Chapter 121: Next Meeting Might Be as Enemies!

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On the other side of Nagazora City, Raiden Mei and Dr. Tesla had arrived due to detecting a Herrscher signature within the city earlier. At this point, the only identifiable Herrscher they could find was Kiana herself.

However, locating Kiana amidst such a vast metropolis as Nagazora City seemed like an arduous task.

Apart from potential interference from both the World Serpent and Schicksal factions, merely navigating the city's environment posed the greatest obstacle. The Major Honkai Eruption triggered a tsunami, flooding large portions of Nagazora City, transforming them into vast watery expanses.

Additionally, there were Honkai Beasts and Zombies roaming around, while their team consisted solely of Raiden Mei and Dr. Tesla.

Dr. Tesla needed to stay in relatively safe areas, and although Raiden Mei possessed combat capabilities, her level was at most equivalent to an A-rank Valkyrie.

As Raven later stated, without the Gem of Conquest, Raiden Mei is just an ordinary girl.

Of course, this assertion has some inaccuracies. Even without the Gem of Conquest, Raiden Mei remains a natural-born Stigmata awakener; with diligent training, she might still surpass Rita's abilities.

Unfortunately, Saint Freya Academy lacked such advanced training capabilities. The most effective means for improving Valkyries' combat prowess were Schicksal Headquarters' rigorous drills and real-world battles.

After conducting a brief reconnaissance, Tesla and Raiden Mei found a relatively open and safe location to set up their detectors, hoping they would help locate any traces of Kiana.

Alas, there was no success this time either.

However, through these detectors, they picked up two unusual signals. In this city long overrun by Honkai, within the range of their devices, they detected human signatures—two distinct ones.

"Let's go check it out," suggested Tesla, her adventurous spirit undeterred by potential risks.

"Mm-hmm." Raiden Mei nodded in agreement; after all, they had no other options at the moment.

Swiftly, Raiden Mei and Tesla arrived at the location indicated by the detectors. On a nearby rooftop, they spotted a familiar silhouette.

Seeing that figure, Raiden Mei instinctively covered her mouth, disbelief evident in her eyes.

The long chestnut hair and the efficient combat uniform of a Valkyrie from Schicksal were unmistakably familiar to Raiden Mei. This woman was once their most trusted teacher, but over Kiana's situation, they had ultimately parted ways.

Their last encounter was half a month ago, during their time in Tianqiong City.

She had given Principal Theresa some advice, yet the principal chose not to heed it, allowing Gray Serpent to exploit the opening. In other words, despite being a Valkyrie of Schicksal, her attitude towards them should likely be...

However, Raiden Mei couldn't believe that this teacher's time at Saint Freya Academy was all pretense. Whether genuine or insincere, Raiden Mei could discern her true intentions.

"It's you!"

Tesla also spotted the figure, her eyes widening instantly. The sight of this woman inevitably reminded Tesla of another individual, stirring memories of humiliation, which fueled her uncontrollable anger, seeking to vent it on the newcomer.

But for this person to appear here and be discovered by both herself and Raiden Mei suggests a premeditated plan. Consequently, any rash actions would be unwise.

But—argh! The flames were too intense!

Tesla gritted her teeth but managed to suppress her anger and calm down. After all she had experienced, she had grown wiser, knowing this wasn't the time for impulsive actions.

As an S-rank Valkyrie of Schicksal, even if Tesla and Raiden Mei combined their full strength, they couldn't pose any threat. If Ana held a grudge against them, there would be no chance for resistance.

"Mei, I know this person..."

Before Tesla could finish, Raiden Mei interrupted her.

"Teacher Ana."

Hearing this, Tesla was slightly taken aback. She realized then that she hadn't done her homework thoroughly; it simply hadn't crossed her mind. Earlier, Principal Theresa had mentioned Saint Freya's teacher and recounted the incident involving the android, but Tesla hadn't given it much thought.

She had no idea of Teacher Ana's significance to these individuals from Saint Freya Academy.

"Yes, hello, Mei," responded Ana calmly.

Upon hearing Raiden Mei's call, Ana leisurely turned around. Intentionally suppressing her Authoritative Powers, she donned her usual attire from Saint Freya Academy. While Raiden Mei likely sensed no malice from her now, Ana preferred not to reveal her true nature and burdens, thus maintaining her previous appearance.

"You arrived just in time. I found this exhausted little one here, probably sneaking out to search for something. Could you please keep an eye on her?"

As Ana spoke, she gestured towards the sleeping girl at her feet - it was Little Sora from the nest.

Sora had ventured out to find her mechanical companion, partly due to Ana's involvement. Normally, Himeko would have assisted with such matters, but Ana had recently sent her away.

Of course, this aligns with the original storyline's progression; it seems inevitable that these events would unfold as they did.

Raiden Mei was destined to encounter Little Sora, which would subsequently provide an opportunity to interact with Raven, potentially altering his perspective. It all forms a chain of interconnected events.

Hearing Ana's words, Tesla and Raiden Mei finally noticed the child lying near Ana's feet. After a brief moment of hesitation, Tesla stepped forward.

"Let me handle this." Tesla swiftly approached Ana and began examining Little Sora while Ana watched with a smile.

"Hmm, some minor injuries, likely from falling. Other than that, it's just low blood sugar. Bringing her back to the ship for proper care should suffice."

Tesla lifted her head, a hint of surprise evident in her gaze as she looked at Ana.

"What is it? Dear Dr. Tesla, surely you don't think I'm some villainess? That would be quite unfair. Among the teachers at Saint Freya Academy, I have the best reputation, and even among the Valkyries of Schicksal, I am known for being the most gentle and kind-hearted."

"..."

Recalling their previous encounter at Schicksal Headquarters, where Ana had been icy-cold, Dr. Tesla snorted softly. However, based on the information obtained from Anti-Entropy, aside from being enigmatic, Ana was indeed recognized as a highly esteemed beauty among the Valkyries, embodying gentleness and kindness. The issue was, their last meeting had left too deep an impression on Tesla.

The scolding tone, the cold demeanor—it was unforgettable to this day.

However, Tesla understood that some people simply had sharp tongues, or rather, there were times when trying to speak gently with such individuals was utterly futile—just like dealing with that fool Murata Himeko.

"Right, Mei? You must stand up for your teacher here," Ana pleaded, turning towards Raiden Mei as if seeking rescue.

Seeing Ana act this way, Raiden Mei felt momentarily transported back to their days at Saint Freya Academy, and a smile spread across her face.

"Dr. Tesla, I believe Teacher Ana is trustworthy."

"Hmph, naturally, I know she is. Thank you for assisting Raiden Ryoma and Siegfried." Tesla let out a cold snort, but her expression softened slightly. How could she doubt Ana's trustworthiness? After all, Raiden Ryoma and Siegfried had already been in contact with them long ago.

"It was merely mutual benefit, not worth mentioning," Ana replied nonchalantly.

"Could Dr. Tesla perhaps grant my dear student and me some private time together? Don't worry, I won't do anything untoward. I'm sure you're well aware of my capabilities, aren't you?"

Tesla glanced at the charmingly smiling Ana before turning her gaze towards Raiden Mei.

Raiden Mei nodded reassuringly at Tesla.

Although intrigued by their conversation, Tesla's primary interest lay solely with Ana.

She sensed that this Valkyrie, Ana, was extraordinary; it seemed many events were connected to her. Ana actively appeared in various places, yet despite being a Valkyrie of Schicksal, her relationship with the bishop was somewhat ambiguous, making her stance difficult to discern.

However, one thing was certain: Miss Ana possessed knowledge of numerous truths and secrets. Tesla believed there must be answers she sought within Ana's grasp.

Unfortunately, Tesla lacked any leverage to make Ana speak openly.

In the end, Tesla decided to leave with Little Sora. Considering her character, eavesdropping held no appeal for her.

"Come, come closer now, let your teacher get a good look at you." Ana smiled warmly, gesturing for Raiden Mei to approach. However, Raiden Mei remained standing where she was, maintaining a distance of nearly ten meters from Ana.

Hearing Ana's call, Raiden Mei hesitated briefly but ultimately approached and stood beside her.

"Oh my, it seems like you're almost taller than Himeko now," Ana remarked with a light chuckle as she compared their heights.

At around 173 cm, Raiden Mei indeed stood out among the Valkyries, towering over Kiana, Himeko, and Fu Hua. Wait, what about Duck? Bronya is still quite short at the moment.

Even Bianka, who stands just below 165 cm, pales in comparison. As for Ana, after her Ascension, she reached approximately 170 cm; only thanks to her slightly elevated heels could she match Raiden Mei's height.

"Um, yes," Raiden Mei responded softly.

It dawned on Ana that Raiden Mei was unaware Himeko hadn't actually died, inadvertently touching a sensitive spot.

"Well, let's not dwell on this topic."

"I did indeed come here specifically to wait for you. If not for concern about your well-being, I would likely be far away by now."

"Concerned about me?"

Raiden Mei was somewhat taken aback; she found it hard to imagine Teacher Ana speaking like this. However, upon reflection, it seemed entirely reasonable.

In a sense, both Teacher Ana and Teacher Himeko cared deeply for their students, albeit with different approaches. While Teacher Himeko was more strict and assertive, Teacher Ana exhibited subtlety, yet their concern and dedication were equally profound.

"Okay."

"I just visited Kiana earlier and helped alleviate her condition slightly, but the outlook remains grim..."

"Teacher Ana! Please tell me, where did you see Kiana?!" Raiden Mei's voice trembled with urgency as she eagerly questioned.

"All right, all right, calm down now." A soft glow emanated from Ana's eyes, invoking the power of Commandments to soothe Raiden Mei's emotions.

"At present, the most crucial matter isn't finding Kiana, but rather how to save her."

"Her situation is dire. Without external assistance, she won't last more than a few months. Neither Anti-Entropy, Schicksal, nor even the World Serpent can help her."

Hearing Ana's words, Raiden Mei's eyes dimmed noticeably.

Raiden Mei felt a deep sense of helplessness but refused to accept defeat.

Kiana had saved her and Tianqiong City. Despite being a Herrscher, she was incredibly gentle and never intentionally harmed anyone. Why must suffering persistently afflict her so? It's simply unfair!

"Of course, there might still be hope for a turnaround. The key to saving her lies entirely with you."

"With me?" Raiden Mei pointed at herself, confusion written on her face.

Although she trusted Teacher Ana wholeheartedly, if it all depended on her, that seemed too... She was just an ordinary girl, possessing no extraordinary power. How could she possibly save Kiana?

"Don't worry or rush; your understanding will come in due time. Right now, it's not yet the moment for clarity," Ana reassured without further explanation.

Her explanations would never convey as deeply or comprehensively as Raiden Mei's own experiences. Besides, Miss Raven was there to assist, making it unnecessary for Ana to exert extra effort.

"Seeing you safe and well puts my mind at ease." Ana reached out and gently patted Raiden Mei's head, feeling somewhat peculiar about this moment.

In her previous life, many people considered Raiden Mei their ideal wife—indeed, she was quite perfect: skilled in cooking, kind-hearted, and impressive in demeanor. Now, Ana found herself able to touch the head of such a strong young woman as if guiding a younger generation.

The satisfaction derived from nurturing someone like this is incomprehensible to others.

"With that, I can leave without worries now."

With these words, Ana retracted her hand and began walking away. After taking a few steps, however, she suddenly paused, glancing sidelong at the still perplexed girl behind her.

Then, she revealed an even harsher truth:

"The next time we meet... perhaps we will be enemies. Don't hold back, or else...you might not survive!"