Honkai Simulator: Start with Confessing to The Herrscher of Finality

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After Raven and the others left, Xia Chen opened the note given by Chen Tianwu.

Chen Tianwu had promised to help save Ana.

Tianwu's life was saved by Xia Chen, and his sister's life by Ana. This Shenzhou descendant upheld the traditional virtue of repaying kindnesses.

The note contained information about the Seven Thunders of Purgation and Jackal's device for recovering Herrschers—the Staff of the Underworld.

In simple terms, this instrument could interfere with the connection between Virtual Beings and Herrschers. It was a relic from the previous civilization, which even Schicksal today couldn't replicate.

This crucial intelligence had been brought by Owl.

With the Staff of the Underworld, a Herrscher would be unable to fully utilize their original power, at least according to Owl.

Owl served primarily as an intelligence operative, though that was his current role at present.

However, having risen through ranks within the Elysian Realm demonstrates his possession of significant, undeniable strength.

But...

If this device is so effective, why didn't the previous era use it against their own Herrschers? Or perhaps, was it developed only after the end of that civilization?

Xia Chen shook his head, dismissing such thoughts.

His immediate priority remained finding Ana.

As he gazed upon the frozen city, despite knowing it was an illusion, his heart still felt heavy.

Meanwhile, on the other side, Raiden Mei, Raven, and Owl also separated to carry out their tasks.

"We've confirmed the location of the Herrscher."

"Still, we must remain cautious," Raven spoke calmly. "Based on Gray Serpent's intel, Schicksal's Valkyrie isn't known for obedience. Be prepared for the possibility they might betray us."

Observing Raven now standing alone, a subtle hint of ambiguity flickered in Owl's eyes.

Xia Chen effortlessly found Ana.

Just as when they first met, the girl had encased herself within an icicle, intending to end her life this way.

"Ana, I've come for you."

He touched the icy surface, feeling its familiar chill etched in his memory.

However, he was no longer the weak youth from before. Harnessing fluid manipulation, he gently dispersed the coldness.

Tears stained Ana's cheeks as she saw Xia Chen. Her hands trembled, then covered her face enveloped by black ice, seemingly unwilling to let her beloved see her in such a state.

"Kill...kill me," she uttered, her voice strained.

Instead, Xia Chen embraced her tightly.

"Don't worry, Ana. The me now is not powerless anymore. We'll go back to Schicksal... No, wait, it's too dangerous there right now. Let's find a safe place. I can try absorbing the Honkai Energy from your body; there must be a solution."

"I'm...so terrifying." Ana wept, her words barely coherent. "Please kill me, I beg..."

Before she could finish, Xia Chen silenced her with a kiss.

Intense Honkai energy surged from both the young boy and girl. With Ana's assistance, Xia Chen began to absorb the Honkai Energy within them.

At that moment, his own Authority fully erupted.

"This is..."

Raven observed the dense Honkai energy nearby, her expression turning grim.

"Jackal never mentioned another Herrscher here."

As she prepared to intervene, she was unexpectedly struck with immense force.

Caught off guard, Raven couldn't comprehend when Owl had made his move.

"Owl..."

"My apologies."

Owl swiftly took away the Seven Thunders of Purgation from her.

Raven's consciousness started fading.

The powerful surge of Honkai Energy quickly caught Raiden Mei's attention.

When she arrived, she found the captain of the Snow Lotus Squad asleep in Xia Chen's arms—the very Herrscher she had been seeking.

"I never imagined the Herrscher would be you." Raiden Mei's face grew somber as she saw pure white wings emerging behind Xia Chen. "You've possessed the Authority of the Herrscher of Wind for quite some time now."

"My situation mirrors yours," Xia Chen replied calmly, "Step aside."

"I'm quite curious, with two Herrscher Cores within you, how does your body withstand it?" Raiden Mei didn't step aside but instead asked with genuine interest, as if they were still teacher and student.

"That's not something you need to concern yourself with." His eyes showed almost no emotion, as though nothing in the world mattered to him.

"I must leave."

"No, that won't do," Raiden Mei replied indifferently.

"I can ensure her safety elsewhere, but you have to come with me."

The World Serpent's objective was clear - Herrschers. Since Ana is no longer a Herrscher, their target now shifted to Xia Chen.

Raiden Mei wasn't heartless, but she also knew when there could be no hesitation.

"You intend to stop me?"

"Correct." She slowly drew her blade.

"Very well, let's see how much progress my former student has made during this time."

Xia Chen didn't utter words like 'ingratitude,' as their positions had diverged, making such remarks meaningless.

Instead, numerous cannon ports emerged from his armor, firing towards Raiden Mei.

"I thought after becoming a Herrscher, you wouldn't rely on the Godslayer Armor anymore." Raiden Mei, wielding her electromagnetic force barrier, quipped, "You should know by now that the Godslayer Armor can't handle me."

The barrage from Moon Ash failed to penetrate her barrier.

"Yes, but what about this?"

Xia Chen held Ana in one arm and wielded the Cloud Spear with the other, unleashing a torrent of Honkai Energy akin to a miniature floating battleship. Raiden Mei's eyes narrowed; she promptly dissolved her barrier and swiftly evaded the onslaught.

She rapidly closed the distance, aiming directly at Xia Chen with a swift strike.

"Thousand Birds, Draw!"

However, her attack missed its target.

Xia Chen sidestepped using Wind Flash.

"Not bad with the blade. Now try this."

A formidable blizzard emerged, mixed with numerous massive icicles plummeting towards Raiden Mei.

Despite having only one hand free, Xia Chen skillfully manipulated his authority, causing considerable discomfort for Raiden Mei.

While the combination of blizzard and icicles wasn't inherently terrifying, the rapid loss of stamina due to the extreme cold posed a significant challenge. Valkyries have strong adaptability, especially Herrschers, making it difficult to trap them in any environment.

However, when one Herrscher confronts another, the competition extends beyond their Authorities to their inherent strength.

Xia Chen's power was unquestionable.

In contrast, Raiden Mei had only recently adapted to her Authority with the World Serpent.

Struggling defensively, she couldn't help but internally grumble, "Dammit, what is Raven doing? Still not ready with the Staff of the Underworld?"

Based on their division of tasks, Raven and Owl were supposed to set up the Staff of the Underworld...

Suddenly, Raiden Mei recalled Xia Chen and Owl greeting each other—they knew each other before...

"Bad situation, Raven might be in danger."

With this thought, Raiden Mei promptly decided to leave.

Xia Chen paid no heed to her departure, holding the weakened Ana close. "Are you cold? I'll take you somewhere safe right away and start a fire."

Slowly, Ana opened her eyes.

"You..."

"Don't worry, you won't turn into a monster, nor will anyone capture you."

"Wendy...and the rest of the team..."

He tightened his embrace around Ana. "If you're tired, feel free to rest. I'll find them for you. Trust me, everything will be alright."