Honkai Simulator: Start with Confessing to The Herrscher of Finality

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Developing resilience amidst hardships is challenging, but maintaining tenacity in peaceful times can be even more difficult.

Xia Chen felt that if he didn't take action soon, this lifestyle would completely corrupt him.

Observing Fu Hua slowly practicing Tai Chi, he decided it was necessary to seek life advice from this 'young woman'.

"Fu Hua, I've had a question on my mind for some time," Xia Chen paused before continuing, "Given my current state, feeling aimless and restless, what should I do to regain balance?"

"Why seek adjustment?" Fu Hua stopped her movements, somewhat puzzled.

"You appear unsettled and impatient, which precisely indicates a need for reflection and contemplation." She explained, "Otherwise, it could signify the influence of malevolent forces... My apologies, it's a bad habit from my past speech patterns."

During her time as an immortal in Shenzhou, Fu Hua frequently descended the mountains to "eliminate demons," hence referring to the Will of Honkai as malevolent forces became habitual for her.

However, she didn't believe there was any error in her assessment.

Xia Chen's talent was undeniably high, but precisely because of his exceptional abilities, being targeted by the Will of Honkai would be catastrophic. In her view, what Xia Chen needed most now was to cultivate his inner composure.

Unfortunately, while Taixuan Sword Qi can aid in cultivating one's mindset, Xia Chen had started practicing it too late.

Although Xia Chen faced no obstacles while practicing Taixuan Sword Qi, this situation was fundamentally different.

Cultivating mental resilience ideally begins from youth. However, having experienced the world's complexities at a young age, it became challenging for Xia Chen to achieve inner tranquility.

Xia Chen pondered Fu Hua's words, realizing she was right.

He had been constantly captivated by the joy of increasing his strength, so even knowing the simulator's risks, he couldn't resist using it thrice a week. Despite being aware that doing so might exacerbate future dangers.

Instead of viewing the simulator as a tool to explore multiple futures, Xia Chen solely focused on obtaining rewards.

Though reluctant to admit it, he believed that a future akin to Post-Apocalyptic Scenarios was what this world should naturally progress towards.

After all, the world already had its script written; there seemed little reason to deviate from it. Or perhaps, some unseen force compelled him to follow the original destiny's path.

"Fate..." Xia Chen couldn't help but mull over these words.

With limited knowledge of the previous civilization era, he was unaware of Aponia, who could foresee fate, or Ellie, destined to sever it ultimately.

However, Xia Chen suddenly felt instinctively that fate might not be predetermined without room for change.

Suddenly, Xia Chen recalled the voice referred to as 'God' during the simulated Second Honkai Eruption:

"Access denied for unauthorized visitors."

At that time, upon stepping onto the moon, he was flooded with vast amounts of information by this 'God'.

He couldn't help but wonder if obtaining authorization would now allow him access? And could this authorization be related to a Herrscher's Authority?

Instinctively, he felt it wouldn't be that simple.

"What did you say?" Fu Hua asked, intrigued.

"Nothing." Suppressing his doubts, Xia Chen changed the subject, "By any chance, do you have suggestions on how to maintain mental composure?"

"If you don't mind, you can learn Tai Chi with me," Fu Hua paused briefly before continuing, "I spent some time in Shenzhou earlier, and indeed, Tai Chi is excellent for cultivating both body and mind."

Xia Chen decided to give it a try.

The Tai Chi taught by Fu Hua was genuine, slow, and unhurried.

Whether against humans or Honkai Beasts, it likely wouldn't possess significant combat effectiveness. Of course, Fu Hua didn't just teach him this one style.

She also introduced another technique similar to Tai Chi, which she called Short Concentrated Force (SCF).

In every inch lies the universe, encapsulated within each movement.

Fu Hua explained, "This martial art was passed down from my father when I was young. I've made slight modifications, and now I pass it on to you. SCF can be complex or simplified; it hones your character and is highly versatile."

Xia Chen diligently studied under Fu Hua's guidance.

With his exceptional talent, he could grasp these martial arts techniques within a day, achieving a decent proficiency. However, how effectively he could utilize them would depend on his diligent practice over time.

Fu Hua was not surprised by Xia Chen's aptitude. In fact, it would have been surprising if an S-rank Valkyrie lacked such natural abilities.

Xia Chen felt deeply grateful for Fu Hua's unwavering support and knowledge sharing. Undoubtedly, aside from Schicksal's resources and training, Fu Hua had provided him with the most significant assistance.

As a token of appreciation, he prepared a pot of seafood stew that evening.

In response, Fu Hua sighed, "While your cooking isn't entirely unpalatable, I still can't quite accept seafood soup without properly preparing the fish belly."

"Really? I don't cook often," Xia Chen replied.

His palate had long adapted to not being overly picky about food.

Meanwhile, at Anti-Entropy's Eye of the Abyss Laboratory.

Cocolia had been feeling increasingly agitated lately.

Despite gaining the upper hand against the conservatives and securing support from several U.S. legislators and influential figures, allowing her to firmly control most of Anti-Entropy's power,

The failure of the Moonlight Throne project and the loss of the Gem of Desire left her in a foul mood.

She didn't expect that even under these circumstances, the two doctors within Anti-Entropy would remain defiant.

Cocolia never intended to directly confront Einstein and Tesla; if she had, she would have done so long ago. Despite her arrogance, the warlord leader was not foolish.

Anti-Entropy's prominence on the North American stage and its global influence were inseparable from its technological prowess. Regardless of their personal views, the equipment researched by Einstein and Tesla significantly bolstered Anti-Entropy's capabilities.

Cocolia would not willingly cut off her own limbs.

However, this restraint prevented her from fully consolidating Anti-Entropy's ultimate strength.

And without harnessing Anti-Entropy's power, she could not advance her ambitions further.

Having lived in Siberia for a significant time, Cocolia always adhered to the strategy of seizing opportunities swiftly to gain greater authority.

This approach guided her actions consistently in the past.

The same holds true now.

Upon receiving information from an unknown source about the Stairway to Galaxy Project, her instinctive thought was how much benefit she could gain from it. As for the origin of this intelligence, Cocolia had little suspicion.

The reason is simple; she knew many people were using her.

Whether it be the quantum experiments with X-10 or injecting Raiden Mei with the Gem of Conquest... each time, although not initiated by her own volition, she managed to reap significant advantages.

For instance, after the X-10 experiment, she obtained quantum teleportation technology. And following the infusion of the Gem of Conquest into Raiden Mei, she gained control over ME Corp.

During the Honkai incidents in Nagazora City and Singapore, she further exploited these events to seize considerable power within Anti-Entropy—a calculated trade. She acted as the puppeteer behind the scenes, while others assisted her in consolidating influence over Anti-Entropy.

Cocolia had long grown accustomed to such transactions.

She also understood that even if she controlled Anti-Entropy, she might still be merely a puppet. However, it didn't matter; she could play the long game patiently.