Volume 1, Chapter 56: Simulation - Another Herrscher of Corruption Incident

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Xia Chen and Wendy didn't stay together for long.

He feared that lingering too much longer might lead him to succumb and consume Wendy, and judging by her demeanor, she wouldn't resist.

Yet his remaining rationality and conscience prevented him from acting on those impulses.

Even though he suspected having MANTIS genes within himself, he was not a wild beast.

After escorting Wendy back to her room, which felt like a cage, Xia Chen returned to his own quarters.

Once away from Wendy, the overwhelming desire to devour faded. Finally, he could get a proper sleep.

The next day, when Xia Chen reappeared in the Ocean Branch's training room, the Valkyries couldn't hide their surprised expressions.

"He's back again. Must have been out having fun these past few days."

"I thought someone from Headquarters would last longer. Seems their willpower isn't much stronger than ours after all."

"Yes, indeed."

Their words cut like knives, piercing deep.

This sentiment wasn't solely directed at Xia Chen but also towards themselves.

Despite being prepared for battle, they had no opportunity to engage. Instead, they were left idle and aimless here.

Even with generous treatment and assurances of stability by the commercial 'elites' walking around, their inner confusion remained unchanged.

Xia Chen automatically filtered out their remarks.

After completing his basic training routine, he consumed a nutrient supplement and then headed to Wendy's room.

"Wendy, are you awake?"

"Mm-hmm," the girl inside responded. "Come in."

Wendy was enjoying her breakfast delivered by a robot - although it consisted only of simple items like milk, fried eggs, and sandwiches, she savored them delightfully.

The Ocean Branch provided adequate care for Wendy; meals were handled by automated systems, and there was even a robotic assistant in her room to help with tasks she found challenging.

Such as bathing, using the restroom, and changing clothes.

However, its assistance extended only so far.

Her breakfast eating manner wasn't particularly graceful, with remnants of sauce even lingering at the corners of her mouth.

Feeling slightly embarrassed, she said, "Sorry for the mess."

"It's nothing," Xia Chen shook his head and asked, "I remember you mentioned wanting to improve your shooting skills, right? Would you like to practice now?"

"Wouldn't it be too much trouble for you?" The girl sounded genuinely delighted, her voice brightening noticeably.

"No problem, I don't have anything else planned anyway."

The affairs of the Ocean Branch hardly concerned him; all he could do was clear Honkai incidents. However, here, Honkai events were practically textbook terms—heard of but rarely seen.

Fortunately, the Ocean Branch hadn't yet reached the point where they considered equipment maintenance too troublesome and costly, suggesting dismantling them instead. At least there was still a place for him to exercise his skills.

"Sure."

Wendy produced her Colt pistol.

This ordinary handgun lacked the fresh gleam of a newly manufactured weapon, but she meticulously maintained it. Despite its standard ammunition being insufficient to defeat even Crimson Sakura-class Honkai Beasts, Wendy never lost hope or gave up.

Xia Chen couldn't help feeling a sense of shame. Before obtaining the System, during his first three months with the Immortal Blades, he had nearly reached his breaking point.

Now, however, he had learned to adapt to those surging desires within him.

Upon reaching the secluded training area, Xia Chen followed Gretel's example and set up targets.

The girl took her gun, aimed at the target, and fired.

Despite her injured legs, she remained a prodigy.

However, this fact only deepened Xia Chen's sorrow.

If there were no other options, death might indeed be the best outcome for her.

At that moment, he fervently prayed for the System to provide something suitable.

During their time together, few words were exchanged. Wendy didn't need comforting, and Xia Chen himself was not particularly eloquent.

After the training session ended, upon Wendy's request, he escorted her back.

Following this routine, he engaged in regular exercises and found moments to chat with Ana.

In the evenings, they would take walks together.

Finally, it was time to retire to bed.

With the start of a new week, Xia Chen gained three more simulation opportunities.

[Schicksal World Simulator activated.]

[Current Scenario: Intrinsic World - Pre-Civilization Era Herrscher of Corruption Event.]

[Equipped Weapon: Red Sakura.]

[Assigned Stigmata: Ana Schariac.]

[System generating records...]

[Day 1: You are an ordinary soldier of Fire Moth...]

It felt like he had come full circle, returning to this point once again.

Xia Chen, noticing his slightly familiar attire, instinctively tried communicating with Rin.

However, despite usually being able to connect through consciousness, Rin showed no response this time.

Instead, a gentle voice resonated:

["Defeat Honkai."]

He recognized this voice immediately - it was the Commandment.

Just as a headache threatened to set in, a peculiar surge of power emerged within him.

It was Ana, fighting against the influence of the Commandment on his mind.

Although Xia Chen could still hear Aponia's voice, the effect was significantly reduced compared to earlier.

"Thank you."

The experience under the Commandment's influence was truly unpleasant. Even with dulled memories, Xia Chen vividly recalled the torment he endured.

Suddenly, a question struck him.

"With such advanced civilization from the previous era, is there any capability to separate a Herrscher's consciousness from their body?"

Xia Chen increasingly believed this idea might be feasible.

Given the level of technological advancement before the current era, there might indeed be a method. Otherwise, how would the Divine Keys capable of containing Herrscher Cores have been created? Of course, the present-day Fire Moth likely lacked the necessary technology and would require time for research.

If the Fire Moth had been willing to research it, there's a high chance they could have developed such technology.

However, the biggest issue now was that Xia Chen was merely an ordinary soldier within the Fire Moth organization.

Moreover, unlike last time when he guarded Rin, this time he was assigned to watch over the rest of the laboratory...

Wait, Rin?

Xia Chen's expression darkened instantly.

Recalling his limited memories, he swiftly ran towards where Rin was detained.

His hurried sprint quickly alarmed relevant personnel, and before long, Xia Chen felt numerous guns pointing at his head.

He forgot - the Fire Moth is a military organization.

Especially after the incident with the Herrscher of Dominance, the Fire Moth had become extremely vigilant against any unusual behavior.

"What are you doing?" A soldier, gun raised, blocked his path.

"Stay calm, I've received some crucial information." Taking a deep breath, Xia Chen said, "Someone intends harm towards the young Herrscher girl."

"Hurry, take me there immediately or notify Dr. Mei," he urged, "It doesn't matter which, but we're running out of time."

The other soldiers couldn't help but frown.

One promptly reported the situation to their superiors while another restrained Xia Chen.

"I'm sorry, until we verify the truthfulness, I can't allow you to move freely," the soldier explained to Xia Chen.

Xia Chen's heart was filled with worry.

After all, despite being under supervision, Rin still ended up dying.

He was escorted to a guarded room.

Approximately two hours later, a young woman dressed in a white lab coat approached.

"Thanks to your warning, we were able to prevent further tragedy." The scientist named Mei looked at Xia Chen and calmly said, "However, based on our investigation, prior to this incident, you hadn't communicated with anyone. Could you please share the source of your information?"

Xia Chen slightly sighed in relief.

"If I tell you I have the ability to foresee the future, would you believe me?"

Surprisingly, Mei nodded. "Yes, I do."

She explained, "After eliminating numerous illogical theories, this is the only plausible explanation that fits."