"Speaking of which, you're about to be promoted to A-rank, aren't you?"
Ajifu pursed her red lips and said with a sigh. She thoughtfully omitted the word "Valkyrie," sparing Ming Yu's fragile ego, but everyone in the Seventh Squad knew what she meant.
So-called A-rank Valkyries were not only recognized for their strength but also had to possess a certain level of skill in combat command, capable of directing a battle or even a campaign.
In other words, they were at a level where they could read the situation, know when to advance and retreat, and lead a squad independently. For example, a certain white-haired fluffball who only knew how to charge and charge would probably never become an A-rank Valkyrie in her life.
Although the commander in an ordinary squad was usually just a B-rank Valkyrie, the commanders on slightly larger battlefields were, without exception, A-rank Valkyries.
And given Ming Yu's status and strength, capable of wielding a Holy Relic, Ajifu knew he would never be sent to the sidelines of a battlefield to fool around.
After half a year of missions, Ming Yu had also come to roughly understand the distribution of strength in Valkyrie squads. Even an ordinary elite squad could not tolerate having two A-rank Valkyries who were too outstanding.
And the Seventh Squad was just such an ordinary elite squad, and Ajifu's strength was already in the upper echelons among A-rank Valkyries. Therefore, if his rank was promoted to A-rank, he would not be allowed to remain in the Seventh Squad.
When his rating was only B-rank, he could still be seen as a B-rank Valkyrie with profound strength. But when his rating rose to A-rank, the meaning it represented was completely different.
Unless the Far East Branch wanted to build the Seventh Squad into an ace squad like Squad 5, but one branch didn't need two aces. Could the Far East Branch really expect two aces to make a royal flush?
Looking at Ajifu's bitter expression, Ming Yu nodded silently.
"In that case, in the words of the Far East, I wish you good fortune in your battles!"
Ajifu's expression turned serious as she straightened up. Although the order didn't explicitly say so, combining the Seventh Squad's recent achievements with the fact that Ming Yu alone received a special order during their collective vacation, she could understand that the day of his promotion to A-rank was not far off.
"Honestly, a junior's promotion should be a happy occasion, but I don't feel happy at all. I guess I'm just not that broad-minded of a woman."
Wiping the moisture from the corner of her eye, Giovanna said while biting her lip, completely oblivious to the captain's unfriendly gaze fixed on her ample chest.
Although Ming Yu had only been with them for two months, such a reliable teammate was rare in their years-long Valkyrie careers. But no matter how reluctant they were, they knew that parting was inevitable.
Looking at his two comrades-in-arms, Ming Yu's nose tingled. Because mission times varied, Valkyries from different squads didn't get to spend much time together. One couldn't expect this profession to have fixed work locations and hours like a nine-to-five job.
Moreover, in the fight against the Honkai, sacrifice was unavoidable. Even members of elite squads had to frequently face the danger of death.
Fighting the Honkai, being killed by the Honkai—this was the fate of over ninety-five percent of frontline Valkyries.
Perhaps this parting would be their last.
"You guys don't have to be like this. It's not a life-or-death separation, and my transfer order isn't even official yet. At least for now, I'm still a member of the Seventh Squad. Besides, even if I leave the Seventh Squad, we'll still have chances to meet again..."
As he spoke, Ming Yu's voice gradually trailed off.
After a long silence, he spoke again, "Well then, take care, everyone. At the very least, you two seniors still owe me a farewell dinner."
After exchanging farewells once more, the two Valkyries didn't linger, rising to their feet and leaving in silence. Ming Yu's mission was urgent, and Valkyries themselves were not people who dawdled.
This was supposed to be a happy vacation, but now all three of them had lost their enthusiasm.
Staring blankly at the exquisitely decorated ceiling, Ming Yu couldn't help but wonder what Theresa was up to this time.
Considering Squad 5's recent inactivity, either Auntie Himeko's health had taken a turn for the worse, or they were planning something big.
Whatever the reason, at this point in time, it would only force Theresa to do one thing.
*So, she's after Ji Xuanyuan's Stigmata after all...*
Rubbing his forehead, Ming Yu felt a headache coming on. This instance seemed a bit difficult... (????)
Sighing, Ming Yu opened his long-neglected attribute panel.
Host: Ming Yu
Honkai Energy Points: 3878
Weapons: Spirit Blade: Sakura Fubuki (5-star), Divine Key: Jizo Mitama (5-star)
Stigmata:
Skills: Inch-Heart Fist Technique (LV4: 6742/9000), Sword Skill: Fallen Sakura (LV4: 7750/8000), Taixu Sword Qi (LV3: 7654/10000)
Evaluation: A (You have finally become a powerhouse in the eyes of ordinary people, although you are, in fact, just a super soldier.)
Ignoring the System's mockery, Ming Yu secretly assessed his current strength.
After more than half a year of tempering, he was no longer the novice he once was.
He had successfully repaired Jizo Mitama, and his various combat skills had improved significantly. His System evaluation had finally reached A-rank a month ago.
But since then, acquiring points had become much more difficult. Even after yesterday's large-scale mission, he had only gained a little over four hundred points.
With him occasionally adding a few points to various skills, combined with his relentless, hard training over the past half-year, he had barely managed to achieve his current strength.
Truth be told, the help from the System wasn't particularly significant, even lower than he had expected, though he hadn't had high hopes for it in the first place. But the fact that his cheat was inferior to others' was an undeniable truth, which still left him a little disappointed.
As soon as the thought crossed his mind, a sentence inexplicably popped into his head: *Without this system's modifications and assistance, did you really think you were a genius?*
*Heh heh~*
Chuckling coldly in his mind, Ming Yu paid no heed to the System's words. After what happened six months ago, he knew this trash system was completely unreliable. If he wanted to become a powerhouse relying solely on this system, he might as well go to sleep and dream on.
Looking far in the direction of St. Freya, Ming Yu's heart couldn't help but stir. Although he could only see the base's buildings from his position, he couldn't stop the surging feelings of longing.
Thinking of everyone at St. Freya—Kiana, Mei, Bronya, Hiyokumaru... Ming Yu's heart burned with anticipation.
Stretching his arms out long, Ming Yu stood up and slowly walked out of the restaurant.
This reunion, after half a year, was truly something to look forward to...