Most of what Hua Yi had told Theresa Apocalypse previously was true, such as the fact that he was feeling energetic after sleeping almost the entire day. Indeed, he had no intention of going to bed now. He spent his time trying to discover the changes brought about by obtaining [Jizō Mitama (Void)], searching for any transformation in his body or his ethereal soul.
However, he found nothing; he came up completely empty-handed.
The weapon obtained from the high-level supply could not strengthen his body like a Stigmata, nor could it manifest in reality like a normal weapon to be wielded against enemies. Aside from seeing the existence of [Jizō Mitama (Void)] within the virtual interface, it was as if he had gained nothing at all.
Just as Hua Yi was feeling helpless over this, a knock sounded at the door. It wasn't Kiana Kaslana, Raiden Mei, or Bronya Zaychik they should still be sleeping to make up for their lost rest. The visitor was Murata Himeko.
"How is it? Are you resting well? Have you gotten used to sleeping here?"
Murata Himeko was unaware that Hua Yi and Theresa had gone to Nagazora City in the middle of the night to deal with a newborn Pseudo-Herrscher. At this moment, she simply assumed Hua Yi had been resting all night.
"Not bad. Compared to the boys' dormitory at Tachikawa Academy, the beds here are much more comfortable."
Hua Yi didn't bother to explain. After offering a slight compliment on the accommodations at St. Freya Academy, he followed up with a question.
"Is something the matter? Am I supposed to start classes at St. Freya Academy today?"
"Not at all. You've only just escaped a massive Honkai eruption. St. Freya Academy wouldn't throw you straight into your studies immediately. We'll give you some buffer time anywhere from two or three days to a week. This period is for you to familiarize yourselves with the environment and move past the shadow of the disaster. Though, you don't look like someone haunted by shadows at all?"
"...There is sadness, of course. After all, the city I once lived in is now abandoned, but it hasn't reached the level of a psychological shadow."
"But I have a shadow over me, you know?"
Murata Himeko's words startled Hua Yi. An A-rank Valkyrie who had undoubtedly faced the Honkai more than once had actually developed a shadow? Hua Yi recalled that when she arrived in Nagazora City aboard the Hyperion, she hadn't even truly fought any powerful enemies.
"Eh?"
"Don't look so confused. My shadow was created by you. I was prepared to give my life in a battle to the death with the 3rd Herrscher, but the moment I stepped off the Hyperion, I was met with a barrage of accusations from you. You spoke as if I had committed some heinous crime. It really hurt my feelings, you know?"
Hua Yi finally realized what she meant. Murata Himeko was referring to the time he had negotiated with St. Freya Academy on behalf of Raiden Mei.
Because he had guessed that the so-called shackles were likely something terrible like a time bomb, his attitude had indeed been cold and harsh. He had even used Murata Himeko as a bargaining chip to threaten Theresa.
"I'm sorry. Also, thank you for cooperating with me then. Otherwise, given my state at the time, things truly might have deviated from my expectations, leading to a terrible outcome."
"I guessed as much. If I had used the power of my battlesuit to break free by force, or even tried to take Kiana away from Raiden Mei's side, we would have been forced to clash. At that point,
St. Freya Academy would have been at war with a Herrscher, and you would have been pushed to the opposing side. That kind of future isn't what I wanted. Someone who works so desperately for the sake of others can never be a bad person."
Hua Yi had no intention of refuting Himeko's words with claims like "you wouldn't have been able to break free even with your battlesuit" to defend his pride. The fact was that Murata Himeko hadn't even made an attempt. Faced with such pure kindness, continuing to argue would be nothing short of foolish.
"Therefore, thank you very much."
Hua Yi's solemn thanks once again brought a bright smile to Murata Himeko's face. She tilted her head slightly; it was a different kind of cuteness from Theresa's, possessing the unique allure of a mature woman like Murata Himeko.
Though, based on age alone, Theresa should be much more mature than Murata Himeko.
"Is that thanks truly from the heart?"
"Yes."
"Then come and have a drink with me. Back in Nagazora City, I said I'd treat you back when the chance arose after you treated me to a meal. Now is the perfect time. You don't have anything else to do, right?"
"I don't. It seems I'm going to have to let Miss Himeko spend some money."
Their previous meeting had truly been just for a meal. That restaurant hadn't served much alcohol, and Murata Himeko, being on a mission, hadn't gone out of her way to order any, let alone offer any to Hua Yi. Seeing that he seemed capable of holding his liquor, she looked at him with keen interest.
"Oh? Does that mean... you have a high tolerance?"
"It's decent. At the very least, I should have enough strength left to carry a drunken Miss Himeko home."
By saying he could carry her home, Hua Yi was implying his tolerance was better than hers.
Murata Himeko had already decided to find out whether this was just the overconfident boasting of a fool or genuine confidence in his tolerance. However, her focus shifted to another point.
"So you're already planning on getting me drunk? You look so upright, but it seems you have quite a few naughty thoughts, Student Hua Yi."
If he were a pure, innocent youth, he would have likely turned bright red and lowered his head at Murata Himeko's words, his heart racing from the teasing of such a beautiful woman. Hua Yi, however, maintained a look of total integrity.
"How could I? Aren't Kiana and the others staying at Miss Himeko's house right now? I couldn't possibly do anything bad."
"So, if they weren't there, you might do something bad? You certainly plan far ahead—not only imagining the scene of taking me back but even considering the possibility of doing something naughty. Very impressive."
"You flatter me."
Murata Himeko had expected Hua Yi to try and defend himself. She hadn't expected this kind of reply; it was as if he were tacitly admitting to her claims.
The atmosphere suddenly became suggestive.
Murata Himeko coughed lightly and turned to lead the way.
"Let's go. Time for a drink."
🚨 Note: Consider supporting this story on Patreon.com/Flokixy to access 400+ advance chapters and 2 new chapters daily! (Full story bundles also available without a subscription).