When they returned to the dormitory building after dinner, Himeko Murata had spent the entire trip chatting aimlessly with Kiana. Even though Kiana urged her multiple times, she showed no sign of taking out the gifts. Seeing this, Kiana felt that Himeko was deliberately keeping her in suspense and protested strongly, but Evan already understood the real reason.
The so-called gifts might not be suitable for him to see.
"I still have some things to deal with, so you two have a good chat. By the way, Miss Himeko, even if you stay overnight in the dormitory and sleep with Kiana, it doesn't matter. After all, there's no dorm manager or anything like that here."
"I'll talk with Kiana for a while longer and then leave. Thanks for the meal earlier. If I have the chance, I'll return the favor."
Although Himeko Murata had initially told Kiana to treat her, Kiana had focused solely on enjoying the food in the restaurant and completely forgot about paying. In the end, it was Evan who quietly settled the bill. Himeko had a good impression of this very gentlemanly boy.
"You're welcome."
Nodding to Himeko, Evan went upstairs, leaving Himeko and Kiana on the first floor of the dormitory. Only then did Himeko take out two items.
"This is a Honkai energy monitoring watch. Under normal circumstances, it's no different from a regular watch. When the Honkai energy reaches a dangerous level, it will sound an alarm. I hope that when the watch alarms, you will immediately find a way to leave the area, Kiana."
Himeko introduced it in quite some detail, but Kiana's gaze lingered for a long time on the other gift in her hand. Himeko then continued her introduction.
"These two guns are called the [Artemis' Guardian]. If used by a Valkyrie who can utilize Honkai energy, they can unleash extremely powerful strength. Be careful. Unless a Honkai eruption occurs, please do not use them casually, not even to test their power. Hide them well usually, and don't let ordinary people see them."
In fact, if it weren't for the Honkai outbreak in the outskirts of Nagazora City, Himeko Murata would never have agreed to Theresa giving this weapon to Kiana. All weapons used by Valkyries possessed power beyond common sense. Once abused, they would bring great danger. Unless it was a specially trained Valkyrie, even someone with the corresponding aptitude was not suitable to use these weapons of mass destruction.
Kiana excitedly tried to take them, but Himeko didn't let go immediately. Instead, she looked at the girl seriously and said.
"Did you remember what I said?"
"I know, I know! I used pistols when I fought with my dad before. Don't worry, I won't point the muzzle at anyone other than Honkai Beasts and zombies."
Unlike most girls, Kiana was very interested in fighting and killing. After making a cool guarantee, she fondled the [Artemis' Guardian], which looked like a work of art, with great affection. Then, she asked with curiosity.
"Why did Aunt Theresa suddenly think of sending me gifts?"
Himeko Murata's first instinct was to find an excuse to gloss over it. But on second thought, although Principal Theresa didn't want Kiana to know about St. Freya Academy, she didn't seem to intend to hide information about the Honkai from Kiana. Moreover, judging from Kiana's words, she seemed to have dealt with the Honkai long ago. In that case—
"Because a Honkai eruption just occurred in the outskirts of Nagazora City."
"?!"
Kiana's originally happy face suddenly changed. She knew very well what the Honkai was.
She had finally made friends and finally had a peaceful life; was it going to be destroyed by the Honkai again?
Last time, her father had disappeared likely because of the Honkai. This time, she would definitely protect Mei, and Evan.
Damn Honkai, don't even think about destroying my life again.
"You don't need to be too nervous. It was just a small-scale eruption, and the Honkai Beasts produced have already been cleared out. Nagazora City is safe now. Rest assured, even if there really is any danger, Principal Theresa won't leave you alone."
Pausing slightly, Himeko continued.
"There are many things Theresa hides from you, not because she has a barrier against you, but out of pure goodwill. Knowing more will only make you more troubled."
Seeing Kiana lower her head in silence, Himeko patted her shoulder and turned to leave. Before walking out of the dormitory building, she stopped and spoke without looking back.
"My family, friends, and comrades-in-arms have all passed away because of the Honkai. I worked desperately hard to get to where I am now, but every time I face the Honkai, I still feel my own insignificance. The world is so big, and when and where the Honkai will suddenly erupt is completely unknown. Kiana, if one day you really have to face the Honkai, don't think about defeating it, but strive to survive."
"Then, who will face the Honkai?"
Kiana raised her head, showing a character different from her usual self.
Himeko Murata finally turned around and smiled at Kiana. A complex smile containing bitterness, determination, and various other emotions.
"Me, and the others. We are Valkyries, people destined to fight the Honkai for a lifetime. So, leave it to us without any psychological burden. Kiana, you probably haven't heard the word 'Valkyrie' from Principal Theresa, right? Because your Aunt Theresa loves you deeply."
Himeko Murata left, disappearing from the sight of Kiana, who was filled with questions because of her words. She also gradually walked away in the eyes of Evan, who was on the rooftop of the dormitory building.
Silently watching Himeko leave Nagazora City, Evan looked up at the sky in the direction she had disappeared. There was only the black of the night; the moon in the sky wasn't enough to illuminate the night sky. But Evan knew that in that patch of night sky, which wasn't much different from any other direction, there might be an aerial battleship named Hyperion.
Would he one day be able to stand in that battleship, on the bridge, and hear the Valkyries call him "Captain"?
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