Trapped in Honkai: Integrated Strategies [20]

“Potential? You mean in terms of manipulating and storing Honkai energy?”

[You could put it that way.]
[After all, the system’s Elite Promotion only grants the strongest possible abilities. But as you noticed after your first promotion—having an ability doesn’t mean you can fully bring out its effect. For example, you still haven’t managed to fully utilize your acceleration talent.]

[Mastering a power takes time. And after two promotions, further development also depends on talent.]

[The higher the star rating, the easier it is for the character to achieve that.]

“I see… now it makes sense.”

“Alright then, System, go ahead and reinstall yourself. For once I can enjoy a day without spending the night grinding in the training field.”

[Hey, hey! I never forced you to live in the training field every night. Don’t slander me as some black-hearted system.]

[Please don’t project your grind-mania onto the system.]

“Fine, fine. But you should at least understand the urgency I feel, not having enough strength.”

The moment she said this, Lyra felt her consciousness return to her body.

At the same time, system uninstall and reinstall progress notifications appeared in her mind.

…

“Everyone, today I’ll be introducing a new teacher.”

After the first morning class, Himeko didn’t immediately leave the podium. Instead, she continued speaking.

“A new teacher? Male or female? Are they good-looking?”

“Looks don’t matter, what matters is whether they’re strict.”

“Yeah, true…”

The whispering didn’t last long. Himeko cleared her throat, then raised her voice toward the door: “Lyra, come in.”

The classroom door cracked open. Lyra first poked her head in, glanced around cautiously, then stepped inside.

This was already a reflexive habit of hers. Theresa had noticed it, but hadn’t pointed it out—she and Himeko privately guessed it must be from living long in dangerous environments.

And that wasn’t exactly wrong. Trials were indeed dangerous. Yet for now, that wariness—like a small animal always on guard—was seen by most as a sort of charm.

Like right now, by the students below.

“Whoa, so that’s the new teacher? She’s tiny, so cute, looks so obedient.”

“I bet if you held her she’d feel great in your arms, hehehe.”

“Hey, hey! You’re drooling!”

“Kiana, Kiana.” Mei nudged her neighbor, whispering, “I’ve got a question I can’t figure out.”

“Eh? Me?” Kiana pointed at herself, confused. But when it came to Mei, she was always willing. “Okay, Mei, ask away. I’ll do my best to answer.”

Mei’s violet eyes flickered with doubt. “If Bronya is also this petite, expressionless type—and even more so than Lyra-neesan—then why have our classmates never shown her this kind of… um, enthusiasm?”

“Heh. Mei, you asked the right person.” Kiana’s grin widened smugly. At last she experienced the joy of explaining something like a top student. “It’s all about contrast, Mei.”

“Contrast?”

“Exactly. They may both have that expressionless loli vibe, but Lyra-neesan has something extra—a teacher’s aura. Someone in such an authority-heavy role who looks like she could crouch down covering her head at any moment—don’t you think that contrast is amazing?”

“Think of it like… why Auntie Theresa is so popular. Same kind of reason.”

While Kiana was busy giving Mei this “lesson,” Lyra had already finished her self-introduction.

This was the identity she, Himeko, and Theresa had hastily fabricated yesterday: a Valkyrie retired from Shenzhou, badly injured, comrades sacrificed, now only able to take up teaching.

Of course, this excuse didn’t actually hold much water. But Otto’s Valkyries sent to Shenzhou were often under hidden identities, and Fu Hua hadn’t been back to Shenzhou recently. There was no chance she’d report to Otto just because of a new teacher—her mission was only to monitor Kiana.

“In the coming days, Teacher Lyra will be assisting me in managing the class. If another teacher has sudden business, she may also take over a lesson. If any of you have issues, you can also seek her help.”

Seeing Lyra’s introduction wrapped up, Himeko stepped forward to close it out.

“Alright, that’s enough for now. If you have questions, you can ask Teacher Lyra during study period. Now then, the next class is…”

“Himeko-san, the next teacher’s been waiting at the door for ages.” Lyra reminded softly.

“Oh! Mr. Yang, sorry, sorry, kept you waiting.”

Only then did Himeko realize the history teacher had been standing there all along. She quickly apologized.

“No problem, no problem. If you still had business, I wouldn’t mind waiting.” Welt waved his hand casually.

Then his gaze landed curiously on Lyra. “And this is…?” he asked Himeko.

“Oh, this is Lyra. A new teacher who arrived yesterday. Since she’s unfamiliar with academy duties, she’ll shadow me as an assistant for now.”

“I see, no wonder I hadn’t seen her before.” Welt offered a hand. “Pleased to meet you, Teacher Lyra. I look forward to working together.”

Though not fully understanding, Lyra shook his hand politely. After some brief words, she followed Himeko out of the classroom.

Strange… Welt’s eyes deepened as he began his lecture, thoughts turning inward.

There shouldn’t have been any new faculty transfers recently. And when they shook hands, he could clearly sense it—this girl’s energy signature wasn’t weak. Just where had she come from…?

What Lyra didn’t know was that, to avoid Welt encountering familiar Valkyries during his infiltration, Dr. Tesla had always tracked all Valkyrie transfers. After all, St. Freya’s firewalls were practically nonexistent against Anti-Entropy.

So while Lyra thought her cover flawless, to Welt it was riddled with holes.

Unaware, Lyra was still busy with Himeko, going through all kinds of handover tasks for her new role.

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This is a fan translation of 人在崩坏，但是集成战略启动 by 想做饭的饭之律者 All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!