Honkai Impact 3rd: Don't Die For Me/ Book 3 Paradise

Chapter 79 Meadow

<Camp>

"There's no sign of a ship and no letters of response. How many days have we waited?! A week?"

The Valkyrie licked her wounds while stuffing fire-baked fish into her gullet. The river provided fish and water, nothing more. Shoddy tents and nature's bedding were the best luxuries they could afford as the tents filled with the injured and even those on the verge of death.

"This can't last what if we make a raft? Drift downstream."

A omen answered her question. Crates and the remnants of a ship drifted from upstream. Ravenous howling filled the afternoon sky as they recovered more weapons and camping supplies. The issue that arose was the lack of medicine and the limited supply of amenities.

"It's not enough who will sleep well?"

"We'll give it to the injured."

"What? No those who can fight need it more! If they rest they can protect those injured."

"There's not even enough for all active Valkyries!"

A squall broke out and their turmoil awakened the resting Kallen. Light-pattered feet made their way to the center of the camp. Hundreds of tents and a crowded street cleared for her. Her piercing blue eyes assessed the situation. Long gone were the days when they questioned her authority.

"If it's an issue of supplies we'll introduce rotations. Cohline you'll be in charge of making the cycles. If there's no medicine then we can't stay here any longer. Ava, you'll determine the distance between either city. We'll travel to the closest one. We will have a team dedicated to moving the injured but before that, we'll need to take out the mastermind. Ava!"

Ava saluteted. She avoided injuries with her lithe physique and stellar agility. It was thanks to this that she was able to observe beasts' patterns and the potential location of their manipulator.

"Yes Captain," She cleared her throat. Professionalism and desperate grit enforced her words. "As you know the beasts are coordinated and elusive. They use ambush tactics to wear us down before launching a raid. I've noticed that the string of the commands listed is limited. For one thing, beasts can't raid when they've set an ambush. When one retreats all of the beast retreats. This is why we need volunteers to locate the puppeteer. If the Captain or Vice Captain are sent then the puppeteer may notice some things off. We need a stealth unit. With the Oath of Judah, Kallen will tag you. She'll assist you once you come in contact with the target."

Silence and logic, but it was a situation where the only logical plan was to sacrifice one person. When would Kallen know they found the culprit? What if they were killed before approach? It was like sacrificing lambs. It was heretical but it was again, the only option. Even though they were ready to lay down their lives who could successfully pull it off?

"I-"

A tree sprouted in the distance. Honkai energy swirled as the signature of an Emperor Class beast clashed with Eleanor. Their clash flattened the surrounding forest. Silence. A beast roared and the Valkyries faced their decision once more.

"I'm sorry." Kallen bowed her head. Blood dripped from the corner of her lip. Her teeth tore through her flesh. It has come to this.

Drip, drip, drip. Who was capable of such a task? Which team of Valkyries could partake in covert operations? Which of them had the power to combat Emperor-class beasts? Cathy looked over her fellow Valkyries, maybe she had such strength. She prepared to raise her hand but an object fell from the sky. Kallen acted quickly, she intercepted Eleanor who was stiffening her bleeding with the power of her divine key.