Honkai Simulator: Start with Confessing to The Herrscher of Finality

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Xia Chen felt he could now piece everything together.

The World Serpent and Otto had been collaborating for some time, though the exact duration remained unclear. However, he had a rough idea of their partnership's content.

Schicksal's advanced technologies likely didn't stem solely from archaeology and the Void Archives; assistance from the World Serpent must have played a significant role. Additionally, Kevin did not hinder Otto's plans, as he foresaw benefits for this world from such actions.

Their efforts consistently pointed towards one goal: planting seeds.

If Cheng Lingshuang was unintentionally nurtured as the first seed by Fu Hua, then Durandal would be the second, purposefully cultivated by Otto—even if initially by chance.

These individuals aimed to defeat Honkai, targeting its very root cause.

The Imaginary Tree.

Only by embracing Virtual Being and achieving 'non-existence' could one hope to overcome it. Otherwise, no matter how powerful, any force within this world would prove futile - akin to Xia Chen's sword against the Hare's incorporeal form.

He now confirmed one crucial fact: The Herrscher of Finality has no connection with the Imaginary Tree.

At least, the Herrscher of Finality remains a creature existing within three-dimensional space, possibly even originating from beyond it. However, its existence is undeniable.

Interacting with the Hare resolved many of Xia Chen's doubts but raised even more questions.

For instance, how could MEI create and inscribe Stigmata directly into genes? This feat clearly surpassed human capability. Despite MEI's exceptional brilliance, such power was not attainable by mere mortals.

Unless, in her final moments, she utilized some other force.

The death of this great scientist was riddled with mysteries.

However, it was evident that unraveling these enigmas was not Xia Chen's responsibility; he wasn't the one tasked with deciphering them.

With a mind full of concerns, he returned to Coral Island.

Of course, he wasn't the only one burdened by numerous thoughts.

Kiana was watching Wendy closely, awaiting her theoretical exam results. For most Valkyries, theory would be the easiest part, but Kiana was an exception.

"Congratulations, Kiana."

After a long pause, Wendy spoke, "Your theory score finally crossed the passing threshold this time."

Her tone conveyed resignation, likely aware of how leniently this 'passing line' had been set.

Clearly, Kiana's theoretical performance was so poor that without Otto's intervention, it would have become unsustainable. Consequently, Wendy had prepared exceptionally simple questions for Kiana this time.

So straightforward that even random high school students might guess the correct answers.

With such basic theoretical assessments, it would ordinarily be insufficient to qualify Kiana as the captain of a Valkyrie Squad. However, being exceptional has its advantages.

Wendy understood social nuances well and refrained from mocking or belittling Kiana due to these circumstances. Moreover, through their interactions over time, she came to grasp why Kiana had turned into such a struggling student.

After all, she had been studying for less than three years.

"Did I finally do it?"

Kiana let out a sigh of relief and hugged Wendy tightly. "Thank goodness! Now I don't have to endure any more theory classes."

Wendy remained silent.

The subsequent practical tests turned out simpler than expected.

First came the Memory Battlefield, followed by emergency response scenarios. In the Memory Battlefield, Kiana could already defeat Imperial Rank Honkai Beasts with impressive scores.

As for handling emergency situations, it was equally straightforward—at least for Kiana.

In just three days, Schicksal Headquarters concluded its A-rank Valkyrie assessments, and Kiana became an A-rank Valkyrie.

Everyone within Schicksal breathed a collective sigh of relief.

Kiana's status posed quite a dilemma.

Schicksal included Cecilia in their internal history books, making her an idol revered by Valkyries. Naturally, this esteemed honor extended to Kiana as well.

Therefore, once her identity was 'revealed,' she would bear immense expectations equal to her newfound status.

If Kiana were merely a B-rank Valkyrie, she would still face immense pressure—and so would Schicksal.

Creating role models has always been one of Schicksal's go-to methods, which is why Kiana couldn't be just a B ranker.

Similarly, placing this undeserved honor on her shoulders was another tactic Otto could employ.

Unfortunately, her theoretical foundation was too weak; otherwise, Otto wouldn't have to resort to such backdoor maneuvers.

After all, if word got out, it would tarnish Schicksal's image of impartiality.

Yet no one understood how suffocating this burden felt for Kiana, nearly crushing her under its weight. She even feared that if she failed to meet others' expectations, she might crumble entirely.

At Schicksal Headquarters, Kiana couldn't slack off or indulge in extra sleep. She had to rise early for training, diligently study, and overcome bad habits...

This was the 'Kiana' they all expected.

But it wasn't truly her.

Unbeknownst to herself, she had unwittingly molded her life after someone else's image.

Finally passing her evaluation gave Kiana a brief moment to breathe.

But only for a brief moment.

Wendy didn't know how to comfort the girl in her arms-or perhaps, due to her lack of prestigious lineage, she simply couldn't relate to the burden Kiana bore.

Wendy was undeniably gifted, but because of her past circumstances, she had never experienced such expectations herself.

Nevertheless, she remained considerate and offered solace to the girl in her embrace.

"It's okay to cry if you need to."

"I'm not gonna cry," Kiana insisted, voice muffled despite the slight redness around her eyes.

This was the first time she'd undertaken something solely for someone else's identity. The sheer difficulty nearly pushed her to the brink of collapse.

But Kiana wouldn't crumble that easily-not because she carried the name Kiana Kaslana, but because she is who she is.

"Having passed this grueling exam, I'll surely be invincible in whatever comes next." She murmured softly.

"Yes, I believe in you," Wendy reassured her warmly.

"Finally, it's over."

At Schicksal Headquarters, Otto sighed as he reviewed the documents Amber had delivered.

The disruption of his meticulously planned scheme was deeply unsettling. If not for having prepared numerous contingencies, he might not have been able to course-correct at all.

Even with those safeguards, adjusting his plans took considerable effort on Otto's part.

Once he found a moment's respite, he couldn't help but muse:

"The possibility of changing the world..."

"There is no doubt that this world's possibilities have slipped from my grasp. Facing infinite probabilities, one cannot possibly control every outcome."

"What I sought to achieve has already been accomplished by someone else, yet...why now, rather than five hundred years ago?"

Rarely did such emotions stir within him—envy and jealousy gnawing at his thoughts.

After a long pause, he slowly spoke, "However, I've never been one to strive relentlessly for being first."

"Since one possibility has been leveraged, there will be a second, third, and fourth..."

"As long as any possible world has a non-zero probability of overcoming Honkai, the cumulative sum of countless possibilities can surpass unity."

"What an anticipated future that would be," Otto murmured, intoxicated by his vision.

"Isn't it, Kallen?"