Chapter 28: The Price of Walking Again... May Be Too High

Chapter 28: The Price of Walking Again... May Be Too High

 [There's no point arguing over this now. Take Wendy back to the Hyperion.]

 Mei's tone was firm, almost like an order—something that should've been considered insubordination.

 But instead of scolding her, Himeko just let it slide.

 『Today's Performance Wasn't Perfect:』 "She… doesn't approve of these actions. That's an admirable quality. But… it doesn't seem like something a Valkyrie should be concerned with."

 Up until now, Fu Hua had remained silent, simply observing.

 At first, she had thought Himeko merely resembled someone from her past.

 But as the game's story progressed, she was starting to realize—

 This isn't just a resemblance…

 She's almost like a reincarnation of Captain Himiko, living inside this game called 'Honkai Impact 3rd'…

 If only… the world depicted in this story were real.

 "Hmm…" Hokuto saw Fu Hua's comment and could already guess what she was thinking.

 "Regardless, Himeko is a fine teacher."

 『Today's Performance Wasn't Perfect:』 "A teacher… I wouldn't know. I won't deny it."

 And with that, Fu Hua fell silent again.

 She hadn't seen the later parts of the game's story.

 She had never watched 'Final Lesson'.

 She couldn't understand just how heavy that title of 'teacher' truly was.

—

 Hokuto tapped the screen, moving the story forward.

 On-screen, Wendy and Bronya began a short conversation.

 [We're heading back now… But since I'm in a wheelchair… Moving around is a bit difficult…]

 [That won't be a problem. Bronya does not believe Wendy will slow us down. Heavy Armored Bunny, activate.]

 [Huh? Is… Is that a robot? It appeared so quickly!]

 [Heavy Armored Bunny, lift Wendy. See? Now, you won't be left behind.]

 『My Favorite Sister Bronya:』 "Ugh… Why is Bronya being so nice to Wendy?"

 『My Favorite Sister Bronya:』 "I mean, I feel bad for her, but… why is she helping a total stranger so much?"

 Seele… wasn't comfortable with this.

 She didn't dislike Wendy—she just didn't understand.

 The way Bronya treated her—the concern in her voice—was different from how she treated others.

 And Seele… felt jealous.

 Seeing her childish reaction, Hokuto couldn't help but laugh.

 "Haha… Who knows?"

 If only she knew…

 That the reason is actually because of you, Seele.

 But that would be spoiling the story, so he kept his mouth shut.

—

 [Huh? I'm flying?!]

 Kiana suddenly joined the conversation, full of excitement.

 [That's amazing! Bronya, I didn't know your robot could do this! Let me try next time!]

 [Request denied, Kiana.]

 And with that, the screen faded to black, bringing up the mission results page.

 One more mission down.

 Hokuto glanced at his XP bar—

 Just a little more to reach Level 18.

 Gotta grind a bit more before unlocking Open World…

 With that thought, he dove back into clearing side missions.

 There wasn't much story content in these next few missions—

 Just waves of Honkai beasts getting shredded by the two-piece Herrscher of Reason Bronya.

 Watching enemies evaporate in seconds was truly satisfying.

—

 『My Favorite Sister Bronya:』 "Hokuto…"

 Hokuto barely needed to glance at the username—just by the tone alone, he knew Seele had something on her mind.

 "What's up? Is there something you don't understand?"

 『My Favorite Sister Bronya:』 "I don't get it… Are Bronya and Kiana not on good terms?"

 …Huh?

 She thinks they have a bad relationship?

 No, no, no—if anything, their relationship is great.

 It's just that… they're both a bit tsundere.

 "Not at all. It's just friendly bickering."

 『My Favorite Sister Bronya:』 "Friendly bickering? But if they're friends, shouldn't they… be more caring and understanding toward each other?"

 Hokuto was about to respond with something casual, but then—

 A pink-colored message suddenly appeared on screen.

 『Pink Fairy Miss:』 "That's not true~"

 Ah. There she goes again.

 Hokuto smirked, deciding to let Elysia handle this one.

—

 『My Favorite Sister Bronya:』 "Huh? It's not?"

 『Pink Fairy Miss:』 "Of course not! Hehe~ I have a friend like that too, you know?"

 『Pink Fairy Miss:』 "He's always so cold—just standing next to him feels like winter~ No matter what I say, he just stares at me with this totally serious face."

 …Oh no. He already knew where this was going.

 『Pink Fairy Miss:』 "It's such a shame, really… He used to smile so much, and his smile was so nice, too. But now… I hardly ever see him show any other emotion."

 『Pink Fairy Miss:』 "Still… I can tell he really cares about all of us, deep down."

 『My Favorite Sister Bronya:』 "I see… He must've gone through a lot of sad things, huh?"

 Even without knowing who Elysia was talking about, Seele could feel the deep emotions behind her words.

 Of course… Hokuto knew exactly who she meant.

 'The friend who became cold.'

 Who else could it be?

 Kevin Kaslana.

 Elysia's words… were clearly about Kevin.

 But Hokuto didn't comment—he simply moved on to the next mission.

—

 The mission involved escorting Wendy back to Hyperion.

 During the trip, Bronya and Mei had a brief exchange.

 [Four minutes until we reach the ship. Wendy hasn't slowed us down.]

 Mei and Kiana, however, had their doubts.

 [Bronya, you're being unusually kind today.]

 [S-Say… did your systems get infected with a 'kindness virus' or something?!]

 Meanwhile, Wendy—grateful for their help—spoke softly.

 [Bronya… thank you.]

 "She'll walk again… but at what cost?" Hokuto muttered under his breath.

 End of Chapter 28