NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 47: Chapter 46: True Experts Always Hide Their Strength
Chapter 46: True Experts Always Hide Their Strength
The moment Durandal whispered his name, Hokuto froze.
Oh, so you only just found out my name?
That hurts, you know? You used to be so obedient back then, Durandal-chan~
Of course, he wasn't stupid enough to say that out loud.
In fact, he wouldn't say anything at all.
Durandal has been in my stream before. If I speak, she might recognize my voice…
Even if the stream distorts it slightly, someone as sharp as her might still notice.
So… time for the best strategy—running away.
Without looking back, Hokuto simply nodded, turned around, and reached for the door handle.
But just as his fingers touched the metal, Durandal's voice rang out again.
"I must admit, my subordinates have mentioned you before… but until now, I never knew your name."
Hokuto's fingers twitched.
Oh? So you've been keeping tabs on me?
"...I see."
He didn't turn back.
"But don't worry," Durandal continued, "everyone has secrets. I respect your privacy."
"That's why I've already reprimanded them and ordered them to stop investigating you."
Hokuto: "..."
Investigating me?!
Wait… I got exposed?!
When?! How?!
Hokuto's thoughts were racing, but before he could process everything, Durandal delivered the final blow.
"However, I hope your secret will not bring harm to Schicksal.
Otherwise… I will make you pay the price."
Her words were clear and direct, leaving no room for doubt.
Hokuto exhaled slowly.
She didn't stop the investigation… she just took over herself.
Great. I've officially been flagged as "suspicious" by Schicksal's strongest Valkyrie.
Time to consider jumping ship to St. Freya Academy…
Without a word, Hokuto pushed open the door and left the Outer Spaceport.
—
Meanwhile, back inside the Spaceport—
Durandal had just finished conducting the initial evaluations for all the temporary workers.
"Are the test results ready?"
"Yes, ma'am. Should I deliver them to the Overseer?"
"No, I'll do it myself."
With the files in hand, Durandal headed straight for the Overseer's office.
The moment she placed the reports on Otto's desk, she spoke firmly:
"Overseer Otto, these are the test results. Fortunately, the previous incident did not result in large-scale infections."
"Oh? A miracle, indeed."
Otto Apocalypse leaned back in his chair, hands clasped together, a faint smirk playing on his lips.
Honkai outbreaks were highly dangerous—the previous incident had been especially unpredictable.
Anyone wounded by a Honkai Beast or Deadwalker could potentially become infected.
If even one infected person returned to civilian life, it could cause another large-scale disaster.
That's why a mandatory screening was necessary.
But for not a single infection to be found among the temporary staff?
That's beyond a miracle.
That's… a miracle created by Theresa's team.
"If I recall correctly, the one handling the clean-up was Major Himeko?"
"Yes. Major Himeko's efforts saved many lives."
Otto's golden eyes narrowed slightly, his voice laced with amusement.
"And now, it's time for you to take action as well."
"Your next mission: travel to Tianqiong City and retrieve Experiment K423."
Durandal stiffened.
K423—Kiana Kaslana.
She immediately understood the gravity of this mission.
"But the evaluations—"
"I will handle those."
"As a warrior, are you really content staying behind in safety?"
"Are you afraid?"
Durandal's gaze sharpened.
"Never. I will depart immediately."
As Durandal left, Otto finally turned his attention to his computer screen.
Now, it's time to test these temporary workers.
If they want to stay in Schicksal…
They better prove they're worthy.
—
Meanwhile, in Hokuto's room—
Suddenly, his computer screen lit up.
A pop-up message appeared:
[Do you wish to remain in Schicksal? Do you seek to understand the true meaning of Honkai?]
[Yes / No]
"Wait… this is the written test? I thought it was tomorrow?!"
He clicked "Yes."
Instantly, the screen changed—a blank answer sheet appeared.
(Questions Answered: 0/160)
In the bottom left corner, a countdown timer had started.
Three hours to answer 160 questions.
…You've got to be kidding me.
"Who the hell designed this test?!"
But as he read through the questions, his soul shattered.
Advanced scientific theories.
Philosophical debates.
Research-level Honkai knowledge.
What kind of temporary worker is supposed to know this crap?!
"I'm so screwed."
But then—
An idea struck him.
Wait… I have a system, don't I?
"System! Can you help me pass this test?!"
[Recommended Item: Proto-God Key—Void Archives.]
[For only 1,000,000 Crystals, ensure perfect test performance!]
"ARE YOU INSANE?!"
[Alternatively, rent it for 1,000 Crystals—10-minute access.]
"…You absolute scam artist."
But after thinking about it—
1,000 Crystals for a guaranteed pass?
…Screw it, worth it.
"Fine! I'll rent it!"
The moment he confirmed the purchase, a golden glow flashed through his eyes.
Suddenly—
His mind felt like it contained an entire library of knowledge.
This… this is insane.
This is the power of a God Key?!
With Void Archives, every answer was as clear as day.
He crushed through the test in minutes.
But just before submitting—
Wait… if I finish too fast, won't that look suspicious?
So, Hokuto intentionally got a few answers wrong, then sat back and waited.
When the timer ran out, the system automatically submitted his test.
Mission complete.
End of Chapter 46