The auxiliary craft sliced through the night sky, leaving behind the smoking ruins of Nagazora. I, Mikael von Lindeman, sat in an improvised seat in the medical cabin, watching the cloudy horizon through the fogged window. The constant hum of the rotors vibrated in my eardrums like a mechanical pulse; the air was thick with hot metal, disinfectant, and a faint trace of dried blood. The wounded Valkyrie slept on a nearby stretcher, her chest rising and falling irregularly under the white bandages.
Rita Rossweisse sat across from me, legs crossed with impeccable elegance. Her black-and-white maid uniform caught the dim light from the lamps, and her reddish eyes studied me with the precision of someone dissecting a specimen under a microscope. "We'll arrive at the Hyperion in a few hours," she said in a soft but firm voice. "Principal Theresa has formalized your contract. It's uncommon to see a man resist Honkai corrosion, let alone subdue it in that way. Do you have any concerns, Mikael-sama?"
The Hyperion… Theresa's operations base and the home of the St. Freya Valkyries. As an external contractor, I'll be able to stay close to Kiana, Mei, and Bronya without the unnecessary restrictions of a women-only academy. Privileged access, no strings attached.
I looked out at the sea of stormy clouds before responding.
"Just one. What happens if I decide to keep certain 'nuances' of my power in the shadows?"
Rita smiled. It was a polite gesture, but her eyes remained icy. "The Overseer is a patient man… but persistent. For now, focus on the missions. Lady Durandal might visit you for a personal evaluation soon."
She's basically telling me that Otto allowed me to stay under Theresa so he could observe me closely and assess whether I'm a good test subject. The thought left a bitter taste, but on the other hand, Durandal… If she's as powerful as in the canon, she could be an invaluable ally… or a threat if Otto sends her against me.
I nodded silently as system notifications flickered in my vision.
[Template Progress: 400/1000] [Notice: Maximum Technique "Uzumaki" available upon reaching 500 points.] [Secondary Mission Updated: Save at least 50 civilians in operations. Progress: 12/50.]
I need that power. Uzumaki wasn't just a technique; it was the ability to turn trash into gold, to convert a massive amount of junk spirits into absolute destructive power.
A soft impact shook the cabin. The landing on the Hyperion was subtle, barely a vibration under my boots. As I descended the ramp, the sheer scale of the Hyperion—the flagship of Schicksal's Far East branch—stretched out before me like an imposing floating fortress: a massive gray steel structure with multiple decks, Valkyrie and mech hangars, advanced laboratories visible through reinforced windows, and integrated training fields on the lower platforms. Salty ocean air from the Pacific below mingled with the constant hum of engines and the distant echo of drills. Young Valkyries moved across the decks, their uniforms contrasting with the metallic gray.
Theresa Apocalypse was waiting on the landing platform, arms crossed and expression serious; despite her tiny stature, her presence radiated the authority of a general. "Welcome officially, Mikael!" she exclaimed with sudden energy. "Follow me; I'll show you your assigned area. Since you don't seem to have anywhere to stay, we've also given you a cabin on the Hyperion—so you won't need transport to reach operations. You start support missions tomorrow. Oh, by the way: we rescued three girls from Nagazora—Kiana Kaslana, Raiden Mei, and Bronya Zaychik. They're at St. Freya. You'll come to the academy from time to time for joint training or evaluations."
They're already here. Perfect. As a contractor, I'll have frequent access without being a formal student. "Understood, Principal," I replied, following her quick steps through the wide, high-tech corridors.
My cabin was simple but functional: bed, desk, wardrobe, and a window overlooking the endless ocean. I closed the door for privacy and summoned a zombie spirit: it emerged silently from the shadow under the bed, purple eyes glowing and movements obedient. With Uzumaki, I'll be able to combine them into something truly lethal. But for now, I must be discreet.
That night, lying down listening to the distant hum of engines and waves breaking, I planned in silence.
So many tragedies ahead: the Herrscher of Wind, the Sea of Quanta, Otto's experiments… I have to prepare. I won't let the canon's misfortunes happen.
The next day, during a joint training session at St. Freya's fields—to which I was invited as an external—Major Himeko Murata greeted us with her strong, direct voice. "Listen up! Today there's an anti-Honkai simulation in the virtual field with low- to mid-range beasts. Survive and clear the waves. Afterward… we'll have one-on-one combats to evaluate real skills."
The simulation was intense but controlled: I absorbed several simulated Chariot and Knight beasts, gaining points discreetly without revealing too much. When it ended, Himeko announced the 1v1 duels.
Kiana Kaslana approached me directly, blue eyes shining with competitive excitement, hands on her hips and a wide smile. "Hey, you! The contractor who defeated an Emperor alone, right? I want to fight you! One-on-one, right now!"
I need to complete the mission of meeting the main protagonists… and this is the perfect opportunity. I smiled slightly. "I accept."
We moved to the center of the training field, a wide reinforced circle surrounded by energy barriers. Mei and Bronya watched from the edge alongside other Valkyries; Himeko and Theresa acted as referees.
Kiana jumped into the ring with energy, holding her dual pistols. "I won't hold back, okay! Come at me with everything!"
"Same here." I extended my hand, summoning five spirits at once: four staggering zombies with purple eyes positioned in a circular formation around her, and the spectral Chariot charged from the flank. At the same time, I reinforced my body with cursed energy—a cold, dark flow coursing through muscles and veins, boosting speed and strength.
Kiana's eyes widened in genuine surprise. "What are those things?! You summoned controlled Honkai Beasts?!"
I took advantage of her moment of shock: I ordered the zombies to surround her, limiting her movements, while the Chariot rammed to force her to jump. In the air, Kiana fired a barrage of energy bullets that dissipated two zombies, but I was already moving—running at enhanced speed, jumping, and striking her side with a fist infused with black aura.
The impact sent her flying several meters, rolling across the field with a groan. The field filled with exclamations from the spectators.
Kiana quickly stood, laughing with pure adrenaline. "Hahaha! That hurt! You're really strong!" She brushed off the dust, eyes shining brighter. "Second round! Now I'm getting serious!"
She charged, firing bursts while dodging my remaining spirits with impossible flips. I ordered the Chariot to intercept, blocking a direct shot that temporarily dissipated it. Kiana jumped high, summoning the massive spectral cat paws of the Kaslana fighting style that crushed the ground where I stood—I dodged by millimeters, feeling the shockwave vibrate in my bones.
I counterattacked: I reformed the zombies to flank her and launched a direct combo—punch to the abdomen followed by a leg sweep. Kiana blocked the first with her pistols crossed, but the second threw her off balance. I finished with a controlled uppercut (soft enough not to seriously injure her) that sent her to the ground again.
Himeko whistled. "Enough! Victory to Mikael von Lindeman."
Kiana stood panting, but with a huge smile. She extended her hand. "You're amazing! I've never seen a power like that! I'm Kiana Kaslana, a future A-rank Valkyrie!"
I took her hand with a firm but friendly grip. "Mikael von Lindeman. Pleasure, Kiana. You're strong. You forced me to use more than I planned."
Raiden Mei approached with a serene smile, though her violet eyes showed the weariness from the recent trauma of Nagazora. "It was an impressive fight. I'm Raiden Mei. Welcome as support for our operations, Mikael-kun. I hope we can train together sometime." Her violet eyes showed genuine curiosity, but also a veil of recent fatigue—the trauma of Nagazora still fresh.
Bronya Zaychik floated beside her with Project Bunny, expression impassive and voice neutral. "Analysis complete. Subject Mikael possesses manipulation of controlled Honkai entities. Combat efficiency: high. Bronya approves your external collaboration." A minimal pause. "Bronya also desires future sparring. To collect data."
I laughed lightly, feeling the initial connection had formed. Perfect. As a contractor, I'll be able to visit St. Freya regularly and stay close to protect them when the time comes. Step by step.
[System Notice:] [Main Mission Completed: Establish contact with the main protagonists as an external contractor. Reward: +50 points.] [Template Progress: 500/1000 → Level 5 reached.] [Reward: Uzumaki unlocked – Fusion of cursed spirits for combined techniques.]
In the following days, I participated in secondary Honkai cleanup missions in peripheral zones: I absorbed dozens of minor beasts, saving civilians in the process. Progress climbed steadily, and I began practicing Uzumaki in secret—fusing spirits to create more powerful forms, feeling my power expand, but also that addictive darkness growing inside me.
I visited St. Freya from time to time for joint training or reports to Theresa. All while mentally preparing for the next major crisis: the mission in Oceania and the Herrscher of Wind.
Wendy… Bronya… I won't let it happen again. This time, I'll change their fate.
—End of Chapter 3—