Maximum Empathy!

Rin was clearly well-protected by Sakura. Not only was she well-provided for, but Sakura even hid her MANTIS identity to prevent Rin from worrying.

And this gave Lee an opportunity—as everyone knew, when faced with a difficult target, try a different approach.

Winning over Sakura directly was challenging, but winning over a naive young girl like Rin? Child's play! And once Rin was on her side, manipulating Sakura wouldn't be so difficult.

Just like using the cat to control Poppi, she would use the younger sister to control the older sister. And unlike the cat, Rin could generate energy!

As the pre-Herrscher of Corruption, who practically sealed the Previous Era's fate in the manga, Rin was obviously an important character, her energy efficiency matching her sister's at 90%.

Two high-quality sheep from a single family! I should thank Sakura and Rin's deceased parents.

Rin, of course, wouldn't refuse Lee's invitation. Lee had just saved her from a knife-wielding robber, she was a Fire Moth hero, and she was friends with Rin's sister. Rin had no reason to be suspicious.

So, they soon found themselves in a cozy restaurant.

"This isn't a fancy restaurant, but trust me, their traditional Far Eastern cuisine is the best in the city."

"Let's see… hmm, lots of sashimi and sushi." Lee studied the menu, feigning indecision. "What do you recommend?"

"I recommend the Mikan-dai!"

"Then I'll go with your recommendation, Rin. Please order for me too." Lee closed the menu, looking at Rin. "I've never actually had authentic Far Eastern cuisine before."

Lee's answer surprised Rin. "Why? Don't you like it?"

"It's not that. I actually like sushi… but the kind you get at the supermarket." Lee chuckled sheepishly. "I'm an orphan. I couldn't afford this kind of food growing up. I only had those discounted cucumber rolls occasionally."

"Even after joining the Fire Moth, I'm still used to cooking for myself, so I rarely eat out."

Lee wasn't lying. At HQ, she cooked not only for herself, but also for Mobius, Kevin, and the others. She had no time for sashimi.

She'd had plenty of free time in the Twilight Street and Australia, but the orphanage residents barely had enough to eat. Lee wouldn't indulge in fine dining while they struggled. She'd rather buy them all a barbecue. And in Australia, she mostly spent time with Hua, who, with her traditional habits, wouldn't touch raw fish.

Lee, of course, wasn't just reminiscing about her hardships.

Empathy was a powerful tool, and Lee, Rin, and Sakura shared a common trait: they were all orphans.

Though Rin seemed well-off now, Lee knew their childhood, after losing their parents, must have been difficult—time for some serious empathy!

As expected, it worked perfectly. Rin leaned forward, her eyes wide with surprise. "Really? You were an orphan too, Big Sister Lee?"

"Yes." Lee smiled, as if unfazed by her orphan status. "Life was tough sometimes, but I met many kind people, and that's how I became who I am today."

"I understand!"

[Rin's affection level increased. Current affection: 5]

[Rin's current energy efficiency: 450%]

Did Lee feel guilty manipulating a child? Not at all! She hadn't lied. She was an orphan. Every word was true!

She was just… strategically revealing relevant facts.

Now to strike while the iron is hot—hmm?

Lee suddenly frowned, but Rin, engrossed in the menu, didn't notice. "Big Sister Lee, don't worry, I'll recommend the most delicious dishes!"

"Yes, I'll leave it to you…"

While responding to Rin, Lee wasn't looking at her, but at the waiter who had approached their table.

"Is there something I can help you with?"

"I noticed your teacups were empty. I'm here to refill them."

"Thank you."

Lee closed her eyes, as if resting, waiting for Rin to finish ordering, then—

Before anyone could react, a sharp chopstick pierced the waiter's neck, followed by a flash of silver. The waiter's head, his face frozen in surprise, rolled onto the floor, blood spurting everywhere.

"…Huh?"

Rin stared at the blood splattered on her menu, bewildered. The restaurant fell silent, then erupted in chaos.

"Murder! Someone's been murdered!!!"

Screams and cries filled the air. Lee calmly placed a finger to her lips, whispering,

"[Silence.]"

The commotion ceased instantly, but the terrified gazes remained.

Lee stood up, shielding Rin from the gruesome sight. "Don't look."

Once Rin had averted her gaze, Lee bent down, pulling a dark gem from the waiter's chest.

"A Herrscher core… definitely a Herrscher, but… so weak…" Lee narrowed her eyes. "It's only been a few months… another Honkai Eruption already?"

If not for the Herrscher of Sentience's enhanced senses, detecting the faint flicker of killing intent amidst the crowd, even Lee would have missed it.

This Herrscher, besides the core, was indistinguishable from an ordinary human.

If I remember correctly, it should be the Herrscher of Legion's turn, right?

They're appearing so quickly… the Honkai is really working overtime…