Honkai Simulator: Start with Confessing to The Herrscher of Finality

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As Xia Chen began his simulation, Kiana arrived at the location he mentioned earlier - Saint Freya's basement.

This basement, unknown even to Theresa, concealed numerous secrets. Undoubtedly, its greatest secret was the replica of Cecilia.

In Kiana's memories, there were no recollections whatsoever about her 'mother.'

She had indeed asked Siegfried about her mother before, but he always evaded the topic. Gradually, Kiana stopped questioning him.

Thus, Kiana had no memories related to her 'mother.' Yet, interacting with these clones instilled within her a profound sense of kinship, albeit faint.

"This is..."

"Hmph, naturally, it's your enemy," Sirin's consciousness within Kiana's mind openly declared without hiding its presence. "She deceived emotions, exploited my trust, and manipulated me with her false words."

"A liar, she's nothing but a liar!"

"You're lying! She isn't!" Kiana protested instinctively, unable to utter Cecilia's name yet fiercely defending her.

Sirin responded with a manic laughter, "But this liar met her demise, ha ha ha ha, what a fitting end! And look at what Otto did to her."

"Hmph, seems like even Schicksal has run out of pawns. Still trying to replicate such deceivers?" Sirin taunted cruelly.

The current Sirin represented the amplified 'evil' side of herself, fueled by the Will of Honkai, using it unabashedly for her attacks.

"Cecilia, that was the poor woman's name."

"Tragic, really—devoted her life as Schicksal's dog only to end up torn from her family... No, more accurately, separated from husband and daughter."

"Kiana, oh Kiana, do you know how you came to be?" Her eyes gleamed with undisguised mockery as she said, "Just like these clones, you're a counterfeit, a replica.

"You were created by Otto as a vessel for me."

"In essence, you are truly me.

"The Second Herrscher, Sirin."

"Kiana isn't your name; it's Cecilia's daughter's name. Ha ha ha ha, if she knew her enemy had replaced her own child, her expression would have been priceless."

"Oh, and don't forget Siegfried, Theresa... they are all your enemies, our enemies."

Her malice was unhidden, each word striking at Kiana's heart, attempting to completely shatter her psyche and once again usurp her identity.

However, since Xia Chen mentioned this place held the answers she sought, Kiana had already prepared herself thoroughly.

Despite her pale complexion, Kiana remained undeterred by Sirin's words.

"It's pointless to say these things to me; I won't let you succeed."

"I'll find the answers myself, no need for your reminders."

"Go ahead and search then. The more you learn, the more you'll realize that humanity's existence is fundamentally flawed."

Kiana continued observing Cecilia's clone.

Deep down, she knew Sirin might be right. Obtaining information on this topic was relatively straightforward, making it unlikely for Sirin to lie about it.

Moreover, the relationship between Cecilia and Sirin had long been documented in history books.

February 17th, 2000: Cecilia retrieved the Second Herrscher, Sirin. Subsequently, the Second Herrscher Core erupted, releasing intense Honkai Energy. Cecilia liberated her holy blood to neutralize the chaotic energy but perished afterward.

These facts were all recorded in historical texts.

Although Kiana often slept through her classes, she still crammed for exams at the last minute.

And Sirin claimed that Kiana was merely a replica, a vessel...

This statement likely held truth as well.

At least, it's the only explanation for how a deceased Herrscher could reside within herself.

Suddenly, belatedly, Kiana pondered a question:

If Cecilia's clone is hidden in Saint Freya's basement, does Auntie Theresa know about it?

If Theresa is aware, would it imply that her previous actions were all just a facade?

Kiana had to admit, this revelation left her somewhat shaken.

Sirin's malice continued to affect her, stirring mixed emotions within.

With these thoughts lingering, Kiana decided to leave.

Some things don't require deep understanding; acknowledging them is enough. As someone who grew up wandering, Kiana didn't feel the need to dissect every detail.

The most profound feeling Xia Chen had after completing this simulation was: how wonderful it is to have a normal life.

Having spent too much time at Schicksal, predominantly in training rooms, he almost forgot what a regular lifestyle should be like.

Xia Chen truly longed for his carefree university days, filled with browsing websites and playing games.

Imagine if only anime waifus were considered wives; now that would be the epitome of perfection.

Unfortunately, there's no going back.

He shook his head and arrived at the training ground just as dawn broke.

Surprisingly, Xia Chen spotted someone else already present on the field - Durandal.

Rubbing his eyes instinctively, thinking he might be seeing things.

However, he saw the young girl dressed in workout attire, exercising diligently using the equipment as if alone.

Noticing Xia Chen, she immediately complained, "These training weights are so light. Do Saint Freya students slack off every day? It seems my decision not to join here was indeed wise."

Xia Chen unconsciously retorted, "Not everyone can match Captain Durandal's exceptional talent."

"And let me tell you, you haven't seen the Ocean Branch yet; their laziness surpasses even this place." Xia Chen slipped into 'compare the worst' mode.

However, there were valid reasons for the Ocean Branch's decline. With few Honkai incidents and their primary role being resource provision, many of Headquarters' armor resources came from the Ocean Branch. Consequently, Headquarters often turned a blind eye to its deteriorating state.

"It's not the same," Durandal shook her head, "The Far East Branch has Cecilia-sama's daughter, whose talent is being wasted here."

With a serious tone, she continued, "I've watched the video of her challenging me on the Memory Battlefield. If Kiana had trained with the Immortal Blades back then, her achievements would far surpass what they are now."

Durandal admired Cecilia deeply, cherishing the stories of the former Head Valkyrie of Schicksal. Additionally, she believed herself currently unworthy of wielding Abyss Flower.

Xia Chen remained silent, momentarily at a loss for words.

He decided to change the subject, "Lady Durandal, why did you arrive so early?"

"Rita was busy with other matters, but she initially calculated the time difference for my arrival," Durandal explained. "However, I thought arriving earlier would give me more training time, so I came ahead of schedule."

As always, she remained dedicated and relentless.

This likely fueled her strong disapproval of the 'lackadaisical' approach taken by the Far East Branch.

Xia Chen couldn't help but sigh, "Has Headquarters given Lady Durandal any specific instructions?"

"Nothing else, just to retrieve the Herrscher. And you'll be returning with me."

A hint of combat readiness flickered in her eyes. "Once we're back, I'll assess how much progress you've made."