Chapter 139: Volume 3, Chapter 8: Gray Serpent's Condition
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Amber was never one to act hastily, so her urgency in seeking Xia Chen late at night could only mean one thing: An unexpected situation had arisen on Coral Island.
His mind began to analyze the possibilities. If something unforeseen occurred there, it most likely involved World Serpent's interference. After all, Raven may not fully trust him.
It's worth noting that Raven was responsible for the destruction of the Thousand Fists Union back in 2016.
On the surface, the Thousand Fists Union was just an underground organization, with no apparent connection to Raven. The World Serpent did not rely on brute force for financial gain, and the union's criminal activities were unrelated to their plans.
In other words, even without Xia Chen leaking information to Raven, World Serpent would still have discovered the true nature of the Stairway to Galaxy Project.
The significance of this data was immense, potentially enough to impress even Kevin himself.
Upon successful completion of the project, subsequent Herrschers would no longer trigger large-scale Honkai Events.
In essence, Coral Island represents humanity's final sacrifice to 'God'.
Xia Chen even suspects that Otto's acquisition of God's Authority ultimately stemmed from knowledge related to the Stairway to Galaxy Project. This data likely helped him achieve his long-held desire.
Therefore, he surmises that despite Raven trusting him, she might have taken action against the Thousand Fists Union anyway.
Alternatively, there could be early signs of a large-scale Honkai outbreak on Coral Island.
Of course, it's also possible that a minor Honkai event occurred, requiring immediate attention.
Regardless of which scenario, neither is good news for Xia Chen. Consequently, he momentarily overlooks Kiana's intention to accompany him to Coral Island.
After all, transforming Kiana into an A-rank Valkyrie would take considerable time.
Before departing, Xia Chen contacted Chen Jiayu and learned that Coral Island had remained stable recently, bringing him some relief.
As long as it wasn't due to a Honkai Event, human destruction, barring extensive military bombardment, should be limited on Coral Island.
However, he couldn't help but wonder what urgent matter prompted Amber to rush him away.
"We'll know once we get there," Xia Chen murmured to himself.
He immediately set off towards Coral Island using his armor.
Meanwhile, on Coral Island, at the Thousand Fists Union.
Juno, a man by that name, looked at Gray Serpent before him and calmly stated, "I have done what you asked."
"Excellent."
Gray Serpent's voice carried a sinister undertone as he gradually vanished from Juno's sight.
This godlike ability made Juno frown involuntarily.
He was no novice; in fact, being entrusted with a part of the Stairway to Galaxy Project meant his knowledge far exceeded that of ordinary individuals. Naturally, he understood the true extent of Gray Serpent's power at this moment.
The overwhelming presence felt akin to an S-rank Valkyrie of Schicksal.
Juno dared not take any chances, nor was he particularly skilled in combat.
Thus, he chose to feign cooperation.
Unaware of Gray Serpent's intentions, he realized only the Valkyries of Schicksal could effectively confront such adversaries.
Juno's eyes deepened with concern.
All he could do now was hope Schicksal would resolve this issue.
Shortly after, Xia Chen arrived at Coral Island.
As per Amber's information, some unexpected incidents occurred here, but the specifics were unclear. Preliminary analysis suggested Honkai Energy reactions were involved.
Considering Coral Island's growing importance, he was about to assume the critical responsibility of defending it.
In other words, regardless of any unforeseen incidents, Xia Chen would have to remain on Coral Island until the planned large-scale Honkai eruption occurs.
Amber assured him that she would notify him before the Major Honkai Eruption, allowing him to return with the collected data to Schicksal Headquarters.
To put it simply, although the mission related to Coral Island was crucial, its actual difficulty wasn't particularly high. It's no wonder that in the original storyline, only one Valkyrie squad was stationed there when the Honkai erupted on Coral Island.
Xia Chen found himself deep in thought.
As he approached Coral Island, he suddenly sensed a peculiar aura—a presence that instantly stirred his usually calm and composed demeanor, akin to an irresistible dish beckoning him. This aura originated from the surrounding waters near Coral Island.
Without hesitation, Xia Chen waited just a second before aiming the Cloud Spear towards the source of this aura and firing.
At times like these, any abnormality could be part of an enemy's scheme.
He didn't know who the enemy might be, but there was no need for clarity when dealing with potential threats.
The Cloud Spear's concentrated burst of Honkai Energy struck its target, yet Xia Chen sensed the presence growing stronger.
Suddenly, a crab-shaped Honkai Beast leaped from the sea, launching itself towards Xia Chen.
His eyes narrowed instinctively.
This crab-like Honkai Beast appeared to be roughly equivalent in strength to a Chariot-class beast, which wasn't particularly concerning. However, its shape caught Xia Chen's attention.
Recalling past encounters, he had only seen such forms among Quantum Fiends, given their association with Quantum Heaven and its infuriating nature.
The answer became clear.
"Has Kevin already emerged?"
"As expected, you do know our Lord," Gray Serpent's voice echoed from a corner, indicating that he was controlling this crab Honkai Beast.
Apparently, some manipulation had been done on the creature, triggering Xia Chen's 'appetite.'
Xia Chen frowned involuntarily.
"Raven did mention that the World Serpent wouldn't resort to any coercive means."
"Let me guess, it's because Kevin is about to appear, right?" His mind quickly pieced together Gray Serpent's actions. "If I'm not mistaken, your objective is the Herrscher Core?"
Following the original storyline, at this point, Kevin should have been intercepted by Welt.
To release Kevin, the power of Herrscher Cores was needed, although Xia Chen wasn't entirely sure how it worked.
In the end, Bronya inherited the core of the Herrscher of Reason, allowing Kevin to emerge effortlessly. Essentially, Welt's sacrifice seemed futile.
However, he does get resurrected later, so not all is lost.
Now, the current situation is that Gray Serpent previously made a deal with Cocolia because she possessed the Gem of Desire.
Currently, the Gem of Conquest resides within Raiden Mei, the Gem of Serenity in Kiana, and the Gem of Grief at Schicksal Headquarters. The only remaining gem accessible to Gray Serpent is the Gem of Desire.
With his extensive intelligence network, Gray Serpent naturally knows that the Gem of Desire most likely resides within Xia Chen's body.
Wendy's recovery and her imminent promotion to A-rank Valkyrie clearly indicate that the Gem of Desire has already been extracted.
Thus, Xia Chen becomes the prime suspect for tampering with it.
Gray Serpent chuckles sinisterly, "As expected, you know everything."
"How about we strike a deal?"
"Go ahead," Xia Chen responds, intrigued.
"The World Serpent can help you harness the power of Stigmata. Of course, in return, we need your strength to bring back our Lord."
Xia Chen remained silent, realizing he might inadvertently steal Duck Duck's role here.