Project K-324

Chapter-31: Frozen Heart

Flying through the sky, I thought back to the conversation I had with Otto. Since I became 'Diana', I became quite used to having Otto's favor. I don't know why, but he was spoiling me. I could count on one of my hands how many times he declined my requests. But this discussion was the weirdest of them all.

He began with asking me about my condition like a worried parent. Then he suddenly deployed me on this mission while warning me not to use my Honkai ability unless I don't have a choice. He didn't even wanted to tell me why.

Shaking my head, I cleared my mind and focused on my flight. Unlike normal Valkyries, I was flying to the mission using the propulsion wings on my battlesuit. It's not that I couldn't be sent with a jet, but rather that I prefer to fly on my own.

Once I got closer to Island City, I could see the... Destroyed?.. Abandoned?.. I could see the artificial island that was ravaged by the Honkai Eruption. Some the buildings collapsed, some streets were infested with Honkai Beast or zombies and some parts of the island were frozen.

This wasn't a pretty sight. Otto told me that most of the people that lived here were evacuated, but what about those who weren't. The zombies are the people that weren't lucky enough to be saved. Thinking that, I was rapidly approaching the island.

"Immortal Blades, this is Anastasia. Do you hear me?" I contacted them through the comms. The weather was slowly becoming unstable and I needed a place to land.

"This is Alvitr of the Immortal Blades. I can hear you loud and clear, Master Anastasia." I heard Alvitr response.

"Alvirt, send me Durandal's location or the location of a safe landing place. I need to land fast." I rapidly said. I needed to hurry before the weather became worse while cutting the comm links.

"Understood. The-... will-... soo-" and the comm link is down.

Thankfully before the link was cut, Alvitr sent me their location... and a safe landing place. *sigh* I shook my head and started lowering my altitude. The temperature suddenly started to drop as I got closer to the island. As I was getting near it, I could see the streets and bridges freezing from the could wind.

After fighting against the strong cold wind, I landed near the Immortal Blades and started walking towards Bianka and Rita. They were looking at Owl's file, but when I landed, they turned to me.

"Master Anastasia, you're here." Rita said as she turned.

"Yes, but let's keep the hello's for later." I said while looking at 'Chen Tianwu''s file.

"Agreed." Bianka said while turning to Rita. "Rita, I'm giving you temporary command of the Valkyries. I'm heading in to check the Herrscher."

"Alone?" Rita asked.

"No. I'm going with- " I started to say, but Dudu cut me off.

"Anastasia, you are going to remain here and support the Immortal blades." Bianka sternly told me. "Our positions here are just as important. I need you to lead the defenses and keep the Honkai at bay." she turned to Rita.

"But-" I started, but again, Dudu cut me off.

"No 'but'. You are still in no condition to be here in the first place." Bianka gave me a stern look while saying with a worried voice. "While there, I will keep an eye on the World Sepent too, in case they try anything funny."

"Please be careful out there." Rita said. Her voice didn't show, but all of us knew she was worried.

*sigh* "Alright. Take care." I said in a defeated voice. (If it wasn't about wasting time, I would've argue more.)