Honkai Simulator: Start with Confessing to The Herrscher of Finality

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This simulation scenario required the least involvement from Xia Chen, at least that's what he believed.

For Kiana, it was a necessary trial she had to endure. Therefore, there was no need for him to influence her journey. In fact, any interference could only have adverse effects.

If there was one regrettable aspect within Heavenly Meteor, it was the deaths of Immortal Blade members at the hands of Gray Serpent.

In Xia Chen's view, their demise felt unjustly tragic.

However, according to the original plot, Rita hadn't yet investigated Divine City Pharmaceuticals, giving him ample time to prepare.

Over the following days, Xia Chen spent most of his time observing Kiana's every move. Naturally, he came close to being discovered several times.

Having never received specialized training in tracking and surveillance, he found himself somewhat clumsy in these tasks.

If not for Sirin's Stigmata ability to switch between reality and illusion, along with Kiana's rejection of the Herrscher Core's power, he would have been discovered long ago.

Ultimately, despite Xia Chen's formidable strength, his expertise in specialized tasks was still lacking.

Fortunately, although Kiana sensed being watched, she didn't pay much attention to it. Throughout her life, she had grown accustomed to constant scrutiny, mostly due to her distinctive appearance and exceptional figure...

Kiana had long since become immune to such gazes, or rather, compared to her current situation, they seemed insignificant.

Guided by Fu Hua, Kiana began noticing the unusual source of Honkai Energy in Tianqiong City.

Kiana was never truly foolish; someone incapable of surviving alone couldn't endure such a nomadic lifestyle for so long.

She diligently investigated, eventually pinpointing the root cause:

Divine City Pharmaceuticals.

Xia Chen couldn't help but marvel at how truly protagonist-like Kiana was. With just minimal clues, she swiftly uncovered Divine City Pharmaceuticals as the mastermind behind the events.

Of course, this also stemmed from Jackal's arrogance, who showed little discretion regarding the Stigmata Project.

She barely concealed her involvement with Project Stigma.

Unfortunately, just as Kiana planned to dismantle Divine City Pharmaceuticals, she was discovered by Rita first.

This stealthy Valkyrie was carrying out Otto's orders to bring Kiana back to Schicksal Headquarters.

However, Rita refrained from confronting Kiana directly.

At this moment, Xia Chen couldn't help but wonder whether Rita's restraint was due to her own discretion or Otto's instructions. Her presence seemed solely intended to instill urgency in Kiana.

If truly aiming to retrieve Kiana, involving both Rita and Durandal would have ensured absolute success without fail.

It became clear that Otto was aware of Divine City Pharmaceuticals' Project Stigma experiments. In fact, it could be said that Schicksal and World Serpent had already established a cooperative partnership at this point.

As a result, World Serpent gained the opportunity to study Kiana, while Schicksal used this chance to hone her abilities and assess her potential limits.

A true win-win situation, though one might question who benefited more.

Kiana and Rita parted ways.

"Come out," Rita's eyes narrowed slightly. "I've been aware of your presence for quite some time now."

Xia Chen sighed.

Rita was inherently skilled at assassination, making her naturally attuned to hidden gazes. Her perceptiveness far surpassed Kiana's abilities.

No longer hiding, he emerged directly from Virtual Space.

"The Herrscher of the Void's power? Who exactly are you?"

"Don't worry about it."

His current identity wasn't that of the original Xia Chen; in fact, whether 'Xia Chen' even existed in this timeline remained uncertain.

Casually, he responded, "Besides, we're in Shenzhou, so I believe I should be the one asking that question."

In Shenzhou, there were organizations combating Honkai as well. The most significant among them originated from Fu Hua's Taixuan Sword School disciples. Despite Fu Hua's disciple turning traitor, the legacy of the Taixuan Sword School persisted.

Notably, Cheng Lingshuang, had she not died prematurely, likely would have rivaled Durandal herself.

These disciples passed on the teachings of the Taixuan Sword School to others. As time approached modernity, they were integrated by the Shenzhou government. Although their numbers were few, they became a crucial force against Honkai.

Similarly, Divine City Pharmaceuticals collaborated with the Shenzhou government, providing training methods for Valkyries and specialized weapons to combat Honkai.

This explains why, despite Shenzhou's strategic importance, Schicksal did not establish a squad or branch there. The Shenzhou government outright rejected Schicksal's presence.

As a result, for present-day Shenzhou, Rita is seen as a disruptor rather than an ally.

"I've been observing you for quite some time now."

Rita's eyes narrowed slightly.

Schicksal may be powerful, but it was not yet the right moment for her to confront Shenzhou directly.

"However, I didn't anticipate such strength from Shenzhou. It seems Schicksal's intelligence needs updating." Rita's gaze remained focused. "Please forgive me, but for the safety of our plan, I must ensure you stay here."

"You can't hold me back."

Xia Chen shook his head, swiftly moving his hand towards Rita's neck within an instant.

Rita's expression tensed involuntarily.

She could have easily evaded, but she chose not to.

"It appears you misunderstood my intention," the girl, reminiscent of a rose, spoke calmly. "When I said 'stay,' I didn't mean physically restraining you."

With a blink, she contacted the local Shenzhou authorities right in front of Xia Chen.

Xia Chen remained silent.

Rita truly embraced adapting to local customs, as she was well-informed about Shenzhou's unique characteristics.

Indeed, although his current status is that of a discharged veteran and officially separated from the government, he still had to abide by their directives.

Shenzhou indeed has no fear of Schicksal.

However, there was also no need for conflict with Schicksal. Ultimately, Rita's visit this time did not directly involve any confrontation with the Shenzhou government.

Sighing, Xia Chen decided to step back.

He naturally didn't want to clash with the Shenzhou government.

Two minutes later, Rita spoke with a hint of amusement in her eyes, "Well then, I suppose there shouldn't be any issues now."

Feeling his phone vibrate, Xia Chen knew there wasn't much else to say. He sighed, "Do as you please."

His involvement in this simulated scenario was minimal. Nevertheless, Xia Chen paused briefly before warning her, "By the way, regarding Divine City Pharmaceuticals, I must caution you."

"There's something very dangerous inside. It can decompose Honkai Energy within the human body, causing disorientation."

"If you plan to enter Divine City Pharmaceuticals, please be cautious."

Previously, Rita and Kiana had discussed matters related to Divine City Pharmaceuticals, so Xia Chen seized the opportunity. After all, if he could save one member of the Immortal Blades, it would be worth it.

Rita's eyes narrowed slightly.

This was crucial information.

Otto had merely instructed Rita to maintain distance from Kiana and let her return to Schicksal on her own, without mentioning Project Stigma. Thus, Rita's knowledge of the situation remained incomplete.

As Xia Chen prepared to leave, Rita spoke up, "How about I hire you?"

"Until this matter is resolved, one hundred thousand per day—of course, in the local currency."

Xia Chen paused, momentarily speechless.

That's some easy money.

Although in the simulation scenario, money held little significance for him, he still agreed readily.

"Thank you for your generosity," Xia Chen couldn't help but marvel at Rita's largesse.

"It reflects the true value of such intelligence," Rita replied nonchalantly.

To her, the distinction between money and paper seemed insignificant.