Chương 38: The So-Called Branch

The other female Valkyries stood as silent spectators to the unfolding scene, their weapons trembling in their hands. A single blow had rendered them powerless, a testament to the overwhelming force they were up against.

The disparity in power was evident, but it was more than just physical strength. There was a mental pressure that weighed heavily on them, a force that left them unable to block, resist, or even comprehend the magnitude of what they were facing.

It was an insurmountable challenge, a wall they could neither scale nor break. The idea of defeating such a force seemed more like a distant dream than a feasible reality.

Among the spectators, only Rita watched the scene with a resigned sigh. She knew that this was a fate she would have to face sooner or later. The words she had once taught Durandal on how to minimize casualties echoed in her mind.

There was something inexplicably comforting yet saddening about the situation. But she chose not to interfere. She understood that it was in Durandal's best interest to face this challenge alone and grow from it.

In the sunlight, the blonde girl stood next to a headless body, her expression serious and cold. She gasped softly before uttering the words, "The Immortal Blade takes over all the Valkyries belonging to the branch, Rita, you manage!"

Rita responded affirmatively to the order. A smile curled at the corners of her mouth as she looked at Durandal, the only captain she recognized and respected.

Finally, the young girl walked towards the branch, her lance stained with blood, signifying her victory and her solitude.

...

Missiles and mechs, the epitome of offensive power, seemed like a mere jest when faced with the inability to unleash the ultimate weapon - the silver bullet (human version).

The blonde girl, Durandal, strolled through the blockade of mechs and valkyries with an air of nonchalance. The traces of missiles whizzing past her did not deter her determined strides. Her steps were steady and unyielding, unaffected by the chaos around her.

With each rise and fall of her gun, she skillfully avoided hitting the Valkyrie's vitals. The so-called branch was nothing more than a minor obstacle in her path.

Two hours later, Durandal and Rita found themselves in the office of the New Zealand Oceania branch, reporting on their work. "Lord Bishop, the battlefield has been cleared, the number of branch casualties does not exceed 10, and the initiators have all been put to death," Rita reported with a sense of accomplishment.

Durandal stood quietly behind Rita, her weapon, the Black Abyss White Flower's lance, no longer stained with blood. She gently stroked the handle of her weapon, lost in thought.

Lord Bishop Kallen listened to their report with a hint of hesitation on her face. "No more than 10 casualties?" she thought to herself. "With Rita's ability, it was impossible to achieve such a small number of casualties." The only explanation was that Durandal was the main force behind this operation.

However, Kallen chose not to voice her thoughts. Instead, she simply nodded her head gently in acknowledgment.

"Rita, Durandal, you've done commendable work," Lord Bishop Kallen began, her voice echoing in the room. "You'll continue to stay in the branch for the next few days, assisting the new branch minister to settle into their role."

Rita, however, had a bitter expression on her face. "Lord Bishop," she interjected, "Cocolia of Anti-Entropy wasn't part of this siege, and the Quiet Jewel isn't in New Zealand. It's as if she has formed an alliance with another underground force. We didn't find many Anti-Entropy mechs in the branch either."

Kallen nodded solemnly. "I understand," she replied.

"Another underground force?" Kallen mused aloud. She couldn't help but feel a sense of helplessness. Their main target, the Tranquility Gem, had managed to escape. Luo Mo had warned her about this gem and advised her to keep a close watch on it.

"Could it be the World Serpent that has always remained elusive?" she wondered aloud. "The personnel we've sent out recently have only been able to hover around its periphery, unable to penetrate its core. What a mysterious organization!"

Kallen then turned her attention back to Rita and Durandal. "For now, you two should focus on stabilizing the situation there. And remember to take a break; Durandal doesn't need to overwork herself."

"Yes, Lord Bishop!" Rita responded promptly, acknowledging the order.

As the communication with Lord Bishop Kallen came to an end, Rita turned to Durandal, a warm smile gracing her face. "See, even Bishop-sama agrees," she said, her voice gentle yet firm. "You should take some rest, Durandal-sama. There's no need for you to exert yourself further."

Durandal, however, maintained a straight face. "Even so, Rita," she began, her tone serious, "as Valkyries, we must…"

Rita interrupted her mid-sentence. "Hold on, Lord Durandal," she said, a hint of amusement in her voice. "Remember when you asked me on the plane about the big news at HQ?"

Durandal's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "Hmm?"

Rita's smile widened. "Actually, a new game has been released."

"A game?" Durandal echoed, clearly puzzled. A game was considered big news?

"Yes," Rita confirmed. "A game called Honkai III. It's fully funded by His Lordship the Bishop and everyone at the Far East branch is working on it. In fact, there's an update being released today. How about I show you around?"

Durandal paused for a moment before nodding in agreement. "…Good." She admitted that she was a little curious.

...

In the bustling official comment section of the game, players were eagerly discussing the latest updates of Honkai III.

"Finally, the new main storyline of this game is playable! Do you have any idea how long we've been waiting?" one player exclaimed, their excitement palpable.

"Shit company, we need new characters soon! I've already maxed out Mei!" another player chimed in, expressing their anticipation for new content. (whaler hahaha)

The comments were filled with lively debates and discussions. "You're wrong! How can you not appreciate Lord Theresa?" one player retorted, defending their favorite character.

The storyline seemed to have left some players puzzled. "The plot is a bit confusing. What exactly happened to Wendy?" a player wondered aloud.

Others were moved by the narrative. "Wendy's line 'As a Valkyrie, my duty is to use my life to save as many people as possible…it's my…duty…' was quite touching. It's clear that she's the victim," a player commented, expressing their empathy for the character.

The chatter about Honkai impact III continued unabated, with players actively discussing it during the days when the main storyline was blocked.

A newcomer to the game asked for advice on how to defeat a challenging opponent. "How did you guys get past Black Bronya? I couldn't beat her!" The more experienced players were quick to offer their strategies and tips.

With the game update and the opening of the main storyline, a large number of players flocked to Honkai III. Their perseverance paid off as they completed the missions and eagerly awaited more episodes to enrich their gaming experience.

The unprecedented action game experience and the youthful and beautiful Valkyries drew a lot of praise from the crowd. The unique setting of Honkai and the mission of the Valkyries also caught people's attention.

However, some players expressed their desire for more content. "The only shame is that the plot is so short… Can't wait to find out what happened to Wendy in the previous chapter… It's heartbreaking what happened to her…" one player lamented, expressing their eagerness for more story development.

The trio, Mei, Kiana, and Bronya, found themselves staring at the chapter title of their game - "Betrayal has a Silvery Smile." The words sent a shiver down their spines.

"So, the Father ME Club is actually part of Anti-Entropy! And I've been captured," Mei exclaimed, her cheeks flushing with a hint of embarrassment. What was once a mundane routine now seemed shrouded in mystery. Even the family they thought they knew well harbored hidden identities.

As they delved deeper into the game, they discovered that Mei and Wendy had been captured by Cocolia and brought into the ME Club. The one who had taken them was none other than a controlled Bronya. They turned to look at Bronya, who stood expressionless beside them.

Bronya remained silent, unsure of how to explain her association with Anti-Entropy. She wondered if it was a good thing that her own problems were now shared by Mei, who was also involved with Anti-Entropy.

Choosing to set aside their questions for the moment, the trio embarked on their gaming journey for the day. "Don't worry, Mei. I'll save you," Kiana reassured her friend. She reached out to Mei, playfully trying to lighten the mood. "But I didn't expect Wendy and Short Otaku to be so close!"

Bronya chimed in with a slightly saddened voice, "I guess it's because both Wendy and I lost our legs in the experiment."

"Bronya, don't be sad. We're here for you," Mei comforted her friend. Bronya shook her head. Losing her legs had indeed brought inconvenience, but more than anything else, it had taken her sister away from her.

With a glance at Kiana and Mei, Bronya made a Silent declaration. "If the boss needs it, then you'll both be caught working overtime!"

That was Bronya's deal with Luo Mo.