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Xia Chen's proposal for full cooperation with the World Serpent was temporarily set aside as he now faced another challenging task.
That task involved gathering data for the upgraded Godslayer Armor.
When the Fourth-Gen Valkyrie Armor was first designed, it earned the prestigious title of "Godslayer." Indeed, during initial trials, Himeko wearing the prototype armor proved evenly matched against Raiden Mei, who had become a Herrscher—living up to its formidable reputation.
However, over time, the Fourth-Gen Valkyrie Armor became somewhat obsolete due to a simple reason: The first four Herrschers were now allies. Moreover, after accepting her Legacy, Durandal's power significantly increased, making it fair to say that Schicksal no longer faced much pressure from ordinary Herrschers.
As a result, the role of S-rank Valkyries equipped with Fourth-Gen Valkyrie Armor diminished in importance. Considering the resources invested, it became less cost-effective.
Following recommendations from the Schicksal Holy Research Institute, all ongoing development of Fourth-Gen Valkyrie Armor was scrapped, paving the way for a new round of armor research.
The focus shifted to creating Godslayer Armor, which could only be sustained at human physical limits.
The minimum requirement to wear this new armor was being a Herrscher.
Schicksal planned to produce five such armors, and Xia Chen's physiological data was crucial for their development.
Their simplest approach: confront Finality with brute force.
Although Xia Chen doubted its effectiveness, given the current situation, no one had any viable strategies against Finality, making it somewhat irrelevant.
Sometimes, what Schicksal does is not as important as giving people the impression that they are actively working towards a solution, instilling hope. That, in itself, holds great significance.
Of course, he also had his own agenda.
If his suspicions were incorrect, the importance of Godslayer Armor would be undeniable. Wearing it might at least ensure a less gruesome death when the time comes.
However, the prerequisite was whether the Godslayer Armor could indeed be successfully produced.
"Simulation commencing. We will now initiate gravity simulation. If you experience discomfort, please shout 'stop' immediately."
Xia Chen remained expressionless.
Across from him, Durandal mirrored his stoic demeanor within her experimental chamber.
Over recent weeks, both Xia Chen and Durandal had been cooperating with the Holy Research Institute, undergoing various tests. These included assessing their endurance limits, blood pressure thresholds, and combat heart rates.
The reason behind these tests was straightforward - the new Godslayer Armor was designed based on the extreme capabilities of Valkyries, rather than their standard operational states.
This new weapon was designed to combat enemies even more terrifying than Herrschers.
The gravity gradually increased, pushing closer to their limits. Xia Chen felt as if his blood was boiling, seemingly ignited by some mysterious force within him.
He understood this sensation well—it was the presence of Honkai within his body.
By now, he had a clear grasp on Honkai: whenever substances disrupted natural laws appeared, Honkai Energy would intervene to correct them. This included Schicksal's gravity systems, which also altered natural laws, triggering automatic corrections through Honkai Energy within individuals.
In essence, if humanity could revert to a primitive lifestyle, perhaps Honkai might not manifest at all.
However, no one was willing to take that path.
Much like ants unwilling to dismantle their anthill.
As the Honkai protected his organs from the effects of increasing gravity, the test data showed steadily rising gravitational forces.
The researchers realized that conventional tests may not be sufficient to gauge the full potential of these two subjects, filling them with ecstatic anticipation.
A person's ability to withstand weight largely reflects their physical limit. Xia Chen's high tolerance meant he could potentially master any armor effectively.
Yet, they began to worry—would the next-generation armor fully harness and amplify their newfound capabilities?
During this round of testing for the Godslayer Armor, they barely considered the power source since it was inherently linked to the Herrscher Cores. With ample energy at their disposal, the focus shifted to how far these individuals could push its limits.
After completing the tests, Xia Chen and Durandal exited the laboratory together.
"Are you managing well?" Durandal asked Xia Chen as they walked side by side. "I appreciate your continuous cooperation with the trials; it must have been demanding."
"Not at all," Xia Chen replied casually. "The tests themselves were quite intriguing. I didn't realize Schicksal had so many inventive ways to challenge people."
Durandal smiled warmly. "Just be careful who hears that." Suddenly, she stopped walking.
Curious, Xia Chen asked, "What's wrong?"
"Do you think, for humanity to defeat Honkai, what conditions would be necessary?"
As they traversed a corridor patrolled only by Lesser Divine Constructs, devoid of any other presence, Durandal shed her usual stern demeanor, a hint of fatigue flickering in her eyes.
She had indeed been under immense pressure lately.
Leading is never easy, especially leading Schicksal. Balancing various aspects, projecting unwavering resolve externally, considering the distribution of benefits among different branches and Valkyries... Even with Amber and Rita sharing some burdens, it remained a heavy load. The most significant strain, however, was psychological.
Currently, Schicksal lacks any direct means to combat Honkai.
Even though she and Kiana challenged the false gods, it did not necessarily mean they possess the power to directly confront divine beings. Otto's actions merely revealed an unknown aspect to the girls.
"If I knew, I wouldn't be here enduring this with you."
"Then it seems you're not optimistic about the Godslayer Armor research."
"Well," Xia Chen smiled wryly, "the most significant purpose of the Godslayer Armor now is to bolster the confidence of those still within Schicksal, isn't it?"
In essence, it serves as a massive placebo.
Even if it ultimately fails to materialize, it would hardly matter.
After all, Finality cannot be countered by mere human-made armor, Xia Chen was well aware of this fact.
When no other solutions are available, creating advanced weaponry can indeed boost people's morale.
Conversely, if Schicksal were to do nothing, it might fuel concerns that the leadership intends to flee.
Durandal admitted, "Truthfully, I hadn't considered it that way." She glanced at Xia Chen, paused, and then asked, "How much do you know about Finality?"
Xia Chen was about to say he didn't know much, but upon seeing Durandal's gaze, he realized his simulator had likely been exposed.
Most probably, Otto guessed it and informed her.
"How should I put this? I've witnessed Finality three times," he spoke casually. "All within another stigma space, and each time, my consciousness perished."
"I can state that with human civilization's strength and wisdom, we are incredibly fragile before Finality. Currently, theoretically speaking, the only viable approach to counteract it is by creating a new 'Finality' Herrscher."
"The World Serpent's Project Stigma has a prerequisite - gathering all living Herrschers possessing Authorities to birth a new 'Finality' Herrscher." This information came from his understanding at the Holy Mark Terminal, which Prometheus had continuously calculated: "However, due to certain unforeseen circumstances, this plan has become unfeasible."