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Two days later, at Schicksal Headquarters.
People finally confirmed that Honkai would not resurface again. Although most were still bewildered by the situation, it didn't hinder their celebrations as humanity had ultimately triumphed over Honkai.
Xia Chen, dressed in the formal attire purchased by Ana, attended the grand banquet hand-in-hand with her.
He noticed many Valkyries also wore newly bought or long-awaited outfits while mingling at the event. Some whispered quietly among themselves, while others expressed sadness during their farewells. The negotiations between Theresa and the United Nations were no secret; Schicksal would continue but not as a military organization. The Valkyries had already accomplished their glorious mission.
Apart from a few Valkyries who had lost their homes to Honkai and nowhere else to go, they would continue staying with Schicksal. The majority of the Valkyries planned to leave after today.
Some were delighted, while others felt uncertain.
Theresa generously provided each Valkyrie enough funds for a comfortable life, ensuring they wouldn't worry about their future livelihoods.
With no more Honkai or artificial Stigma threats, these young women also avoided the fate that befell their predecessors.
This was indeed the best outcome possible.
Many approached Xia Chen and Ana, offering heartfelt blessings.
Alvitr, slightly tipsy, exclaimed, "Hey, when you two get married, make sure to invite me!"
As a former member of the technical squad, Alvitr found herself without a role at Schicksal anymore. She quickly made plans: returning to school to specialize in communications.
The young girl had already contacted her institution and intended to re-enroll within a week.
She shared, "Once I'm back at school, I'll also look for a boyfriend."
"Wishing you all the best," Xia Chen and Ana toasted with Alvitr.
Alvitr blinked and confidently replied, "Oh, success is guaranteed then."
The girl continued mingling with others.
"Xia Chen, I need to find my squad members," Ana whispered softly. Xia Chen nodded in understanding.
Just as the Valkyries were dispersing, so too would the Snow Lotus Squad's members. At this moment, even Ana didn't feel inclined to carry on the legacy of the Snow Lotus Squad; many things now seemed devoid of meaning.
After Ana left, Xia Chen also began searching for his companions.
He spotted Susannah enjoying food and drinks with her close friends, but beneath her cheerful facade, the usually naive Valkyrie couldn't hide her sadness.
Susannah had joined Schicksal driven by her dreams, and now that they were fulfilled, it was time for her to depart. According to Alvitr, Susannah would likely return home, inherit part of her family's wealth, and live a carefree life as a wealthy woman.
Susannah noticed Xia Chen and approached him.
"Hey, Xia Chen, where's Ana?"
"She's looking for her squad members," Xia Chen replied with a smile. "What's up? Is there something you need?"
"Not really, just wanted to say goodbye... Oh, right, here." Susannah handed Xia Chen a business card.
"This is..."
"My contact information. If you two get married, I definitely want to be there. Also, if any troubles arise in the future, feel free to reach out using this number." She added, "My family might not have immense influence, but we should still be able to help somehow."
Xia Chen accepted the card. "Well then, I'll count on our little rich girl's assistance in the future."
"Hmph, don't worry, it's a given."
With those words, Susannah departed once more.
Xia Chen remained standing, letting out an involuntary sigh.
He noticed Kiana, Mei, and Bronya whispering among themselves, while Seele and Sin stood nearby. This banquet had also invited members from Anti-Entropy and World Serpent. However, compared to Anti-Entropy's participation, only Chen Tianwu and Raven represented World Serpent at the event.
After Honkai's disappearance, World Serpent was most affected. Both Gray Serpent and Kevin were creations tied to Honkai.
Kevin sought refuge within the Stigmata space, while Gray Serpent continued his existence using another body.
Additionally, Fu Hua was significantly impacted as well.
To this day, Schicksal has not been able to contact the Herrscher of Sentience. Although Fu Hua still lives, it is solely due to her re-engineered body that she survives.
Xia Chen didn't engage with the Anti-Entropy members; truthfully, they weren't particularly close.
However, Kiana, Raiden Mei, and Bronya approached him.
"Cheers for our victory," said Kiana. "We might not get such an opportunity again."
Nodding, Xia Chen downed the drink in his glass.
As the trio walked away, his gaze seemed slightly unfocused. Then, he noticed Wendy approaching, holding a glass.
Seeing this, Xia Chen instinctively prepared to take another sip, but Wendy stopped him.
"There's no need between us," Wendy remarked. "Drinking too much isn't healthy, and I've already seen you consume quite a lot."
"After all, today is special."
Xia Chen readily agreed and looked at Wendy, "Have you decided where you want to go next?"
"I'm not sure." Wendy shook her head and said, "I wanted to stay with Schicksal, but both Lady Durandal and Lady Theresa mentioned that I'm too young to be confined here. They believe I should have my own life."
With no parents and now possessing some wealth, yet unable to remain within Schicksal, she felt quite uncertain about her future.
"I was actually hoping for your opinion," Wendy hesitated before continuing, "Gretel has suggested I accompany her back to her home, promising to take care of me."
"Do you dislike living there?"
"It's just that I don't like imposing on others."
Gretel's proposal was indeed appealing, but Wendy didn't wish to accept it. If she did, once Xia Chen moved to Europe, Wendy would return to Australia, making future meetings difficult.
The girl understood rationally that emotions aren't everything, yet she still held onto innocent fantasies regarding this bond.
"Then perhaps consider living independently," Xia Chen casually suggested.
Wendy was taken aback, "On my own?"
"Yes, living by yourself can't possibly be harder than facing an Imperial Honkai Beast," he instinctively reached out to pat Wendy's head but stopped himself, realizing their relationship wasn't that intimate. Instead, he continued, "You've always been self-reliant; maybe it's time to live for yourself as well."
Wendy pondered for a moment and agreed, "You're right."
Suddenly, she leaned closer, gesturing Xia Chen to lower his head.
"What is it?"
Instinctively, Xia Chen bent down as he heard her whisper into his ear:
"I like you; just consider it nonsense, don't take it seriously."
His heart sank abruptly.
Yet, Wendy's face lit up with a radiant smile, "Go ahead, you must have many more people to bid farewell to."
With that, Wendy promptly left.
Xia Chen stood there contemplatively.
"Hey, stop staring already, she's long gone."
Unbeknownst to him, Ana had approached, pouting at Xia Chen, "Your eyes were practically glued to her."
Clearly, jealousy was creeping in again.
Caught between laughter and tears, Xia Chen replied, "I'm not as sleazy as you make me out to be."
"Hmph, so how does it feel to receive a confession?" She pinched Xia Chen's waist, smiling mischievously while asking.
Startled, Xia Chen asked, "You knew?"
"Wendy isn't one to hide her emotions; I could tell quite easily," she said. "But it seems you didn't accept, or your eyes would've been sparkling differently."
"Let's go find Captain Durandal."
Only then did Xia Chen realize that Durandal had disappeared.