You Have an Offer From the Honkai

Were human combat techniques useful against the Honkai? For ordinary warriors, not really.

The enemies they faced were vastly different from humans. But against Herrschers, if one possessed sufficient strength, these techniques could be incredibly effective against such human-like foes.

Unfortunately, most warriors never had the chance to face a Herrscher. Many couldn't even withstand a glancing blow, let alone engage in close combat. Naturally, they had little interest in such techniques.

Fortunately, Hua was a bit single-minded. She didn't care whether the techniques were effective against Honkai beasts. Seeing herself improve under Lee's guidance was enough.

Hua was destined to fight Herrschers, though. And Lee's teachings included knowledge of Honkai energy manipulation, though Hua was currently too weak, lacking the innate talent.

Once Hua's adaptability to Honkai energy evolved to the level of her future, immortal self, these lessons would prove invaluable.

From an unremarkable warrior to a future god of war, such a transformation likely required the Meta-Morph surgery, right?

"Excellent, Hua. You've mastered the basic techniques I taught you. Now, you just need time to adapt them to your own style." On the training grounds, Lee applauded the panting Hua. "I have high hopes for you."

"Thank you, Ms. Le—Lee." Hua instinctively started with an honorific, but seeing Lee raise an eyebrow, she quickly corrected herself.

Lee had told her repeatedly to be less formal. Continuing to use honorifics might upset her.

"To celebrate your graduation, how about we go out and have some fun?"

"Go… out?" Hua stammered. "Um, I'm not very good at shopping or anything. You decide, Lee. I'll follow your lead…"

"How about a concert? The famous star Eden is having a concert in Australia in a few days. It's not near the base, but it's a short flight."

"Anything is fine." Hua nodded, then, seeing the smile on Lee's face, she couldn't help but ask, "Do you like Eden a lot, Lee?"

"Well, I admire her. She's done a lot of charity work. How could I not like such a good person?" Lee thought for a moment before replying to Hua's question. "But I wouldn't call myself a die-hard fan. I just enjoy her music."

Just a casual fan? Lee's answer didn't satisfy Hua, so she pressed further. "But you seemed very happy when you mentioned the concert."

"Did I… seem that way?" Lee paused, then chuckled. "Maybe it's because I have fond memories of going to her concerts with friends. Everyone had a great time."

"Sorry, are they—"

"Ah, don't worry, they're not dead~" Seeing Hua's worried expression, Lee patted her head with a smile. "They're just moving forward, and I'm… a little behind… Anyway, how about we invite others to join us? Like Himeko? I think she'd agree if you asked her, Hua."

"I… invite the captain?!" Hua fidgeted. "Wouldn't that be troubling her?"

"Don't worry, she'll be happy if you invite her." Lee smiled, pulling Hua towards the base's recreation area.

If she remembered correctly, Himeko was in charge of training new recruits today, and it should be over by now. "Let's go!"

Compared to Himeko, I still have a long way to go in Hua's heart. Himekohad saved Hua during the Third Honkai Eruption, brought her into the Fire Moth, and had always looked after her. Lee couldn't compete with that yet.

But I maxed out Su's affection during the Third Eruption, so it's not a total loss.

Too bad Hua, despite her fondness for Himeko, would soon become the Herrscher of Flames and go on a rampage. Lee just didn't know when—

"…Hmm?"

Lee suddenly looked up at the ceiling, a puzzled expression on her face. Hua followed her gaze, but saw nothing but the light fixture. "Lee, is something there?"

"No, I must have been mistaken." Lee shook her head, continuing towards the recreation area with Hua.

Speak of the devil… but something's not right…

Why is the Seventh Herrscher contacting me?!

Just now, Lee had felt a strange sensation—as if some mysterious force was enveloping her, whispering, "Psst, wanna be a Herrscher? Honkai Herrscher positions available now, apply within~" As if she could instantly become the Herrscher of Flames just by agreeing.

Though the actual message wasn't so blatant, that was the gist of it.

And Lee's response was simple: No thanks!

Herrscher of Fire? Become one now, and then get killed by MANTIS Kevin?

Sure, she'd get a lot of energy, but if Lee wanted to self-destruct, she could get energy anytime.

She wanted cheap and easy power-ups that didn't cost energy!

Her main body was already the Herrscher of Fire. Even if she became one now and got killed by Kevin, it would only result in a dual-core Herrscher of Flames. Lee wasn't impressed by such a minor upgrade.

So, she rejected the Honkai's offer without hesitation—she was going to be a MANTIS and save the world!

Even if she couldn't claim the savior's top spot, she'd at least secure a revered hero position, then die with ultimate power and tons of energy in the post-Honkai world!

But even after such a swift and direct rejection, the Honkai didn't react negatively. It simply retreated… It's rather polite, at least more so than the Fire Moth higher-ups.

Is this the power of "Honkai Affinity"? After all, the previous Herrschers didn't seem to have much choice…