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Boom! Boom! Boom! Heavy mechs thundered to the ground, kicking up clouds of dust and sand amidst swirling gusts.
Once everything settled, hundreds upon thousands of dismembered Honkai Beast carcasses lay scattered across the battlefield. Perched atop them, either standing or sitting, was a squadron of Valkyries—a hundred-strong unit composed entirely of elegant, poised women, like war angels descending on earth.
Rita gracefully leaped from atop a giant beast's head, some ten meters high. Holding her silver-gray scythe in one hand, she lifted her maid skirt with the other, slightly bending at the knee for an elegant curtsy.
"As Valkyrie of Schicksal, Rita, it is my honor to meet Anti-Entropy's warriors." She smiled enchantingly, her gaze captivatingly alluring.
With long legs, striking figure, delicate features, and graceful demeanor, this scene unfolded before every pilot's view, undoubtedly leaving many momentarily spellbound.
Frontline commander Reisen witnessed this scene as well, but compared to Rita's beauty, he was more interested in the explanatory text displayed beside her within his field of vision.
"A-Class Valkyrie from the Immortal Blades Squad—now that's quite rare!"
Shaking his head, Reisen projected his voice over several kilometers via his mechanical mount: "I believe this area falls under Anti-Entropy jurisdiction."
"We're just passing through."
"Understood! Thanks for clearing the roadblock. Our destinations must be the same anyway, so would you like us to give you a lift?"
"That's exactly what I was going to suggest. Thank you for your generosity, Brigadier General Reisen! Immortal Blades, find spots on the machinery—we're hitching a ride!"
One by one, the Valkyries leaped and swiftly positioned themselves on the shoulders or heads of the giant mechs, securing their places comfortably.
"Not shy at all..." Observing Rita standing atop his own shoulder through holographic augmented reality, Reisen shook his head speechlessly.
Soon, the vast reinforcements arrived, causing the earth to tremble and dust to swirl across the sky.
"Let's move!"
As Reisen began to walk, the giant machines followed suit.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
With each step, the monstrous steel behemoths shook the earth, displaying just a glimpse of their terrifying power even while merely walking.
Rita stood steadily on the shoulder of her unshaken machine, unable to resist tapping its scythe's long shaft with one finger.
Five years ago, the entire Immortal Blades unit had only consisted of about ten members. Nevertheless, Rita was confident that, despite Captain Durandal's absence, this team under her command would be unmatched anywhere on the planet.
Now, after Schicksal's reorganization and expansion over these five years, the elite Valkyries of the Immortal Blades numbered well over a hundred. However, upon witnessing Colonel Reisen's steel legion comprising 120 units, Rita no longer felt assured of victory in direct confrontation.
In the past, not a single Valkyrie considered Anti-Entropy as any significant threat. Yet now, none believed Anti-Entropy would lose if war were to erupt.
Indeed, times have changed.
Individually, the Valkyries marked by Stigmata still surpassed Anti-Entropy's augmented soldiers by several tiers in average capabilities. However, despite multiple expansions, the total number of Valkyries remained a mere fraction compared to Anti-Entropy's augmented forces.
More importantly, Valkyries relied solely on close-quarters armor and specialized weapons to amplify their individual combat prowess—no matter how formidable, they remained singular entities. Anti-Entropy was different: Their battles depended on overwhelming long-range firepower and countless intelligent machines, with destructive aerial support always at the ready.
The shift seemed to have occurred silently, unnoticed until one day people looked up and realized everything had changed.
"Ahh..." Rita sighed, but there was no melancholy in it.
Indeed, times had changed, but the value of Valkyries remained irreplaceable. Anti-Entropy excelled in large-scale warfare, while Valkyries were adept at special operations such as rapid assaults, guerrilla tactics, rescue missions, capturing unique samples, and focused attacks against specific targets.
Rather than blindly competing, both sides complemented each other's strengths—an understanding outlined in their cooperation agreement.
Thus, seeing the forces combating Honkai grow stronger brought only relief and joy to Rita, not feelings of obsolescence or despair for fading heroes.
"I wonder what Lady Durandal is doing right now?"
"Achoo!"
Durandal rubbed her nose and blocked with her other arm, using her white bracer to deflect a sweeping kick heavy as Mount Tai.
"Sniffling during a fight? Are you coming down with a cold? Bi-bi-bi... Du-Durandal?"
"It's Bianka 'Durandal' Ataegina. You can just call me Durandal, Miss Li Sushang."
"Hmm, alright! Sorry, Rakshas—you know, Western names—are really hard to pronounce for me. I'll need more practice! So, shall we continue?"
"Certainly. Your body is only starting to regain its strength, and since my mission is to assist your recovery, let's push through together!"
"Bam!!"
Their fists clashed, sending shockwaves rippling outward and dislodging bricks from the ground. The twin-tailed girl in the elegant white dress flew backward.
Meanwhile, the unyielding Durandal frowned, noticing strands of her hair silently snap and drift away under the sharp force of the impact.
"Fascinating technique—it reminds me of the unfathomable Elder Immortal Fu Hua."
"Oh? Do you know Red Kite Immortal? She's my Ancestral Master, although our last meeting didn't end too pleasantly."
"Bam! Bam! Bam!"
Amidst their composed conversation, another flurry of lightning-fast exchanges erupted, each strike causing explosive sounds as they shattered the air.
Durandal realized with a sudden understanding, "So we're from the same lineage then? No wonder it feels familiar."
"Heh heh! How do you think my sword energy compares to our Ancestral Master's?"
"Boom!"
"It's hard to say; I've never truly faced that immortal in combat. However, if pressed...I'd say she seems stronger. From her presence alone, I can sense an overwhelming pressure rarely encountered."
"I get it! She is a legendary figure after all, being a Raksha... Ahem, Bishop Otto also informed me that whenever I met Ancestral Master, she was always grievously injured. Compared to her true self, what I witnessed likely represents only a fraction of her actual power."
"Rumble!"
The battle continued relentlessly, yet their dialogue remained unruffled, as if fighting and conversing were entirely separate activities. This demonstrated both combatants' ease and mastery amidst the intense clash.
"Crash!"
After countless exchanges, Durandal finally took a step back for the first time.
Li Sushang landed firmly on both feet, sliding across the ground momentarily before mimicking wiping sweat from her forehead.
"Phew! That was exhilarating! I've never encountered anyone like you before. Your physical strength is incredibly formidable, and your techniques and combat awareness are equally exceptional. Without resorting to my ultimate move, it seems impossible to match you!"
"You flatter me too much. Miss Li Sushang's prowess truly exceeded my expectations. As expected from Director Otto's chosen S-rank Valkyrie—a title well-deserved."
In response to the compliment, Durandal remained composed and gracious, exuding remarkable poise.
Li Sushang's eyes lit up at this demeanor, reminiscent of Shenzhou's ideal of a noble gentleman as refined as jade. She couldn't help but smile, developing an instant fondness for Durandal.
Durandal also smiled warmly. Strong, approachable, and a fellow comrade—these qualities impressed upon Li Sushang naturally endeared her to Durandal.
"Clap! Clap!"
Crisp applause echoed nearby.
A radiant girl, shimmering flawlessly like gold, gracefully approached. Dressed in an opulent long gown adorned with red and golden patterns, she exuded both elegance and regality.
"All right, let's wrap up the warm-up and introductions here. Considering the time, we should start preparing now."
"Yes, Lady Hera!"
"Preparing? For what? Otto didn't mention anything... By the way, who might you be? You seem somewhat familiar!"
Durandal displayed unwavering obedience, but Li Sushang sniffed the air as if detecting a scent. She scrutinized Hera's appearance from top to bottom, suspicion flickering in her eyes.
Hera responded with a flawless, radiant smile.
"Respected A-Class Valkyrie Li Sushang, I am Hera Schariac, spokesperson for Archbishop Otto and the external affairs representative of Schicksal Organization. To put it simply, Lord Bishop has entrusted me with his authority over your commands. My words carry the same weight as his own. I believe he should have informed you about this beforehand."
"Oh... now that you mention it, yes, I recall something like that indeed."
"As instructed, please change into more formal attire. We are about to witness history that will undoubtedly be etched into the annals of civilization."
"That sounds quite grandiose..." murmured Li Sushang, stroking her chin while facing the captivatingly smiling Hera. Then, she followed Durandal who gently tugged her away.
After both ace combatants left, Hera gazed at the training ground riddled with holes and shook her head softly.
"Honestly, one doesn't appreciate expenses until managing household affairs; each brick here costs a fortune." The corners of Hera's lips curled upwards as she elegantly opened her folding fan, gracefully concealing her mouth behind it.
Instantly, the shattered floor and walls repaired themselves as if time had reversed, swiftly restoring to pristine condition.
"Old friends, two old friends, I'm quite looking forward to your reunion. Hopefully, it will be a pleasant surprise for both of you."
As Hera gazed at the fully restored training ground, envisioning the moment Li Sushang and Fu Hua would meet again, her smile widened beneath the fan, brimming with anticipation.