OFA In The World of Honkai

Chapter 38: 33. Starting point



Himeko stood at the center of the brightly lit training ground, her battlesuit gleaming under the overhead lights. Around her, the students formed a semi-circle, their chatter quieting as they noticed her sharp gaze sweeping over them. She placed her hands on her hips, her commanding presence immediately silencing the stragglers.

"Alright, listen up!" Himeko's voice rang out, firm yet tinged with energy that demanded attention.

"Today's training session is individual. Each of you will face a swarm of holographic Seraphs one-on-one. These simulations are designed to mimic real Honkai combat scenarios. They won't harm you, but they will push you to your limits. If you're expecting an easy ride, think again."

She gestured to the side as a projection of a swarm flickered to life. The sleek, glowing forms of Seraphs flitted across the hologram, their wings leaving trails of light. The display moved rapidly, showing their behavior in combat—coordinated, agile, and relentless.

"The goal of this exercise is simple," Himeko continued. "Analyse the swarm, stay on the move, and eliminate as many Seraphs as you can. They rely on their speed and numbers to overwhelm you, so your best defense is constant movement. Keep your momentum, anticipate their attacks, and aim for precise strikes. A Seraph isn't durable, but it doesn't have to be when it's swarming you with nine others."

Kiana stretched dramatically, grinning as she whispered loudly to Mei, "Oh, this is going to be awesome! Finally, some action!" Her voice carried just enough for Himeko to hear, earning her a pointed glance.

"Save the commentary for after the session, Kiana," Himeko said, raising an eyebrow. Kiana laughed nervously, rubbing the back of her head as Mei shot her a subtle 'told you so' look.

Kenji, standing toward the back, crossed his arms as he studied the hologram. His expression wasn't nervous but thoughtful, his gaze sharp as he watched the Seraphs' simulated movements. He'd fought worse before. After all, he'd survived an eruption. But this was different. The training was controlled, and he wasn't sure how much of his power he wanted to use. Bringing out too much strength wouldn't be bad, but he didn't want more attention from people.

"This training isn't just about defeating the swarm," Himeko continued, pacing slowly as she spoke. "It's about developing your reflexes and situational awareness. Out there, hesitation can get you killed. Learn to read the battlefield, adapt to the chaos, and think two steps ahead. That's how you survive against the Honkai."

Bronya, ever composed, stood silently to the side, her expression calm but focused. She glanced briefly at the hologram before turning her gaze to Himeko, her sharp mind already analyzing potential strategies. Mei adjusted her gloves and nodded slightly, preparing herself.

"Each of you will take your turn," Himeko said, stopping to face the group directly. "The simulation adjusts based on your strength. Don't think you can breeze through this. Give it everything you have." Her eyes swept over the students, lingering on Kenji for a moment longer than the others, as though gauging his reaction.

Kenji raised an eyebrow slightly but didn't say anything. He tightened the straps on his gear, wondering how the simulation would react if he used a higher percentage. He resolved to hold back at first and feel things out.

...

"Number #1, step forward in five minutes." Himeko concluded, clapping her hands sharply to dismiss them. "Get yourselves ready."

The students began to disperse, some stretching while others adjusted their gear. Kiana bounced on her heels, practically vibrating with excitement as she leaned toward Mei. "I hope I get a big swarm! Ten Seraphs at least," she said with a wide grin.

"Now don't overdo it, Kiana." Mei replied.

Kenji lingered near the edge of the group, his expression neutral but focused. He glanced at the hologram again, mentally running through strategies. A couple of Seraphs wouldn't be difficult to deal with. So he doesn't have to use much power at all. Around 25% should do the trick

"Kenji!" Kiana's voice rang out, breaking his concentration. She waved him over with a wide grin, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Bet I can take out the swarm faster than you!"

Kenji raised an eyebrow, his dry tone matching her energy. "Oh really? Need I remind you that I took out hordes of these things?"

Kiana just grinned wider. "So what? I can still beat them faster than your old ass!"

Mei smiled. "Alright you two, the training is about to start." She adjusted her gloves.

Kiana ignored her, leaning closer to Kenji. "Come on, let's make it a challenge. Whoever clears the swarm faster owes the other lunch!"

Kenji smirked slightly, crossing his arms. "Fine, but don't cry when I win."

"Deal!" Kiana shot back, offering her hand for a shake. Kenji took it, giving a firm squeeze as they locked eyes briefly, the playful rivalry sparking energy between them.

 

The training courtyard buzzed with a tense anticipation as the first student stepped forward. Kenji leaned against the wall near the back, his arms crossed as he watched her calmly walk to the center. Her sword gleamed under the bright sunlight, and her stance was sharp and precise, betraying no hesitation. Around him, the other students murmured quietly, a mix of nerves and excitement rippling through the group.

Himeko raised her voice, cutting through the tension. "Start!" she commanded, her tone firm. A loud beep echoed across the courtyard, and seven holographic Seraphs materialized around the student. Their glowing wings flickered as they moved, their sleek forms darting into position.

Kenji's eyes narrowed as he observed their movements. He'd seen real Seraphs before, and the holograms were unnervingly accurate in their behavior. 

The student wasted no time. She scanned the swarm for less than a second before dashing toward the Seraph farthest from the group. Her quick decision and precise movements allowed her to slash through it with a single strike. The hologram shattered into light, leaving six remaining.

'Good choice.' Kenji thought, nodding slightly. 'Take out the isolated targets first. Makes it easier to avoid being surrounded.'

As the student turned, one of the Seraphs lunged at her, its claws glowing. She jumped to the side, dodging the attack. Another Seraph closed in from her left, but she sidestepped and delivered a swift kick that sent it tumbling backward. Kenji's gaze followed her movements, noting how she kept her distance from the bulk of the swarm while picking off individual targets.

"These holograms really do mimic the real thing." he mused. The way the Seraphs moved, their calculated attacks, their coordination—it was all unnervingly familiar. Kenji felt a pang of respect for the tech behind this simulation. "This is as close to the real thing as you can get without risking lives."

The student turned her focus to another Seraph, which was charging up an attack. She darted forward, slicing through it before it could finish. Then, without pausing, she pivoted toward the Seraph she had kicked earlier and brought her sword down in a decisive strike, shattering it as well. Four remained.

Kenji watched intently as she moved through the swarm, dispatching the remaining Seraphs one by one. Her technique was clean, efficient, and without wasted movement. It was clear she had trained extensively for this. 

When the final Seraph dissolved into light, a loud beep signaled the end of the simulation. A holographic display appeared, showing her result.

[#1 - 1:35 minutes]

The students around Kenji murmured in approval, some nodding in respect, others exchanging impressed glances.

Kenji crossed his arms tighter, his expression thoughtful. That was good. Really good. Faster than I expected. He glanced at the display again, taking note of her time. "I'm sure I could beat it, though."

Still, he couldn't ignore the gulf in experience between himself and the others. These students weren't just here to learn, they had already been through countless drills, some probably even real missions.

Kenji's own battles had been far messier. He'd survived, sure, but these students moved like they belonged on the battlefield. They were Valkyries in the making after all. Even if he was stronger than some of them, the skill gap is immense.

Himeko's voice snapped him out of his thoughts. "Number 2!" she called, her tone cutting through the courtyard like a whip. Another student stepped forward, their stance steady as they readied their weapon.

Kenji glanced at the hologram displaying the names and numbers of the participants. He hadn't checked his own yet. With a flicker of curiosity, his eyes found his name:

 

[Kenji Aoyama - #8]

 

He exhaled slowly, his lips curling into a small smile. "Guess I've got some time to watch," he muttered, leaning back slightly. As he observed the next participant step into the simulation, Kenji's mind churned with strategies, his focus sharpening. Let's see what everyone else brings to the table. I'll need to figure out how much power to use when it's my turn.

 

 

Himeko's voice rang out across the training courtyard, pulling the students' attention as she called out the next name. "Number 5!" she announced.

Kenji barely had time to glance at the board before Kiana practically skipped past him, her white hair bouncing with each step. "Watch and learn!" she said, her voice brimming with playful confidence. She flashed him a grin, her tone practically daring him to pay attention. Kenji smirked, shaking his head as she strode to the center.

'As confident as always.' he thought, amused by her energy. His eyes narrowed slightly as he tried to spot her weapon, but her hands were empty. "Wait. She's going hand-to-hand?" The realization made him arch a brow in confusion. He wanted to see what weapon she used but it looks like he is going to have to wait.

Kiana reached the center of the yard, rolling her shoulders as she loosened up. The loud beep signaling the start of the simulation barely faded before she was already in motion. The Seraphs manifested in a swirl of light, their glowing forms spreading out to encircle her. But Kiana didn't wait for them to strike. She darted toward the closest one, her fist crashing into it with enough force to obliterate the hologram and crack the floor beneath.

"Aggressive, much," Kenji thought, a grin tugging at the corner of his lips. He leaned forward slightly, watching as Kiana's momentum carried her into the thick of the swarm.

The remaining nine Seraphs closed in, their glowing wings slicing through the air as they moved to surround her. Kiana didn't flinch. She slid forward, narrowly avoiding an energy slash from one of the Seraphs, and grabbed another. With a yell, she swung it around like a hammer, slamming it into a second Seraph and shattering them both into fragments of light.

"That's three," Kenji counted mentally, impressed despite himself.

One Seraph lunged at her from behind, its claws aimed for her back. Without even turning, Kiana dropped low into a crouch, sweeping her leg out in a powerful kick that knocked it off balance. The moment its wings flared to stabilize, she shot upward, slamming her fist into its core and sending it flying into another Seraph mid-dive. Both dissolved into light.

"Five." Kenji thought, his eyes darting between her and the swarm. "Strong, fast, and reckless. But it works for her."

Kiana's grin widened as she charged toward another Seraph, ducking under a swipe from its glowing claws. She spun, delivering a devastating elbow strike that broke through its core.

Before the shattered hologram even faded, she grabbed the nearest Seraph and yanked it downward, slamming her knee into its midsection. With a fluid motion, she stepped back, dodging another Seraph's swipe, and retaliated with a backhanded punch that sent it crashing to the ground.

"Seven." Kenji noted. He crossed his arms, his grin fading slightly as he analyzed her movements. 'She's using her brute strength to dominate them, but she's not being careless.'

Two Seraphs remained, hovering on either side of her as they charged up energy blasts. Kiana crouched slightly, her eyes darting between them. Just as they released their attacks, she leapt into the air, flipping over the blast from one Seraph and landing on top of the other. With a quick punch, she shattered its core before launching herself back at the first Seraph. Her fist collided with its center, obliterating it in one clean hit.

"Ten down," Kenji thought, shaking his head slightly.

The training field went silent as the final hologram dissolved into light. A loud beep signaled the end of her session, and a holographic display appeared above her head:

[#5 - 18 seconds]

Kiana stood there for a moment, catching her breath, before a wide grin spread across her face. She placed her hands on her hips, her stance triumphant as she admired her time. Her white hair shimmered slightly under the sunlight, and she turned her gaze to the rest of the students with an air of satisfaction.

"Oh, come on," Kenji muttered under his breath, though he couldn't stop the grin spreading across his face.

Kiana's excitement bubbled over as she leapt into the air, pumping her fist. She turned toward Mei, who clapped politely, her soft smile conveying both pride and happiness. Kiana jogged over to her, throwing an arm around her shoulders.

"See that, Mei? I crushed it! Best time so far, right?" she asked, her voice practically glowing with excitement.

Mei laughed softly, gently removing Kiana's arm from her shoulders. "Yes, Kiana. You did great," she said with a patient smile. "But maybe don't get too cocky. There are still others who haven't gone yet."

"Pfft, who cares?" Kiana said, waving a hand dismissively. Her confidence was unshaken, and her grin only widened as she glanced back toward Kenji. "Try to beat that, Kenji!" she yelled, pointing at him dramatically.

Kenji smirked, sticking his tongue out at her in response. "Don't get cocky," he called back, his tone light and teasing. Inside, though, his competitive streak flared. 'Alright, Kaslana. Let me show you what I can do. Screw controlling my percentage, I have a bet to win!'

As Kiana returned to Mei and Bronya, Kenji found himself replaying her movements in his mind. Her sheer physicality had been impressive, sure, but it was her confidence that stuck with him. Kiana had faced the swarm like it was just another challenge to dominate, and she had done it with a kind of recklessness that somehow worked perfectly.

Meanwhile, Himeko glanced at the display board, her arms crossed. A faint smile tugged at her lips as she watched Kiana's antics. "Always the showoff," she muttered to herself before raising her voice again. "Number 6! Get to the center. Let's keep this moving!"

Kenji leaned back, his focus sharpening. His turn was coming, and he wasn't about to let Kiana's time go unchallenged.

 

Himeko's voice rang out over the courtyard, cutting through the murmurs of the students. "Number eight!" she called.

Kenji took a deep breath, steadying himself before stepping away from the wall. As he walked toward the center, he glanced to the side and caught sight of Kiana. She stood with her arms crossed, her expression smug and full of challenge. Mei, in contrast, gave him a supportive thumbs-up, her calm demeanor reassuring as always.

"It's like Kiana's impulsiveness and Mei's calmness just cancel each other out," Kenji thought, suppressing a chuckle. He shook his head slightly, letting their contrasting energies settle his nerves.

As he reached the center of the courtyard, he looked toward Himeko. She sent him a grin, a mix of encouragement and mischief in her expression. Kenji smirked back, already feeling the adrenaline start to course through him. Then he heard the beep, sharp and clear, signaling the start of his turn.

In the faintest fraction of a second, Kenji saw the Seraphs beginning to manifest and he activated OFA.

'35%!' he shouted internally, the familiar surge of energy flooding his body and streaks of red electricity appeared around him. His muscles tightened, and the world seemed to slow.

He moved. In a blur, he dashed toward the swarm, his senses honing in on the ten Seraphs around him. His first punch connected with a Seraph's core, shattering it instantly and sending fragments of light scattering through the air. Before the others could react, he followed up with four more consecutive strikes, each hit obliterating a Seraph in its path. Five down.

Kenji's danger sense flared, a sharp pulse in his mind that made him pivot instinctively. He turned to his right just in time to dodge a Seraph's swipe, the claws slicing through the air where he'd been standing moments before. Without missing a beat, he retaliated with a kick, sending the Seraph flying into oblivion.

The remaining four Seraphs closed in, their glowing wings slicing through the air as they moved to encircle him. Kenji dashed forward, his fist colliding with another Seraph and reducing it to fragments. He spun on his heel, ducking under the swipe of a second and delivering a devastating upward punch that sent it dissolving into light.

Two left. Kenji exhaled sharply, his focus unbroken. He charged at the next Seraph, dodging its glowing claws and slamming his elbow into its core. The hologram shattered, leaving only one.

The final Seraph hovered midair, its wings glowing as it prepared to launch an energy blast. Kenji planted his foot firmly on the ground, launching himself toward it with a burst of speed. His fist collided with its core just as the blast began to form, obliterating the hologram in a single, decisive strike.

Silence fell over the courtyard as the final Seraph dissipated. For a moment, Kenji stood there, catching his breath as the adrenaline coursed through him. Then the display above him lit up, showing his time:

[#8 - 15 seconds]

The quiet courtyard erupted into murmurs of disbelief. Kenji glanced around, noticing the stunned expressions on the other students' faces. He smirked, turning toward Kiana with a wide grin. "Get destroyed!" he yelled, his voice full of triumphant energy.

Kiana's jaw dropped for a moment before she scowled, her cheeks puffing out indignantly. "Screw you!" she yelled back.

He turned back to Himeko, who gave him a nod of approval. Kenji nodded back, his respect for her evident in the gesture.

As he walked back toward Kiana, Mei, and Bronya, he couldn't help but notice the shocked looks still plastered on the faces of the other students. Their whispers followed him, and a thought crossed his mind, 'We're they not told that I'm the Night Runner?' He made a mental note to ask Himeko about it later.

When he reached the group, Kiana sighed reluctantly, her arms still crossed. "Alright, alright, you win," she admitted, her voice carrying a mix of frustration and acceptance.

Kenji grinned, his tone playful but warm. "I may be stronger now, but I have a feeling that you're gonna surpass me soon enough."

Kiana's eyes lit up at the statement, her competitive spark reigniting. "Hell yeah I am! Just you wait, because I am not going to let your old bones stay ahead for long!"

Mei chuckled softly, her calm voice cutting through the energy. "It's nice to see you two getting along for once," she teased, her smile radiating genuine affection for her friends.

Kenji raised an eyebrow, feigning offense. "Getting along? We always get along. Right, Kiana?"

Kiana smirked, placing her hands on her hips. "Sure, if you call me kicking your butt in the future getting along."

Bronya, who had been quietly observing quietly just stared at him.

"Don't let it go to your head," Kiana interjected, waving a hand dismissively. "You got lucky this time. Next time, you're toast."

Kenji chuckled, his shoulders relaxing. "Sure, bring it on Kiana"

Mei shook her head, her voice gentle as she cut in again. "Alright, that's enough for now. You both did great."

Kenji glanced at Mei. "Thanks, Mei. Coming from you, that means a lot."

...

Himeko's voice rang out sharply across the training courtyard, cutting through the conversations and murmurs. "Number 19!" she yelled, her commanding tone drawing everyone's attention.

Kenji, standing with Kiana, Mei, and Bronya, noticed Kiana's sudden burst of energy. She bounced slightly on her heels. "Oh, this is going to be good!" she exclaimed, her eyes glued to the center of the courtyard. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and even Kenji found himself leaning forward slightly, curious about what had her so hyped up.

Mei smiled softly, her calm demeanor not hiding her own intrigue. "I've been waiting to see this all day," she admitted. Her voice carried a subtle hint of admiration, making Kenji even more curious. Even Bronya, typically stoic, nodded slightly, her gaze fixed on the center. There was a faint flicker of anticipation in her otherwise impassive expression.

Kenji looked between the three of them, confused. "Wait, who's number nineteen? Why are you all so excited?" he asked, glancing at Kiana.

Kiana gave him a puzzled look for a moment before realization dawned on her. "Oh yeah. You just got here, so you wouldn't know. Number 19 is our Class Monitor, Fu Hua."

Kenji's brow furrowed slightly. The name sounded familiar, like something he'd heard in passing but hadn't paid attention to. "Fu Hua?" he repeated, trying to place it. "Why does that sound familiar?"

Before Kiana could answer, Mei jumped into the conversation, her tone warm but matter-of-fact. "That's because Fu Hua is basically the strongest one here," she said, her words carrying a weight of certainty. Mei's confidence in the statement made it clear this wasn't an exaggeration.

Kenji's eyes widened slightly, glancing back at Mei. "Seriously? Even stronger than you?" he asked, his curiosity piqued. He crossed his arms, a playful grin tugging at his lips. "Now I really want to see what time she gets, especially since you beat me by ten seconds god damn seconds."

Mei's lips curved into a smug smile, her tone teasing as she replied, "Well, you still have a while to go before beating me, Kenji."

Kenji chuckled, shaking his head. "Alright, alright. Let's see if your Class Monitor lives up to the hype."

Their attention shifted back to the center of the courtyard as Fu Hua stepped into the spotlight. The air seemed to shift, a sense of quiet reverence spreading among the students as they watched her. Her posture exuding confidence and discipline.

She had an athletic build, lean and strong, and carried herself with a calm, unshakable presence. Her hair was tied back neatly, not a strand out of place.

Kenji's first impression was immediate. 'Yup, that's a class monitor look if I've ever seen one,' he thought, his curiosity growing. There was something almost unnerving about her calmness, as if she'd already mapped out every move she'd make before the simulation even began.

The faint hum of the training field grew quieter, all eyes on Fu Hua as she adjusted her stance.

Kenji glanced at Kiana, who looked pretty excited. "You're going to see something amazing," she whispered.

Mei nodded in agreement, her eyes never leaving Fu Hua. "She's incredibly disciplined. Watching her fight is like watching a master at work."

Even Bronya added her input, her voice quiet but firm. "Fu Hua's efficiency in combat is unmatched. This simulation will likely end faster than any other."

Kenji's curiosity spiked further. Disciplined, efficient, unmatched? Alright, Fu Hua. Let's see what you've got.

The sharp beep signaling the start of the simulation hadn't fully faded when Fu Hua moved. In an instant, she became a blur of motion, her body barely visible to the watching students. The ten Seraph holograms had barely finished manifesting before she closed the gap to the first one, her fist striking its core with pinpoint precision. The hologram shattered into light before the others could react.

Without pausing, Fu Hua twisted her body midair, using the momentum to kick the second Seraph that had lunged at her. The force of her strike not only obliterated the hologram but sent a shockwave that disrupted the movements of the nearby Seraphs. Before the fragments of light had even disappeared, she was already moving again, her feet gliding across the ground with a fluid grace that seemed almost otherworldly.

The third and fourth Seraphs came at her from opposing angles, their glowing claws slicing through the air. Fu Hua ducked low, narrowly avoiding their attacks, and retaliated with a rapid double palm strike. Her hands moved so quickly that the strikes looked simultaneous, shattering both holograms in perfect synchronization.

"Four down." Kenji thought, his eyes struggling to follow her movements. But the speed at which Fu Hua moved made it nearly impossible to keep track. 'No, wait… was that five?'

The fifth Seraph tried to flank her, its claws glowing with an energy charge. Fu Hua seemed to anticipate this, sidestepping gracefully and countering with a spinning kick. The hologram crumbled instantly, and she used the momentum to propel herself into the next set of Seraphs.

The remaining five Seraphs tried to regroup, their wings flaring as they synchronized their movements in an attempt to overwhelm her. It didn't matter. Fu Hua dashed forward, her movements a perfect blend of power and precision. Her first strike eliminated one Seraph, and before the others could react, she leapt into the air, twisting mid-spin to deliver a crushing elbow to the next. Two more shattered into light as she landed, her feet barely touching the ground before she was already targeting the final Seraph.

The last Seraph hovered briefly, as if attempting to calculate its next move. Fu Hua didn't give it the chance. With a single, explosive burst of speed, she closed the distance and delivered a strike so precise and forceful that the hologram shattered instantly. The courtyard fell silent.

The display above her lit up, showing her time:

[1.22 seconds]

For a moment, the students watching were too stunned to react. Then, the murmurs began, spreading like wildfire through the crowd.

Kenji's jaw tightened slightly, his mind racing to process what he had just witnessed. "Ok," he thought, struggling to keep his composure, 'being the strongest is one thing, but what the hell was that? I couldn't even keep up!' His eyes narrowed slightly as he tried to replay the fight in his mind, but it was all a blur.

His thoughts shifted briefly to Himeko. 'If Fu Hua is this strong, how did I even keep up with Himeko back in Nagazora?' The answer came to him almost immediately, 'I didn't.' Before using 100% of OFA, he had only distracted the Honkai beasts from reaching Himeko, not actually fighting alongside her against Ganesha at the start. "Another thought for later." he muttered to himself.

As Fu Hua walked calmly back from the courtyard, her expression remained neutral, as if what she had just done was nothing out of the ordinary. Kenji's gaze followed her, still trying to wrap his head around her display of skill.

"Well, that's… something," he said under his breath.

Kiana's reaction was a mix of amazement and sourness. She crossed her arms, her brows furrowed slightly as she stared at Fu Hua's time on the hologram. "Okay, she destroyed my time," she admitted grudgingly.

Kenji glanced at her and couldn't help but grin. "Come on, Kiana. Admit it. That was next-level insane."

"Yeah, yeah," Kiana grumbled, her arms still crossed. "She's the Class Monitor for a reason, I guess."

Mei chuckled softly, her calm voice cutting through their banter. "Fu Hua's discipline is unmatched. It's something we can all learn from."

"Discipline's one thing/" Kenji muttered, "But how do you even get that fast?"

Bronya finally spoke. "Bronya observes that Fu Hua's speed is not solely physical. Her precision is the result of years of training and perfecting her technique. Physical strength alone cannot achieve such efficiency."

Kenji sighed, his grin softening. "Years of training, huh? Guess I've got a lot of catching up to do.".

Then he realized that Bronya finally spoke to him. "You finally talked to me!". But Bronya only looked away and didn't offer a response.

'So cold!'

 


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