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As Xia Chen woke up from the simulation, his entire body felt drained.
While Kukulkan exerted a Herrscher-like pressure, Wendy's presence overwhelmed even Durandal's.
Despite her love for ice cream and movies, she was truly formidable.
He never anticipated that so early in that alternate timeline, the Herrscher of Wind would already emerge, seemingly lying in wait.
"Thankfully, I don't live in that world; otherwise, if Wendy had dreams like here, it would probably spell my doom," he thought with a sense of relief.
Compared to the Herrschers from another parallel universe, those in this world seemed almost gentle and refined.
However...
Xia Chen furrowed his brow, pondering, "If the progression of civilization influences Honkai's development, does it mean this world could potentially evolve into something similar?"
He dared not even imagine the immense power of the Finality in that alternate reality.
Fortunately, the script for this world concludes with Honkai being sealed at 99%, ensuring a relatively favorable outcome.
He couldn't help but examine the weapon provided by the System:
[Kukulkan's Breath: Automatic Rifle, using Honkai Fragments as ammunition. Maximum capacity is 186 rounds. Attacks consume Honkai Fragments, transforming them into icy flames and dealing significant Honkai Energy damage. After sustained firing for 2 seconds, it stops emitting ice flames and instead fires penetrating beams of black light, increasing base damage by 150% while doubling the consumption rate of Honkai Fragments.]
[Note: This weapon has considerable recoil.]
Xia Chen was momentarily speechless.
He hadn't yet tested its power, but he could already foresee that this weapon would be a significant drain on his 'Honkai Piece' reserves.
Currently, Xia Chen only possessed 68 Honkai Fragments from the System, which also needed to sustain his two Stigmata and Red Sakura.
However, recalling Kukulkan's previous attacks... Xia Chen had to admit, this weapon indeed seemed highly useful.
In fact, he felt as if wielding it would make him akin to a deity entering a novice village—capable of wreaking havoc effortlessly.
After exiting the System, a wave of concern inevitably surfaced in his eyes.
If there exist Schicksal Worlds even worse than the intrinsic one, then surely there must be others either more dire or perhaps better.
Does this mean he should continuously simulate until finding a world completely free from Honkai?
Isn't that essentially the Sand of Eternity Project?
However, the Sand of Eternity Project can practically be declared bankrupt...
He shook his head involuntarily.
Viewing oneself as a savior is a peculiar form of arrogance; there was no need to overthink it.
The next day, Xia Chen continued his routine, reminiscent of a retired life.
Morning jog, practicing boxing, sword training, and fishing.
Just as he prepared his fishing gear, Amber contacted him again.
"Your teammate Kiana Kaslana will arrive at Coral Island shortly to assist you with your mission. The Lord Bishop has made some adjustments to the plan," Amber stated directly. "For now, do not disclose any details about the Galactic Ladder project to Kiana Kaslana. Her involvement is merely for a standard defense assignment. Additionally, during this period, focus on enhancing her theoretical education."
Xia Chen felt that the last part was the most crucial.
According to Ana, Kiana's poor theoretical foundation had not only overwhelmed herself but also nearly drove her teachers to despair.
Schicksal's educators typically treated Valkyries as geniuses, so it was no surprise they would crumble when faced with a student struggling academically.
Fortunately, the final outcome proved successful.
Inwardly, Xia Chen couldn't help but think cynically that even if Kiana drew Kallen on her theory exam paper, the bishop would still pass her.
After all, who would dare oppose Otto?
Following the communication's end, Xia Chen informed Fu Hua about this matter.
Fu Hua was unaware of the Galactic Ladder Project, but she had her suspicions lately. Each time she looked at Xia Chen, it seemed as if there was something she wanted to say yet held back.
Clearly, her perception of Otto remained rooted in the past; she couldn't imagine him taking such actions. Moreover, on the surface, the Galactic Ladder Project appeared to be endorsed by the United Nations. Thus, despite her doubts, Fu Hua always found excuses to reassure herself.
Upon learning that Kiana had arrived here, Fu Hua initially showed surprise, but then her expression softened.
She knew Otto highly valued Kiana and wouldn't let anything untoward happen to her. Therefore, it likely meant Coral Island was also deemed safe.
Little did she know, this was part of Otto's plan.
"Since Amber needs your guidance for Kiana's theoretical studies, I'll participate too."
Pausing briefly, Fu Hua took on the most crucial task, "I've spent more time with Kiana than you have, so I'm well aware of her weaknesses."
Xia Chen couldn't contain his delight. "That's fantastic news."
He never believed himself to be smarter than Schicksal's teachers.
"No need for such formality; I just happen to have some free time lately," Fu Hua responded modestly.
It was indeed true. Schicksal assigned her the task of monitoring Xia Chen, but he mostly stayed on Coral Island. Although there was one instance when he went to Nagazora City and Fu Hua didn't accompany him, she felt no need to follow. At heart, she trusted Xia Chen completely.
As a result, their life during this period could be described as even more laid-back than that of retired elders. Each day consisted of practicing martial arts and enjoying seafood soups.
Fu Hua did not engage much with Coral Island's leisure activities. Despite being here for quite some time, they hadn't attended a single movie together, highlighting their simple lifestyle.
However, neither had any complaints about it.
Soon, they spotted Kiana descending from the flying device.
"Xia Chen, Class Monitor." Upon seeing Fu Hua, Kiana immediately rushed over, exclaiming, "Class Monitor, I've been craving your boiled beef slices!"
Being held by Kiana, Fu Hua couldn't help but blush.
The girl before her undoubtedly looked more slender than usual. Despite feeling inclined to push her away, Fu Hua noticed the exhaustion in Kiana's eyes and felt a surge of sympathy.
Although she had no intelligence from Schicksal, Fu Hua was aware that Kiana had repeatedly failed exams before reaching her current status as an A-rank Valkyrie—a testament to the hardships she must have endured.
The straightforward Fu Hua never considered that Otto would willingly provide Kiana with VIP privileges.
Moments later, Kiana fell asleep while still holding onto Fu Hua.
Xia Chen observed silently.
Fu Hua remained speechless.
"Let it be; I'll take Kiana back to my room for some rest," Fu Hua sighed, addressing Xia Chen. "There isn't much work here on Coral Island, so there's no need to mimic other Valkyrie squads' routines."
"Alright."
Xia Chen nodded, "Thank you for taking care of this."
Indeed, there were no specific tasks for Kiana on Coral Island. Amber's numerous assignments essentially aimed at one goal: helping Kiana integrate into life here.
He could roughly guess what Otto intended.
This sacrifice at Coral Island was meant to create the perfect Herrscher of the Void.
After Fu Hua escorted Kiana away, Xia Chen returned to his fishing spot.
There, he spotted a one-armed man using his fishing gear.
Siegfried Kaslana.