HA VOL 8 CH1-25 (Patreon)

HA VOL 8 CH1-25

Chapter 1: Higher Than the Herrscher of Finality

Luo Lin sat in the laboratory, her face flushed. At this moment, she had already removed most of her upper body clothing, revealing her smooth back.

On the girl's back, strangely shaped crimson lines flickered with a faint light, reflecting in Otto Apocalypse's eyes.

Yes, those lines were indeed Stigmata!

At this moment, the Stigmata equipped on Luo Lin's body were [Kallen the Thief (Upper)], [Cecilia Tower (Middle)], and [Cecilia's Wings of Sanctuary (Lower)].

Although she couldn't benefit from the enhanced buffs of Cecilia's Stigmata set, given the current situation, it seemed unwise to remove Kallen's Stigmata to store it in the Stigmata warehouse...

The Archbishop of Schicksal held his breath, cautiously reached out his hand, and touched the crimson lines—without hesitation, he directly touched Kallen's Stigmata on Luo Lin's back.

Feeling Otto's slightly cold touch, Luo Lin shivered, her cheeks flushing even redder.

Being stared at by a strange man with such a burning gaze, and having him touch her back, made her feel very uncomfortable and shy.

Of course, Luo Lin also understood that Otto Apocalypse had already given all his love to Kallen Kaslana. In his eyes, other women in this world were like dirt.

Even if the Archbishop desired Luo Lin's body, it was the kind of desire to throw her onto the experiment table and study her thoroughly...

In the System Space, [Helix] propped up her chin and fell into contemplation: "Wait a minute, something seems off... You have Kallen's Stigmata on your back now, won't you just turn into Otto's snack directly?"

"?"

No, becoming a snack or anything! That should clearly be Kallen's role!

As Luo Lin engaged in intense internal struggle, Otto let out a sigh and stepped back heavily, his voice slightly trembling as he said, "It really is her Stigmata..."

"Wow, you...," the voice of the Senti came from the side, her gaze complex as she stared at the blonde man.

To ensure Luo Lin's safety, Senti appeared proactively, deciding to use her Herrscher powers to monitor Otto's every move, to prevent him from doing anything strange to harm Luo Lin.

And the Archbishop of Schicksal had no objections to this, perhaps because when Senti appeared, Luo Lin had told her not to abuse her powers, or perhaps because [Void Archives] had produced [Mimic: Fenghuang Down] to prevent the Herrscher of Sentience from directly attacking...

Of course, the most likely reason was that Otto was eager to observe Kallen's Stigmata, so everything else was temporarily put aside.

In any case, Senti just watched Otto, and then she was stunned to find that Otto's mind was filled with nothing but Kallen and a bunch of experimental designs gushing out.

The purity of the Archbishop of Schicksal in this regard was simply too high, making Senti's mind also filled with Kallen's shadow. She reluctantly reduced the power of her Herrscher abilities, only retaining the perception of detecting hostility, so as not to be assimilated into confusion by Kallen alone.

"Um, can I put my clothes back on now?"

"Uh... you can."

Otto sighed, with some regret in his tone, "If we were at headquarters right now, I should have precise instruments ready for research..."

"Your Excellency, please don't tell me you intend to airlift the instruments to the Far East Branch..."

"If it's possible, I don't mind. However, the instruments for researching Stigmata need to be custom-made. Currently, Schicksal only has two sets of equipment in operation."

Otto spread his hands, "They are bulky and difficult to move. Even if I dismantle them from headquarters and bring them here now, it will take a dozen or so days to install and debug them, and it will also interrupt some projects at headquarters... So, I will invite you to return to headquarters for research directly."

"Headquarters..."

With that said, Luo Lin realized that she hadn't visited her old colleagues at the headquarters' Sky Island for a long time. The house allocated to her by Schicksal in Kolostein was probably untouched for a long time, most likely accumulating a thick layer of dust...

After thinking for a moment, Luo Lin replied, "What about Kiana and the others? If I want to stabilize their condition, I must regularly use [Emotional Diffusion] to provide some psychological counseling."

The Archbishop of Schicksal asked, "How about directly transferring them to the Valkyrie Academy at headquarters?"

Luo Lin replied tactfully, "That might not be appropriate... The atmosphere there is quite different from St. Freya. For now, if we want the Herrschers to grow smoothly and firmly uphold the belief of helping humanity, they need a relaxed, friendly, and harmonious environment..."

And she didn't want the big three to go directly to the place where Otto had the strongest home advantage, which was very dangerous. If anything happened, it would be inconvenient to run...

At least on this side of the Far East Branch, there was Theresa who could help them, and if necessary, Bronya could directly contact Anti-Entropy. With the face of Kiana and Raiden Mei, Siegfried and Raiden Ryoma could bring the Shamash and the Titan Army to assist within an hour...

Why so fast?

Because these two silly dads directly declined all tasks that required them to move away from the Far East after confirming that their daughters were going to St. Freya. They stationed themselves not far from St. Freya.

As for Luo Lin herself... there was no way out, Otto kindly invited her, she couldn't refuse to go to headquarters!

After listening to Luo Lin's words, Otto couldn't help but think of a certain Herrscher, and the scientist team who cared for him with love and hope—eventually, he did grow into a "shape" that loved humanity.

"What you said makes sense... I will arrange a plane specifically for you to commute between headquarters and the Far East Branch, to stabilize Kiana and Raiden Mei's condition."

With that said, Otto glanced at the Herrscher of Sentience beside him.

Senti crossed her arms, striking a very cool pose and expression, "I'm different from them. I won't lose control, but I still want to be with Luo Lin."

"Okay."

Otto clapped his hands, "By the way, you should still be a B-rank Valkyrie now. I'll personally promote you to A-rank, which will be more convenient... Well, of course, you still have to pass the assessment. But it's just a formality. Regardless of the evaluation you receive in the end, it won't affect your promotion."

[Congratulations on achieving the achievement "Higher Than the Herrscher of Finality"]

[Higher Than the Herrscher of Finality: In the Schicksal Valkyrie system, obtain a title higher than "B-rank Valkyrie"—current title: A-rank Valkyrie.]

Luo Lin looked at this suddenly appearing achievement and almost choked herself to death with saliva.

The badge style of this achievement was also very simple, with the inequality symbol "?≥B" clearly displayed on it, and the annotation below the badge was even more obvious in its meaning:

["What? Kiana was also a B-rank Valkyrie when she became the Herrscher of Finality! My current title is higher than the Herrscher of Finality's! (Proudly straightens chest)"]

[Achievement Reward: Upgrade the character card of Valkyrie Dark Feathers to S-rank]

"...Thank you, Your Excellency."

"No need to thank me."

Chapter 2: What Does it Mean to be an S-rank Supporter (Looking Up)

"Finally reached S-rank..."

Luo Lin returned to the System Space, gazing at the mark on the panel of Valkyrie Dark Feathers changing from A to S, feeling somewhat nostalgic.

With the increase in star level on the character card, a series of basic attributes were enhanced. Luo Lin felt her physical qualities improving once again; even the total amount of stored Honkai Energy within her body increased by one level. The Edge of Taixuan operated rapidly, bringing her a sense of satisfaction and fullness.

Then, Luo Lin opened the skill interface of Valkyrie.

She was surprised to find that in the center of Accipiter's skill panel, there was an additional button with a double helix gene icon and the letters "SP."

She complained intensely, "What? So, I'm an SP support? And I didn't even have the button for SP skills before? What kind of incomplete character card have I been playing with?"

To this, Helix expressed her opinion, "Come on, be more optimistic. Think about when you initially had incomplete basic skills, and now you've completed many of them. It's much better than before! You should go see what skills have been added to your skill panel!"

"Yeah yeah... let me see, oh, there's a red dot on this SP button!"

In this moment, Luo Lin recalled the scene after pulling Bennett's sixth constellation next door in Genshin Impact. Since then, there had always been a red dot under Bennett's portrait, causing headaches for her, someone who couldn't stand red dot notifications...

But here, clicking on the red dot was definitely not a problem.

Luo Lin decisively tapped on the SP skill button, and the Valkyrie skill interface gradually transformed, turning into a fragmented gene segment floating in front of the girl.

[SP Valkyrie Skill - Activate?]

"Do I even need to ask? Of course, activate it!"

With Luo Lin's confirmation, countless small dots converged from all around, repairing the fragmented gene segment into a perfect double helix in front of the girl.

[The new skill has been activated]

On the double helix, two skill icons lit up one after another, radiating brilliance, indicating that they had already taken effect.

Luo Lin directly cast her gaze on the second lit up SP skill—after all, the skills unlocked by SP characters at S and SS rank were core skills, greatly improving the operation mechanism and feel of SP characters. She was still interested in core skills.

[Emotion Equals Energy (Activation Star Level Requirement: S)]

[When Valkyrie Dark Feathers activates "Overheat Mode," gain one layer of "Emotion Diffusion" mark, with a stacking limit of 20.]

[When characters on the field hit enemies, use weapon skills, or use ultimate skills, Accipiter can respectively gain 1 stack, 3 stacm, or 5 stack of "Emotion Diffusion" mark;]

[When Valkyrie Dark Feathers' "Overheat Mode" ends, she will perform multiple attacks on all units on the field based on the number of "Emotion Diffusion" layers.]

[This attack can trigger Dark Feathers' passive skill "Holy Blood Blessing," restoring team HP and SP.]

"This seems like a looping skill... It solves the dilemma of me always burning through SP every time I activate my ultimate, and having to rely on basic attacks to regain SP."

After studying it for a while, Luo Lin sighed, "According to the skill description, while the ultimate burns SP, it will also use the marks, creating a wave of low-damage but frequent area attacks, instantly replenishing SP."

Helix added her opinion, "This thing seems to work with shield bars too, the speed of breaking shields would probably be even more ridiculous..."

"Well, that's quite cool. This skill optimization streamlines my SP management process and greatly boosts my damage output!"

The more Luo Lin looked, the more satisfied she felt. She licked her lips and shifted her gaze to the skill unlocked earlier.

[Will Equals Weapon (Activation Star Level Requirement: A)]

[When Valkyrie Dark Feathers activates "Overheat Mode," all characters in the team receive a basic attack power boost.]

"...Is that it?"

Luo Lin scratched her head and looked at the adjacent skills with several pages of effects written on them, feeling that the one in front of her was a bit lackluster.

"No, wait, Luo Lin, take another look, carefully..."

Helix's tone gradually became astonished, as if she had been startled, "Take a closer look at the wording of this skill—'Basic Attack Power Boost,' do you know what basic attack power is?"

"What... ah...?"

Luo Lin widened her eyes, "Is it the 'Attack' value written on the character panel?"

As everyone knows, the descriptions on the Valkyrie skill panel are all like "deals xx damage based on 100% of attack," "deals xx damage based on 60% + 60% of attack," "deals xx damage based on 200% of attack," and so on. So where does this percentage-based basic value come from?

That's right, it's the 'Attack' value written on the Valkyrie panel.

In addition to the character level increase, star level increase, Stigmata base value increase, and Stigmata affixes, there is no other way to affect this 'Attack' value.

For players in Genshin Impact, referring to the game term here—'Character Base Value'—might make things clearer.

And looking back at those Stigmata affixes that increase attack power: "Increases attack power of XX attribute characters by 23," "Increases attack power of dual pistols and lance characters by 13.4"... the highest value of attack power on these affixes is only 23 points.

And a Stigmata has two affix slots, at most boosting attack power by 46 points. Installing suitable attack affixes on three Stigmata would only increase it by a total of 138 points...

Usually, players would install suitable attack affixes on the main Stigmata, resulting in a difference of only a dozen or twenty points on the final attack panel. But it's these dozen points of attack that determine whether someone finishes a boss in one set, or leaves the final boss with a sliver of health, requiring another loop, naturally resulting in a lower score.

And the skill that Luo Lin was looking at now could easily make up for this difference, or even surpass it.

Luo Lin couldn't help but marvel, "This is so imbalanced... I must immediately dive into the Abyss! Today, I'm going to break through that 'Pain Three' and reach the terrifying domain called 'Crimson Lotus'!"

Helix shook her head, "You better be, just 'Pain Three' alone has us sweating, I can't even think about 'Crimson Lotus'... We'll probably have to sit on the 'Crimson Lotus' elevator for a while... Senti, come on, we need to go to the Abyss! It's physical weather today, we can't do without you! Senti?"

"Huh? Oh... oh, coming."

Senti seemed to be pondering something, taking a few continuous calls before finally reacting. She mumbled twice, then jogged over to Luo Lin and Helix, following them as they headed towards the depths of the system space.

Chapter 3: What? Do They All Want This?

"Boom!"

That was the sound of a grenade.

"Crackling!"

That was the sound of a submachine gun.

"Ding! Clang!"

Those were the sounds of swords colliding!

"Yeah!"

That was the sound of a girl getting excited.

It had to be said that the new skills brought many surprises to Luo Lin. The looping ability had been greatly optimized, and everyone's damage in the team had skyrocketed.

Elysia, who had been pulled over to help, had already grown accustomed to Luo Lin's impromptu decision to dive into the Abyss. Thanks to the girl's habit of engaging in high-intensity Abyss battles, Miss Pink Elf had a clear understanding of her current combat power.

What she didn't expect was that today, Luo Lin had undergone a "transformation."

With a wave of her small hand, a white light enveloped her body, and the "White Heat mode" was activated, representing an amplification as the light covered both Elysia and Luo Lin's bodies.

Then the strengthened Elysia shot down the Abyss Quantum Crab that had been swaggering and rampaging before. Even Miss Pink Elf herself, who had caused this situation, was stunned for a few seconds.

Fortunately, she quickly reacted and used her more powerful bow to sweep away the enemies.

In the end, Luo Lin scored [21715] points, ranking sixth, just enough to earn a cup. With the scores she had accumulated earlier, she would be able to advance to the "Crimson Lotus" rank in the next Abyss settlement...

As for whether it would end in failure or success, Luo Lin decided to leave that question for her future self to consider.

At this moment, Elysia looked at Luo Lin with a strange look in her eyes. She quickly stepped forward, grabbed the girl's hand, and asked excitedly, "Luo Lin, Luo Lin, what did you just do to suddenly boost my strength so much?"

"Uh, well... Have you ever played video games before?"

"Mm-hmm, I'm a gaming master."

Elysia nodded eagerly, "Whether it's rock-paper-scissors, darts, dice, truth or dare, and... um, I'm good at many, many games! Even Kevin's noodle-eating contest, I can always be at the top!"

Luo Lin was speechless, "I was actually referring to video games, not games played at gatherings... And what's with the noodle-eating contest? Does Kevin, that old popsicle, really hold such competitions?"

"Hahaha, I know you were talking about video games, and I'm good at those too!" Miss Pink Elf laughed, "But Kevin himself has never held a noodle-eating contest. I organized it in his name, but surprisingly, he just went along with it... He's such a gentle person."

"Well, I knew that..."

While Luo Lin and Elysia were chatting and laughing, Senti was sitting on the sofa, resting. She held a glass in her hand, and the drink in the glass had long been finished.

Senti felt very thirsty, but she didn't have the motivation to get up and pour herself another drink.

She stared through the glass at the scene not far away, tightly pursing her lips, feeling that she didn't have the mood or energy to move.

"Sigh... really..."

Further away, Helix took all of this in, pondered for a moment, lowered her head, and continued typing on the tablet connected to the distant world.

【Today, let's share a funny daily life story about two pieces of Shenzhou wood. Let's call them Wood A and Wood B, and the passing-by Elysia...】

【Jiu Hongguang Reply: Passing-by Elysia, what's going on?】

【Kao Ge jpg Reply: Alright, alright, this kind of production team story is just right.】

【ZUKISU Reply: Great V teacher, we admire you!】

Helix smiled, raised her head, and found that the situation not far away had changed.

Elysia looked around and quickly spotted Senti, who was lying on the sofa like a fish, seemingly realizing something. A subtle smile curved her lips.

"Luo Lin, I'll go grab a drink first."

"Oh, now that you mention it, I'm thirsty too..."

So Miss Pink Elf sat down next to the fish-like Senti, casually pouring a drink for Senti and Luo Lin each.

"...Thanks."

Senti's replies sounded somewhat weak.

Only then did Luo Lin feel something was wrong, "Senti, what's wrong with you?"

Senti squinted her eyes and said in a low voice, "I'm so tired, I need hugs and cuddles to get up."

"Huh? This..."

Luo Lin was taken aback, carefully scrutinizing Senti. With her excellent emotional perception ability, the girl realized that Senti was unusually irritable right now.

Could it be that she's not feeling well? Hmm... Then what is Senti...

Luo Lin fell into contemplation, picking up the water that Elysia had just poured for her and drinking it all in one go, "Another one."

Elysia smiled and asked, "Shall I pour it for you?"

"...No, no need."

Luo Lin felt a cold breeze behind her neck and immediately bent down to pour herself another glass of water.

So, the expression on Elysia's face, I must have done something wrong.

Think more, Luo Lin, where did things go wrong!

【Dr.gate Reply: A is too clueless, I suggest taking the initiative and directly attacking B!】

【Helix Crawling on the Net Reply: The child's face is quite thin, probably didn't think about it that way.】

【Wang Linqi Reply: Great teacher, quickly form a team to take on Kevin! Arm yourself with your invincible powers!】

"Um..."

Helix glanced at the increasingly awkward sofa, reached out and patted the butt of the collapsed Book of Fuxi next to her, "Do me a favor!"

The ELF, with a pale complexion, sat up, "I understand, I'll go find Klein and get Selune back..."

"Not that, go and give this to Luo Lin, and then call Elysia over, say there's an experiment that requires her cooperation."

Helix placed a small cluster of light spots in Book of Fuxi's palm, speaking with a serious tone, "Be quick. If you finish it quickly, I can reduce the duration of your next shift to Klein's place."

Book of Fuxi immediately bounced up and rushed out, "I promise to complete the mission!"

In the blink of an eye, the ELF, holding her soul steel floating ball, rushed over——

Luo Lin quickly reached out to stop the Book of Fuxi, "Hey hey! What are you doing?"

"Elysia, Helix wants you to do an experiment!"

The ELF shouted loudly, skillfully stuffing the light spots into Luo Lin's hand.

Luo Lin knew what this was. It was a memory compression package passed to her by Helix. With just a little thought, she could unlock it and see its contents...

"?? What's this? No way, how could... she..."

Luo Lin's eyes were confused for two seconds, then she seemed to want to open her mouth in surprise, but she immediately pressed her face, rubbing it hard, controlling her expression.

The girl looked at the fish-like Senti with a complex gaze, not knowing what to say for a while.

I treated you like a brother, but in the end...?

Miss Pink Elf looked at Luo Lin's performance and breathed a sigh of relief, "I'll be right back."

"Uh... Senti..."

"Huh? What's..."

Senti raised her head somewhat irritably, but was surprised to find Luo Lin moving closer to her and then unceremoniously grabbing her head, causing Senti to lie on her lap.

Luo Lin stiffly said, "Let me massage your shoulders... um... you've been accompanying me in the Abyss for so long, you must be tired."

"Uh, yeah... I am."

A few minutes later, Senti suddenly jumped up as if her butt was on fire, and ran out with a swish, "I just remembered I have something to do, goodnight!"

"...Tch, does she really feel that way?"

Luo Lin questioned life, not just the lives of others, but her own as well.

"What should I do... According to Helix, there are still several... No, why would that be? The Big Three should be an iron triangle... I'm just a passerby..."

【Helix】: "...This guy is beyond help."

Elysia: "It's not good to say that about yourself, you know?"

"When I'm in a hurry, I even hit myself. How would you deal with it?"

"...Sigh, then there's nothing I can do."

Chapter 4: It's Now Her Turn to Take the Exam

Soon, the day of the official Valkyrie assessment arrived.

Luo Lin walked into the examination room calmly, while Senti, still in the system space, held the examination materials, kindly asking Luo Lin if she needed any "external assistance."

However, Luo Lin decisively declined; after all, she had made more than enough preparations.

She flipped through the test papers, and the entire process of answering questions felt as effortless and enjoyable as driving a heavy tank straight through.

Naturally, Luo Lin was the first to leave the examination room, leaving behind a daunting impression on the other examinees.

The examiner marveled, "I thought she was just randomly answering... but the results... all are correct? She is truly talented..."

The next day, Luo Lin headed straight to the Memorial Arena system of the Far East Branch, where the practical assessment was held.

Sure enough, this time, all the enemies in the practical assessment were replaced with top tier enemies carrying "modifiers," causing the Valkyries participating in the assessment to suffer greatly as they spewed out various "elegant" words, echoing in the air endlessly.

However, Luo Lin was quite accustomed to this atmosphere—she had already reached the "Crimson Lotus" rank in the genuine Abyss, so could she not handle the monkey version Abyss of the Far East Branch?

"Justice," "HP Link," "Frost," "Soul Link," "Control," "Rampage," "Immunity," "Indomitable," "Corruption," "Dark Core," "Revenge," "Fire Seed"...

With her abundant experience, Luo Lin could immediately discern the modifiers carried by the enemies and take the most optimal countermeasures, rendering the troublesome modifiers that made others miserable practically harmless to her.

With grandeur, she tore through the assessment question bank, swiftly advancing to the final stage of the practical assessment: a battle against the examiner.

So, Luo Lin saw Durandal appearing on the opposite side of the arena, holding a long spear. The golden-haired knight nodded at the girl, "Teacher Luo Lin, I'm your opponent."

Luo Lin had no objections, and the golden-haired knight expressed that although she couldn't utilize all the functions of "Bright Knight: Excelsis," within the permitted scope, she would definitely go all out and take the match with Luo Lin very seriously.

In reality, she treated this battle as the answer sheet she will hand over to Teacher Luo Lin, an answer of a student to her teacher. Durandal displayed all the techniques she had learned over the years, demonstrating her exquisite spear skills, which made Luo Lin's face bitter.

Fortunately, this battle did not require Luo Lin to defeat Durandal head-on but rather to accumulate enough points within a certain time by striking specific armor on the golden-haired knight's body to achieve victory.

For Luo Lin's perception, the difficulty of this battle was similar to the S-level difficulty of the system Memorial Arena BOSS "Bright Knight: Excelsis."

However, she didn't resort to any tricks like switching character cards or summoning support characters, relying solely on "Dark Feathers" for a one-on-one battle—after all, this was Luo Lin's own promotion assessment, and she wanted to keep it as pure as possible.

Durandal utilized the floating shield of the "Bright Knight: Excelsis" armor quite well, but for Luo Lin, who dealt with various monsters in the Abyss day in and day out, she could still catch the golden-haired knight's flaws in action.

Soon, Luo Lin accumulated enough points and smoothly passed the final stage of the practical assessment.

"Congratulations, Teacher Luo Lin." Durandal replied very seriously, "As the examiner, I rate this battle as excellent. I also watched your previous battles. Passing the A-level promotion assessment is basically a sure thing..."

Luo Lin smiled, "You've grown quite well too, Durandal. Some of your spear techniques were quite impressive."

The golden-haired knight scratched her head somewhat embarrassedly, "Ahaha, well, those are techniques I developed on my own... If you need, I can teach you."

Luo Lin readily agreed, "Sure, I'm very interested. When I was young, I taught you, now it's time for me to learn your techniques. I have absolutely no psychological burden about it."

As Luo Lin and Durandal walked out of the practical assessment battlefield together, they unsurprisingly received enthusiastic applause and admiring gazes from the onlookers.

"I originally thought that the practical assessment questions of the Far East Branch were meant to be challenging—things like the chaotic 'HP Link' and 'Justice' and a bunch of unnamed effects. I didn't expect someone to pass so effortlessly..."

In the crowd, a Valkyrie smiled wryly, "The A-level promotion exam is really different from ours..."

Next to her, a Valkyrie with a European face sighed, "And she's not even wearing Valkyrie Battlesuit. Since the disbandment of the Assault Squad, there have been fewer and fewer people who can reach A-level purely through their own strength..."

"I think it's quite reasonable. With technological advancements, we should use new equipment, right? Look at that white wristband she's wearing; it must be high-tech..."

"Is that thing even comparable to Valkyrie Battlesuit? It's probably just for auxiliary purposes..."

Another Valkyrie leaned in and whispered, "I have a friend in the Black Gold Exploration Team who told me that the Valkyrie who just came out has cooperated with them on emergency missions before. She definitely has A-level strength... Moreover, rumors say that she knows Lady Durandal, and their relationship is quite good!"

"Oh, really?!"

"Didn't you see them chatting and laughing after the battle with Lady Durandal? And now the two of them are walking out of the assessment together!"

Luo Lin and Durandal exchanged a glance, revealing subtle smiles. Obviously, they had heard the discussions of the onlookers loud and clear.

Durandal fell silent for a few seconds, then said, "Teacher, after this assessment is over, I will lead the Immortal Blade team to deal with the Honkai in other areas... I feel a bit reluctant."

"It's okay; I still have to go to the headquarters and conduct research with the Bishop. We'll have plenty of opportunities to meet in the future... Besides, you have my contact information, right? You can video call me whenever you miss me."

The golden-haired knight spread her hands, "It's not the same as face-to-face communication."

"Anyway, it's still a solution..."

Luo Lin patted Durandal's arm, "And, as we both know, Valkyries have their responsibilities—to protect the people, eliminate the Honkai, and fight for all the beauty in the world..."

Durandal echoed softly, "Fight for all the beauty in the world... I understand."

Luo Lin felt relieved; the current performance of the golden-haired knight did not deviate too much from the original plot of Honkai Impact 3, and Durandal continued to grow into a powerful S-rank Valkyrie, full of justice, straightforward, and with clear goals.

The girl smiled and said, "Then, see you later?"

"Mm."

The golden-haired knight looked at her teacher, nodding heavily.

Chapter 5: Headquarters Abounds with Familiar Faces

"Ah? Sister Luo Lin is going to do research at headquarters?" Kiana exclaimed in surprise, while Raiden Mei and Bronya also cast concerned glances towards Luo Lin.

"Yeah, to headquarters, but I'll come back regularly to see you guys. If you need anything, you can ask Fu Hua for help; she'll stay at the Far East Branch," Luo Lin reassured them, ruffling the white furball on Bronya's head. "After all, I can't rest assured leaving you three alone, especially Kiana. Always bouncing around in St. Freya, causing trouble, and showing a worrying attitude towards studying..."

The ahoge on Kiana's head visibly drooped as she replied grumpily, "What? I'm not like that... Ugh, I'll definitely improve."

Luo Lin pinched her cheeks gently. "Well... there's no need to be so downcast. Besides, weren't you always independent since you were little?"

The white furball hugged Luo Lin's hand and murmured, "That's because there was no other choice. Who wants to live all alone..."

Luo Lin sighed inwardly, fully aware of Kiana's background. So, she gently stroked Kiana's cheeks again and said softly, "Alright, Valkyries are like this, and I have my missions too..."

"I don't care, let me hold you again... Ouch!"

Mei, with a apologetic expression, grabbed Kiana's ear, making her let go. "Sister Luo Lin, you go ahead and be busy; I'll watch over Kiana for you, ensuring her study quality doesn't decline."

"Thank you, Mei."

"It's nothing..."

Mei hesitated for a moment, then seemed to come to a decision and smiled ruefully, "I understand. People doing big things are always so busy, just like my dad."

Luo Lin finally turned her gaze to Bronya, the silver-haired twin-tailed girl, who looked at her silently, displaying remarkable maturity.

Rubbing her temples, Bronya said, "Tonight, spend more time chatting with Seele. After I leave, Seele won't be here with you for a while."

"Mm."

Bronya nodded.

After all, when she was a teenage soldier in Siberia, she lived and used to parting, with familiar faces one day possibly disappearing the next. These experiences had forged her mindset into a resilient steel.

Of course, after spending some time at the Cocolia Orphanage and St. Freya, Bronya's steel-like mentality seemed to be melting slightly, but she was probably the most accustomed among the trinity about partings.

Silence filled the night.

The next day, after preparing breakfast for Kiana and the others, Luo Lin stowed her luggage in the system space and headed to the Far East Branch's airport, waiting for the flight to Schicksal Headquarters.

A few days ago, Alvitir and Rita had already set off with the Immortal Blades, intending to resolve all the delays caused by their visit to the Far East Branch and Rita's role as a Valkyrie assessment examiner.

Hearing this, Luo Lin felt a sense of déjà vu.

She searched her memory and remembered the plot of the Honkai Impact 3 comic, "London Holiday," where Durandal tirelessly spent over thirty days, sweeping away all the Honkai incidents on Earth...

Terrifying, indeed.

"She wouldn't actually do that, would she...?"

"Do what?"

Luo Lin turned around and unexpectedly found a familiar face. "Alvitir?"

"Miss Luo Lin!"

The gray-haired, red-eyed Valkyrie approached with her suitcase. "Miss Luo Lin, noticed anything... unusual?"

Luo Lin examined her. "Oh? Aren't you wearing... the uniform of the Immortal Blades?"

"Yes! A few days ago, during the Valkyrie assessment, Lady Durandal was impressed by my skills and directly invited me to join the Immortal Blades... Of course, I agreed."

Alvitir displayed a clean smile, spreading her hands to show off her new uniform to Luo Lin, chuckling, "However, Captain Whitley had previously given me the qualification to test at headquarters, and now nobody's interested with it except me. She's quite troubled about it. The others in the team aren't interested in that qualification..."

Luo Lin nodded, continuing, "Didn't all the Immortal Blades set off a few days ago? Why are you still here?"

"Oh, hahaha..."

Durandal scratched her head awkwardly, whispering, "After joining the Immortal Blades, I can't immediately go on missions. I still need to undergo training at headquarters; otherwise, it would be a big problem."

"That's true. It looks like today you and I should be on the same flight."

The two chatted for a while longer until the transport aircraft arrived.

Of course, this was just an ordinary transport aircraft, not the plane Otto had promised to arrange for Luo Lin. They boarded along with batches of cargo, sitting in the personnel compartment and preparing for the long flight journey.

Luo Lin glanced at two reports on Mobius's research. When she looked up, she found Alvitir already asleep, leaning against the seat.

She reached into the system warehouse and pulled out a blanket, covering the gray-haired Valkyrie, before lowering her head to read the reports filled with technical jargon.

Several hours later, the transport aircraft arrived at Schicksal Headquarters, smoothly landing at the airport. Luo Lin, with a still somewhat drowsy Durandal, walked out of the terminal building and headed straight for the cafeteria.

Setting the tray in front of Alvitir, Luo Lin said, "Fill up your stomach a bit first, then adjust to the time difference. It'll be more comfortable."

"Ah, thank you so much..."

The gray-haired Valkyrie patted her own cheeks, grabbed the spoon, and started eating her rice.

"Are you done? Let me take you to the hotel to rest."

Alvitir became more awake. She looked at Luo Lin and couldn't help but ask, "Sister Luo Lin, you seem very familiar with the headquarters? "

Luo Lin smiled. "Ah, didn't I tell you? I'm from Schicksal Headquarters, so I'm familiar with the place."

During the rest of the journey, Luo Lin chatted with almost every staff member they encountered.

"Wow, Luo Lin, you're not dead?"

"What nonsense are you talking, Charlotte? Hoping I'd croak?"

"Hey, isn't that Luo Lin? How did you go from logistics to A-rank Valkyrie?"

"Your information is so outdated. I've quit logistics a long time ago."

"Sorry, been buried in research, I'm not clear..."

"Luo Lin? Am I seeing things?"

"Then take a closer look."

"Luo Lin!"

"Luo Lin!"

"The Happy Nut is back!"

"WuHu, I knew you wouldn't die!"

Seeing this, Alvitir admired Luo Lin from the bottom of her heart, only able to sigh, "So amazing..."

Chapter 6: Experimental Preparations

Luo Lin ultimately helped deliver Alvitir to the Immortal Blades' base and didn't forget to teach her some tips for life at headquarters before leaving.

"…The headquarters of Schicksal is a floating island, so the temperature is relatively low. Remember to wear more clothes…"

"Yes, yes, I know… Okay… I understand…"

The gray-haired, red-eyed Valkyrie was already dizzy and hurriedly escaped into the base of the Immortal Blades.

Luo Lin sighed with emotion, "Sigh, why is she in such a hurry… I haven't even mentioned that chatting with people in the shops can get you some discounts…"

She shook her head and turned to leave.

Alvitir held her chest, feeling a sense of relief, "Finally…"

A Valkyrie stationed at the Immortal Blades' base suddenly asked, "Is that your mother?"

The gray-haired, red-eyed Valkyrie was shocked, her face turning red as she quickly waved her hands, "What!? No, no, just an acquaintance, a senior!"

"Is that so?"

The Valkyrie said seriously, "Then she must be a very kind person… You should cherish her."

"I-I know… Oh, by the way, I'm here to report in…"

"Yes, Alvitir, right? Follow me."

————————————————————

Luo Lin stood outside the office door, extending her hand and knocking with her knuckles.

"The door is unlocked."

Luo Lin took a deep breath and pushed open the slightly heavy door.

As expected, behind the large desk, Otto Apocalypse appeared in her view.

However, the bishop was seriously looking at the screen on his desk, holding a game controller, his fingers flying over the buttons, and Luo Lin vaguely heard sounds like "Hey!", "Ha!", "Kallen Beam!!".

Otto was probably playing "Kallen Fantasy"…

Don’t ask how Luo Lin knew, she had once tried out this ultimate masterpiece herself. In this world filled with Honkai, "Kallen Fantasy," created by Otto, was a rare breath of fresh air. Despite the game's obvious bias towards a certain pink-haired, fox-eared shrine maiden, it was quite enjoyable overall.

"Your Eminence, stop playing! Miss Luo Lin has been waiting for you for a long time!"

Fortunately, a white-haired secretary with golden goggles covering half her face appeared in time, breaking the awkward atmosphere.

Luo Lin knew who she was—Amber, Otto Apocalypse’s capable assistant, taking on many tasks as his deputy and secretary.

Amber was actually a clone created by Otto using Kallen Kaslana's genetic blueprint, designated as A-303. Yes, before Theresa received the name "Theresa Apocalypse," she was designated as A-310.

Amber was essentially from the same batch of clones as Theresa.

"Mm…"

After Amber appeared, Otto finally put the game controller on the desk, slowly shifting his gaze to Luo Lin.

"You've finally arrived, Luo Lin."

The girl nodded to both of them, "Lord Otto, Secretary Amber."

"No need to be so formal."

Otto waved his hand, saying, "And the Herrscher of Sentience must be here too, right?"

"That's right, Otto, I'm here too."

The Herrscher of Sentience jumped out, standing next to Luo Lin.

Otto nodded at her and, after pondering for a few seconds, asked, "Hmm… Where's Elysia?"

"She… she didn't come today."

"In that what-do-you-call-it Elysian Realm, right?"

Otto had a good memory, especially since this term was from the "Void Archives" of a parallel world, something he couldn't forget.

Luo Lin spread her hands, "The other two doctors stopped her. They are probably, like you, conducting some necessary research."

"The other researchers…"

Otto looked at Luo Lin meaningfully, and the girl didn't flinch, directly meeting the Schicksal bishop's gaze.

The blond man suddenly relaxed, leaning back in his chair and stroking his chin, "Haha, then I guess it's also related to the previous civilization, or… survivors of the previous civilization? No, memory replicas?"

"You are truly remarkable, Lord Otto."

Luo Lin sincerely praised him.

"Mm… I actually don't care about these things. What I value most now is you—Luo Lin, it's good that you've come."

The blond man stood up eagerly, smiling, "Well then, let's set off now to the Stigmata Laboratory. I’ve prepared everything over the past few days, just waiting for you to start the research project. Amber, you come along too, these tasks are trivial now."

Amber lowered her head, a hint of helplessness flashing across her face, but she dutifully replied, "Yes, Lord Bishop."

Following them, Luo Lin soon arrived at a large laboratory.

Numerous experimental instruments were humming, making it somewhat noisy up close. Luo Lin could feel subtle vibrations from the floor and the massive amount of Honkai energy flowing through the steel pipelines, showing a shocked expression.

"Miss Luo Lin, please change into this outfit."

Amber produced a set of clothes from somewhere, handing it to Luo Lin.

The girl unfolded the clothes, immediately realizing its unusual material, feeling quite flexible, with a matte surface and many circuit-like patterns etched on it, emitting a faint glow.

Luo Lin could easily imagine how this would look when worn, likely resembling the tight pilot suits from EVA, very cool.

She looked at the outfit, pondered for a moment, and then asked uncertainly, "Is this… the inner lining of Valkyrie Battlesuit?"

"That's correct. It's been modified to specifically capture various subtle data—considering your personal feelings and the Herrscher of Sentience's attitude, it’s a specially designed suit."

This time, Otto answered while fiddling with buttons and switches on the control panel, "After all, your emotional fluctuations in the Far East branch's laboratory were significant, which would affect the accuracy of my experiments…"

The Herrscher of Sentience sneered, "You're quite thoughtful, Otto."

"Of course, I'm always considerate of my subordinates."

Otto even seriously asked, "Luo Lin, if I switch to a female soul steel body for the research, would you feel more comfortable? I noticed you seem more relaxed and caring around female characters…"

Luo Lin was stunned, "Stop, Lord Bishop, I think this is fine… really unnecessary…"

"Mm, alright… I do like my female form though."

The blond man shrugged, "After you're ready, sit over there. We'll start with some basic tests… to see if what the 'Void Archives' said is true."

Chapter 7: In Progress

Luo Lin, now tightly wrapped in her new clothes, sat down in the designated spot. Large mechanical arms descended from the ceiling, and numerous scanning devices surrounded her.

Luo Lin was quite familiar and comfortable with this scene, having often undergone similar inspections in the Elysian Realm. The difference might be that Otto's equipment looked more futuristic, whereas the scanners created by Vil-V had a more industrial design.

Luo Lin remained calm, even contemplating what to eat later. Otto, however, was entirely different—he stared intently at the screen, not blinking, as data from Luo Lin's stigmata was collected and displayed, showing significant differences from the research in the Schicksal database.

Just like when Luo Lin encountered Mobius and Vil-V, Otto Apocalypse fell into a state of peculiar excitement. The Archbishop didn’t rest, immersing himself in the vast sea of data for several days without leaving the lab.

Luo Lin was forced to stay in the lab, working overtime alongside Otto. Fortunately, Secretary Amber was considerate, bringing her exquisite meals daily, rescuing Luo Lin (otherwise Otto might have made her stay in the scanner indefinitely), and maintaining the lab's research environment.

The Herrscher of Sentience quickly grew impatient but didn’t dare leave Luo Lin, unsure of what tricks Otto might pull, so she also had to "serve time" with her.

To Otto's surprise, Luo Lin showed a decent academic mindset, able to understand parts of his research and even occasionally offer constructive suggestions. The Schicksal bishop stroked his chin, "…Interesting, did those previous era researchers teach you?"

"In a way, but they weren't great teachers—they just threw the original research reports at me and let me figure it out myself…"

Otto grew interested, "Can I see their reports? A trade wouldn’t be out of the question."

"Well, I need to ask them first."

So, under Otto's watchful gaze, Luo Lin closed her eyes, her consciousness descending into the system space, heading straight to the Elysian Realm.

Mobius rubbed her temples, saying, "Oh? The leader of the anti-Honkai organization in the current civilization is also a researcher? That's somewhat surprising…"

Vil-V coolly retorted, "Why? Isn't Dr. Mei the same?"

The green-haired doctor immediately shut up, then replied irritably after a few seconds, "Alright, you can show them the reports if you trust them and believe you won't be targeted later…"

Luo Lin pondered, "Oh, Otto will definitely target me—no, he targets anyone who might obstruct his plans."

Vil-V asked, "Are you an obstacle to his plans?"

"I'm not… probably."

"With such uncertainty, you probably are." The two-tone-haired woman extended her hand to Luo Lin, "Hand it over."

"What?"

"His research data, of course?" Vil-V tilted her head, "Didn't you say he agreed to trade? I'll trade it… and maybe help you identify some weaknesses in this Otto Apocalypse."

Luo Lin placed the data in the magician's hand, "Thanks."

Vil-V just smiled and said, "By the way, the stigmata fragment manifestation device has been iterated to the tenth version and can now run stably for a few minutes—we can now animate Fuxi and Nuwa."

Luo Lin then saw two researchers, cowering under Mobius' scolding, while everyone else seemed to find the scene quite normal, going about their business.

Nuwa said in despair, "Stop scolding, I didn’t expect to hear Dr. Mobius' 'kind calls' even after going to heaven."

Fuxi calmly replied, "My dear sister, it seems we haven't gone to heaven but straight to the depths of hell."

Fuxi would have looked more dashing saying this without crouching defensively.

Soon, the manifestation device reached its operational limit, and the figures of Fuxi and Nuwa gradually distorted, finally returning to a sleeping posture, floating in the air.

Luo Lin turned her gaze to the third stigmata fragment on the device—[Stigmata Fragment: Past and Future - RIN (Upper)].

Mobius naturally noticed Luo Lin's gaze and said, "Don't worry, Sakura already tried it a few days ago. But it's still the same; after seeing her sister, Bell's 'active time' rapidly shortens from a few minutes to a few seconds, just enough to say a few words to her sister before being forced back to 'sleep'..."

Vil-V interjected, "We suspect emotional fluctuations affect the duration, and we're testing it."

Luo Lin nodded, "Understood… May I ask, has Sakura been lurking nearby, urging you to improve the manifestation device?"

"I'm watching."

Sakura's voice came from the shadow under a nearby table.

Luo Lin jumped, "You really are here!?"

Vil-V smiled wryly, "Why else do you think the device is already on its tenth iteration?"

"Vil-V! Are you reading that research data or not? If you don't, I will!"

Mobius snatched Otto's research report from Vil-V’s hands, reading it carefully.

A few minutes later, the green-haired doctor thoughtfully said, "Oh, interesting. Otto seems to be exploring imaginary number fluctuations… it's a good approach, but I think focusing on fundamental world rules is more practical."

Vil-V casually tossed a stack of reports into Luo Lin's hands, "Alright, these are our recent research results. Take them back to Otto."

"Mm."

Luo Lin opened her eyes, finding Otto already back at the console, surrounded by numerous data projection screens.

"Finished communicating?"

Luo Lin placed the reports on an empty spot on the lab table, "Yes, these are their latest research results."

"Let me see… Fundamental rules, Herrscher powers…?"

Otto looked at the reports for a while, then set them aside, "An interesting approach, but I have my own ideas… Let's continue, Luo Lin. No rest yet!"

"Lord Bishop, give me a break."

Chapter 8: Wandering Around, Then Meeting a Celebrity

Two days passed, and perhaps Otto himself felt that Luo Lin had been stuck in the laboratory for too long. So, he temporarily stopped the data collection work and let Luo Lin go out to rest for a few days.

The girl walked out of the laboratory. The sun shone on her face, and Luo Lin suddenly felt a little uncomfortable.

Senti looked at the scenery in front of her and felt as if she was in another world: "We actually spent almost half a month in that laboratory with Otto? My God..."

"You'll get used to it. This is how scientific researchers are."

Luo Lin waved her hand: "But Senti, you can also stay with me patiently. I'm actually still very surprised."

"Hey, who are we... ahem... no need to say more."

The Herrscher of Sentience turned her head away, deliberately not looking at Luo Lin's expression.

The girl smiled, hesitated a little, and then took the initiative to reach out and hold Senti's hand.

"Then let's go. How about relaxing with me?"

The two of them strolled in the Schicksal headquarters, out of tune with the busy Valkyries and scientists passing by.

The Schicksal Sky Island cluster exuded a strange warm white glow in the sun. Luo Lin looked around and found that a rainbow appeared between some tall tower-shaped buildings, spanning half of the area, which looked quite magnificent.

Luo Lin sighed, "I really shouldn't stay in the lab all the time. I feel much more open-minded when I come out to see the world... well... and I also encountered this kind of wonder."

Shi Bao also stared at the rainbow for a long time and seemed very surprised by its appearance: "I have seen these buildings in Fu Hua's memory, but compared to the scenes I see now... it seems to be completely different?"

"How is it different?"

"Uh..."

Senti was stunned by the question. She held her chin and fell into deep thought. After about half a minute, she said: "The scene I see now is brighter than in my memory? It's like changing a filter..."

"That's probably because Fu Hua was not very happy when she looked at the Schicksal HW, or maybe her attention was not on it..."

Luo Lin analyzed, "I think the latter is more likely. You also understand that Fu Hua may care more about how to protect the people and drive away the Honkai. Why don't you look for the memories of Fu Hua and Cecilia when they were together, and then see what the surrounding environment was like at that time?"

"Why Cecilia?"

"In recent years, it is probably only Cecilia's gentleness that can make Fu Hua temporarily put aside her mission and pay attention to everything around her... Her sense of responsibility is too heavy."

"I understand."

The Herrscher of Sentience searched her memory as he said, and then made a depressed voice: "How come this thing was also burned by [Yu Duchen]? Old antique, you are too... Alas, I found a few fragments. Let's see if I can repair it..."

The Herrscher fiddled with it for a while and finally sighed with satisfaction: "It seems that your guess is correct... Mood does affect the appearance of the surrounding environment in her memory."

Luo Lin asked: "Well... So how do you feel about the surrounding environment now?"

The Herrscher of Sentience looked around, and her eyes finally fell on Luo Lin.

Feeling the other person holding her hand, the corners of the Herrscher's mouth curled up slightly, and she whispered, "I think it's beautiful."

"......!"

Luo Lin turned her face away somewhat unnaturally and looked at the blue sky.

After that, they strolled for a while, during which time, Luo Lin and the Herrscher of Sentience did not let go of each other's hands.

---

"This is the old headquarters of the Schicksal, Kolostein... Ah, Fu Hua also lived here before."

Luo Lin and Senti took a transport boat from the Schicksal headquarters to Kolosten. The two walked on the quaint streets and observed everything around them.

Luo Lin continued, "Amber told me that the house that was arranged for me in Kolosten a long time ago has now been allocated to someone else - probably because I fell into a space rift in public and was treated as dead..."

Senti tilted her head and asked, "So, are you planning to visit now?"

"No, I asked for another house from Amber." Luo Lin smiled happily, "It's also in Kolostein, and the area of 鈥嬧€媡his house is much larger than the one I lived in when I was a logistics Valkyrie before. It can even be said to be a small villa! I don't care about that place now!"

How good this feeling is, owning a house laeger than before, everyone knows.

"Okay."

Luo Lin and Senti ran to the new house to take a look. All kinds of furniture were arranged in it, and water and electricity were fully connected. You can move in directly with your luggage. Luo Lin was even happier and fiddled with Edge of Taixuan to clean the house again.

"Every time I see you do this, I feel it's outrageous."

Senti also condensed a trace of black sword energy, but after trying for a while, she only managed to lift the dust in the floor directly.

Luo Lin shrugged: "Technology... uh, Edge of Taixuan changes life."

"... How about you try to cook with Taixuan Ki next time?"

"Not impossible..."

Luo Lin opened the refrigerator, and there was really nothing in it. There were only basic kitchen utensils in the kitchen, and fresh vegetables and various seasonings had to be bought outside.

Senti couldn't help but exclaim: "You are so active. Are you going to try it tonight?"

"Anyway, it won't take much time to buy it back. Isn't there a system space? Just throw it all in there. In addition to the finished dishes, we also have to stock up some ingredients and raw materials, right?"

So, the two walked out of the villa again and ran to the comprehensive supermarket under the leadership of Luo Lin.

Just as the girls were picking and choosing ingredients, Luo Lin saw a very familiar character.

It was a woman with dark skin, strong muscles, and sharp contours, which formed a sharp contrast with the other Valkyries around her who were white-skinned and slender.

Yes, it was Ms. Lewis, the mother of Carole Pepper, the boxing girl in the Post Honkai.

She first appeared in the comic "Second Eruption". Because the style of painting was too incompatible (some people even said that it was a male-like painting and a female-like painting), there was a reader in the comic comment area at that time who asked "Is that macho man a Valkyrie?", and Ai-chan answered affirmatively.

However, what made Luo Lin more concerned was that Lewis was actually pushing a baby carriage at this time, and the baby's babbling could be vaguely heard in the carriage.

"...Could that be Carole? She's already born?"

Perhaps sensing the gaze of others, Lewis raised her head and looked in the direction of Luo Lin.

The moment she saw Luo Lin, a strange sense of familiarity rose in the heart of this macho woman.

"...Cecilia?"

Chapter 9: Collecting Childhood Carole CG

Due to an inexplicable feeling in his heart, Lewis finally made a decision and pushed the stroller toward Luo Lin.

"Who's Carole? Do you know her?"

Senti looked at the approaching stout lady, searched through her memory for a long time, but still couldn't confirm her identity.

"That lady is Ms. Lewis. During the Second Eruption, she led ground forces to Germany to intercept the pseudo-Herrscher of Wind, Avrora, created by Sirin, assisting Cecilia in defeating the enemy with one blow."

Luo Lin thought for a moment and added, "At that time, Fu Hua should have gone to the Khinsar Grassland to fight the pseudo-Herrscher of Flame, Agata, so it's normal that you can't find her in your memory..."

"I see..."

Finally, Lewis arrived in front of Luo Lin and the Herrscher of Sentience. She increasingly felt a strange sense of familiarity with Luo Lin but didn't know how to ask about it.

Fortunately, Luo Lin also wanted to chat with her, so she took the initiative to introduce herself, "Hello, Ms. Lewis. My name is Luo Lin, an A-rank Valkyrie. This is my companion, you can call her Senti."

"Hello, hello."

Lewis was a bit surprised, looked several times at the badge on Luo Lin's chest, confirming she was indeed an A-rank Valkyrie, then generously shook hands with Luo Lin, sighing, "Ah, sorry, I'm just a bit... surprised?"

Luo Lin raised an eyebrow and repeated, "Surprised?"

Lewis smiled and said, "In most of my career, I haven't seen many A-rank Valkyries, but just when I'm about to retire, I encounter several A-rank Valkyries in a row... I must be lucky, thanks to her."

Lewis lowered her head, her gentle gaze falling on the constantly babbling child in the stroller.

Luo Lin also got a clear view of the child lying in the stroller. She looked quite young, sitting very steadily against the stroller's backrest, with white hair like her mother's, watching Luo Lin with golden eyes, seemingly very curious about her.

"What's her name?"

"Carole, Carole Pepper, she's a girl."

Luo Lin's heart settled; it was indeed her.

Senti also rarely showed a gentle expression, carefully observing this new generation girl, "How old is she?"

"She's over nine months old now."

Lewis squinted her eyes and reached out to tease Carol. The girl babbled, holding onto her mother's finger.

"Great, very good... I believe she will grow up to be a lively, cheerful, and healthy girl!"

"Thank you for your kind words."

Luo Lin's words made Lewis smile more sincerely, but she probably didn't know that Luo Lin could now take out photos and videos of her daughter's future, showing how Carol's iron fists would beat up "aliens."

By this point, Lewis was quite satisfied. She put her earlier doubts aside and invited Luo Lin, "Miss Luo Lin, would you like to attend my daughter's first birthday party? It's on September 23..."

"Two months later..."

Luo Lin looked at the date on her terminal. It was now early July 2014, Carole was born on September 23, 2013, so she was indeed over nine months old now.

The girl said, "If I don't have any tasks at that time, I'll definitely come to your daughter's birthday party, maybe I'll bring a few friends."

For example, Himeko Murata, well... either the Himeko from this world or the elite instructor Himeko, then Elysia, and of course, the Herrscher of Sentience! Right, Selune can also meet the child...

"I understand, I am also a Valkyrie, I know how it is with tasks and all..."

Lewis withdrew her finger from Carole's hand, and the girl immediately looked aggrieved, pouting and starting to cry.

This put the stout Lewis in a bit of a bind. She wasn't very good at handling such situations; to her, fighting a few Honkai beasts with a weapon might be simpler than soothing a child's emotions.

At this moment, Luo Lin extended a timely helping hand. Shee activated her Emotional Diffusion switch and hummed a soothing lullaby, quickly calming the crying child with the help of Cecilia's stigmata.

Carole blinked her eyes, swaying gently with Luo Lin's humming, then clapped her hands happily.

Senti couldn't help but exclaim, "Wow... you're so skilled!"

Luo Lin whispered to the Herrscher of Sentience, "We have to thank Cecilia for that, she helped a lot."

"No wonder..."

Just then, a man emerged from the supermarket shelves not far away, quickly rushing to Lewis's side, "I'm here, Lewis, let me soothe the child... ah..."

He saw the happily clapping Carole and the Valkyrie beside her, radiating a gentle aura, skillfully calming the child, and didn't know what to say for a moment.

"Are you Ms. Lewis's husband?"

"Yes!" *2

Lewis and the man spoke in unison, then smiled at each other, clearly very much in sync.

The man pointed to himself, "Soothing children is my specialty!"

Luo Lin observed the man. He looked handsome, well-built, seemingly having undergone systematic training, at least not looking out of place next to Lewis.

It seemed Carole had inherited the good parts of her father's appearance...

"Thank you, Ms. Luo Lin, I'll take care of the rest."

"Okay."

Luo Lin stepped aside. The man bent down, made a few funny faces at Carole, making the white-haired girl smile even more.

"Lewis, you have a good husband."

Lewis nodded, "Mm... meeting him, I feel very lucky."

"Mom, Carole seems to need to go to the bathroom! Wow, she's already peed..."

"What?! Sorry, I have to go..."

Lewis was shocked and left hurriedly with the man, pushing the stroller away.

Luo Lin couldn't help but laugh out loud.

"Haha, I... hahaha, this scene, I've recorded it! When Carole grows up, I'll definitely show her this photo!"

Senti stood with her hands on her hips, smiling involuntarily at Luo Lin's laughter, "By the way, we haven't even asked where the birthday party will be held, have we?"

"It's okay, I'll ask Amber to check Ms. Lewis's address later, and I'll visit them then to ask about the birthday party... haha, it's still so funny... I wonder what the parallel world's Carole would think seeing this, hahaha..."

"You really have a mischievous streak..."

Chapter 10: Lacking Necessary Conditions

After resting for two days, Luo Lin was summoned back to the laboratory by Otto.

To her shock, Otto took out a stack of reports just as thick as the ones Mobius and Vill-V had given, slamming them down in front of her with a loud "thud."

"First, the conclusion. The special frequency of imaginary number fluctuations on your body all point to a specific location in the imaginary space."

Otto began counting on his fingers: "Second, there's a certain correlation between your stigmata and the imaginary number fluctuations, but the fluctuations related to the stigmata have been undergoing subtle changes."

The blond man paused and spread his hands: "From my research intuition, I guess there's a certain pattern to these changes. However, due to the current lack of observational equipment, I can't collect enough data to deduce either the first or the second conclusion..."

Luo Lin understood Otto's underlying message: "So, you've verified that what the Void Archives said is true, and now you must recover the Divine Key, 'Cosmic Juggernaut'?"

"Yes, yes... my research progress is stuck. I can only continue after obtaining the 'Cosmic Juggernaut'..."

Luo Lin stared at Otto and said with certainty, "The Overseer should have already pinpointed the location of the Divine Key, right?"

"Not exactly pinpointed... You seem to have an odd, inexplicable confidence in me. You're not the kind of Valkyrie who blindly worships the authority of the Overseer..."

Luo Lin subtly averted her gaze, muttering, "Uh, maybe it's just my stereotype."

It was an ironclad law in this Honkai filled world.

A conspiracy? An ambush? Someone up to no good? It must be Otto!

Of course, after the emergence of the 'Elysian Realm,' she could add that it was either Kalpas or Mobius!

The blond man glanced at her with a strange expression and slowly added, "I confirmed through ancient relics excavated by Schicksal that the 'Cosmic Juggernaut' has a close connection with a certain piece of British mythology... So it must be in Britain. Specific clues still need to be found by sending people to search..."

"Understood."

Luo Lin nodded. She knew this plot from the comic 'London Holiday'! Next, Otto would likely send Rita, who was from Britain, back to her hometown for an investigation...

"So, Luo Lin, the task of searching for clues in Britain is assigned to you."

Say what?

Luo Lin: "Huh?"

The blond man raised an eyebrow: "Why are you so surprised? Miss Luo Lin, weren't you a Valkyrie in the Logistics Intelligence Department before? This can be considered a return to your original role... The difficulty of the task shouldn't be high. With your abilities, it should be more than manageable."

Otto's explanation made Luo Lin smile wryly.

More than manageable? Not to mention the cat-type Honkai Beast named "Stan" raised by Jackal, which could fight evenly with Rita in her 'Azure Knight: Moonlight' battlesuit, and the Raven with her 'Seven Thunders' sniper rifle lurking in the shadows to ambush...

Wait, Raven is still imprisoned in the 'Elysian Realm' and can't come out, so that's not an issue.

The only challenge left is the Kevin Doll RLF containing "one percent of Kevin's power." Although it poses no significant threat to Durandal, it's still a considerable challenge for Luo Lin.

As Luo Lin pondered the enemies she might encounter on this mission, Otto's voice rang out again: "Moreover, you can delay the task indefinitely. As long as the 'Cosmic Juggernaut' remains unfound, I can't confirm the accuracy of the data, and your safety will be ensured, right?"

"Overseer, please don't mock me. I can't do such things."

Luo Lin quickly waved her hands, expressing her attitude: "Isn't it just searching for the Divine Key's clues? I'll set off immediately and treat it as a vacation in Britain!"

"Your attitude is quite commendable..."

Otto squinted at Luo Lin, then turned and left: "I'll continue processing the collected data... and the accumulated affairs of Schicksal... I hope you succeed soon. By the way, don't worry about expenses. Spend as much as you need, as long as there are results, I don't care about the process."

What a wealthy person! You love to throw money around? Fine, I also enjoy being showered with money!

Though I'd prefer if it were crystals.

Luo Lin now greatly desired to have more crystals in her pocket, at least to feel more confident in any situation.

So, the girl replied, "Thank you, Overseer Otto."

The blond man waved his hand and left.

Amber silently emerged from the shadows, startling Luo Lin.

Such strong aura concealing ability! She must always be lurking around Otto, ready to respond as soon as the Archbishop speaks!

Then, the white-haired, gold-eyed masked secretary pulled a black card from her pocket and placed it in the girl's hand.

Luo Lin excitedly felt the card and asked, "Is this the legendary unlimited black card?"

"This is a bank card issued by a bank fully controlled by Schicksal. It can indeed access vast amounts of funds and, in a sense, can be considered an unlimited black card."

The Archbishop's secretary suddenly exuded an oppressive aura, her gaze seemingly piercing through her mask to touch Luo Lin's soul: "But, Miss Luo Lin, please ensure the funds are used wisely, without too much unnecessary expenditure."

Hearing this, Luo Lin remembered. Amber, in a way, is Schicksal's housekeeper, managing many project funds.

She has a strong sense of responsibility for Schicksal's budget, even cutting the budget for Otto's beloved 'Kallen Fantasy' without hesitation...

And just now, Otto promised an unlimited budget for the search mission... no wonder she felt the need to warn me.

As for Amber herself, Otto's orders are absolute, but as Schicksal's secretary, she still tried to have a word with Luo Lin, at least to ensure the money is well spent.

After interacting with Luo Lin these days, Amber felt the girl had a good temper, unlike the stubborn Archbishop. Talking to her wouldn't be an issue.

Luo Lin nodded: "Got it, I understand... I won't waste money."

Amber took out a tablet and operated it for a while.

"The task authorization key has been sent to your terminal. You can command local intelligence department agents to assist you. Additionally, all levels of safe houses in the UK are open to you..."

Finally, the secretary bowed slightly: "Miss Luo Lin, I wish you great success."

Chapter 11: A Dramatic Prison Break

"Vill-V! Vill-V!"

The magician looked up to find Luo Lin calling her name, running toward her from a distance. Behind her were the Herrscher of Sentience and Raven, who appeared half-asleep, vigorously rubbing her eyes.

Raven’s vigilance had greatly decreased since she became close to Luo Lin. This time, Luo Lin had even personally gone into the tent to wake Miss Natasha for the trip to the Hall of Elysium.

Seeing the mercenary in this state, Mobius sternly criticized the World Serpent officer: "Raven, pull yourself together! Don’t disgrace us!"

"Yes!"

The mercenary immediately stood at attention, saluting the green-haired doctor, then vigorously rubbed her face until it felt hot and she was fully awake.

Mobius nodded in satisfaction and turned her attention back to Luo Lin.

Under the watchful eyes of the two scientists, the girl shouted, "I just received a mission from Schicksal's Bishop, Otto Apocalypse, to go to England and recover the Second Divine Key. Chief Engineer Vill-V, please tell me the backdoor you installed in the [Cosmic Juggernaut]!"

"?"

Raven nearly stumbled and fell to the ground.

Steadying herself, the mercenary asked in a trembling voice, "Did you... did you forget something?"

Luo Lin scratched her head, "Huh? Forget what?"

Raven felt genuinely sorry for Luo Lin's brain. She pointed to her own face and shouted back, "I’m a World Serpent Agent! And you just told me about a mission given to you by Schicksal! Aren’t you afraid I’ll interfere?!"

"Do you think the World Serpent wouldn’t do anything if I didn’t say anything?"

Luo Lin patted Raven’s shoulder and arrogantly waved her finger, "Besides, Raven, you can only stay in the Elysian Realm now; you can’t do anything to me!"

"You...!"

Raven’s fists tightened.

But Luo Lin was right; there was nothing Raven could do to leave this place—at least not until the method of entering the [Elysian Realm] was fully understood. Raven would have to "serve her sentence" alongside this mystery.

Considering the subtle attitudes of Mobius and Vill-V, two prominent figures, the mercenary felt she could settle down in the [Elysian Realm] for her retirement.

On the other side, Mobius chuckled at Luo Lin's outburst, then turned her gaze to the magician.

As the subject of the discussion, Vill-V's expression became quite dramatic, a mix of confusion, shock, amusement, and some other peculiar emotions.

She was silent for a while before squeezing out a few words through clenched teeth, "The backdoor I installed in [Cosmic Juggernaut] can only be used by me, so you can forget about it..."

Luo Lin was disappointed, "Why is it like this?"

"What do you mean 'like this'?! Do you know how troublesome it is to add a backdoor?!"

Vill-V was enraged. She pressed down on her hat and began to rant, "At first, I could blatantly mark my backdoor on the blueprints, but Dr. Mei learned enough engineering in just a few months to spot these issues!"

That's quite terrifying, Luo Lin thought. But considering that it was Dr. Mei, one of the greatest scientists of the previous civilization, it didn't seem so outlandish.

Vill-V continued her rant, "I quickly modified my blueprints to make the backdoors more hidden, and she continued her engineering studies while working on her research projects—we spiraled upwards in technical skill until she finally kicked me out of the Divine Key project altogether! She couldn’t outplay me, so she resorted to underhanded tactics, huh?!"

"Calm down, take it easy..."

Luo Lin quickly patted Vill-V's back, "So, does that mean all the Divine Keys you worked on have backdoors you successfully installed?"

"Of course! Otherwise, why would I be called Vill-V? I’m the greatest magician!"

The magician lifted her nose proudly.

Luo Lin looked unimpressed, "But the backdoors you left can’t be used by me."

Vill-V, gritting her teeth, crossed her arms and tapped her fingers on her arm. After a long pause, she finally said, "If you could give me a body and stigmata like Elysia's, it wouldn’t be a problem at all! Can you manage that? Give me a straight answer!"

The girl spread her hands, "I can, but not now... because I don’t have the special currency needed to buy a body and stigmata for you."

Mobius, hearing this, immediately leaned close to Luo Lin, "My dear little guinea pig, what about me? Can I...?"

"You too, but like I said, no money!"

Luo Lin’s pockets were cleaner than her face, even moths couldn’t fly out of them.

Vill-V asked, "How do you get this currency?"

"By completing trials in the [Elysian Realm], battling in the Abyss, and fighting in the Memory Battlefield— wait, Elysia should have mentioned this right?"

Both the two-toned-haired Vill-V and green-haired snake-like Mobius shook their heads in unison.

Luo Lin was momentarily speechless, "Uh... maybe she thought it wasn’t important..."

"Tch."

The snake immediately lost interest and returned to her seat.

Vill-V, biting her finger, pondered for a long time before speaking, "How about this, I’ve made some progress in my recent research—since Elysia received the body and stigmata you provided, she’s been bouncing around the [Elysian Realm] like a monkey and even running into your space..."

Mobius nodded in agreement as if venting, "Pink monkey, indeed."

Vill-V pretended not to hear this and continued, "I’ve captured some data. Perhaps we could use Elysia to connect the [Elysian Realm] with your space—establish a communication link and have Elysia provide us with a live broadcast."

Mobius seemed to understand the logic, "Wouldn’t this require some energy or thought processes?"

Vill-V sneered, "I don’t care about that. Have Hua use [Fenghuang Down]—no, have the Herrscher of Sentience directly boost Elysia. The communication link will be established!"

"That’s amazing!"

Luo Lin clapped her hands in admiration, then said, "But I still can’t use the backdoors you left."

"Shut up! Stop harping on that!" Vill-V was getting exasperated, "I’m trying to think of a solution here!"

The green-haired doctor seemed to enjoy the fun and added with her usual venom, "It can’t be true, can it? The maker of the Divine Keys unable to control her own backdoors?"

"You shut up too!"

Vill-V glared at Luo Lin, "Then let me remotely guide you to modify the Divine Keys directly! This way, we’ll definitely find the backdoor. How about it?!"

Luo Lin calmly asked, "Is this method reliable?"

"Hey! Look at my temper!"

Vill-V declared firmly, "Absolutely reliable, no tricks!"

"Great, that’s all I needed to hear! See you then!"

Luo Lin, as if afraid Vill-V would change her mind, hurriedly dragged the observing Herrscher of Sentience away.

"..."

Vill-V and Mobius stared at each other, speechless.

Raven cautiously spoke up, "Uh..."

"You shut up too... wait a minute."

Vill-V rubbed her chin, scrutinizing Raven until the mercenary felt a chill down her spine.

"Mobius, I remember the World Serpent is connected to you, right? How about you find a way to have Miss Raven run this errand for us, as a backup?"

"Ha, the Chief Engineer of MOTHs scared before the battle..."

"Keep laughing, and I’ll withhold the equipment from you."

"…Grey Serpent, I’ll go find Grey Serpent..."

A few hours later, Raven, carrying a large bag stuffed with equipment and spare parts, stood under the bright sun, lost in thought.

"Am I free?"

Chapter 12: Stories of King Arthur and the Lady of the Lake

The weather in England has always been unpredictable. Locals always carry an umbrella when going out, just in case. Today, Luo Lin encountered just such a sudden change in weather.

She had arrived in London, England, the day before and coordinated with the local Schicksal office. Luo Lin then asked the staff to help arrange a meeting with the director of the British Museum, stating that she would visit today to investigate a particular item in the museum on behalf of Schicksal.

The girl held an umbrella, gazing at the massive stone-built building. Its outline became blurred in the fine rain, draped in a mysterious aura.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, miss."

Through the rain, a woman dressed in a long blue dress and a slender cloak approached, greeting Luo Lin.

"I am Catherine, the current director of the British Museum. Are you the Valkyrie from Schicksal?"

Her voice was very clear, and her face carried a polite smile, seemingly genuinely pleased to meet the Valkyrie from Schicksal.

Luo Lin returned the smile, "Hello, just call me Luo Lin. I made the appointment yesterday. I checked the weather forecast, and it said today would be sunny, but it suddenly started raining. It was quite unexpected."

"It's no problem. That's just how the weather is in England; I'm used to it."

Catherine adjusted her glasses, behind which her dark golden eyes harbored hidden depths.

"Well then, Miss Luo Lin, please follow me."

Catherine made a welcoming gesture, and Luo Lin nodded, walking alongside her into the museum.

"Ew... this person looks friendly, but I can sense she is not sincere. She harbors ill intentions."

Senti's voice echoed in Luo Lin's mind, making her chuckle softly.

"Of course, this Director Catherine is from the World Serpent."

Senti was surprised, "Her? From the same organization as Raven? They’re nothing alike. She looks weak and unarmed. I bet she couldn't run a few hundred meters without collapsing like a dead fish."

"Don't hold the World Serpent's regular staff to Raven's standards. She's an Agent, you know?" Luo Lin resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "Besides, it’s clear Catherine is just an intelligence officer. It doesn’t matter if she can’t fight."

"Alright then..."

Senti fell silent, and the sound of chewing popcorn came from her side.

"Let me have some too!"

This was Elysia's voice. She was also staying in Luo Lin's system space. Moreover, the pink elf was currently testing Vill-V's new "live broadcast" system—a small, steel flower decoration pinned to Elysia's chest.

The chief engineer of Elysian Realm had hastily created this signal transmitter, which was now operating stably.

Vill-V's voice came from the flower, "Elysia, stop eating and keep an eye on Luo Lin's situation. The signal is cutting in and out on my end!"

"Alright, alright... Ugh, this connection method occupying my thought processors feels so weird," Elysia looked a bit lazy, "It’s making my mind slow... My brain is getting worn out..."

Vill-V snorted, "You rarely use your brain anyway. A little less thinking won't hurt... I'll tweak it to see if I can boost the signal strength..."

"Go ahead. I don't understand any of this anyway."

Elysia spoke with a bit of a resigned tone, then refocused on the huge display screen in the system space, showing Luo Lin's first-person perspective.

"The British Museum houses historical and cultural treasures from around the world, and the artifact you applied to investigate belongs to Britain's own history..."

Catherine led Luo Lin deeper into the museum. From a distance, Luo Lin spotted their target: a stone slab with a colorful mural, placed in a glass display case. Under soft lighting, the details of the mural were clearly visible.

"This is a Celtic manuscript preserved since the 6th century BC, recording an ancient history."

The woman pointed to the mural and began to narrate the story depicted.

"A boy named Arthur pulled the sword from the stone with the help of the great wizard Merlin, becoming the king of Britain. After his coronation, King Arthur established the powerful Knights of the Round Table, swearing to protect Britain together."

"Under the king and his knights' efforts, Britain repelled countless invaders, achieving unity and strength. King Arthur's deeds have been sung for generations, becoming a well-known story in England. So..."

Catherine curiously asked, "Miss Luo Lin, is there something special hidden in this mural?"

Luo Lin pondered for a few seconds before replying, "There’s nothing special in the mural itself, but the story it describes contains very important clues... I've heard, Miss Catherine, that you have considerable knowledge in this area. Do you believe the story of King Arthur is based on real events?"

"Me? My opinion..." Catherine hesitated before answering, "I don't think it happened exactly as told, but the legend of King Arthur must have some basis in reality..."

"Yes, it has a basis in reality."

Of course, not the tragic family saga caused by the binding mission of the neighboring Typemoon's Tiger king, but a story triggered by the clash of ideas between Kevin and Su, pioneers of the previous era:

At that time, Kevin used Britain as a testing ground, dispersing Honkai energy agents [CYP-630] everywhere, trial-running the [Project Stigma], looking for awakeners who could manifest stigmata under Honkai energy erosion.

However, Su strongly protested against this, luring Kevin near [Cosmic Juggernaut], intending to stop him. Kevin, knowing Su's intentions, agreed to meet, stating, "I'll give you a chance to stop me," leading to a fierce battle.

Unfortunately, Su's combat power was no match for Kevin. Forced to use [Cosmic Juggernaut], he tried to drag Kevin into the depths of the Sea of Quanta, planning to seal both of them there.

Unexpectedly, Kevin threw Su out, instructing him to continue the [Hengsha Plan], observing parallel worlds to find a way to defeat the Honkai.

Kevin always understood that the [Project Stigma] was the worst plan. He didn't want to resort to it—it was the last and worst fallback. Whether humanity could still be considered humanity afterward was a philosophical question...

So, after Su expressed his view that "the fate of this era should be decided by the people of this era," Kevin chose to believe in his friend, giving him time to execute the plan, while he waited in the depths of the Sea of Quanta for the tolling of fate's bell.

After emerging from the Sea of Quanta, Su found a boy named "Arthur" in Burton Village on the British Isles, who had awakened stigmata due to Kevin's earlier dispersal of Honkai energy agents. Su taught him how to use his power to protect Britain.

The story of King Arthur thus spread, gradually evolving into the version Catherine recounted today.

Interestingly, whether "the Lady of the Lake" or "Merlin," they were characters based on Su, with some elements of Kevin added during creation and narration...

After all, Judgement of Shamash leaves a strong impression.

Moreover, with Su's looks, being mistaken for the Lady of the Lake wasn't surprising.

Luo Lin collected her thoughts and said, "Because I believe the legend of King Arthur has a basis in reality, I came here to find clues about the holy sword and Avalon from the story."

Catherine thoughtfully nodded, "You mean the holy sword that can sever space, and the legendary Avalon, which is not in this world but beyond time and space?"

"Exactly."

Luo Lin nodded again. The so-called holy sword that severs space might be a combination of [Cosmic Juggernaut] and [Judgement of Shamash Judgment] being mixed in mythological stories.

As for Avalon... perhaps it refers to the Bubble World [Seed of Sumeru] created by Su using [Cosmic Juggernaut], or a parallel world that defeated the Honkai.

Such a world could indeed be called a "paradise far from the world."

Chapter 13: Stan, Stan It... (Grabs Collar)

Catherine nodded after hearing Luo Lin’s words.

“I see. Please wait a moment. I'll bring the research materials. Miss Luo Lin, you can start studying this stone slab in the meantime…”

Catherine handed Luo Lin the key to the glass display case and then turned to leave.

Luo Lin weighed the key in her hand and revealed a subtle smile.

“So she left… but that’s good. It saves me the trouble of having to protect her during the fight later.”

Elysia, naturally overhearing Luo Lin’s self-talk, asked curiously, “A fight?”

“Yes, a battle with a cat-type Honkai Beast that possesses its own intelligence…”

Luo Lin cast her gaze towards a dark corner of the hall, where a sleek Siamese cat with bright pink eyes was watching her.

It licked its paw and continued to lie comfortably in the shadows, perhaps planning to launch a surprise attack when Luo Lin was fully absorbed in studying the stone slab.

Oh, this must be Stan, the Honkai cat modified by Jackal. According to the original plot, it was subdued by Durandal’s strength and forcibly became a pet, enjoying a pampered life at Schicksal headquarters. Later, there was even an event detailing Stan’s stay in a village next to the headquarters, leading to a series of interesting stories.

In the [Elysian Realm], Vill-V paused her work, glanced at the cat (?), and shook her head. “There are signs of artificial modification…”

Standing next to the engineer, Mobius found the cat familiar. She raised an eyebrow, “It feels like it has some fusion warrior surgery elements… Elysia, ask Luo Lin to catch this cat for me!”

“How am I supposed to catch it for you?”

Hearing Mobius’s request, Luo Lin was exasperated, “I can’t stuff this cat into the system space, then transfer it to you in the Elysian Realm!”

“Then how did the Herrscher of Knowledge and Book of Fuxi get over there?”

“Those two are different: one is a Herrscher related to Consciousness, and the other is an ELF that I can directly throw into the storage.”

Mobius clicked her tongue in dissatisfaction, “Useless system space…”

System: 【…To be precise, Senti, Fu Hua, Book of Fuxi, and Elysia all exploited a bug to get through. Since the bug was beneficial to the host, I didn’t fix it…】

So, the bug became a feature!

The system, somewhat resigned, added: 【It’s all thanks to the host constantly exploring bug techniques. With the current level, you could be a natural test engineer…】

Am I that amazing?

Luo Lin felt a peculiar joy but quickly sobered up when thinking about Mobius’s request.

“By the way, this cat was made by Jackal, an Agent of [World Serpent]. Mobius, you could just ask Grey Serpent to notify Jackal to bring the cat to [Elysian Realm] for you to see.”

Mobius scratched her head, “What? It was made by a [World Serpent] Agent? And Jackal, no less…”

“You didn’t know that?” Luo Lin was surprised, “Don’t tell me you haven’t been keeping up with [World Serpent] affairs?”

“Ahem… I have been keeping up with recent intelligence…”

Mobius coughed a few times to cover her embarrassment and then said righteously,

“As for asking Jackal to bring the cat here, I don’t think it’s appropriate. If I notify Jackal in advance, how can I assess her real capabilities?”

“Surprise inspection… don’t tell me you do the same to Klein, Fuxi, and Nuwa?”

Mobius’s gaze shifted, “How, how could that be…”

“Alright, you don’t need to say it, I understand.”

Luo Lin sighed, feeling sorry for Mobius’s assistants…

Wait a minute, doesn’t that make me Mobius’s assistant in reality? And also a guinea pig…

“Mobius, you might as well pay me another salary. I’m bringing my own food and running around under your command; it feels like I’m at a loss.”

Hearing someone asking for a budget, Mobius reacted strongly—it’s always her squeezing funds from others, and now someone dared to ask her for money?

So, Mobius immediately and awkwardly changed the subject: “Anyway, the Elysian Realm is still under lockdown. Even if I notify Jackal, she can’t enter… Luo Lin, think of a way!”

“So my salary… never mind, let’s focus on subduing this cat…”

Luo Lin sighed again, turned her back on the modified Siamese cat, and used the key to open the glass case, pretending to study the stone slab.

The deliberate flaw Luo Lin revealed quickly caught Stan’s attention. It stared at the Valkyrie’s back, patiently waiting for her to be fully engrossed in the stone slab.

As time passed, it deemed the moment right.

The Siamese cat dashed out of the shadows, its body expanding during the run, transforming into a tank-sized cat monster in the blink of an eye, lunging straight at Luo Lin!

“Whoosh!”

Luo Lin easily dodged, but the stone slab wasn’t so lucky. It was smashed into pieces by Stan’s paw.

Luo Lin grasped the long sword mimicked by [Key of Revelation], eyeing the cat-type Honkai Beast crouching and ready to attack not far away.

Its body bore the classic white shell and pink patterns of a Honkai Beast, with a ring-shaped technological device emitting a strange aura around its neck.

Mobius remarked in surprise, “Hmm? Looks like Jackal developed some new technology. This is nice—Luo Lin, I want this!”

Where do you get this 'I want everything' attitude from? Seeing something and wanting to research it…

“Purr, purr~”

Stan looked disdainfully at the short golden sword in the Valkyrie’s hand, making a derisive sound.

Luo Lin shrugged, “I admit I can’t guarantee subduing and capturing this big cat—but I’m sure I can kill it."

“Meow!?”

Stan could understand human speech, and it was enraged—how dare this weak two-legged creature claim to kill me?

Luo Lin smiled, entering “White-Heat mode.” Her aura surged, Edge of Taixuan circulated through her body, and intense white sharpness flickered on the short sword, aimed at Stan.

The cat felt a real threat but considered that the human had no Valkyrie Battlesuit, thinking it could be a quick fight.

Luo Lin, seeing Stan still full of fighting spirit, snapped her fingers.

“Ta-da! Elysia, make your dazzling entrance~ 🎵”

“You think you can mess with my people? Try my fists!”

Stan found itself surrounded by two people, one with pink hair and one with grey hair, who had appeared out of nowhere and were menacingly watching it.

Moreover, the aura exuding from them was even more terrifying than Luo Lin's. Either of them could pose a lethal threat to Stan, causing its cat pupils to contract involuntarily as its fur bristled.

“Meow—”

Senti chuckled, “This guy still thinks he can threaten us?”

Elysia also sensed it and shook her head with some regret, “Luo Lin, what’s your plan?”

Luo Lin grinned, “Well, this is the stubbornness of not seeing the coffin without shedding tears. Let's arrange an Abyssal Combo for it, then it'll understand the value of human kindness.”

“Good! Taixuu Grip!”

“This gesture, accept it with gratitude, okay?”

“Meow ah!!!”

Today, the British Museum remains as tranquil as ever (gazing into the distance).

Chapter 14: Jackal: Driven to Fury

After a savage and inhumane beating, Stan peacefully closed its eyes, the circular technological device on its neck shattered. The cat, along with the device fragments and various artifacts, lay quietly on the floor of the British Museum.

The cat was covered in wounds from head to toe, along with marks from various elemental attacks (courtesy of Luo Lin's abnormal status grenades), making it seem like it was on the brink of death.

Perhaps to save its life, Stan reverted from its giantized Honkai cat form to its tiny, normal Siamese cat form.

However, its injuries remained, making its condition even more pitiful.

Of course, thanks to the constant reminders from the flower-shaped communicator on Elysia's chest, courtesy of Mobius's incessant calls, the trio was always careful not to harm the specimen.

Luo Lin squatted beside Stan and poked its nose with her golden short sword, "Stop pretending to sleep... Have you surrendered?"

The Honkai cat replied weakly, "Meow, meow..."

Shibao translated with care, "It acknowledges you and Elysia but refuses to submit to someone who summoned and ganged up on it like you did, Luo Lin."

"I see..." Luo Lin chuckled, casting a gentle gaze at the Honkai cat. "Well then, after you've healed, how about a one-on-one fight with me?"

"Meow? (Are you serious?)"

"Just a fair fight, nothing more. I won't gang up on you."

After their encounter, Luo Lin knew she could now defeat the Honkai cat on her own using Dark Feathers. Today, her role was primarily supportive (though it was also her job), and she hadn't even unleashed her various powerful attacks with Edge of Taixuan on Stan's head yet.

Besides, just because she didn't gang up didn't mean she couldn't switch roles, right? The Vermilion Knight's greatsword was itching to be wielded, and she planned to land a couple of heavy blows on the cat's head to see whether it was the sword or the cat's head that was tougher.

Unfortunately, despite Stan's intelligence, it was very naive. It excitedly agreed to Luo Lin's proposal, obediently curling up in Elysia's arms.

"Poor kitty..." The pink elf lady stroked Stan's body, took the bandages from Luo Lin, and wrapped Stan up like a dumpling, finishing with a cute bow.

Mobius sighed, "It's a shame. Its neck ring is completely shattered..."

Luo Lin shook her head, "I'll tidy things up later and bring them back. You and Vill-V can study them..."

Vill-V stared at the intermittent images and suddenly exclaimed, "Elysia, look at your feet. That should be the fragment of the stone slab Luo Lin investigated earlier..."

The pink elf lady also noticed the anomaly, bending down to pick up the fragments and raising her eyebrows in surprise. "There's soulium hidden inside?"

Mobius & Vill-V: "Let me see!"

Luo Lin waved her hand, "Not now. This is the 'bait' left by the World Serpent concerning the Second Divine Key. I'll bring it to your lab along with the remnants of the cat's collar..."

Finally, Catherine, the curator who left for some reason, arrived late. She surveyed the ruins around her with an appropriately shocked expression.

"Miss Luo Lin, could you please explain what happened here? And who are these two..."

"To put it simply, I encountered an attack by a Honkai beast and was forced to fight in the museum. These two are my companions."

Catherine looked gravely at Elysia and the Lawful Identifier, probably feeling that there had been a mistake in the intelligence.

Luo Lin pulled out the black card Amber gave her earlier and shook it at the curator, "Don't worry, the museum's losses will be covered by the Schicksal."

Catherine opened her mouth, "But... Artifacts can't be simply compensated with money..."

Luo Lin scratched her head in some confusion and muttered, "Ah, I thought you would handle it like Rita did in the original plot, not ask this question. Maybe I don't seem oppressive enough, or the A-rank on the card isn't prominent enough...?"

Catherine didn't catch what the girl murmured, but under the black gaze of Luo Lin, a cloud of gloom suddenly rose in her heart.

"I don't want to go back and be harshly criticized by Amber. It seems I have to find a bigger problem to divert her attention..."

Luo Lin smiled and placed her hand on Catherine's shoulder, "Madam Curator, let's forget about the issue with the artifacts for now. Instead, let me ask why I encountered a Honkai beast in such a private visitation."

"A Honkai beast? What are you talking about?"

"Well, no need to play dumb. I know you're associated....with a clandestine organization. Here's a keyword for you, the World Serpent."

Catherine's expression visibly panicked, "How did you...?"

"Alright, you just need to tell me everything you know."

Luo Lin performed a magic trick, pulling a pistol from the curator's body and then lightly patting Catherine's shoulder, causing several small, delicate mechanical devices to fall from her sleeves, collar, and other concealed compartments, clattering to the ground.

Among them was a peculiar-looking controller, adorned with crystals and resembling the circular technological device previously on Stan's neck.uo Lin surmised it was what Jackal gave Catherine to control Stan.

Catherine's complexion worsened, her lips trembling.

"Don't worry, the Schicksal's Intelligence Division isn't as terrifying as you think... Well, at least not in this matter." Luo Lin chuckled, "After all, I don't really want to spend every day organizing notes on various legendary stories; it's better to let someone else handle it..."

Late at night, in Arc City, in the office of Heliopolis Life Sciences.

Several Grey Serpents stood before a desk, reporting to Jackal.

"...Catherine has been exposed and captured by the Schicksal, thrown into prison."

Jackal, seated behind the large desk, took a deep breath and asked with difficulty, "What about Stan? As long as Stan launches an attack, everything will be fine..."

Another Grey Serpent touched his collar, "That intelligent experimental body you named Stan... it did indeed launch an attack, but it couldn't defeat the opponents. It seems to have been captured."

"..."

Jackal took off her mask with trembling hands, murmuring softly, "Now, leave just one Grey Serpent. The others should leave first... after all, you all have a mysterious connection..."

The Grey Serpents exchanged glances, bowed slightly to Jackal, and then left the room.

Once the door closed, Jackal could no longer contain her anger, shouting loudly, "What's going on? Just a mere A-rank Valkyrie, and one after another, they're all failing? Is it really this bad?"

The Grey Serpent also had something to say, "Doctor, that A-rank... actually..."

"She's a hindrance!" Jackal's rage reached its peak, "Just kill her!"

The Grey Serpent replied calmly, "Doctor Jackal, your previous plans in London have all failed. Now, we should consider what to do next."

"I heard Raven has finally come out of the Elysian Realm and also went to London... give her a task..."

"I'm sorry, but Raven has her own task, and it's of the highest priority."

"Then, what about Hare..."

"You know Hare's situation. She can't appear in London. If she acts forcibly, the consequences will be dire."

Jackal slumped in her chair, feeling defeated.

"In that case, I have no choice but to watch as the Schicksal excavates the Second Divine Key."

"That's all we can do... However, it might not be a bad thing."

The Grey Serpent shrugged, a glint passing through its red mechanical eye.

"Some people may help us in ways we couldn't have imagined."

Chapter 15: Are You Addicted to Summoning Reinforcements?

Luo Lin stared at her terminal, locking eyes with Amber on the screen.

The secretary of the Archbishop, with a cold expression, pulled up a long document. The document was filled with dense numbers, and at the end of the table, a staggering amount appeared.

"Is this what you meant by not spending money recklessly?" Amber asked.

"Well... I was ambushed, you know... Couldn't help but damage the surrounding bottles, jars, flowers, and plants..." Luo Lin's eyes darted around. "Besides, didn't I capture the culprits? And by chance, we also found some soulium..."

"Alright, it's not a complete loss for the Schicksal to cover these expenses... I never expected you'd encounter an assassination attempt by the World Serpent..." Amber sighed, "Lord Otto received the soulium you sent back this morning and is currently deciphering it..."

"Luo Lin, the deciphering results are in. The soulium indeed contains some information about the 'Key of Infinity'—but most of it is nonsense."

As soon as Amber mentioned Otto, the blond man appeared on the communication channel, holding a tablet. He tapped on the tablet and said, "Something about the 'Key of Infinity' being a Divine Key created by the core of the Herrscher of the Void, used to explore the Sea of Quanta to find ways to combat the Honkai. But the specific information is lost... In short, it's no more than what we already know."

Mobius and Vill-V had thought the same last night, even saying that looking at it any longer would be a waste of feelings.

Otto set the tablet aside and looked at Luo Lin. "Theoretically, I should be pleased with the progress you've made since arriving in London. But, considering you've captured a member of the World Serpent, I must suspect that our current investigation direction has been misled by the enemy..."

Luo Lin expressed her admiration for Otto's caution. "So, the next direction of our investigation is...?"

"Previously, your visit there should have been a covert investigation, but now that the British Museum has been bombed, it clearly can't remain a secret. So, we might as well act openly."

Otto smiled, "The Schicksal is never short of manpower—I will send two more Valkyrie squads to assist you in your investigation. Leave no clue unchecked."

"Understood."

---

At the Schicksal's West Asia branch, in the airport, the Valkyries of the Phosphorus Sand Squad were waiting for the transport plane to land.

One Valkyrie, with long red hair and an eyepatch like a pirate, complained, "Seriously... we're a combat squad, so why are we assigned an investigation mission? And it's a cross-regional transfer, straight to the UK?"

"Captain Matilda, it's probably because of me..."

Our old friend, B-rank Valkyrie Susannah, who had not yet joined the Immortal Blades, appeared, scratching her cheek and murmuring awkwardly.

"Huh? Because of you?"

Phosphorus Sand Squad's captain, A-rank Valkyrie Matilda, with red hair and one eye, was surprised. "Are you particularly good at investigations? You're not from the Intelligence Division..."

"Matilda, Susannah's family is actually in the jewelry business, and she's very skilled in exploration. She received extensive training even before becoming a Valkyrie..."

The one speaking was an A-rank Valkyrie with short green hair and pale yellow eyes, full of helplessness. "That's why headquarters assigned us an exploration mission... As a captain, how come you don't know about your own team members?"

This was Phosphorus Sand Squad's vice-captain, A-rank Valkyrie Zofia.

"Ah, I'm not good with those brainy tasks... It's better to leave it to our dear vice-captain Zofia, right?"

Matilda patted Zofia on the shoulder, then realized something from Zofia's previous words, suddenly exclaiming, "Wait a minute... jewelry business?! Then why did you become a Valkyrie, Susannah?"

"Well..."

Susannah was silent for a few seconds, then said firmly, "Actually, my dream is to become a Valkyrie!"

"Cool! For the dream!" Matilda clapped her hands enthusiastically, then asked, "So when are you going to correct some of your sloppy habits? Only then can you become a better Valkyrie!"

"Ahaha... I'm working on it... working on it..."

Finally, Susannah dashed onto the transport plane as if escaping, burying herself in a seat without moving.

The transport plane flew quickly, but when Phosphorus Sand Squad arrived in London, they found they were not the first team to arrive.

"Yo!"

The captain of the Black Gold Exploration Squad, Whitley, waved at Matilda. "Phosphorus Sand Squad, welcome! What an honor!"

"Whitley? What are you doing here? Hey, don't use that tone with me, we’re close, aren’t we?"

The two laughed, shook hands, and hugged briefly. Clearly, the captains were on good terms.

Matilda and Whitley looked at each other for a while, then confusion appeared on their faces. "With a professional exploration team like Black Gold Squad here, why would they need a semi-professional team like Phosphorus Sand?"

"Who knows? The big shots up top have their reasons..."

Whitley enthusiastically patted Matilda on the shoulder. "Alright, since we're here, let's report to the commander of this mission and then find something good to eat. My treat..."

"Are you kidding? What's good to eat in Britain?"

Matilda lowered her voice, "By the way, any inside scoop on the mission commander? All I know is she got promoted to A-rank this year..."

Whitley replied seriously, "Don't judge a book by its cover. Miss Luo Lin once demonstrated her ability to single-handedly fight against pseudo-Herrscher level monsters in front of me..."

"Huh? Are there pseudo-Herrscher level enemies these days...? Oh, the Chiyou incident near Shenzhou?"

"Yeah, she was the one leading us to find the relic clues back then, and it was a successful pinpoint on the first try—she's from the Intelligence Division, top-notch in exploration."

Whitley added, winking, "But no one expected a big guy was sealed there... If it weren't for Miss Luo Lin's amazing combat skills, we probably wouldn't have made it out alive."

"Incredible."

Matilda was in awe. There were many Valkyries in the Schicksal who could fight, but it was rare to find one who could fight and was also highly skilled in their field.

"We must visit this strong person and build a good relationship... Uh... Susannah, stop dozing off. You'll have time to sleep after we report in!"

The blond Valkyrie jolted awake, "Yes, yes!"

### Chapter 16: No Old Friends, Becoming Old Friends

"Miss Luo Lin, hello, I'm Matilda, the captain of the Phosphorus Sand Squad."

"Hello, ah, and Captain Whitley, an old friend!"

Luo Lin warmly shook hands with the two captains and then invited the two Valkyrie squads to the conference room at the Schicksal's London office. The Valkyries filed in, filling the room to capacity.

Luo Lin got straight to the point, informing them that Archbishop Otto was searching for the Second Divine Key and that she had recently been attacked by Honkai Beasts, even capturing an enemy...

"The situation is quite severe now. Our intentions have been exposed, and an unknown group of enemies is obstructing our actions. Their combat strength and numbers are unknown..."

Luo Lin leaned on the conference room table, emphasizing, "So I need you all to stay vigilant, no one is to act alone, and you must report to headquarters regularly..."

Her words made all the Valkyries' faces grow solemn as they finally understood why the Schicksal had allocated so many personnel for this investigation.

Matilda sighed, "Both the mission objective and the enemy are very troublesome."

Whitley, however, had a different idea, "Luo Lin, can we request more personnel? I think our current numbers are insufficient and not safe enough!"

"You want more Valkyries for a carpet search?"

"Yes, concerning the Divine Key... I believe we can't have too little people involved."

"Good idea, but moving too many Valkyries to the UK would also attract unnecessary attention." Luo Lin pointed towards North America, "Don't forget we have another rival, Anti-Entropy. If they get involved, the trouble will be even greater."

"Understood." Whitley scratched his head, "Miss Luo Lin, no further questions."

"Alright, Captain Whitley, here are the documents I found at the British Museum, research materials about the legend of King Arthur... Please look for clues in them."

Luo Lin brought over a stack of documents half as tall as a person. This was thanks to Director Catherine, who, despite being a World Serpent spy, had real expertise in British historical legends. Luo Lin had unceremoniously taken her research—also having her help organize notes in prison to lighten her workload.

Luo Lin was truly ruthless.

Whitley, looking at the materials, remarked, "There's so much... but when we were searching for relics before, it was about the same, looking for clues in old papers—this is our specialty!"

"Next, Captain Matilda." Luo Lin turned to the Phosphorus Sand Squad, "Your team has high combat strength, so you'll be responsible for escorting the Black Gold Squad during exploration. After all, it's doubtful Whitley's team could match your combat prowess..."

A Valkyrie from the Black Gold Squad muttered, "Are we that bad?"

Whitley immediately gave her team member a karate chop, "If you want to get beaten, try it yourself. Don't drag me into it."

Matilda chuckled, "Understood, Commander Luo Lin!"

"By the way, Susannah in your squad is also a professional in exploration, so let her help out as well..."

Luo Lin looked thoughtfully at the not-so-bright B-rank Valkyrie with blonde hair. Why was Susannah in London now...? No, the real question was whether this Susannah was actually her.

In the original plot of "Holiday in the Fog," Otto had disguised a soulium body as Susannah to search for the Divine Key with Rita, ultimately using the soulium's ability to change appearance to fool Director Catherine and Jackal...

She needed to confirm this.

Luo Lin walked over to the blonde Valkyrie and whispered, "Archbishop, my Kallen stigma is acting up, there might be a problem..."

"Huh?" Susannah tilted her head in confusion, "Miss Luo Lin, what are you talking about? What's a Kallen stigma?"

"Never mind, I was just on the phone with the Archbishop."

Luo Lin exhaled in relief. If the person was Otto, there would have been an immediate reaction.

"Oh..."

Susannah nodded cluelessly, then sat quietly, listening to her captain and the other squad's captain discuss task distribution.

Luo Lin crossed her arms, watching the enthusiastic discussion among the Valkyries, deep in thought.

She had altered many parts of the storyline before, and now she wasn't sure if the World Serpent had relocated the Key of Infinity due to the butterfly effect. She still had to follow the standard search procedures.

Otherwise, if she followed the storyline and couldn't find the Divine Key, it would be a complete mess.

"Beep beep, beep beep~"

Luo Lin picked up her phone, seeing an unfamiliar number on the screen. When she answered, an unexpected voice came through—

"Luo Lin, it's Raven. I'm already in London. Find a time to meet up."

"Huh? Aren't you supposed to be..."

"Dr. Mobius sent me to find you, saying there's an experiment or something..." Raven's tone was full of resentment, "Luo Lin, you're my nemesis. I, a World Serpent Agent, have to run errands for a Schicksal Valkyrie..."

"Don't you prefer your mercenary title? Why are you suddenly so loyal to the World Serpent now...?"

"Because of you, I was jailed in the Elysian Realm. Because of you, I had to haul a heavy load of experimental equipment all the way here! Get over here and take your stuff! The location is..."

Raven finished and hung up without hesitation.

Luo Lin stared awkwardly at her phone, "Well... what's done is done, I better go meet Raven..."

She waved to the other Valkyries, "I'm going to meet an informant and handle some other business. Continue according to the plan."

"Understood!"

"Yes!"

Half an hour later, Luo Lin saw a disgruntled Raven outside a milk tea shop.

Raven was sipping her drink aggressively, with a ridiculously oversized bag next to her that looked heavy just from a glance. Next to Raven sat a strange hooded figure in a mask, who greeted Luo Lin when he saw her.

"Hello, Miss Luo Lin."

"Gray Serpent?"

Luo Lin was wary, but the seated Gray Serpent quickly gestured that he was not a threat, "I'm here to assist Miss Luo Lin."

"Huh?"

Luo Lin glanced at Raven, who spread her hands, "He's not my concern. I'm just here to deliver the equipment Dr. Mobius requested."

"And to assist Miss Luo Lin as much as possible," Gray Serpent added.

Raven rolled her eyes, "No need for your input."

Luo Lin became serious, "Gray Serpent, what's your purpose here?"

"To provide Miss Luo Lin with the location of the Key of Infinity," Gray Serpent paused, "No other requirements, just giving it for free."

"What?"

Chapter 17: When Teammates Always Mess Things Up While You're Doing Big Things

"Really, no other requirements?"

"None at all."

Luo Lin stared suspiciously at Gray Serpent. "Aren't you planning to use the 'Key of Infinity Worlds' to retrieve Kevin from the Sea of Quanta?"

Gray Serpent's body twitched as if it had glitched. Then, with a dry laugh, he responded, "Miss, you really are... extraordinarily knowledgeable about everything..."

"No, I only know some of the more important things, not the details."

Luo Lin shook her head. "Actually, I'm more curious about how you can still communicate with Kevin, who's submerged in the sea... Did he say when he wants to come up?"

"Well..."

Gray Serpent was silent for a few seconds before finally saying, "The Lord's opinion is that as long as a Herrscher appears, we can find a way to bring him up. After all, the appearance of a Herrscher is an extremely dangerous signal, indicating that the Honkai's power will suddenly increase... At that time, humanity will need the Lord."

"Then you still say there's no requirement..."

Gray Serpent calmly said, "We have a mature plan, which is already in operation. The Lord will return soon."

"The gate of The Deep?"

"...Your intelligence capabilities are truly frighteningly strong."

Luo Lin sighed and pressed her temples. "Let me think... I suggest you prepare for your plan over there to fail. Anti-Entropy's leader, Welt, is likely to go there—don’t tell me Kevin will do nothing when he sees a Herrscher jumping into the Sea of Quanta. They will definitely fight."

"Ah, well... As far as I know, the Herrscher of Reason's strength isn't very high; the Lord can definitely handle it..."

"The problem is, Kevin isn't in his prime either, right? Soaking in the Sea of Quanta for so many years, his condition can’t be good."

Luo Lin shook her head. "Moreover, the Herrscher of Reason is very good at creating miracles, always able to find an opportunity to close the passage. After that, it'll be extremely difficult for you to use the equipment in The Deep to open the door again."

Luo Lin couldn't discern any emotion from Gray Serpent's mask, but his prolonged silence indicated that he was deep in thought.

Luo Lin crossed her arms. "As it stands, the most reliable way for you to bring Kevin up is still the 'Key of Infinity'... Are you really giving me the coordinates without any conditions?"

"Yes."

Unexpectedly, Gray Serpent answered swiftly.

"After all, we currently have no way to use the 'Key of Infinity'. Even if it's in our hands, it’s useless. It's better to give you a favor."

Luo Lin scrutinized the hooded and masked man. "A favor... You're a greedy person. Saying you want nothing means you want everything."

A favor is never easy to take.

After hearing Luo Lin's words, Gray Serpent spread his hands. "Miss Luo Lin, we're getting a bit off track—before these issues, the primary goal is to gain actual control over the 'Key of Infinity'. Without control, everything we talked about is just empty words."

"...Indeed."

Luo Lin's expression grew serious. "I wonder what restrictions Su placed on the 'Key of Infinity', and whether we can bypass them using the backdoor left by Vill-V..."

Gray Serpent had grown numb to Luo Lin's sporadic astonishing information. He merely reminded, "For the Lord to have survived in the Sea of Quanta until now, another MANTIS probably wouldn’t have any problems either. Moreover, even if you bypass the restrictions, your actions might attract their attention..."

"Then let Durandal take Su's test. She should be able to pass it."

Luo Lin pondered for a few seconds. "In the meantime, I'll use Vill-V's permissions to bypass the restrictions and bring Kevin and one of my sisters up. What do you think?"

Although Gray Serpent was very interested in this 'sister' Luo Lin mentioned, he asked a different question, "It sounds like you don't want your Schickssl companions to know about this?"

"No, I'll inform them in advance. I’ve said before, I won’t use lies to cover up or hide the truth anymore."

Luo Lin's gaze became distant. "After all, Kevin's return ensures we have a fallback plan to execute, doesn't it?"

Gray Serpent stared at the girl in front of him. "Miss Luo Lin, are you really not a pioneer from the previous era?"

"I believe you've investigated me thoroughly; you should have your answer."

"Alright."

Gray Serpent had no further objections and calmly said, "The 'Key of Infinity' is currently hidden in the outskirts of London, concealed in folded space above a certain factory... That's all, just to give your people some involvement."

Luo Lin couldn't help but smile wryly at Gray Serpent's little joke. "I thought you'd hide it right in the city center."

"It used to be in central London, but in recent years, the parameters of the Imaginary Space have been constantly fluctuating. We feared issues with the folded space, so we moved it to the outskirts."

"Why not move it to a more remote place?"

"The 'Key of Infinity' isn’t under our control, and it anchored itself in London using spatial power. Moving it even a small distance was our limit."

Gray Serpent spread his hands. "Otherwise, we would have moved it somewhere completely unfindable long ago."

"Alright, time to get to work."

Luo Lin took the toolkit Raven brought and stored it in her system warehouse. Then, she asked the mercenary lady, "What about you, Raven? Are you planning to head back?"

The mercenary made a time-out gesture. "Wait a minute, did you just take that bag?"

"Yes, it's in my backpack now. Want to see it again?"

Luo Lin conjured the bag like magic.

Seeing this, Raven immediately became furious. "No wonder something felt off. You wander around in Elysian Realm every night and have the ability to transfer equipment at will. Why did Mobius make me lug all this equipment?"

"Uh... maybe to let you relax?"

"I'm even more annoyed now."

Raven replied with a sullen face.

"How about I treat you to a drink?"

"Fine, but you're not allowed to drink! You get loose-lipped when drunk!"

Raven, mustering some courage, grabbed Luo Lin's face and started rubbing it.

Luo Lin didn't resist, just mumbled, "Mobius and Vill-V's strange ideas... I don’t understand them either... Hey, rub a bit less, it’s uncomfortable."

"You feeling uncomfortable makes me feel better."

"Fine..."

That night, Luo Lin and Raven found a quiet bar, ordered a bunch of stuff, and sat down. The Valkyrie nursed a juice while Raven indulged in reasonably priced but tasty drinks.

"You didn't plan to rip me off?"

"Does this place have the kind of top-shelf liquor that Eden would collect?"

Raven proudly said, "I sampled almost all of Eden's rare wines in the Elysian Realm! So, I don’t care much for outside drinks, just having some regular ones... to wet my whistle?"

Since when did Raven evolve into a drunken master? Maybe she had nothing else to do while locked up in Elysian Realm and fell into the abyss...?

"What will you do if you can’t drink Eden’s treasured liquor anymore?"

"...I'll just make do."

At that moment, Seele, who hadn't been online for a long time, sent a message through the "Key of Revelation": "Sister Luo Lin! There's a huge fight near the Sea of Quanta next to our home! The commotion is massive! The connection between me and you is about to become unstable..."

While Luo Lin was still bewildered, Gray Serpent also emerged. "As you said, there's a problem at The Deep—Welt has entered the Sea of Quanta and is fighting the Lord. After that, Anti-Entropy members closed and sealed the passage to the Sea of Quanta..."

Luo Lin sighed and stood up.

Raven looked at Luo Lin. "Remember to call me if you need anything. No guarantee I'll come to help, though."

"Got it... Enjoy your time off..."

Luo Lin reverted to her workaholic mode and slumped away.

"Hurry and locate the 'Key of Infinity'. It's time to retrieve people, have a reunion with my sister... Oh, right, I also need to review the experiment reports from Mobius, Vill-V, and Otto. They each have specific experiments to conduct... Really..."

Chapter 18: Reinforcements Arrive!

The day after her conversation with the “reliable informant,” Luo Lin directly requested a batch of equipment from Otto that could detect folded space. The bishop generously ordered the equipment department to urgently produce a batch of Aesir Mechs equipped with detection devices. Most of these machines were the long-duration flying type [Ibuki], convenient for the exploration team to use.

After the [Detection-type Ibuki] arrived in London, Luo Lin directed two Valkyrie squads to explore the surroundings of London. By the next day, they had identified the mission target. Whittier held the terminal, carefully examining the 3D diagram formed by the scan data, and exclaimed, "The Divine Key is hidden in such a desolate place?"

It was a food processing plant on the outskirts of London, not very large and quite unremarkable in appearance. However, after the Valkyries’ exploration, they discovered a folded space above it, which presumably contained the second Divine Key [Key of Infinity] they were searching for.

"How long has the operation been going? A week? Most of that time we spent waiting for headquarters to dispatch the [Detection-type Ibuki], and then we found the target so quickly?" Even Matilda was impressed. "Luo Lin is amazing. How does her brain work to locate the Divine Key so quickly?"

Zofia shook her head, "Perhaps that's just the genius at work?"

As for Susanna, she looked at Luo Lin with admiration, even adding a shoujo manga filter in her mind—wherever the black-haired Valkyrie walked, flower petals paved the ground, and special effects followed closely, highlighting her overwhelming presence.

However, at this moment, Luo Lin was frowning at an instrument, sweating profusely. "Hmm... this data... Luo Lin, collect it again!" Vill-V tapped on her tablet for a while, then issued the command.

"Adjusting the first parameter... the second... collecting test data... done! Selune, please take the data to the 'Elysian Realm'..." Luo Lin handed the data disk she had removed to the awaiting Selune's Elegy in the system space, asking her to deliver it to the great magician.

Thanks to the meticulous cultivation by the two scientists, the girl wasn't struggling too much with this task.

A few hours later, Vill-V sent the order to stop collecting data: "Alright, this data should be enough for me to improve the signal transmission method. When Elysia is summoned out of the system space for combat, we can use you as a signal relay station to achieve good image transmission quality."

Luo Lin nodded, then suddenly realized something was wrong: "Wait a minute, didn’t you say you were using this instrument to help determine the situation of the [Key of Infinity]?"

"I finished that two hours ago," Vill-V chuckled. "My detector has already captured the special fluctuations emitted by the Herrscher of the Void’s core. This folded space indeed contains the [Key of Infinity]! So, do you need me to help you unravel the folded space now?"

Luo Lin replied, "No, I’m still waiting for reinforcements. Once they arrive, we’ll consider unraveling the folded space..."

"Beep beep!" She looked down at her terminal: "Ah, it seems Bianka has already arrived."

The communication connected, and the blonde knight greeted Luo Lin: "Teacher, we've arrived in London. We just got off the plane and are heading your way!"

"No rush. I've already confirmed the Divine Key’s location; it won’t run away. Just adjust yourselves."

"Understood."

A while later, Durandal arrived at the food processing plant where Luo Lin was, followed by Rita and a bunch of [Immortal Blade] squad Valkyries. By this time, a cordon had been set up around the plant, and the personnel inside had been evacuated, under the pretext that some danger had been found in the factory. For the safety of the employees, they would not resume work until the professionals had dealt with it.

Some inquisitive reporters tried to probe for information but were blocked by the police who had come to maintain order. Luo Lin could only sigh at the powerful influence of Schickssl as a military group; at least in the UK, they could mobilize various government departments to assist them.

"Bianka, Rita, come over here!" Luo Lin waved to the blonde knight and her loyal maid. Durandal and Rita exchanged a glance and quickly walked to the black-haired girl’s side.

"You should have read the mission brief. I have locked the position of the Divine Key, but it’s still unclear what will happen once the folded space is unraveled—perhaps nothing, maybe some Honkai beasts will appear, or perhaps there will be guardians... In any case, I need strong combat units for support."

Luo Lin’s gaze fell on Durandal, and the blonde knight smiled, "Then you’ve found the right person, Teacher Luo Lin."

"Good, very spirited." Luo Lin clapped her hands and then lowered her voice, "What I just shared is information that can be openly communicated. Now let’s talk about something that requires higher clearance—the exact location of the [Key of Infinity] was obtained through personal connections..."

"Ah?" Durandal and Rita voiced their confusion together.

The blonde knight asked, "Sister Luo Lin, are your personal connections that valuable?"

"I said it was personal connections, so there are things to be done in return after getting the [Key of Infinity]... Specifically, we have to help someone retrieve a heavyweight from the Sea of Quanta."

Luo Lin spread her hands, "His name is Kevin Kaslana, the ancestor of the Kaslana family, also the strongest warrior of the previous era. He contributed greatly to the fight against the Honkai, and in a combination of factors, he managed to disable the Final Herrscher for a full 12 hours with a single sword strike..."

Rita was amazed by Luo Lin’s words and opened her mouth wide in surprise: "What?"

Durandal raised an eyebrow, "Like Fu Hua, he's a pioneer from the previous era. Why is he in the Sea of Quanta?"

"Well, this requires starting from the beginning... Elysia, listen up too. I guess others in the Elysian Realm would be interested in this story." Luo Lin briefly introduced Kevin’s life in the previous era, such as being the leader of the Thirteen Flame-Chasers and the strongest among the fusion warriors—of course, Luo Lin wouldn’t omit his awkward romantic relationship with a certain Dr. Mei.

Durandal and Rita's expressions were quite entertaining upon hearing this part; they even seemed ready to pull out some popcorn. The story quickly moved to 50,000 years later, when the new era began, and Kevin, as a pioneer, traveled the world, observing the development of civilization and secretly eliminating the Honkai to protect humanity.

Until the era of Arthurian legends, Kevin decided to implement radical measures against the Honkai, executing the [Project Stigma], which led to a battle with Su. However, Kevin ultimately chose to cease resisting and sank into the depths of the Sea of Quanta...

"This is the target we need to retrieve, a man truly worthy of the title of hero," Luo Lin concluded, "Any questions?"

Rita asked, "Sister Luo Lin, are you planning to have Kevin join Schicksal?"

Durandal asked, "What is the [Project Stigma]?"

Luo Lin shook her head, "No, Kevin won’t join Schicksal. He is the leader of the [World Serpent] and has his own agenda. However, it’s an extremely radical and terrifying method to combat the Honkai and preserve human civilization, which is exactly what Bianka asked about—the [Project Stigma]..."

Chapter 19: Seeing Kevin's Bottom.jpg

What exactly is the [Project Stigma]?

To be honest, Luo Lin herself couldn't say she completely understood the [Project Stigma], but she still tried her best to explain it to Durandal and Rita.

"First, let me clarify that what I’m about to explain is a deduction based on the intelligence I’ve obtained. There’s no guarantee that the plan they are currently executing or will execute in the future remains exactly as I understand it."

Luo Lin very cautiously laid out a protective groundwork to avoid any pitfalls due to the butterfly effect later.

"The ultimate goal of the Stigmata is to allow humans to transcend the boundaries of imaginary and real numbers, to harness the Honkai with their flesh—of course, no one has yet achieved this, and naturally awakened Stigmata bearers make up a minuscule percentage of the entire human civilization."

As she said this, Luo Lin’s gaze fell on Durandal, a look of certain expectation in her eyes.

"But even if they awaken their Stigmata, they remain human and must still face the 'trials' of the Honkai... Before the final 'Judgment' by the Herrscher of the End, even the awakened ones are still so insignificant."

The girl paused and then continued, "And the [Project Stigma] is a plan to transform the Stigmata bearers into [New Humans]—a species that perfectly integrates with the Honkai, even originating from the same concept as the 'imaginary number.' Naturally, they would break free from the curse of the Herrscher and the Honkai upon 'humans'... Then, the [New Humans] would inherit all the achievements of the old human civilization and move towards glory in a new world..."

Durandal vaguely understood something, her expression grave, and she said, "But they ultimately wouldn’t be human..."

Meanwhile, the meticulous Rita caught onto another key point: "Then what about those who aren’t qualified to awaken the Stigmata? What would happen to them? They are the majority of human civilization!"

"Very good, Rita, that’s a crucial question."

Luo Lin nodded and raised a finger. "In the initial phase of the [Project Stigma], there was no place for ordinary humans in the new world. They were left to fend for themselves because with the [New Humans] as the torchbearers, the plan was considered a success."

Durandal also reacted: "You mean... the initial phase? Does that mean the [Project Stigma] has undergone modifications?"

"The [Project Stigma] is certainly not immutable. You understand from my description that the costs are enormous... If it can be improved, the [World Serpent] would definitely not hesitate."

Luo Lin’s expression was somewhat awkward as she continued, "The current [Project Stigma] will turn ordinary humans who lack the potential to awaken Stigmata into [Dreams] that enter the imaginary number seam. Then, by merging all dreams, they will form a collective human dream. They will 'live' in this vast dream, leading a life without failure or pain..."

Durandal and Rita shouted in unison, "Isn't that the same as the previous version?!"

Luo Lin smiled wryly and shrugged: "At least they don’t die directly, right? It's a life sentence instead of a death sentence... And currently, only the [Project Stigma] has shown clear results in combating the Honkai. As for other methods..."

The girl paused: "They’re still being worked on."

Rita frowned deeply, "Can't we avoid rescuing this... Kevin?"

"Completing the [Project Stigma] also takes time. We need Kevin to oversee the overall situation; it can’t be done without him... Moreover, even if we don’t rescue Kevin, the [World Serpent] will try every possible means to save him—they won’t care about collateral damage to civilians during their rescue mission."

Luo Lin smiled wryly: "You might hear one day that a part of the Earth has been torn open with an unclosable spatial rift, and Honkai beasts and quantum monsters are pouring out endlessly—that would be the [World Serpent] doing whatever it takes to rescue Kevin..."

Durandal and Rita exchanged glances, seeing the dread in each other's eyes.

It seemed that the name [World Serpent] had already been placed high on the danger ranking list, possibly just below the Honkai and the Herrscher...

"Therefore, I plan to pull Kevin out of the Sea of Quanta and at least communicate with this esteemed lord, hoping that before the world reaches an irretrievable state, they won't rush to implement the [Project Stigma], giving us some time..."

Luo Lin pressed her temples and then called out to the system space with her mind: "So, Elysia, after hearing my story, do you think Kevin has changed a lot...?"

"Kevin..."

The pink-haired elf had a complex expression. She placed her chin on her knees, hugging her legs in a curled-up position on the sofa.

After a while, she let out a long sigh and closed her eyes.

It seemed that Vill-V was unaffected and said, "Elysia, although I understand your feelings, could you please open your eyes? I still need to test the data..."

The pink-haired elf smiled wryly: "As expected of Vill-V... Okay, I'll open my eyes."

At this moment, Mobius' voice rang out: "Oh? I didn’t expect someone to still be able to modify the [Project Stigma]? I’ve revised over a dozen versions myself. Finally, someone is going through the same agony? I'd love to meet this talented person!"

Luo Lin quipped: "Leaving aside that you can’t leave the Elysian Realm, that person isn’t ordinary either—currently, she's a moving 'Honkai energy emitter' who can’t control herself. Anyone with low Honkai adaptability who gets close will die. If she stays in one place too long, it will trigger a Honkai Outbreak... so she really doesn’t want to see anyone, preferring to hide in a corner like a 'mushroom.'"

Yes, Luo Lin was referring to the World Serpent cadre code-named [Hare], who later renamed herself [Misteln Schariac], a living embodiment of a Stigmata...

Mobius raised her voice: "Then find a way to get me out of the Elysian Realm! I'll go meet this person myself!"

"No time, no money, thanks."

"Hey!! Vill-V, don’t hold me back! I need to teach Luo Lin a lesson..."

"That’s my detector. Can’t you wait until Luo Lin comes back to unleash your fury?!"

A series of clanging sounds came through the communicator, and Vill-V, panting heavily, said, "Alright, you need to calm down! We still have business to attend to! Luo Lin, the person you were waiting for has arrived. Can we start trying to control the [Key of Infinity]?"

Luo Lin looked at the seemingly frozen Durandal and Rita beside her and shook her head.

"…Let them take a moment to adjust their emotions and state of mind, and then we’ll begin."

Chapter 20: Klein: New Coolie

"Oh, I suddenly remembered something! Maybe it will lift Durandal's spirits!"

Luo Lin slapped her forehead and hurriedly ran towards the road outside the food factory.

She quickly found the sedan loaned to her by the Schicksal London Office and took out a somewhat dazed Siamese cat from the back seat.

Stan looked bewildered: "...Meow?"

Perhaps because the tech collar around its neck had been damaged, or because the person feeding it was not demanding much from it, Stan had been living relatively comfortably lately.

If it weren’t for the fact that it remembered it was a modified Honkai cat and needed to move around a bit each day, challenging Luo Lin with a few cat punches (and being easily subdued), its weight would have skyrocketed.

In the end, Stan somewhat accepted Luo Lin, staying calmly by her side while giving disdainful looks to other Valkyries.

"Meow! (None of them can fight!)"

The Valkyries didn't treat Stan as an ordinary cat—they noticed Luo Lin and Stan practicing combat in the open area every day, with the sound of claws slicing through the air, which extinguished any desire they had to pet Stan’s shiny fur.

But Luo Lin was very busy and couldn't always "play" with Stan, so the bored cat had to sleep in various places, like the bed, the table, the car...

Then Luo Lin picked it up from the car and walked back with the Siamese cat.

"Durandal, look what I brought for you!"

The blonde knight was pressing her forehead, trying to smooth her frown, and turned to see Luo Lin eagerly holding a Siamese cat.

"A cat... wait, there's a hint of Honkai energy."

Durandal's attention was drawn to the faint purple markings on Stan's body. She reached out and took the Siamese cat, only to find that it became stiff as a board in her hands. No matter how she turned and inspected it, Stan didn’t move.

The blonde knight was puzzled: "Is it dead?"

"Meow..."

Stan's voice was barely audible, and Luo Lin burst into laughter: "Stan is very scared of you, Bianka."

"Scared of me?"

"Perhaps it's because your aura is too overwhelming, Lady Durandal..."

Rita, observing the blonde knight’s actions, temporarily put aside her chaotic thoughts and thoughtfully suggested to Durandal: "How about putting the little cat on the ground to comfort it?"

Durandal followed the advice, and as soon as Stan’s feet touched the ground, it dashed away, hiding behind Luo Lin’s boots.

"Uh..."

The blonde knight scratched her head awkwardly. Luo Lin glanced at the fluffed-up Siamese cat, picked it up again, and placed it in front of Bianka.

"Stan, this is a strong person, and she wants to pet you. Do you have any objections?"

The Siamese cat's face showed a human-like bewilderment, then turned to despair—it was held and cuddled by the cat-loving Durandal.

"Not bad."

Bianka reluctantly removed the cat from her face and sighed: "Maybe animals are more sensitive. Ordinary animals don't like to come near me, let alone let me hold and play with them... Thank you, teacher."

"Hmm, you've just arrived on the scene today. If my previous words disturbed your thoughts, you don’t need to rush into the task—after all, the Divine Key is right here and won't suddenly grow legs and run away."

"No, I think it’s best to execute the task as soon as possible. Recovering the Second Divine Key should be prioritized."

Durandal handed Stan back to Luo Lin and said seriously, "The sooner we complete the task, the sooner we can retrieve Kevin. Then I can evaluate the risk Kevin poses and prepare for subsequent actions."

"Alright."

Luo Lin shrugged, leading Durandal and Rita to a strange-looking device and fiddled with it for two minutes.

Finally, she spoke up: "Alright, the folded space should open soon. Inside, there will be a highly combative ELF. After defeating it, there will be a trial to confirm your qualification to control the [Cosmic Juggernaut]... Don't be careless."

"I understand."

Durandal looked up, staring at the gradually distorting air above the factory. A semi-transparent, rectangular object appeared in their view.

However, it didn’t take long for this space to collapse, revealing the true form of the Divine Key within.

"It's actually a locomotive!?"

"A locomotive?"

In the system space, Vill-V's voice sounded proud and satisfied: "See? I told you the Second Divine Key would have a stunning appearance. Look, they’re the best proof of that theory!"

Mobius sneered and asked: "And how much extra budget did you spend?"

"Zero, because I decided to make it this shape from the start, so there were no additional costs."

"…"

While Snake and the two-tone ponytail argued (read: fought), Luo Lin also noticed a small figure above the [Key of Infinity].

It was an ELF infused with Kevin's power.

Though small, it exuded an undeniable presence.

Unfortunately, seeing the ELF reminded Luo Lin of Klein, who was still working overtime in the [Elysian Realm]—wait, could this Kevin doll be used as computing power?

In a distant place, Klein suddenly looked up sharply, muttering: "Is a new ELF helper coming?"

Back in London, the ELF raised its miniature imitation Cleaver of Shamash, warning in a childish voice: "Intruder, retreat! Otherwise, come forward and face the trial!"

"Alright, I’m coming."

The blonde knight extended her hand, and [Helel] fell into her grasp. Two autonomous Phantoms floated around her, locking eyes with the Kevin doll.

Two seconds later, the knight and the ELF charged at each other at incredible speed, trailing streaks like meteors.

Then came the collision, powerful enough to make nearby glass creak, with poor quality panes even shattering.

The unfortunate food processing plant literally exploded during Durandal and the Kevin doll’s first clash.

"Slash!"

The blonde knight and the ELF fought fiercely, and their every move continued to "expand" the ruins of the factory, with the central area becoming a "weathered landscape."

"Alright, seize the moment to start linking to the [Cosmic Juggernaut]!"

Under Vill-V’s direction, Luo Lin aimed the device’s antenna at the Divine Key floating in mid-air, and code began to flow on the device’s screen.

Luo Lin sensed success; the Divine Key, previously exuding a sense of danger, suddenly "calmed" down.

Vill-V grumbled: "They didn’t even change the backdoor? I’m still using the original password I set!"

"Isn't that convenient for your 'archaeology'... By the way, Durandal, don’t hold back, give it your all! Since the food processing plant is already in ruins, the reconstruction costs will be covered by Amber!"

Chapter 21: Joyful Control of the Train

"Humming~"

Vill-V hummed a strange little tune as she used the equipment set up by Luo Lin in London to study the Cosmic Juggernaut.

Luo Lin watched as Durandal clashed with the Kevin ELF using her spear. The blonde knight hadn't expected such a small armed ELF to have such power, making her somewhat passive.

Their fierce battle entwined energy and fiery spirals, causing the last standing pillar in the food processing plant to collapse—at least now, when they rebuilt the factory, they only needed to clear the debris since the dismantling was already done by Durandal and the Kevin ELF.

After a while, the energy of the armed ELF depleted rapidly. Durandal turned the tide, suppressing the Kevin ELF and eventually using her spear to bat the ELF around like a baseball, causing Selune's Elegy to gasp.

"What's with the hissing, Selune?"

"This is called empathy."

Selune held her chin, lamenting, "When I was an unselectable character, no matter how brutal the attack, it couldn't affect me. Now, following my master into the abyss, I could be knocked flying with a single misstep... This new experience is something I don't want at all!"

Luo Lin teased, "Count your blessings. At least for now, you still seem to retain the [invincible] setting—when the boss's phase transition attack hits me, I’m turned to ash, but you just roll around like a crow, screaming, and then get up as if nothing happened."

Luo Lin continued observing the battlefield. The Kevin ELF, realizing it couldn't defeat Durandal, jumped back onto the [Key of Infinity], inserting its imitation Shamash sword into a button and turning it forcefully.

Vill-V raised an eyebrow in surprise: "Hmm? This button's command is to sink the Cosmic Juggernaut and nearby people into the Sea of Quanta? But with the control of the Divine Key in my hands, you can't achieve that."

The armed ELF waited a few seconds, tilting its head in confusion as if wondering why things didn't go as planned.

Durandal wasn't going to wait. She grabbed the [Helel] and charged, pulling the Kevin ELF back into battle.

After a short while, the blonde knight confirmed her victory.

The Kevin ELF lay on the ruins, struggling to move but failing after several attempts. The imitation Shamash sword dimmed, weakly emitting flames before extinguishing with a puff.

The battle seemed to invigorate Durandal, who appeared refreshed.

The blonde knight stepped forward, picked up the now "out of power" Kevin ELF, and brought it back to Luo Lin.

"How was it? This ELF is something, right?"

"ELF?"

Durandal blinked, glancing at the closed-eyed Kevin ELF in her hand, and remarked, "It's hard to imagine it's the same type as the non-combatant Book of Fuxi I once saw."

Luo Lin clapped her hands, pointing to the equipment running beside her: "Alright, now we wait for feedback from the technicians... Hmm, we've got the control?"

"Partially, enough to get it running, but... it’s a bit troublesome."

Vill-V clicked her tongue: "[Key of Infinity]' coordinates to the Sea of Quanta are forcibly guided to a specific world bubble, which can't be easily bypassed—based on your previous stories, this is likely where Su is hiding."

Luo Lin spread her hands: "It’s probably a test for those who come later, you know. Most of the time, the [Elysian Realm] is used for such tasks!"

The magician hummed, "I’m a double standard, you know? I like testing others, not being tested."

"Got it."

Luo Lin could only express her admiration: "Since we can't go to the Sea of Quanta now, can we move the [Key of Infinity] elsewhere? At least not near a big city, find a sparsely populated test base so whatever we do won’t affect too many people..."

"Of course, move this equipment onto the Cosmic Juggernaut."

A few minutes later, Luo Lin stepped into the cockpit of the second Divine Key on her flying sword, while Durandal, utilizing her Bright Knight Battlesuit's flight ability, followed, carrying Rita.

Under Vill-V's instructions, the black-haired girl placed the equipment on the control room floor.

To everyone's surprise, the equipment began to rotate like a prism tower from Red Alert, shining light on a button on the console.

At that moment, Durandal's communicator buzzed: "Lady Durandal! Are you all alright?! We've lost the trace of the second Divine Key!"

"We're fine..." Durandal looked at Luo Lin. "Teacher, is this...?"

Luo Lin held her forehead, a bit speechless: "Did you just activate Cosmic Juggernaut's stealth mode? Does the Divine Key have such a function?"

Vill-V, hands on her hips, proudly answered: "Vill-V's creations are top-notch. My products emphasize multifunctionality, all states, and surprises!"

Luo Lin eyed a big red button covered by a glass box on the control panel, cold sweat forming: "And this one, don't tell me it’s a self-destruct button..."

"How could it be? It's the overload button!"

"Will it explode?"

The magician hesitated: "Uh, if handled properly... it shouldn't."

Luo Lin took a deep breath, turning to the slightly uneasy Durandal and Rita: "The stealth mode was just activated; we're still above the food factory, so it won't draw much attention... I'll call Otto to find out where to move the Cosmic Juggernaut"

"Alright, teacher."

Durandal pressed her communicator to explain the situation to the Valkyries waiting outside.

Luo Lin's call to Otto was almost instantly answered.

The Overseer glanced at the transmitted image and smiled: "It seems, Miss Luo Lin, you’ve entered the [Key of Infinity]?"

"You could say that we’ve gained partial control."

Luo Lin replied: "In theory, as long as the power supply is sufficient and the coordinates are clear, we can move the [Key of Infinity] to any place on Earth—Overseer, do you have any unoccupied, remote research bases? I plan to relocate the Divine Key."

"That's wonderful."

Otto smiled warmly, not questioning how Luo Lin gained control of the Divine Key, and quickly found a suitable location: "How about the Vimur Laboratory in North Africa?"

Luo Lin found the name familiar and recalled details about it:

The Vimur Laboratory's location was once a bustling city, a key economic hub linking Europe and Africa, but it was unfortunately struck by a Honkai event.

Although Schicksal handled the incident, the city's desert isolation made reconstruction difficult, and people were unwilling to return, turning it into an empty ghost town—making it an ideal site for a Schicksal base.

Yes, in the original plot, the second Divine Key was experimented on here, and after the [Meteoric Salvation], Kiana was also experimented on by Durandal here...

Luo Lin immediately agreed: "No objections from me."

Chapter 22: Thorough Preparation

North Africa, Vimur Base.

Logistics personnel and Valkyries were bustling about, organizing various items within the base. In the base office, the Valkyrie squad leader stationed at the base, Wallace, looked rather troubled.

She scratched her head and asked her deputy, Leva, "If I heard correctly, the Overseer said a Valkyrie squad carrying 'cargo' will arrive at the base in fifteen minutes?"

Leva nodded. "That's right, now there's only fourteen minutes left."

"Hiss... but the problem is, there's no friendly signal within the base radar's detection range. Can they really get here in ten minutes?"

Wallace was swiping her tablet incessantly, muttering, "The radar officer at the airstrip even asked me if I'm conducting a surprise drill under the Overseer's name..."

Leva pondered for a few seconds, pointing to the command email from the Schicksal headquarters. "Captain, look at the wording here—regardless of any anomalies, remain calm and respond with composure... Maybe it's a new model of stealth transport aircraft?"

Wallace thought for a moment, nodding. "That could be possible... If that's the case, the 'cargo' they're bringing is probably not simple either. I think we need to raise our alert level a bit."

"Let's do that."

As time ticked away, the moment of reception soon arrived.

To everyone's shock, a massive void suddenly appeared in the clear sky over Vimur Base. A huge artificial object, glowing with golden light, then emerged from the void, which closed immediately after, leaving only the object—resembling a train engine and emitting significant Honkai energy—floating above the base.

"Toot toot—"

The piercing alarm resounded throughout the base, but before the Valkyries and other staff could descend into chaos, the alarm was manually cut off.

Immediately after, Wallace, the Valkyrie squad leader stationed at Vimur Base, announced via broadcast, "Attention all personnel, the artificial object currently floating above the base carries a friendly identification signal. Stay on alert. I will lead a team to investigate... Uh? They're sending a communication?"

"Hello, this is Luo Lin, A-rank Valkyrie, on a confidential mission, authorization key XXXX..."

After confirming the key on the base's control panel, Wallace sighed in relief. "Miss Luo Lin, your arrival was quite... alarming."

Luo Lin smiled wryly. "I didn't expect the second Divine Key to operate with such commotion either... Maybe it's due to the imprecise spatial coordinates..."

After all, the coordinates recorded inside the [Cosmic Juggernaut] dated back to Earth 50,000 years ago. Although still usable, the deviation was significant, and the entire space traversal process wasn't exactly 'smooth,' often causing a sense of 'motion sickness.'

Vill-V had indicated that if Luo Lin could move her and Elysia out of the Elysian Realm, she could reconstruct the current Earth's spatial coordinates to stabilize the Key's traversal process.

Then, Mobius started bickering with the great magician, basically pre-booking her departure from the Elysian Realm, asking Vill-V to wait her turn, as she wanted to leave first.

"Who said you get to leave first?"

Naturally, the two of them started fighting again.

"The second Divine Key!?"

Wallace and Leva exchanged glances. Wallace then spoke with difficulty, "Miss Luo Lin, could you please move the Divine Key to a location away from the base and ideally land it on the ground? We will send Valkyries over to inspect..."

"I understand, it's a necessary verification procedure."

Luo Lin waved her hand, turned around, and asked, "Bianka, Rita, how do you feel?"

"To be honest... not great..."

Rita stood up from the seat in the control room, holding her head and looking slightly 'motion sick.'

At this moment, a hand reached out from the side, steadily supporting the gray-gold short-haired Valkyrie—it was Durandal. She seemed unaffected by the spatial transfer of the [Key of Infinity].

"Thank you, Lady Durandal."

"Mm, I'll go check on the others in the rear carriages... Teacher, I'll leave Rita to you."

"Go ahead. If Rita's feeling this bad, the other Valkyries are probably all lying on their seats, unable to get up."

Indeed, the Black Gold and Phosphorus Sand squads, who had been working with Luo Lin in London, were all aboard the [Cosmic Juggernaut], staying in the rear carriages.

Luo Lin urged the blonde knight to set off quickly, then turned around to continue communicating with the Valkyries at Vimur Base.

Unexpectedly, the Valkyrie squad leader and deputy squad leader on the other side of the communication suddenly changed their attitude, their eyes shining, and declared that they would personally lead a team over to inspect immediately.

"?

Rita looked at Luo Lin's puzzled expression and chuckled. "Lady Durandal is very popular. In a way, she should be considered an idol among the Valkyries, right?"

"Oh, there's that. I almost forgot about that..."

————————————————————

The inspection went very smoothly. Afterward, Luo Lin drove the Cosmic Juggernaut into Vimur Base's laboratory.

The space reserved here was large enough for the second Divine Key to 'reverse into the garage.' Luo Lin believed this place had been prepared long ago by Otto for experiments with the second Divine Key.

That evening, Otto even stated he was on his way to Vimur Laboratory and couldn't wait to start researching the [Key of Infinity].

"Alright, alright. To use the [Cosmic Juggernaut], I must deal with Su and the Sea of Quanta... Given my bad luck, something will probably go wrong the moment I enter the Sea of Quanta..."

Luo Lin was very self-aware, so she planned to make further preparations. For instance, she intended to visit the [Elysian Realm] to ask Su for the [Bodhi] Signet and consult Mobius and Vill-V about any new developments.

When Luo Lin entered the Elysian Realm, she instinctively lifted the tent in the corner of the hall, realizing afterward that Raven was enjoying herself in London.

"Uh... better not disturb Raven's good mood..."

Luo Lin then headed to Mobius's laboratory, where the two scientists were improving the "cross-system space" communication device.

Project leader Vill-V said, "It's almost fully calibrated. Even if you summon Elysia for combat, we can still obtain stable visuals and audio..."

Mobius added, "If you're planning to stroll around the Sea of Quanta, we'll make targeted adjustments, theoretically preventing major issues."

Luo Lin glanced at the green-haired armed doll busy beside them. "Why is Klein here?"

Mobius chuckled. "Oh, thanks to the Kevin doll you brought back. Using it as computational support, Klein now has some free time to assist me with experiments."

"Can't you let Klein rest for a while?"

"What's rest? Is it edible?"

Mobius snapped her fingers. "Besides, I'm having Klein help connect the communication device signal to the Elysian Realm. Soon, we'll be able to livestream Elysia's perspective to the entire realm."

"What's with the pink streamer?"

Luo Lin shook her head. "Ah, Have you made any other discoveries? If not, I'll go find Su for the signet..."

"Go ahead, we're just fine-tuning the instruments."

Luo Lin exited the laboratory, and with practiced ease, crossed the portal to the Bodhi tree where Su liked to stay, finding him instantly.

"I know your purpose, Miss Luo Lin. I hope my signet will aid you soon."

The handsome man with closed eyes nodded and placed a glowing green leaf on Luo Lin's forehead without hesitation.

"With the Flame-Chaser's insignia, I bestow upon you the acumen and [Bodhi]. May wisdom accompany you... Remember, stay resolute and march forward bravely!"

With a cool sensation, a green Bodhi leaf pattern appeared on the back of Luo Lin's hand, resonating with the signets of [Ego], [Helix], and [Discipline].

"Thank you, Su."

"You're welcome. It's my duty."

Chapter 23: Unexpected Surprises as Expected

The reception hall of the [Elysian Realm] erupted into lively chatter once again as the Flamechasers' memory bodies gathered to explore a new feature recently added to the realm. Even Aponia emerged from The Deep End, drifting in the corner of the hall.

"That's correct, it's the livestream system! It can transmit video signals into the realm through a special channel using the signal emitter!"

Vill-V had set up a platform beneath the largest portal in the hall and was now presenting her latest work to the others: "This project holds extraordinary significance, validating many of the hypotheses Mobius and I had in our previous research and confirming the fundamental rules of the world..."

"Vill-V! If you've summoned everyone here just to inform us of this, then you might as well forget about keeping your Helixcraft—I've been in a very bad mood lately and need something to blow off steam!"

Kalpas interrupted the magician's presentation with his 'passionate' loud voice.

Judging by the expressions of the other Flamechasers, they also found Vill-V's speech rather uninteresting.

Aponia intervened, "Kalpas, calm down."

"Ah, Aponia, you! Huh?! Why haven't you used your cursed [Discipline]?!"

"I'm not here to cause trouble today, Kalpas. I just came to see... hmm, something interesting?"

The nun's slight smile made Kalpas uncomfortable, but he couldn't find a reason to punch her directly.

"Kalpas."

The pink-haired assassin stood by his side, and Kalpas glanced at the floating Aponia before reluctantly turning his attention back to Vill-V.

"...Alright, in that case, let's move on to the application phase."

Vill-V sighed, adjusting her hat, then pointed to the conspicuous large device next to the reception hall: "This is the projector. The signal collected from the outside world will be projected here. You'll all be able to see it shortly."

Pardofelis complained, "That explanation was so complicated earlier, and now its too simple?"

Vill-V crossed her arms and huffed, "So it's too complicated or too simple—you are all hard to please, huh? Anyway, I've got some entertainment for everyone, more or less. Due to current technical limitations, I can only place the terminal in the reception hall for now. Once Klein finishes fine-tuning the signal channels, you'll be able to summon your own screen anywhere in the realm..."

Griseo's eyes widened, "Can I see new colors?"

"You should be able to."

Vill-V looked at the blue-haired girl, somewhat perplexed: "I don't really understand your 'color' acquisition mechanism, but this thing transmits new stuff from the outside world, so theoretically, you should find something interesting... Mobius, anything to add?"

The snake, sitting on her floating box, snorted, "Nothing to add, you'll see for yourself soon."

"Thank you, Sister Vill-V! Thank you, Aunt Mobius!"

"Call me sister!"

Hua raised her hand, "Um... where's Elysia?"

Vill-V waved her hand dismissively, "Her? She went out to be the host. The signal being broadcast here is collected from Elysia."

"What?! She went out?!"

Hua, Kosma, and Pardofelis looked surprised, but the other Flamechasers either knew Elysia had been overly active lately and would definitely be up to something, or they simply didn't care.

Kevin and Su sat at the bar, and Eden opened a bottle of beer, placing it in front of them.

Eden asked, "When did you find out?"

"She never really hid it," Kevin replied.

Su nodded with a smile, "Yes, and I made a further guess."

Not far away, Kalpas crossed his arms, tiny flames escaping from the gaps in his mask: "Tsk, boring. How much longer do we have to wait?"

Mobius shrugged, "It should be soon... I think."

At that moment, the projector buzzed, and a slightly noisy image was projected into the air. After a bit of distortion, the picture became clearer, and sounds started coming through.

"Hiss... Can you hear me? Is the signal good?"

It was Elysia. She was sitting in Luo Lin's system space, fiddling with the flower-shaped communicator pinned to her chest.

Vill-V nodded in satisfaction, "We can hear you, and the picture looks good too."

"Alright then, the pink fairy will now bring you a live broadcast... uh, maybe not a real live broadcast yet? Since I haven't left this space myself..."

Elysia looked at the large screen in front of her, which showed Luo Lin's first-person view—so what she was doing now should be called a rebroadcast?

Luo Lin was standing in the spacious laboratory of Vimur Base, looking up at the Cosmic Juggernaut placed in the center.

After Otto hurriedly arrived at Vimur, he took over the laboratory's arrangements and asked Luo Lin to place the Cosmic Juggernaut upright in a slot in the center of the lab.

At first glance, the second Divine Key now looked like a rocket ready for launch, its head aimed at the sky, exuding a peculiar aura.

The Overseer sighed, "What a mysterious and beautiful creation..."

In the realm, Vill-V perked up, patting her chest and happily saying, "Did you hear that? He said the Divine Key is mysterious and beautiful! I knew giving it a cool appearance was the right choice..."

Mobius waved dismissively, as if brushing away dust, "Alright, we all get it. No need to brag about budget-draining decisions."

Luo Lin watched Otto in the nearby control room. The Overseer openly shared his findings.

"According to the residual information in the Divine Key's internal database, the second Divine Key has been used to observe other parallel worlds on the [Imaginary Tree] for the past 4,500 years... As for other data, there is none."

The blond man chuckled, adjusting his collar, "The [Imaginary Tree], huh? A term intriguing enough to lure me... even if it leads to a trap, I must explore it."

Otto glanced at the Valkyrie squads on high alert around the lab.

Durandal held the [Key of Creation: Abyss Flower] with glowing energy flowing along her [Bright Knight: Excelsis] Battlesuit; Rita, clad in her [Argent Knight] Battlesuit, wielded the glimmering [Skadi].

As for Luo Lin... she was standing in the control room with Otto. The Overseer didn't seem to want the girl to touch anything dangerous.

However, Luo Lin knew her own situation and had hurriedly changed into the standard Valkyrie armor of the [Immortal Blades] squad, strengthening her combat capabilities.

Otto had seen this and promised to arrange for the equipment department to craft specialized Valkyrie Battlesuit for her, which wasn't ready yet.

Luo Lin took a deep breath, inspecting her equipment:

The [Moon Ring] still hung on her wrist, the [Key of Domination: Yao Guang's Feather] was present as an inconspicuous transparent armband, her headband of glowing runes, the [Key of Revelation] emitting a faint light, and the sacred insignia on her back tingled with anticipation...

"Each team, stay alert. We don't know what might come out of the spatial rifts. Whatever happens, prioritize protecting the core of the Second Divine Key."

Luo Lin could hear Otto taking a deep breath beside her as he pressed the charging button.

"Second Divine Key [Cosmic Juggernaut], Sea of Quanta channel activation experiment—begin!"

The surging collapse energy transmitted from the groove to the Divine Key, then the golden locomotive head emitted a slender beam of light, directly hitting the canopy of the Vimur Base.

With the deep purple void as the focal point of the light emitted by the Divine Key, it suddenly opened up, and through the void, everyone could only see an infinite blackness, like a deep starry sky, with only one lone star suspended within it.

"What is that?" Durandal sensed a familiar feeling and seemed to understand what that "solitary star" really was—a Bubble World!

"Hmm? It was originally the Divine Key observing other worlds. Why can we only see one Bubble World now?"

Otto frowned, he became vigilant, and soon, this vigilance was proven to be justified.

The Valkyrie monitoring the data beside them shouted, "The Second Divine Key is actively absorbing energy! Energy filling has reached 150%!"

The next moment, [Cosmic Juggernaut] emitted two beams of light, heading straight for Durandal and Luo Lin!

"As expected..." Luo Lin tensed her body, her field of vision submerged by the light emitted by the Second Divine Key, then she fell into a subtle state of weightlessness.

After several seconds of dizziness, the dazzling light disappeared, and Luo Lin felt that she had completed the teleportation, so she opened her eyes again.

"Wow!"

What caught her eye was an extremely thick Bodhi tree, with luxuriant branches and leaves covering the ground, strewn with yellowing Bodhi leaves, rustling as the breeze passed by.

"Teacher!"

It turned out to be Durandal.

She rushed over to Luo Lin: "Teacher Luo Lin, how did you..."

The girl tilted her head and said, "Hmm... It seems we were invited by someone. Huh? Where's your Black Abyss White Flower?"

Durandal lowered her head, feeling embarrassed: "It... it seems to be gone..."

Luo Lin was stunned: "Huh?"

"Well, the Divine Key didn't disappear. It actually fell to where you originally were." Under the Bodhi tree, the boy with closed eyes lifted his head, spoke and gazed at the visitors.

"I have observed countless unimaginable worlds, and you, Miss Bianka, Miss Luo Lin, your existence has left a deep impression on me... Welcome to the Bubble World I created, the two of you can call it [Seed of Sumeru]."

"Creating Bubble Worlds? Who are you?" Durandal stood guard in front of Luo Lin, staring at the other party with empty hands.

"A pioneer of the previous civilization, the seventh of the Flamechasers, [Bodhi]... Su, am I right?"

"That's correct..." Luo Lin's words surprised the gray-haired boy, and he then showed a gentle smile and nodded slightly.

"In that case, you should know that the mission of the pioneers is to protect humanity in this era and help you overcome the threat called [Honkai]."

Durandal recalled Fu Hua and relaxed slightly: "Pioneer... I understand."

"Oh? You both don't seem surprised..."

"Because we've met Fu Hua and reached a strategic cooperation agreement," Luo Lin replied.

Su's smile remained unchanged: "Indeed, it's her... But, to show sincerity, let me demonstrate the ability of the Second Divine Key to you first."

With that, the gray-haired boy raised his hand, and a Bodhi leaf turned into ashes, while hundreds and thousands of images, like three-dimensional projections, appeared around him.

"Are these... me and Teacher...?" The images showed various versions of Durandal and Luo Lin, including Agent Durandal, Student Durandal, Race Car Driver Durandal...

Luo Lin didn't expect Su to have also seen what she had done in parallel worlds, so she earnestly looked at the contents of the images—oh, so in parallel worlds, she could also be a chef, an overworked office worker, a top gamer...

"These are you, yet not you—they are just a part of the infinite possibilities observed by the Second Divine Key." Su pointed at the images and said, "My task is to observe countless [parallel worlds], and one day, I will find the most perfect way to defeat the Honkai within them. Now, that day has come, and you are a necessary part of this method."

The gray-haired boy said firmly, "Miss Bianka, to save the world, I need you to follow my instructions."

Luo Lin watched the scene where the two were interacting, feeling somewhat emotional.

Am I watching the plot unfold live?

"As for you, Miss Luo Lin..." Su frowned rarely, hesitatingly said, "You are interesting, but in countless parallel worlds, you haven't shown much 'uniqueness'... In other words, you could influence the outcome that leads to victory against Honkai."

"So, are you going to eliminate me?" Luo Lin narrowed her eyes. "I wouldn't be so heartless."

Su picked up a Bodhi leaf: "But, I will let leave Bianka and make you temporarily stay in the Bubble World I will newly create—rest assured, I will adjust the flow of time between the Bubble World and the original world. You'll just go in for a two-day rest and wait for victory against Honkai to come before returning."

Durandal frowned and assumed an attacking stance: "Teacher, be careful!"

Luo Lin was also speechless with this: "So, there's no room for negotiation?"

The girl raised her hand, displaying the [Signet] she obtained from the Joyland.

"This...?! Su's eyelids trembled a few times, almost opening wide, but he controlled himself in an instant and said in a low voice, "No, I will stick to my decision... Farewell, Miss Luo Lin, for the sake of this world, sacrifice yourself!"

Su stared at the black-haired Valkyrie, and with the Bodhi leaf in his hand, launched an invisible mental attack aimed at Luo Lin...

One second later, Luo Lin was still standing there, looking like nothing happened.

Su: "?"

"I thought you were going to throw me out directly, but unexpectedly, you started with a mental attack?" Luo Lin glanced at the system prompt bar.

[Maze of Consciousness] was operating normally, and the Herrscher of Sentience was both enjoying popcorn and helping to deal with the opponent's attack, feeling no pressure at all.

"Teacher!" Just as Durandal called out, she then fell to the ground with a thud—apparently she was ambushed by Su and had already been trapped in the illusion created by the gray-haired man.

"Wow, and this is the strongest Valkyrie?" Senti's tone was somewhat disdainful.

"She fell for it?"

Luo Lin explained, "Maybe she was too worried about me."

"..."

Su looked at Luo Lin in silence for a few seconds, then directly leapt and punched towards her.

"Hey, you're not playing fair!"

"Ha ha ha ha." The resounding laughter of Su's ingenuity echoed: "It's alright. I've seen cases where mental attacks don't work. At times like this, physical attacks will..."

"Fighting is not good, you know? You shouldn't do that!"

A sudden burst of pink crystal arrows flew in, creating a beautiful mist of crystals—even though it didn't leave a mark on Su, it did stop him in his tracks.

He trembled as he spoke, "Ely... sia...?"

"That's right, but it's just a memory of me, okay?"

Elysia lowered her bow and greeted Su, "Hey? Missed me?"

"..." Su stood still, lips pressed together.

After a moment, he opened his eyes, but the next moment, Su looked up at the sky. "Ellie... uh?! Wait, be careful!"

"Hmm?" Luo Lin turned her head and saw a brilliant golden light and azure quantum radiance entangling fiercely in the sky of the [Seed of Sumeru] Bubble World, causing the entire Bubble World to tremble.

Su's complexion suddenly turned ugly: "Is the Imaginary Tree acting on its own?! Damn it, and that's the Sea of Quanta? No, if this continues, [Seed of Sumeru] won't hold up..."

"Hmm, two old friends are here, I just knew I couldn't avoid it." Luo Lin helplessly smiled,

"Ellie, come back first."

"Huh?"

"Come back, come back. I need to do something."

"Geez, your not even giving me a chance to catch up to Su..."

So, Elysia luctantly turned into a flash of light and returned to the system space.

Su, seeing this scene widened his eyes, staring at Luo Lin: "Who, who exactly are you?"

"I'm Luo Lin, just a Valkyrie."

The girl lifted her head, gazing at the struggle of the two forces in the sky, squinting her eyes.

"Su, protect Durandal."

"But, Ellie, and you..."

"I don't recall Su being such an indecisive person?" Luo Lin's words made the gray-haired boy feel dazed.

How long had it been since he last heard such an equal conversation?

"Everyone in the [Elysian Realm] is laughing at you, Su!"

The girl laughed, pointing to her own eyes, peculiar starlight shimmering deep within her pupils.

Su was inadvertently drawn by that gaze.

When he came to his senses, Luo Lin had already arrived in the air on a flying sword.

"You two! If you have anything to do, come at me, but don't disturb my student!"

"Wait—" Su reached out, the Bodhi leaf radiating dazzling light as he exerted all his effort, but it still couldn't stop her.

Then, the curtain shattered, and the bursting golden and azure light engulfed the girl's figure.

Su stared blankly at the direction where Luo Lin disappeared, noticing several familiar and gigantic antennas descending from the sky, plunging straight into the ground.

"Is this... the handwriting of Vill-V?"

Chapter 24: Bubble Stack

It has to be said, the noise of the Imaginary Tree and the Sea of Quanta fighting is truly spectacular.

Luo Lin felt like she had plunged headfirst into a sea in the midst of an eighteenth-level typhoon. Wave after wave, the storm blocked her vision, and the howling wind even made her temporarily deaf.

Fortunately, Luo Lin had encountered this situations before and had discussed preparations with the system in advance.

“System! How's the signal lock on the coordinates?”

【The signal was enhanced by the antenna we just threw out. I've completed the lock!】

Hearing this, Luo Lin's admiration for Vill-Vand Mobius grew a bit more. The signal they found earlier using Elysia’s Livestream was like a rope, firmly pointing her way home.

Next, Luo Lin needed to... walk the dog.

This term may not sound elegant, but it vividly describes what she needs to do next:

Luo Lin would run around with the force of the Imaginary Tree and Sea of Quanta clashing, using the Bubble Worlds along the way to cover her tracks, like playing hide-and-seek while cleaning up her footprints.

Once she shook off all the trackers, Luo Lin would quietly return home using the anchored signal...

What? You ask why Luo Lin was so embarrassed last time, even dragging in the "Post-Honkai Odyssey" module of the "Open World," yet this time she can get rid of the trackers by "walking the dog"?

It is thanks to the character cards "Stygian Nymph" and "Haxxor Bunny":

"Stygian Nymph," as a quantum character card, greatly improved Luo Lin's adaptability in the Sea of Quanta.

Compared to the previous clumsy dog-paddling and yelling "System save me," this time Luo Lin could gracefully navigate the "gale and huge waves," swimming elegantly thanks to the swimming style bonus from the "Ego" signet...

Of course, shouting "System save me" is still necessary, and it’s not embarrassing.

As for "Haxxor Bunny," it allowed Luo Lin to more skillfully control the "Key of Revelation."

After close contact with the Second Divine Key, she could already use the golden cubes to simulate "Cosmic Juggernaut."

Using the power of the Divine Key, Luo Lin could further enhance her speed in the Sea of Quanta.

Simulating "Cosmic Juggernaut" could also open small passages, allowing Luo Lin to jump around between the bubbles.

Although the power of the mimicked Divine Key was not as great as the original, Luo Lin didn't intend to go deep inside the bubbles. Hiding on the outskirts was enough.

This way, the energy consumption wasn't much, and Luo Lin could even recover the energy she used while hiding.

To the Imaginary Tree and Sea of Quanta, Luo Lin's signal appeared and disappeared, flashing everywhere, leaving them completely puzzled.

To use an analogy, it's like getting up at midnight to swat a mosquito. You can clearly hear it buzzing around, but when you turn on the light and look around, you just can't find it.

Theoretically, the Imaginary Tree and Sea of Quanta should have enough power and time to lock down the entire surrounding area and search inch by inch until they caught Luo Lin.

But, perhaps fortunately or unfortunately, in chasing this "evolutionary being," these supposedly "rational" entities had silently gained some human emotions...

Now, they were getting a bit "impatient."

So...

————————————————————

Luo Lin asked, "What's the situation?"

【Your technique is improving. At least we didn't leave many traceable marks when we came in.】

The girl nodded, looking around.

Luo Lin was now on the edge of an unknown bubble world, peering inwards at a blood-red sky projecting silhouettes of countless tall buildings.

She couldn’t see the scenes clearly—it was the edge of the bubble, and going further in would consume much more energy to escape in an emergency, which wasn't worth it.

After resting for a while, Luo Lin shouted to the system, "Report again!"

【I am in contact with Miss Seele. She is in a good position to overlook the tree sea forces tracking us.】 The system paused briefly before continuing, 【Their power response has weakened, and their search intensity seems to have decreased—our "dog walking plan" is showing some results.】

"Mm, don't let your guard down... Elysia, is your broadcast signal with Elysian Realm stable now?"

The pink fairy sighed, "Very stable... It's just that... Vill-V and Mobius are trying to get me to bring out a bunch of detectors for you to carry around and collect data."

Luo Lin laughed, "Gosh, I'm in the middle of a 'battle royale,' and you two are more concerned about that... but it does fit my impression of them."

Senti asked in a muffled voice, "Luo Lin, how much longer do we have to hide?"

"Not long, see, their search intensity has already weakened. We'll float through a couple more bubbles, and if the conditions are right, we'll sneak back..."

Luo Lin felt something, suddenly standing up and looking at the two forces entangled together in her back.

Even from this range, she could feel the brewing power.

"What are they doing?"

【Host, the Sea of Quanta's power is causing the surrounding bubbles to break!】 The system warned loudly, 【It's launching an indiscriminate AOE attack!】

Luo Lin was shocked, "So fierce?! What about the Imaginary Tree? What's its reaction?"

【It... seems to be condensing the shattered bubble remnants, like... a black hole? The Imaginary Tree seems to be creating an unprecedentedly huge bubble, comparable to some underdeveloped parallel world branches!】

"Tsk, why does it sound like the two big shots are cooperating?" Luo Lin helplessly held her forehead, "Can we still escape in time?"

【No... Seele is also within the gravity range and cannot escape. I am directing her to move closer to us.】

The girl turned around and found that the bubble she was in also began to change. The originally blood-red sky was split by blue, shattering like glass.

Then, the bubble remnants were pulled by a golden vortex, flying toward the central black hole bubble.

Luo Lin stabilized her position using the mimicked Divine Key, flying along with the remnants.

"On the bright side, the force tracking me from the tree sea has weakened significantly because of this operation, and it's easy to hide in this uniquely formed bubble..."

Luo Lin scratched her head, "But, this also means the tree sea's attention will be focused here... How do I get out in the end? This time there's no 'Void Archives' to draw attention and take the hit..."

The girl's expression gradually turned helpless, but at this moment, a strange light streaked from afar, finally plunging into the giant bubble and disappearing.

"Did I see it right? That was... the Hyperion?"

Luo Lin was stunned, muttering, "The Hyperion sailing in the Sea of Quanta? Is it... that 'Captain'?"

【Host, the remnants are approaching the bubble. Get ready, we're about to rush in!】

"What about Seele?!"

【She couldn't get closer in time. The remnants we're in will crash in first!】

"No choice, keep sending her signals. We'll rendezvous inside!"

Luo Lin used the mimicked "Cosmic Juggernaut" to stabilize herself, gritting her teeth, preparing for the impact.

The bubble remnants fell into the giant, twisted, fragile "soap bubble."

Minutes later, accompanied by the blue quantum butterfly effects, Seele arrived.

"Luo Lin!"

"She already went in, don't hesitate, Seele! We follow!"

"Mm!"

The twins dived into the light.

————————————————————

In a certain part of the Sea of Quanta, Kevin Kaslana watched the terrifying scene in the distance, lost in thought.

The Herrscher of Reason and the bubble he created seemed to have been swept away by this storm... what a pity.

"There are some intriguing fluctuations there... Hmm..."

He turned to look at the cherry blossom-like bubble he created, covered in fine cracks and also being pulled by the force, gradually moving closer to the epicenter.

"The power isn't much, but it's enough."

The white-haired warrior clenched his fist, muttering, "In that case, I will keep my promise..."

Chapter 25: What’s Happening? What’s Happening?

Cold, it's shaking...

"Wake...up..."

Who is calling me?

Ow, my head hurts. Even though I used the Mimesis Key to anchor myself, I still couldn't stay stable during the fusion of the Bubble World remnants.

Now I have no idea where I’ve ended up...

"...qualities...best..."

Wait, did I hear some shocking keywords?

Luo Lin suddenly opened her eyes, her muscles tensed, ready to punch whoever was there with fully charged Edge of Taixuan.

"Wake up, Dr. Luo Lin! Wake up!!"

She saw several dark heads crowding her vision, staring at her with large, round eyes.

"?!”

Before Luo Lin could react, these "black people" wept with joy, tears creating light trails down their ashy faces.

"Doctor, you're alive... boo hoo hoo..."

“Whew, cough cough, that's great..."

It turns out these people’s faces were covered in black ash, and their tears carved out light tracks, making them look both funny and pitiful.

Luo Lin: "?"

When did I get a doctorate? And why are they so happy to see me?

"Boom!"

A distant explosion shook the ground, causing Luo Lin to shiver on the cold floor.

Luo Lin sprang up from the ground like a fish, astonishing the people surrounding her.

Now she could observe her surroundings:

Tall buildings had become ruins, flames soared, and thick smoke darkened the sky. Luo Lin could faintly hear screams and wails from far away.

And of course, there was Honkai energy everywhere.

Luo Lin roughly understood what was happening: "So, this place has been ravaged by Honkai..."

One of the "black people" immediately said: "Yes, Dr. Luo Lin, we never expected to encounter this while attending an academic conference on Mu Continent... damn Honkai..."

"Mu Continent...?"

Luo Lin blinked.

Isn't that a previous era continent? Moreover, she vaguely remembered that it was shattered by the previous civilization's Herrscher of Rock, with the remaining parts sinking to the ocean floor... Eventually, only the ruins of The Deep were left for others to explore.

So, this is a Bubble World themed around Mu Continent?

Luo Lin looked again at the people around her. They were all ordinary people wearing top quality custom clothing (now covered in soot), with badges on their chests, indicating they were from the same organization.

Someone asked tearfully: "Dr. Luo Lin, what should we do now?"

Luo Lin put her hands on her hips: "I’m telling you, I'm not a doctor, and I'm also quite puzzled as to why you’re all so happy to see me."

The questioner burst into tears: "Oh no, the doctor has amnesia!"

"What?! She has amnesia!” “Boo hoo, the research institute is doomed...” “No more salary...” “You’re still thinking about your salary?! We’re about to die!”

A wail spread through the crowd.

Luo Lin half-opened her mouth: "What the heck..."

Seeing her hesitation, the crowd's morale plummeted, and they began to wail and shout.

“Mom!” “Boo hoo, I'm sorry I can’t go home...”

“Humanity is finished, Honkai has won...”

“How could this happen...”

Luo Lin pressed her temples hard, feeling overwhelmed by the chaos.

"Boom!"

Another explosion, closer this time, made the people tremble and the chaos escalated.

"Stop! Calm down, whether I am who you think or not, we need to organize and find a safe place first!"

The black-haired girl roared, activating "Emotion Diffusion," spreading determination and halting the crowd's panic.

“Who knows the location of the nearest shelter?!”

“I do!” A boy with half his face covered in soot stepped forward. “I’m a local from Mu Continent, here to guide your research team...”

“Cut the nonsense, where is it?!”

The boy, pale-faced, pointed: “That way—”

“Lead the way!”

Luo Lin grabbed the boy and ordered the rest: “Everyone, follow me!”

The girl's commanding presence, honed over time, worked wonders. Despite moving slowly, everyone started to follow.

Luo Lin called out to those in her system space: “Senti, come out and help!”

“On my way!”

Senti responded first, materializing quickly and snapping her fingers: “I command you lot, follow us to safety!”

A subtle Honkai energy wave spread, revitalizing the weary people, easing their pain and fatigue—thanks to the powers of the Herrscher of Sentience. This helped them keep going until they reached safety.

Then, Senti retreated back into Luo Lin's mind.

“Why not stay longer?”

“Mu Continent...” Senti smiled wryly, “This might be a previous era themed Bubble World, where people's perception of Herrschers was... well, you know. My presence might cause problems...”

“Modern views on Herrschers aren’t much better,” Luo Lin said, “Besides, this place is just a Bubble World. No need to worry so much. If things get bad, we can just walk away...”

“...You’re too kind to just walk away.” (whispering)

In the end, Senti came out to help, staying at the back of the group and carrying two unconscious, seriously injured individuals on her shoulders, earning the admiration of others.

“Luo Lin... the live stream is still on, but...”

Elysia's voice chimed in: “It seems there’s a huge time flow difference between our Bubble World and the Elysian Realm...”

Luo Lin felt a pang of anxiety: “What’s the ratio?”

She didn't want to swim back only to find the story had fast-forwarded to a tragic end or even the Post-Honkai Odyssey.

The pink elf calculated and said: “It’s roughly several days here for just a few minutes there?”

“Whew, that’s a relief...”

Luo Lin sighed in relief.

Elysia sounded a bit resentful: “But it means our thrilling adventures can’t be properly live-streamed... the signal they receive will likely be highly compressed, fast-forwarded by who knows how much.”

Luo Lin pointed to the devastated city around them: “You call this a thrilling adventure? This is Mu Continent! It might trigger PTSD for some people!”

“I mean watching you, dear little Luo Lin.”

Luo Lin, still somewhat dizzy, didn’t quite grasp Elysia’s meaning.

Just then, someone screamed: “Honkai beasts?!”

“Where?!”

Luo Lin immediately pulled out a submachine gun and fired a burst at the approaching bug-type Honkai beast, shredding it to pieces.

“It’s Dr. Luo Lin!” “Amazing!”

However, their joy was short-lived as more flying insects appeared.

The crowd began to panic again.

“Don’t worry, these monsters are no match for us!”

“Indeed.”

The pink elf materialized beside Luo Lin, eyes determined, wielding her war bow and shooting crystal arrows into the distance.

With pink crystal shards cutting through, a dozen flying bug-type Honkai beasts crashed into the ruins.

Luo Lin didn’t slack off either, performing her role as a "mobile anti-aircraft gun," creating a "no-fly zone" alongside Elysia.

Senti, feeling eager to join, handed the injured to others and began impaling the insects with Honkai energy swords, making shish kebabs out of them.

“Woohoo!!”

Seeing this, people cheered.

Luo Lin patted the shoulder of the boy who had led her earlier: “Keep going, lead everyone! We’ll handle the monsters!”

The boy glanced at the glowing submachine gun in Luo Lin's hand and finally nodded resolutely: “Uh, uh... yes, Dr. Luo Lin!”

“I told you, I’m not a doctor!!”