Volume 1, Chapter 4: Simulation - The Queen Descends

Xia Chen never expected Durandal to impart knowledge about the Kaslana Gunmanship technique.

Taken aback, he instinctively replied, "It's the gunmanship technique from House Kaslana, one of Schicksal's Three Knights. Lady Durandal, wouldn't it be inappropriate for me to learn this?"

Due to Siegfried's actions, the Kaslana family had declined, with fewer members participating in Valkyrie squads. However, this did not mean their proprietary techniques were freely available for others to learn.

The young Valkyrie calmly explained, "Traditional Kaslana gunmanship requires the unique bloodline of the Kaslanas to fully utilize. What I will teach you is a simplified version, analyzed and adapted by the Science Division, suitable for all Valkyries. Out of respect for the Kaslana family, we retained its original name."

"I also want to conduct a trial on you; if this combat style proves effective, it will be promoted within the Immortal Blades."

Xia Chen understood now.

So, he was essentially a test subject.

However, he didn't mind being part of such experimentation, as Schicksal's Science Division was highly reputable.

For two grueling days, he endured relentless training under Durandal.

"Finally, it's over."

He never imagined that training could be so agonizing.

After being dissected by the Science Division, the modified Kaslana Gunmanship technique had undoubtedly lost some of its traditional potency. However, for Xia Chen, it represented a significant improvement and even surpassed his previous training in Valkyrie combat techniques.

To help him quickly grasp this gunmanship style, Durandal practically treated him as an adversary during training.

Have you ever seen a Valkyrie kick a jeep to smithereens without any gear? Xia Chen has.

Durandal demonstrated it right before his eyes.

If not for the simulator's rewards, he might have lacked the courage to continue.

Due to his resilience, Durandal gave Xia Chen high praise:

"Being able to endure my training for two days without losing spirit, you've already done remarkably well."

Fortunately, following the intense training came a short break.

Although only one day, Xia Chen decided to fully rest and recharge.

Perhaps he should thank Durandal; these two days of rigorous practice helped diminish the vivid memory of Finality from his visions, easing the feeling of helplessness considerably.

After cleaning up and having dinner, Xia Chen lay down on his bed.

[Honkai World Simulator activated.]

[Current Scenario: Intrinsic World - Queen's Descent.]

[Equipment and Weapons: None.]

[Equipped Stigmata: None.]

[System Generating Records...]

[Day 1:]

As Xia Chen regained consciousness, he heard alarms blaring throughout Schicksal Headquarters.

The once vast floating island was now plagued by shadows of Honkai, and the sky had turned ominously dark.

Countless Honkai Beasts descended upon the headquarters.

In mid-air, the majestic Queen slowly emerged, resembling a divine deity.

This sensation felt incredibly real. Although the Herrscher of the Void's oppressive aura wasn't as terrifying as that of the Finality Herrscher, even making eye contact required immense courage.

Just as a thought began to form in his mind, Xia Chen received a communication:

"Immortal Blades, commence battlefield cleanup."

Rita's command echoed in his ears. Taking a deep breath, Xia Chen resolutely aimed his weapon at a massive Emperor of Honkai.

Whether it was due to significant progress from Durandal's training or influenced by the 'Courage to Face All,' Xia Chen not only felt no fear when confronted with such colossal beasts; instead, he experienced a surge of excitement.

Wearing the Mark-III Valkyrie Armor, Xia Chen benefited from its exceptional protective capabilities and support functions.

With a leap, Xia Chen aimed his Hurricanes at the Emperor's eye.

"Goodbye."

Overcoming the massive recoil, he seized the moment as the Emperor howled and swiftly closed the distance. Then, holstering his guns, Xia Chen punched straight through the Emperor's skull.

This showcased the terrifying power of the Mark-III Valkyrie Armor, amplifying most of its wearer's physical abilities significantly.

While not as extreme as Durandal's capabilities, pinpointing weaknesses and delivering fatal blows was still achievable with ease.

"At this level, I should be able to participate in the A-rank Valkyrie assessment," Xia Chen murmured, observing the fallen Emperor of Honkai.

"Indeed, you've become much stronger, but...it's still not enough."

The battlefield swarmed with Honkai Beasts, leaving Xia Chen little time for hesitation; he continued engaging relentlessly.

Noticing Susannah surrounded by two beasts, he promptly eliminated one with his firearm.

"Thank you." On the battlefield, Susannah shed her usual clumsy demeanor. After expressing gratitude, she immediately attacked the remaining Honkai Beast.

Xia Chen observed that at this point, Susannah's strength approached that of an A-rank Valkyrie.

An A-rank Valkyrie is typically groomed to lead a Valkyrie squad.

Nodding, Xia Chen began darting across the battlefield, using his enhanced speed to clear away the increasing number of Honkai Beasts.

However, he soon faced an awkward issue - his stamina was becoming a problem.

This wasn't entirely surprising, as the Mark-III Valkyrie Armor's assistance features required substantial physical energy. The Science Division had calculated that the optimal combat duration for a Valkyrie is generally one hour; beyond that, their stamina begins to decline rapidly.

Not everyone could be Durandal.

Typically, during missions, individuals would carry appropriate nutrient supplements. But with the sudden attack on headquarters, there was no time to equip them.

He had no choice but to push through.

Sweat inside the helmet gradually blurred his vision, his legs protested with growing pain, and the continuous recoil left his gun-wielding hand sore and numb.

Two Knight-class Honkai Beasts charged towards him.

Instinctively trying to dodge, his legs gave way, causing him to collapse.

Just then, a fiery red Greatsword blocked the two Knights.

"Leave this to me, young man."

Xia Chen's eyes narrowed slightly, recognizing the suit of armor instantly.

It was Schicksal's fourth-generation Valkyrie Armor, Moon Eclipse.

After dispatching the Honkai Beasts, its wearer glanced at him briefly.

"You must keep living, soldier."

With her Greatsword in hand, she swiftly moved away.

Struggling to stand, Xia Chen replied, "Headquarters has already dispatched Augmented God Machines for support." Once again, Rita's voice echoed in his ears, "Hold on, team members. This crisis will soon be resolved."

"Resolved—"

Xia Chen felt somewhat dazed.

The simulated scenario was incredibly realistic, so much so that he couldn't discern when this disaster would end. It differed vastly from his experience with the game's storyline.

While playing, he had been detached, observing from behind the screen. Despite feeling empathy or sympathy, he always knew it was not real.

But this is the actual world—a world suffocatingly desperate.

He witnessed former comrades infected by Honkai Beasts, transformed into Zombies. He saw the floating islands reduced to scorched earth. The Herrscher mocked humanity like a deity scornful of its creation.

Gripping his gun tightly, Xia Chen aimed at the Herrscher hovering above.

"Go die!"

[Due to provoking the Herrscher of the Void, you were impaled by the Aether Spear and died.]