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The clash between the mightiest warriors of the previous and current civilizations would undoubtedly yield invaluable data.
As the sole witness to this encounter, Rita's only course was to maintain utmost secrecy.
From the onset of their confrontation, it became clear to Rita that Durandal was no match for Kevin.
Kevin didn't wield any weapons but instead manipulated frost like a Herrscher. With mere layers of ice, he effortlessly blocked Durandal's assaults using Abyss Flower.
Even though Durandal was currently relying on Lunar Essence Armor rather than Starcraft Armor, the disparity between them was evident.
Rita needed to reassess the value of World Serpent and its potential impact on Schicksal.
After Otto's departure, Schicksal lost access to knowledge from the previous civilization era. Despite having exceptional scientists like Nagamitsu, advancing based solely on existing technology proved immensely challenging. However, with World Serpent involved, many obstacles could potentially be overcome.
However, it all hinged on whether World Serpent was willing to cooperate.
As Durandal and Kevin continued their fierce battle, Rita began strategizing Schicksal's bargaining chips to sway them over.
It was evident that this leader of World Serpent held little regard for humanity's strength in the current era, nor did he have faith in its future. Otherwise, he wouldn't have dismissed the actions of this civilization so casually.
These weren't mere words spoken out of momentary frustration; they reflected his genuine beliefs.
Such a person would not be easily swayed, especially given their exceptional combat prowess.
On the nearby battlefield, Durandal executed a series of strikes, thrusts, and throws, while Kevin remained unfazed, adapting effortlessly to her every move.
He no longer exerted his full power unless confronting Honkai itself.
Durandal is undoubtedly highly skilled, thought Kevin.
Whether it was her innate talent for combat, the strength she wielded, or her mastery of fighting techniques, she had honed herself to near perfection within the limits of her physical form. Kevin understood that his only advantage lay in the wisdom of pre-civilization science, granting him access to the Honkai bloodline.
On the other hand, despite being the envisioned perfect product of Project Stigma, the girl before him had yet to fully harness its power.
If anyone could potentially defeat Finality, it might just be her.
However, Kevin found more trust in Otto than Durandal.
Kevin was aware of what Otto sought to accomplish and knew that his success could potentially bring immense benefits to the entire world. Yet, the exact extent of these advantages remained unknown to him.
Despite possessing extraordinary martial prowess, Kevin leaned towards pessimism.
With a casual wave of his hand, ice transformed into icicles plummeting onto Durandal. The young woman channeled Honkai energy, turning her lance into a flamethrower, swiftly melting the ice. However, she felt her armor suddenly become significantly heavier.
The extreme coldness impacted the overall weight-bearing capacity of her armor.
Moon Essence incorporated Schicksal's most advanced armor design technology. In theory, it could operate effectively between temperatures ranging from -208°C to 380°C, withstanding pressures equivalent to those at 20,000 meters below sea level. To put it simply, barring any foolish decision like jumping into volcanic lava, Durandal could traverse almost anywhere on Earth.
However, Kevin's unleashed frost had drastically lowered the temperature in this area, reaching the limits of Durandal's armor.
Kevin possessed the power to directly alter the environment.
No matter how advanced personal armor may be, it ultimately proved futile against such environmental changes.
Despite this, Durandal refused to give up. As her armor's load-bearing system began malfunctioning, she relied solely on her own strength to bear the weight.
Her capabilities were yet to reach their peak; they only continued to grow stronger.
In response, Rita merely sighed softly.
The outcome was already predetermined; no matter how thrilling the process, it remained meaningless.
This was the first time the maid had witnessed someone pushing Durandal to such extremes. Rita couldn't help but ponder: Was it due to Kevin's extraordinary natural talent as a warrior? Or because of the advanced technology from the previous civilization era? Perhaps both factors played a role?
She inadvertently thought of Fu Hua... Indeed, it seemed that Kevin's exceptional prowess as a warrior was the primary factor.
The battle concluded.
Durandal leaned heavily on Abyss Flower, while Kevin gave her a deep look before striding away.
He had to admit that Durandal possessed the potential to overcome Finality, but it would take an incredibly long time - so prolonged that it could instill despair in this era's people.
It was now necessary for him to prepare for the next era. After all, not every world-ending event might be as fortunate, leaving survivors on the surface.
After Kevin departed, Rita couldn't help but support Durandal, who was completely exhausted.
"Lady Durandal," Rita said with slight resignation, "it seems we need to reassess our understanding of the World Serpent."
"Please handle this matter." Durandal took a moment to recover before standing up.
"Fighting against him made me deeply realize the significant gap between myself and this world's strongest warriors. In the coming days, I must return to the training room."
She looked at Rita and stated, "Combat is what I should focus on; anything else would merely be a waste of my time in various ways."
Durandal knew she wasn't a suitable leader. Despite her efforts to delegate authority and bear the responsibility of leading, she understood that in terms of leadership decisions and foresight, she fell far short compared to Otto.
Schicksal was a useful tool, but she lacked the ability to wield it effectively. If not for today's battle with Kevin, she might have strayed down the wrong path.
Though this potential deviation was only as per Durandal's own assessment.
Rita, somewhat resigned, said, "I'll do my best to handle work-related matters without bothering you, Lady Durandal. However, there will be times when your presence is necessary. In situations like these, your time can no longer be considered solely personal."
"For routine tasks, you and Amber can decide together."
"Lady Durandal trusts me implicitly. Aren't you worried I might abuse my authority?"
Even amidst such circumstances, Rita found humor in her words.
Durandal shook her head. "Money holds no value for you, and besides... The burden you carry weighs just as heavy as mine."
Like Durandal, Rita was a survivor of a Honkai incident.
However, after that calamity, she became an orphan.
Before meeting Durandal, it was hatred, rather than ambition, that primarily fueled Rita's rise among the Valkyries.
"True enough," Rita sighed softly. "Then let's head back."
"Mm-hmm."
Durandal suppressed her restless thoughts; with this new goal in mind, she could become even stronger.
Just as they were about to return, an invitation appeared in Durandal's hand, drifting down from above unnoticed.
They exchanged glances, their expressions grave.
The Herrscher of Dominance.
When did it arrive? Did Kevin not notice its presence? Or had he been aware all along?