Volume 2, Chapter 38: Twilight, Maiden, Battleship

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For the Moonlight Squad, part of the Far East Branch's Fifth Team, stopping the rogue battleship was a challenging task.

The Science Division devised a plan to approach the battleship using drones and then gain control over it.

Despite its simplicity, the selection process for personnel was stringent.

Most Valkyries at Saint Freya lacked experience in high-risk operations. By "high-risk," it wasn't referring to dealing with Honkai Energy incidents but handling dangerous emergency situations.

As a result, Himeko could only choose from the strongest and most psychologically resilient students.

Kiana, Raiden Mei, and Bronya were her picks.

Himeko had observed Kiana and Raiden Mei's relentless efforts recently, and both displayed exceptional talent. Although Bronya often slacked off during training sessions, there was no doubting her combat prowess.

Moreover, Bronya possessed outstanding hacking skills.

As for seeking Xia Chen's assistance... apologies, but Himeko never considered that option. After all, Xia Chen was not yet officially affiliated with the Far East Branch.

As this involved matters of the Far East Branch, it was only natural for them to handle it.

"Kiana, I've sent you the data on the Moonlight Throne. The drone fleet is already en route; maintain your balance while aboard the drones. Falling from such heights would make rescue extremely difficult."

"Don't worry, Himeko."

"I've told you before, during missions, address me as Major Himeko. Show some respect!"

Kiana and Himeko ended their communication.

The girl activated her armor's protective systems and climbed onto a drone wing.

Apart from the Valkyrie Armor itself, she had minimal additional protection, standing precariously on the drone's wing.

Fortunately, Kiana knew how to adjust her center of gravity and wasn't afraid of heights. Even with the drone moving swiftly, she managed to keep herself balanced effortlessly.

Of course, Bronya and Raiden Mei were equally adept at maintaining stability.

Due to her physical condition, Himeko remained behind, coordinating the mission through their communicators instead of joining the frontline.

Two hours later, from her position on the drone, Kiana spotted the Lunar Throne mentioned in the intel.

"Himeko, I'm approaching the Moonlight Throne."

"Good, but be careful." Himeko paused briefly before continuing, "According to data from the Science Division, due to massive consumption of Honkai Energy, Honkai Beasts have spawned on the battleship's deck.

"Once the drone reaches directly above the ship, you and Raiden Mei clear out those beasts to create a safe environment for Bronya, who will take control of the vessel."

"Split up and move immediately," the young major ordered promptly.

"Yes ma'am!" Kiana, Mei, and Bronya replied simultaneously.

"Fu Hua, lead the other Valkyrie students with the drones to eliminate additional Honkai Beasts, easing some pressure off Kiana."

"Understood," Fu Hua nodded from the side.

Soon, they sprang into action.

As soon as the drone reached the battleship, Kiana leaped straight down.

Immediately, Honkai Beasts and Zombies attacked her.

She dispatched them swiftly, reporting back to Himeko about the situation.

"Zombies?" Himeko couldn't help but frown.

Typically, areas with high concentrations of Honkai Energy only spawn Honkai Beasts. The presence of Zombies indicated one possibility—humans were involved.

It was clear that the battleship's malfunction wasn't as simple as it seemed.

But this wasn't her immediate concern right now.

"Kiana, quickly dispatch the Honkai Beasts and then rendezvous with your teammates."

"Got it." Kiana brimmed with fighting spirit. "I haven't seen Mei for 2 hours and 37 minutes already. I'm heading to find her right away."

Himeko remained silent, struck by how openly Kiana expressed her feelings for Mei. But she had grown accustomed to it over time.

Meanwhile, at Anti-Entropy's Salt Lake Base...

Upon receiving Theresa's message, Einstein and Tesla couldn't help but sigh in relief.

"As expected, they succeeded," Tesla exclaimed joyously before adding, "Cocolia almost got there first."

If not for Cocolia discovering the Moonlight Throne and threatening them to hand it over, they wouldn't have rushed its deployment so hastily. Ideally, they would've devised a thorough and secure plan together with Theresa.

However, once Cocolia bared her fangs, they had no choice but to act swiftly.

Fortunately, with two weeks to prepare, they weren't entirely unready.

Einstein shook her head. "It's just unfortunate for those soldiers."

Their original plan had been to deploy unmanned warships over Canghai City. However, anticipating this move, Cocolia sent numerous troops to seize control of the Moonlight Throne and swiftly reached its deck once it was deployed.

Clearly, there must have been spies planted by Cocolia within the Salt Lake Base; otherwise, she couldn't have timed her actions so precisely.

Left with no choice, Einstein triggered a controlled meltdown of the backup Honkai Energy reactor, infecting the soldiers and transforming them into Zombies.

This also unleashed a massive swarm of Honkai Beasts. Based on their estimates, such concentrated Honkai Energy could potentially give rise to an Emperor of Honkai.

Tesla felt similarly regretful.

While Anti-Entropy's Cocolia deserved punishment, the others were innocent, at least not guilty enough for such fate.

However, they had no other option.

If the Moonlight Throne fell into Cocolia's hands, the consequences would be far worse. This weapon, capable of rapidly evaporating Honkai Energy, could target not only Herrschers and Honkai Beasts but also Valkyries.

Tesla could easily imagine Cocolia treating the Moonlight Throne as her most prized possession and mass-producing it upon acquisition. Then, she would launch an all-out war against Schicksal.

She was an unyielding opportunist at heart.

Anti-Entropy utilized her capabilities to grow stronger, while she seized these opportunities to ascend onto the world stage.

"Our part is done," Einstein sighed. "Now we must rely on our allies to secure the Moonlight Throne."

This Moonlight Throne, infused with countless hours of her labor and embodying Joyce's final wish, felt like her own child. Surrendering it willingly was out of the question. She could only hope Theresa would stand firm in this matter.

Contrary to Einstein, Tesla remained optimistic.

"Mophead, dwelling on regrets after taking action serves no purpose—you taught me that yourself. You're not one to agonize over every decision."

"Hmm." Einstein shook her head. "I'm heading back to rest now. If Cocolia comes questioning us, please handle her for me."

"Don't worry, I'll give her a proper tongue-lashing." Tesla had long been itching to unleash a verbal barrage on Cocolia.

"The Honkai Beasts on the deck have been cleared."

"We've successfully met up with Mei."

"Bronya successfully cracked most of the Main Control Room's access codes, but there's one last password left. Its firewall is tough to bypass; it'll take some time."

"Hold on, someone left a voice message up here," Bronya relayed to Himeko.

"The message says: The password for the Main Control Room is Kiana's birthday."