Honkai: Oh No, I’ve Become the Herrscher of Corruption?! - Chapter 37

Side Story – The Floating Sun

March 1995, Far East

Outside a stylishly decorated room, a banner reading “Trainee Idol Auditions” stood out prominently.

“Shigure Kira, you wanted to be an idol, didn’t you? This is your starting point—how can you not even have the courage to take this step?” Taking a deep breath, she steadied herself and walked into the room as confidently as she could.

To her surprise, there were only a few people inside. Behind the counter, a striking figure immediately caught her attention—a woman in a blue beret and coat, her every movement exuding elegance.

Noticing Shigure’s arrival, the woman turned around. The moment Shigure saw her face, it felt like a bolt of lightning had struck her.

“Y-You’re… Salome Jokanaan, the legendary dancer?!” Shigure couldn’t comprehend why someone of her stature would be at a trainee idol audition.

“You know me?” Salome replied warmly. “What’s your name?”

“Shigure… Kira…” Her heart threatened to leap out of her chest.

“Shigure… Kira…” Salome smiled. “There’s a test that requires two people. Would you do me the honor of partnering with me?”

“W-Wait—me? With you? Seriously?!” Shigure pointed at herself, eyes wide with disbelief.

“Is there a problem, Miss Kira?”

“N-No! I’d be honored to learn from you!” Lifting her head with newfound confidence, Shigure braced herself for the challenge.

For a 15-year-old rookie with zero experience, the test was grueling. But watching Salome’s flawless movements, Shigure’s pride refused to let her back down. Gritting her teeth, she matched Salome’s steps until the very end.

“Good coordination, strong lower body, and most importantly—determination and perseverance. You’ve got potential,” remarked a tall woman observing them. “Though your singing… is certainly unique. I couldn’t quite place the style.”

She signaled for them to stop.

“That’s enough. Shigure Kira, you’ve passed Schicksal’s evaluation. Congratulations—you’re now a Valkyrie.” The woman smiled. “I’m Yamamoto Yuka, instructor of the Far East Branch’s training camp.”

Patting Shigure’s shoulder, Yamamoto left the girl’s mind reeling.

“Wait—I came here for an idol audition! How did I end up as a… Valkyrie?!”

Salome, trained to keep a straight face in any situation, couldn’t help but cover her mouth to stifle a laugh.

“The idol auditions ended yesterday,” she explained, amused. “Starting today, this is Schicksal’s recruitment office. They just forgot to take down the banner.”

And so, Shigure Kira unwittingly became a Valkyrie of Schicksal.

December 1995

As a B-Rank Valkyrie, Shigure had successfully completed multiple missions, steadily rising as a promising newcomer.

One day, after finishing her training, she sneaked back into the practice room to rehearse her dance—only to find Salome waiting for her.

“Don’t look so surprised,” Salome said playfully, winking. “Starting today, I’ll be your dance instructor.”

“Wha—?!”

“What, am I not qualified? Aside from combat, dancing is my specialty.”

“N-No, that’s not—I just—”

“Relax, I’m teasing. But my offer is serious. Being an idol and a Valkyrie… they’re not so different.”

“Huh?”

Salome tilted her head. “Tell me, Kira—what does it take to put on a successful concert?”

“Um… confidence on stage? Smooth choreography? The right venue? Supportive fans? A dedicated team behind the scenes?”

Salome nodded. “Exactly. A perfect performance requires harmony on all fronts.”

“Now, as a Valkyrie—to defeat a Honkai beast, don’t you need confidence, skill, adaptability, teamwork… all those things? Eliminating Honkai threats protects lives. Seeing people live safely, free from Honkai’s terror—isn’t that the greatest form of support?”

Shigure’s eyes widened in realization.

Encouraged, Salome continued:

“Moreover, a strong Valkyrie inspires others—just like an idol inspires their fans.”

That instantly perked Shigure up. “Oh! You mean like Cecilia Schariac—the one and only S-Rank Valkyrie?! A-Rank at 13, S-Rank at 16… That record might never be broken!”

“So, Kira, you don’t have to treat being a Valkyrie and an idol as separate paths. You don’t need to hide your dance practice.” Salome’s voice softened. “I want you to be an idol as a Valkyrie—not just a fan.”

“But… I…” Shigure’s expression dimmed.

“I’m not asking you to match Cecilia. Someone like her… even I can only admire from afar.” Salome placed a hand on her shoulder. “Remember when you joined Schicksal? You aimed to start as a trainee idol and grow step by step. As a Valkyrie, you began as B-Rank. Climb steadily—become someone others look up to. If not S-Rank, then aim for A-Rank, like me.”

“Thank you, Miss Salome.” Shigure bowed deeply. “Then… I’ll be in your care for today’s lesson too!”

March 1996

One year after joining Schicksal, Shigure Kira became the organization’s sixth A-Rank Valkyrie.

She wasn’t from the Three Great Houses. She wasn’t a Stigma-bearer. Yet at just 16, she had risen to A-Rank—becoming a role model for countless Valkyries. Within Schicksal, she was now a star in her own right.

“An idol must live up to their fans’ expectations… just as a Valkyrie must defeat the enemy and protect the people.”