"It seems you were being rather modest earlier, Instructor Ragna, about Miss Wendy's close-combat abilities."
Watching Wendy weave through the simulated training environment in her wheelchair, holding her own evenly against three opponents, Rita couldn't help but voice her admiration.
"It's truly hard to imagine. Even confined to a wheelchair, Miss Wendy can move with such agility… She must have put in a tremendous amount of effort, I presume?"
"Herrscher powers, aren't they something?"
Ragna gave a somewhat helpless smile.
"Of course, this kid has also used her authority quite often to outsmart me… All their antics have even worn down my alcohol tolerance. I almost lost to Himeko in a drinking contest yesterday."
"Well, I might just have to specially thank Miss Wendy for that. It seems there's hope for you to quit drinking yet, Instructor Ragna. I'm sure Durandal would be very interested in learning from Miss Wendy on how to help you with that~"
After chatting with Ragna for a few more moments, Rita turned her gaze towards Theresa, who seemed unusually tense nearby.
"By the way, Lady Theresa, this Miss Kiana's fighting style… seems a bit peculiar. While it bears some resemblance to Kaslana's Gun-Kata, the proportion of close-quarter combat moves… feels surprisingly high, doesn't it?"
"I-Is that so?"
Theresa jolted, immediately responding, "No, her name is just a coincidence! She's not from that Kaslana family!"
I hadn't even asked anything yet, and you've already given yourself away…
Rita sighed inwardly, regretfully abandoning her plan to tease Theresa a little more.
The main issue was that this Theresa seemed a bit… simple.
While teasing her was undoubtedly fun, if she accidentally blurted out something that shouldn't be mentioned in this context, or something Rita officially wasn't supposed to know, it would be Rita who ended up in an awkward position…
While the three on the viewing platform were engaged in their subtle interplay, the situation on the training ground was quietly shifting.
With Bronya going all out, the laser cannon of her Project Bunny raged like it was in berserk mode, beginning a relentless 'scorched earth' assault on the training field.
As Bronya laid down suppressing fire, Kiana closed in, a faint golden glint flickering imperceptibly in her eyes.
"Oh?"
Rita's gaze sharpened instantly.
Her attention firmly fixed on Kiana, she clearly 'captured' the moment the two bullets vanished from the muzzle of the gun instead of following their intended trajectory.
Immediately after, Wendy's wheelchair emitted a few strange metallic clunks before grinding to a complete halt.
Wendy's eyes widened in shock.
As the Herrscher of Wind, what Rita could see with her eyes, Wendy perceived with even greater clarity through her authority—the moment Kiana fired, those two bullets had been directly 'delivered' right into the mechanisms of her wheelchair.
What surprised Wendy wasn't the ability to damage her wheelchair.
In fact, thanks to Rita's constant sparring sessions helping her master her Wind Herrscher powers, the wheelchair now acted more like a limiter on her true strength.
Without it, she could fly even faster.
What truly shocked Wendy was that Kiana possessed the authority of the Herrscher of the Void?!
As a former top student, Wendy hadn't neglected her history studies, especially after learning Lynelle's true identity.
She had specifically researched the Second Eruption, delving into the past shared between Lynelle and that Herrscher, Sirin.
Ever since arriving at St. Freya Academy, one thing had been puzzling Wendy: why was it that while Kiana, Mei, and Bronya all seemed to hold considerable affection for Lynelle, it was only with Kiana that Lynelle's relationship had taken such a distinctly significant leap forward?
After all, this white-haired girl seemed a bit clueless, hardly the type to take the initiative, even in matters of love.
But if this Kiana was somehow connected to the Herrscher of the Void, or even possessed the Void Core or a fragment of its authority…
Then the reason Lynelle was closest to her became glaringly obvious.
However… even if the other party might be Lynelle's 'official match,' Miss Wendy absolutely would not admit defeat!
Spurred by a peculiar competitive drive, Wendy once again became highly combustible!
"Alright, you three… I must admit, your tactical skill and combat prowess far exceed that of Valkyries of your rank. However…"
"Now, please witness the true power contained within the Gem of Desire—"
"Time's up."
The newly ignited Miss Wendy was promptly doused by Ragna, who activated emergency protocols from outside the field.
"This… Instructor Ragna, surely three minutes haven't passed yet?"
Rita blinked, looking towards Ragna, who had directly shut down the training field's virtual environment.
"The main issue is that Wendy still hasn't fully mastered her abilities at that level of output. I was worried her control might falter, and if anyone got seriously hurt, that would be unacceptable."
Ragna offered a flawless explanation with a genial smile.
Instructor Ragna, are you really the type to worry about students getting injured? You never said anything like that when you were training me…
A slight twitch tugged at the corner of Rita's mouth, but she didn't press further.
Putting other matters aside, the biggest problem remained Theresa nearby.
Ragna might not fear Theresa accidentally revealing something, but Rita truly did.
What if she inadvertently let slip something about Kiana's identity, or mentioned something concerning Anti-Entropy?
As a special envoy dispatched by headquarters, would Rita have to investigate or not?
One had to admit, having such a… simple-minded opponent posed significant restraints on Rita's actions.
Decided then. Tomorrow morning, I'll stake out Lady Theresa's office and properly make up for the frustration I endured today…
Having already planned her schedule for the next day, Rita amiably gave up on pursuing the matter of Kiana any further for now.
After all… the moment Kiana voluntarily used the Void Herrscher's authority, and in such a deliberately concealed manner at that, Rita had already obtained the crucial information she wanted.
"Well then… Instructor Ragna, Lady Theresa."
After patiently waiting for Theresa to complete the remaining formalities of the evaluation, Rita rose to her feet.
"Since the assessment is concluded, I shall take my leave. Headquarters requires me to compile a report by the end of the day, so I must return promptly to summarize my findings."
"So urgent? It seems headquarters' style hasn't changed much."
Ragna, who also had experience working at headquarters, was quite understanding and simply waved her off, allowing Rita to depart.
However, judging by the faint, knowing smile playing on Ragna's lips… she had clearly surmised something.
What has she guessed? That I still have a covert mission? Or that my target is Kiana?
Walking down the path, Rita slightly furrowed her brow.
Honestly, even after becoming an S-Rank Valkyrie, the opponent she least wanted to face wasn't Durandal, but Instructor Ragna.
Just considering today's events, Rita still couldn't gauge exactly how much intelligence Ragna actually possessed.
Say she didn't know? Several key interruptions had come from Ragna. Say she did know?… Rita couldn't find any concrete evidence.
Just then, a voice interrupted her thoughts.
"Miss Rita."
Rita looked up, somewhat startled, and her eyes met a pair of captivating, amethyst orbs.
"[Listen to me.]"
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! Webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.