Honkai: Oh No, I’ve Become the Herrscher of Corruption?! - Chapter 43

March 11, 2000

Theresa gazed out the window at the withered tree, its branches now tinged with the faintest hint of green—a sign that new leaves would soon emerge. Yet she held little hope for its revival. According to the weather forecast, a violent storm would sweep through tonight.

Inside the church, the deep, resonant toll of a bell echoed. Across the world, Valkyries and Schicksal personnel—save for those still on critical missions—paused their work.

Today, Schicksal would hold a virtual memorial service to honor those who had fallen in the Second Honkai Eruption.

As S-rank Valkyries who had saved countless lives and A-rank Valkyries who had distinguished themselves in battle, the members of the Snow Wolf Squad were granted due glory in death. But for the many B-rank Valkyries who had perished, most were left as mere names on a list—some not even that.

Before long, once global communications were confirmed stable, Otto’s voice rang out:

“I, Otto Apocalypse, thank you all for taking time from your busy schedules to join me in remembering these fallen warriors.”

He took a deep breath before continuing.

“Over a month ago, a terrifying catastrophe struck. Without exaggeration, our enemy was formidable—capable of slaughtering our loved ones and leveling our cities without hesitation. Yet Schicksal’s warriors did not yield. Through their relentless efforts and the cooperation of like-minded allies, we minimized the devastation. They were heroes.”

“However… it is with great sorrow that I must acknowledge the heavy price paid. Many, including Schicksal’s strongest Valkyrie, Cecilia Schariac, gave their lives in this brutal war. Their loss is not just Schicksal’s—it is humanity’s.”

“Life, fleeting and irreplaceable, is precious. Yet it is in humanity’s nature to sacrifice for ideals beyond ourselves. I believe these heroes felt no regret for time unfulfilled, no shame for lives half-lived. When their final moments came, they could proudly declare: ‘My entire being, every ounce of my strength, was devoted to the noblest cause—to fight the Honkai and protect all of mankind!’”

“So today, we must do more than remember their names. We must carry forward their spirit. The Honkai remains undefeated, and our struggle continues. In the future, when new trials exhaust you… when despair makes you question if anything can be done… let their memory be the guiding light that steels your resolve. For the sake of all that is beautiful in this world—we fight on!”

As Otto’s impassioned speech concluded, thunderous applause erupted across Schicksal’s headquarters and branches worldwide. After the service, each division received an incomplete roster of the deceased—black-and-white portraits paired with brief epitaphs.

…

Cecilia Schariac (1976–2000)
Born at Schicksal HQ. Professional Valkyrie.
Youngest A-rank Valkyrie (1989), youngest S-rank (1992).
Sacrificed herself to contain Honkai radiation on the eve of dawn.

Salome Jokanaan (1976–2000)
Born in Paris. Formerly a renowned dancer.
A-rank Valkyrie (1992). Fell in battle against the Herrscher.

Shub-Niggurath (?–2000)
Background prior to Schicksal unknown.
A-rank Valkyrie (1993). Died fighting the Herrscher.

Patrick Haysmith (1974–2000)
Born in Chicago. Former military.
A-rank Valkyrie (1991). Cause of death unrecorded.

Hu Bufan (1978–2000)
Born in Canghai City. Former student.
A-rank Valkyrie (1998). Caught in ground zero of the Herrscher’s awakening.

Lyudmila Mikhailovna (1971–2000)
Born in Siberia. Former state military.
B-rank Valkyrie (1987). Killed by a Emperor-class Honkai beast during rescue operations.

Anne Sophia (1985–2000)
Born in Canberra. Former student.
B-rank Valkyrie (1999). Died confronting a Emperor-class Honkai beast during rescue.

Yamamoto Yuka (1972–2000)
Born in the Far East. Career Valkyrie.
B-rank Valkyrie (1987). Fell in battle against Honkai beasts.

…

Theresa stared at the sparse profiles, speechless. In this conflict, Schicksal had lost:

• 1 S-rank Valkyrie
• 4 A-rank Valkyries
• 146 B-rank Valkyries

Another 32 B-ranks were left permanently disabled—90% of them under 30.

Each had carried dreams for the future. On the battlefield, they’d still imagined buying new clothes or tasting the latest desserts once the mission ended. Like buds nipped by frost, they’d withered before blooming.

But Theresa knew grief was a luxury she couldn’t afford. As Schicksal’s strongest active Valkyrie now, she accepted the S-rank title. Like Cecilia before her, she would lead humanity’s fight against the Honkai.

That night, as she slept, she dreamed of visiting an amusement park with Cecilia’s family—her happiest moment in a month. Outside, the howling wind seemed to lull her with a lullaby… or perhaps a dirge for the lost.

By dawn, the storm had passed. Theresa awoke to find the nameless tree outside her window—battered but unbroken—now adorned with fresh leaves.

Spring had come.

…

In her office, perched on Judah’s booster seat to reach the desk, Theresa had barely reviewed a few files when a knock interrupted her.

“Come in.”

The door opened to reveal a Valkyrie with:

• Chestnut-grey hair fading to auburn at the tips
• Amethyst eyes brimming with vitality
• A white-ribboned braid trailing down her back

“Lady Theresa! A-rank Valkyrie Ragna Lothbrok, reporting for duty!”