Honkai Impact 3rd: My Days as a Captain in Schicksal

Finally, that subspace was named the "Endless Abyss." Although the Valkyries who entered the "Endless Abyss" shared the same teleportation coordinates, they saw completely different things. Moreover, unless they were in the same batch and entered that space together, they couldn't even see or touch each other, and even the terrain they saw was different.

Later, a scientist named Erwin Schrödinger proposed a hypothesis that this subspace collapses into a definite observation result the moment it is observed, while everything inside is random and unknown before the observation; it is for this reason that different batches of Valkyries will produce different observation results after entering the subspace at the same coordinates, because they are observing completely different worlds.

Over decades of exploration, the appearance of the Endless Abyss has gradually become clearer. Schicksal has divided the Endless Abyss into seven regions based on the different concentrations of Honkai energy in different areas, from lowest to highest: Howling Abyss, Wasteland Abyss, Forbidden Abyss, Original Sin Abyss, Abyss of Suffering, Crimson Abyss, and the Infinite Abyss, which has never been explored before.

The boundaries between these areas are not based on actual geographical locations. After all, each batch of Valkyries observes a completely different world, so using geographical locations for division is neither scientific nor practical.

Therefore, Destiny adopted a spatial coordinate division method. They discovered that each time they entered the Endless Abyss, if no coordinate correction was made, the landing point of the entrant would always be the place with the lowest Honkai energy concentration. And based on this, the Honkai energy concentration would suddenly increase for every certain number of imaginary spatial coordinate points apart.

Therefore, these reckless scientists devised a new technology: [secondary coordinate positioning].

This technology is simple to summarize but difficult to implement. After determining the first teleportation coordinates to enter the Endless Abyss, when the observation platform of the Endless Abyss begins to collapse toward a certain observation result, the teleportation landing point is repositioned using the first teleportation landing point as the center of the coordinate axis, so as to directly teleport the Valkyries performing the mission to a deeper abyss area.

It was also thanks to this technology that Schicksal was able to divide the Endless Abyss into seven regions based on the concentration of Honkai energy.

The reason why the [Infinite Abyss] mentioned by Keng Huo is a forbidden zone that no one has ever set foot in is twofold. Firstly, the concentration of Honkai energy is too high, and even S-rank Valkyries or those with the Kaslana bloodline who are born with resistance to Honkai energy cannot withstand it for long. Secondly, the Honkai beasts and assassins existing in the [Infinite Abyss] are too powerful. On Earth, even Emperor-level Honkai beasts, which require an entire Valkyrie army to eradicate, are commonplace.

“You don’t understand how terrifying the Infinite Abyss is…” Theresa sighed. “Back when I was at Schicksal headquarters, I had to lead a team twice a week into the Crimson Abyss to collect research materials and data. Even with an S-rank Valkyrie leading the team, and the entire squad consisting of A-rank Valkyries, there were still frequent accidents and casualties. Not to mention the Infinite Abyss, where the Honkai energy concentration is several times higher than that of the Crimson Abyss…”

"The most terrifying thing in the [Endless Abyss] isn't the corruption of Honkai energy, nor the Honkai beasts and zombies gathered near the Honkai Crystal Mine, but... the Valkyries can't receive any form of support." Theresa's tone was more serious than ever before. "Due to Schrödinger's [Subspace Observational State Collapse Theory], each Valkyrie entering the subspace is essentially in a completely different and unconnected world. Moreover, due to the limitation on the number of teleporters, once it exceeds three, spatial coordinates become unstable, making it very easy for the Valkyries' teleported coordinates to become chaotic. If several Valkyries are separated and scattered in different places, that's still a good situation... but if the same Valkyrie is teleported to different places, that's terrible... As for follow-up support forces... if something really happens, we can't even collect their bodies."

"Furthermore, forced detachment... I think you must know this method to be so confident. Before returning to the Prime Material Plane, the Valkyrie must find a safe place to establish a spatial coordinate link with the Prime Material Plane to ensure a stable and safe teleportation back to our world. Indeed, we have the technology and methods to forcibly detach the Valkyrie from the [Endless Abyss] and return her to the Prime Material Plane when she encounters danger, but in such a rushed situation, many things cannot be considered. A hasty detachment without establishing a stable spatial link will cause immense damage to the Valkyrie's body instantly; many Valkyries even..." "They died during the return journey to the Prime Material Plane, and what was teleported back was just a corpse..." Theresa carefully chose her words, explaining the dangers involved. "Unexpected events are unmanageable; we can only rely on the Valkyries' own abilities and the limited equipment they bring to deal with ever-changing situations. In the early days of the device's development, a Valkyrie squad entered the [Endless Abyss] only to find themselves in a snowfield tens of degrees below zero. They hadn't even had time to set up the reverse teleportation device before they died from hypothermia... It was only after that that the Valkyries' close-combat armor acquired temperature regulation capabilities."

"You have no idea how dangerous the [Endless Abyss] is. The Valkyries enter the Honkai side's territory in isolation, risking their lives to collect data and resources. They don't even know what kind of world they will be transported to each time they enter the abyss. Some are full of volcanoes and lava, and some collection points are located on the top of peaks, with a bottomless abyss between each peak..."

"Then let's just pretend I didn't understand." Keng Huo shrugged. "Anyway, we're only sending them to the Howling Abyss. The first batch of support equipment and prototype equipment sent by the Destiny Headquarters will arrive in the next couple of days. We'll arm them with the best weapons and equipment in the entire academy. Surely they won't be wiped out in the lowest level of the abyss, right?"

"But why won't you let me go?" Theresa asked, frowning. "If it's me and my elite Valkyries who go to collect resources, we can go deeper into the abyss and gather more resources. Why do you insist on sending the hunter squad?"

“There are two reasons. One is that they need more training,” Keng Huo pushed up his glasses. “The other reason is that the real elites cannot leave the Far East Branch now.”

Before Theresa could ask any more questions, Keng Huo continued, "We're right next to Changkong City, one of the hardest-hit areas in this Honkai outbreak. Nobody knows when an emergency will occur that we'll need to deal with, or how big the crisis will be. Therefore, we must keep our strongest combat force ready to attack at all times. If your elite squad is gathering resources in the Endless Abyss and a Honkai Beast riot suddenly breaks out in Changkong City, we'll be powerless to resist."

Keng Huo rubbed his temples, feeling a bit of a headache: "Besides, Himeko is definitely in your elite squad, right? Her injuries haven't healed yet, how can she go to the Deep Abyss with you?"

Theresa smiled. "Am I being underestimated? But it's alright. Actually, even if you hadn't said anything, I wouldn't have let Himeko participate. After all, the [Nexus Combat Suit] she used to block Mei's attack last time put too much strain on her body, and she needs some time to recover. But you're planning to send Kiana and the others to explore the [Howling Abyss]... It's still too dangerous for a newly promoted Valkyrie."

"First of all, although they are newly promoted Valkyries, their combat power is probably comparable to an elite squad... Moreover, if they really did perish in the Howling Abyss, I don't think they would survive the subsequent Honkai outbreaks either—in short, trust them, and don't let your pampering blind you."

"Who...who dotes on Kiana!" Theresa's face flushed red. "You're talking as if I'm some kind of old person!"

“Yes, yes, yes,” Keng Huo said, looking up at the sky speechlessly. “I won’t mention the time someone submitted an application to headquarters to request the right to use the [Thor’s Hammer] in order to get a birthday present for his niece.”

"..."

"Although the attempt still failed."

"You little rascal, you're always causing trouble, aren't you?!"

"You just hit me!"

"Don't you know that a day apart feels like three autumns?! For me, three days have already passed! And you still dare to hide?!"

"But we've been meeting the whole time!"

"That means discussing issues with you feels like an eternity! Don't run away!"

Chapter 41 Chaos and chaos are the normal course of events in Keng Huo.

"Why do we still have to go to class...?"

"Didn't you say that you've passed the exam and are now a full-fledged Valkyrie?"

"But it doesn't say that becoming a formal Valkyrie means you don't have to attend classes."

Whose side are you on?

"But didn't they say that the live-fire training in Changkong City would begin in three days? That would be considered an official mission, right?"

Ever since Theresa announced that these newly appointed Valkyries would need to continue attending classes next semester, these energetic high school girls have been discussing it non-stop. They originally thought that once they passed the exam and became official Valkyries, they could immediately board a floating warship, just like their teachers, and pilot this huge war machine to Changkong City to save the world. However, Theresa's announcement poured cold water on their hopes.

"Teacher Keng, why do we still have to attend classes?" Rinko looked at Keng Huo pitifully, her big black eyes full of sympathy. "Didn't we agree that once we become official Valkyries, we would be sent on missions to fight against the Honkai around the world?"

Keng Huo smiled helplessly and scratched his head. He could understand the female students' heroic dreams and knew that these children, whose families had been destroyed by the Honkai, had been training so hard so that one day they could take revenge on the Honkai. But at this moment, they were indeed not ready to face the Honkai.

"The academy did say that once you become official Valkyries, you'll be assigned missions to fight the Honkai, but it didn't say that becoming a Valkyrie meant you wouldn't have to attend classes anymore." Keng Huo looked at Rinko, who was like a kitten, and couldn't help but reach out and ruffle her hair. "You still have a lot to learn, which is why at the beginning of this semester, most Valkyries will continue their studies at the academy, while the remaining Valkyries will be dispatched to the outskirts of Changkong City for hunting and combat training, putting their knowledge into practice. They'll rotate every so often, so you don't have to worry about not getting a mission."

After saying that, Keng Huo deliberately paused, and continued, "Maybe you're on the first batch of attack lists, so don't be discouraged."

"Really!" Rinko looked up, her eyes filled with surprise. "Teacher, am I on the first list?"

"I never said you were on the first list." Keng Huo smiled mysteriously and shook his finger. "Anyway, the first batch of attack list will be announced tomorrow, so don't worry."

Rinko skipped and hopped to her friends with the good news, and before long, almost all the students in the entire academy knew about it.

"Regarding the equipment allocation for the first batch of Valkyries..." Keng Huo was extremely busy, "and the map of the logistics route... Theresa, you should help me out! What kind of boss just watches his subordinates work hard!"

"Relax, relax, I trust your abilities." Theresa lay lazily on the sofa, gulping down a large glass of bitter melon juice. "Besides, now that everyone knows I'm the boss, isn't it only natural for a boss to supervise his subordinates?"

"Have the three sets of [Prototype Anti-Honkai Weapon Manifestation Devices] that headquarters sent earlier been delivered to the Hunter Squad?" Keng Huo rolled his eyes, quickly glanced at the forms in his hand, stamped and categorized them, and asked Theresa without looking up, "Have them go to the training ground tomorrow to test their usage, so they don't mess things up when they get to Changkong City."

"Don't worry," Theresa said lazily. "I just delivered it to Kiana and the others, and they went to the training grounds to train with great enthusiasm. There are still two days before the official departure, so they will definitely be able to master how to use it."

After saying that, Theresa muttered to herself, "It's just a one-click outfit change, what's there to be familiar with..."

【Prototype Honkai Weapon Manifestation Device】 Although the name sounds cool, its actual function is just as Theresa said: it's simply a one-click outfit change.

However, this one-click outfit change is of great significance to the Valkyrie.

In addition to their own physical abilities, modern Valkyries rely primarily on two things to combat the Honkai. One is the "artificial Stigmata" developed by Schicksal, which are artificially created and implanted into the Valkyries' bodies. This allows them to use the mysterious power of the Stigmata, enabling them to master supernatural abilities or unleash magical effects that can only be defined by mathematical models. The other is the Schicksal-issued armor they wear, which also has another name: "Anti-Honkai Armor".

Contrary to its appearance, these streamlined, tight-fitting light armors are not as weak in defense as they seem. On the contrary, due to the use of Honkai energy, an extremely efficient and highly utilized advanced energy source, this armor is comparable to steel plates in terms of defense. More importantly, it does not hinder the Valkyrie's agility. In addition, the exoskeleton propulsion system inside the armor greatly enhances the Valkyrie's output. The difference is so great that, in online games, it's like the difference between wearing a full set of equipment and being naked.

The standard armor for the Valkyries of Schicksal is now the second-generation anti-Honkai weapon. It not only further enhances the Valkyrie's output and defense compared to the first-generation armor, but also incorporates Schicksal's latest research achievement: the [Time Fracture System]. This technology is derived from research on the Second Herrscher, Sirin. Activating this micro-device allows the user to enter a sub-light-speed state under quantum acceleration. According to the principles of relativity, when an entity reaches the speed of light, time ceases to have meaning for it. For Valkyries entering sub-light-speed, the world will be slowed down thousands of times. Everything except themselves will enter a state similar to slow motion in a movie. At this point, the Valkyries will gain an immense advantage for a short period, making it incredibly easy to dodge or attack, easily defeating an opponent slower than a snail.

However, this device also has its own flaws. The usage time is a fatal limitation. Once the Valkyrie's own perception of the usage time exceeds four seconds, her body will gradually collapse into a quantum state at sub-light speed and cannot be restored. Therefore, the second-generation armor equipped with the [Time Fracture System] has a safety limit lock to limit the user's usage time of this device.

Let's go back to the significance of one-click outfit changing for Valkyries.

Valkyries will choose different combat styles depending on the type of armor. For example, Valkyries who are good at close-range assault will use the [Crimson] melee armor, while Valkyries who are good at long-range fire support will choose the [Tank] long-range heavy firepower enhanced armor. If a Valkyrie can switch her armament and weapons at any time according to the battlefield situation, it can be said that the Valkyrie's battlefield adaptability and survivability are greatly improved.

The [Prototype Anti-Honkai Armament Manifestation Device] was created based on this design concept. Through the technology of manifesting Honkai energy matter, Valkyries equipped with this device can instantly restore their armor to pure Honkai energy particles, then instantly condense them and reconstruct another set of anti-Honkai weapons according to the blueprints stored in the device, thereby achieving the effect of switching between various armors at any time.

The first batch of test subjects has now been delivered to Kiana's three-person hunter team.

"Tsk, a bunch of guys with protagonist's fate..." Thinking of his miserable situation, Keng Huo clicked his tongue with a displeased look, "Then you shouldn't just sit there, hurry up and approve this stack of Hyperion's sortie fuel allocation documents."

"Oh dear, I still think Kiana and the others need some guidance from experienced people, so I'll go guide them first and also tell them what to pay attention to when going deep behind enemy lines. You go ahead and do your work, I'll be right back. You can approve these documents first..." Theresa made an incredible leap from the sofa to the door in an instant, grabbed the "Oath of Judah" placed by the door, and ran out, leaving only a string of words without punctuation floating in the air as she walked away.

I didn't even take my favorite bitter melon juice.

Keng Huo stared dumbfounded at the gust of wind stirred up by Theresa's movements, which blew documents all over the floor. He shouted indignantly, "You don't do any work, fine! But you're making things worse! Don't you respect other people's hard work?!"

On the day the list of participants for the first batch of Changkong City's combat training courses was announced, some in the academy were happy while others were sad. The Valkyries who were selected were overjoyed and lined up proudly under the wall where the list was posted, showing off like seals basking in the sun.

"I mean...you guys are overreacting..." Keng Huo looked at the newly promoted Valkyries as if they had won the lottery, speechless.

“How could that be!” Rinko’s eyes sparkled; she was also on the first list. “Everyone has been working so hard since entering the academy…”

Keng Huo keenly sensed that something seemed off about Rinko's tone. He looked at Rinko's red eyes with some surprise and didn't know what to say for a moment.

"Everyone...everyone really worked so hard..." Rinko realized her lapse in composure and quickly lowered her head to wipe away her tears. "We were all waiting for this day..."

"Everyone...is..."

“We all look forward to the day we return to that land…” Rinko’s emotions seemed to be getting out of control.

Before Keng Huo could offer any words of comfort, Rinko suddenly gave him a bright, sunny smile, then turned and ran away.

Watching Rinko's retreating figure, Keng Huo didn't chase after her, but a sense of foreboding welled up in his heart.

"Never mind... With the Hyperion watching over them, they shouldn't encounter any danger." Keng Huo sighed and didn't chase after them.

"So why can't I board the ship?!" Keng Huo slammed his fist on the table in the dormitory, challenging Himeko. "Didn't we agree that I would become a teacher at the academy, and then become a captain after completing the warship command course? Where is my ship?"

"Hehe." Himeko's reply was concise and to the point.

“Okay, I know the academy only has one warship right now,” Keng Huo said, deflated like a punctured balloon, “but why can’t I even participate in this operation? I planned it! I planned it! And aren’t trainee captains supposed to board the ship for training?! Now they won’t even give me a training opportunity?!”

“But there’s something even more important for you to do here,” Himeko said with a smile, extending a finger to gently poke Keng Huo’s forehead. “You need to contact the research labs under those large research institutions to secure research support for the academy.”

"Isn't it the same no matter who does this? I think you're more suitable. Those nerdy researchers wouldn't even blink at you, and they'd be eager to agree to whatever you ask. Maybe a few admirers will even jump ship to our academy," Keng Huo said, pouting.

"Oh my, little Huo Huo has such a sweet tongue." Himeko covered her mouth and chuckled, her charm fleeting like a night-blooming cereus. Then, she hugged her shoulders, lowered her head with a sorrowful expression, tilted her head slightly, and looked at the ground with a pitiful air, saying:

"But those reclusive researchers will definitely make all sorts of unreasonable demands on me. What am I supposed to do? Their primal, lustful eyes will sweep over my body without any restraint. If I don't satisfy their needs, I'll be flatly rejected..." Himeko's eyes held a hint of resentment as she covered her face with her hands, her voice filled with sobs. "Those thirsty men who have lived in the dark underground for years will definitely rush up and pin me down, roughly..."

"Isn't that what you've always dreamed of?" Keng Huo rolled his eyes without any politeness. "Unmarried women of a certain age like to fantasize about this kind of good thing all day long. Go to sleep and wash up. You can have anything in your dreams."

"I don't think you really reflected on your actions last time..."

"Wait... what are you doing? Let's talk this out and put down your sword! You're a captain now, why are you always brandishing your weapon..." Keng Huo's legs trembled the moment he saw Himeko pull the heavy sword off the weapon rack. Before he could finish speaking, Himeko, disregarding that they were in his dormitory, was determined to chop him down with her sword, even if it meant paying for repairs later.

"Help!! Murder!! A single woman in her late thirties killed someone to vent her anger!" In the central square of St. Freya Academy late at night, Keng Huo ran frantically ahead, snot and tears streaming down his face, while Himeko chased after him, dragging her Corona Greatsword, gritting her teeth: "If you're so tough, stop running! You can talk, can't you? Stop and talk to my sword!"

The female students, whose attention had been drawn by the noisy duo, watched them walk away as if it were nothing out of the ordinary. One of the girls, looking slightly scared, patted her breasts—which were far beyond what a girl her age should have developed—and the lewd amount of flesh rippled with each tremor: "I've gotten so used to Mr. Keng's serious demeanor these past few days, I almost couldn't get used to it..."

"As expected, chaos and disorder are the normal course of events for Teacher Keng."

Chapter 42 Are you a researcher or a vegetable seller?

“You XXXXXXXXXXX, I XXXXXXXX you XXXXXXXXXX!!!” In the dormitory, Keng Huo pointed at the communication screen in front of him and shouted like a shrew.

“I XXXXXXX!! You XXXXXXXX!!” The person on the other end of the communication screen also retorted without giving an inch.

"Can't you be a man and get straight to the point! You've been arguing with me for half an hour over a tiny bottle of Honkai Beast tissue fluid! It's just one bottle!!" Keng Huo roared, spitting as he spoke. "What kind of nonsense is this, dragging your feet like this!"

"Are you out of your mind?! This is the rule in our business! No bargaining! Not a penny less!" The stubble-faced, messy-haired uncle across from me waved his teacup and retorted like another shrew.

He didn't spill the tea in his cup, because he had already finished it during the half-hour tug-of-war.

Keng Huo suddenly calmly sat back down in his chair, picked up a water bottle from the water dispenser, gulped down a few mouthfuls with a flourish, and continued to threaten, "If you keep doing this, I'll find someone else! There are so many research labs that take on freelance work these days, if you don't do it, I'll just find another one!"

After saying that, Keng Huo suddenly touched his stomach and stood up: "Wait a minute, I'm going to the toilet. I drank a bit too much water."

Keng Huo had only walked away from the communication panel for a few seconds when he suddenly rushed back to the screen, pointing at it and yelling, "Don't you dare run away! Whoever runs away is a coward!"