After carefully backing up Dudu's incriminating voice recordings to multiple cloud storage services, Lin Ling finally felt at ease.
"Okay, it's done. Now let's go find that bar Dudu mentioned. By the way, it better not be the one from the comics, right?"
Following Dudu's directions, Lin Ling set off.
Fortunately, it was late at night, and the destination wasn't far. Even though Lin Ling encountered another patrol mech on the way, she used her power of thunder from a distance to disable it without difficulty. Soon, she arrived at the bar, which was cleverly disguised as a base for Schicksal.
"Kid, how old are you? Minors aren't allowed in bars."
She was immediately stopped by a black-haired male bartender who smiled at her. If this really was the bar from the comics, then this bartender should be a Valkyrie, skilled in disguise. Keeping this in mind, Lin Ling tentatively asked, "Sister, can I have a taste of the 1982 Lafite?"
The bartender's pupils shook at her words, but he quickly regained his composure, forcing a laugh.
"Hahaha, what are you saying, little sister? I'm clearly a big brother. Also, it's not that I look down on you, but the 1982 Lafite is worth a lot of money. I doubt someone your age could afford it~"
[Ding~ System prompt: The host successfully startled Wraith moderately, increasing her drinking capacity by one or two shots.]
What kind of ability did she just steal? Didn't the system said there was no strange things in the gacha?
Anyways, judging by her reaction, it seems my assumption was correct.
Leaning on the bar, Lin Ling sniffed the air, and there was indeed a faint fragrance. "If I say you're my sister, you're my sister. And even if you're not, I'll make you my sister with one cut!" She made a scissor gesture toward the bartender with mock aggression. "Also, just foot the bill on Otto."
"..."
The bartender was silent for a moment, then tore off his disguise, transforming from a handsome young man into a mature woman with a brown ponytail.
She was Wraith, an A-rank Valkyrie from the Central Intelligence Department of Schicksal.
"Oh, I forgot to cover my scent. Looks like my disguise skills still need work if I can't even fool little girls," Wraith said with a helpless shrug. "But forget about the Lafite. I doubt the Overseer will pay for you, and in the end, I'll be the one who suffers."
"Then just give me a bottle of Coke, 1982 vintage, with ice."
Earlier at the hotel, Lin Ling had been too busy eating to drink much water, and after being carried around by Durandal, she was really thirsty. Plus, she never cared much for alcohol. She's more of a 'fat guy drinks water' kind of person."
"Why do you keep thinking about 1982? Coke isn't like wine; it doesn't get better with age. It would've gone bad by now. Here's a regular Coke," Wraith said, handing Lin Ling a large glass. "By the way, coming to a bar to drink Coke? You really are a kid. Want me to teach you how to be an adult?"
"Ton ton ton~" Lin Ling downed the entire glass, and then, with renewed vigor, replied, "Sure, but let's make one thing clear first, sister—you lie down and be the 0 because I can only be the 1."
"Huh!?..." Wraith's jaw dropped in shock. She was speechless for a long moment. She had planned to tease this junior to get back at her for exposing her earlier, but she hadn't expected this little girl to be so wild.
Flustered, she muttered, "Forget it... Are kids these days this bold? Looks like I'm really out of touch."
"Huh? You think that's bold? I just wanted to play a little game of letters with you..."
"Ahem! Okay, stop right there!" Wraith quickly interrupted. "You're Miss Lin Ling, right? Lady Durandal just contacted me through the communicator. She asked me to take good care of you, so you should stay here until this situation blows over."
"Just to be clear, I don't have any money."
"Don't worry, food and lodging are on the house," Wraith said, patting her chest confidently. However, noticing Lin Ling's eyes gleaming with mischief, she added, "Of course, nothing too expensive—forget anything from 1982 or 1983."
"Tsk, you're so stingy." Lin Ling muttered under her breath, then suddenly remembered something. Tugging at her cheongsam, which had been crumpled by Dudu, she said, "By the way, could you give me a set of normal clothes? Combat gear or Valkyrie Battlesuit would be even better."
"No problem, come with me, kid."
Wraith led Lin Ling to a secret room in the back of the bar. She handed her a set of women's short jackets, tight-fitting undergarments, super-short hot pants, and... knee-length black stockings.
"Ah, this..."
Although Lin Ling had liked outfits like this in video games, wearing it herself now made her want to complain. Why are combat outfits in this world designed to be so embarrassing and luscious?
"Sis, this is a carbon fiber combat suit. While it's not as strong as Valkyrie Battlesuit, it can still defend against small-caliber swords and bullets. Plus, it's night, and there are plenty of customers around, so I need to manage the business to avoid exposing my identity. You can change here."
Perhaps still nervous about Lin Ling's earlier remarks, Wraith quickly found an excuse to leave. But that was exactly what Lin Ling wanted. She would've been embarrassed to change with someone watching.
...
After changing into the snug combat suit, Lin Ling tested it out, throwing a few punches and kicks and feeling the increase in her physical strength. Then she began to review her experiences and gains from the day.
First, she had obtained some effects of the Schariac Holy Blood from Bianka. It was said that the complete version could purify Honkai energy instantly, but for now, there wasn't any practical use for it. However, the improved adaptability to Honkai energy she had gained from Rita gave her an immediate and noticeable boost. Lin Ling felt a sense of accomplishment and newfound strength.
Even her utilization of Herrscher powers had improved. While Herrschers possess supreme abilities, they require Honkai energy to manifest them, so adaptability to this energy is the foundation for everything.
...
Morning came quickly. Another figure, wearing a hoodie and concealing their face, entered the bar. They sat down without a word and addressed Wraith, once again disguised as a male bartender.
"Give me a glass of water and the latest information," the stranger said coldly.
Wraith, wiping a glass, responded awkwardly, "Excuse me, sir, or madam? The bar isn't open yet, and we don't sell water. Also, what exactly do you mean by 'information'...?"
Whoosh!
A flash of light shot from the stranger's hand, grazing Wraith's cheek.
"Don't waste my time, Wraith."
The figure pulled back their hood, revealing the cold face of the immortal.