Volume 4, Chapter 30: The Jizo Mitama

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For Schicksal at present, although Divine Keys were precious, they weren't currently of utmost importance. Without much hesitation, Durandal readily agreed to his request.

Within Schicksal, there were indeed practitioners of sword techniques, but utilizing the full potential of a Divine Key demanded a significant cost. Consequently, this valuable weapon had yet to find a suitable wielder.

Rita brought the Jizo Mitama to Xia Chen.

Meanwhile, Durandal contacted Nagamitsu to discuss the matter of Project Stigma, as mentioned by Xia Chen.

Schicksal was a formidable organization, but its resources were not limitless. It couldn't simultaneously invest in two major projects; this wasn't venture capital investment. Compared to the already 'failed' Project Stigma, which had been tested at Babylon Tower, Anti-Entropy's Entropy Reduction held greater appeal among Schicksal's researchers.

The reason was quite simple: With Project Stigma underway, their chances of survival were uncertain. However, Entropy Reduction increased their likelihood of making it through.

These discussions had little to do with Xia Chen, as he wasn't part of Schicksal's decision-making hierarchy. Based on the storyline, the success of Entropy Reduction could potentially buy them 8-10 years, providing ample time for preparations.

Xia Chen didn't involve himself in such debates. After obtaining the Jizo Mitama, his focus shifted to bringing it to Rin.

Meanwhile, Rin was enjoying snacks with Ana.

"How is it? Tasty, right? Would you like some more?"

Ana took Rin to her small room and generously shared almost all her treasured snacks. Within Schicksal, snacks weren't readily available since there were no convenience stores onsite. Most of her treats were brought from home.

For most Valkyries, they typically purchased snacks during breaks between missions. These flavorful foods served as a means to alleviate stress. From this perspective, the Valkyries of Schicksal found satisfaction in relatively simple pleasures.

"Mm-hmm, thank you, Big Sister Ana."

Rin, being raised during the industrial era, had a fondness for these small snacks. In the past, Sakura couldn't provide them due to her missions, and by the time she gained freedom, no businesses were producing such items anymore.

As Rin popped chips one after another, she suddenly felt that choosing this place was undoubtedly the right decision.

Watching from the side, Ana's heart swelled with joy. As an only child without siblings, although she had good relationships outside, it never alleviated feelings of loneliness.

Having a cute little sister like Rin seemed truly wonderful.

"Rin, what else would you like to eat?"

"Do they have fried tofu?" Rin timidly asked, "I've seen others eating fried tofu, and it always looked so delicious."

Feeling slightly awkward, Ana replied, "I'm sorry, there aren't many people from the Far East here, so dishes specific to that region aren't available. But how about this, once we have a break, I'll take you to try some, okay?"

"Okay." Rin's eyes narrowed happily, sounding as sweet as a kitten, she said, "Big Sister Ana, you're really kind - the best person to me besides my own big sister."

She knew very few people; her parents had passed away when she was too young to remember them clearly, and Sakura became her source of reliance. As for Xia Chen... their relationship felt more like a transaction.

Yet deep down, it seemed there was also a lingering affection towards him.

Rin blinked curiously, intrigued by adult conversations now. "Are you married to Xia Chen-gege, Ana-nee?"

"Not yet."

By this point, Ana had become open about her relationship with Xia Chen and no longer felt as shy discussing it in front of others. Smiling, she said, "We're not old enough yet, so we don't have that formal bond." As she spoke, Ana couldn't resist pinching Rin's cheeks gently. "Why did you suddenly ask about this?"

"I'm just really curious. Big Sister says Xia Chen-gege is a good person," Rin candidly shared Sakura's assessment of Xia Chen. "Ana-nee, you need to step up! Big Sister mentioned that Xia Chen-gege is highly accomplished, so surely many people must like him."

Ana was somewhat taken aback.

It wasn't surprising to hear Sakura's positive evaluation of Xia Chen, nor did it make her jealous. His excellence was indeed evident to all. She had long outgrown being the little jealous one from before.

Curious, Ana asked, "Do you sisters often discuss this kind of topic?"

"Not really," Rin blinked and replied, "Actually, Big Sister is worried I might develop feelings for Xia Chen-nii, so she said that."

The young girl seemed unreserved when it came to such matters.

Being just a child, her thoughts were innocent, further emphasized by the separation of her malicious side. As a result, her words carried a certain naive charm.

Ana sighed, "Xia Chen truly carries quite the burden of sin."

Although Ana's experience wasn't extensive, she could discern that Rin's feelings towards Xia Chen were purely affectionate, not romantic. Moreover, Rin was not yet at an age where such emotions would typically arise.

At that moment, her communicator beeped.

"Ana, please bring Rin over here; I've obtained the Jizo Mitama." He paused before adding, "The Jizo Mitama is connected to Rin's past. We need to apply for a compartment isolated from Honkai Energy immediately; this is crucial."

Xia Chen rarely used terms like 'crucial,' but whenever he did, it signified genuine importance.

Observing how much Xia Chen cared for Rin, Ana pondered thoughtfully.

"Alright, we'll be there shortly."

The Jizo Mitama was a weapon formed from Higokumaru's dissipated hatred within the Stigmata space, essentially embodying extreme malevolence.

Creating this Divine Key took a staggering 50,000 years, but Xia Chen still couldn't comprehend why it could be forged within a Stigmata?

Clearly, the Stigmata held immense secrets beyond mere adaptation to Honkai Energy.

Elysian Realm, Jizo Mitama, stigma space...

Xia Chen's curiosity about the creator of the Stigmata grew stronger; it was far more than just a simple database for gene collection.

Before he could ponder further, Ana arrived with Rin.

Rin's eyes lit up as she gazed at the Jizo Mitama in Xia Chen's hand.

"Does it seem familiar?" Xia Chen paused and continued, "After all, it originated from you, or at least part of your being. However, I can't give it to you yet, since it doesn't belong to me."

The trio entered an experimental chamber, where Xia Chen requested a device capable of isolating Honkai Energy.

He worried that upon touching the Jizo Mitama, Rin might trigger a Honkai reaction, necessitating precautions against any unforeseen complications.

With his current status, Xia Chen's request was swiftly approved without delay.

Rin cooperatively lay down within the device as Xia Chen began transferring the Jizo Mitama.

As soon as the girl and the weapon made contact, under the watchful eyes of Xia Chen and Ana, the anticipated transformation occurred.

"The Honkai Energy is rapidly increasing," Ana observed, glancing at the device's data. "Fortunately, this chamber can contain concentrations up to 2000hw. So what exactly is going on with Rin?" she asked, curiosity piqued.

Xia Chen blinked. "Would you believe me if I said Rin has been alive for fifty thousand years?"