Miss Riddler just wants to level up in peace.

Sunk costs led Ziyao to choose the former.

[Ding! Congratulations on obtaining the weapon "A Salted Fish"!]

Synopsis: You might not believe it, but it was the salted fish that started it.

It's hard, the fist is hard.

Four hundred crystals vanished in an instant, and Ziyao couldn't help but feel heartbroken.

If it weren't for the weapon that came with it, she would have almost demanded a refund.

What strange things are in the supply pool?

Even though I have bad luck, you can't do this, right?

This was the last time, and Ziyao had no hope at all.

Without even washing my hands, I clicked on the supply and frantically tapped the screen to try and skip it.

— [Ding! Congratulations on obtaining the doll: [Fu Hua - Cloud Ink Heart]!]

Introduction: Flowers bloom and fade, clouds roll and unroll, kites sing and cry in the second month of spring.

The forerunners of a pre-civilization, dressed in magnificent robes like ink, embraced all styles, yet possessed only a pure and loyal heart.

Note: Possesses one percent of Fu Hua's power, perfectly manifesting all her skills.

Number of uses: 6

Note: Level 3 Puppeteers can collect materials to create permanent items.

An unexpected surprise.

For a moment, the girl didn't know what to say.

If it were Fu Hua at her peak, even one percent of her power would be incredibly strong.

..

Simulated training ground.

The massive mecha attacked Mei, but the girl dodged the attack and swung her sword in response.

Sparks flew everywhere, and in the blink of an eye, the mech was torn to pieces.

"Your swordsmanship is superb. You're in great form today. Did something good happen?"

Fu Hua commented, carefully examining the gap in the mecha.

The cut surface is flat and perfectly natural.

As a martial artist, she knew all too well what it took to achieve such destructive power.

"Yes, a teacher promised to help me become stronger."

"Theresa? Or that Miss Rita?"

"She's here, look."

Following Mei's gaze, a girl with dark hair walked briskly and came to them in a few turns.

"..."

Because of the self-introductions in the morning, Fu Hua knew Zi Yao.

To her surprise, the person Mei was looking for was actually her.

Of course, one cannot judge a book by its cover, and Fu Hua is well aware of this.

Volume 1: Chapter 28 The Sword of Still Water - Dustless

"I've been waiting for so long! They said they'd be here in a little while, but it's been half an hour!"

Kiana crossed her arms and puffed out her cheeks in dissatisfaction.

Consider it tuition.

"Hmph, who wants your help..." Kiana muttered under her breath.

She was only there to keep an eye on things and prevent this suspicious woman from doing anything bad to Mei.

The so-called desire to learn is just an excuse, yes, that's it.

"Teacher Nightingale, may we begin?"

Mei gripped the sword hilt tightly, looking at Ziyao expectantly.

"Mei, let me make this clear beforehand: my approach might make you a little unhappy."

"I don't care much about other people's feelings. If you feel uncomfortable, please tell me so I can make adjustments."

Everyone was wearing specially made Valkyrie armor, except for Ziyao, who was wearing casual clothes.

"Teacher Nightingale, you should take proper precautions when practicing. Are you alright like this?"

"It's alright, Hua, please demonstrate for Mei first."

Fu Hua instinctively caught a sword made from a salted fish that was thrown out of the system space.

"What did you call me just now...?"

Upon hearing the familiar address, Fu Hua thought she had misheard.

"Ahem... It's nothing, Fu Hua. Just use your normal strength against it."

Upon inputting the command, the simulation program quickly generated a gigantic Knight-class Honkai Beast.

Holding a strange longsword, Fu Hua delivered a critical strike, slicing the Honkai Beast vertically in two.

The poor Honkai Beast met its end less than half a minute after it appeared on screen.

The technique is crisp and efficient, without any unnecessary delays.

As expected of St. Freya's strongest student, Kiana was filled with envy.

Every teacher spoke highly of Fu Hua's abilities, praising her not only for her talent but also for her excellent academic performance.

Withdrawing her hand and sheathing her sword, Fu Hua calmly returned the 'salted fish' to Zi Yao.

As one of the strongest warriors of the previous civilization, her attack just now was not even a warm-up for her; she killed the Honkai Beast with a light touch.

"good."

Ziyao simply nodded, showing no particular surprise.

Today she's going to do an experiment to see if she has the ability to control the Herrscher.

Or perhaps, control over the powerful Valkyrie before she became a Herrscher.

However, it's always a bit difficult to make a move when someone is watching you.

Behind him, a gaze was constantly fixed on him.

"Fu Hua, why don't you take Kiana to rest first? There are some things that are keeping you from acting freely."

Ziyao said helplessly.

Fu Hua nodded. "Understood."

Mei had seen all the effort she put into becoming stronger, and she sincerely hoped that her hard work would pay off.

Does this teacher really have the ability to solve her problem?

"Hey, did you send me away so you could secretly do something weird to Mei!?"

"Don't worry, Kiana, I'm feeling much better these past few days."

Mei knew that Kiana had been concerned about her since the day before yesterday, hoping that she could cheer up.

“…”

Kiana paused for a moment, then symbolically swung her little fist.

"If anything happens to Mei, I will absolutely not let you off the hook!"

"Kiana, something terrible has happened to you." Fu Hua adjusted his glasses.

Back in the dorm, Bronya sat alone in front of the TV, playing video games while holding Hom.

"You idiot Kiana, have you gone and caused trouble for the teacher again?"

"N-no, I was just worried about Mei, so I was tasked with keeping an eye on her."

"You probably know about what happened in Changkong City, right? That person seems very suspicious no matter how you look at it."

"I don't know why, but Mei just cares about her a lot."

Bronya put down the controller and tilted her head slightly.

"Really?"

“I never lie.” Kiana puffed out her chest, which trembled like jelly.

Bronya thinks you care about this too.

Bronya spoke the last sentence very softly.

Two of my best friends seem to be drifting away.

Image: "Bronya", Location: "Images/1656741367-100324062-108986777.jpg"

..

After the two left, only Ziyao and Mei remained in the simulation training field.

"Teacher Nightingale, what's wrong?"

Seeing Ziyao in a daze, Mei asked with concern.

For some reason, the unease in her heart would disappear whenever the girl stood beside her.

"......"

The Riddler's control talent has a weakness: the requirements for conditions are too demanding.

In order for 'Listening to the Heart' to control others, one of the following conditions must be met:

1. They are open-minded and trusting of the person controlling them.