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"How do you feel?"
On Tianqiong City's streets, Ana and Hiko walked side by side.
Compared to her usual appearance, Hiko had now tied her hair back into a ponytail.
Her attire seed reminiscent of an era before Valkyrie Armors were developed, when Valkyries wore simple protective combat uniforms prioritizing lightness and aesthetics over combat functionality.
Indeed, at this mont, Hiko's outfit closely resembled the Battle Hurracaine Armor, but with lighter black clothing replaced, and slightly fuller curves stretching it more prominently.
Naturally, Ana wasn't envious; she herself possessed ample assets and, being younger, still had room for growth.
"Hmm, it feels surreal, like I've been reborn."
Gazing at Tianqiong City's vibrant lights and the joyful laughter of passersby, Hiko couldn't help but express her sentint.
"Is this why you chose this particular style?"
"Yes, didn't you suggest I should try a different look? What? Do you not like it?"
"Whether you like it or not is entirely up to you; I won't interfere," Ana remarked mildly, her eyes flickering montarily. Well, she didn't harbor any romantic feelings towards Hiko, although she did admit to wanting to feel Hiko's impressive figure and ample bust - ahem, actually, she already had the chance to do so, and yes, the texture was indeed delightful.
"So, what tasks do we have next?"
"You just underwent surgery, and you're already eager for more work? Are you a workaholic?" Ana couldn't resist teasing. She herself always sought opportunities to take it easy, as did Theresa, yet here was Hiko, actively seeking more responsibilities!
"Haha, when I was younger, that's indeed how I was. And now, it feels almost like those youthful days..." Hiko scratched her head, sounding sowhat nostalgic.
"Well, forget it. I do have a task for you, and frankly, only you can handle this one."
Ana initially planned to say sothing else, but seeing Hiko's enthusiastic deanor, she held back her words. She understood that Hiko, feeling rejuvenated, needed an outlet for her energy.
"Oh? Let's hear it." Hiko's eyes lit up, and she stretched her arms slightly.
"It's not going back to Saint Freya Academy, right?"
"If you're keen on hanging out with that guy Otto, then go ahead," Ana said expressionlessly.
"Nah, I'll pass."
Hiko sighed and shook her head. She found Otto incredibly annoying, itching to give him a sound beating at every opportunity. Naturally, she had no desire to spend ti with him or even share the sa air.
"Don't worry; it's a job perfectly suited for you. However, I haven't discussed it with the employer yet."
"Ah? Even the mightiest Valkyrie of Schicksal can be this unreliable?"
"Compared to Theresa, I'm quite reliable, okay!" Ana retorted irritably. If not for Hiko being present, even Rita remarking her unreliability would've earned her a couple of swift punches from Ana.
She firmly believed herself to be the most dependable person around, strategizing within the confines of her mind to secure victories far beyond reach! How could anyone question her reliability?
"Don't fret, there's no reason she'd reject you." As Ana spoke, she led Hiko into a dimly lit alleyway. They navigated through Tianqiong City's streets, circling around until they ended up in another obscure lane.
At one particular door, Ana stopped.
"We're here."
"This place sure is winding."
Hiko surveyed their surroundings and remarked sarcastically, "The Black Market is always like this. If ordinary people could just wander in, it'd be as chaotic as the Honkai Beasts rampaging outside."
"That's not a great analogy."
"The academic curriculum for Valkyries of Schicksal isn't particularly extensive," Ana replied casually, her voice calm yet carrying chilling implications. "I had to self-study most subjects and coerce so folks to teach along the way."
However, Hiko didn't take it seriously; she knew well Ana's habits and temperant. Ana often made jests, albeit sotis half-serious.
Ana pushed open the door, montarily blinding Hiko with the sudden burst of light behind her. But Ana remained unfazed—this wasn't her first visit to this place.
Stepping inside, they were greeted by a ticulously opulent tavern. The ambient lighting was perfectly balanced, complented by elegant and classical decor. An unknown piece of classical music played softly, captivating patrons despite its mysterious origins.
Even Ana couldn't identify the lody, but she recognized its provenance—the Elysian Realm.
The establishnt's owner was a high-ranking mber of World Serpent and a friend of Eden from the Elysian Realm. When Ana had visited previously, ti constraints prevented her from eting Eden.
According to Ellie, if she had stayed longer in the Garden, they would have inevitably crossed paths. Her exact words were: "Beautiful maidens always attract each other."
Hmm, although it sounded sowhat whimsical, Ana found herself quite agreeing with that sentint.
Ana led Hiko through the long, winding corridor to the bar counter. Along the way, Hiko cautiously observed the patrons drinking around them, sensing that none of these individuals were ordinary folks.
Among them were those who underwent cybernetic enhancents, retired Valkyries, and mad scientists. However, they all shared a common na: rcenaries.
rcenaries—a group living on the edge, constantly flirting with death. Even before the threat of Honkai, their existence persisted. With the Major Honkai Eruption now unfolding, their activities have naturally intensified. Clearly, this place served as a rcenary stronghold.
Hiko didn't question how Ana knew about such locations; asking seed rather foolish given the circumstances.
"A glass of brandy, please." Ana gracefully took a seat at the bar, confidently placing her order like a regular patron.
"I've told you countless tis—minors aren't allowed to drink."
A woman's exasperated voice echoed from behind the bar, catching Hiko slightly off guard.
That's right; she had almost forgotten that as Schicksal's S-rank Valkyrie, Ana was incredibly young—almost absurdly so.
Among her students at Saint Freya Academy, Ana was only slightly older than Kiana. However, unlike them, she wasn't a student but a battle-hardened warrior. Just what devastation has Honkai wrought...
"It's fine—I'm already of age. Speaking of which, I don't recall receiving a birthday gift from you."
As Ana spoke, she tapped on the teakwood counter and extended her hand.
The bartender sighed and placed a slice of cake on the countertop.
"Given the rush, here's so cake for now. Happy Birthday."
Hearing the clink of glass, a cup of brandy appeared alongside the cake.
Naturally, Ana downed it in one gulp—not because she enjoyed alcohol, but simply because it seed cool. She smacked her lips afterward.
"Not as good as black tea."
"People who don't appreciate wine always say that."
"Maybe!" Ana replied nonchalantly, not taking it seriously. Then, with a gesture, she signaled for Hiko to join her at the bar.
"One more rum for my lady here; she's practically drooling."
The woman behind the counter looked up and glanced at Hiko.
Their eyes t briefly, and from those crimson irises, Hiko sensed a hint of coldness—and hostility. However, she knew this animosity wasn't directed at her but rather toward soone else. The bartender appeared young, with short gray hair and dressed in a server uniform, yet she was clearly a seasoned veteran who had survived countless battles.
To anyone unfamiliar, they might mistake her for just another waitress.
"This 'lady' of yours is no ordinary person."
"She's not only survived an encounter with that certain soone like you, but also defeated them head-on. How could she be anything but extraordinary?"
"Oh?" Intrigued by these words, the woman couldn't help but give Hiko several more glances before swiftly placing another glass of rum on the counter.
"Thank you." Surprisingly, it wasn't Hiko who spoke, but the woman behind the bar. Of course, Hiko had intended to express gratitude herself, montarily taken aback by the unexpected response.
"This is Natasha Cioara, known as the Queen among rcenaries and a survivor of the Second Honkai Eruption. She owes her survival to Lady Cecilia's holy blood, which also granted her resistance against Honkai energy."
Seeing that Hiko had started drinking, Ana introduced her to Natasha.
"Hello."
Natasha behind the counter didn't look up but continued silently tidying the barware.
"This is Murata Hiko, Valkyrie of Schicksal and forr mber of the Valkyrie Assault Squad. Her teammates all perished at the hands of the Second Herrscher. Later, she served as a teacher and instructor at Saint Freya Academy. Not long ago, she single-handedly confronted the Herrscher of the Void and successfully sealed it."
"So you're that one." Natasha raised her head, gazing at Hiko with a hint of admiration in her eyes.
"It was rely an unsuccessful battle, and I paid a heavy price," Hiko dismissed casually, waving her hand. She didn't probe further; after all, as Ana ntioned, this woman was known as the Queen of rcenaries—well-inford by nature.
"We're old acquaintances, so let's skip the pleasantries! State your purpose here!"
Natasha glanced towards Ana, who was enthusiastically enjoying her cream cake nearby. She disliked excessive formalities, aware that Ana preferred directness and decisiveness.
"All right, then. Straight to the point..."
"I want to arrange employnt for my comrade Hiko with you."
"I don't need more staff..."
"You sure about that?" Ana smiled, her pale pink eyes gleaming with a penetrating light, seemingly able to see through everything.
"I heard your boutique island is gone now. Those children, truly pitiful..." Ana couldn't help but lant.
Indeed, it was quite unfortunate. Raven had found these kids amidst the ruins of Nagazora City—children with so resistance to Honkai. Ideally, they should have been taken in by the Far East Branch, but everyone knew how unreliable that organization could be.
Moreover, these children faced another issue: They weren't awakened Stigma bearers with complete sets, making them ineligible to beco Valkyries and significantly complicating their training prospects.
In summary, these were bona fide troubled youths, though their troubles stemd not from their personalities but their circumstances. Out of compassion, and perhaps also reflecting on her own past, Natasha adopted them, provided for their needs, and constructed a simple shelter within the ruins.
Initially, Natasha had undertaken nurous missions obsessively, amassing a substantial fortune. She purchased a small island, renovated it, and left the World Serpent, intending to bring the children there to live peacefully together.
However, the awakening of the Second Herrscher triggered a Major Honkai Eruption, causing a devastating tsunami that subrged her island unexpectedly.
Left with no choice, she returned to this place, rejoining the World Serpent, and temporarily settled the Nagazora City children at their current location.
"Coincidentally, my comrade Hiko just lost her job and is currently holess."
"Our Comrade Hiko was an exceptional teacher at Saint Freya Academy, skilled in nurturing and educating children. Moreover, she possesses remarkable combat prowess, effortlessly handling lower-tier Honkai Beasts. Aside from perhaps not being the best cook and having a penchant for alcohol, she has no other flaws!"
"What do you think? Consider it?"
Ana spoke with a beaming smile, sounding like cunning rchants from her previous life. However, her words were genuine and tailored precisely to Natasha's needs.
Natasha indeed required such a capable teacher to care for and protect the children. As for cooking, it wasn't an issue; the kids knew how to prepare als, and Ana had also stocked up on supplies.
Regarding Hiko's drinking habit, that was even less concerning since they ran a tavern. As long as it doesn't interfere with her responsibilities, let her drink freely!
Considering Hiko's reputation, it was unlikely she would neglect caring for the children.
"You're actually this generous?" Natasha looked at Ana skeptically, finding it hard to believe.
"Hey, hey, why can't I be generous? Let tell you, I'm a priestess of the Schariac family! My esteed reputation resonates throughout the world..."
"Yes, yes, you have quite a reputation. But aren't you also known for being money-obsessed?"
"Hey, hey, you clearly don't understand the value of everyday necessities!"
"The Master of the Schicksal-Schaniate Consortium actually knows about these things?" Natasha feigned surprise, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
"Listen, you... Salt costs..."
To prove her point, Ana surprisingly began listing prices of various daily household items, even ntioning the cheapest suppliers. This display left Natasha genuinely impressed and speechless.
Yes, both "impressed" and "speechless" can coexist.
Natasha initially thought Ana was joking but didn't expect her to take it seriously!
"All right, all right, stop listing them. I believe you now."
In the end, Natasha had to intervene. Despite handling many children before, she found herself powerless against Ana—unable to outwit or overpower her.
Truth be told, even if Ana were lying, Natasha could only accept it due to her overwhelming strength.
"So, regarding your salary..."
"You can discuss that with her, but make sure the paynts go into my account," Ana responded quietly.
"Besides, even if you paid her there, she wouldn't be able to spend it in that godforsaken place."
"...She has a point; I can't argue with that!" Natasha thought inwardly.
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