As long as Durandal was in St. Freya for even a minute, Yuna's exposure was a risk.
Theresa fully recognized the strength of this strongest Valkyrie of Schicksal…
--------------------------------------
"Wait, does that mean St. Freya already has two Herrschers now?" Durandal's expression hardened.
As a Valkyrie, it was hard not to focus on the key point in that sentence.
"Well, there was a little accident."
Theresa lowered her head, poking her index fingers together like a guilty kitten caught rummaging through the cupboard for cat food at midnight.
For a moment, Durandal didn't know what to say. St. Freya… wasn't that supposed to be a proper, disciplined academy training Valkyries?
She gave a small shake of her head, temporarily pushing aside this bizarre situation.
As long as it was Theresa, she wasn't too worried. With her around, even if things got tricky, it shouldn't spiral out of control. At worst, Durandal could find time later to take a look herself.
To avoid further awkwardness, Theresa hurriedly steered the conversation back.
She briefly and concisely recounted what had happened that night in Seaside City.
To be honest, the incident with the Herrscher of Domination was hard to explain clearly.
From a normal perspective, it was basically a Herrscher, born who-knows-when, pulling a group of people into her own space, only to end up getting schooled in her own house.
But that was the simplified version.
"World Serpent." Rita muttered softly.
Among all the details of this incident, the most puzzling part was undoubtedly the three World Serpent members.
The white-haired man was especially important.
He managed to snatch the Judgment of Shamash from Siegfried's hands, and according to Himeko's account, that man's strength was overwhelming, far beyond the idea of stealing it through mere tricks.
This world felt unfamiliar to her.
Unlike Rita, Durandal's focus was on Godzilla.
"Godzilla appeared suddenly, then vanished just as suddenly."
Durandal fell into thought.
Theresa and Himeko exchanged glances before Theresa spoke.
"According to our speculation, we believe Godzilla entered some space unknown to us. As for where that space might be…"
Theresa shook her head.
The Sea of Quanta. That name suddenly flickered through Durandal's mind.
Having wandered through bubble worlds since childhood, she knew more about outside information than most.
For something even Schicksal's technology couldn't detect, and for it to come and go so freely, Durandal immediately thought of bubble worlds beyond.
No, wrong. Ordinary bubble worlds wouldn't be able to sustain an existence like Godzilla.
Durandal was better at solving problems with force, not unraveling mysteries.
...
Meanwhile, inside St. Freya's specialized training room.
Thanks to the headmistress and the Valkyries' special status, material needs were never lacking.
Exotic delicacies were basic; what Valkyries truly required were things like high-tech training rooms and advanced weapons.
At this moment,
"Fist Art · Thunderstrike!" With a sharp shout, a blur of shadow burst forward.
Thick vines tougher than steel were torn apart by a single punch.
The toxins within didn't even have time to take effect.
The fist halted right at Yuna's forehead, leaving her frozen in place.
Adjusting her glasses, Fu Hua stood calm and composed, exuding the air of a martial master.
"Yuna, your rhythm is off. You're too impatient. A little provocation was enough to disrupt your pace, this is a fatal weakness in battle."
Yuna obediently listened to the reprimand.
Something was wrong, class monitor Fu Hua was really wrong.
Even if she wasn't good at fighting… even if her powers were restricted… even if she was impatient, she was still a Herrscher! Apostle of the Honkai! How could just any Valkyrie so easily defeat her?
Yuna's mind was a mess.
She was familiar with Fu Hua.
Ever since arriving at St. Freya, Fu Hua had taken the initiative to look after her, showed her around campus, and explained the academy's history and important rules.
Before that, Yuna had never imagined anyone would treat her so kindly.
She also knew Fu Hua was strong. While most were still B-rank or trainee Valkyries, Fu Hua had already reached A-rank and could handle missions solo.
Not everyone was like Kiana, who had fought alone for years; or Mei, who had undergone systematic training; or Bronya, raised as an unflinching killer.
During her time at St. Freya, Yuna had asked around about Fu Hua's reputation.
Rigid and serious, she was known as the elegant and reliable "Fu Hua-senpai."
In a world where males and females were so unbalanced, someone like Fu Hua naturally drew attention.
But still! That wasn't enough reason for a Herrscher to be defeated so easily!
Yuna wanted to ask, just how strong was Fu Hua, really?
"There's no need to dwell on it. Even though you're now a complete Herrscher, your combat experience is still lacking. And since your powers are being restricted, what you've shown is already quite impressive."
Fu Hua, though rigid in demeanor, had sharp observational skills honed through years of martial training. She could instantly tell Yuna was shaken, so she comforted her.
This was just practice, not a life-or-death fight.
Besides, as the Herrscher of Poison, without access to her poison abilities, Yuna's martial skills weren't much better than average, but for her to reach this level was already remarkable.
At least in Fu Hua's eyes, after twice having her worldview shattered, Yuna was slowly rebuilding her outlook with new conditions.
After all, Fu Hua herself had never figured out how the Herrscher of the Void could have become so arrogant, the only explanation was that the sudden surge of overwhelming power blinded her completely.
"Class monitor, Yuna, training's over. Come have some fruit and rehydrate."
Following the voice, they saw Mei walking over gracefully, carrying a tray of neatly prepared fruit, smiling warmly.
She subtly blocked Kiana's greedy face from view with her body.
Mei chuckled softly.
"Yuna, you've improved a lot."
"It's thanks to everyone's help."
Yuna looked a bit stiff. Although Chiba Academy no longer existed, the scars it left were real. She still couldn't fully recover, healing this would take time.
"Don't worry, Yuna. At St. Freya, no one dares to bully you. If anyone tries, tell me, I'll teach them a lesson myself!" Kiana raised her arms confidently.
"Before that, Kiana, why don't you explain why all the peaches from the tray are missing, "
"Eh-heh-heh, Mei, Mei!!"
Watching the lively scene, Fu Hua smiled faintly. Suddenly, she turned slightly, her gaze shifting toward the viewing platform, and gave a small nod.
...
Durandal also nodded in acknowledgment.
"Seems the Herrschers are living quite well at St. Freya," Rita said with a gentle laugh.
"Hmph. As long as they've entered St. Freya, they're my students. Everything else comes second."
Those words were fine, but Himeko shook her head slightly.
Theresa, your wagging tail is about to give you away.
"I've looked into Yuna's past. At Chiba Academy, she was bullied. That's why, when she first became a pseudo-Herrscher, she harbored a deep hatred for the world. Luckily, the incident in Nagazora happened, otherwise bringing her back wouldn't have been possible."
Himeko sighed.
She didn't fully understand how Herrschers were born, but from what she had observed, and from the records, it seemed most Herrschers carried deep resentment toward the world.
Yuna's past was just one example.
And during her investigation, Himeko also discovered that Mei had suffered bullying too. If not for Kiana, who knows how that might have turned out.
Thinking about it, perhaps that "always causing trouble but never failing" rascal had her uses.
At least in this regard, Himeko gave Kiana a satisfied look.
As expected of Cecilia's bloodline.
Durandal remained silent, a bit pensive.
Other than being scolded for her stubbornness at the orphanage as a child, her life had taken a swift upward turn since she became a Valkyrie at age ten.
A sharp contrast to the two who had become Herrschers.
Just then, Durandal took a step forward.
"Hm? Lady Durandal, do you wish to go down and spar for a bit?" Noticing Durandal's movement, Rita smiled faintly.
"I do have the thought, but I don't know if it's acceptable." Durandal nodded slightly as she spoke.
"I don't mind, as long as everyone agrees." Theresa nodded and said.
...
Kiana scratched her cheek in confusion.
Seeing this, the atmosphere turned from oppressive to somewhat helpless.
"Kiana, you really are an idiot. Those two are S-rank Valkyrie Durandal and S-rank Valkyrie Rita. You don't even know that? You're really hopeless."
"That's way too mean! Besides, I just don't want to remember! One day I'll knock them all down and become the strongest Valkyrie!"
"Oh? I look forward to it."
A slightly teasing voice made Kiana freeze instantly.
She turned her head stiffly like a machine, only to see Theresa and Himeko looking at her with an expression that said, hopeless, give up already.
Durandal and Rita, on the other hand, were smiling at her.
That earlier line had come from Rita.
Yuna's expression instantly tightened. Having stayed in St. Freya for so long, she had gained a solid understanding of S-rank Valkyries.
Far surpassing ordinary Herrschers in power, and easily able to defeat Theresa in her own field, but facing two S-rank Valkyries, one of them being the strongest Valkyrie, it was still uncertain how much her strength could achieve.
After the harsh lessons of reality, Yuna had been thoroughly humbled, no longer showing the usual arrogance most Herrschers possessed.
"Lady Durandal, Lady Rita." Mei bowed slightly in polite greeting.
"No need for that. We didn't disturb you, did we?"
"Not at all. It's my honor to meet you both."
After a few brief courtesies, Fu Hua spoke: "Do you two have a mission to carry out?"
"No, this is just a vacation activity for me." Durandal shook her head lightly, then said,
"There's also a small request I'd like to make at St. Freya. After hearing about Miss Raiden Mei and Miss Yuna, I'd like to spar with you both."
"A sparring match, with us?"
Mei and Yuna looked at each other in surprise. They hadn't expected Durandal's target to be them.
But thinking carefully, it wasn't strange. Bearing the title of the strongest Valkyrie, Durandal would naturally be highly vigilant toward Herrschers.
Even if they themselves had shown no threat to society, her duty wouldn't allow her to simply overlook them.
"What what! I want in too!"
Kiana raised her right hand high, but before she could continue making trouble, Himeko clamped a hand over her mouth and dragged her aside.
Theresa glared at the noisy Kiana. If not for her short height, she would have handled it herself already.
...
At the center of the training ground, the three stood.
Mei and Yuna stared warily at the strongest Valkyrie standing opposite them, spear in hand.
The pressure in their hearts grew heavier by the second.
"Auntie, are you sure this will be fine?" Kiana leaned against the railing, her face full of worry.
"Don't worry, Durandal knows her limits." With so many people around, Theresa decided not to fuss about Kiana's choice of address.
"Hehe, don't worry, Miss Kiana. Lady Durandal can restrain her strength at will. It won't be a problem."
Rita smiled as she spoke.
Standing among the crowd, Fu Hua built a combat diagram in her mind.
As a martial artist, she could see the difference in strength between the three at a glance.
This match would have only one victor.
"Please."
Speaking in unison, Mei's eyes flashed, violet light sparking as she called forth her power.
Durandal's target was the Herrscher of Thunder. Now was her time to step forward.
Why do you humans have so many monsters…
The Herrscher of Thunder was numb. Completely numb.
The Herrscher of Thunder wanted to speak, but the words stuck in her throat. In the end, all her countless thoughts condensed into a single line.
When she had first been born, the Herrscher of Thunder thought she was the pivot of the world.
Though humans existed who could oppose her, they were exceedingly rare. If it truly came to a fight, she believed she stood at the peak.
But reality?
She had existed for less than a year, yet blow after blow had nearly broken her spirit.
The Herrscher of Reason siding with humanity, that white-haired man from before with overwhelming strength, the ever-changing yet iron-fisted Fu Hua, the small but immovable Theresa with Judah in her hands.
In their conversations, they even mentioned a Siegfried, another S-rank powerhouse.
In such a short time, she had already seen several humans capable of fighting her head-on, countering her, even making her feel powerless.
Are you people really human?!!
Now, the Herrscher of Thunder only felt grateful she had been persuaded back then.
Otherwise, even if Godzilla didn't make a move, just this crowd of human peak fighters rushing in together, she wasn't like the Herrscher of Domination, with unmatched stealth skills. If she died, she'd really be dead.
As her thoughts flickered, her power surged.
"Draw blade!" The Herrscher of Thunder turned into lightning, charging straight at Durandal!
Her sword swung down! Vast thunder wrapped around the blade, dazzling and fierce.
Suddenly, her pupils shrank.
Where did she go?!
"Whoosh!"
The sound of air splitting came from above. The Herrscher of Thunder looked up, only to see thick vines lashing at Durandal, who had leapt into the air at some unknown moment.
Before she could coordinate, Durandal twisted her wrist, spear pointing down as she thrust!
With a deft motion, the vines were bound and immobilized!
"Poison." Leaning on her lance, Durandal observed the vines.
Deadly poison. Enough to overwhelm Rita.
Suddenly, a strange wind blew, and a thick poisonous mist spread.
Venom!
...
"Go Mei, you can do it!"
"Even if you shout louder, they can't hear inside."
Bronya corrected Kiana with a blank face.
Glancing at the ever-smiling, scheming woman, Bronya's understanding of the strongest Valkyrie Durandal deepened.
Schicksal's foundation was indeed profound.
"Mei and Yuna's teamwork isn't bad, but against a seasoned warrior, it's still lacking. That kind of shortcoming isn't easy to fix."
'Especially when the gap in raw strength was vast.'
Fu Hua didn't speak the last line aloud.
She had already seen a glimpse of Durandal's true power.
She had grown stronger again. So strong, it was monstrous.
But then again, Fu Hua wasn't really in a position to complain about that.
"But isn't she already trapped in Yuna's poison mist?" Kiana asked in confusion.
"It only looks like she's trapped. In truth, she let herself be caught on purpose, likely to test Yuna's strength." Fu Hua explained.
No matter what they said, Theresa let out a long breath of relief.
"Good, good. The situation is still under control."
Maintaining St. Freya's grounds was already costly enough.
And a training room capable of withstanding Durandal and two Herrschers fighting while holding back? That was a massive technical investment.
As for those C-rank and B-rank Valkyries, never mind, they'd just collapse under the pressure.
If this place got wrecked, her next month's Homu manga budget would almost certainly be gone.
"It should be about time to end this."
Suddenly, Himeko spoke up.
...
"Can't hit her. Even if I do, it's useless. Her defenses are absurd." The Herrscher of Thunder clenched her trembling hand, her lips twitching.
As expected, her instincts hadn't lied. The thing in front of her wasn't human!
"My poison didn't affect her either… is it her body's resistance, or some kind of equipment?"
Yuna was frustrated. She had already held back for Theresa's sake, otherwise her poison could have melted the entire place.
But even so, no one who touched her venom should come out unscathed, yet Durandal remained lively and unhurt, as if mocking her ability!
But it wasn't just them analyzing the situation. Durandal, too, was deep in thought...