Honkai: Strijder

Chapter 48

The wind roared amidst the chaos.

The previous great war had turned all places within sight from the once vibrant and lush green mountains into a desert covered in dust and sand.

Such a scene was suitable for a fierce and ruthless battle, devoid of morality and warmth.

The Legion under the command of Schicksal had precisely such intentions.

Before them stood one traitor of Schicksal and the leader of the Anti-Entropy, who was also the First Herrscher.

Eliminating these two figures would not only declare Schicksal’s absolute dominance but also make significant progress in their grand mission to resist the collapse.

With unwavering determination and a willingness to die for the cause, Welt could feel the momentum within this Legion.

“Sigh...”

Welt sighed, his eyes filled with compassion.

All of them were fighting against the forces of collapse, yet they were here, fighting each other to the death.

Such was the helplessness of the world, and it could not be helped.

He observed the distribution of the Legion’s forces, searching for a suitable breakthrough point while the simulated Star of Eden appeared in his hand.

Just then, he felt an unbearable burning sensation behind him.

“Siegfried?”

Turning around, Welt saw Siegfried’s transformation back into his beastly form, the effects of the suppressive medicine wearing off.

He carried the Judgement of Shamash on his shoulder, emitting scorching heat that was almost blinding.

“Don’t be reckless. Your body can’t handle this power anymore. If you use it again, you will die.”

“It’s alright, I’ve recovered enough. The most important thing is... I need to vent some steam. You rest here, and I’ll clear a broad path!”

Siegfried grabbed Welt’s shoulder and gave it a firm squeeze.

In their gaze, Welt understood Siegfried’s intentions.

Using the Herrscher Core with a human body would reduce its power by one level.

Using the false flesh constructed by the Herrscher’s authority to wield the core would decrease its power by another level.

Moreover, he hadn’t fully recovered from the damage to his consciousness.

Welt was currently at the lowest point as a Herrscher.

He was not fit for battle at the moment, nor was it suitable for him to reveal this weakness in front of Otto.

So, Siegfried would take charge of the fight. Even if the cost might be his own life.

“But I came here to save you. If you die, wouldn’t it all be in vain?”

“I won’t die, at least not today. There are still things I haven’t finished, and I absolutely won’t die! Just stay here if you still consider me your friend.”

Siegfried patted Welt’s shoulder, then walked past him, facing the army.

Before him stood many people who should be considered good, all here with the belief of protecting the world.

And Siegfried would have to kill them.

“If there has to be someone to bear the guilt... Welt, you are more suited to stand in the sunlight. So, let me do this.”

Raising his giant sword high, filled with anger and the determination to pave the way for his friend, Siegfried didn’t care about the consequences as he increased the temperature of the Judgement of Shamash.

A towering flame rose into the sky, dyeing half of the sky red, affirming Siegfried’s resolution.

Even if he would descend into hell afterward and never see Cecilia again, he would fight for his friend, without any regrets.

This strike would be earth-shattering, causing the heavens and the earth to crumble!

...

“Damn it, Mophead, I’ll hold them off here. Find an opportunity to get reinforcements!”

With the red mechanical arm equipped on her hand, Tesla quickly mobilized the defense forces within the base, unleashing various weapons and drones.

However, they were still somewhat powerless against Amber and the elite Valkyries.

Amber calmly shredded a drone, her golden glasses reflecting a glint as she spoke emotionlessly, “Team One, clear the area. Team Two, advance. Team Three, encircle the perimeter. The rest of the Anti-Entropy force will soon notice the anomaly. We need to do this swiftly!”

“Yes!”

Boom!

Rumble!

Clad in advanced armor, the Valkyries seemed to disregard the endless barrage of firepower as they advanced and soon reached the heavily fortified base gate, then launching a fierce assault.

Boom!

The intense vibrations reached the command room, and Tesla simultaneously mobilized all counterattack forces, roaring at Einstein, who was still leisurely sipping tea, “Mophead! What are you doing? Why are you just watching?! Hurry, run! There might still be a chance!”

Einstein glanced at her and said, “Ten...”

“Ten what?”

“Nine, eight, seven... one.”

Counting down to one, the commotion of pounding on the gate abruptly stopped.

Tesla: “???”

Looking at the surveillance footage again, all the attacking Valkyries had gathered at the gate. However, unlike their unstoppable momentum during the assault, each Valkyrie was now held back by two Titans.

And capturing Amber as the leader were two little girls wearing black armor. There was also a gray-haired girl in a green military uniform, pointing a submachine gun at Amber’s forehead.

“...Mophead, you knew about this all along?”

“Of course, Didn’t I ask you for command over the nearest Titan forces?”

“You didn’t fucking tell me it was for this purpose!”

“Please forgive me, Dr. Tesla. It was all part of the plan.”

Ignoring the argument in the room, outside the base, a Titan knelt down, allowing Sigurd to face Amber at eye level.

“Let her go,” Sigurd said to the three girls.

Kiana and Sin Mal released their hold on Amber’s arms, and Bronya lowered her submachine gun.

“Instructor, how was my performance today? Wasn’t it impressive?” Kiana asked.

“Fairly decent... Sin Mal, you did well too,” Bronya replied. She only intended to casually respond to Kiana, but seeing Sin Mal’s eager gaze, she couldn’t help but praise her as well.

Sin Mal: “(*^ワ^* )!”

Sin Mal smiled with satisfaction, and it felt like a beautiful background with blooming flowers appeared behind her.

...Too intense, this level of persistence.

Bronya shifted her gaze away, not understanding how Sigurd could remain composed in the face of Sin Mal’s enthusiasm.

Sigurd paid no attention to their interaction and instead examined the cold and silent silver-haired beauty in front of him.

Was this what Kiana would look like when she grew up?

It seems the little girl would grow up into a well-endowed and well-shaped woman.

“Hello, Miss Amber. I believe that this is the first time we’ve met in person,” Sigurd greeted.

“Greetings, Your Excellency Sigurd.”

“Let’s go straight to the point, help me deliver a message to Otto.”

“...As you wish.”