Chapter 3
The auxiliary craft sliced through the night sky, leaving behind the smoking ruins of Nagazora. I sat in an improvised seat in the medical cabin, gazing at the cloudy horizon through the fogged window. The constant hum of the rotors vibrated in my eardrums like a mechanical pulse; the air carried the scent of hot metal, disinfectant, and a faint trace of dried blood. The wounded Valkyrie slept on a nearby stretcher, her chest rising and falling unevenly beneath the white bandages.
Rita Rossweisse sat across from me, legs crossed with impeccable elegance. Her black-and-white maid uniform caught the dim light of the lamps, and her reddish eyes studied me with the precision of someone dissecting a specimen under a microscope.
"We'll arrive at the Hyperion in a few hours," she said in a soft but firm voice. "Principal Theresa has formalized your contract. It's uncommon to see a man resist Honkai corrosion, let alone subdue it in that way. Do you have any concerns, Mikael-sama?"
The Hyperion… Theresa's operations base and home to the St. Freya Valkyries. As an external contractor, I'll be able to stay close to Kiana, Mei, and Bronya without the unnecessary restrictions of a women-only academy.
I looked out at the sea of stormy clouds before answering.
"Just one. What happens if I decide to keep certain 'nuances' of my power secret?"
Rita smiled. It was a polite gesture, but her eyes remained icy.
"The Overseer is a patient man… but persistent. For now, focus on the missions. Lady Durandal might visit you for a personal evaluation soon."
So basically, she's telling me that Otto allowed me to stay under Theresa's care so he could observe me closely and evaluate whether I'm a good test subject.
The thought left a bitter taste in my mouth.
But on the other hand… Durandal. If she's as powerful as in canon, she could be an invaluable ally… or a threat if Otto sends her against me.
I nodded silently as system notifications flickered in my vision.
[Template Progress: 400/1000]
[Notice: Maximum Technique "Uzumaki" available upon reaching 500 points.]
[Secondary Mission Updated: Save at least 50 civilians in operations. Progress: 12/50.]
I need that power. Uzumaki wasn't just a technique; it was the ability to turn trash into gold, to convert a massive amount of junk spirits into immense destructive power. But above all, perhaps I could use Honkai abilities by absorbing powerful beasts.
A soft impact shook the cabin. The landing on the Hyperion was subtle, barely a vibration under my boots. As I descended the ramp, the sheer scale of the Hyperion—the flagship of Schicksal's Far East branch—stretched out before me like an imposing floating fortress: a massive gray steel structure with multiple decks, Valkyrie and mech hangars, advanced laboratories visible through reinforced windows, and integrated training fields on the lower platforms. Salty Pacific air rose from below, mingling with the constant hum of engines and the distant echo of drills. Young Valkyries moved across the decks, their uniforms contrasting with the metallic gray.
Theresa Apocalypse waited on the landing platform, arms crossed and expression serious. Despite her tiny stature, her presence radiated the authority of a general.
"Welcome officially, Mikael!" she exclaimed with sudden energy. "Follow me; I'll show you your assigned area. Since you don't seem to have anywhere to stay, we've also given you a cabin on the Hyperion—so you won't need transport to reach operations. You start support missions tomorrow. Oh, by the way: we rescued three girls from Nagazora—Kiana Kaslana, Raiden Mei, and Bronya Zaychik. They're at St. Freya. You'll come to the academy from time to time for joint training with them or evaluations."
"Understood, Principal," I replied, following her quick steps through the wide, high-tech corridors.
Once we arrived, she handed me an access card for the facilities and said goodbye with an energetic wave.
"Rest well, Mikael! Tomorrow will be a long day."
My cabin was simple but functional: bed, desk, wardrobe, a window overlooking the endless ocean, and an integrated bathroom. I closed the door, sat on the edge of the bed, and summoned a zombie spirit. It emerged silently from the shadow in front of me, purple eyes glowing and movements obedient.
I observed it for a moment before deactivating the technique. Everything still felt unreal. During my time in this new world, I hadn't stopped to reflect on the matter. Perhaps because everything happened so fast, or because I didn't have time to think. But now, alone in an unfamiliar place, far from my friends, family, and everything I once knew… and to top it off, I was dead. At least, I was dead on Earth.
How did my friends and family react to my death? What did they think of me? How must my mother have felt?
What? Who? And why did they bring me here?
But none of that mattered anymore. No… even if it did matter, what could I do? The fact is that now I had a new life and new powers. In this life, I would definitely achieve something great. I would attain the peace and happiness I couldn't in my previous life… and maybe even something more.
That night, lying down listening to the distant hum of engines and the waves breaking, I planned in silence. So many events lie ahead: the Herrscher of Wind, the Sea of Quanta, Otto's experiments… I have to prepare. Otherwise, it won't just be me who loses.
The next day, rays of light streaming through the window and striking my face woke me. I opened my eyes, sat up in bed, and ran a hand through my hair. I turned around out of habit looking for my glasses. However, they weren't there… and I no longer needed them with this new body. I got up and headed to the bathroom.
After showering and brushing my teeth, I got dressed. Before I could finish adjusting my trench coat, there was a knock at the door.
Knock knock…
"Mikael? Are you awake? It's time for your first mission."
It was Theresa. I opened the door. The Principal stood there, in her nun's habit and with a serious but lively expression.
"Good morning, Principal. I'm ready."
"Good. You'll perform a quick cleanup in a coastal area near old Nagazora. There are reports of residual minor beasts from the eruption: zombies and some flying Seraph-class. Nothing a contractor like you can't handle, but we want to minimize civilian risk. Save anyone you see and report any anomalies. Go to the main hangar; the team departs in 30 minutes. Rita will give you the details there."
I nodded. Perfect. A chance to advance the secondary mission and practice my skills.
I headed to the hangar. Rita was waiting next to a small aerial transport, with a pair of Valkyries, probably B-rank. She handed me a communicator and a holographic map.
"Target zone: abandoned coastal city 40 km south. Residual Honkai low, but stranded civilians reported. Priority: rescue and containment. Do not reveal too much of your power in front of civilians unless necessary. The Principal trusts you… for now."
We boarded the transport. During the flight, I mentally reviewed: Maintain control. Don't let corruption build up.
We landed on the outskirts of the town: destroyed buildings, cracked streets, air thick with carbon dioxide and a faint stench of rot. The team dispersed in formation. It didn't take long to detect the first zombies—four, grade 4, dragging themselves toward a ruined house where human screams could be heard.
I advanced, letting the Valkyries cover other flanks. I didn't want unnecessary witnesses. I extended my hand discreetly.
"Exorcise and Absorb."
A subtle black aura enveloped all four in unison. Their bodies writhed silently before collapsing into dark spheres that flowed toward me. A cold, revitalizing torrent coursed through my veins.
[Honkai Beasts (Grade 4 Zombies ×4) absorbed → Cursed Spirits #13-16] [Cursed Energy +80 → 580/580] [Secondary Mission: Progress 16/50]
The screams came from a family trapped in the basement of the house. I broke the ruined door with a controlled strike and pulled them out one by one: father, mother, and two small children, terrified but unharmed. I directed them toward the safe zone where the Valkyries were coordinating evacuation.
"Stay with them," I told the B-ranks when I arrived. "I'll cover the north perimeter."
Then I went out to search for more possible survivors. I roamed the ruins of what had once been a coastal city, absorbing every Honkai beast that crossed my path. I needed to get stronger to protect myself and others. Because everyone in this world was as alive as I was.
Certainly, I'm not a hero, but I'm also not someone who despises life. Though I must acknowledge my small but existing ambition for power.
While walking through the abandoned streets reflecting on my morality, I had an idea. No one in this world knew the true nature of my powers, not even what I really was. So, to prevent those above me from suspecting my potential or feeling threatened, I would contain my abilities in public and take advantage of moments like this to test and train my capabilities.
I slipped into a nearby alley and summoned a zombie; it emerged from a shadowy pool in front of me like a puppet. I took a combat stance, breathed deeply, and focused on feeling the cursed energy within me. I wrapped my fist in cursed energy and slowly reduced the coating until it was almost imperceptible, like a thin second skin.
However, a second later it dissolved.
Damn, so close…
Alright, one more time. I inhaled slowly and deeply, closed my eyes, and felt the energy flow through my veins until it reached my fist and began to condense. I shaped it, distributing the mass of dark blue energy evenly. I opened my eyes and lunged at the summoned zombie. I struck with my fist and instantly intensified the energy flow. All the inertia I carried before the blow transferred to the cursed energy, like a wave that struck and hurled the spirit at high speed until it exploded against a car on the other side of the alley, denting and pushing it slightly.
Whoa… this reminds me of a certain Vi ability from League of Legends. But it's not exactly what I expected.
In essence, cursed energy reinforcement consists of circulating energy internally through muscles and bones, increasing their resistance and strength. Coating, on the other hand, is the controlled overflow of energy over the body or objects, making them far more resistant than simple reinforcement, but it requires more energy and is less efficient for prolonged fights. Combining both yields a massive increase in strength and resistance at the cost of enormous cursed energy expenditure. But most importantly: in theory, it increases the chance of producing a Black Flash by forcing the cursed energy flow to match the rhythm of the strike and reducing the "delay" from inertia.
Anyway, that's enough for today. Clearly, I'm not going to get a Black Flash yet.
I left the alley and continued my search, gradually finding a few more survivors who joined my sweep. Until Rita spoke to me over the communicator.
—"Good work, Mikael-sama. You rescued five more civilians. The Principal will be satisfied… for now. Return to the safe zone. Tomorrow you have joint training at St. Freya."
—Received, on my way.
I informed those I rescued that it was time to take them to the safe zone and protected them on the way back. I used only a pair of dual pistols I had taken from the camp to deal with the beasts and zombies along the path; I didn't want to raise suspicions. Once we arrived, I sent them to the infirmary for evaluation and guidance. Then I headed outside the camp, where Rita and an auxiliary craft were already waiting.
The return flight was silent. I felt the addictive excitement of cursed energy growing a little more inside me, like a lengthening shadow.
The next day, after a night of discreet practice with my cursed energy, I arrived at St. Freya's training fields. The academy buzzed with activity: young Valkyries running, sunlight reflecting off the facilities.
Major Himeko Murata greeted us with her strong, direct voice.
"Listen up! Today we'll have an anti-Honkai simulation in the virtual field with low- to mid-range beasts. Survive and clear the waves. Afterward… we'll have one-on-one combats to evaluate real skills."
Wow, Major Himeko is a bit different from what I expected, but I suppose it's because I'd only seen her through a screen. Seeing her in person alongside the protagonists really feels different… almost unreal.
The simulation was intense but controlled: using my physical abilities, I defeated several simulated Chariot and Knight beasts, winning without revealing too much. When it ended, Himeko announced the 1v1 duels.
Kiana Kaslana approached me directly, blue eyes shining with competitive excitement, hands on hips and a wide smile.
"Hey, you! The contractor who defeated an Emperor alone, right? I want to fight you! One-on-one, right now!"
I need to complete the mission of meeting the main protagonists… and this is the perfect opportunity.
I smiled slightly.
"I accept."
We moved to the center of the training field, a wide reinforced circle surrounded by energy barriers. Mei and Bronya watched from the edge alongside other Valkyries; Himeko and Theresa acted as referees.
Kiana jumped into the ring with energy, holding her dual pistols.
"I won't hold back, okay! Come at me with everything!"
"Same here." I extended my hand, summoning five spirits at once: four staggering zombies with purple eyes positioned in a circular formation around her, and the spectral Chariot charged from the flank. At the same time, I reinforced my body with cursed energy—a cold, dark flow coursing through muscles and veins, boosting speed and strength.
Kiana's eyes widened in genuine surprise.
"What are those things?! You summoned controlled Honkai Beasts?!"
I took advantage of her moment of shock: I ordered the zombies to surround her, limiting her movements, while the Chariot rammed to force her to jump. In the air, Kiana fired a barrage of energy bullets that dissipated two zombies, but I was already moving—running at enhanced speed, jumping, and striking her side with a fist infused with black aura.
The impact sent her flying several meters, rolling across the field with a groan. The field filled with exclamations from the spectators.
Kiana quickly stood, laughing with pure adrenaline.
"Hahaha! That hurt! You're really strong!" She brushed off the dust, eyes shining brighter. "Second round! Now I'm serious!"
She charged, firing bursts while dodging my remaining spirits with impossible flips. I ordered the Chariot to intercept, blocking a direct shot that temporarily dissipated it. Kiana jumped high, summoning the massive spectral cat paws of the Kaslana fighting style that crushed the ground where I stood—I dodged by millimeters, feeling the shockwave vibrate in my bones.
I counterattacked: I reformed the zombies to flank her and launched a direct combo—punch to the abdomen followed by a leg sweep. Kiana blocked the first with her pistols crossed, but the second threw her off balance. I finished with a controlled uppercut (soft enough not to seriously injure her) that sent her to the ground again.
Himeko whistled.
"Enough! Victory to Mikael von Lindeman."
Kiana stood panting, but with a huge smile. She extended her hand.
"You're amazing! I've never seen a power like that! I'm Kiana Kaslana, a future A-rank Valkyrie!"
I took her hand with a firm but friendly grip.
"Mikael von Lindeman. Pleasure, Kiana. You're strong. You forced me to use more than I planned."
Raiden Mei approached with a serene smile, though her violet eyes showed the weariness of recent Nagazora trauma.
"It was an impressive fight. I'm Raiden Mei. Welcome as support for our operations, Mikael-kun. I hope we can train together sometime."
Bronya Zaychik floated beside her with Project Bunny, expression impassive and voice neutral.
"Analysis complete. Subject Mikael possesses manipulation of controlled Honkai entities. Combat efficiency: high. Bronya approves your external collaboration." A minimal pause. "Bronya also desires future sparring. To collect data."
I laughed lightly, feeling the initial connection had formed. As a contractor, I'll be able to visit St. Freya regularly and stay close for when the time comes. Step by step.
[System Notice:]
[Main Mission Completed: Establish contact with the main protagonists as an external contractor. Reward: +50 points.]
[Template Progress: 500/1000 → Level 5 reached.]
[Reward: Uzumaki unlocked – Fusion of cursed spirits for combined techniques.]
In the following days, I participated in secondary Honkai cleanup missions in peripheral zones: I absorbed dozens of minor beasts, saving civilians in the process. Progress climbed steadily, and I began practicing Uzumaki in secret—fusing spirits to create more powerful forms, feeling my power expand.
I visited St. Freya from time to time for joint training or reports to Theresa. All while mentally preparing for the next major crisis: the mission in Oceania and the Herrscher of Wind.
—End of Chapter 3—