Honkai Simulator: Start with Confessing to The Herrscher of Finality

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Xia Chen and Rita didn't spend much time in the training room, but their presence drew numerous curious glances.

Theresa hadn't widely announced Rita's visit; after all, despite Schicksal's long history, it lacked the bureaucratic traditions of old institutions.

Neither Theresa nor Himeko believed Rita's visit had any direct connection with the Valkyries, so they continued their routines unaffected.

However, as one of the few males at Saint Freya Academy, Xia Chen naturally attracted attention whenever he was seen with Rita, leading to speculation among onlookers.

It was evident that the students of Saint Freya were bolder than the members of the Immortal Blades.

Xia Chen even overheard whispers like "his little sweetheart" echoing around him.

He couldn't help but glance at Rita.

Rita didn't seem bothered; instead, she smiled warmly, "It appears you're quite popular here."

"Not really," Xia Chen responded without any embarrassment. "Vice-Captain Rita, would you like to spar and stretch your muscles?"

"No need, I still have some pride. If I were to lose against you, hmm... let's just say it might affect my ego?" Her refusal was graceful and tactful, making one feel as if bathed in a gentle breeze.

Upon closer reflection, Xia Chen realized with surprise that despite their lengthy conversation, he hadn't gleaned any intelligence about Sirin Project. Rita had effectively concealed her true intentions.

If not for his prior knowledge of the plot, he wouldn't have suspected her presence was connected to Kiana.

Xia Chen decided to spend some rare time engaging in friendly chat, also taking the opportunity to recommend several exceptional Valkyrie students.

Within Saint Freya Academy, there were diligent and talented Valkyries whose potential should not go wasted. However, he lacked the power to significantly alter destiny, so all he could do was suggest their merits.

Whether Rita took note of these recommendations is another matter entirely.

After all, to Otto, the value of individual Valkyries wasn't particularly high.

Rita also utilized this opportunity to gather sufficient information about Xia Chen, at least regarding his life within the academy.

Surprisingly, Xia Chen's relationship with Kiana was neither exceptionally close nor strained. In fact, he maintained a somewhat distant demeanor towards every Valkyrie here. Using Shenzhou terminology, one might describe it as 'guarding chastity'.

Even someone as exceptional as Xia Chen couldn't escape the shackles of emotions, could he?

Suddenly, Rita began to believe that Sirin Project could indeed succeed.

Previously, she thought its success would solely rely on the Enforcer being "Otto Apocalypse." Now, she felt that the project itself had inherent feasibility.

She kept this realization to herself.

Despite their hidden agendas, from the surface, they appeared as good friends engaged in casual conversation, enjoying each other's company.

Their chat continued until Theresa finally arrived, marking the completion of Xia Chen's task.

The following day, Saint Freya Academy conducted a temporary assessment for its Valkyrie students.

Rita proposed this request, as her primary purpose here was to evaluate the academy's Valkyrie students and report their performance back to Headquarters based on actual observations.

With a remarkably gentle tone, Rita addressed Theresa, "This inspection will influence Headquarters' financial allocation for Saint Freya's next fiscal year, so I kindly ask for your cooperation, Lady Theresa."

Upon hearing this, Theresa nearly jumped in surprise.

The Far East Branch still relied heavily on financial support from Headquarters, and if that funding were cut...

Without going into other aspects, merely maintaining the training grounds required significant funds.

Theresa promptly assured her full cooperation.

As expected, Rita also inquired about the Moonlight Throne, but this time, Theresa managed to evade the question by feigning ignorance.

Despite how easily her act could have been seen through.

But considering how utterly adorable Theresa looked at that moment, Rita decided not to press further.

With Theresa's introduction, the students learned of Rita's identity.

Several faces subtly shifted, clearly belonging to those who had been gossiping about their "little mistress."

Rita didn't let it bother her; with her striking appearance, she was no stranger to whispers during special missions or interactions with government officials.

No one believed being a housekeeper could simply be a personal interest.

No one believed wearing maid uniforms was solely for self-satisfaction.

People often hastily label others they don't understand, saving themselves the effort of deeper thought—even though such minds are already tragically impoverished.

Striving to maintain her principal's authority, Theresa announced, "Today we will conduct a surprise Valkyrie combat evaluation. Your performance may earn bonus points in the upcoming A-rank Valkyrie assessment."

"Miss Rita, the vice-captain from the Immortal Blades, will observe your combat performances today. Now, I will assign the test pairings."

The students remained silent, awaiting their turn.

On the sidelines, Xia Chen had some free time and watched with keen interest.

Speaking of progress, he was aware of Raiden Mei and Kiana's advancements but not those of the other Valkyries. Individuals with exceptional talent like Raiden Mei were rare, making it difficult for them to leave a lasting impression on him.

This world is not solely defined by geniuses; despite their prominence, the majority are still ordinary individuals.

Fu Hua, due to her unique circumstances, did not participate in this practical test and stood alongside Xia Chen.

As they observed the students sparring, the two engaged in casual conversation.

Fu Hua asked, "I haven't seen you practicing Taixuan Sword Qi lately. Have you encountered any difficulties? If there are issues, feel free to discuss them with me. While I can't guarantee solutions for everything, providing some assistance shouldn't be a problem."

Her primary concern was indeed Xia Chen's situation.

Xia Chen's talent reminded her of another old acquaintance.

It would indeed be a great waste if such innate abilities were not utilized fully.

Shaking his head, Xia Chen replied, "I haven't encountered any difficulties; rather, it has been quite smooth."

The reason he hadn't practiced Taixuan Sword Qi recently was that with prolonged training, he realized its true nature. The sword heart cultivated by the sword qi, at its core, was essentially a disguised Herrscher Core.

As he already possessed a Herrscher Core, there was no need for an additional one. During this time, he had instead experimented with Taixuan Sword Spirit. However, knowing how astonishing this revelation could be, he chose not to mention it to Fu Hua.

"Ah, that's good to hear." Fu Hua nodded.

"Speaking of which, you seem to have a close relationship with Miss Rita, oh sorry, I forgot you were once part of the same squad."

Realizing her oversight, she acknowledged asking a somewhat naive question.

"It's alright. Not everyone within the Immortal Blades can easily get close to Vice-Captain Rita. At that time, due to my relative weakness, I received much care and attention from her, hence our familiarity grew."

Intrigued, Xia Chen asked, "Schoolgirl Fu Hua, do you hold a particular interest in Vice-Captain Rita?"

"Yes, we had some interactions." She didn't hide it but kept her response vague.