Honkai: Oh No, I’ve Become the Herrscher of Corruption?! - Chapter 132

July 2, 2012

“We interrupt with breaking news. Just moments ago, an explosion occurred in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. The flames are rapidly spreading across the island. Icelandic authorities are mobilizing emergency response teams, and the cause of the incident remains under investigation…”

Schicksal Headquarters, Third Training Room.

A-Rank Valkyrie Ragna Lothbrok stood clad in black robes, gripping an enormous sword taller than herself. Its blade bore intricate emerald-green patterns—her signature weapon, the Overlord’s Serpent.

Her sparring partner today was Cheng Lixue, who wielded nothing more than an ordinary shortsword.

Ragna struck first, leaping into the air and swinging her massive blade downward. Lixue sidestepped effortlessly, evading the strike.

Undeterred, Ragna pressed forward with a thrust. Lixue remained composed, countering with a precise stab of her own.

The clash of steel sent Lixue flying backward, but she rebounded off the wall, pivoted midair, and landed a decisive strike to Ragna’s wrist. The match was over.

Wiping sweat from her brow with a nearby towel, Ragna spoke first:

“Lady Cheng Lixue, according to Schicksal’s updated Valkyrie ranking standards, you’ve already met the qualifications for an S-Rank Valkyrie…”

Lixue shook her head.

“If Lady Cecilia hadn’t fallen in the Second Eruption, Lady Theresa would never have accepted the title of S-Rank. The Mirror of Purity is my own threshold. Until I surpass it, I won’t accept any promotion.”

Clearly unwilling to dwell on the subject, she swiftly changed the topic:

“By the way, Ragna, that rookie you recommended—not only is she skilled, but she’s also quite the maid.”

“You mean Rita Rossweisse? That girl’s talent is exceptional. Schicksal is fortunate she chose to become a Valkyrie. As for the maid part… let’s just call it a coincidence.”

Suddenly, an alarm blared, cutting their conversation short.

Ten minutes later, Schicksal Headquarters, Conference Room.

As the last attendees filed in, Otto Apocalypse raised a hand. Amber stepped forward with a slight bow and began her briefing, accompanied by projected footage.

“Honored members, half an hour ago, an explosion devastated Reykjavik, Iceland. Latest reports confirm the flames have engulfed over half the island.”

“Simultaneously, Schicksal detected abnormally high Honkai energy concentrations at the blast’s epicenter. The sole known survivor from Reykjavik exhibits a Quantum Singularity signature. We can conclusively attribute this disaster to a newly awakened Herrscher.”

Ragna immediately stepped forward.

“Archbishop, send me. The Valkyrie Vanguard was established precisely for missions of this caliber.”

Otto raised a hand, signaling her to wait as Amber continued.

“Additionally, one hour prior, our South Asia Branch reported the emergence of a new Honkai beast species near Kolkata’s outskirts. Casualties include one A-Rank and six B-Rank Valkyries. Combat data suggests the birth of a new Emperor-Class Honkai beast. Thus, the Archbishop requests that Lady Ragna lead the Vanguard to India at once.”

Ragna nodded solemnly. While a Herrscher posed a far greater threat than an Emperor-Class beast, the locations dictated priorities. Iceland and its surrounding waters housed barely 300,000 residents, whereas Kolkata alone held over 15 million—and India’s population exceeded a billion. When forced to choose, saving the more populous region was the logical decision.

Moreover, against an Emperor-Class beast, she trusted her squad could prevail. But a Herrscher? Even the entire Vanguard would only buy time at best.

“For India, Headquarters has informed the South Asia Branch that Lady Ragna holds supreme authority. You may act independently in emergencies without awaiting orders.”

“As for Northern Europe, the Herrscher remains confined to Iceland with no signs of crossing to Norway or Britain. Thus, Headquarters will assist local governments in evacuation while observing the Herrscher’s movements before deciding our next move. Lady Cheng Lixue will assume frontline command.”

“Lastly, given that both the Herrscher of the Void and the Herrscher of Corruption appeared in the Far East, Overseer Theresa cannot be reassigned. Neither battlefield will receive S-Rank reinforcements.”

A pang of tension shot through Lixue, but she accepted the orders without protest.

Five minutes later, a helicopter bound for Vienna stood ready at Headquarters.

Ragna would rendezvous there with the rest of her squad.

At their farewell, Ragna suddenly turned to Lixue with a final request:

“Lady Cheng Lixue, there’s a girl named Bianka Ataegina at a French sanatorium. Her potential surpasses even Rita’s. If she ever chooses to join Schicksal… please look after her.”

“I’ll remember the name. I trust your judgment, Ragna. If she’s willing, I’ll request the Archbishop assign her and Rita under your tutelage.”

As the helicopter faded into the distance, neither woman knew this parting would be their last.

July 3, 2012, 17:00 – Vienna.

A fair-skinned girl with snow-white hair and piercing blue eyes entered Ragna’s quarters.

“Valkyrie Vanguard Deputy Captain, A-Rank Valkyrie, Muse Kaslana, reporting for duty.”

As one of the ancient Great Houses, the Kaslana bloodline had endured for centuries. Despite their high mortality rate, they were far from extinct—Ziegfried wasn’t the sole survivor. Like the Schariacs and Apocalypses, Kaslanas thrived worldwide, particularly in Europe. However, only a handful reached B-Rank combat proficiency.

Among the younger generation, Muse Kaslana stood second only to Ziegfried himself.

Ragna greeted her warmly.

“Muse, it’s been too long. No time for pleasantries—check your gear immediately. We’re on a tight schedule.”

“Captain, is everyone else here?”

“Murata Himeko is still recovering and won’t join this mission. The rest are assembled.”

Muse dashed off without another word.

One hour later, a transport plane ascended from Vienna,

carrying the squad toward Kolkata beneath the setting sun.