"I am willing to enroll in St. Freya High School and become a Valkyrie like Big Sis Mei," the young girl said slowly, looking at the young man before her, her tone calm yet firm.
Ming Yu stopped his pen and looked up at this familiar yet strange girl. Hiyokumaru's face was filled with determination; she had clearly made some kind of resolution.
Frowning slightly, Ming Yu did not immediately agree, but said, "Are you sure you've thought this through? This is not a simple path, especially for you."
Hiyokumaru's body was formed by the power of Jizo Mitama. Although she looked no different from an ordinary person, this was not a revival in the true sense. Both its strength and stability were far from comparable to the body of a normal Valkyrie, perhaps even weaker than an ordinary person.
Although further increasing the energy supply could solve these problems, it would affect Ming Yu's use of Jizo Mitama, causing a significant reduction in its power and making the already severely damaged Divine Key even more fragile.
Moreover, once Ming Yu used Jizo Mitama for intense combat, it would inevitably affect the energy supply to Hiyokumaru, thereby affecting the stability of her body.
Therefore, Hiyokumaru's situation was not suitable for becoming a Valkyrie, because she had no independent combat capability at all.
"Mhm! I've already decided." Hiyokumaru shook her head, not giving up. "I don't know what agreement Big Bro Yu made with Theresa, or what price you paid, but I hope I can be of help to you."
Although Ming Yu had never asked her to do anything, how could she just enjoy everything he had done for her with a clear conscience?
Having experienced the Previous Era being gradually defeated by the Honkai, she knew how terrifying the Honkai was. She couldn't bear the thought of letting Ming Yu fight on the front lines while she enjoyed a safe life in the rear!
They were originally unrelated. Even if they were connected by a Divine Key, she had never done anything for Ming Yu. Whether it was out of gratitude for him or because of that sliver of fear of being abandoned, she could not allow herself to live peacefully as an ordinary person.
Becoming a Valkyrie and fighting against the Honkai alongside Big Bro Yu was the only thing she could do.
"Besides, there's more to being a Valkyrie than just front-line combat~" The girl's smile was like a blooming flower, her eyes squinting slightly, but her sky-blue gaze was firmly fixed on Ming Yu's face.
She naturally knew her own situation and didn't want to cause Ming Yu any more trouble. Since she couldn't participate in combat, being a support was a good option too.
Hearing Hiyokumaru's words, Ming Yu also chuckled. This time, he had been the one caught in a mental block. Indeed, there was more to being a Valkyrie than just front-line combat.
Compared to the small number of B-rank, A-rank, and extremely rare S-rank Valkyries responsible for combat, Schicksal had many more C-rank and D-rank Valkyries responsible for logistical support.
Even among the nearly one hundred Valkyries on the Hyperion, the number of personnel with direct combat capabilities did not exceed the fingers of one hand.
"Since you've already decided, there's nothing more for me to say." Ming Yu shook his head gently, no longer objecting. Since Hiyokumaru had already thought it through, his refusal would be a denial of her determination, a negation of her efforts.
Although he didn't like this answer deep down and hoped Hiyokumaru could live a peaceful and safe life, it didn't stop him from respecting her choice.
No matter what, Hiyokumaru's sentiment deserved his respect.
"Although it might be a bit presumptuous of me to say this, I still have to say it." After writing the last word on the shopping list, Ming Yu stood up, extended his right hand towards Hiyokumaru, and said with a smile, "Welcome to St. Freya High School, Hiyokumaru!"
...
Taking Hiyokumaru downstairs, Ming Yu said apologetically to the three in the living room, "Sorry to keep you waiting."
"Seriously! Making this young lady wait for so long, what on earth were you two doing upstairs!?" Kiana complained, her face full of displeasure.
"Project Bunny has detected that Big Bro Yu's heart rate is ten percent faster than usual," Bronya said expressionlessly, but a spark of gossip ignited in her eyes.
Mei, on the other hand, said nothing. Her upbringing did not allow her to pry into others' privacy rashly. But her eyes kept darting between the two of them, clearly curious about what had happened as well.
"It's nothing, I was just telling Hiyokumaru about some things to note after enrolling," Ming Yu's old face flushed slightly.
*Wait, why am I blushing!* There was absolutely nothing going on, his relationship with Hiyokumaru was very pure. It was all Kiana's and Bronya's fault for starting rumors!
Ignoring the piercing gazes of Kiana and Bronya, Ming Yu handed the shopping list and a credit card to Mei, saying, "Mei, I'll leave the grocery shopping to you and Hiyokumaru."
Because of Hiyokumaru's presence, there were many items on the list that were inconvenient for him to handle, and it wasn't appropriate to let Hiyokumaru go alone. After much consideration, the meticulous Mei was the best choice.
As for a certain reckless girl who called herself a young lady, and an excellent soldier who could hoard a pile of cans under her bed, Ming Yu expressed that he had and could have no expectations of them in this matter.
Mei took the list and credit card from Ming Yu. After a moment's thought, she understood his intention and nodded in agreement. In this kind of matter, the other two were indeed not very reliable.
Watching Mei and Hiyokumaru leave, Ming Yu let out a soft sigh of relief. Although a certain white-haired fluffball had tried to tag along, she was unanimously rejected by everyone. Otherwise, who knows how many extra snacks would have been added to the final purchase. Of course, the price for this was adding a few extra-large cups of milk tea to the list.
Glancing at the two remaining in the living room, Ming Yu said, "Alright, cleaning the house is our task. I'll have to ask Bronya to go to Teacher Himeko's apartment to get some tools first."
Then, he pointed to the cardboard boxes in the corner and added, "I'll trouble Kiana with these!"
Bronya glanced at the boxes, gave Ming Yu a standard military salute, and immediately went out on Project Bunny.
"..."
Looking at the unhesitating Bronya, Kiana felt like she was about to go crazy. Even though she was strong, this was too much!
Picking up a light cardboard box with one hand, Ming Yu didn't feel the slightest bit embarrassed and urged, "Kiana, hurry up! Bronya will be back soon, we need to move these things up before she gets back."
Looking at Ming Yu's punchable face, Kiana had the urge to throw the box right at him. But thinking about the snacks she had negotiated for, she chose to endure the humiliation.
Seeing Kiana follow him, Ming Yu nodded slightly. In these matters, Kiana was still very reliable.
Taking a deep breath, Ming Yu said softly, "Kiana, what do you think of Hiyokumaru?"