Honkai: Starting to Wander with Kiana

In the end, Ryn couldn't scold Kiana much, as she wouldn't listen anyway. At her age, children often rebel against their parents' teachings.

Kiana hadn't done anything too terrible—just sleeping in class, skipping school, getting into fights, and breaking a few arms and legs. Hmm... Wait, bullies don't count as people. Besides, since the school didn't intervene, they must have tacitly approved of Kiana's actions. So, she was just a sleepy little kid after all.

Don't ask why—if you do, it's because of laws protecting minors.

"That's not right! What kind of lousy school is this? They ignore severe school violence?" Ryn was itching to storm the school and confront the teachers about their negligence.

Kiana nodded, thinking Ryn had a point, and explained:

"Teachers try to discipline the bullies, but it doesn't really work. Every time they get called to the office, they just retaliate against the victims even more aggressively afterward."

"I hate brats the most. They don't feel guilty at all and enjoy using others' pain for entertainment. And the bullies are always the 'top-tier,' standing on some moral high ground, making it nearly impossible to punish them." Ryn sighed helplessly. School violence seemed unavoidable in any world. It was a flaw in human nature. After all, schools nowadays only teach knowledge, not how to build proper values and morals.

Kiana planted one foot on a chair, waved a baseball bat with one hand, and grinned. "This world is sick. It's been breaking down in another form all along. But now it's going to end—because I'm here! Kotori Arts' great savior has arrived!"

"Where do you learn this stuff? I can't believe Kiana's little head can come up with such cool lines now."

"Heh-heh-heh, you taught me well..."

"....."

Days passed as usual. Ryn played his games, while Kiana slept through classes and ruled with an iron fist after school.

But, just as the Stigma had said: Do you believe in fate?

As if guided by fate itself, Kiana Kaslana met that girl.

Every bad student has their counterpart, a model student. At Chiba Academy, that counterpart was the top student: the Queen of Lightning, Raiden Mei.

As the young heiress of the ME Corporation, Mei had always lived a privileged life. However, under Ryoma Raiden's strict upbringing, she developed a refined and sophisticated noble demeanor, blending grace with maturity. She treated everyone courteously and had a nurturing side to her personality.

Mei's appearance matched the image of a traditional Japanese teenage girl: long, straight black hair flowing down her back and deep, dark eyes. She often tied her hair back with ribbons, creating a bow at the base of her neck. Though her beauty exceeded her age, her aloofness made her seem like a flower atop a high cliff.

The perfect Raiden Mei was the subject of countless daydreams for students of all genders. Every day, boys from other schools and girls from her own confessed their love to her. Yet, to focus on her studies and discourage romantic advances, she dealt with admirers swiftly and uncompromisingly.

As a result, fewer people dared to confess to her. However, at some point, the nickname "Thunder Queen" began to spread, eventually becoming widely known. Mei didn't object to the title—it suited her well.

Kiana, however, wasn't interested in titles. The moment she saw Raiden Mei, her heart pounded. The last time she felt like this was when she met Ryn.

The moment I saw Raiden Mei, I knew—this woman could be my mother!

"Hey, hi there! I'm Kiana Kaslana. Let's be friends!" Kiana ran straight up to Raiden Mei, flashing her trademark grin as she extended her hand.

"Hi, I'm Raiden Mei," Mei replied politely. Though startled by Kiana's sudden approach, her good manners kept her composed.

After chatting briefly, they parted ways, as they were in different classes. Kiana wanted to talk more, but Raiden Mei felt she needed to get to class.

Raiden Mei didn't pay much attention to Kiana, assuming she was just another student curious about her reputation. Mei was popular in her class, where her classmates enjoyed her company. During lunch, she often shared the bento prepared by her family's servants.

Kiana, however, saw things differently. Raiden Mei was her second friend since arriving at Chiba Academy—the first being Kurui Shinano. Ryn wasn't a friend but family.

As for why Kiana didn't have more friends... she either slept through classes or skipped them entirely. She knew the teachers and her seat, but nothing else. She even forgot her grade or class number. When Mei asked earlier, she stammered, unable to answer.

Oh no, I must've left a bad impression on Mei. Oh well, at least I know her class now. I can find her later to play.

Humming a tune she learned from Ryn, Kiana bounced back to her classroom.

Today feels like a good day. Maybe I should try to change things up. I'll actually study!

Zzz...

Kiana, oh Kiana, you can't keep slacking off like this. Two classes have passed already—no more sleeping during the last two.

Zzz...

Huh?! How is class over already? I must've been studying too hard. Better treat myself to extra snacks tonight and keep it up tomorrow.

The school bell jolted Kiana awake. Seeing everyone packing up, she assumed it was the end of the day and rushed home.

Ryn was working with Cortana, building a data model to simulate the game environment. Suddenly, a fluffy white ball threw itself at him, knocking him to the ground.

"Cortana, keep analyzing on your own," Ryn said apologetically as he stroked Kiana's head. "Sorry, Kiana. I got too caught up in work and completely forgot to pick you up."

"It's okay, it's okay," Kiana replied cheerfully. "I'm Kiana, after all—I can handle my own way home! I really concentrated on my studies today. Time flew by so fast—it was almost like I blinked and it was time to go home."

"Huh, Kiana actually studied hard today. That's impressive. We'll have a little treat tonight to celebrate!"

"Yessss!"

Ryn was bouncing Kiana up and down excitedly when Cortana's human projection walked over and said to Ryn:

"Master, Kiana's teacher is calling you. Should I connect the call?"

"Oh, Kiana, have you been up to mischief again?" Ryn looked at the phone number displayed on Cortana's projection and playfully pinched Kiana's cheeks.

"No, absolutely not! I've been really well-behaved lately!" Kiana quickly waved her hands in defense. Everyone had learned to stay out of trouble after getting caught in their own tricks.

"Hello, Ms. Teacher. I'm at home. What's the matter?"

"What? Kiana's gone missing!"

"Alright, alright. I understand now. Leave the rest to me. You don't need to search for her anymore. I'm sorry for the trouble."

Ryn's expression grew darker with each word of the conversation. Finally, he caught Kiana, who had sensed something was wrong and was trying to slip away.

"You idiot! Did you fall asleep in class? How come you left early for PE? You had everyone looking for you, driving them crazy."

"Heh-heh... I saw them packing up and thought it was the end of the day..." Kiana replied sheepishly.

"Packing up, indeed! If you think they're going home, you're dreaming!"