One Month Later
"Another day of beatings."
Tian Shi couldn't help but chuckle as he watched Himeko "crawl" back to her dorm room.
"Ragna is truly very strong, isn't she?"
"Nonsense! Captain Ragna is the Captain of the Assault Valkyrie Squad and the Combat Instructor of Schicksal Headquarters... I spent half a month bedridden and half a month training; how could I possibly defeat Captain Ragna?"
The more adorable the character, the more ruthless she becomes.
Himeko, wielding a practice sword, couldn't even defeat Ragna who was rushing back with a mop.
Well, from another perspective, Ragna could easily defeat Himeko even with a mop in her hand.
Himeko , in her current recruit form, is truly a weakling whom anyone can easily crush...
Over the past two weeks, Himeko has come to fully understand the true value of her seemingly unproductive Captain.
Working as a domestic helper on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; volunteering on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays; and resting on Sundays.
"But speaking of which, it seems Schicksal no longer has any S-Rank Valkyries?"
Having spent a lot of time with the veteran members, Himeko was no longer a Schicksal rookie and had learned several rumors and gossip.
"It seems the strongest one is Captain Ragna, an A-Rank Valkyrie."
"The S-Class Valkyrie is no longer being produced, but if we have to talk about it... there's still one left in the fridge."
"Huh?"
What does "lying in the fridge" mean?
"She is nothing more than an old relic, stored in a hibernation capsule."
Tian Shi waved his hand, saying that Himeko didn't care at all about Li Sushang or anything like that.
"There's another ace up their sleeve... Isn't Schicksal's trump card a bit unfair?"
Himeko said incredulously.
"That's just how things are when you have a large family business"
Tian Shi said, shrugging, indicating he couldn't do anything about it.
"Oh, and there's also that S-rank member posing as an A-rank, but her head is damaged, and her strength has diminished quite a bit"
Tian Shi was naturally referring to his own disciple, Fu Hua... To be honest, he really didn't know where she was now.
However, Fu Hua knew to shelter from the rain and not eat things off the ground, so Tian Shi didn't have to worry about her.
"You know a lot of people"
Himeko said with a faint smile.
"Speaking of which, Tian , do you have any... uh... rapid learning methods? Or any ultimate technique that even crabs can use?"
"Then why don't I teach the crab and let the crab beat you up?"
Tian Shi said with irritation.
"..."
"But, come to think of it, I have figured something out."
Just when Himeko was feeling disappointed, Tian Shi changed the subject.
"While I don't have any training methods, I have managed to decipher most of Ragna's moves over the past two weeks."
"You know something about this?"
Himeko 's expression turned strange.
How is it that he seems to know a little bit about everything?
"If we're only talking about talent, I'd probably be considered a martial arts prodigy, but the truth is I'm not very good at martial arts."
Tian Shi had obtained Fu Hua's max-level martial arts talent.
Although he had wasted it to some extent, he had managed to master Ragna's swordsmanship by observing Himeko getting defeated and Ragna beating up others daily over the past month.
He had even improved his own skills.
"That's a pretty extravagant thing to say."
Himeko, who felt she didn't have much talent, felt a little envious and jealous.
"Alright, let's stop talking about talent. I'll teach you an optimized version of Ragna's swordsmanship first, figure it out for yourself."
"Okay!"
...
[On the first day I learned a new sword technique, I got beaten up.]
[The next day, I got beaten up.]
[Day 3, I got beaten up.]
[Day 4, I got beaten up.]
Something's not right! Why do I keep getting beaten?
"Because your physical condition is too poor."
Tian Shi glanced sideways at Himeko , who had "crawled" back again.
"But didn't we make progress today? We managed to repel Ragna in a few individual exchanges."
"That's true, but getting beaten up in the end is too frustrating."
"Practicing martial arts is also a process of gradual and persistent effort, keep at it, Himeko !"
This guy is just making sarcastic remarks, isn't he?
Himeko now yearns for the time she spent bedridden in the hospital; at least Tian Shi could take care of her then.
"Sss... Come here, help me put on some ointment, I can't reach my back."
"I can't do anything with you... on that spot?"
"In the middle, in the middle, I got hit there, and it hurts terribly!"
...
Bang--!
"You're getting stronger, Himeko "
As the two swords clashed, Ragna couldn't help but take two steps back, and a relieved smile appeared on her serious face.
"I... you've defeated me, Captain, for so long. What's wrong with offering a little resistance?"
Himeko held the long sword with one hand and waved the other; she felt it a bit numb.
I almost lost my grip on the sword.
The combat power of an experienced A-Rank Valkyrie is truly formidable.
Although Himeko has gradually approached Ragna's level in all aspects thanks to her training, she also knows that this has its limits, and Ragna is adapting to the swordsmanship style Tian Shi taught her.
"Your current strength surpasses even that of many B-Rank Valkyries."
Ragna, as a combat instructor, never hid her praise for her students.
"Himeko , I hereby announce that you have graduated from your Claymore class."
"Claymore Class?"
Himeko suddenly realized there was something slightly odd about that statement.
"Yes, in addition to the long sword, your courses also include hand-to-hand combat and long-range shooting."
"You mean...?"
Ragna smiled as she looked at Himeko , who seemed unable to accept reality.
"In other words, you are going to work with me on a new project."
Ragna took out two pairs of gloves from somewhere, tossed one pair to Himeko , and silently put on the other.
"Himeko, would you like to get some water and rest for a while?"
Ragna, who was symbolically warming up, was wearing gloves and took the initiative to check on the state of Himeko , who already seemed completely hopeless.
"Can I request the day off?"
Himeko, who had finally gained a slight edge, now wanted to run away.
Her stamina was almost exhausted, while Ragna didn't look too tired; if the fight continued, Himeko definitely wouldn't be able to defeat Ragna.
"No, you are perfectly fine right now, keep practicing!"
Once Ragna went into instructor mode, she suddenly appeared somewhat rigid.
Evidently, Himeko could imagine being defeated by Ragna again in the future.
The emancipated servants were forced back into power before they could even sing their praises, right?
"When you are in the wild without weapons, your fists are your most intimate weapons. It is easy for us to take down small to medium-sized Honkai Beasts with a single punch."
"Or is it because I'm too weak?"
Himeko cannot accept this.
However, Ragna in instructor mode does not have so many ulterior motives; she simply does things her way.
However, this made things very difficult for Himeko.
"This is also part of growth, isn't it?"
Yeah, right!
While it's true that it's part of growth, combining them completely seems a bit too cunning, doesn't it?
"Or to put it more directly, wasn't I the one who got the beating anyway?"
At that moment, Tian Shi finally revealed his true intentions and said with a smile.
This guy is asking for a punch.
...
Three Months Later.
"Congratulations, Sergeant Himeko, you have 'graduated'."
After three months of practically being used as a punching bag, Ragna finally spoke the words Himeko longed to hear.
Furthermore, in just three months, Himeko was promoted from "Corporal" to "Sergeant"... although at Schicksal, military rank is not as important; what matters is the Valkyrie classification.
Nevertheless, this is still an encouragement for Himeko, a "newcomer."
"By the way, my current rating is..."
"B."
Ragna smiled and nodded.
"From now on, you are qualified to go to the battlefield with us... Oh, by the way, this is a gift for you."
Ragna turned around and pulled out a large blue and black sword.
"Look, Hrangnir, the Throne of the Gods weapon developed by the Saint 1504 Research Institute in the super-heavy sword series. They originally wanted to equip me with it, but I have not intention of changing weapons."
The Assault Valkyrie troopers all use the "super-heavy sword" weapon series.
Most of the team members wield the "Super Heavy Sword - Charge," while Captain Ragna's weapon is the "Super Heavy Sword - King Cobra."
But compared to Hrangnir... you know the difference between a four-star and a five-star weapon, right?
From any point of view, Ragna, as captain, is undeniably dedicated to her team.
"From now on, it's yours."
Ragna solemnly handed the "Hrangnir" to Himeko.
"I look forward to the day you wield this sword and show your might on the battlefield."
"You will see it, Captain Ragna."
Himeko took a deep breath and solemnly accepted the greatsword with a black blade and blue edge.
"I won't let you down."
"Don't be so nervous."
Ragna looked at Himeko and comforted her.
"In reality, I am more interested in the general-purpose Valkyrie armor than these weapons."
At that time, Schicksal's Valkyrie armor technology was not yet fully developed, and it wasn't even possible to equip the Assault troopers with armor.
While their uniforms offered some protection against Honkai energy, calling that level of protection "armor" was, in reality, an exaggeration.
"On the battlefield, the survival rate is the most important thing"
Ragna sighed.
"Never mind, how about we talk about something more cheerful?"
"Something more cheerful?"
Himeko was stunned.
"Yes, looking on the bright side, next year we will be deployed elsewhere, which means we won't have to be locked up at headquarters anymore"
Ragna said with a slight smile.
"And the destination is Great Britain, a safe and comfortable place; practically a vacation."
Upon hearing Ragna's words, the team members around them cheered, and even Himeko showed a somewhat surprised and sarcastic expression.
"Wow, has that Bishop finally taken a liking to something?"
After so long on the job, Himeko and her superiors have learned to occasionally make sarcastic remarks about their superiors.
"Who knows what His Holiness the Bishop thinks, but we just have to do as he says."
Ragna shrugged.
"The New Year is just around the corner, by the way, Himeko , what are your plans?"
"What's the deal...? Does locking myself in the student residence and rotting count?"
"Then I'll expose you"
Ragna laughed.
Himeko cannot stay locked up and plunged into sadness.
No matter what, she has to let those who care about her know that she is safe, like Reanna and Welt.
Looking at it this way, it seems everyone who needs to report that they are safe is a member of Anti-Entropy?
"I'm not a spy, am I?"
Even though the leader of the Anti-Entropy Alliance is right next to me.
After saying goodbye to Ragna and her superiors, Himeko continued walking, looking thoughtfully at Tian Shi.
"Himeko, what are you looking at?"
"I was thinking that if I reported the leader of the Anti-Entropy Alliance, I could level up several times... Just kidding!"
Himeko said with a smile.
"Speaking of which, maybe only the two of us will celebrate the New Year this year. Tian , is there anything you want to do? Any wish?"
What do you want to do? What is your wish?
This question really made Tian Shi reflect deeply.
"If you really mean that, then such a thing truly exists."
Tian Shi turned to look at Himeko .
"How about you try on a cheongsam? Before you completely turn into a low-level thug?"
"Wow, you really don't mince words when you speak! Who is the pervert?" Himeko smiled.
"Forgive my frankness, Himeko, but you are losing your youthful charm more and more."
Although the shape of the "Polar Blade" can still be vaguely distinguished.
"If you were beaten up for three and a half months, we'll see if you still retain any of your feminine charm."
Himeko made a gesture as if she wanted to spit, but then held back.
In reality, she was still a little concerned about her more feminine aspects.
"Well, it's a cheongsam, right?... How about we make some dumplings for the New Year? I am very grateful for your help these last two years."
"And then all the dumplings ended up in your stomach?"
"You haven't changed at all in the last two years. You may not be good at anything else, but you are a master at ruining the mood."
Himeko 's lips twitched.
"One word: cover or not cover?"
"Cover."
Tian Shi stated that he is also an honest person.
He hadn't celebrated his own Chinese New Year in a long time, and he actually missed it.
The last time they celebrated Chinese New Year was in Fu Hua's simulation, right?
"Indeed, it's been a long time."
"But of course, I don't know how to make dumplings."
"I figured. Your cooking skills are quite regular"
Tian Shi said, not at all surprised by Himeko 's words.
"But it's okay, they're just dumplings. I'll teach you. I guarantee you'll learn in three minutes... well, in an hour."
"Your change of mind really makes me feel complicated."
"I simply have a rational understanding of my own teaching abilities; therefore, I beg you to also have a correct and clear understanding of your cooking abilities."
If you had Fu Hua's level of cooking skills, I could certainly teach you how to make dumplings in three minutes, alright?
The only saving grace was that while Himeko's cooking skills weren't up to Fu Hua's standard, they weren't terrible either.