Bianka and "Durandal"

Otto's unusually grim expression made Bianka hold her breath. She didn't even dare to peek her head out, trying her best to shrink herself so the cultivation pod would hide her completely.

Otto seemed to pause at the door for a moment, and then Bianka heard the sound of hurried footsteps leaving. Based on the direction, he was heading toward where she had escaped from.

Bianka's heart skipped a beat. So he really was after me?

Even after the footsteps faded, Bianka didn't dare show herself.

Is running away really the right thing to do...? If I'm useless now, what's the point of escaping like this?

[You're running away...] The voice appeared again, stating a simple fact in her ear.

Bianka's arms tensed slightly, but she didn't argue.

She was running away... running from the fact that she had failed and was no longer needed.

[You can't escape. You will face your destiny eventually. If you can't become "her," another test subject will simply take your place.] The voice sounded like it was trying to persuade her, yet it also felt like a warning.

But to Bianka, it was a threat.

"Mm..." Bianka lowered her gaze and responded listlessly.

That's right... Isn't everything already laid out before me?

Anyone could defy their fate, resist it, but not her.

If this predetermined destiny didn't exist, she wouldn't even have the right to exist. If people didn't need "Durandal," no one would have created her in the first place.

Since she had been granted the gift of life, she had to walk the path of her designated destiny. It was cruel, but that was the price of fate. And she...

She had actually been prepared for it all along, it was just—

"I... I'm a little reluctant to let go..." Bianka stared at the floor. Though the metal surface wasn't as reflective as glass, it still showed a blurry outline.

On the ground, Bianka watched her reflection twist into a grotesque monster, as if it wanted to tear her apart and devour her.

She spoke as if talking to herself, or perhaps giving herself a pep talk.

"These past few days... even though I knew it wasn't me everyone wanted to see, but the warrior named 'Durandal'... I've been really happy during this time..."

"I can feel that everyone's kindness toward me is genuine... I can feel their goodness. Watching them fight for so many ordinary people... I love this atmosphere... I love it so much..."

The person who would replace her... they would surely love this atmosphere too, right?

And everyone... if they saw the real "Durandal," they would be even happier, right?

Bianka suddenly had a moment of clarity. She took a deep breath, then slowly let it out.

That's right... Everyone would be happier to see a better version of 'me.'

After a moment of silence, Bianka placed a hand on the cultivation pod behind her and stood up weakly. The cold touch brought her back to her senses.

Who will be the one to replace me?

It didn't matter who... They would definitely be better than her.

[Have you made your decision?] the voice asked her.

"Yes... I'm ready..." Bianka's reply was tinged with sadness, but it was earnest.

[...] The voice seemed to fall silent. Bianka could sense its hesitation.

"Is there... something else?" Bianka managed a dry smile, one that was both comforting and sorrowful.

[Then... what about Rita?] it asked.

"Huh?" Bianka froze for a second.

[Rita can tell it's you. She knows all your little quirks and habits. The person who replaces you might learn them, but since she's meant to be better, she won't pick up your flaws.]

Bianka's eyes lit up. "Really...? Rita can recognize me...?"

That was enough. Someone would remember her. Even if it was for a short time, the fact that someone would notice she was gone was enough to calm Bianka's anxious heart.

[She might be sad.] The voice's next words made Bianka's smile vanish.

"Rita wouldn't be sad... I've never seen..." Bianka's reply was hesitant.

[You're hesitating.] The voice seized on the point, and Bianka didn't deny it. [You can't see into everyone's hearts. Their outward appearance isn't always the truth, just like you.]

[Rita might cry for you in secret. She might choose to leave the MOTH. She might choose to investigate the truth of your disappearance on her own.] The voice paused. [She can't win against Overseer Otto.]

Bianka's heart clenched. Rita... would she do all that for me?

No way. This isn't some sappy romance novel. Rita has a future, she has power, she has everything she needs to move forward and establish herself in the Flame-Chasers...

To give all that up for someone she's only known for less than two weeks... A smart person like Rita wouldn't...

[She would.] The voice was unusually certain. [She is a perfect maid, someone who completes every little task perfectly. And to her, your departure would not be a small matter.]

[From the moment you shielded her from that attack in the snowstorm, this was already decided.]

A memory suddenly flooded back into Bianka's mind. The scenic area, the blizzard, the Emperor-class Honkai Beast...

Why am I here? Where's Rita? And Li Sushang? What about the survivors?

[You can't leave them behind,] the voice stated, before offering her a "bad idea."

[Before you leave... go see them. Consider it taking responsibility for yourself, and then...]

"There will be no more hesitation."

Bianka lifted her head, turned, and stepped toward the door. She was barefoot, clad only in an oversized coat. As she ran, the robe billowed behind her like a burst of flame, full of fiery heat.

It seemed Otto had left in a hurry, as the main door was open. Bianka ran unimpeded down the corridor and into an elevator.

[Do you know where they are?] the voice asked again. In that moment, it felt like they were on the same side.

Bianka shook her head. "I don't... but I'll find them. I definitely will!"

[Good luck.] The voice seemed to let out a helpless chuckle, or perhaps Bianka was just hearing things.

"Mm." Bianka nodded, then raised a hand and pressed the button for the tenth basement floor.

Watching the numbers on the elevator display change, Bianka suddenly spoke in a small voice.

"Thank you."

[...] There was no reply.

The response came from herself.

"Mm... you're welcome..."