Herrscher of Dominance in Honkai, starting with the abduction of Kiana

The shadows of the Honkai gradually receded, and the morning sun finally returned to the city. Li Sushang slowly approached the unconscious figure, a long silence hanging in the air.

Gentle sunlight fell upon the pale Crimson Empress mask, casting long shadows.

The Ink-Dyed Fragrance, lying on the ground, seemed to sense its owner's arrival, emitting a soft hum. However, Li Sushang didn't immediately pick it up. Instead, she crouched down, her fingers gently brushing against the Crimson Empress mask.

"Is that you?" The girl's soft murmur drifted through the empty alley. She could easily lift the mask, the answer within reach, yet she hesitated.

If the sword beside him wasn't the Ink-Dyed Fragrance, she would have taken the opportunity to uncover the truth while he was unconscious.

But precisely because it was her sword, entrusted to Ren, she was reluctant to expose the obvious truth.

If this person truly was Ren, it meant his approach had been deceptive. Unmasking him would also end their fledgling friendship, her first in 500 years.

The silence of the streets, now that the Honkai Beasts were gone, was profound, amplifying even the soft sound of the mask resting on the ground.

…

A gentle breeze drifted through the hospital window, rustling the white curtains and softly caressing Ren's hair. Bright sunlight filtered through his eyelids, awakening him from his slumber.

Ren slowly opened his eyes, greeted by the familiar hospital ceiling. His memories returned, and he quickly pieced together the situation.

The quiet ward was filled only with the rustling of the curtains. A faint, pleasant fragrance wafted through the air. He turned his head and saw a girl sitting by the window, lost in thought.

Li Sushang, usually so straightforward, was now burdened by something she couldn't quite unravel. Her slender eyebrows were furrowed, her deep eyes gazing out the window in contemplation.

Not wanting to disturb her, Ren's gaze fell upon the bedside table.

The crumpled Crimson Empress plushie lay there forlornly, like a discarded toy.

The Ink-Dyed Fragrance, sheathed, rested on the table beside his phone, some loose change, and other miscellaneous items.

And as his gaze landed on a mask, a predictable thought crossed his mind. However, upon closer inspection, his expression turned to one of confusion.

It wasn't the Crimson Empress mask he had been wearing but the Homu mask he had prepared as a backup.

Ren hadn't removed the mask before losing consciousness. If Li Sushang had rescued him, his identity would have been exposed.

He had deliberately left this glaring clue for a reason. He had learned almost everything he needed about Taixu Sword Qi. It was time to make his exit.

But why…

"You're awake." Just as Ren's expression shifted, Li Sushang noticed his movement. She turned from the window, her gaze settling on his face.

Ren couldn't shake the feeling that Li Sushang hesitated for a moment upon seeing him. Although she quickly recovered her usual demeanor, he still detected a hint of unnaturalness in her expression.

"Thank you for saving me," Ren replied hoarsely, feigning embarrassment. He deliberately averted his gaze when it met hers, pretending to be ashamed.

His subtle shift in demeanor didn't escape Li Sushang's notice. Seeing his apparent guilt, her heart wavered slightly. She forced a smile. "You've only just learned Taixu Sword Qi. Even with Ink-Dyed Fragrance protecting you, don't be so reckless next time. Those Honkai Beasts are dangerous. Leave them to me."

"..." Even after all that, she's still not going to call me out?

Girl, has anyone ever told you that you're a terrible liar?

Li Sushang pretending not to recognize him should have been a good thing. It meant he could continue learning Taixu Sword God from her until he had no further use for her, then discard her.

But that wasn't what Ren wanted. While he had deliberately deceived her to gain her trust, it was merely a means to an end.

His goal was clear: the complete Taixu Sword God, not Li Sushang herself.

If this were when he had just become the Herrscher of Domination, he would have exploited Li Sushang's friendship without hesitation, molding her into a perfect weapon—but he already had one.

Therefore, Li Sushang had become a liability. Setting aside her combat abilities, her connection to Otto would undoubtedly create problems for him.

So, he had to cut ties.

"I'll be careful," Ren replied, struggling to sit up.

Still weak from his injuries, he lost his balance and nearly tumbled out of bed. Li Sushang reacted quickly, catching his arm.

Coincidentally, a surge of Honkai energy pulsed uncontrollably from Ren's body, a hint of the Herrscher's violent aura leaking out.

Li Sushang, with her keen senses, immediately detected it, her expression stiffening.

Her master had told her that this uncontrolled release of energy was a sign of succumbing to inner demons. Cultivating Taixu Sword Qi required careful nurturing of the Sword Heart precisely to prevent this.

Yet, Ren had grasped the fundamentals of Taixu Sword Qi in just a few hours. This meant that, aside from his exceptional talent, the risk of him succumbing to inner demons had also greatly increased.

"Miss Sushang, what's wrong?" Ren interrupted her thoughts, knowing the flaws in his deception were glaring. He couldn't afford to let her think too deeply.

Looking at Ren's clumsy pretense, Li Sushang felt a tightness in her chest. She forced a smile, mumbled something about preparing lunch, and quickly left the ward, her mind heavy with unspoken thoughts.

As Li Sushang's figure disappeared, the false facade on Ren's face crumbled. A moment later, a sigh echoed through the ward.

He got out of bed, his wounds vanishing at a visible rate. As a seasoned Herrscher, the 300,000 wills couldn't shake his foundation.

Aside from the mental trauma inflicted by Taixu Sword God, any physical injury could be easily healed by his power of creation.

Ren had deliberately feigned weakness not only because he needed to recover but also to sever his connection with Li Sushang.

"The next time we meet, we'll be enemies, Miss Sushang."

As his voice faded, the ward was empty.