Honkai Simulator: Start with Confessing to The Herrscher of Finality

Please support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I'm working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for most novels - There are at least twice as many available chapters on Patreon, compared to here on Webnovel. Additionally, there are also free extra chapters available for Free Members, so head on over:

Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff

******

Xia Chen and Wendy's arrival was met with warm hospitality from the merchants.

While they sought to maximize their profits, it didn't mean they were willing to take unnecessary risks. After all, their current lives were comfortable enough; no one wanted to add unnecessary excitement to such stability.

The duo joined the banquet.

For the Ocean Branch, banquets served as a consistent means of communication and negotiation. Both external partnerships and internal agendas were often discussed during these events. This approach, though lavish, proved highly efficient and had become a unique cultural practice within the branch.

It was difficult for Xia Chen and Wendy to decline the invitation.

As representatives of Schicksal Headquarters, they needed to convey ample goodwill towards the branch—at least for now. Even if Schicksal showed hostility, it might not necessarily lead to severe consequences.

Fortunately, during this banquet, there were no unpleasant drinking habits prevalent at such gatherings. Xia Chen and Wendy didn't have to consume excessive amounts of alcohol, and the event concluded amicably amidst friendly exchanges.

Their accommodations at the branch had already been arranged, ensuring they could relax for the night... or focus on other matters without concern.

Xia Chen exchanged glances with Wendy, both understandingly silent.

Neither excelled in small talk, especially in this situation, finding common topics proved challenging. Therefore, parting ways and retiring to their respective rooms was the best choice.

Once again, Xia Chen used the simulator.

Soon after, he encountered the Herrscher of the Void from the previous civilization era.

The subsequent event ended effortlessly, and the reward obtained was merely another Honkai Fragment.

"The System's assistance is becoming increasingly limited."

He couldn't help but sigh.

It seemed that relying solely on the System for rapid ascension after transmigrating was not his destiny.

In other words, the System's power is ultimately limited; transforming him into a Herrscher was already its maximum capability. If the System itself could directly alter the future, there would be no need for a Player.

However, possessing only the strength of a Herrscher was still insufficient.

Within his mind lingered the mark left by Finality.

This mark signified both his ability to locate Finality and vice versa, allowing Finality to find him.

Neither prospect was reassuring for Xia Chen.

Unless the System could provide him with Honkai Academy's Godslayer Armor.

Even then, having the armor alone wouldn't suffice; he'd need to harness its full potential.

Xia Chen felt himself growing impatient, as watching the world deviate further from the familiar plotlines naturally increased his unease.

Even Taixuan Sword Qi seemed powerless against it.

The future that humans dread is often the unknown, and clearly, this world was heading towards Xia Chen's worst fears.

He drifted off to a deep sleep, only to awaken the next day with the knowledge of what lay ahead.

Xia Chen and Wendy's visit to the Ocean Branch was not merely for leisure or entertainment.

The people at the Ocean Branch were not foolish; they naturally understood that Xia Chen and Wendy's investigation was just scratching the surface. The true adversary they faced was the legendary Special Forces of Schicksal.

This elite force existed as a legend among both the Schicksal Headquarters and its branches.

To maintain control over various branches, Schicksal relied on its powerful intelligence network. Naturally, the Ocean Branch personnel were aware of this formidable team's existence.

However, without Otto openly intervening, it was uncertain how much influence this team could exert.

The Ocean Branch members were taking a gamble, betting that Durandal had not yet consolidated the power of Schicksal fully.

Similarly, doubts about Durandal echoed within the House of Schariac and Schicksal's researchers, spreading beyond their circles. They believed Durandal should be preoccupied with other matters at this time.

Yet, what they didn't realize was that Durandal wasn't fighting alone.

While the House of Schariac was an established family, their actual influence within Schicksal was limited, primarily holding honorary positions. Moreover, the young princess of the Schariac family was a devoted fan of Durandal.

It was indeed true; Ana had confessed her admiration for Durandal multiple times to Xia Chen.

Thus, House Schariac's concerns were directed at Otto's current situation, not Durandal herself.

As for Schicksal's researchers... Amber has been handling their doubts and queries effectively.

Despite the noise, to Durandal, these issues were insignificant.

Her core support came from the Valkyries; she was their symbol of faith and currently the most powerful figure openly acknowledged by Schicksal.

Still, Xia Chen couldn't comprehend where the Ocean Branch found such audacity.

If it were solely for profit, there was no need to take such immense risks.

Regardless, once actions are set in motion, there is no turning back.

Their first task was to assess the alleged difficulty in mining the resources. Although the Ocean Branch provided detailed maps and explained unfamiliar technical aspects involved, Xia Chen firmly insisted on witnessing it firsthand.

Seeing with one's own eyes can be misleading.

Humans excel at deception, using information gaps to obscure perception and manipulate thoughts - this fact is well-known to all.

Xia Chen understood his role was merely to stall for time and draw attention, while the Ocean Branch knew that their true opponent wasn't him.

It would come down to who had the superior strategy.

They were just the bait.

Schicksal's Special Forces existed only within confidential files, accessible solely to Otto.

The history, members, and all basic information about this unit were strictly classified, with even branch heads merely hearing rumors of its existence.

They suspected that before Xia Chen became an S-rank Valkyrie, the most enigmatic among the original three S-rank Valkyries was likely the leader of this elite force.

However, the actual commander of this unit was Rita Rossweisse.

She held knowledge of many of Schicksal's hidden secrets and had participated in numerous related operations, including the current one.

If it were purely for personal gain, there would be no reason for the Ocean Branch personnel to risk offending Headquarters. Regardless of what transpires at HQ, as long as Schicksal remains intact, the Ocean Branch merchants continue to hold significant advantages.

Thus, Rita suspected that either Anti-Entropy or World Serpent might have infiltrated the Ocean Branch.

This suspicion being quite plausible, she decided to conduct her own investigation.

With extensive experience in such matters, the Special Forces of Schicksal quickly gathered the intelligence Rita sought.

Unfortunately, the findings were grim.

Although Rita had gathered evidence linking some Ocean Branch's chambers and Cocolia, it was not sufficient proof.

Instead, multiple suspicions pointed towards another force infiltrating the Ocean Branch, seemingly offering irresistible incentives that led individuals to willingly betray Headquarters.

After spending three days investigating, Rita discovered something peculiar - tickets for a theater performance.

On them, a message read...

[Welcome to the Dominion Theater.]