Chapter 20: Volume 1, Chapter 20: Ana's Invitation
As Scarlet Sakura began absorbing Honkai Energy, it signified that Xia Chen had completed his mission.
Ana disembarked from her aerial vehicle, noticing the mesmerizing katana and asked curiously, "Is this weapon from the Immortal Blades? I've never seen anything like it before."
Xia Chen casually responded with an excuse, "I found it in Manila; you were unconscious at the time. Since I also know some sword techniques, I decided to bring it along."
"It seems more than just 'some' knowledge," Ana remarked, her lips curling slightly in admiration. "Watching your performance earlier, I must say, your timing was remarkably precise - truly impressive."
"Even among the Valkyries skilled with swords, only a handful can match your proficiency." She added, acknowledging his exceptional ability.
"Well, we're in the era of firearms now, after all," Xia Chen replied nonchalantly.
Despite Durandal, Rita, and others using close-quarters weapons, most Valkyries preferred guns due to the large size of Honkai Beasts.
Generally speaking, unless a Valkyrie possesses exceptional physical prowess, it's advisable not to specialize in close-quarters combat.
Of course, many can effectively use both guns and blades, even without relying on conventional weapons. The Immortal Blades also have their own lineage of sword techniques, surpassing typical martial traditions.
However, those truly skilled with swords remain few.
He smiled and said, "So, I assume my assessment tasks are completed here?"
After absorbing considerable amounts of Honkai Energy, Xia Chen retrieved Scarlet Sakura.
The blade hummed, conveying a sense of 'joy.'
It felt like he was nurturing a pet, akin to caring for a cat.
"Indeed."
Ana recorded Xia Chen's performance and sent it to Amber. She then remarked, "If there are no unexpected issues, you're likely to pass the assessment. By the way, could you accompany me for a walk?"
Subconsciously tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, she added, "I haven't properly thanked you yet, so let me treat you to dinner."
"Sure."
Before the results of the Valkyrie assessment were announced, Xia Chen had no immediate need to return to the Immortal Blades. This period served as his downtime, and staying in Singapore posed no problem.
Xia Chen nodded.
Shortly after, disguised as ordinary individuals, they appeared on the streets of Singapore.
The Honkai Disaster two months ago undoubtedly had its impact, but with Xia Chen having completely eradicated the Honkai Beasts, the military's restrictions naturally eased up.
They graciously thanked the government for their expressed gratitude and ventured out onto the commercial street.
As a young heiress, Ana immediately began shopping like any typical girl upon arrival.
Xia Chen, somewhat helplessly, followed behind her carrying bags.
Being a Valkyrie herself, it wasn't surprising that she enjoyed shopping. However, unexpectedly, she also bought him a new outfit.
After changing into his fresh attire, even the store clerk was visibly impressed.
Yet when Ana pulled out her bank card, the clerk's expression subtly shifted, hinting at something unspoken.
It was clear that traditional norms persisted in Singapore; women paying publicly was relatively uncommon.
However, Xia Chen didn't mind at all.
He readily accepted Ana's 'token of appreciation', while Ana changed into her new ensemble, looking every bit like a Loli princess straight out of a fairy tale, elegant and poised.
The duo took a seat at a shop to rest and enjoy some refreshments.
Suddenly, Ana spoke up, "Xia Chen... may I call you by your first name?"
"Sure, what's up?"
"I want to reassemble the Snow Lotus Squad. At least, we can't let the name be disbanded."
She revealed her thoughts and asked, "Would you... like to join my squad?"
"Me?" He couldn't help but ponder for a moment.
If he became an A-rank Valkyrie, it was highly unlikely he would remain with the Immortal Blades. Serving as mere background support might be comfortable, but it lacked freedom.
Moreover, Schicksal wouldn't waste an A-rank Valkyrie merely as backup, especially after the Manila Honkai incident where six Valkyrie squads were sacrificed, leaving severe personnel shortages across various regions.
As an A-rank Valkyrie, either he'd be assigned as a captain, training new members with greater autonomy but corresponding risks, or dealing with critical Honkai incidents.
But if he joined Ana...
The biggest concern was whether, with the altered storyline, Ana would still become a Herrscher?
Xia Chen found himself gazing into Ana's clear eyes, unable to resist.
Ultimately, he agreed.
"Mm-hmm."
He paused before saying, "If Headquarters has no objections, I'm personally fine with it. After all, I don't know many people there."
"Then it's settled, pinkie swear." She instinctively extended her hand, offering her pale, slender pinky finger to intertwine with his.
"Alright."
Suppressing the ripples of thought in his mind, Xia Chen responded, "I look forward to your guidance then."
Following Ana's suggestion, they decided to stay in Singapore for two additional days.
According to her, such opportunities for carefree leisure, like today, would be rare moving forward.
Xia Chen didn't particularly mind the break, but he acknowledged that some relaxation was indeed necessary.
Ana, having few chances for entertainment, found herself at a loss after shopping. It was Xia Chen who suggested visiting a nearby cinema.
A two-hour movie served as both a time filler and a chance to grow closer.
By the time Xia Chen and Ana reached their resting hotel, they felt more like long-time friends, with their conversation no longer feeling restrained on the surface.
However, neither Xia Chen nor Ana had much interest in indulging in extra emotions.
Inside their temporary hotel room, he carefully placed Scarlet Sakura aside before contacting Alvitr using his communicator.
"Hello, what's up?"
Due to the time difference, it was still daytime at Alvitr's location. She glanced at Xia Chen and remarked, "Hey, nice new clothes! Who bought them for you?"
"Ana," he responded instinctively, then quickly realized, "That's not important right now. Can you help me investigate something?"
"What is it?"
"Firstly, apart from Nagazora City, Manila, and Siberia on Earth, are there any remaining traces of Honkai Energy? Secondly, how can we predict future Major Honkai Eruptions?"
"You're asking more than just one thing, aren't you?" Alvitr couldn't help but tease.
She paused before continuing, "For the first question, I can confidently tell you that no, currently, all residual Honkai Energy on Earth is concentrated around the centers of past Major Honkai events. As for the second question, if we had such predictive technology, would the Manila incident have even occurred?"
Xia Chen fell silent, unable to respond.
"Then there's another issue - why hasn't the Honkai situation in Nagazora City been completely eradicated yet? Logically, it has been over a year with no powerful Honkai Beasts emerging, and the concentration of Honkai Energy at its center has decreased. Shouldn't it be time to fully clear Nagazora City of Honkai?"
His thoughts were already focused on Nagazora City.
Ah, Scarlet Sakura, for you, I've sacrificed too much.
However, Alvitr's response was straightforward:
"Because it doesn't fall under our jurisdiction."