Honkai Simulator: Start with Confessing to The Herrscher of Finality

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The promotion to S-rank Valkyrie happened much faster than Xia Chen anticipated.

After Durandal submitted her report that morning, Amber promptly approved his advancement on the same day.

There was no ceremony, nor did it require one.

Within Schicksal, bureaucracy wasn't prevalent, and the privileges for an S-rank Valkyrie were only slightly more than those of an A-rank.

However, Xia Chen privately invited a few friends out for dinner under the guise of celebration.

Ana, Wendy, Kiana, Alvitr, and Susannah joined him.

To be honest, despite spending considerable time at Schicksal Headquarters, Xia Chen had made only these few acquaintances.

"Cheers!"

The group briefly celebrated with juice instead of alcohol.

Alvitr couldn't help but marvel, "I didn't expect you to become an S-Class Valkyrie so quickly. It seems the legend within Schicksal is indeed true."

Susannah's curiosity piqued, "What legend? Are there legends about Xia Chen within Schicksal?"

Ana blinked, "Could it be something about exceptional men in Schicksal?"

"Exactly," Alvitr replied. "Any man capable of combat has essentially risen to prominence."

She sighed wistfully, "Men compatible with Honkai Energy are undoubtedly extremely rare. Yet, this tiny minority became leaders of humanity."

Schicksal's Otto, Anti-Entropy's Welt, and the defected Siegfried...

Susannah pondered for a moment, realizing it was indeed true.

On the side, Kiana also thought of Siegfried, hesitating as if she wanted to say something.

She had learned from Ana that Siegfried was wanted by Schicksal, but she wasn't aware of the details surrounding his defection. Kiana had lost those memories.

Recalling her grumpy old dad, her mood inevitably grew heavy.

Fortunately, Ana, being more observant, unconsciously took Kiana's hand and reassured her, "Don't worry, cousin. Your uncle is incredibly strong; there's no need to fret about him."

"Please don't call me 'cousin,' just use my name."

Kiana still harbored reservations about being a clone, which couldn't be easily dismissed by others telling her to let it go.

She paused before saying, "Relax, I'm not overly concerned about him."

Ultimately, she refrained from referring to Siegfried as 'father.'

Witnessing this, Xia Chen inwardly sighed.

Perhaps he had been too hasty, trying to force growth prematurely. By granting Kiana similar powers without addressing her mindset, she became even more fixated on her identity crisis.

In the original storyline, Kiana only realized the significance of her existence after experiencing Heavenly Meteor and witnessing human suffering. It was then that she stopped dwelling on being a replica.

However, the current Kiana lacked such trials to strengthen her inner resolve. Instead, she enjoyed the resources afforded to 'Kiana' but felt apprehensive and withdrawn.

She understood that Durandal valued her solely because she was 'Kiana'.

Similarly, Ana addressed her as 'cousin' precisely because she was 'Kiana'.

This couldn't continue.

By nature, Kiana shouldn't be so indecisive. If this persisted, there was a risk she might eventually transform into Sirin once again.

And if that happened, the calamity of the Queen's return would strike anew.

Xia Chen could only sigh at this predicament.

Matters concerning one's mindset were truly beyond his ability to resolve. If the Queen's descent must occur again, then it seemed fate was unchangeable.

In such a case, he grew even more concerned for Ana.

Across from Ana, Wendy remained silent but keenly sensed Xia Chen's unease.

What is troubling him? Wendy couldn't help but wonder.

However, seeing Ana happily engaged in conversation with others, Wendy refrained from asking her question. Over recent times, occasional chats with Gretel had subtly improved her emotional intelligence under Gretel's 'guidance.'

She now understood not to cause misunderstandings; expressing her emotions impulsively once was enough.

"Speaking of which, after Xia Chen, the next Valkyrie to become S-rank should be Wendy," remarked Ana, observing Wendy closely. "When that time comes, you'll have to treat us all, mind you."

Currently, Ana no longer felt as anxious about Wendy surpassing her.

Worrying wouldn't change anything.

If their talents were comparable, Ana would undoubtedly strive to be the best. However, the gap between her and Wendy's abilities was too significant.

Thus, Ana decided to accept her limitations.

Or perhaps more accurately, that dream had shaken her faith. Although questioning one's destiny based on a single dream seemed absurd, once the seed of doubt took root, it began to sprout.

This became a hindrance to her progress.

Wendy nodded confidently, saying, "I aim to complete the S-rank Valkyrie assessment within three months."

She remained highly assured of her own talent.

Even if she fell short compared to Durandal, she still surpassed most other Valkyries significantly.

In the past, Ana might have tried to compete, but now, any such ambition had faded away.

Susannah couldn't help but tease, "Why does it sound like promotion is as easy as having a meal? I wish it were that simple for me too."

"If you focused less on leisure, you'd advance quickly," Alvitr advised sternly.

Among them, Susannah likely faced the least pressure.

As a member of the technical department, which had specialized roles, combat proficiency wasn't a primary requirement, naturally reducing this aspect of stress.

The subdued celebration soon came to an end.

This indicated that the day was nearing its end.

Just as Xia Chen planned to return for a shower and enter the simulator for training, Kiana followed him.

"What's wrong?" he asked, puzzled. "Is the training pressure too much?"

"No, it's just... Can you tell me where the real Kiana is?" she said. "I don't want to keep assuming someone else's identity."

Xia Chen's expression turned slightly odd. Indeed, this issue had been weighing on her mind constantly.

He pondered for a moment before asking, "Kiana, let me ask you something - what is your ultimate goal?"

"Of course, to give back what rightfully belongs to her," she replied.

"But how do you know if she will accept these responsibilities?" Xia Chen's question caught Kiana off guard.

"You should understand that this name carries more than just privileges and resources; it also entails burdens and duties. As one inheriting the exceptional lineage of both Kaslana and Schariac, she inevitably bears the hopes of all humanity and may even have to lead them to victory against Honkai."

"How can you be sure she's willing to bear such immense responsibility? Have you considered what if she doesn't want it?"

Kiana fell silent for a moment before responding, "Then I should indeed ask her opinion first. Right now...I'm no different from a thief."

"But have you thought about this - by avoiding this responsibility, aren't you akin to a deserter?" He slowly continued, "Kiana, believe in yourself. You're not just a substitute; instead, you embody the culmination of humanity's wisdom. The Kiana you speak of is also watching over you."

"Watching over me?" Kiana couldn't help but feel puzzled.

"Don't worry, on this matter, I'm not deceiving you," he assured her.