Volume 4, Chapter 27: The Bridge Between Schicksal and Anti-Entropy

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As Xia Chen returned to Schicksal Headquarters with Rin, Ana eagerly awaited their arrival, having been impatiently expecting them for quite some time.

Upon seeing the person she had longed for, Ana almost immediately embraced him tightly.

"Why did you stay away for so long this time, without even sending any updates? You really worried me sick."

"Sorry, sorry. It was a unique space where communication was challenging," Xia Chen whispered while holding her waist. "It won't happen again. Hopefully, there shouldn't be any more missions that separate us now."

Ana's cheeks flushed slightly.

She released him and then turned to look at Rin. "Hello, little one. I'm Ana, but you can just call me Big Sister Ana."

Recalling Xia Chen's previous mention of Rin, Ana pursed her lips and warmly addressed Rin, "Xia Chen isn't very experienced in taking care of others. From now on, I'll look after you."

"Hello, Ana-neesan," Rin responded politely.

As a well-behaved child, Rin felt timid in unfamiliar surroundings. However, due to her unique Authority, she was highly sensitive to people's intentions.

Rin blinked and said, "My big sister told me to listen to Xia Chen-nii when we're out."

Without hesitation, Ana reassured her, "Don't worry, your Xia Chen-nii also listens to me."

This showcased the advantage of being at the top of the social hierarchy.

Xia Chen rubbed his nose and admitted, "Outside of combat situations, I indeed often follow Ana's lead. She's quite the little heiress; for anything you need, just ask her."

Even now, he couldn't recall how much money was on his salary card, as most of their expenses were covered by Ana.

It almost felt like he was being financially supported by her.

Rin's eyes twinkled, confirming Ana's words were true, and sweetly requested, "Ana-neesan, I want some potato chips."

Before becoming a Herrscher, she was just a girl.

Although life with the Fire Moths lacked no basic necessities, industrialized snacks were scarce. In the apocalypse, food resources were precious, and making potato chips required large amounts of cooking oil, which was even more elusive.

"Of course, Ana will take you for some."

Being young herself, Ana naturally understood what children desired. "Besides potato chips, we'll have cola, games, and during this time, you can stay with Ana."

"Hmm, can Ana teach me to become stronger?" Rin blinked. "My big sister will be back soon, and when she returns, Rin wants to protect her well."

The girl also harbored her own aspirations.

Having witnessed countless individuals struggling amidst the apocalypse, if she could possess some power, her sister wouldn't bear such burdens alone.

"Let's go inside."

Xia Chen paused briefly before saying, "Rin's body is somewhat unique; please help her rest first. I need to contact Lady Durandal."

Currently, Rin possesses a Soulium-based body as well. Theoretically, this grants her innate talent comparable to anyone except Durandal. Additionally, due to its immunity to Honkai corruption, she can utilize Honkai Energy without any concerns.

Moreover, Rin herself could be considered a Herrscher.

Xia Chen's visit to Schicksal this time was also aimed at obtaining the Jizo Mitama corresponding to Rin. It potentially held the missing half of her soul.

A consciousness composed solely of good or evil cannot form a complete human identity. Currently, Rin exists in an incomplete state; despite appearing normal on the surface, it is merely an illusion.

Only a consciousness blending both good and evil can be deemed whole.

"Alright, I understand."

Ana didn't persist further, knowing that Xia Chen now carries significant responsibilities within Schicksal, leaving him with limited time. In fact, she faced similar circumstances. Although officially just the captain of the Snow Lotus Squad, she had gradually started taking charge of additional tasks, and the squad members were increasingly working alongside those from the Immortal Blades.

Rumor has it that this year, there will be reforms and reorganization among the Valkyrie Squads, but only time would tell what Amber proposes.

Suppressing her own thoughts, Ana turned to Rin and said, "Let's go for a walk together."

"Okay."

Rin sensed Ana's kindness and readily agreed without hesitation.

Meanwhile, Xia Chen promptly headed towards the highest point of Schicksal's floating island to seek out Durandal.

Apart from the Jizo Control Spirits, he needed to inform Schicksal about Kevin's appearance and Fu Hua returning to Shenzhou with the Herrscher of Sentience.

However, before meeting Durandal, Xia Chen encountered Raiden Mei, Bronya, and Seele accompanying her on the floating island, familiarizing themselves with their surroundings.

Both parties instinctively halted.

"Although I anticipated many events during my absence of over a month, reality still surprises me. Bronya, you've become a Herrscher as well?"

Bronya sensed the Herrscher Core within Xia Chen.

"It was merely by chance that I inherited Mr. Welt's will and legacy," she replied. Looking into Xia Chen's eyes, a hint of complexity surfaced, "The Lord of World Serpent has returned."

"I know," Xia Chen casually responded, "I came here specifically to convey this news." He paused briefly, then added, "I obtained some confidential information from World Serpent. Are you interested to hear it?"

"Hmm?" Raiden Mei furrowed her brow, "If it's truly confidential, why would you share it with us?"

"Because in the face of Honkai, human affiliations hold little importance," Xia Chen remarked nonchalantly. "If Schicksal minded these distinctions, they wouldn't have allowed you all to be here in the first place."

Raiden Mei was taken aback.

Under Durandal's leadership, Schicksal had transformed significantly from when Otto was at its helm. If Otto aimed to elevate Schicksal's potential through his individual efforts, then Durandal now sought to unify all humanity's strength under Schicksal's banner.

Previously, Raiden Mei and Bronya joined Schicksal primarily due to concerns about Bronya's condition. Now, their crucial task was to establish communication channels between Schicksal and Anti-Entropy. For Anti-Entropy's doctor, Durandal was more trustworthy than Otto, and cooperation has always been more meaningful than confrontation.

She exchanged glances with Bronya.

"Let's go together."

"Agreed."

Xia Chen couldn't help but look towards Seele. Despite already knowing her identity, he feigned ignorance and asked, "And this is?"

"Hello, I'm Seele Vollerei. You can just call me Seele." Standing beside Bronya, Seele appeared somewhat fearful of Xia Chen.

It was her natural disposition, shy and timid.

Xia Chen nodded. "A rare innate Stigmata bearer with exceptional talent. Have you considered joining the Immortal Blades?"

Bronya responded mildly, "Apologies, Bronya will personally train Seele herself."

"That's fine," he paused before continuing, "The power of Stigmata is not as simple as one might think, which ties into the secret I mentioned earlier."

"Let's go."