[Original/Outdated]Honkai Impact: A Merc's Involvement

Chapter 37: Schicksal's Strongest

There she was, surveying the scene that had been happening before her.

Fu Hua and Alex stayed on guard, fully expecting Durandal to join Rita and even up the odds.

"Master Durandal. You've finally arrived." Said Rita.

"Stand down Rita. Put your weapon away." Said Durandal.

Much to the boy and Fu Hua's shock, Rita obliged as she put her Scythe away.

"She put her scythe away just like that......." Whispered Fu Hua.

"Guess that just goes to show how much respect and power Schicksal's strongest Valkyrie has." Whispered Alex back.

Then, Durandal directed her attention to Fu Hua.

"Go on now Fu Hua. You can approach the Herrecher." Said Durandal.

This caught both Fu Hua and Alex immediately by surprise.

"A-Are you sure about this Master Durandal?" Asked Fu Hua.

"Though we clearly aren't gonna be allowed to offer you any support, as Valkyries we fight for our beliefs and the people we love. I would've made the same decision as you if I were in your place, Ms. Fu Hua." Explained Durandal.

Fu Hua simply bowed and thanked the blonde.

"T-Thank you. I'll repay your kindness one day." She said before looking at Alex and thanking him before running off towards the inferno.

"H-Hey Fu Hua wait!" Said Alex he started to chase her, only to then impulsively block a sudden attempted stab by Durandal's lance.

This caused Alex to stagger backwards before regaining his footing.

"What the heck was that for!? I gotta go help Fu Hua!" Said Alex.

Durandal motioned Rita to step aside which she did, as the blonde turned her attention back to Alex.

"My apologies Alex Mustang but don't forget that I'm also here on business. On my way over here, the Overseer stated that he'd allow Ms. Fu Hua to move on ahead and engage the Herrscher. However............"

She trailed off as she then aimed her lance directly at Alex.

"He also said not to allow you to pass as well. In his words, he didn't need a wild card getting involved in this minor setback." Stated Durandal.

"Ms. Durandal please. I have to go help her in case she's severely harmed!" Pleaded Alex.

"I fully understand Alex, I do. However, it is an order, and as a Valkyrie of Schicksal, I must set aside my principles and morals to perform my duties. Don't worry, I have no intent to seriously harm you. I'm just gonna stall you until the Overseer says that my job is done. It's nothing personal Alex. It's just business." Said the blonde.

Alex knew that he had no choice but to get physical if he was gonna continue moving forward.

"So be it. If I must battle Schicksal's strongest to move on, then I'll do it." Said Alex as he drew out his sword, pointing it directly at Durandal.

"Kid, you're WAY out of your league if you think you're gonna stand a chance and go toe to toe against Schicksal's strongest Valkyrie." Said Truth within Alex's head.

'I know that. I'm not planning to fight for the win. I just gotta create and opening and blow right by her. She said that she's gonna stall me, so it's my job to get this over with as quick as possible.' Thought Alex.

"I see. Well good luck with that kid. You're DEFINITELY gonna need it." Said Truth in a somewhat mocking tone.

Alex simply shrugged off what Truth had said as he mentally prepared himself.