Honkai Impact: I, The Herrscher of Ice, Am Loved By Players

Please support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I'm working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for most novels - There are at least twice as many available chapters on Patreon, compared to here on Webnovel.

Additionally, there are also free extra chapters available for Free Members, so head on over:

Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff

******

Ana strolled casually towards the group. Surprisingly, she wasn't wearing the recently activated Gaia Ex Machina armor but rather the lightweight armor from her Snow Lotus Squad days.

This attire softened her usual imposing presence, giving her a gentle and endearing appearance instead.

"As expected of Goddess Red Kite, your prowess is truly remarkable," Ana remarked with admiration as she gazed at Fu Hua, smiling warmly.

Smiling at Fu Hua, Ana revealed that she had arrived earlier and was waiting just outside, hidden from view due to her familiarity with the place—neither Rita nor Bianka spotted her lurking in the blind spot.

Upon seeing Ana, hope flickered in Theresa's eyes. She raised her hand, waving urgently for assistance.

"Ana, hurry! They're trying to take Kiana away..."

In response to Theresa's plea, Ana merely shrugged helplessly.

"Lady Theresa, taking Kiana is Lord Bishop's command; I cannot interfere."

"Moreover..." Ana scanned the group, her expression conveying her inability to intervene.

What kind of joke is this? Facing three S-rank Valkyries of Schicksal? Apart from Rita being somewhat weaker, the other two are top-tier powerhouses. Expecting me to single-handedly confront all three? Are you kidding?

Not that it's impossible, but there's no need for such confrontation. These are my wives after all; how could I bring myself to fight them? If I did, I wouldn't be allowed anywhere near our bed tonight—and after being away on missions for so long, I've been longing for some intimacy... Just kidding!

Having endured training under Garden of Eden's female disciplinarians for quite some time now, it's high time she shows her mettle.

"Besides, Lady Theresa, do you really think Saint Freya Academy is capable of housing such a mighty Buddha as the Second Herrscher?"

Approaching Theresa, Ana leaned down mockingly and gently flicked her on the forehead.

"So, it's time to face reality!"

With that, Ana turned around, activated her communicator, and connected with Otto.

"Lord Bishop, Fu Hua has captured the target, and Theresa has been subdued. What should we do next?" she asked.

Originally, this communication would have come from Durandal, but Ana preemptively took charge. Yet, Bianka remained unfazed, showing no sign of discontent.

After all, to her, it didn't matter who made contact; there were even advantages to having Ana initiate the call.

Considering Ana had been away on missions for half a year, reaching out now was crucial to maintain rapport with Lord Bishop and avoid any misunderstandings. As her "doting wife," Ana needed to consider these matters carefully.

On the other end of the line, Otto showed no displeasure at receiving Ana's call either. Instead, he smiled, his tone playful and teasing.

"Heh, considering Theresa is my adorable granddaughter..."

"...I'll spare her."

Otto's words were flippant and weightless, sending chills down Theresa's spine. This tone signaled that her grandfather had made up his mind—a warning to her as well.

However—

There were certain things she must protect at all costs! She had already given in once; this time, she absolutely would not let go! Even if it meant...

Theresa looked up at Ana's back. Despite Ana's cold demeanor, Theresa believed there must be reasons behind her actions, just like Fu Hua...

And with Anti-Entropy on their side, they still stood a chance...

"I'm quite intrigued by that little girl. Bring her to Headquarters promptly, Ana."

"Yes, Lord Bishop," Ana responded respectfully over the communication channel, waiting for Otto to end the call. The urgency in his voice amused her somewhat.

In truth, Otto's experiments held no real significance anymore. Elysia had long altered the course of this era, and moreover, he already possessed the answers he sought.

But why mock a Fool when he displayed such clear self-awareness?

"Let's go, Bianka." Ana turned around, smiling warmly at Bianka before stepping closer and taking her hand.

Despite Durandal's rigorous training regimen, her hands remained soft and comfortable to hold due to proper care and treatment. Watching Durandal's slightly flushed cheeks also added an intriguing touch.

"Alright."

Bianka nodded, while Rita, standing at a distance, silently cleaned up the scene before following without a word.

As for Fu Hua, she effortlessly picked Kiana up like a chick and walked ahead, showing no interest in Bianka and Ana's interaction. Just as Nuwa often complained, Fu Hua remained emotionally wooden.

Perhaps she did possess some emotions, but they had been buried over time. Longevity, especially solitary longevity, indeed erodes feelings, making one indifferent.

Theresa was left behind, alone on the ground. As Rita departed, she offered a brief apology, though it sounded somewhat heartless.

Struggling against the pain, Theresa watched them leave, then painfully opened a communication channel.

"Ai-chan... Notify Himeko immediately... Prepare...for deployment..."

"Target..."

"Schicksal Headquarters!"

"And... transfer Bronya to the Hyperion."

"Prepare for surgery immediately; we're running out of time."

After speaking, Theresa took several deep breaths, feeling the impact of Durandal's merciless strike. As an emotionless mission executor and not Theresa's relative (though technically she was), it was only natural that Durandal showed no mercy.

Meanwhile, Ana successfully boarded the incoming floating warship with her companions. Onboard, she learned some additional information, such as Rita and the regular Immortal Blade squad initially not being part of the dispatched Valkyries.

Although Rita revealed just this much, Ana understood it was Otto testing her. However, by now, Otto must have been quite satisfied with her performance at the Central Cathedral.

This realization brought immense relief to Ana. For her plan to succeed, gaining Otto's trust was crucial. Confronting him directly wouldn't work unless one could match his strength like Kevin did.

Speaking of which, Kevin has already encountered Welt now. But with the Gem of Desire in her possession, what reason would Cocolia use to invite others to Seabed City this time?

Should she reach out and communicate with Gray Serpent? Perhaps, she could even leverage the World Serpent's influence...