Bab 80: The Void and The Blade (Part 1)
Rita's eyes darted to the holographic data still streaming before her, but the tension in the room was palpable.
I could feel it too—the ominous presence forming within the test tube at the center. My hand instinctively moved to the hilt of my katana.
"Rita!"
I called out just as shadows flickered around her.
Jun-ninjas appeared from all sides, their swift movements surrounding her in a deadly formation.
"I'm surrounded!? Immortal Blades, assemble!" she ordered into her earpiece.
Alvitr's voice responded without delay. "Aye!"
Drawing my katana, I could feel its power surge as red and purple flames enveloped the blade.
"Typical Schicksal behavior—trespassing and poking around where you're not wanted."
Raven's voice echoed mockingly through the lab's speakers.
Her image on the screen showed no concern.
"Since you're so fascinated with this place, Miss Rossweisse, I'll make sure you enjoy the show. But as they say, everything comes with a price. What do you think? The lives of your Valkyries for the knowledge you've taken?"
Rita smirked, swinging her scythe with practiced ease.
"You clearly don't know who you're up against. If you think these minions can take down Schicksal's Valkyries, you're gravely mistaken."
"Besides," she added, casting a brief glance at me, "I have the Herrscher of Blade by my side. What can you possibly do?"
At her words, the Jun-ninjas lunged, their movements sharp and precise. In the same breath, archers, newly freed from the test tubes, joined the fray.
I braced myself, flames roaring along my blade as I prepared to strike.
"I thought a little challenge might spice things up. Let's see how the Immortal Blades fare when their backs are against the wall," Raven's voice echoed from the speakers.
The gas filled the room, its thick, acrid fog creeping into every corner. But as it began to thin, I saw Rita already wearing a face mask, her cold, sharp gaze focused on the enemies ahead.
"Resorting to zombies and biotoxins?" she taunted, her voice steady. "It only shows how desperate you really are."
I exhaled in relief, silently impressed by her quick reflexes.
The gas wasn't affecting me either—yet for reasons I couldn't understand.
Rita wasted no time, her scythe flashing as it sliced clean through another zombie. Blood sprayed across the ground as the creature crumbled. She glanced toward the screen with disdain.
"Your tricks won't stop us."
Raven's voice returned, unfazed. "Oh, but I disagree."
A smirk crossed her face on the screen as the creatures around us—zombies and beasts alike—suddenly crumpled to the floor, lifeless. Rita's eyes widened in shock.
"The HSN-B46 serum isn't just some simple gas," Raven continued, her tone smug. "I think you know what it is, don't you? A Schicksal-designed serum meant to neutralize Honkai energy. We've modified it specifically for you. It works through skin exposure, draining the Honkai energy within and... making you human again."
Raven's chuckle rang out mockingly. "Oh, the irony—using a Schicksal weapon against its own Valkyries."
My chest tightened.
That's why the gas hadn't hit me yet—it was still slowly sapping away my Honkai energy. It wouldn't be long before even I, a Herrscher, would be drained of my power.
I clenched my teeth, frustration boiling inside me.
I hadn't even mastered my Herrscher abilities, and already, I could feel them slipping away
Rita staggered, her body betraying her as the serum began to take effect. I could see the pain in her eyes, the way her hand trembled on her scythe.
I clenched my fists, stepping forward. "Rita... hang in there."
Raven's voice oozed through the speakers, her mocking tone like nails on a chalkboard. "What's wrong, Rita? Shin? I thought I'd be seeing the mighty Immortal Blades in action. And Shin... I expected much more from you."
She chuckled, her sadistic delight obvious. "But I suppose... it's my turn to introduce you."
Without warning, five mechs clattered into view, each one standing on four spindly legs, their sleek designs bristling with weaponry. They were built for one purpose.
Raven's voice dripped with satisfaction as she made the introduction. "Meet the Death Web, specialized Valkyrie slayers."
"Tch...!" I gritted my teeth, feeling the heat of the Honkai energy surge through my body.
The demon blade in my hand responded, igniting with crimson flames that danced violently along the metal. "Rita, stay back. I'll handle this!"
"Master Shin..." Rita's voice was faint, but I could still hear the strength behind it as she glanced at the hologram displaying the battlefield.
The Immortal Blades were holding their own, cutting through waves of zombies with ruthless precision.
Raven scoffed, unimpressed. "The Immortal Blades... always such a pesky bunch. But don't worry about your sisters. I'm generous. Every one of them will get a fair share of my attention."
The comms suddenly cut out, leaving the lab bathed in an ominous silence. Raven's voice returned, softer, more menacing. "You wore that smirk when your sisters began to fall... You really have a heart of stone."
Rita chuckled, her scythe still steady in her grip despite the toll the serum had taken on her.
"A heart of stone? No. I'm just wondering how I'll return this favor when it's you who falls into our hands."
Raven's laughter was short, almost irritated. "I hate it when people don't keep their word."
The mechs clicked and whirred, advancing. I tightened my grip on the sword, flames roaring louder as I prepared for battle.
"You'll regret underestimating us, Raven."
The sound was sharp and unmistakable, cutting through the tension of the moment like a blade.
I froze, the heat from my flaming sword still pulsing in my hand, but my focus shifted. The steady rhythm of the gunfire, the grace in which it was delivered—it could only belong to one person.
As the figure walked in, her steps deliberate, she paused, her eyes locking onto Rita and me standing in the center of the lab.
There was a moment of silence before she spoke, her voice cutting through the stillness. "Shin...?"
I turned slowly, my heart pounding, and there she was.
The sight of her was both familiar and surreal. Her smooth white hair fell effortlessly around her face and the glow of her blue and orange eyes.
"Kiana..."
For a moment, time seemed to stand still. All the chaos, the battle, the looming danger—it all faded as I stared at her, memories flooding back.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone