Chapter 8: Chapter 8 Neat Plane
A/N: Happy Lunar New Year Double Chapter Today
The crisp sound of metal hitting each other was a constant as two figures clashed with their training blades.
Within an open circular room, a young blonde girl zoomed toward her target and swung her blade toward his ribs from the right
Otto reacted in time and positioned himself to block it with his blade. The sheer force of Bianka's attack made his spine shiver and shake.
Seizing the opportunity, Bianka let go of her blade in a split second and soon her left leg flew toward the man's unprotected left side.
A roundhouse kick aimed at his ribs! She let the momentum go waiting to hear the screaming pains of the Overseer.
Bianka wasn't a petty person...Only a little mischievous but having been crushed by that smirking blonde man it really does bring out their pettiness.
Once her leg slammed into his side, Bianka only had one singular thought.
'Ah! My Leg!'
Sudden pain raptured in her leg and fell down onto the ground, holding onto her injured as if her life depended on it.
She stared at the ceiling in a daze and spoke with a heavy breath toward her opponent.
"I thought Soulium would be less painful than hitting a stainless steel wall...Seems I still have a lot to improve on. Is this the reason why you've been holding your punches and avoiding my attacks? The reason why you wanted to deal with swords...That's infuriating and also heartwarming that you thought of me that way."
Otto soon let down his blade and sat next to the fallen Goose and her slightly bruised left leg.
"It is partially my fault for not explicitly telling you my body is made with one of the greatest and hardest materials of this Era and asking you to train with me...Which I duly enjoy."
Bianka smiled upon hearing this and responded lightly.
"Don't blame yourself, my Student...I am glad to have taken you under my wing. I was too confident in myself thinking I could hit metal without my Battlesuit, and I had done it before...That cube of stainless steel never stood a chance."
"Master Bianka please stop saying lines that correspond to a Mentor figure in any type of media dying and passing on their secret technique before their last breath." Otto teased.
"Can you do me a favor...Come closer I need to tell you something." Bianka whispered.
Otto's Spiritual Intuition immediately flared up and his mind went into overdrive to process the situation. Even without it, he knew what was going on.
'I can see it clearly, Bianka definitely wants payback for the last spar we had...The question is should I follow along and teach her the cruel lesson of reality that life is unfair but knowing her...She's already experienced her hardships so let's just spoil her a bit. A little happiness wouldn't hurt her growth would it?'
Removing his thoughts, Otto scooted closer to the downed figure until his face hovered above Bianka's.
"What is it," Otto asked gently.
"Come closer." She muttered softly with her hands on her chest...Her last wish.
Once close enough her low voice tuned in into a single sentence, and a sly smirk plastered on her face.
"Got you!"
Both hands tightly grasped the sides of his clothes and she used all her might to flip him over to the ground. Within her gaze was the Overseer strung on the ground like a fallen cabbage.
Sweet Revenge!
Bianka got up from the ground and looked down at the still-smirking blonde man with a smug expression. Her face was slightly from the pain but she fought through it to have the last laugh.
"Let your guard-Ah!"
She let out a soft moan feeling a soft freezing sensation gripping her left injured leg...It was Otto's hand.
"What are you doing?"
"I can lower my body temperature to freezing or certain parts of it...So I am basically a walking ice packet. Feeling better now?"
She nodded and replied gratefully "Thanks...You're just like my personal doctor."
"I was your personal doctor when you woke up in the Orphanage."
"And I still treat you as if you were my personal doctor..."
Otto let go of his grip and Bianka's face grimaced feeling the cold pleasant sensation slowly fade away.
"Why'd you let go...I quite like the coldness?" She lightly chuckled.
"I am putting the finishing touches so this might feel a little familiar." He stood up from his spot and held his hand as if he was summoning an item.
Golden light streamed into Otto's hand as a silhouette of a lance-covered materialized and hovered into the ground creating a small circular field of healthful light.
Mimicry of Abyss Flower
Bianka face's widened immediately knowing what was healing her minor injury, a copy of her Divine Key the Abyss Flower.
Made with the core from the Previous Era of the Herrscher Death, the Abyss Flower has the ability to create and disintegrate matter through its atomic structure.
The Divine Key is split into two parts, White Flower a white lance that can heal any biological creature, and the more severe injuries needing a genetic blueprint to restore something that is too significantly damaged.
The other half is the Black Abyss which can induce the disintegration and deconstruction of any target including biological and nonbiological and reduces them to dust.
When the two are combined into Abyss Flower, their abilities are greatly enhanced to the point of being able to grow colossal trees and cause decay even to a Herrscher.
Even with a Mimicry of Abyss Flower, its healing was capable of healing otherwise-fatal or crippling injuries in seconds.
The glowing lance soon faded away and Otto stretched to ease away the rust...It would do anything physical but it was mentally good for the mind.
Bianka scrutinized his figure with a perplexed face and asked, "You didn't have to go that far to heal me...A bag of ice would do but Thanks again, Doc. "
"No problem though I only did it because you have a mission to do. An Honkai Outbreak was located in a faraway town and you and the Immortal Blades are tasked to evacuate any civilians nearby and clear out any threats. You want to bear the name of Durandal right? Then I'll help guide the way toward that title and for that, you need more experience in becoming a leader."
The girl's face let out a sigh of contentment, "How do you always come up with ways to soil the moment and make it so heartening at the same time...Let's leave it at that for today's training. You remind me of when I was younger, a girl who picked things up quickly and gave it her all."
Otto tilted his head and laughed, "That's still you.." After his amusement, Otto informed his order
"Get ready in 5 minutes and meet up at the Heliapod with your squad...The mission briefing will be discussed when you arrive at your destination."
"Got it...How do you always know so quickly whenever a situation needs to be attended to?" She put a hand on her chin and questioned.
Otto smirked hearing this and replied "Given the clues and information you know so far about me...Guess."
After a moment she answered, "It's Amber. Whenever Honkai Energy erupts further than a normal stated amount, she'll report to you, and since your body is robotic...You'll immediately know through a message...Am I right?"
Bianka waited for her answer but to her surprise...Otto Apocalypse was already gone like a Magician and his presence was gone akin to the wind...The only thing left was an untraceable golden feather to the mind's eye.
"This is why I don't like talking to frivolous people...Still fun." Seeing his absent figure, Bianka walked out of the sparring room and into the hallway where she met the wonderful "angelic" honey-blonde maid, Rita Rossweisse with two large craftily refined metal suitcases
Bianka greeted her with a light smile and asked quickly, "Ready, Deputy Captain? Another mission since a year ago when we went into a Bubble World in the Sea of Quanta. Even if worlds apart they're still with me."
The two soon departed and started to talk while walking towards a changing room.
"Quite literally...Master Bianka, I'll be waiting at the starting point...Oh, I almost forgot, Master Otto disappeared by sprinting so fast my eyes couldn't see him."
"Lying Maid...Seeing as you like to watch us train, what are your thoughts on Otto's capabilities and talents?"
With firm steps, she answered politely, " To put it bluntly...An absolute monster on evasive maneuvers but a softy when he holds his punches back against you."
"Please don't bring that up...I'll start to fluster at the mention of hitting Soulium with my bare hands...Did you bring it? Bianka asked while entering a private room.
Rita nodded and brought those two storage packs right into Bianka's hands. "Be hasty...The faster we are the more we can save more lives."
"I know." Bianka swiftly closed the door and opened both suitcases.
One was large enough to fit an entire guitar and the contents revealed a white lance adorned with numerous purple inlinings...The Sixth Divine Key, Abyss Flower.
To use a Divine Key, one had to be compatible with it; otherwise, they would be infected with Honkai Corruption and turned into zombies.
The other suitcase contained a well-dressed outfit, similar to that of a lieutenant. It had a recognizable cap neatly tacked in the case. It was a Battlesuit, a very ordinary-looking one.
Valkryie Gloria is its name and Bianka always wondered what the Overseer's mind was going through when designing such a stylish outfit.
It is tightly wrapped around her giving a snuggly and still warm feel when worn. In the next second a dim light shined in the changing room as Bianka brought forth a small wisp of flames dancing on her palm.
"Schicksal Technology is a blessing, and it is a mystery how it allows me to start shooting flames out of my fingers."
She exited the room with a diligent and firm aura. The large case behind her back made it all more fitting. She tightened her gloves back and said to the standing maid.
"Let's bring Glory shall we."
...
On the surface of Schicksal HQ many drones were moving around and about heading toward their destination.
One figure moving along the traffic of people and robots was an A-Rank Valkryie named Alvitr. Having long, greyish violet hair that is tied into a ponytail alongside raspberry-red eyes and wears a black and sea turquoise outfit.
"Another mission as a Logistics Squad I am comptant in combat but compared to my Squad Leader Bianka...I am basically a starter weapon."
Even if she complained about her own fighting ability she couldn't help but admire Bianka who became the youngest A-Rank Valkryie at the age of 11 and the capable Deputy Captain, Rita Rossweissee.
Strangely, her Captain didn't promote herself to S-Rank with all her merit and strength but she chalked up to personal reasons.
It's a blessing that she could fight alongside them in this upcoming mission. Alvitr stopped her daydreaming as she finally made her way to the Immortal Blade's hanger.
Any Valkryie Squad has the option to live with their squadmates in a designated living space or the common Valkryie dorms suited on one of the floating islands.
Since her squad, the Immortal Blades have made such contributions and merits to Schicksal to gain the opportunity to have their own hanger but in times of emergency, they'd have to make do with the nearest one.
Alvitr's been an early riser so she got here as quickly as she could once a mission was assigned and screamed right into her ears.
Darkness crept up on her as she entered the enclosed space, and amazement filled her eyes as she watched the sleek ship that would transport her to the upcoming battlefield. Its design resembled a plane, but it also had the most important properties of a ship.
The S.S Reciever
With a blue and white color scheme to blend in with the bright skies, wings that soar even the toughest of conditions, a hull with much-needed space to fit hear squad members, Honkai Energy Cannons, a Meta-Sonic accelerator, an electromagnetic barrier, and even a clear tinted sky view.
Truly a wet dream for a sci-fi fan and a nightmare for engineers.
Alvitr hurriedly went into the place by a retractable black staircase leading to an open door. Upon reaching the first steps she noticed the lack of noise coming from within.
Her other Immortal Blades Squadmates weren't a loud bunch but they usually had a knocking of stirring up some noise from time to time.
'What if there's trouble brewing from within the ship!... But this is literally Schicksal HQ who'd be stupid enough to storm into a Headquarters...Maybe I am just overthinking since it's the morning but just in case.'
The Valkryie put her hand onto the side of her belt where a glowing pistol was situated and slowly watched her steps until she reached the doorway.
She peaked her in and saw two rows of blackened mounted seats on the wall and on the left was absolute absurdity...Her Captain Bianka sitting on one of the seats next to a blonde greened eye doctor.
"Welcome Miss Alvitr...You've come early I see. Impeccable you even have your gun ready to any moment of attack." His voice echoed throughout the ship confirming the sight to be true.
A cold sensation spread from her spine and her face and body froze in complete horror upon hearing his stern voice
"Take a seat while you wait for your other Squadmates to come...Be sure to fasten your seatbelt since Rita will be the one driving, Miss Alvitr."
A honey blonde-haired maid with a headset popped her head out of the cockpit and asked,
"Did someone call for me? I'll be there in a moment if assistance from this wonderful Maid is needed."
"None needed, Rita. I am just introducing Miss Alvitr who arrived on the ship but she's not responding..." Otto replied back.
Bianka turned her capped head and said to the Doctor, "I think you feared out of her existence...What is with all the Valkryie being so afraid of you?"
"Maybe because of my position? It is a common trope for an employee to be afraid of their boss but don't mind me I'll be coming onto this mission as a Support as you can see from my outfit."
"Y-Yes." Alvitr aimlessly nodded her head and sat on the right, facing the Doctor and Valkryie Squad Leader.
"Don't worry about it, Alvitr I had the same reaction as you. The Overseer I know usually plays around in his office, lazing around and doing whatever he does.." Bianka said while letting out a soft smile
Alvtir's heart warmed up from seeing the girl's expression.
"Captain truly is the best! I was about to die of a heart attack and pass out just from seeing him...No offense, Overseer."
"None taken...Hopefully, let's assume no one does the same would you like something to drink, some snacks, or a little tea?" The Overseer politely asked.
Alvitr gulped and said hesitantly "...Do you have any coffee? It uh...Helps me wake up."
He smiled softly and added, "You have great taste."
...
In the next few minutes, the ship started to get filled more and more as the Immortal Blade Squad was assembled.
Most of them froze up upon seeing the Doctor but soon took a seat with most of them having a bottle of water or a cup of coffee or tea.
Seeing everyone gathered Otto departed from his seat and stood in the middle of the ship.
"Since we all gathered here, I'll explain the mission." Hearing the Overseer's stern high voice, everyone on the ship shimmered down and listened intently.
"An Honkai Outbreak has been sighted on the edge of India. It started having a measurement of 100 HW (Honkai Welt) when first spotted but soon continuously ramped up and seeing as further anomalies may be involved in such a case I'll be joining this mission. I'll be responsible if any of you are gravely injured or wounded so be at your absolute best in this moment."
Bianka stood from her seat and placed her clinched hand on her chest.
"By your will High Overseer!"
The Immortal Blades followed along with their Captain and took upon the same gesture.
"By your will High Overseer!"
"Thank you for trusting in my words...I will not disappoint your expectations." He bowed like a Magician and returned to his seat.
The Valkyries weren't surprised at the Overseer joining in as it wasn't uncommon for him to randomly pop up or assign missions and just hop in. So they breathed a sigh of relief and sat back down on their seats.
Whatever the case, having an Overseer greatly increased their chances of safety and the number of lives they could save.
With everyone seated, Otto called out, "Rita prepare for departure."
The sound of an engine roaring hit everyone's ears and the hull of the ship started to float rapidly. Soon it descended from the ground and soared up into the clear blue sky.
Instead of constant shaking the inside of the ship was a calm tide that enveloped everyone in its lull melody.
Seated down, Bianka asked the obvious, "How long will it take for us to arrive?"
"From above the Mediterranean Sea to the edge of India, a normal airplane would take 7 hours but thanks to our technology it'll only take about 7 Minutes...I wanted to implement Long Distance Spatial Teleportation but the amount of risks and danger is absurdly high."
"In the ship, it's pretty smooth sailing but I always do wonder how fast would we be going?"
"We would be going at 51,428 kilometers per hour or in Freedom Units 31,970 miles per hour which is about Mach 41.7 so we are going at the rate of 41 times beyond the speed of sound. Going beyond the speed of sound was bound to attract attention and so we'll be going to fly high in the sky above the Mesosphere, to where even the stars are viewable."
Before Bianka could speak her next words, Otto caught on, "And no we won't be using these ships to ram them into our enemies...Since they are highly expensive and the amount of damage is several times of a nuclear bomb which couldn't even kill a Judgement Class Honkai Beast."
"Honkai Energy is a load of nonsense."
"The Honkai is both a blessing and a source of curses that festered long enough...Maybe in this decade, they will no longer spawn from its unholy birthplace."
"Huh? Where?"
Otto pointed upwards with his finger and proclaimed softly, "The Cosmos of course."