I Am Honkai

"...These are the high-ranking officers of your future Valkyrie unit."

Hearing Esdeath's words, Alyssa turned around with an assessing gaze. Standing midway on the grand staircase of the outer hall of the palace, she looked down at the approaching figures.

The construction of Schonbrunn Palace was based on the ruins of the original imperial palace. Even though the topography of the imperial capital had changed significantly over time, it remained at the city's highest point.

Standing on the grand steps of the outer hall, the view was commanding and imposing. With a broad, sweeping view, one with keen enough eyesight might even overlook the entire imperial capital from here.

Despite the grand courtyard being filled with palace guards standing at attention, patrolling Imperial Guards, Sisters of Silence, and rotating attendants passing by, the atmosphere remained eerily silent and vast, as if it were a void of darkness itself.

Only when the breeze blew did the rows of bronze chime bells along the sides of the hall produce occasional, faint sounds.

Tick-tock—

The white jade steps and marble flooring echoed with faint but distinct footsteps. In the vast stillness, each step sounded unusually clear.

The approaching footsteps grew louder, gradually morphing from mere steps into the crisp clacking of high heels.

A golden-armored Imperial Guard came into view, flanked by two figures—a tall one and a short one, a blonde and a silver-haired woman.

There they were: Durandal and Rita, followed by Theresa, Kiana, Mei, Fu Hua, Senti, Bronya, Seele, the twins Rosalia and Liliya, Li Sushang, and Pardofelis—thirteen Valkyries in total.

Alyssa instinctively skipped over the petite figure in front and instead focused her gaze on the golden-haired warrior with flowing curls, dressed in a pristine white battle cloak that exuded an imposing aura.

"Durandal... that's her name, right?"

"Oh? You know her?" Esdeath inquired, slightly raising an eyebrow.

"I met her once in Kolosten Town. If I remember correctly, she's the highest-ranking commander of the Schicksal Valkyrie Unit, and she also serves as the acting Archbishop. She should be quite strong."

"Very strong, and with immense potential," Esdeath replied, her sharp gaze lingering on the noble and gallant knight. "Personally, I believe she is the greatest treasure among them..."

Shaking her head, Esdeath lightly flicked her fingers, correcting herself, "Ah, no—perhaps I should say she is the greatest treasure we've acquired from that world."

"You hold her in such high regard?" Alyssa's curiosity grew at Esdeath's praise.

"Indeed." Esdeath shrugged. "But of course, this is merely my subjective opinion."

Alyssa nodded in partial understanding, continuing to quietly observe the approaching Valkyries, who walked in an oddly synchronized yet segmented formation. They appeared to have strong bonds but also maintained clear boundaries—small cliques, perhaps? Most of them walked in pairs, side by side, except for a few unlucky 'singles'...

"Bronya-sister, I'm scared."

Walking along the seemingly endless grand avenue, Seele clung tightly to Bronya's hand, her gaze darting around nervously. Sweat clung to her fingertips.

Unlike claustrophobia, Seele suffered from a fear rooted in the endless solitude of the Quantum Sea. Vast open spaces, especially those that were eerily silent, triggered an overwhelming sense of anxiety within her.

If the surroundings were bustling with activity, she might have been fine—but in an open, quiet space like this, Seele couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by panic.

Every few steps, a Palace Guard stood motionless, their armor and insignias varying according to their respective origins, forming neat and uniform formations like living sculptures.

These guards were the elite selected from various Astartes Legions, rotated once a year.

Their duties were varied, encompassing tasks such as guarding the palace gates, standing vigil within, serving as mounted escorts outside, and being deployed as governors over distant territories.

"Don't be afraid, Seele. Bronya will always be with you."

The gray-haired girl tightened her grip on the delicate hand of the trembling Seele.

The golden-armored Imperial Guard ascended the steps, halting a dozen steps below where Alyssa and Esdeath stood waiting. He placed a hand on his chest and bowed respectfully.

"Lady Alyssa, General Esdeath."

Once the two acknowledged his salute, the Imperial Guard cast a brief glance behind him before striding up the steps alone with powerful, unwavering steps. He never looked back at Kiana and the others he had brought along.

"What are you waiting for?"

Seeing the girls standing at attention as if facing judgment, Esdeath chuckled softly. "Come on. It's time to hear about your future assignments."

With a nod to Alyssa, Esdeath turned and continued upwards.

Durandal and Theresa exchanged a glance before following suit.

As the sun approached its zenith, casting scorching light over the grand staircase leading to the outer hall, shadows were fixed beneath their feet. From a bird's-eye view, the figures ascending the grand staircase were reduced to tiny black dots—minuscule against the vast grandeur.

Taking a deep breath, Kiana looked up.

Beyond the thousand-step ascent, the platform paved with solid stone blocks gleamed in gold. Towering columns stood proudly, their bases encrusted with precious gems of unparalleled rarity. The sheer extravagance of the architecture was beyond anything she had ever imagined.

Even though she had mentally prepared herself, the sight was still overwhelming.

"Sister Selene...."

Approaching yet another meeting with her sister, Kiana felt a wholly different sense of trepidation. It was an instinctive awe, a biological response to something immense and imposing.

Was it the Empire's strength? The majesty of the palace? Her own lack of confidence? Or the complex emotions she held toward Selene? Perhaps all of it.

The magnificence of the imperial capital was suffocating. The weight of the empire was far more tangible here than it had been when she first stepped onto the Imperial Navy's flagship.

Under the vast rule of the Empire, an individual human being—or even an entire planet—felt insignificant.

Suddenly—Thud! Thud!

Kiana was pulled from her spiraling thoughts by the steady, rhythmic sound of armored boots accompanied by the synchronized clash of shields and spears.

A figure clad in blue armor emerged from within, stepping forward with the imposing presence of the Astartes commander.

Beneath a golden laurel crown, his blond hair shimmered in the sunlight.

Resting his hand on the hilt of the massive Judgment of Shamash, Robert stood tall with a confident smirk that he couldn't quite suppress. His eyes lit up the moment he spotted Esdeath and Alyssa.

"Lady Alyssa, General Esdeath."

"Robert," Esdeath remarked with a smirk, "Judging by that smug look of yours, has Her Majesty bestowed another fine reward upon you? Come on, spill it."

"Nothing of the sort," Robert chuckled. "Her Majesty has merely entrusted me with a new assignment."

"An assignment? A cushy one or a tough one?"

"Who knows," Robert shrugged. "But with the strength of my Ultramarines Legion, even a tough job can become an opportunity."

With that, he waved them off casually. "Duty calls. We'll catch up later."

As he passed by Kiana and the others, he cast them a meaningful glance before disappearing into the depths of the palace.

Watching the towering figure of the blue-armored giant stride past, Esdeath thoughtfully pinched her chin, murmuring, "A good assignment, huh? I think I understand."

Just as she spoke, the expansive view beyond the staircase unfolded before them. The space atop the stairs was vast, and Esdeath steadied herself before addressing the Imperial Guard Commander stationed nearby:

"Please inform Her Majesty that Esdeath seeks an audience."

Before her words had fully settled, the commander stepped aside and responded, "General Esdeath, esteemed Valkyries of Schicksal, Her Majesty has already given the order. Please proceed."

"Enter the hall!"

The attendant stationed at the entrance nodded and called out in a clear voice.

Exchanging glances with the group behind her, Esdeath nodded and confidently stepped through the towering gates. However, the moment she crossed the threshold, a familiar, solemn voice resonated within the grand hall.

"....For a civilization where communication technology has already developed, the people's thoughts are too active. At times like this, a thorough rectification is necessary."

"It will be Robert's Thirteenth Legion that maintains social order, resumes military production, and organizes the formation of the auxiliary legions. Meanwhile, you will focus on internal governance—restoring people's trust."

It was Sebas' voice. Following closely behind Fu Hua, the ever-vigilant Senti twitched her ears at the familiar tone.

Then, another voice cut through the atmosphere.

"Although I promised to avoid unnecessary slaughter, do not let my previous words of leniency bind your hands. For those who seek death, show no mercy. It is for the greater good."

"In order to prevent further bloodshed, any insistent resistance shall be punished doubly—eradicated to the root."

Selene's voice carried a chilling authority, sending a shiver down Durandal's spine as she stepped into the grand hall, causing the others to instinctively lower their heads.

"Understood, Your Majesty! This minister swears to fulfill the mission. If I fail, I shall atone with my life!"

The civil official in formal attire knelt with both knees, presenting the official decree appointing him as Planetary Governor of the empire's central territory. His voice rang out unwaveringly.

At that moment—

"Salute!"

A stern command erupted across the hall.

"Your Majesty!"

Without hesitation, Esdeath and Alyssa knelt on one knee in unison.

The Schicksal Valkyries instinctively prepared to kneel as well, caught up in the overwhelming pressure of the moment—

"Stop! That won't be necessary just yet."

Selene's voice rang through the hall, cutting through the tension.

Their half-bent bodies froze awkwardly, before they slowly straightened, a subtle relief spreading among them.

"Durandal, Kiana, Fu Hua, Theresa...."

At the far end of the grand hall, beneath an entire wall of intricate amber reliefs, stood a throne sculpted from pure jade. Embedded with countless precious gemstones, its golden hues shimmered beneath the hall's radiant lighting, exuding a divine and majestic presence.

One by one, Selene recited their names, her fingers interlocked as she gazed down at them with an amused yet piercing expression. Her voice echoed across the expanse between her and the group standing thousands of steps away at the entrance.

"Now, I must confirm once more—have you truly made up your minds? Will you serve as warriors of the Empire, or shall you retreat to a quiet life in the countryside?"

"Once you choose, there is no turning back. Your decision."

Selene wasted no time asserting her absolute authority, her posture and tone making it abundantly clear that she was in complete control.

The abrupt confrontation left the group momentarily unsure of how to respond.

Particularly Pardofelis, who, standing at the very back of the group, tried her best to hide behind Li Sushang. Selene's keen gaze did not miss this, a faint smirk tugging at her lips.

"Answer me!"

"I have upheld my promise. The world you once knew is now under the protection of the Thirteenth Legion, overseeing its reconstruction. Soon, it will thrive again—a world free from the catastrophe of the Honkai."

The chilling declaration echoed throughout the grand hall.

"Your Majesty Selene, this is my answer."

With unwavering determination, Fu Hua knelt on one knee, pulling Senti, her disciple Li Sushang, and the Flame-Chaser descendant Pardofelis down with her. She gazed at Selene without a hint of hesitation.

"We have made our decision!"

"...Huh?"

Selene raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised to see Theresa taking the lead in answering for Kiana and the others. This was unexpected.

It was clear that Bronya and Seele were being swept along by the collective momentum, but Selene didn't care. A unified stance was better than internal division.

"Rise. No need for formalities."

Sitting regally on her expansive throne, Selene flicked her fingers lightly, and a controlled surge of power helped them to their feet effortlessly.

As expected of the Kaslana lineage—always carrying a sense of duty and justice. It was almost impossible for them to sit idly by without feeling compelled to act.

Selene mused over this thought. Despite Theresa's Apocalypse surname, her bloodline was unmistakably Kaslana, and Kiana and Durandal even more so.

Resting her right hand on the ornate armrest beside her, Selene tapped her fingers rhythmically on the intricately carved jade surface, lost in thought.

"Since you've made your choice, I will not assign you any missions until the reorganization of the Valkyrie Corps and the auxiliary legions is complete. During this time, Esdeath and Sebas will oversee your training."

She paused briefly before delivering her command.

"As of today, the Schicksal Valkyrie Corps will be removed from the jurisdiction of the Planetary Governor's Office and placed under the direct command of the Central Military Department, alongside the Sisters of Silence under Alyssa's command. General Esdeath will serve as her deputy."

As Selene's words echoed through the chamber, rows of imperial officials flanking the throne immediately began documenting the decree, their pens scratching rapidly across parchment.

Taking advantage of this brief moment, Kiana and the others finally exhaled a breath of relief. The suffocating weight of Selene's piercing gaze had lifted, if only for a moment.

They cautiously took the opportunity to observe the grand hall around them, which they hadn't dared to examine earlier under the suffocating pressure of Selene's presence.

Above them, an enormous golden crystal chandelier hung from the center of the dome. The natural golden quartz, set in a gilded metal frame, bathed the room in a soft golden light that lent an air of solemnity to the entire space.

The hall was vast and eerily empty—yet, curiously, there were no support pillars. Though devoid of excessive decoration, the level of opulence was undeniable. A single slab of pristine jade formed the entire floor, embellished with intricate yet elegant patterns, and it remained immaculately clean.

At the foot of the throne stood rows of Imperial Guards, clad in intricately crafted power armor and wielding precision-engineered battle halberds. They were arranged meticulously, divided into civil and military factions, with their positioning indicating their rank and proximity to the Emperor.

From her peripheral vision, Senti couldn't resist the urge to sneak a glance up at Selene on the throne. However, due to her angle, her eyes instead met those of the white-haired elder standing closest to the Empress.

His appearance was deceiving—though his aged face bore signs of time, his eyes were piercing, filled with the keen intelligence and presence of a seasoned predator.

"The second time we've met, lovely ladies. Allow me to introduce myself once more—Sebas, your appointed instructor."

His voice resonated with authority, echoing through the vast chamber, his beast-like gaze sending chills down their spines.

"Your training will begin soon."

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