Making Honkai Impact lll In A World Where Kallen Exists [Continuation]

"For a moment, I can't tell if you're praising Aunt Theresa or insulting her."

Kiana gave him a complicated look. Seriously? Schicksal hasn't gone bankrupt? Couldn't he show more faith in Aunt Theresa?

Well… considering how the academy was barely holding together, it seemed plausible. But still, bankruptcy felt like a bit of an overstatement.

"I, Theresa Fangblade, her number one fan!" Luo Mo declared with pride.

"…Number one anti-fan?"

"Isn't an anti-fan still a fan? Kiana, you're impossible!"

He looked at her with a disappointed expression, as if she just couldn't grasp his devotion. After all, if he didn't care, why would he keep bringing her up?

"…Fair enough."

Kiana's face twisted slightly as she nodded in reluctant agreement. She had finally come to understand this boss and the complicated love-hate relationship he seemed to share with Theresa.

"Alright, alright, let's say you're right. Does that mean Sister Su Lu is going to attend St. Freya Academy too?"

Her blue eyes blinked curiously as she raised her head to ask.

After all, every Herrscher had to go through that phase—no exceptions. Well, except Elysia, who was a teacher, and the Herrscher of Rock, who was male.

Luo Mo grunted in response, his gaze lingering on her delicate features, but he said nothing.

"No, what I mean is, compared to attending school, Sister Su Luo's work here is way more important! We can't afford delays in her progress!"

Kiana hurriedly clarified.

"Why do you seem more anxious about it than me…" Luo Mo muttered thoughtfully.

"Because dumb Kiana told everyone that the upcoming content would be even more exciting! Besides, it seems Lady Cecilia also expressed her anticipation and encouraged faster updates. In other words, Kiana is being pressured to hurry up and can't bear to admit she's not the protagonist anymore."

"…"

Kiana shot a glare at Bronya but said nothing further. After all, Bronya had already said everything there was to say—what could she add?

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In the game, Mei, lacking crucial information, naturally made information-gathering her priority upon arriving in the unfamiliar city. She also immediately contacted Schicksal headquarters upon reaching a safe location.

Interestingly, it was confirmed that Theresa was indeed serving as the Archbishop of Schicksal. During their conversation, Theresa mentioned that both she and Mei had lost important people.

Unexpectedly, the communication was interrupted by some "static," seemingly caused by strange electromagnetic interference in the area.

The issue was particularly alarming because Mei was using a communication device based on Honkai energy. In a post-Honkai world, no one else should have been capable of using such technology.

Then, to Mei's utter shock, she heard a familiar voice through the interference:

"—Welcome, honored one from the heavens. Let me guess your purpose—"

"…Progress? I knew it… all is proceeding smoothly… Let me teach you the language of humanity…"

The voice, which emerged during her conversation with Archbishop Theresa, was none other than that of the previous Archbishop—Otto Apokalypse.

"Grandfather… That tone… it's Grandfather!"

Theresa, overwhelmed with emotion at hearing her late grandfather's voice, disconnected in her excitement.

Everything concluded with this sudden and unexpected voice, leaving behind a trail of unease.

When Mei tried to explain this to you (the player), she realized something startling—Otto's name was now only a relic of history.

Regardless of his deeds or misdeeds, the passage of time had rendered his legacy distant. Yet, even so, his sudden reappearance after so long could still send ripples through the current civilization. Mei's expression grew solemn as she contemplated this development.

---------------

[Otto? I knew it! He's alive!]

[Theresa's reaction was intense… though it's understandable. Do you think she ever donned the Archbishop mantle her grandfather prepared for her?]

[Otto: Hi, did you miss me?]

[Ugh, no mimicking Elysia allowed!]

At St. Freya, in the living room of Theresa's villa…

"Otto... how could he suddenly reappear after eight years? This is just..."

At this moment, Kallen was resting here. There wasn't anything particularly pressing; she was primarily here for reconnaissance related to the Herrscher of Dominance. Yet, not long ago, she had received a call from the pink fairy.

Oh, and of course, there was also a message from World Serpent.

She glanced briefly at it, and her expression shifted strangely. Then, with a gaze that unsettled Theresa, Kallen stared at her in a way so odd that it made Theresa shudder, sensing an ominous development.

With the Herrscher of Dominance already dealt with, the remaining troubles, though bothersome, didn't require much attention.

Especially since the most critical person was on this very island.

At the moment, Kallen felt leisurely enough to join Theresa in watching the newly released storyline about the post-Honkai world. She found herself intrigued. Unlike others, her attention was caught by the bottom-left corner, where an unrelated hint about the main storyline appeared.

Kallen pursed her lips slightly, a faint smile revealing her curiosity about the new setting.

"Uh... Grandma, what just happened? I feel like something is..." Theresa raised her head, frowning in confusion.

"Nothing much, little Theresa. The Herrscher of Dominance has been dealt with, so we can stay a while longer. Also, take a look at the Luna. If you go to bed early and wake up early, you'll grow faster. And stop staying up late; eat something other than bitter melon."

She raised her index finger, smiling as she pointed in the Luna's direction. Unlike Theresa, Luna was seated on the sofa, her feet now reaching the floor.

The only downside was that she could no longer dangle her small feet freely. However, the black stockings that came with her outfit perfectly solved this issue. Her cold toes curled back into her slippers as she looked at Kallen, a gentle smile appearing on her face.

Now, comparing Luna with Theresa, the terms "older sister" and "younger sister" were easy to resolve—though not in the way Theresa might have hoped.

"But, but Luna is picky about food too! And it's all because of that costume card!" Theresa pouted in frustration.

"Sigh... Hang in there, little Theresa."

Kallen remained silent for a moment before encouraging Theresa.

The things Luo Mo brought out always left her amazed and impressed. Although this time, it wasn't directly related to combat.

Height... Again with height. Was it that she didn't want to grow taller?

Theresa couldn't help but scream internally, her little face contorting into a bitter gourd expression as she snuggled into Kallen's embrace.

"The future Overseer Theresa needs to grow up a bit more to gain respect, you know~"

Kallen poked Theresa's puffed-up cheeks playfully, chuckling.

"Ahhh! Grandma!" Theresa tried to dodge Kallen's hand, her voice anxious. "We should focus on whether that guy is really Otto! Also, we could take a closer look at Carol and Adam!"

"Hehe, we'll see. Carol... I think I've heard that name from Lewis. It seems to be her daughter's name, right?"

Kallen stroked her chin in thought. She was keenly interested in the daily lives of all Valkyries. Among them, Lewis was especially unique.

"Uh... it's... Lewis," Theresa murmured, her pupils contracting in fear.

-----

At the Golden Courtyard.

"Hmm... this is the first time I've displayed my authority in front of everyone. Surprised, Kevin, Su~?"

Elysia returned to the hall. The others glanced at her briefly, confirmed she was unharmed, and refrained from questioning further.

Elysia, however, smiled and brought it up herself.

"...Indeed, I didn't anticipate it," Su said calmly, without opening his eyes. "So, it seems the Herrschers of this civilization are truly connected to you?"

A strand of light blue hair fell over Su's shoulder as he absentmindedly twirled it between his fingers, letting the wind carry it away.

"Of course. But judging by the results, things have turned out well, haven't they?"

"What intrigues me is the dialogue attributed to Aponia in the game. Is it real or fabricated? The words Su Lu uttered at the end, seemingly with no way out, appear to be genuine."

Su pondered for a moment before voicing his question. Kevin remained silent, as Su's words often represented his thoughts.

Moreover, after encountering his counterpart in reality, Kevin felt somewhat conflicted.

"Then it must be real. Sometimes, when it's brought up, Luo Mo always finds a way to change the subject and avoid giving me a chance to ask."

Elysia found a chair, leisurely sat down, and fiddled with a device she pulled from her pocket. She transferred the bulk of the energy supply to Mobius and Vill-V. As for Vill-V's Stigmata... Elysia had no idea what Luo Mo had requested from her.

Regardless, the results were still inferior to her own.

Even a minor success like this could keep Elysia elated for a while.

However, after that, the occasional explosions seemed louder than before, though she wasn't sure if it was her imagination.

"That's... quite problematic, isn't it? Aponia, what do you think?" Su asked with a faint, helpless smile.

"Me? I'm not skilled at fabricating lies, but the storyline also proved it wasn't the truth. Perhaps the Elysian Realm might indeed face its end one day. However, it could also mean Mei severed the threads of destiny. After that, everything settled, and darkness engulfed my vision."

Aponia chuckled softly. "Besides, didn't they enter a world we're unfamiliar with? Wasn't it Elysia's specially crafted little house?"

"It's not a little house, it's an amusement park! A castle of dreams and hope, a paradise of love and magic."

Elysia giggled, not minding as she kicked off her shoes. She curled her delicate, crystalline feet beneath her, reclining in her chair with a contented hum.

"Elysia—how did you end up this exhausted?"

"Because I went out and used the magic of love and kindness to touch the Herrscher's heart. The Herrscher of Dominance—taken care of."

Elysia twirled a strand of her hair, playing with it in her palm as her eyes half-closed.

"…Speak clearly."

"Elysia interfered with the Herrscher's thoughts using her authority."

Su's gentle explanation caused Mobius and the others to frown in contemplation.

Mobius's gaze turned cold. "Interference... authority... hmph, traitor."

Vill-V's eyes glimmered with intrigue, only to dim shortly after. "Fascinating. I wonder, if it could be converted into a Divine Key..."

After all, despite Flame-Chasers' efforts, they never managed to locate a Herrscher core within Elysia.

"Hey, stop talking about me already and look at the plot! I can't believe Otto appeared again eight years later. He's still alive, huh?"

Elysia tried to steer the conversation back to the story, sighing with a bit of emotion.

Even now, she could vividly recall that Otto who transcended two worlds. His meeting with Kallen left a deep impression. He deceived everyone, gods and their messengers, heroes and their companions—to create a world where he could have her.

But now, the Otto who should've been long dead appeared before everyone again.

It was impossible for this to be a mere oversight by the developers, which only made people delve deeper into its implications.

"Otto? The person in front of us won't be Otto. He's merely a mimic or a forgery."

Kevin's calm tone carried conviction.

"Looks like our leader has finally spoken. And why is that, Kevin~?"

"Because he fulfilled all his desires. He would choose to linger in his grave, perhaps silently watching over a world with Kallen in it, rather than seeking resurrection to stir up trouble."

"That was never his wish."

Kevin's reply was immediate, almost as though it was an answer to his own reflection.

"Speaking of which… binding 99% of Honkai energy on the moon… doesn't seem like a particularly good choice. It's more like… continuing what we once did. Didn't we also trap part of the Honkai energy on the moon?"

Vill-V mused, reflecting on the fragments of information mentioned in the storyline. To her, they were rather enlightening.

"Disappointed?"

Mobius raised an eyebrow, her gaze shifting toward the distant sky outside the window.

"Not at all. If the approach is similar, it only makes me regret our failure even more. It's difficult to accept that we couldn't succeed."

"Can't deny it—somewhat frustrating."

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Unfortunately, regarding that page of history where the former Overseer Otto left his lasting mark, it seems not much of the plot has unfolded for now.

As the faint hum of static faded, the communication fell into silence.

Mei had no choice but to continue her exploration of this unknown city and uncover the truth.

They ventured through this fallen city, teeming with strange and unheard-of creatures, seeking news of Mr Weltand gradually unraveling its mysteries.

The first challenge, however, was the small child that popped out of the trunk—Joice.

The boy raised by Welt and Tesla, who called Mei "Auntie" with a tone that inflicted unexpected emotional damage on her.

Joice's sudden appearance unsettled Anti-Entropy. They quickly confirmed his status as a clone and were increasingly certain of... the unspoken relationship between Welt and Tesla.

(TL/C: Did the Author forget to write Welt, Tesla, and Einstein's reaction or what? I haven't see their.reaction since Apocalypse Arc.)

However, the plot didn't pause to dwell on this nor center around him.

Instead, it introduced the final team member, Carol, the girl repeatedly mentioned by Adam and Mei. Though concerned about her mischief and unreliability, they placed great trust in her abilities.

Her combat style? Utilizing massive fists.

Her weapon of choice was a pair of oversized gauntlets humorously named Meow Choo Pillow No. 4. Its cute name contrasted sharply with its ferocious appearance, but it was undeniably excellent for breaking shields.

The trio formed a balanced team, with Carol as the happy-go-lucky joker whose cheerfulness added drive to their exploration.

Saint Fontaine's exploration thus unfolded in full swing.

Meanwhile, the movements of Otto and the enigmatic being above gradually came into focus for the players.

Even after the collapse of Honkai, the world hadn't yet achieved peace.