As the group seethed with indignation over Wendy's fate, a communication line connected to the Hyperion. A holographic projection of Houraiji Kyuusyou in her Valkyrie uniform appeared before them.
"This is Acting Captain Houraiji Kyuusyou of the Nibelungen. Major Himeko, we've already arrived at the disaster-stricken region of New Zealand. So far, we've found no trace of Anti-Entropy forces or Herrscher-like entities."
Kyuusyou's face was stern as she reported the advance team's movements and the local situation in a very serious tone.
"All four squads of the Divine Authority Squad have landed, except for the Fourth Squad, which is providing intelligence support. So far, we haven't found any civilian survivors."
"However, the Branch headquarters, which served as the epicenter of the Honkai eruption, wasn't located in New Zealand's population center but rather closer to a natural conservation area. This explains the lack of survivors."
"We've successfully contacted some survivors from the New Zealand Branch. Unfortunately, Wendy isn't among them at their current hideout and resistance stronghold. The search for her must remain with the Hyperion."
Having finished her report, Kyuusyou nodded to Himeko and waited for her reply.
"Hyperion received, Major Kyuusyou. We'll use the advanced sensors on the Hyperion to scan for the Gem of Desire's energy signature. Continue your rescue mission, support the local Branch members, and remain vigilant for potential High-level Honkai Beasts and Herrscher presences."
"Understood, Major Himeko. Please instruct Second Lieutenant Kiana's squad to exercise extreme caution—given the current uncertain circumstances, Wendy, as the Gem of Desire's host, remains the most unstable factor."
"Though called a 'gem,' we all know what it truly is—an unclaimed Herrscher Core. This Great Honkai Eruption may have fully awakened the gem."
"Hyperion, proceed with extreme caution. Houraiji Kyuusyou, over—"
"Hyperion acknowledges your assessment, Major Kyuusyou. Murata Himeko, over—"
The communication ended.
Himeko turned to the somewhat tense three-person squad and said:
"You've all heard from Kyuusyou already, right? When searching for and engaging Wendy, you must avoid provoking her. Kiana, you especially need to be careful—excessive emotions can easily awaken her Herrscher Persona."
"We must prepare for the worst-case scenario."
Himeko's expression was grave as she looked at the trio before her.
"Do you remember what I told you in class? If a comrade is controlled by Honkai energy and loses consciousness, you must kill them without hesitation..."
"I know this is a heavy burden for those of you who haven't experienced life fully, but it's something you must do..."
"Bronya will never let that happen... This Wendy-sister, whom Bronya has yet to meet, reminds her of the past..."
The silver-haired girl's voice carried an undeniable determination and resolve.
[The Hyperion has reached its destination. Valkyrie Squad, prepare to disembark.]
The electronic announcement echoed through the cabin.
"Ah... let's just leave it to fate. Sometimes, reality doesn't bend to our wishes."
Himeko shook her head wearily and waved at the trio.
"Go now. If anything goes wrong, we'll provide immediate support."
-
Amidst the ruins of Schicksal's New Zealand Branch, a small Valkyrie squad stood before the relatively intact Branch Building, wielding their diverse weaponry to mow down the relentlessly advancing Honkai Beasts. Within the makeshift fortifications surrounding the building, Schicksal personnel in civilian attire gripped firearms and rocket launchers, maintaining a steady barrage against the swarming purple-white creatures.
"Damn it! Where's the backup from the other squads or branches? Why haven't they arrived yet?!" one black-haired Valkyrie roared in frustration, relentlessly pulling the trigger of her weapon. Specialized rounds tore through the Honkai Beasts' silicon shells, while the sweeping muzzle mowed down wave after wave of low-level charging Honkai Beasts.
"Pah! You swarming, never-ending pests," the Valkyrie spat in disgust at the Honkai Beast corpses littering the ground as she slammed a fresh magazine into her weapon.
So far, the Singapore Branch's defense line had held steady. But then, from the top of the Branch Building, the Valkyrie stationed as an observer let out a warning—a cry that barely qualified as a scream, more a desperate whimper before death.
"Southeast! Three Emperor-class Honkai Beasts have emerged behind the building, 200 meters away! Heavens, they've spotted us—!!!"
The warning shattered the brief silence, and the once-stable defensive line instantly devolved into chaos.
"Stay calm! Abandon the Branch Building immediately! All personnel, evacuate swiftly! All B-rank and higher combat Valkyries, cover our retreat! Break through along the northwest road!"
Amidst the pandemonium, a voice rang out with such unwavering clarity and authority that it became the guiding light for the bewildered masses. It belonged to a Valkyrie with long black hair and piercing red eyes. Her name tag identified her as Wilde, an A-rank Valkyrie from the New Zealand Branch.
However, the goddess of fortune seemed to have forsaken the New Zealand Branch. Shortly after the evacuation order was issued, the reconnaissance team ahead delivered even more dire news: the northwest road was now blocked by a newly spawned Emperor-class Honkai Beast, Paventi, which was advancing rapidly toward the main group.
The Valkyries of the New Zealand Branch exchanged glances, their faces finally settling into wry smiles.
"Ha ha, it seems Lady Luck isn't smiling on us today..." One of them twisted open a beer she'd somehow managed to swipe, took a long swig, and gazed at the approaching cloud of dust signaling the Emperor-class Honkai Beast's advance. She drew her sword, its blade already severely damaged from intense combat.
"All New Zealand Branch personnel—administrative staff and sheltered survivors—use every scrap of knowledge you have to escape the disaster zone! We'll buy you the last precious minutes."
Wilde, the A-rank Valkyrie leading the group, sighed deeply as she gazed at the Emperor-class Honkai Beast rapidly closing in on their position. She drew her own battered blade, its edge equally worn.
"Warriors of Schicksal, the time has come to fulfill our sworn oath!"
I will fear neither hardship nor pain, nor death itself.
I will bring hope to those trapped in disaster and fight for every suffering victim.
I will dedicate my all to humanity, sparing no cost in the battle to eradicate the Honkai.
From this day forward, I vow to become one of Schicksal's glorious Valkyries!
—Schicksal Valkyrie Oath
And at that moment—in the sky where no one looked up—a purple star streaked across the heavens above them—and plummeted rapidly toward the earth.