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Ana couldn't tell how long she had slept; she didn't even dream. Upon waking up, the ceiling above her appeared both familiar and alien at the same time.
Familiar because it was the ceiling of her residence on Schicksal's floating island, but alien as it felt completely unknown to the other half of her consciousness.
"You're awake, Lady Ana," said a gentle yet alluring voice beside her. This voice instantly triggered a thought in Ana's mind—Experience N-class feelings!
Following the voice, Ana saw a gray-haired girl dressed as a maid with wine-red eyes.
Without a doubt, this was another S-Class Valkyrie of Schicksal and Bianka's subordinate—Rita Rossweisse.
In "Honkai Impact 3rd," Rita could arguably be considered one of the most ordinary characters. Similar to Himeko, she had a deep connection with Ragna and ascended to the pinnacle of Valkyries despite her mortal origins.
Considering her resistance to Honkai energy, adaptability, and Stigmata awakening potential, Rita's innate abilities were indeed average, lacking any exceptional qualities.
"Hello, Miss Rita."
Ana nodded in acknowledgment and slowly sat up.
Perhaps due to ample rest, she felt refreshed without any stiffness or discomfort. Undoubtedly, she had regained her peak condition.
"Lady Ana, since you've just recovered, please take more time to rest," Rita gently interjected from beside her.
"It's alright—" Ana flexed her wrists. "I feel perfectly fine now."
Observing Ana, a hint of resignation crossed Rita's face, yet her polite smile remained intact.
"In that case, please wait here for a moment while I fetch Lady Durandal."
With those words, Rita left the room. Shortly after, Bianka burst inside and rushed to Ana's bedside with such impatience it reminded her of a paramecium.
"Lady Durandal, please mind your manners," Rita gently reminded from behind. Upon hearing this, Bianka instantly composed herself, clearing her throat somewhat theatrically, which made Ana chuckle despite herself.
It seemed Bianka's ability to distinguish herself from a paramecium was truly thanks to Rita's guidance.
"Ana, how are you feeling?"
"Yes, I'm fully recovered now, but..." Ana lowered her head, trailing off. Even though her transmigrator consciousness didn't dwell on it, her core self could not forget the teammates who perished before her eyes or the civilians pleading for help.
"The captain and others... they..."
"..."
Bianka fell silent as well. Death and sacrifice were uncomfortable topics everyone must confront at some point.
"Lady Ana, did you single-handedly defeat the Imperial Honkai Beast Durga?"
Rita eventually broke the silence with her usual tone, posing this question almost as if it was part of a routine interrogation.
"Durga?" Ana blinked, her thoughts rapidly processing.
It's important to note that Rita is no ordinary individual; she's Ragna's student, and Ragna could be considered one of Otto's staunchest supporters. Similarly, Rita herself is deeply loyal to him, and moreover, she is a highly skilled intelligence operative.
For instance, she already knew that Bianka before her was actually the real Kiana.
Honestly, Ana struggled to understand why these people chose to follow Otto despite knowing his deeds. Was it simply because the world is cruel?
Hmm, perhaps pondering this question doesn't serve much purpose.
What alternative do they have besides tacit acceptance or silence? Who can truly stand against Otto? Apart from him, who else could have led Schicksal to its current state? Who else could control everything so effectively?
Well, Kevin could, but unfortunately, he's still asleep in the Sea of Quanta.
Considering this, Ana suddenly grasped their perspective, aligning her thoughts accordingly.
At this point in time, to succeed, one must follow Otto. Not adhering to him? Do you think you're Theresa, capable of casting such extraordinary magic like she does? It's not for everyone.
"Hmm."
Ana nodded, her eyes reflecting a nostalgic expression.
"At that moment, I should have perished under the Lava Emperor's attack. But suddenly, a surge of immense power seemed to flow into my body, and then... it just..."
Ana lowered her head, gratitude evident in her gaze.
Rita attentively watched Ana, maintaining her polite smile, which concealed her true thoughts. However, Ana was aware that every word spoken here would reach Otto.
Moreover, it was likely that Otto was already monitoring them at this very moment.
The initial Schariac holy blood indeed posed a difficult explanation. To make everything seem plausible without revealing the System, Ana had no choice but to attribute her abilities to ancestral reawakening and latent powers surfacing.
The Schariac bloodline may have been diluted over generations, weakened, but it never ceased to exist entirely.
Besides, hadn't Otto already created Cecilia once? Why couldn't there be a second Cecilia? This scenario is perfectly reasonable, isn't it?
"I see," Rita acknowledged with a nod.
"In that case, Rita must congratulate you, Lady Ana, for becoming Schicksal's second S-rank Valkyrie."
Rita maintained a low profile; few knew she was an S-rank Valkyrie. Naturally, Ana wasn't certain about Rita's current rank either. Moreover, secretly, Schicksal already had another S-rank Valkyrie in Li Sushang.
Thus, being labeled as the "second S-rank Valkyrie" didn't hold much prestige and might even mean more responsibilities and missions.
However, it did signify that Ana, now known as Ana Schariac, has officially caught Otto's attention.
And with this recognition, her initial S-ranked Valkyrie Armor seemed secure. Although, Schicksal would likely start by releasing a grindable A-rank armor first to build anticipation and boost her popularity.
"Really? But being an S-rank Valkyrie also means greater responsibilities. I think...I may not be qualified yet," Ana murmured, sounding somewhat pessimistic—a touch of character development.
"No, Lady Ana, during the Manila Honkai incident, you saved numerous civilians. Ultimately, you single-handedly confronted the Honkai Beast, preventing further devastation." Rita paused briefly before continuing emphatically, "As an S-rank Valkyrie, you truly deserve this title!"
To emphasize her words, Rita bowed deeply with utmost respect.
How should she put it? Although Ana's acting might be somewhat clumsy, she indeed is a competent and qualified Valkyrie. As for her other secrets...
That's solely the Lord Bishop's concern, not hers.
This was Rita's current perspective, unfortunately, Ana remained completely oblivious that her true nature had been unveiled.
"However, before completing the promotion ceremony, as one of Schicksal's key figures, I believe Lady Ana should undergo some etiquette training..."
"Training?"
Ana hesitated, memories of less-than-pleasant experiences resurfacing. Despite being warriors, the House of Schariac also adhered to traditional Western nobility, making early etiquette education inevitable during her childhood.
Noticing Ana's apprehensive expression, Rita's smile widened even more.
"Well then, Lady Ana, please allow me to guide you!"
"No...nooo!"