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

Days turned into weeks, the situation steadily improving, but Rita remained vigilant. The near-catastrophe had shaken her, and she'd taken extra precautions, determined to avoid another close call.

But her preparations proved unnecessary. There were no further incidents.

The sea remained calm, the earth still.

The remaining Honkai beasts were systematically eliminated, those still in the ocean vaporized by the Schicksal fleet's relentless bombardment.

As the Honkai energy levels decreased, the dark clouds dispersed, sunlight and starlight returning to the ravaged land, the battle drew to a close.

Rita, relieved by the lack of further complications, reported to Otto and declared victory in the "Manila Honkai Eruption," a battle that had threatened millions.

She assigned several squads, including Snow Lotus, to mop-up operations and monitoring duty, then led the remaining forces back to HQ.

Yuno, after bidding farewell to Anna, boarded the EOS, returning to Schicksal HQ with Rita. She couldn't wait to see him again.

"Anna has changed. I almost didn't recognize her," Rita said, standing beside Yuno by the window, watching the receding coastline, the lone figure on the shore still waving. She'd traded her Valkyrie armor for a more elegant attire. "You too, Yuno. I was impressed by your performance."

She'd been worried about Yuno losing control, but her cooperation with Anna and Snow Lotus had been flawless, even surpassing the teamwork of Immortal Blades.

She felt a pang of guilt, remembering her earlier distrust.

"Anna and her friends were kind to me. I'm glad I could help," Yuno replied calmly. "And I'm… happy to be going home." The thought of seeing him again made her heart flutter.

Will the Overseer try to stop me? she wondered, frowning.

"Are you going to miss your friend?" Rita smiled, noticing her change in expression. "Would you like me to request a leave of absence for you? You could stay in Manila a little longer." She looked out the window, watching the sunrise painting the sky in shades of red and gold. It was a beautiful sight, though the seagulls were gone. "It's a shame… Manila was a beautiful city. Such a waste…"

"Nagazora was beautiful too," Yuno said, shaking her head. "But the Honkai destroyed it. Just like this."

"The survivors… they would be scared of me. It's better this way. They've suffered enough." Was she talking about them, or herself?

Rita looked at the young Valkyrie, so small and vulnerable, her life shaped by forces beyond her control. "What are your plans, Yuno?" she asked gently.

She knew Yuno needed guidance, but Durandal was too blunt, and Rita herself was often away on missions. She had some free time now. She might as well use it to help her younger colleague.

"Where is he? The man Durandal took?" Yuno turned to her, her eyes fixed on Rita, her voice filled with a quiet urgency. "I want to see him."

"You mean… Lin Wei?" Rita was surprised by her request. "Why do you want to see him?"

"Lin Wei?" Alvitr, who had been walking past, stopped, her voice filled with curiosity. "So, the 'Lin Wei' Snow Lotus keeps talking about… Durandal took him to HQ?"

"You've heard of him too?" Rita was surprised. "Alvitr, you arrived late. Why are you so… interested in him?"

"Snow Lotus keeps talking about him like he's some kind of hero. It sounded… unbelievable," Alvitr said, scratching her head, a sheepish smile on her face. "So, I checked the records, the satellite images, and… well, I had to believe them…"

"And I assume you… shared that information with others?" Rita smiled, her tone gentle, but her eyes held a warning. "You know that's not allowed, Alvitr."

"No, ma'am! I didn't share it with everyone!" Alvitr quickly defended herself. "Just a few friends. And it wasn't classified information! Just… satellite images!"

Rita sighed. So, that's why the other Valkyries had been so curious about Lin Wei. She had a leak in her own squad. She looked at Alvitr, her smile returning. "When we return to HQ, I want you to copy the Valkyrie Code of Conduct. Three times. By tomorrow morning."

"What? But…" Alvitr's face fell. "Yes, ma'am…"

"Why aren't you arguing?" Rita was surprised by Alvitr's meekness. Then she remembered Jell, and she understood. Alvitr, having been closer to Jell and Snow Lotus, shared their grief. She sighed, her voice softening. "Go get some rest, Alvitr."

"Yes, ma'am!" Alvitr fought back the tears, saluting, then turned and walked away.

Rita watched her go, then turned back to Yuno. "Is that why you want to see Lin Wei? Because of the rumors?"

"Is that his name? Lin Wei?" Yuno murmured, remembering Anna's words. She hesitated, then nodded.

Why did she want to see him?

To thank him for saving her?

To connect with a fellow survivor from Nagazora?

Or simply… to meet a hero?

She didn't know.

She just… wanted to see him, to ask him questions, though she didn't know what she would ask. Just… see him.

"I understand." Rita nodded, then shook her head. "But not now."

"Why?" Yuno's voice rose, her emotions unstable.

"Calm down, Yuno," Rita said gently. "He's badly injured, still unconscious. It's best not to disturb him."

"Is that true?" Yuno remembered Anna's reaction, her suspicions aroused. But Rita seemed sincere. She didn't want to risk harming him. She hesitated.

Rita, seeing her hesitation, added, "He's a valued guest of Schicksal. When he recovers, the Overseer will arrange a… proper welcome. Perhaps you'll have your chance then."

"Okay," Yuno agreed. It didn't matter when, as long as she could see him.

As for whether Otto would allow it… she would simply… persist, as she'd done before.

Rita smiled, smoothing Yuno's collar, then turned and left, checking on the other Valkyries.

The EOS, its engines roaring, soared into the sky, heading towards the rising sun.

...

The long battle was finally over, not just in the Philippines, but also in the surrounding regions. The Valkyries returned to their respective bases, their missions complete.

For Kiana, that meant returning to the dreaded… school life.

And to make matters worse, Himeko had personally informed her, with a smug smile, that her combat score for this mission was zero.

A perfect, shining zero. The only one in the entire class.

She'd raged and protested, yelling about unfairness.

Bronya watched her antics with amusement, while Mei pleaded with Himeko to reconsider, to give her at least a few points.

Himeko, relenting slightly, had raised her score, though it was still the lowest in the class. Mei had been profusely grateful.

While they bickered, Fu Hua and Welt returned to St. Freya, their minds preoccupied with their own concerns.

Welt, after hearing Otto's "good news," had wanted to leave immediately, but Fu Hua had stopped him.

"You can't do anything about Lin Wei and Otto now. Interfering will only make things worse. Just wait and see," she'd said bluntly. "And as for you, Welt… instead of worrying about things you can't control, focus on recovering, then return to Anti-Entropy and deal with your own… mess."

Fu Hua, when she chose to be blunt, could be… quite cutting. Even Otto had been taken aback by her sharp tongue.

Welt, suitably chastened, had reluctantly agreed, asking her to keep him informed.

She'd agreed, of course.

...

Meanwhile, deep beneath the ocean.

The underwater ruins were a scene of devastation – shattered buildings, twisted metal, flickering sparks.

Two groups faced each other, the tension palpable.

"What are you planning now, Cocolia?" Tesla demanded, her voice filled with fury.