Chapter 138: Volume 3, Chapter 7: Alvitr, Keep Your Hat On
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Wendy didn't merely seek comforting words or concern from others.
Having experienced near-death herself, while such external care was heartwarming, it held little significance for her.
She had 'seen' the devastation of Honkai's outbreak in Australia, fully comprehending its brutality.
This drove her relentless, almost obsessive training regimen.
Currently, Wendy found herself at a challenging juncture.
To progress further, she needed pressure only an S-rank Valkyrie could provide. Durandal was too overwhelmingly powerful, and Rita often remained elusive. Even the Memory Battlefield simulations couldn't satisfy her needs anymore.
So when Xia Chen offered to spar, Wendy immediately accepted.
At the core of it, despite any budding feelings she might have for Xia Chen, what Wendy truly craved was strength.
As they arrived at the training ground, Wendy initiated the attack first.
This was her usual habit during battles. Still wielding dual pistols, their long-range and rapid speed gave her an advantage, albeit with smaller caliber bullets. By seizing the opportunity to strike first, she maximized her chances of victory.
Xia Chen's prowess was well-known to her beforehand.
After all, he had managed a stalemate against Durandal without using armor. Although Xia Chen ultimately conceded defeat, neither side had revealed their full capabilities, making it difficult to determine a clear winner.
Therefore, Wendy held nothing back.
Withholding her strength would be disrespectful to Xia Chen.
The guns in her hands were no longer the Colts from before but specialized alloy firearms made by the Holy Research Institute, capable of enhancing bullet performance.
These bullets moved swiftly with increased power, leaving little reaction time for even A-rank Valkyries within fifty meters.
However, Xia Chen's keen eyesight allowed him to evade Wendy's swift gunfire like a predator soaring through the air.
In response, he closed the distance, drawing his own dual pistols for close-quarters combat.
Wendy immediately recognized the technique: Kaslana Gunmanship.
Wendy immediately recognized it.
Apart from her rigorous training, she had also sought guidance from Durandal on various techniques during this period. Naturally, that included the renowned Kaslana Gunmanship.
Indeed, she too was proficient in it.
The competitive spirit surged within Wendy, determined to defeat Xia Chen using the same style.
As a result, a peculiar scene unfolded on the training ground.
Both combatants wielded guns yet primarily relied on hand-to-hand and foot strikes, engaging each other back and forth.
Watching from the sidelines, Alvitr couldn't help but remark to Susannah, "These two can no longer be described as mere geniuses; they're outright freaks."
She felt that both individuals now possessed the effortless capability to overcome A-rank Valkyries.
Xia Chen being exceptionally rare as a male Valkyrie was one thing, but Wendy was only 15 years old!
Alvitr couldn't help but recall her own age of 15 - at that time, she had just joined Schicksal as a support staff Valkyrie. Following a typical trajectory, her current achievement would likely have been that of a B-rank Valkyrie at best.
A troubled expression flickered across Susannah's eyes.
"What's wrong?" Alvitr couldn't help but ask, intrigued.
"Nothing, just feeling overwhelmed by their rapid progress," admitted the usually carefree Valkyrie, showing a rare moment of unease.
However, their banter did not disrupt the ongoing battle on the training field.
Xia Chen had to acknowledge that without using Stigmata or Herrscher Authorities, Wendy indeed proved to be a formidable opponent equal to him. It could be said that now, Wendy is fully capable of enduring a round of attacks from Durandal without her armor.
The Kaslana Gunmanship she practiced was no slouch either.
With her exceptional talent, Wendy further refined the techniques dissected by the Science Division, making them even more unpredictable and difficult to defend against.
Originally designed to maximize the potential of Divine Keys, under Wendy's mastery, these moves transformed into chilling offensive strategies paired with firearms. In terms of martial fiction, she would be akin to an expert wielding hidden weapons.
Wendy's bullets were nearly impossible to dodge, especially at such close range, leaving no opportunity for evasion. Xia Chen could only rely on forming Honkai Energy shields to withstand the onslaught.
Even then, his shield barely held against her relentless attack.
In terms of pure Marksmanship Arts, Wendy emerged victorious.
Unfortunately, their battle encompassed more than just gunfighting skills; compatibility with Honkai Energy and physical stamina also played crucial roles.
While Wendy possessed exceptional talent and ample endurance compared to most Valkyries, she still fell short compared to Xia Chen.
Her young age, coupled with limited training time at Headquarters, meant that her dormant potential had not been fully realized during those wasted years.
Thus, although Xia Chen lost in technique, he prevailed in other aspects.
As they exited the training room, Wendy's face appeared slightly pale.
Noticing this, Alvitr quickly handed her a bottle of water.
"Thank you."
Alvitr observed that Wendy seemed much happier when expressing gratitude now compared to before.
Before sparring with Xia Chen, Wendy had always been polite but carried an inexplicable gloom around her. This melancholy was precisely what concerned Ana about Wendy's well-being.
However, now Wendy appeared significantly more cheerful than before.
So...
Does she actually need a man?
Shocked by her own thoughts, Alvitr quickly shook her head to dismiss them.
Noticing this reaction, Wendy asked, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing." Suppressing those ideas, Alvitr observed Wendy glancing towards Xia Chen on the side.
She couldn't help but mutter inwardly, "Could it be that Ana has finally met her match?"
Normally, Ana treated Alvitr quite well, or rather, within Schicksal, Ana maintained good relationships with many people. Despite being the little princess of the Schariac family, she wasn't overly pampered. She enjoyed following trends and gossip, getting along easily with numerous Valkyries.
Including Alvitr herself.
The young girl hesitantly asked, "Um... Wendy, what are you looking at?"
"Wendy doesn't hide her gaze, replying, "Xia Chen, I'm thinking when will I be able to defeat him.""
"Alright, I guess there's no hope for me then." Alvitr sighed; Wendy wasn't even at an age to think about such matters.
She felt overly wicked herself.
However, observing the growing determination in Wendy's eyes, Alvitr couldn't help but worry for Ana. After all, Xia Chen was exceptionally outstanding.
This excellence could actually be burdensome for Ana.
But Alvitr wasn't a love expert, and these issues weren't her place to ponder upon.
Meanwhile, after taking a sip of water, Xia Chen was surprised to see someone else entering the training ground.
It was Amber.
Ignoring the puzzled gazes around her, she looked directly at Xia Chen. "I knew I would find you here."
"Lady Amber, is there something important?"
"Yes, some news," Amber began slowly. "The personnel for Coral Island have been selected. As for you and Kiana, it should be fine, right?
"You can proceed to Coral Island now, while Kiana needs to complete her A-rank Valkyrie assessment here."
Xia Chen internally rolled his eyes.
Making Kiana undergo an A-rank Valkyrie assessment practically ensured she'd spend her entire life at Schicksal Headquarters, didn't it?
Even Otto might not have anticipated how abysmal Kiana's theoretical scores were.
"I originally planned to inform you in a few days, but circumstances have changed," Amber said. "Someone has arrived at Coral Island and is already taking action."
"Understood. I'll head out immediately."
Xia Chen promptly prepared for departure.