Bad News

Less than half a day later, the investigation, led by Schicksal HQ and executed by Team Snow Lotus, concluded. The lockdown on the university was lifted.

It was late at night, so a third announcement was deemed unnecessary. The university officials were informed, and the military and police began to withdraw. The Valkyries, however, remained.

Schicksal's efficiency was surprisingly high, a stark contrast to their future handling of K423's disappearance. Perhaps it was because Amber, Otto's utterly devoted and unambitious assistant, was overseeing the operation.

With Otto, the biggest "disruptor," out of the picture, Schicksal functioned smoothly, entirely focused on serving the Overseer in Manila.

"Captain, the cleanup is complete." A Valkyrie yawned, reporting to Jell amidst the chirping of insects. Many Honkai Beasts, mostly elite types resembling armed human girls, had fallen in the lab.

Unlike slower, decaying zombies, these were pure Honkai energy, essentially equivalent to Honkai Beasts. Their decomposition released large amounts of Honkai energy, contaminating the surroundings. Decontamination was crucial, especially in a university setting.

"Good work." Jell nodded. "Did you assess the underground area?"

"I scanned the structural integrity and energy distribution an hour ago and sent the data to HQ." The Valkyrie pulled out her tablet. "It's strange. There's no excessive Honkai energy buildup. HQ believes they channeled all of it into their weapons system as thermal energy."

"It's a good thing, actually. We don't have to risk going down there. We just need to cordon off the area, warn the students, and let the construction crew fill it with concrete. Now, if only my skin wasn't suffering from this all-nighter..." She grumbled.

"Good news, but don't celebrate yet." Jell smiled faintly. "Tell everyone to regroup." The most dangerous enemy was still at large.

"Oh... right..." The Valkyrie's tablet almost slipped from her grasp. She trudged off, dejected.

Jell sighed. So childish... Just then, "Yuno" approached, shook her head silently, and sat down against a tree. Jell suddenly felt her team was exceptionally normal.

Her communicator beeped.

"Jell, the analysis is complete. Good news and bad news..." Alvitr yawned wearily. "Which do you want first?"

"Funny, I have the same. Let's hear them all."

"Alright, Jell!" Alvitr perked up slightly. "We analyzed all traffic data for the past 24 hours, tracking vehicle and pedestrian movements. We found 17 potentially relevant leads."

"That's the good news. What's the bad news?"

"13 fatal car accidents occurred in the past 10 hours. No survivors, including the perpetrators." Alvitr shuddered.

"...So 13 of those leads are dead ends?"

Alvitr nodded reluctantly.

Jell chuckled. "Ruthless. But it saves us some work."

"Any new leads on your end, Jell?"

"We have a list of missing persons from the university." Jell said calmly. "We also questioned the remaining lab personnel and cleared them after interrogation and lie detector tests."

"Isn't that a bit hasty?" Alvitr interjected.

"My team isn't good at strong-arm tactics." Jell smiled, her eyes flashing. "Shall we call in some more 'professional' Valkyries?"

Alvitr chuckled nervously. Some Immortal Blades specialized in such "cleanups," Rita being a prime example. But she knew Jell disapproved of such methods. "That's good news, then... what's the bad news?"

"We found six bodies. One in the garage, the other five were lab researchers." Jell sighed. "With such ruthless methods, I doubt the surviving researchers know anything. They'd be dead otherwise."

Alvitr fell silent. After a moment, she said hesitantly, "This might be a much bigger problem..."

"Indeed." Jell agreed calmly. "We're dealing with dangerous terrorists conducting illegal Honkai research and silencing anyone who might expose them."

"Are they trying to intimidate us or create a diversion?" She paused, then shrugged. "Never mind. Let's focus on finding them! We have a few leads left. Let's not waste any more time."

"But Jell..." Alvitr hesitated. "If they're this thorough, why leave any clues? Unless..."

"Unless those leads are fake, or traps." Jell finished her thought. "But they might be genuine. We have to act quickly before they plug the holes."

"I'm the leader of Team Snow Lotus. Our duty is to protect this land and its people from the Honkai. I won't allow such dangerous individuals to operate in my city!" Her unwavering resolve silenced Alvitr's objections.

Alvitr sighed, unsure of what to say. Continuing would seem insensitive. "Please be careful, Jell. We'll provide full support."

"Thank you." Jell smiled, unsure if she was thanking her for the technical or emotional support.

"Everyone, regroup." Jell switched to the team channel. "Support team, return to base. Get some rest. No unnecessary outings."

"Yes!"

"Third squad, escort them back. Protect our non-combatants."

"Yes." Fewer voices responded this time, calmer and more disciplined.

"First and second squads, go to the central hospital and guard Vice-Captain Anna."

"Captain? But..." The Valkyries were surprised. Was it necessary?

"We stirred up a hornet's nest today. They might retaliate. Anna is vulnerable right now." Jell explained gently. "We need to protect our comrades."

"Yes!" This time, no one argued.

Jell approached "Yuno." "Can you join me in following the remaining leads?"

"Yuno" tilted her head, looking at her quizzically.

Jell hesitated. "It might be dangerous. The enemy is unpredictable. I'm not comfortable bringing the less experienced members. Just the two of us would be more efficient and safer..." She sighed. "Never mind. Go back and rest." She remembered "Yuno's" previous unauthorized actions.

"I can go with you. You're alone. It's dangerous." "Yuno" said seriously. "I'll follow your orders. I won't do anything reckless."

Jell was about to refuse when "Yuno" added softly, "If you disagree, I'll knock you out and go myself."

"You—!" Jell was exasperated. So much for following orders!

"You can't beat me." "Yuno" added calmly, then delivered the final blow: "Anna would be sad..."

Jell was speechless. Is that how you express concern?

She felt trapped. She couldn't control "Yuno." Looking into her sincere green eyes, she finally relented.

"Only if you promise to obey my orders! Otherwise, I'll call HQ and have them take you back!" She never thought she'd resort to threats! But only the Immortal Blades, only Durandal, could control this seemingly gentle but incredibly dangerous girl.

That C-rank assessment is accurate. Promoting her would be a threat to all other Valkyries... Jell thought grimly.

"I won't cause trouble." "Yuno" nodded seriously. "I promise!"

Jell had her doubts...

Suddenly, "Yuno" turned her gaze to the night sky, her voice as serene as the stars. "Captain Jell, why are you so determined to pursue this?"

Jell felt a shift in her demeanor. Is it my imagination?

"Yuno" turned back, her eyes filled with curiosity. Despite the unsettling intensity of her gaze, Jell found herself answering. "Because I have to."

"Why? Others are more suited for this task." "Yuno" looked back at the sky.

"Because I have to. It's a battle I can't avoid."

"Why? What are you fighting for?"

Jell shook her head. "I'm not seeking recognition or glory. Those mean nothing to me." She felt compelled to answer honestly. "It's simple. My comrades and I... our home is here..."

She turned, gazing towards an unseen, overgrown church. She saw children sleeping soundly, blankets slipping off their beds; an elderly woman tucking them back in; familiar smiling faces in photographs, watching her, waiting for her answer.

"I must protect our home. No one can threaten it. Even if I'm alone, I'll protect it!" Her voice was quiet but firm, like the serene blue of her hair.

It was unclear if she was answering "Yuno" or herself.

"Is that so?" "Yuno" turned away, no longer looking at her, offering no judgment. "I'll join you. Don't worry, 'Yuno' won't cause trouble this time."

"Good..." Jell nodded, wondering why she'd agreed so easily. But she wouldn't regret it. She focused, putting aside her doubts, and patted "Yuno's" shoulder.

"Let's go."

"Okay." "Yuno" stood, as quiet and composed as ever, as if the entire conversation had been a figment of Jell's imagination.