HI3: I Don't Want to Be a Valkyrie

After watching Third Prince depart with his entourage, Theresa gazed upon the bound girls before her, their eyes filled with fear as they stared back.

She retracted her Blood Cross.

" there's no need to be afraid; I won't claim your souls," Theresa said, offering these young women what she hoped was a reassuring smile—one that radiated harmony. However... paired with her wings and fangs, it only seemed unsettling instead.

The girls continued to tremble uncontrollably.

"Well then..." Theresa observed them thoughtfully but found herself at a loss for words.

Their souls would have been of little use even if they had offered them willingly. Only the soul of a Summoner could exchange for crystals—a fact Luna Kindred well understood.

It wasn't that she lacked the ability to extract souls—the skill "Soul Drinker" remained part of her repertoire from the game. Once merely an ordinary attack move, it now allowed her to drain the essence of weaker beings, consuming their souls to restore both her physical strength and blood seal energy.

However, Theresa hesitated to employ this power casually. It felt far more malevolent than simple vampiric bloodlust.

Meanwhile, Theresa had noticed something intriguing: many of the skills from the game now manifested in reality exactly as their names suggested.

Upon reflection, it made sense. As powerful Valkyries, how could they possess only such limited abilities? The game had merely simplified them for ease of play, but here, in this world, their true extent was revealed.

Theresa closed her eyes, relying on her unique bat-like hearing to detect that some individuals loyal to the Third Prince were still outside.

Unfazed by their combat strength, she decided nonetheless to embody her demonic persona more fully—after all, hadn't eaten in three days, leaving her famished.

"Though I won't claim your souls," she declared, "I must have at least a taste of your blood. In return, you'll become my direct descendants, endowed with extraordinary power and the gift of eternal life—an evolution beyond mortal bounds."

Those infected by Theresa would themselves be able to infect others through bites. However, anyone not directly bitten by her wouldn't attain the nearly infinite lifespan granted to her chosen few.

It mirrored the hierarchy among zombies, akin to true ancestor's generations—one, two, three...

-

Luna Kindred had never truly been unleashed by Otto; thus, her infectious power remained dormant all this time.

The half-human, half-Honkai Impact beasts infected by Theresa could sustain themselves through blood consumption—and even evolve further. However, whenever they fed, a portion of the blood seal energy was directly channeled to Theresa herself. Yet for her to become significantly stronger, she needed far more than what a mere handful of individuals' blood could provide.

She required the blood seal energy from thousands upon thousands—only then would she see any substantial enhancement.

-

After nearly fifteen minutes, Theresa wiped away the blood from her lips—a fine quality indeed.

The girls had now become part of Theresa's entourage. They appeared unchanged from before, save for one difference: their physical strength and vitality had significantly increased. Moreover, they could no longer sate hunger through food; only blood would suffice.

As for the side effect of madness triggered by crowds—this phenomenon wouldn't occur unless they were hungry. Only when famished did they risk losing control.

With this transformation complete, it was time to embark on commissioned tasks.

Mist Form

Stepping outside, her body instantly dissolved into mist...

Blending seamlessly with the night, she became invisible to all observers.

-

"This nation has rotted to its core."

After a brief tour through this land, it was evident that decay had permeated every aspect of society. The nobility's depraved desires... had left the common folk in a state of bitter resentment, now barely clinging to life with a half-dead existence.

On the streets, some impoverished citizens still fought over a single piece of black bread—battling not just each other but even dogs, their desperation sometimes leading them to kill in their struggle for survival.

The nobles cared little for the lives or deaths of these commoners as they indulged in a lifestyle so decadent it drew envy from all who witnessed it.

Meanwhile, within the royal court, ministers engaged in an intense power struggle, vying relentlessly against one another.

"Then let me be the one to transform this country!"

Born human only to regret your very existence? In that case, none of you deserve to call yourselves truly alive!

-

In stark contrast to the pitiful state of commoners' lives outside, the nobility and princes within the royal palace were indulging in a lifestyle as different from theirs as heaven is from earth.

It seemed a ball was underway, with countless nobles affiliated with the eldest prince gathering in one grand hall.

"Come, have some drink!"

"Hahaha! That pig thinks he can compete with the Crown Prince too—doesn't he know his place? The Crown Prince wields true power."

"That's right. Even our nation's most powerful adventuring guilds swear allegiance to him. What chance does he stand against such might? Does he really believe that just because the king favors him, he'll inherit the throne? Ha ha ha..."

"Once the Crown Prince ascends, our own influence and wealth will only grow greater."

"Silence now—the Crown Prince approaches."

In the grand hall, nobles had formed small clusters, whispering among themselves. Even those who supported the Crown Prince were far from united; each noble had their own little circle of influence.

Just then, a robust middle-aged man with Western features entered. Dressed in the formal attire of the royal family, he cut an imposing figure as he strode across the room. On his arms rested two exquisite beauties, while behind him followed two knights—the most powerful warriors in the principality—and nearly ten soldiers.

The guards positioned themselves strategically upon entering, ensuring optimal protection for their charge. The two knights remained at his side at all times, ever vigilant.

Although this was officially a principality, its remote location had long since allowed the prince to proclaim himself king—a move that went largely uncontested by neighboring nations.

"Welcome one and all to this ball hosted by yours truly," announced the Crown Prince. "After years of rivalry with my third brother, fate has finally decreed me victorious. We must celebrate this momentous occasion befittingly."

His words elicited immediate applause from the gathered crowd.

Next came the turn of the sycophants—those skilled in the art of flattery—to lavish praise upon the Crown Prince. After all, it wouldn't be long before he ascended to the throne. By currying favor now, they ensured even greater comfort for themselves once he became King.

Amidst this atmosphere of joyous celebration...

"The Oath of Judah!"

A charming voice echoed through the air as an enormous black-and-gold cross descended from the heavens, landing precisely at the center of the ballroom.

It seemed to crush several individuals upon impact, though that was inconsequential in the grand scheme of things.

The massive cross stood nearly ten meters tall, adorned with a colossal chain that instantly evoked images of... Jesus Christ, the Son of God, nailed to the cross for the sins of all humanity.

As the cross plummeted down, it utterly destroyed the dance party; every noble and their partners were left sprawled on the ground.

Knights rushed to protect the Crown Prince, shielding him behind their bodies.

"What just happened..." one of them muttered, bewildered by the sudden turn of events.

"Enemy attack!"

-

As the commotion subsided somewhat, panic began to grip the nobles, stripping them entirely of their earlier aristocratic poise.

Soldiers nearby rushed towards the sound of disturbance. However, moments later, everyone realized with horror that... they could no longer move an inch.

It was as if some unseen force had suddenly immobilized them all.