Honkai: Strijder (Patreon)

Chapter 125: Behemoth

"Emergency notice! Emergency notice!"

"There will be large-scale geological and volcanic activities in the East China Sea area. Geological and marine experts predict a high risk of earthquakes and tsunamis. In order to ensure the safety of coastal residents, all maritime activities are urgently suspended, and large-scale evacuations are underway in coastal areas!"

"Please evacuate in an orderly and rapid manner under the arrangements of the government departments! Please evacuate in an orderly and rapid manner under the arrangements of the government departments!"

"I repeat! There will be—"

In the coastal areas of China, action was swift.

Although the systems were different now, the concept of valuing human lives and rallying together in times of crisis remained largely the same. The actions of the Chinese government were relatively swift, and the cooperation of residents was relatively high.

As Welt's magnificent fortress gradually took shape, the Honkai energy in the sea also began to show signs of eruption. Information from the drone monitoring screen showed that more than a quarter of the coastal residents in China had already been evacuated, and the remaining population was also moving out in an orderly manner.

But that was far from enough.

Boom! Boom!

"Roar~"

Indescribable roars of giant beasts came from beneath the raised sea surface, with large bubbles rising within a hundred-mile radius, as if the entire sea was boiling.

"Is it coming? We need to speed thing up— Sigurd, how are the arrangements on your end?"

Welt focused on building the fortress while simultaneously combating wave after wave of giant waves, trying to minimize the damage to the coastal areas. He didn't even turn around as he asked.

"I'm on my way, I'll make it. The drones and Dr. Einstein's combat aircraft have already been deployed, and the mechas and manpower from the surrounding branches of Schicksal have been arranged properly and will be fully deployed within fifteen minutes."

As Sigurd's voice fell from the screen, a buzzing sound echoed, and countless small drones and the relatively large EINS aircraft appeared in the sky, floating around the perimeter of the circular fortress, gradually sealing off the vast airspace around it.

Welt finally breathed a sigh of relief when he saw this, then turned to Hera with a sharp gaze, silently asking her a question.

"The Valkyries from the surrounding Schicksal branches have been gradually deployed, and reinforcements from headquarters are still on their way, expected to arrive in twenty-five minutes. Before that, I just hope this big guy below doesn't get too out of control."

Hera leaned out from the edge of the deck, overlooking the now looming shadow of Chi You, her eyes also showing a hint of seriousness.

To be honest, if it weren't for the cooperation with Anti-Entropy, with the commotion down below, it would be difficult for him to quell the situation without causing major damage to Schicksal. 

Otto wouldn't let human order easily collapse, as it wouldn't be conducive to his resource acquisition and research plans, but he wouldn't be willing to reveal too many cards for the sake of humanity either.

This collaboration was not only a request from Sigurd and Welt, but Otto himself was also happy to go along with it.

But I wonder what's special about Chi You, and if it's worth doing some extra research afterward?

There was a glimmer of anticipation in Hera's eyes.

...

In the distance, inside of a speeding black transport aircraft.

Sigurd sat in the middle of the conference room, legs crossed, the "Key of Thunder" wrapped around his right arm, and the "Judgement of Shamash" leaning against his hand. A delicate gold wire ball made of soul steel hung from his waist, containing a verdant "Gem of Desire."

‘Chi You... Why would it awaken at this time?'

'Is it the butterfly effect? My appearance has led to the advancement of civilization and technological levels, and the will of Honkai has reacted?'

'That should be the only explanation. The Third Herrscher has not yet arrived, so it's appropriate to resurrect Chi You as the third Herrscher. Judging from the readings of Honkai energy in the surrounding sea, this can be considered a genuine Honkai Outbreak.'

'The faster I develop, the sooner the Outbreak will come. But fear and compromise are useless. The disaster known as Honkai is a genuine test for any civilization. Only by facing it head-on can we break through the catastrophe. Civilizations that are trying to run from it cannot pass.'

Sigurd intertwined his fingers, lightly tapping his hand back with his thumb, contemplating and conserving his strength.

His overly serious expression made Kiana and the others, as well as accompanying members like Rita Rossweisse and Liliya Olenyeva, dare not disturb him at this moment.

After a while, Sigurd raised his eyes, swept his surroundings, and spoke:

"Bronya, you lead Sin Mal and Kiana. First, ensure the battlefield blockade task of the drones, and second, patrol the sea areas around the fortress. Do not engage in direct combat, but instead, eliminate any fish that break through from the sea and the fortress. Your life safety is the bottom line, no bravado, no carelessness, and no cowardice."

"Yes!" x3

The three figures clad in black armor stood together, saluting.

The situation was grave, and even Kiana, with her husky-shaped soul, appeared particularly serious and reliable at this moment.

Sigurd eased his expression and turned to Cecilia and Raiden Ryoma.

"The command of the Titan forces on the fortress is up to you. This is the first time Anti-Entropy does any cooperation with Schicksal, and it's also a crucial battle against the Honkai. We cannot afford any mistakes."

"Yes!" x2

Cecilia and Raiden Ryoma replied in unison.

The former was already a loyal supporter who had been trained by Sigurd, and the latter was a loyal executor of Anti-Entropy and a staunch warrior against the Honkai. Both had good commanding abilities, and Sigurd trusted them.

Then, Sigurd opened several virtual screens and carefully reviewed the entire battle line arrangement from beginning to end before he breathed a sigh of relief.

"Miss Fu Hua, is this black armor still suitable for you?"

Sigurd turned to the slender figure leaning against the wall and asked.

"It's very impressive technology. Coupled with your previous treatment, I'm probably already as strong as when I’m at my prime, perhaps even stronger. Just tell me the plan, and I'll do my best to cooperate. By the way, you can just call me Fu Hua."

Fu Hua lifted her head, her voice carrying a hint of gentleness. They were all main forces against the Honkai, and having spent some time together, Fu Hua genuinely hoped for their safety and success and was more than willing to provide assistance.

"You are free to act. I don't fully understand your abilities, and only you know what you're capable of."

Sigurd said lightly, lowering his gaze. Not making arrangements for Fu Hua could make it difficult for Otto to deal with her.

Yes, he was also holding back a bit. He hadn't mentioned Fu Hua to Welt, let alone Otto.

Although Otto might have some guesses.

Anyway, Fu Hua was an insurance policy. Regardless of anything, she was a steadfast force against the Honkai and could effectively fill any gaps in the entire front line.

Moreover, considering Fu Hua's current strength, it should be enough to make Otto hesitate to launch a sneak attack, and even if she were to be defeated by the Archbishop, it was still better than nothing.

Against that guy, it's never too much to be cautious.

The East Sea was near, and the surging Honkai energy had reached a spine-chilling level even at the edge.

Both Sigurd and Fu Hua's eyes narrowed.

"That's about it. Let's get to our respective positions. Cecilia, open the hatch, we're going down."

"Yes! Please be careful."

"I will."

Sigurd said so, standing in front of the howling wind at the hatch.

He paused for a moment, then turned back and patted Bronya and Sin Mal's heads before finally placing a gentle hand on Kiana's head.

"Stay safe, all of you. If a few Honkai Beasts manage to slip out and cause trouble, don't try to be heroes, understand?"

"Yes yes, we know, we know! We're not kids anymore, no need to lecture us, let's go, let's go!"

Kiana pouted and complained, then flashed a particularly bright smile.

Sigurd naturally pinched her soft and smooth cheek and smiled.

"If you don't follow orders and cause trouble, after this is all over, I'll hang you up in the Arctic and let you enjoy a month of snow and ice."

He smiled, making a threat that made Kiana shiver.

Kiana stuck out her tongue.

"I know you care about me..."

"It's not about caring for you. I trust Bronya and Sin Mal, but you, you're a worrywart."

"Say that again!?"

"You're a worrywart."

Kiana puffed up her cheeks, stomped her foot angrily, and then stormed out of the hatch, heading straight for the sea surface.

Sigurd watched the disappearing figure and sighed.

"Bronya, take care of them. Not just Kiana, Sin Mal can be troublesome at times too, don't let her act recklessly."

Sin Mal twisted her fingers shyly, feeling a bit embarrassed.

Although it was criticism, Sigurd's words carried affection and concern, which made her very grateful.

"Understood!"

Bronya replied firmly, and together with Sin Mal, they jumped off the plane and chased after Kiana.

Meanwhile, on the sea surface, a huge black shadow had slowly emerged.

"Roar~"

The giant beast Chi You officially broke through the sea, with just one head soaring into the sky, towering so high it couldn't be seen, occupying a vast area of the sea, and its mighty roar echoed for hundreds of miles without weakening.

At this moment, everyone along the coast of the East Sea was speechless.

Welt twitched his mouth.

"Is this really a Honkai Beast? Can my fortress contain it? What did the ancestors of Shenzhou use to defeat such a creature five thousand years ago?"

He was a bit on the verge of exploding.

Just this kind of beast, simply taking a stroll around the globe's surface would be enough to destroy the world, right?