The distance between the two was closing in, and a hint of anxiety gradually grew in Bianka's heart.
She still had ways to create a gap. Harassing attacks were a very effective method.
But Bianka hadn't forgotten that this was just an assessment. Even though the power Shu had displayed was far beyond what a "newcomer" should have, Bianka still remembered that this was a test for newcomers.
If it had been planned in advance, it would have been fine. He would be prepared, and she would be measured in her attacks. It would just be a sparring match, with no real danger.
But this was just a "hide-and-seek." Even though Rita had emphasized that "any means could be used," for her to suddenly attack was still...
"Attack without worry," a calm voice suddenly sounded in Bianka's mind, nearly scaring the daylights out of her.
A voice in my mind?! What kind of technique is this?!
Bianka, who had thought she was a qualified warrior who had seen it all, was once again shocked.
But she also realized that this was Shu's technique, his answer to the doubts in her heart.
Wait, how did he know what she was thinking?
The question flashed through Bianka's mind for a moment before being pushed to the back. Her attention quickly shifted to the special fluctuation she had felt when the voice sounded in her mind.
This familiar energy... and that strange sense of closeness...
Bianka felt a certain energy within her stir. Following her own thoughts, and the unique fluctuation coming from him, it began to circulate.
The flow of energy within her became more and more similar to his, their paths beginning to overlap.
The next moment, Shu, who was waiting for Bianka's harassing attack, received a thought from her.
"What am I even doing... I haven't even figured out this power myself, and I'm trying to imitate it..." the little girl's troubled thoughts echoed in Shu's mind without reservation, even her hums were clearly audible.
Shu's speed suddenly slowed. He subconsciously raised his hand to touch his ear, an unconcealable shock in his eyes.
Bianka might not have felt it, but Shu had felt it clearly.
Although the voice from Bianka sounded like an unconscious thought, that fluctuation was undoubtedly his [Hope]!
At this moment, all thoughts of assessment, of scores, were thrown to the back of Shu's mind. The only thing that remained was a myriad of questions about Bianka.
Why was there a reaction of [Hope] from Bianka? And what was that voice that had entered his mind? Was it really an imitation of his use of [Hope] just now?
No, the main point was that she possessed "[Hope]."
Shu subconsciously wanted to accelerate and end this childish chase, to grab Bianka and ask her where this power of [Hope] came from.
But today, Shu had already acted impulsively many times, which gave him a little more room to think at this moment.
Bianka's thought just now said... that this was a power she hadn't figured out yet? This unconscious transmission could indeed prove that point... but Bianka did know she had such a power, she just wasn't skilled with it...
Not skilled...
With more practice, she will be!
The thought popped into Shu's mind without warning, carrying a hint of joy that Shu himself hadn't noticed, an emotion he hadn't shown in a long time.
So long that it felt a little unfamiliar to him.
Ever since he had awakened and begun to master [Hope], Shu could feel the burden on his shoulders growing heavier. Everyone else was an ordinary person, so he, with his special abilities, should bear more...
From the people he knew, to the [Fire Moth] he had created, to every person who had heard of the name of Fire Moth, to the future of this civilization, the safety of this civilization...
Because he possessed the almost "omnipotent" [Hope], he should bear all the responsibilities.
And because only he possessed [Hope], all the burdens would fall on his shoulders...
Shu knew that everyone was getting stronger, and was looking for their most suitable position, whether it was Kiana's use of the Key of Genesis or Mei's efforts to adapt to the pseudo-Xuanyuan Sword so as not to fall behind...
Shu could see everyone's efforts, could see everyone fighting desperately.
But this wasn't the original story. People couldn't rely on Honkai energy to become stronger.
Currently, besides Shu, the only ones who could directly use Honkai energy were Fréllei and Sirin, who were former Herrscher vessels, and Bianka, who had recently become a perfect MANTIS.
And whether it was Kiana and the others, or Sirin and Frélle, their growth... was limited.
Herrschers and Shu were ultimately on another level of power.
Kiana and the others' strength was effective against Honkai Beasts and other disasters, but in front of a Herrscher... self-preservation was their limit.
So even though everyone was trying hard to help Shu share the pressure, in the end, the burden was still on Shu alone, on the seemingly "omnipotent," yet "one and only" [Hope].
And now, another [Hope] had appeared before Shu, like the bright moon rising after the red sun had set, carrying the same radiance.
Bianka... how did she do it?
At this moment, a thousand thoughts raced through Shu's mind, but one thing was certain: at this moment, Shu was happy, because he had finally seen something that only others could see in him...
Hope.
The hope of shouldering more!
Making up his mind, Shu prepared to show a little of his true skill.
"Get ready, I'm going to attack!" Shu's voice once again sounded in Bianka's mind. Even without looking back, Bianka could feel the faint sense of joy coming from Shu.
"Why is he so happy?" Bianka's confused thought was once again unconsciously transmitted to Shu, which made the corners of Shu's mouth curve up even more.
Although she didn't understand, Bianka still prepared herself. At the same time, her harassing attack was ready.
As soon as the two of them reached an open space that wouldn't affect the city...
Shu didn't accelerate, but maintained the same speed as Bianka, following her to the port of Sapphire City, over the sea.
Bianka changed direction and fell rapidly towards the sea surface. Shu followed closely behind.
They didn't fall into the sea. Bianka's toes tapped lightly on the rippling surface, and a huge piece of ice appeared on the sea, becoming their foothold.
The game of hide-and-seek was over.
Next, was Shu's assessment of Bianka...
"Wait a minute... I seem to remember that I'm the examiner, right?"