"I just gave up something that, in a sense, is as precious as life itself, and your nonchalant reaction really hurts me."
Evan's words, spoken with such seriousness, stunned Himeko Murata. She carefully observed his expression and, after confirming he didn't seem to be joking, frowned.
"Something as precious as life... what is it?"
At this point, Evan naturally couldn't be honest about possessing a Supply System. Pausing briefly, he recalled the process of saving the Nagazora City garrison member earlier and answered.
"My method of reversing zombification relies on my adaptability to Honkai energy. I forcibly absorb the Honkai energy invading another person's body into my own. The Honkai energy itself hasn't changed; only the bearer has changed. So, you understand."
For Evan, if he had a choice, he would rather endure pain to solve Himeko's problem than spend gold coins. After all, gold coins were not only linked to his strength but also to whether he could resolve various major events in the future. His words now weren't exaggerated to make Himeko grateful; if anything, he was understating it.
Himeko's frown deepened.
"In the end, isn't that practically the same as sacrificing your life? Are you sure you're saving me and not just hurting yourself?"
"Actually, the damage artificial Stigmata cause to Valkyries operates on a similar principle to Honkai energy eroding ordinary people into zombies. Both are consequences of Honkai energy exceeding the human body's endurance limit. The difference is just that the Honkai energy within artificial Stigmata has been adjusted to be somewhat gentler, with more benefits than harm."
Although Evan, currently possessing only seven Stigmata and limited mastery over Honkai energy, couldn't repair Himeko's artificial Stigmata with his own abilities, he had sensed subtle changes after repairing one of them using the Supply System's power. He now spoke with assurance.
"What I'm doing is merely removing the part of the Honkai energy in the artificial Stigmata that is harmful to the human body. Since I've only removed a part of it for now, I might not be able to completely free you from the torment of pain yet. But barring any surprises, you should feel a bit better later."
As long as I obtain more Stigmata, even without the Supply System's power, I might be able to repair the flaws of artificial Stigmata myself, Evan had a premonition.
"Already removed a part... according to what you said, that's not 'removing' at all; it's you bearing that pain yourself."
Himeko's gaze was complex. She pursed her lips, unable to say a word of thanks for a moment.
When Evan had gone to such lengths, a mere "thank you" felt too pale and powerless.
"..."
Evan fell silent briefly. In reality, he wasn't even qualified to bear that pain right now; he had relied on the Supply System in the end.
After a moment, seeing Himeko silent, Evan smiled.
"I have plenty of self-awareness and won't casually put my life in danger. Don't worry. Please pay attention to your physical changes later, Miss Himeko. If there are any signs of improvement or deterioration, be sure to tell me immediately. By the way, you mentioned earlier that we would officially become students of St. Freya Academy after resting for a while. When exactly is that?"
Himeko knew Evan was changing the subject. She wanted to pull the topic back but soon gave up helplessly.
Even if she pulled it back, what could she say? Express her gratitude with powerless, empty words? Or hypocritically ask after Evan's well-being as the beneficiary asking the one burdened by her?
Himeko could only choose to cooperate now. She felt somewhat powerless.
"If you and the others have no objections, you can start classes normally tomorrow. It happens to be Monday."
"I agree. Let me enroll tomorrow. As for whether Kiana and the others are willing, please ask them later, Miss Himeko. I won't make decisions for them without permission."
"Mm, I know."
Seeing the topic end, Evan had no intention of continuing to chat casually with Himeko, who was clearly preoccupied. He soon bid farewell and left.
Evan had saved over 20,000 gold coins before. Even if he couldn't repair all three of Himeko's artificial Stigmata, repairing two would have been no problem. However, he didn't do that; he only repaired one.
Mainly to observe the effect, just in case.
If Himeko improved, Evan would naturally go further. Now that he had arrived at St. Freya Academy, there were many opportunities to contact Valkyries or potential Valkyries. Earning plenty of friendship points every day meant accumulating gold coins wouldn't be difficult.
Watching Evan leave, Himeko pursed her lips. She stood up and carefully checked herself. Because she had taken painkillers not long ago and couldn't accurately feel pain, Himeko still didn't feel any changes in her body for a while. Sighing silently, she changed back into her casual clothes and walked out of her personal training area.
If Evan was to enroll tomorrow, there were naturally some procedures to go through. These procedures were usually handled by Himeko, who was both a Valkyrie and a teacher at St. Freya Academy. However, Himeko didn't go to her office immediately. Instead, she turned her steps toward the Principal's office.
She needed to confirm some things. Once Evan's special talent was exposed, it would cause an uproar. While bringing benefits, it would also bring great risks. Before Evan and St. Freya Academy had enough power, Himeko wanted to keep it a secret as much as possible—it was best if even Principal Theresa didn't know too clearly.
Reversing the zombification of an ordinary person and changing the flaws of artificial Stigmata were two different matters. Although they were miracles of the same magnitude—perhaps the former was even more exaggerated—Valkyries associated with the latter represented a more powerful force.
Once a certain Valkyrie harbored ulterior motives, or even if Schicksal paid special attention to Evan, he might face danger.
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