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

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On another front, Ana and Bianka trailed behind, their pursuit somewhat leisurely thanks to the miniature cameras Ana had previously set up.

For a while, it felt like they were genuinely on a date, visiting the British Museum together, enjoying traditional afternoon tea, and if not for time constraints, they might have even attended an opera at the theater.

However, due to the mission, Bianka remained slightly preoccupied. Ana, holding her hand and leading the way, evoked the image of an energetic girlfriend dragging her weary partner during a shopping spree.

In reality, Bianka wasn't tired at all; she quite enjoyed the experience.

Alas, no matter how comfortable the moment, all good things must come to an end. After Rita's group entered the ruins, Ana and Bianka cautiously peeked from their vantage point atop a distant hillside.

"There's something off about that Katherine," Ana remarked.

Ana stuffed the strawberry cake in her hand into her mouth. British cuisine was indeed unpalatable, but their Western-style desserts were quite enjoyable and satisfying.

"Hmm."

Bianka nodded, also sensing something off about Katherine.

As the one directly involved, Rita might not have noticed, but as outsiders, they observed Katherine making several discreet moves behind the scenes. Unfortunately for Katherine, Susannah's presence acted like a deadweight to Rita, completely thwarting her attempts at subterfuge.

"Here's what we'll do: let's split up. You go down from here to assist Rita, while I'll support Susannah." Ana pointed at a specific location and suggested to Bianka.

"Agreed."

Without hesitation, Bianka readily consented. She swiftly blasted an entrance in the direction Ana indicated and leaped through it.

The efficiency of her actions left Ana momentarily awestruck.

"Bianka truly lives up to her reputation!" Ana couldn't help but softly exclaim.

Calmly, she reached into her pocket, retrieved a handkerchief, wiped away the cream from the corner of her mouth, then took out a compact mirror to touch up her makeup. Only after completing these tasks did she leisurely head towards the entrance where Rita had entered the ruins.

But why would she do this?

Come on, did Susannah really need assistance? "Susannah" was actually that man's disguise, while Katherine was just an ordinary individual, albeit a believer of the World Serpent, with no extraordinary powers.

In truth, rather than worrying about Susannah, one should be concerned for Katherine. That man is notoriously petty; seeing someone like Katherine with potential, Otto would undoubtedly exploit her to her fullest extent.

Well, it's not quite as extreme as that, but he would make her Schicksal's chosen worker, ensuring she remains dedicated to their cause indefinitely.

At Schicksal Headquarters on the floating island, Ana gazed at the sky and abruptly ended her tale.

"Alright, let's wrap up this delightful tea party."

"Huh?! But Lady Ana, it feels like you didn't really share anything," protested one of the Valkyries who had been listening intently to the story.

"The truth you seek is simpler and more innocent than you might imagine. Actually, for such matters, asking Bianka or Rita would be more enlightening," Ana replied with a smile.

How should she explain it? Ana has always been close friends with Rita and Bianka; previously, Rita often helped her secretly as well. Ana genuinely appreciates Rita, and undoubtedly, she would make the ideal wife for any Captain.

But what did Ana do when faced with Rita?

It was merely a momentary flirtation at an inappropriate time, and Rita immediately reciprocated - that's how simple their story began. As for Bianka, their relationship deepened over time, aided by Rita's encouragement.

To the Valkyrie listening earlier, Ana hadn't shared any captivating tales, but subtly, her bond with Bianka had grown warmer through these anecdotes.

If they wanted to delve deeper, it would involve discussing the Legacy Chapter, specifically the story of Unnamed Locomotive. However, for an ordinary Valkyrie of Schicksal, this is undoubtedly a forbidden secret.

Thus, for now, Ana had to keep her secret.

In the sky above, a colossal dragon suddenly emerged, roaring and unleashing entropy beams that severely tested Schicksal's orbital satellite defenses surrounding their headquarters.

Under relentless pressure from the giant dragon, the outer defense barrier finally crumbled, allowing hordes of Honkai Beasts to surge towards Schicksal Airport.

Witnessing this scene, Ana's expression turned grave instantly.

"All units, attention! Immediate retreat! Elite squads, cover the rear!"

With decisive orders, Ana activated her Valkyrie Armor Ultimate Knight and soared into the air.

Already positioned high above was another Valkyrie, Fu Hua, equipped with Godslayer Armor Shadow Knight: Moonlit Wheels. She swiftly appeared on the frontline, luring the Archon Honkai Beast Benares away from Schicksal Airport.

However, Fu Hua's task wasn't going smoothly.

Benares had arrived due to the Queen's summons, so its primary objective naturally was to return to her side.

But under Fu Hua's persistent attacks, Benares grew increasingly agitated. Temporarily abandoning its goal to reach the Queen, it chose instead to pursue Fu Hua—a development precisely aligned with Fu Hua's intentions.

As planned, she successfully led Benares away from Schicksal Headquarters.

Meanwhile, Anti-Entropy's Dr. Einstein and Dr. Tesla arrived at the battlefield aboard the Hyperion, accompanied by a significant portion of their Titan mechs.

Despite internal conflicts within Anti-Entropy, Cocolia did not withhold all technological advancements completely. For instance, quantumization technology was shared among them, and the accompanying Titan mechs were equipped with similar capabilities.

With this mechanized army, Anti-Entropy swiftly cleared Schicksal's outer perimeter of Honkai Beasts and seized control of Sky Third Port.

Yes, they only captured one port; most territories remained under Schicksal's control. The decision to relinquish Third Port was indeed Ana's command.

Of course, it originated from Otto's directive as well, since after Ana issued her order, Rita informed her that she had received the same instruction from Otto.

In Otto's view, Anti-Entropy was merely a troupe of clownish nuisances. Temporarily ceding the Third Port and industrial center posed no issue, as it reduced pressure on Schicksal's front lines while exhausting Anti-Entropy's resources and diverting their forces.

Moreover, capturing Schicksal's territory wasn't so effortless. Don't forget, Schicksal still commands four S-rank Valkyries!