CHAPTER 570
Code Name: Shattered Sword
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Amber's quarters were on the first floor to the left of the mansion's main gate. As a personal attendant, her appearances were mostly for show. In reality, she rarely got to handle high-pressure combat missions herself.
It had been ages since she'd gone out in full gear. Most days, her work involved handling tasks for Lady Gu Ai.
The room was spacious, larger than Xiao Ai's office and bedroom combined. Its layout resembled a small warehouse, devoid of windows except for several vents that seemed to serve as air vents.
A heavy floral scent permeated the air—not exactly pleasant, but incense specially procured by Amber to mask the odor of mechanical components.
Collapsing onto the sofa in front of the desk, Amber seemed exhausted, yet it felt like ages since she'd been this relaxed.
Staring at the "weapon rack" covered in a rainproof tarp, resembling a black piano, Amber stared blankly for a long time, seemingly lost in thought, unaware of what she was pondering.
Though outwardly she appeared to wear only an elegant gown, the sensation was that of battle armor. While the fabric was tangible, once various weapons were mounted, Amber could no longer sit—let alone lie down.
Amber decided to take advantage of this moment of relative "light travel" to get some proper rest, hoping to be well-rested and alert for the tasks ahead.
But anyone who'd been through this knew: when death loomed endlessly close, one inevitably fell into reminiscence. It felt like filling in gaps, searching for things left undone or regrets left unresolved.
Especially for those who'd seen cold corpses. At a time like this, sleep was likely impossible. The so-called rest was merely sitting down, quieting the mind for a moment, and sorting through thoughts.
The desk was still piled high with unprocessed documents, and the small treasure box bestowed by Lady Gu Ai lay pressed beneath them. After all, Amber now had a legitimate excuse to slack off, so naturally, she didn't spare those papers a second glance.
Earlier, she had been staring blankly at the weapons rack; now, she was staring blankly at the small treasure box on her desk. No one knew what she was thinking, not even Xiao Ai could guess at this moment.
Even without opening it, Amber knew what lay inside. It was a tradition of the Executioner's Blade.
Originally, it was meant for suicide to avoid capture by enemies.
But Amber was Xiao Ai's treasure, so naturally, it was different. Inside the box lay a Godslayer Arrow.
The preciousness of the Godslayer Arrow needed no explanation. Clearly, Xiao Ai hoped it would never be needed. But life was unpredictable, especially when facing a god?
Gently lifting the lid, she saw the latest model of the Godslayer Arrow. Its serial number was clearly engraved upon it. In the past, Mengdie would give each Godslayer Arrow an interesting name.
But Amber had no mind for such things now. She just stared blankly at the Godslayer Arrow before her, lost in thought for a long while.
Rising slowly, Amber walked straight to the long-dusty equipment rack where her heavy armor lay sealed away, unused for ages.
Her memory of the last time she had worn this armor was when she faced that deity who claimed to be invincible and could see the future.
Pulling back the dust cloth, which seemed on the verge of disintegrating, she revealed the gilded, jet-black armor beneath. It appeared as pristine as ever. Her small hands gently traced the intricate patterns and every single scratch, each one exactly as she remembered.
The ceremonial gown slowly faded away, replaced by a slightly miniaturized suit of armor. After all, Amber was nearly as tall as Xiao Ai, and her figure was naturally cute and petite.
She undid the buckles securing the leather straps, hanging the heavy skirt armor over the waist of her existing light armor. Amber hopped twice, testing whether the connection was secure, or perhaps simply readjusting to the weight of the heavy armor.
Breastplate, shoulder guards, arm guards, combat boots, connecting rails—each step required meticulous inspection.
Next came her standard equipment set. Though it had been ages since she'd done this, each movement flowed effortlessly, as if honed through endless practice.
Fourteen blades had to be individually slotted into the quiver-like compartments at her waist. With a thought, the sword case slid along the rails with a crisp metallic clink, settling securely behind her.
She sheathed the Godslayer Longsword, carefully adjusting its position. After testing the draw angle several times, a faint smile touched her lips, as if she were thinking, I'm still in my prime~
Weapons and gear of every kind hung from her back, waist, and thighs—she was armed to the teeth.
Finally, as the gear dissolved into a shimmering light, it transformed back into the elegant evening gown Amber had chosen earlier, radiant in its beauty.
However, had Ye Qinghan been present, he would have sensed through his divine perception that Amber's armor rating was second only to Lord Gu Ai's—a formidable Level 14 protection rating.
Had Dongfang Jue been present, the system would undoubtedly have alerted them to the emergence of a high-risk combat unit.
Once this battle armor was donned, Amber would remain in a state of semi-powered spiritual energy activation. The sheer pressure alone would be enough to make Ye Qinghan and the others' hairs stand on end!
After donning her gear, Amber slowly pushed open the door. Her Valkyrie companions were gathered in the first-floor hall, seemingly deep in conversation. Their gazes immediately fixed on her as she emerged.
"What? Something up?" Amber smiled. Visibly, a faint golden glint flickered in the Valkyries' eyes. This armor didn't lie—Amber was clearly heading out on a mission.
Kohaku leaned against the doorway. A mission directly confronting enemy deities was undoubtedly the most perilous undertaking in history. It was only natural that Xiao Ai would be entrusted to Amber.
"About that… the person you requested for the Iron Pot Project? I've found them. Remember to pick them up at the military headquarters later."
Amber chuckled softly. "Got it."
"I'm here to collect a debt—you still owe me two cupcakes. Make sure you pay up when you get back!"
"Same here! You promised to return those thirty people you borrowed from me last month!"
The twelve Valkyries chattered back and forth, as if Amber were perpetually in debt. But Amber merely smiled. After all, aside from the personnel needed for the Iron Pot Project, she never intended to give the rest back anyway~
It seemed debts didn't expire with death, as if those items truly held immense importance to the Valkyries.
Indeed, to repay those debts, one must at least return alive, right?
But Amber offered no reply. She merely bowed slightly and headed upstairs.
"Why that slut?"
"What do you mean? Who do you think should go then?"
"But Ye Qinghan was also carrying an emblem of authority, wasn't she? And she wasn't discovered either."
"You know nothing! Ye Qinghan's authority wasn't activated—it was just an ordinary earring. But if Lady Gu Ai went, that bastard would probably…"
The others watched Amber's receding figure, murmuring among themselves. Yet the moment the door slammed shut, all sound ceased.
"Amber greets Lord Gu Ai." Amber bowed slightly, her tone as calm as ever, seemingly indistinguishable from any ordinary day.
But Xiao Ai didn't even glance at Amber, as if the documents in her hands were truly of the utmost importance.
"Hmm. Depart once you're ready. Go swiftly and return promptly."
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