Isn't this... Wendy?
Wende's mouth fell open as he looked at the young girl in the wheelchair before him. For a moment, he felt at a loss for words.
As a former Honkai Impact 3rd player, it was impossible not to know Wendy. As the weakest Herrscher, Wendy held the record for being taken down by three B-rank Valkyries!
But as it turned out, Wendy wasn't entirely to blame. Just like how Konoha's genin are all monsters, Schicksal's C-rank Valkyries... are also monsters...
Being ganged up on by three Herrschers, one of whom was the Herrscher of Finality... Wendy had cleared her name. It wasn't that she was weak, but that her enemies were simply too strong!
Of course, joking aside, Wende's heart still ached for this child. Back when he played through the story, he had naively believed that Wendy would join their team. However...
Seeing Wendy before him, one hand dragging a suitcase and the other on her wheelchair, Wende quickly walked over to take her luggage. He then positioned himself behind her to push the wheelchair.
"You are?"
Wendy turned her head to look at Wende behind her, a hint of confusion in her cyan-green eyes.
"I'm your rehabilitation therapist. From now on, I'll be responsible for your daily life, Miss Wendy," Wende said with a gentle smile.
"Oh... hello. May I ask your name..."
Wendy's voice was delicate and soft, like that of a shy and introverted little girl, but it also carried a hint of alienation.
It made sense. To her, he was just a stranger. She probably thought he was another person sent by Schicksal to monitor her.
Looking at the long ahoge on the girl's head, Wende smiled helplessly before giving a formal reply.
"My name is Wende. I'm a rehabilitation doctor from a Schicksal-affiliated hospital. I'll be taking care of you for the next month or so."
He pushed Wendy to the car he had driven over. It was a minivan specifically designed for people with disabilities, but it was still not very convenient for a patient like Wendy, whose lower body was completely immobile.
Wende first placed her suitcase in the trunk, then very naturally and gently lifted Wendy into his arms.
"!"
Feeling the warmth against her body, a faint blush crept onto Wendy's cheeks, and the ahoge on her head twitched unconsciously, but she didn't say anything.
After all, in the days since she'd lost feeling in her legs, this wasn't the first time... but it was indeed the first time she had been held by a member of the opposite sex...
Wende gently placed Wendy in the seat, helped her adjust to a relatively comfortable position, and fastened her seatbelt. After putting the wheelchair in the trunk as well, he got into the driver's seat and adjusted the rearview mirror. In the back seat, Wendy's face was filled with confusion and anxiety.
Leaving a familiar place for a strange one is always unsettling, especially for a young girl who was not yet an adult and had a physical disability...
Wende drove very steadily. Although it had been a long time since he'd last driven, his skills were still intact.
Their destination wasn't far from the Schicksal Oceania Branch, located in a nearby urban district. The round trip would take less than an hour.
Soon, the two arrived at their destination, an apartment building. Wendy's new home was on the fourth floor.
Along the way, Wendy and Wende hadn't exchanged a single word. She just quietly watched the scenery outside the window, extending her slender fingers out to silently feel the wind brush past her fingertips...
The wind... is free. When will I ever be free? she thought. She was trapped in the cage called her body...
Wende drove the car into the underground garage and took the elevator from there to their final stop, Wendy's new home...
Click...
Wende turned on the living room lights, then gently carried Wendy to the sofa, preparing to help her take off her shoes and socks...
The apartment Schicksal had prepared was quite large, around one hundred and twenty square meters. It had two bedrooms, a living room, an open-plan kitchen, two bathrooms, and a study.
"M... Mr. Wende, I can do this myself..." Wendy's voice was tinged with panic. She... she didn't really want people to touch her legs...
"It's alright, Wendy, relax. I'm your rehabilitation therapist, remember? Of course, if you really mind, I can assist you while you do it yourself. How about that?"
Wende's words were very gentle, as if he were discussing things with her. It was a feeling she hadn't experienced since she lost the ability to move...
Everyone else had always been so forceful, as if they were all wearing masks of decisiveness while compelling her to do various things. Wende's words, in that instant, made her feel a daze. She...
"I... I want to do it myself..."
Wendy bit her lip, her gaze somewhat fearful, not daring to look directly at Wende, as if afraid he would refuse.
"Of course you can. I'll be right here beside you." Wende nodded, his eyes incredibly soft.
"Thank you, Mr. Wende..."
Wendy tried, using her arms to lift her own senseless legs. It was a bit strenuous, but not difficult for her; in fact, it was second nature.
In the dorm, she had always been alone like this, using her two arms to do everything... It's just that...
Wendy gently glanced at Wende, who was sitting beside her. His purple eyes were watching her with such tenderness.
She quickly looked away. Wendy, what's wrong with you? Why do you feel your heart beating so fast...?
"Mm, you're doing great." Wende was still smiling that same gentle smile.
"Thank you..." Wendy turned to the side, placing her clasped hands on her chest, her face slightly flushed.
What on earth is happening? Am I sick?
As an A-rank Valkyrie and the one with the most potential to become an S-rank, Wendy, despite appearing frail and unable to move her legs, still had immense power hidden within her small body. Thus, she could manage most daily tasks on her own. This was a great relief to Wende. At the very least, the child hadn't given up on herself. This was a very good sign.
At least, it was much better than her state in the game.
After learning a little about Wendy's personal preferences, Wende began to prepare a sumptuous dinner for her. After all, this was a new home, which called for a housewarming celebration. It was also Wende's first day in the Honkai world. No matter how you looked at it, it was a day worth commemorating.
So, Wende decided to show off his cooking skills.
In the end, Wendy sat at the table, staring in disbelief at the grand feast before her. This... was so lavish, so luxurious... but could the two of them really finish it all?
In the end, they finished it all.