LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 189: Nagazora
[The airship will be docking shortly. Nagazora has been reached. Currently analyzing Honkai energy concentration…]
The automated announcement didn't disturb the quiet of the infirmary. Ren lay peacefully in his bed, still asleep. Durandal sat beside him, a novel open in her lap—the same one she had been reading before—but her gaze drifted elsewhere.
Her eyes flickered towards Ren, her thoughts preoccupied with how she would conceal Kiana's disappearance from him.
After several days of treatment, Ren's complexion had improved considerably. However, his body was dotted with needle marks from the various injections. For a Herrscher, such punctures should have healed within seconds, yet Ren seemed to have lost his regenerative abilities.
This reminded Durandal of the Valkyrie who once wielded the Blank Key—Murata Himeko. Both had used the power of the Gem of Haste, and both suffered a drastically shortened lifespan due to the gem's destructive nature.
"The final experiment… can he endure it?" Durandal, whose mind was usually focused solely on training and improvement, found her thoughts in disarray. She took a deep breath, attempting to regain her composure, when she noticed Ren's eyes slowly fluttering open.
"You're awake."
"This feels strangely familiar." The bright lights of the infirmary made Ren squint. He turned his head, noticing the novel lying open on Durandal's lap. "As expected of the strongest Valkyrie. You can even read upside down?"
Durandal's eyes flickered almost imperceptibly. She calmly closed the book and placed it in her bag.
"It's a training method for improving focus." Her gaze shifted, avoiding Ren's eyes.
"I see." Ren nodded, not pressing the issue.
Relieved that her lie hadn't been detected, Durandal stood and removed the medical equipment attached to Ren, allowing him to move freely.
After adjusting to his weakened state, Ren changed into his regular clothes. They left the infirmary together.
Following a shared meal, they made their way to the deck.
The warship transporting Ren hovered in the sky, while other transport ships docked at the coast. From their vantage point, they could clearly see personnel unloading equipment into the city below.
These were the materials required for the [Cosmic Juggernaut Portal] experiment. To complete the final observation, Otto had transported nearly all of his equipment here, concealing it within the ruins.
"Where are we? The Honkai energy concentration here is beyond what ordinary humans can withstand." The air thrummed with energy, far more potent than at the Vimur base. Ren extended his hand, and Honkai energy, drawn to his Herrscher aura, coalesced into a pulsating purple orb.
"Nagazora. The location for the final experiment. The Honkai energy at the Vimur base was insufficient. Forcing the experiment there would have killed you."
"So, I should be grateful?"
"No." Durandal's expression remained impassive in the face of Ren's sarcasm. During their time together, she had grown accustomed to his tone. Her straightforward nature seemed oblivious to the underlying bitterness, interpreting it as normal conversation.
"Tch, talking to you is exhausting." Defeated by her obliviousness, Ren looked down at the ruined city below. "When will your Overseer honor his agreement? Don't tell me I have to die before I see her again."
Durandal tensed, unsure how to respond.
Fortunately, Otto, monitoring the situation, contacted Durandal, intervening in their conversation.
"Bianka, there's still time before the experiment. Take him into the city for some fresh air."
His voice shifted, addressing Ren directly. "I've successfully captured the Herrscher of the Void. You'll be reunited shortly. Please don't worry, Mister Ren." It was a deliberate attempt to reassure him.
But Ren wasn't easily fooled. His gaze remained fixed on Durandal. "Really? Because something about your demeanor, Miss Durandal, suggests otherwise."
Durandal stiffened, uncomfortable under his scrutiny.
"Haha, just a maiden's modesty. You've assisted me with so many experiments. Schicksal will spare no effort to fulfill your request. Why would we deceive you?" Otto's tone remained infuriatingly condescending.
"I'd prefer it that way." Aware of the deception, Ren played along, nodding slowly.
Following Otto's suggestion, Ren and Durandal descended into the ruined city.
Nagazora, situated in the Far East near the coast, lay in a low-lying area.
During the 3rd Honkai Eruption, it had suffered catastrophic damage, the entire city sinking, now flooded with seawater. The water itself was contaminated by Honkai energy.
"ARC City must have looked like this after the battle." Ren surveyed the devastation, a wistful tone in his voice. His thoughts remained unreadable.
"That city is outside of Schicksal's jurisdiction. I hear reconstruction efforts are underway. The situation there should be considerably better."
Though they were the primary cause of the city's destruction, both had consciously directed their attacks to minimize civilian casualties.
The conflict itself was unavoidable, and the damage to buildings was, in a way, a fortunate outcome.
Compared to ARC City, Nagazora's physical destruction was less severe, with most buildings still standing. However, the Honkai energy contamination was far worse. After the Herrscher of Thunder, Raiden Mei, had been subdued, the residual Honkai energy had seeped into the ground.
The subsequent flooding had transformed this into a secondary disaster, effectively halting any chance of rebuilding.
"Miss Durandal, are you familiar with Japanese culture?" They stopped before a derelict shop, its original decor obscured by debris. Ren stepped inside, picking up a fox mask from the floor.
"Not particularly. My time is primarily dedicated to training and missions. I haven't had much exposure to such things." Durandal watched him curiously.
Ren dusted off the mask, held it up to Durandal's face, gestured briefly, then discarded it.
"What's wrong?"
"You and Kiana bear a striking resemblance. I was wondering if there would be a difference if you wore this mask compared to her."
"And… what do you think?"
"Completely different. This traditional mask doesn't suit European features. You… you should be more… radiant."
"Radiant?"
"Like the stars in the night sky. Each shining with its own unique brilliance, outshining all others."