"Command. This is Theresa Apocalypse. I need a report on the 2nd Herrscher." Said Theresa as she talked into a radio waiting for a report.

Following her were Alex and Kiana as they seemingly were on their way to meet up with Siegfried Kaslana, Kiana's father.

During the walk, Alex had been wondering for a while now on how Siegfried was gonna look like.

'Hm. Now that I think about it, I know very little about Kiana aside from what I know of her now.' Thought Alex to himself as then felt a tug on his sleeve as he turned to see Kiana getting his attention.

"What?" He asked.

"You probably don't care, but seeing this is making me really nostalgic." She said.

"W-Wait what? You remember stuff when you were 1 year old?" Asked Alex.

"No of course not you dummy. Before I ended up in St. Freya, heck even before I ended up in Nagazora, I spent most of my childhood here in Siberia with my father. We would live on our own in a small, nice wooden cabin." Said Kiana as she smiled, remembering fondly of that memory.

"It was just you two? Didn't it get lonely?" Asked Alex.

"Well, it was at first. Initially my father rarely ever looked at me and refused to call me by my name. Not only that but also I wouldn't be allowed to go outside at all. I'd be home all day, waiting until my father got back home, which more often than not it would take more than half of the day." Replied Kiana.

"If that's the case then why are you so nostalgic?" Asked Alex.

"Because, that didn't last forever. One day, I went outside and attempted to help by slaying a Honkai beast, but I got so scared that I simply just sat there, unable to move. Then my father arrived on time, losing an arm in the process but still ended up slaying the beast and saving me. I felt so guilty for causing my father so much pain, but he reassured me that it wasn't. Afterwards, things changed. He finally started looking at me with joy, called me by my name, and we would both go out together to slay little Honkai Beasts. It was all so fun, but then it all ended suddenly." Said Kiana.

"Ended suddenly? The heck happened?" Asked Alex.

"I don't know why, but one day my father left and just abandoned me without even leaving a note or telling me anything beforehand. I was so heartbroken and felt betrayed. Even to this day, I'm still in the unknown about why he left." Said Kiana.

"That's rough. I'm sure he must've had a good reason though. I doubt he'd just leave you because he wanted too." Said Alex.

"Yeah I think that too. In fact, the reason why I joined St. Freya was because Aunt Theresa made a deal and promised me that if I joined, that one day once I finally became an S-Rank Valkyrie, she'd tell me the current whereabouts as to where my father is. That way, I'd finally find out why he left me." Said Kiana.

"I see. That's nice to hear." Said Alex with a smile.

"I guess. Sorry about telling all this to you." Said Kiana.

"It's fine. At least you can remember and talk fondly about your parents. I have little to no memories about mine. The earliest memories I can remember the time I spent as a part of Cocolia's Orphanage." Said Alex.

"I don't get it then. Since you know so little about your mom and dad, shouldn't that drive you to understand and find out what happened to them?" Asked Kiana.

"Honestly, I've gotten to a point in my life where I'm not really intrested in finding out any info on my parents at the moment." Said Alex.

"You say that like your a 65 year old grandpa. Aren't you only 13?" She asked.

"Yeah but I've already done and experienced so many things through just 13 years that I'm satisfied at where I am in life. Though it ended on a sour note, I enjoyed my time spent at Cocolia's Orphanage. And then after that I spent and enjoyed time at another orphanage. Afterwards, I choose the mercenary life. Though it is tiring and exhausting at times, it doesn't take away the fact that its given me the opportunity to see many things, experience different countries and cultures, and meet many intresting people, you girls at St. Freya being one of them." Said Alex.

Kiana grew a smirk and playfully poked his cheek after hearing his long speech.

"Wow. Looks like you do have a heart after all." Said Kiana as Alex moved her hand away.

"Okay your just over exaggerating. I just choose whenever I want to open up. That's all." Said Alex.

Kiana giggled a bit as she looked back ahead.

"Thanks for the chat Alex. I appreciate it." She said as he nodded with a smile.

As their conversation ended, their attention was grabbed by Theresa who turned back took at them.

"Hey you two pick up the pace! I've just been told Siegfried's location and we're nearby! Come on!" She shouted.

"So then, you ready to see your father?" Asked Alex.

"Even though it's just my dad from the past, regardless this is gonna be the first time I'll be seeing him in 6 years. Of course I'm ready." She said.

With that the two picked up their pace and eventually got up with Theresa as the three continued along the path, getting closer to Siegfried's location.

As they walked along, a thought suddenly came across Kiana's mind.

"Theresa! Hey Theresa!" Said Kiana.

"No need to speak so loudly girl. What is it?" Asked Theresa as Alex looked at Kiana also being curious.

"I got a question. Is uh, Cecilia.........Cecilia Schariac involved in this mission as well?" Asked Kiana.

"Hm? Where did you hear about Cecilia?" Asked Theresa.

This caused Kiana to tense up as she looked at Alex for help as the boy simply shrugged unsure on what to say.

"U-Um, because she's the Valkyrie I respect the most?" Said Kiana, hoping that Theresa would buy it.

"I see. Well, Cecilia won't be coming here to Siberia. She's currently on maternity leave since she gave birth a year ago, but there's a catch." Said Theresa.

"Hm? What is it?" Asked Kiana.

"If the situation gets too far out of hand and escalates even more than it already is, then Overseer Otto Apocalypse will be deploying her. However I won't let happen! I'll make sure that the 2nd Herrscher is dealt with!" Said Theresa.

"Yeah your right! We'll protect her! Right Alex!?" Said Kiana as the two looked him catching the boy off guard.

"Hm? U-Uh, y-yeah we'll protect her." He said with an awkward smile.

'I don't even know who Cecilia is.' Thought Alex to himself.

"Oh Theresa one more thing. Please don't tell Siegfried that I'm his daughter. It be a distraction at a crucial part in the mission and it get him in trouble with mom I-I mean Cecilia. I'll handle the family affairs afterwards. " Said Kiana.

"Aww that's very considerate. Your definitely my niece. Alright then I trust you and won't tell." Replied Theresa.

With that conversation over, the three continued walking until they reached and open area, with a machine planted in the ground.

As they approached the area, they noticed somebody standing there as Theresa called their attention as they turned around to face them, as they smiled.

"Well, there he is you two. Siegfried Kaslana." Said Theresa.

Chapter 26: Complete