"Is everyone ready?"
Leaning against the cabin door with one hand, Himeko glanced down at the boundless turquoise sea, then turned back to look at her team members.
Fu Hua, who had qualified as an A-rank Valkyrie several years ago, was trustworthy in all aspects of her abilities. Not only was she extremely strong in combat, but she was also very measured in handling matters, undoubtedly the most reliable type of teammate.
Ming Yu, who had just obtained his A-rank Valkyrie qualification, was unquestionably a top-tier genius in combat. Although he still seemed inexperienced in handling many matters and was shrouded in many mysteries, he was still a companion who could be relied on, more or less.
Finally, there was the newly promoted B-rank Valkyrie, Bronya. Although she was at the bottom of this small team in terms of combat power, her supporting role was not to be overlooked. Moreover, with Anti-Entropy as the opponent, this "Holy Maiden" of Anti-Entropy might play an unexpectedly useful role.
Faced with Himeko's question, the three, who were already prepared, were naturally not going to argue at this point. They all nodded to indicate they were ready to depart at any time.
Looking down at the undulating sea, Himeko suppressed her excitement, took a deep breath, and announced, "Operation, begin!"
With that, this experienced veteran A-rank Valkyrie put on her diving mask and was the first to jump into the water below.
Watching Himeko's figure being swallowed by the sea, Fu Hua and Bronya also put on their diving masks without hesitation and leaped down.
Ming Yu, who had already changed into his Soul-Etching Armor, also put on a black half-face mask, took a long breath, held it, and pushed off the cabin door with his right foot, his body launching towards the sea surface.
At the same time, while Ming Yu was still in mid-air, he instantly activated the engine on the back of his armor. With a powerful push from behind, Ming Yu's body instantly turned into a streak of red light and pierced into the ocean.
"I'll go on ahead."
Leaving this message in the communication channel, Ming Yu rushed towards the entrance of Jiu You at the bottom of the sea without slowing down at all.
Unlike other armors, Soul-Etching Armor had almost no weapon systems. Or rather, the weapons of Soul-Etching Armor were Ming Yu himself and Jizo Mitama.
In this respect, Soul-Etching Armor and Shadow Knight: Moonwheel were quite similar. But Moonwheel was like that because Fu Hua herself was powerful enough, while Soul-Etching Armor existed because Ming Yu himself couldn't withstand the full power of Jizo Mitama.
In order to resonate with the Divine Key, Soul-Etching Armor discarded many modules, leaving only the necessary speed and power enhancements. On the other hand, this also meant that its enhancements in speed and power were much stronger than those of a conventional A-rank armor.
At the very least, compared to Himeko's light Molten Core armor and Bronya's Drive Armor: Yamabuki, Soul-Etching Armor's speed was a significant advantage. And this was also why Ming Yu didn't wear a diving mask.
As for Fu Hua's Valkyrie Accipiter, could that thing even be considered armor?
It was said that Theresa had also thought of equipping Fu Hua with an armor befitting her status as an A-rank Valkyrie, but she refused.
This resulted in Fu Hua, an A-rank Valkyrie, never having a corresponding Valkyrie Battlesuit, as recorded in the Far East Branch's files.
But even just wearing the Valkyrie Accipiter uniform, the combat power Fu Hua displayed was no less than that of an ordinary A-rank Valkyrie equipped with armor.
Looking at Ming Yu's leading figure, Himeko glanced back at the calm-faced Fu Hua. After a moment of hesitation, she still urged, "Fu Hua, you should be familiar with this Ming Yu, but he might be much more special than you imagine. So, even if you see some things that defy common sense later, you must keep it confidential."
Himeko had some knowledge about Ming Yu seeking martial arts instruction from Fu Hua.
But in St. Freya in recent years, almost every Valkyrie aiming for the front lines had received Fu Hua's guidance to some extent. So, she had never been suspicious of their relationship.
After all, Fu Hua was the classic model student and one of the few people Theresa trusted the most. And such a person would never have any improper relationship with a questionable individual like Ming Yu.
Looking at Himeko's slightly worried face, Fu Hua felt a subtle emotion rise in her heart, but her expression remained unchanged. She just nodded calmly and said, "I understand, Major Himeko."
Receiving Fu Hua's reply, the slight unease in Himeko's heart immediately dissipated, and a satisfied smile appeared on her face.
Fu Hua was just that reassuring.
…
"Phew~"
Taking deep breaths of fresh air, Ming Yu couldn't help but carefully examine this underwater cavern called Jiu You.
Although he had just been here a few days ago, it was merely a fleeting glimpse. He had simply confirmed the location and left in a hurry.
The thought of the giant beast Chiyou sealed in Jiu You made Ming Yu's heart tremble, and he didn't dare to stay alone in such a place for long.
Even though he knew that as long as he didn't touch the Xuanyuan Sword, the seal wouldn't be broken, understanding was one thing, but the gloom and confinement of Jiu You still terrified him, making him afraid that Chiyou would jump out against all common sense.
Despite being at the bottom of the sea, Jiu You seemed to be enveloped by a mysterious force, forming a landscape similar to a terrestrial cave, complete with an underground river and even plenty of air.
Clusters of blue crystals emitted a faint glow, and water droplets occasionally fell from the stalactites overhead, their crisp splashing sounds echoing in the dark cave. The ripples of water formed several shimmering patterns on the rock walls.
If it weren't for the omnipresent danger, the Jiu You caverns would be a great place for tourism and adventure. If nothing else, just the strangely shaped stalactites and the glowing crystal clusters were quite extraordinary.
But…
"Before the others arrive, let me have a good warm-up."
Looking at the Honkai Zombies and Honkai Beasts emerging from the shadows, Ming Yu revealed a grim smile and slowly drew Jizo Mitama from his waist.
…
When Himeko and the other two arrived at Jiu You, before they could even marvel at the strange scenery, they were first startled by what was behind Ming Yu.
"What are you planning to do with them?"
Looking at the nearly sixty various Honkai Zombies and Honkai Beasts behind Ming Yu, Himeko asked with a raised eyebrow.
The bodies of all the Honkai Zombies and Honkai Beasts standing behind Ming Yu were, without exception, dyed a pitch-black ink color.
And Himeko had witnessed this particular type of Honkai Beast once before, half a year ago.
"Nothing much, just having them guard the door."
Shrugging, Ming Yu calmly explained while directing the corrupted Honkai Zombies and Honkai Beasts to line up at the entrance of Jiu You.
Pulling mobs to block the entrance and give a welcome gift to those who came later was just a standard operating procedure for a dungeon run.
"If Anti-Entropy really is coming, these things won't last long."
Hearing Ming Yu's reply, Himeko gently shook her head, not expressing agreement.
Even the forces prepared for Ming Yu alone would be enough to easily eliminate these Honkai Zombies and Honkai Beasts. Not to mention, Anti-Entropy surely already knew that the Far East Branch had dispatched more than just Ming Yu.
"It's fine, this is just a little warning."
Ming Yu said nonchalantly.
Of course, he never expected to rely on these cannon fodder to take out Anti-Entropy's mecha units; that would be far too naive. But just as he said, this was just a small warning, a trap set up on the fly.
"Suit yourself."
Since Ming Yu had said so, Himeko could only accept it. Besides, this was ultimately a trivial matter, not worth fussing over.
She glanced back at Fu Hua and Bronya behind her and read the confusion in their eyes, but she had no intention of explaining right now. In any case, information about the Divine Keys needed to be kept secret, and it was best not to speak of it if unnecessary.
Looking thoughtfully at Ming Yu, Himeko drew the greatsword from her back and was the first to walk towards the depths of the cave.
After exchanging glances for a few seconds, the three of them, Ming Yu included, followed Himeko's footsteps after a brief, silent communication.