Honkai, why do you only throw me into high-level battles?

Singapore, Changi Airport.

Rita stepped off the jet bridge, impeccably dressed in casual attire. She surveyed her surroundings with a curious glance, then seamlessly blended into the crowd.

A beautiful young woman like Rita should have stood out, yet she moved unnoticed, a ghost in the bustling airport. Only a faint, rose-like fragrance lingered as she disappeared into the sea of faces.

Rita was accustomed to this invisibility, a deliberate skill she cultivated. "Reducing presence" was her specialty, allowing her to approach her prey undetected, delivering the final blow amidst the sudden, inescapable terror.

She'd appear when and where least expected, even striking a pose before relishing the target's reaction: panic, fear, or despair. Each expression was a perverse delight, a dark amusement she indulged in.

This ability had earned her the moniker "Huntress" and Otto's favor, leading to her promotion to S-rank Valkyrie.

Sometimes, she used this skill for harmless pranks, often targeting Durandal. As a child, Durandal was frequently startled by Rita's sudden appearances. The usually oblivious Durandal would simply complain and then try to improve her "anti-infiltration" skills.

Whether Durandal's growth or improved skills made her a less satisfying target is unknown, but Rita eventually shifted her focus to St. Freya and its headmistress, Theresa. Sometimes, Rita's visits were official; more often, they were stealthy infiltrations.

She'd stand silently behind Theresa, observing the latter engrossed in her manga.

Like Durandal, Theresa found this unsettling. Unlike the thick-skinned Durandal, Theresa developed a phobia, constantly feeling watched. She'd jump and spin around, relieved to find no one there, only to repeat the cycle moments later.

"This is no way to live!" a distraught Theresa complained to Otto, her nerves frayed. "Rita is a terrifying demon!"

—And so, Rita was dispatched to search for the Second Divine Key. Theresa had a reprieve.

…

Rita navigated the airport, unseen and unacknowledged.

Thanks to her stealth, she'd opted for a discreet investigation, avoiding interference with Durandal and Otto's plans. Singapore wasn't welcoming to Schicksal Valkyries, and without concrete evidence or Otto's approval, a public display was unwise.

Hence, she arrived as a tourist, not in a Schicksal vessel.

Reaching a quieter corner, she touched her earpiece. "Amber, I've arrived. Please advise."

Alvitr and the others were buried in British historical data, leaving Amber as her contact.

"Bzz… bzz… Signal clear. Received, Rita. Well done." Amber's voice came through after a brief adjustment. "I apologize, Rita. I can offer little support. It's…" Amber sounded embarrassed.

"It's fine, Amber. It's my honor to assist the Overseer," Rita reassured her.

She knew Amber's lack of initiative. Launching an investigation without Otto's knowledge was likely Amber's limit. Tactical support was unrealistic.

Rita presented her plan. "May I have the authority to improvise during the mission?"

"Oh? Oh! One moment, Rita..." Amber, flustered by Rita's gentle request, typed rapidly on her keyboard. "Rita, I've transferred command of Schicksal's intelligence agencies in Singapore and surrounding areas to you, granting full autonomy. And…" She hesitated, then added firmly, "I'll explain this to the Overseer upon his return. Don't worry!" She'd just assumed responsibility for this unauthorized action.

Not bad at all, Rita thought, impressed. She simply nodded. "Thank you, Amber."

Having access to Schicksal's local branches was invaluable. The informant's report was vague, stating only "Singapore." The city-state, while small as a nation, boasted a population of six million. Finding a needle in that haystack was nearly impossible. Had it not involved the disappearance of Anti-Entropy's leadership, Amber's request would have been ludicrous. No wonder she was stressed…

"Anything else, Amber?" Rita took charge, streamlining the decision-making for Amber, simplifying it to a yes-or-no choice. It was her usual approach with her squad, now applied to her temporary superior. The effect was immediate.

"Ah! Yes! One moment, Rita..." Amber, back in her comfort zone, regained her composure, typing away.

Rita waited patiently.

"Apologies for the delay," Amber said, finally. "The Equipment Department has prepared your armor and weapons. They're on standby, ready for quantum deployment."

Alvitr typically handled these logistics for the Immortal Blades, ensuring prompt deployment of their gear. Now, the entire squad, including Alvitr, was drowning in paperwork. If Rita hadn't mentioned it, Amber might have forgotten. 

That was close… she thought, relieved. Rita was practically unarmed, prioritizing stealth. A delay in deployment could have been disastrous.

"Thank you, Amber," Rita said, though she wasn't truly concerned. She appreciated the gesture nonetheless.

"Which Battlesuit is on standby?" Rita had two, a luxury in Schicksal: the Phantom Iron and the fourth-generation Divine Key Battlesuit, Argent Knight: Artemis. Each suit had its tactical advantages, so knowing which one was prepared was crucial. Rita, a perfectionist, despised such oversights.

"Your newest, Argent Knight: Artemis…" Amber explained. "Phantom Iron is a third-generation Battlesuit, inferior to a Divine Key. So, Artemis is the primary option, with Phantom Iron as backup."

As Otto's aide, Amber's meticulousness, though efficient, could be overwhelming, even for Otto.

Rita gave a wry smile. "My little dog will be heartbroken to hear that." Her "dog" was the robotic companion of the Phantom Iron, a vital part of her tactics. She'd grown fond of it.

Still, Amber had a point. "Regardless, thank you for your diligence," Rita conceded. The Artemis was objectively superior.

Amber nodded, missing the sentiment in Rita's words, scanning the information stream in her visor.

"That's all I can do. The rest is up to you, Rita…"

"You've done more than enough. Thank you, Amber… Hm?" Rita was about to add more when something caught her eye.

"What is it, Rita?" Amber asked, surprised by the quick development.

"Nothing related to the mission," Rita dismissed, her polite smile unwavering. "But quite unexpected."

She offered no further explanation. "Amber, I must excuse myself…"

"Good luck." Amber, lacking curiosity, ended the call.

Rita lowered her hand, her smile turning thoughtful. Why is she here?

Unable to reason it out, she decided to investigate. Her polite smile returned as she moved through the crowd, approaching a strikingly handsome young woman.

"What a pleasant surprise… Greetings, Fu Hua."