Please support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I'm working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for most novels - There are at least twice as many available chapters on Patreon, compared to here on Webnovel. Additionally, there are also free extra chapters available for Free Members, so head on over:
Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff
******
The success of Project Stigma hinged on collecting all living Herrschers.
In theory, just like civilizations, Herrschers themselves are immortal; what dies are their vessels. However, the crucial Herrscher Core of Dominance has gone missing.
The relationship between the Holy Mark Terminal and its holders was akin to that of the Imaginary Tree with Herrschers. The ongoing Project Stigma persisted because there was hope for Holy Mark carriers to survive under Honkai's influence.
This was all Xia Chen knew about the matter.
Durandal paused slightly. "So, that's why World Serpent is executing the Ark Fortress plan, right?"
Xia Chen shrugged. "It's a desperate measure."
He continued, "I don't know Kevin well, but he isn't known for his patience, so waiting is not an issue for him."
"True enough."
After their brief exchange, silence once again settled between them.
Unlike Kevin, Xia Chen did not possess such patience. If he had to wait another 50,000 years until the next era, he would undoubtedly lose his mind. He was fully aware of his own temperament.
As they approached the entrance, they parted ways.
Just then, Ana arrived holding Rin's hand. "Rin says her sister is coming over. How should we welcome her?"
"Sakura?" A hint of surprise flickered in Xia Chen's eyes. "Didn't expect it to be this soon."
"Sakura? Sounds quite intimate." Ana's lips curved into a dangerous smile.
Feeling awkward, Xia Chen steeled himself and explained, "Her name consists of only one character, similar to Rin, without a surname."
Rin blinked and nodded, sparing Xia Chen from further interrogation.
Together, they took Rin to the airport where Sakura arrived on a World Serpent's flying vessel. Currently, Schicksal, Anti-Entropy, and World Serpent had established close cooperation among themselves.
At least for now, humanity was unprecedentedly uniting.
However, how long this unity would last remained uncertain.
Sakura's arrival excited Rin, but it piqued Xia Chen's curiosity, "After emerging from the Elysian Realm, aren't there any restrictions?"
"Yes," she replied casually, "But Dr. Mobius has resolved most of them."
"It's not just me; other Heroic Spirits may also start appearing soon."
Essentially, the Thirteen Flame-Chasers were not a cohesive group, so revealing information about others didn't weigh heavily on her conscience.
She continued, "Though Dr. Mobius is still very interested in you, he might visit Schicksal again."
"That works out perfectly; I have questions I'd like to ask him too."
Xia Chen and Sakura didn't converse for long, as their relationship wasn't particularly close.
Sakura's arrival went unnoticed by others. In the current state of Schicksal, every visitor no longer warranted significant attention or mobilization.
After further discussion, they parted ways.
Rin took Sakura on a leisurely stroll around, while Ana watched Xia Chen with concern etched on her face.
"Hey, have you been alright these past few days?"
"Do I look like something's wrong?"
"Not sure, but I sense that you're troubled." Ana's intuition was often accurate: "Did something happen again?"
"No, I couldn't possibly hide anything from you," he reassured Ana, dismissing her worries.
"Hmph, good... Oh right, my father wants to meet you."
Xia Chen blurted out, "Already?"
"Hmph, what do you mean 'already'? You've practically swept his daughter off her feet; don't tell me you're trying to avoid responsibility now?" Ana, visibly upset, stomped hard on Xia Chen's foot.
During Otto's reign over Schicksal, the House of Schariac had always been one of its prominent noble families. Their inherited bloodline possessed a peculiar ability to manipulate Honkai.
Almost every leader of the Schariac family passed down the same ancestral teachings - loyalty to Otto first, and only then to Schicksal. Before Otto officially announced Durandal as his successor, they actively sought his whereabouts.
However, now all that is history.
Currently, apart from Ana who remains active at Schicksal Headquarters, most members of the Schariac family have returned home, similar to the Kaslanas. This isn't due to dissatisfaction with Durandal but rather a desire to reassess the situation.
If there's any concern for the old patriarch of Schariac, it would undoubtedly be Xia Chen 'taking advantage' of their prized daughter, Ana.
The pair spent several vacations together at the same hotel; naturally, the old patriarch couldn't believe nothing happened between them.
Nevertheless, Xia Chen is already an S-rank fighter. Although his background wasn't illustrious, his strength is formidable, making him a suitable match for Ana.
Resignedly, he accepted the reality that his precious 'cabbage' had grown up and was taken by a pig.
Given the reality's near-impossibility to change, this old patriarch could only wish his daughter happiness.
Xia Chen never imagined he would soon be navigating the complex relationship between a son-in-law and father-in-law.
After taking two days off with Ana's permission, they found themselves at the estate belonging to House Schariac. This established family had always maintained a low profile, yet their opulent decor revealed their substantial wealth beneath the surface.
While not visibly nervous, Xia Chen was strategizing how best to converse with Ana's father upon his arrival.
Shortly thereafter, Ana's father, Louis Schariac, entered the room.
Despite being referred to as the old patriarch, he was actually in his early forties, with a robust and imposing stature, akin to a giant bear disguised in human skin.
Xia Chen couldn't help but marvel, wondering how such a burly man could have fathered someone as delicate and beautiful as Ana.
Seeming to sense his surprise, Ana gave him a playful glare before introducing them, "Dad, this is my boyfriend, Xia Chen."
Xia Chen promptly stood up, saying, "Hello, sir."
"Ah, well, you're not quite my son-in-law yet..." Before he could finish, Ana pinched him playfully, "Hmph, that's no longer your choice."
Louis couldn't express his displeasure towards his daughter and instead directed his frustration at Xia Chen.
After a moment, he said sternly, "Although Ana likes you, you have yet to pass my test. As her father, I must ensure her happiness."
"Don't listen to him; I'm perfectly happy right now," Ana countered, standing up to her father once more.
Angered by this embarrassment, Louis retorted, "I only want what's best for you."
"Then don't make things difficult for the one I love," Ana confidently replied. "Dad, let me clarify - bringing Xia Chen here was to inform you, not seek your approval."
A warm feeling surged through Xia Chen's heart, deeply touched by Ana's unwavering support.
He reassured them, "Uncle, please rest assured, I will undoubtedly bring happiness to Ana."
"Hmph, you're driving me crazy!"
Despite his words, Louis didn't storm off in anger.
"I won't interfere with your matters anymore, but remember, Ana is still young, so no reckless behavior that could lead to serious consequences."
This seemed to be Louis' lowest acceptable boundary.
Ana wore a victorious smile. "Don't worry, Dad, I know how to take care of myself." She paused briefly before asking, "Where are Little Brother and Little Sister? I'll introduce Xia Chen to them."
"They're in the backyard, go ahead."
Louis didn't display any displeasure on his face.