on the other hand, had to develop and unlock his powers independently.
In the intrinsic world, there were few chances for him to enhance his abilities, which is why he coveted the Coral Island Honkai event so much.
To be acknowledged by the Will of Honkai requires a Major Honkai Eruption, akin to a sacrificial offering before becoming a 'god'. Since the Coral Island catastrophe, there has been no comparable event, indicating that this upcoming 'sacrifice' would be the last.
Thus, despite possessing Authorities, Xia Chen cannot utilize them fully, which is quite frustrating.
However, Stigmata differ; with permission from the Holy Mark consciousness, he can harness its complete power effortlessly.
Like a mage, he wields control over wind with one hand and ice with the other. After clearing the Zombies, he begins assisting Shigure Kira against Kukulkan.
Indeed, he is merely assisting.
Even with his incomplete Authorities and the strength of the Stigmata, facing a Honkai Beast stronger than Benares alone is immensely challenging.
In terms of individual combat prowess, Benares could only be considered a distant cousin to Kukulkan.
As expected, Xia Chen still prefers Bella more.
Despite manipulating fluids and wind snow, Xia Chen could only inflict minor wounds that angered Kukulkan without causing significant harm. The primary damage output consistently came from Shigure Kira.
Whether due to the uniqueness of her Valkyrie Armor and weapons or some other reason, Shigure's attacks always proved effective.
However, wielding such powerful weapons inevitably carried a heavy burden, as Xia Chen noticed Shigure Kira's breathing becoming disordered.
"Kiana, and you... quickly leave. This time, I failed to adequately prepare my investigation. After departing, request aid from Headquarters. Don't worry, I won't die just yet."
Shigure Kira still had one final life-saving measure at her disposal.
But using this method meant she would be completely vulnerable if any further unexpected situations arose afterward.
If it were only Kiana present, Shigure would have already employed this tactic. However, Xia Chen displayed unfamiliar powers, raising her caution.
Xia Chen calmly stated, "There's no need."
He wanted more time to familiarize himself with the Authority here; after all, its power was incredibly versatile.
However, Xia Chen knew he had to give his all now.
The longsword named Red Sakura appeared in his hand, and his eyes slightly narrowed.
Despite being incredibly small compared to the colossal dragon, he felt no fear within him.
"Sakura Petal Fall!"
Blood-red cherry blossom petals landed on Kukulkan, leaving marks that gradually intensified.
Kukulkan roared fiercely, then directed its breath attack towards Xia Chen.
As the energy flow surged like a massive waterfall, momentarily stunning Shigure Kira and Kiana, they quickly recovered and launched even more frenzied assaults against Kukulkan, attempting to interrupt its action.
But it was futile.
Kukulkan only grew increasingly agitated. Due to continuous heavy blows from Shigure Kira, the Honkai Beast lost its rationality, focusing solely on Xia Chen.
Finally, its dragon breath ceased.
Yet, Xia Chen remained unscathed, standing firmly in place.
Kukulkan blinked, seemingly puzzled by this outcome.
Xia Chen sighed.
The Authority of transitioning between reality and illusion proved truly invaluable.
Fortunately, through previous simulations, Xia Chen had already established a connection with Sirin's stigma space; otherwise, he would have suffered severe consequences.
Thus...
"Take your doubts to hell." Xia Chen's eyes turned cold, and the blade in his hand gleamed menacingly as it aimed for Kukulkan's neck, severely wounded by Shigure Kira's attacks.
With the sharpness of Red Sakura combined with Xia Chen's physique, comparable to that of an Imperial Rank Honkai Beast, the strike explosively pierced through its neck.
The size disparity between the giant dragon and the young boy was immense, so Xia Chen's attack alone wouldn't be fatal.
However, coupled with the assaults from Shigure Kira and Kiana, even Kukulkan found itself overwhelmed.
Despite their success, the trio couldn't help but feel apprehensive.
Just as Xia Chen was about to speak to Shigure Kira and Kiana, a sudden gust of peculiar wind swept up swirling snowflakes.
Instinctively, they shielded their eyes.
When the strange wind subsided, Shigure Kira and Kiana suddenly realized Xia Chen had vanished.
Unbeknownst to them at that moment, Xia Chen was being forcibly lifted into the air.
Someone had grabbed him around the waist and soared high above.
[You have been abducted by Herrscher of Wind, Wendy.]
Xia Chen was speechless.
He had envisioned various ways of dying, but never imagined he would be kidnapped.
The Herrscher of Wind transported him to an unfamiliar city.
"You're such a peculiar Honkai Beast, transforming into human form and even mingling with humans! Oh, right, since you've been with them for so long, do you know any good ice cream places?"
As Xia Chen looked at Wendy, who closely resembled her counterpart from his intrinsic world, he felt a subtle sense of familiarity.
While the Wendy from his original world possessed a gentle yet slightly melancholic demeanor, this Wendy exuded a carefree attitude. She showed no inclination to follow orders given by Honkai, nor did she actively integrate into human society.
Instead, she seemed to enjoy only two aspects of the human world: movies and ice cream.
Moreover, it appeared as if she now considered him one of her own... or rather, one of her species.
So if one's Honkai Energy compatibility reaches a certain level, could they be mistaken for a Honkai Beast by a Herrscher? Both Sirin and Wendy seem to share this belief.
If Xia Chen hadn't inadvertently used his Authority, alerting Wendy, this encounter might not have occurred at all.
Xia Chen felt torn between laughter and tears.
He genuinely didn't anticipate the appearance of another Herrscher here.
Wasn't the Herrscher of Wind supposed to be the Fourth Herrscher? How did she show up so early?
The plot has betrayed me!
Naturally, he couldn't express these thoughts aloud. After interacting with the Herrscher of Sentience, his approach had become less straightforward. If Wendy perceives him as a Honkai Beast, then so be it—for Xia Chen, it doesn't matter.
In fact, he realized that understanding how to interact with Herrschers would be beneficial, ideally having something like a "Guide to Dealing with Herrschers" book.
"You've asked the wrong person about ice cream; my interests don't lie there," Xia Chen said earnestly. "However, I do know where you can find some good movies."
Just as he finished speaking, the Valkyrie Communicator on his hand began to ring.
Clearly, someone from Schicksal was trying to contact him.
However, Wendy promptly destroyed the communicator.
"Alright then, let's go watch a movie. Little Honkai Beast, you'll be with me from now on."
Wendy placed her hands on her hips and declared confidently.
Perhaps it was due to Xia Chen's unique aura that Wendy felt inexplicably drawn to him, likely considering him akin to herself.
[You have successfully calmed Wendy's emotions.]
[The current Schicksal World experience has ended. You may permanently retain the following items and extract them to the real world. Congratulations! You've obtained 'Kukulkan's Breath'. Extract now?]