Chapter 77: Kiana - "I Want to Stop This Disaster!" Livestream Chat - "Wow, She’s So Cool Now!"
Chapter 77: Kiana - "I Want to Stop This Disaster!" Livestream Chat - "Wow, She's So Cool Now!"
['How stubborn.']
Rita was clearly dissatisfied with Kiana's response.
However, she and her squad had already prepared for a forced retrieval.
Even if it cost them their lives…
They would capture the Herrscher of the Void—no matter what.
As the dialogue ended, the game transitioned to combat mode.
The level spawned enemy units—members of the Immortal Blades, armed with rifles and axes.
Though their HP and attack power weren't high,
Their attack patterns were complex, and some had special mechanics that restricted dodging.
However…
Even though they were quick,
Kiana was faster.
Her damage output was overwhelming.
One by one, the enemies fell.
As Kiana took down the enemy squad, Rita calmly observed the battle.
Realizing that her troops couldn't contain the Herrscher,
She issued her next command.
['Gods' Chariots—activate Hunting Mode.']
At her order, the level spawned a new set of enemies—
Two advanced Gods' Chariots—"Ibor" and "Baldur" models—
Both specialized in suppressing high-priority targets.
They immediately joined the hunt.
『Pink Fairy Miss:』 'Wow… So many people ganging up on Kiana-chan… This girl named Rita is really ruthless~'
A pink-colored comment floated across the screen.
Clearly, Elysia disapproved of this unfair fight.
Especially when Schicksal itself was responsible for much of the suffering.
『Maintaining Elegance Is a Maid's Duty:』 '…Ahem. She is a Herrscher, after all. We must be prepared to win by any means necessary…'
A purple-colored comment followed shortly after.
It was Rita herself.
Clearly, watching the livestream made it impossible for her to remain silent.
However…
As soon as her comment appeared, Kiana had already dealt with the threat.
The Gods' Chariots and the Immortal Blades were all eliminated.
At the final stage of the level, a new enemy appeared.
It was a familiar foe from the previous interlude—
Argent Knight: Artemis.
Unlike the other enemies,
This boss had the ability to freeze the player's movements.
Hokuto sighed.
He had encountered this boss countless times.
He knew exactly how to counter it.
Using Valkyrie Ranger's ranged attacks,
He slowly whittled down its HP.
After enduring three shield phases,
Argent Knight: Artemis was finally defeated.
And with that, Chapter 5 of this act came to an end.
The game displayed a closing narration.
[Gunfire and the sweeping arc of a scythe clashed in the darkness—like stars and the crescent moon locked in eternal battle.]
But in reality, the battle lasted only a fleeting moment.
After a brief exchange, both combatants returned to their positions.
Kiana spoke first.
['Rita, I have a question for you… Between capturing me and preventing this city's destruction, which do you think is more important?']
Rita's response was sincere.
['Capturing you is how we stop this city's destruction.']
As her words fell,
Rita and her Argent Knight phantom flanked Kiana from both sides.
With a sharp metallic clang,
Their weapons clashed.
When the screen stabilized,
Kiana had already moved behind Rita.
['Too bad. Capturing me won't be that easy.']
Rita turned her head slightly, watching the girl.
She remained silent.
For a Herrscher, Kiana was acting strangely.
Shouldn't she be constantly seeking destruction?
Why was she trying to talk instead?
Could it be…
Was Otto's plan actually working?
['Believe it or not… I am not the reason behind the Honkai outbreaks in Arc City.']
['The disaster here is far more dangerous than you think. With this evidence, you can see for yourself what Shencheng Medical is really up to.']
As she spoke, Kiana stepped forward.
Passing by Rita, she handed her something.
['I'm not leaving this place.']
['To me, stopping this disaster is more important than running away.']
With those final words, Kiana turned and walked away.
Rita remained still, staring at the object in her hand.
She was speechless.
['I know you don't trust me. But the choice… is always yours to make.']
As Kiana spoke these words, the level ended.
『Pink Fairy Miss:』 'Ehh?! Why did the level end at such a crucial moment?!'
A pink-colored comment scrolled across the screen.
Clearly, Elysia was highly invested in the story.
Seeing the plot cut off just as things got intense left her visibly frustrated.
However…
This was just Mihoyo's classic storytelling tactic.
Later on, there would be plenty more cliffhangers like this.
She would eventually get used to it.
Hokuto checked the time.
He realized he had streamed long enough for today.
Turning to his audience, he spoke.
"Alright, everyone, that's enough story for today. Hmm, I should grab some food. Let's continue the stream tomorrow, same time?"
『Pink Fairy Miss:』 'Sure~ Hmm, how about in the morning?'
A pink-colored comment appeared.
Hokuto didn't even need to check the sender.
He immediately knew it was Elysia.
Just from her pink-colored text,
He could almost hear her voice in his head.
Honestly, how could anyone say no to such an adorable request?
He nearly agreed right away.
But then…
He remembered his unread emails.
"I'd love to, but I have work to take care of. How about in the afternoon?"
Thankfully, Elysia wasn't difficult to convince.
『Pink Fairy Miss:』 'Aww… Fine, but making a girl wait is very rude, you know~'
"Yes, yes, my dear Fairy Miss. I promise I'll start as early as possible!"
Hokuto finalized the schedule with the chat, and no one had any objections.
"Alright then, see you all tomorrow afternoon."
With that, the stream ended.
[Congratulations! Stream completed.]
[Based on today's stream popularity, you have received 4,900 crystals!]
"Haha! Another 4,000+ crystals? Let's see my current stash… Whoa, I'm rich!"
Seeing his growing crystal reserves, Hokuto grinned.
With this many, he could easily max out his next character.
Now, all that was left was to wait for the support banner.
A fully upgraded elemental team was within reach!
However…
As he sorted through his emails, one stood out.
It contained an attached video.
And the sender was—
Otto Apocalypse.
An Unexpected Email from Otto
Strange.
Why would the Overseer himself send a video email?
I just got promoted a few days ago—he wouldn't be assigning me some high-difficulty mission already, would he?
Wouldn't that be a bit too much, even for Otto?
Hokuto stared at the sender's name for a long time before finally clicking on the video.
As the screen lit up, Otto's face appeared.
Behind him, a dimly lit row of incubation chambers glowed ominously.
And within one of those chambers…
A familiar figure from Shenzhou floated motionlessly in a transparent liquid.
['First of all, congratulations—winner of my little contest, hehe…']
Otto's voice remained as composed as ever.
['This may seem sudden, but I believe now is a good time for you to preview your next assignment.']
['Do you know who the person inside this chamber is? No need to answer right away. I want you to find out for yourself.']
['Once you've discovered the truth, you can assist me in researching her, correct?']
Hokuto slammed his hands on the desk.
No way!
Taking care of Fu Hua's body should be your job, Otto!
Otherwise, when her artifact wakes up… I'll be the one getting erased!
Unfortunately, Otto's decisions were never up for debate.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have sent a video email—a completely one-sided method of communication.
He never expected a response.
Which meant…
There was only one solution.
Delay.
Stall.
Just keep dragging things out.
['I trust you won't disappoint me. I expect your findings within two weeks.']
As soon as he finished speaking, the video ended.
Hokuto checked the total runtime.
Short. Straight to the point.
Classic Otto.
Was this an assignment?
No, this was a test.
Alright, Otto, you want to play this game?
Fine.
I'll just pretend to take it seriously, then conveniently "fail" to deliver results.
By then, I'll make sure you're the one who gets erased instead.
With that decision, Hokuto closed the email and moved on to his inbox.
However…
Among the usual congratulatory messages, one email stood out.
It was from…
Rita.
['To our newly appointed researcher at headquarters, I am Rita.']
['I am delighted to see you joining us. Do you remember what we spoke about when we first met? From now on, let us work together to protect humanity's future.']
Her email was written in a refined, formal tone—very much in line with her personality.
But…
Did she really send this just to congratulate me on my promotion?
Hokuto, feeling a bit suspicious, continued reading.
['Enough small talk. I am currently stationed in Arc City, awaiting further orders. Without the Overseer's permission, I cannot take action. Although both I and Captain Durandal would prefer to resolve this matter swiftly, orders are orders.']
['I heard that Lord Otto assigned you a research task regarding Shenzhou's historical records and folklore. Arc City remains a prosperous and stable location—an ideal place for your studies. If you wish, I invite you to visit. Do not worry, both I and Captain Durandal will personally ensure your safety.']
…Stable? Safe?
Do you even believe what you're saying, Rita?!
Arc City is a war zone right now!
Are you trying to get me "accidentally" injured during work?
Wait…
Actually…
Maybe this could work in my favor.
If I travel to Arc City for "research" and get injured,
Wouldn't that technically count as a workplace injury?
Even Otto wouldn't force me to work if I was incapacitated.
Then, when Fu Hua's artifact wakes up…
Otto would still be the one to die first.
Perfect.
With his plan set, Hokuto immediately responded to Rita's email.
Shortly after, she sent a live communication request.
The moment he saw it pop up on his screen, he accepted.
A small holographic projection of Rita appeared on his laptop screen.
['I'm pleased you accepted. I will arrange for headquarters' personnel to escort you on the next transport ship to Arc City.']
Hokuto blinked.
"Wait… I'm leaving now?"
['Since you've already agreed, isn't sooner better?']
As soon as she finished speaking, someone knocked loudly on his dormitory door.
"Knock! Knock! Knock!"
Hokuto stood up in confusion and opened the door…
Only to find a group of masked Valkyries from the Immortal Blades standing in the hallway.
"Dr. Hokuto, correct? Please come with us. If you need to pack anything, we can assist you."
Without waiting for his response, they entered his room.
They left no room for negotiation.
At that moment, Hokuto realized—
Rita had already planned this in advance.
At Schicksal's temporary base in Arc City,
Rita was giving instructions to the stationed Valkyrie squad.
['Your job is to ensure his safety. Escort him to Arc City and bring him to me. Afterward, we will await Lord Otto's orders.']
['Understood!']
Once the orders were given, Rita closed the communication channel.
She then sent a direct message to Otto.
After the call connected, she began her report.
['As per your request, he has been invited to Arc City. However… I do not understand. Why go through all this effort, Lord Otto? Is his research task truly that important?']
Otto paused for a moment.
Then, in a calm tone, he replied.
['Of course not.']
['Heh. Rita, I simply believe that talent such as his is better suited elsewhere… rather than by my side.']
['…Lord Otto, are you planning to introduce him to… the traitors of the Far East Branch?']
Otto chuckled.
['Rita, I thought you were an intelligent woman. This is a private conversation—there is no need to call them traitors.']
['Of course. But I merely wished to uphold my formalities.']
Rita fell silent.
She observed Otto's ever-calm smile.
Most people could never read his thoughts.
But Rita understood.
He was preparing for a future… where he no longer existed.
['Good. Since you remember what I told you, take this opportunity to understand him.']
['Perhaps you, Durandal, Susannah… and even him… may all have a brighter future within Schicksal.']
With that, Otto ended the call.
He showed no emotion.
As if he had none left to show.
But Rita knew the truth.
He wasn't unfeeling.
He was simply suppressing it.
Onboard Schicksal's Transport Ship - Approaching Arc City
The Schicksal transport ship sped through the skies…
Hokuto gazed out of the cockpit window, watching the blue sky and drifting clouds.
Meanwhile, his mind was calculating the time.
After a quick estimation, he confirmed that traveling to Arc City wouldn't interfere with his livestream.
Why?
Because this Schicksal transport ship was absurdly fast.
In just a few short hours,
They were already nearing their destination.
["ETA: 15 minutes. We will soon enter Arc City's airspace. Please prepare for landing. Do you need assistance, Doctor?"]
A masked Valkyrie from the Immortal Blades turned to ask him.
"Oh. No need. I only have my laptop and a few clothes—I can carry them myself."
After responding, Hokuto left the cockpit, heading toward the cargo hold to retrieve his belongings.
As he walked through the transport ship's corridors,
He passed by fully automated Schicksal robots performing logistical operations.
These machines were also heading toward the storage bay, likely preparing for cargo retrieval.
Soon, Hokuto arrived at the storage area.
"Wow, there's a lot of stuff here… Now, where did they put my—"
ALARM! ALARM! DETECTING HIGH CONCENTRATION OF HONKAI ENERGY AHEAD!
ALARM! ALARM! DETECTING HIGH CONCENTRATION OF HONKAI ENERGY AHEAD!
A sharp alarm blared throughout the transport ship.
The warning lights flashed red.
Hokuto immediately realized…
The ship was about to be attacked!
This timing is way too suspicious!
Hokuto instantly changed priorities.
Forget the laptop!
He quickly stuffed his phone into his jacket's inner pocket, zipped it up, and rushed back toward the cockpit.
On his way, he ran into the same Immortal Blades Valkyrie who had offered to help him earlier.
"What's going on?!"
Hokuto demanded.
["We've been ambushed by a swarm of Honkai Beasts! Please follow me, Doctor!"]
The Valkyrie reached out, intending to grab him…
But at that moment—
The ship violently shook!
A series of loud crashes erupted as the transport ship was struck repeatedly!
Everyone onboard felt the force of a sudden freefall.
Meanwhile, in Arc City…
Under the shroud of night, a long-haired girl stood atop an overpass, gazing at the falling Schicksal transport ship.
The ship was under heavy assault.
Flying Honkai Beasts rammed into it mercilessly,
Its outer armor was heavily damaged, flames bursting from its hull.
"They're under attack by Honkai Beasts? Those poor people."
The girl muttered softly.
Just as she sighed,
A voice rang in her mind.
["Stop the ship from crashing, Kiana."]
"Why?"
["Because it's falling toward a residential district. If it crashes, Arc City will suffer yet another Honkai outbreak."]
"Damn it! I just finished fighting!"
Kiana grumbled.
But as her complaints left her lips…
Her heterochromatic eyes shone gold.
As her Herrscher powers surged,
Kiana's figure vanished.
When she reappeared,
She was soaring toward the descending transport ship.
Just as she was about to collide with the ship,
A pitch-black vortex materialized in front of the vessel!
The ship's front section vanished into the void…
Moments later, it reappeared—directly atop the overpass where Kiana had stood.
In an instant,
The entire transport ship had been pulled through the black hole and redirected.
It crashed onto the overpass.
But…
Along with it, the Honkai Beasts had been transported as well.
Kiana didn't hesitate.
She dove down, engaging in battle.
Within moments, the swarm of Honkai Beasts was eradicated.
As the last one fell,
She staggered slightly—exhausted.
"Is there anyone still alive…?"
Despite her fatigue,
She called out into the wreckage.
"Yes."
A weak male voice responded.
Kiana immediately moved toward the wreckage.
She pulled apart the collapsed metal plating.
Soon, a bloodied, disoriented man emerged from the shadows.
["Give me your hand."]
Kiana extended hers toward him.
But before he could take it…
Several black-masked Valkyries leapt from the ship's interior.
["Don't trust her, Doctor! That woman is dangerous!"]
These Immortal Blades members should have died in the crash.
But because Kiana had used her Herrscher powers to relocate the ship,
They had been spared from certain death.
Yet…
Their first reaction after surviving was to remain hostile toward Kiana.
Even with his head still spinning, Hokuto couldn't stay silent.
"Are you guys blind?! She just saved us!"
As he spoke,
He firmly reached out his hand.
Kiana didn't hesitate.
She easily pulled him to safety.
Originally, Kiana had planned to search for more survivors.
But with the Immortal Blades still active,
That job was better left to them.
After rescuing the white-coated researcher, she turned to leave.
However…
The Immortal Blades refused to let her go.
["A Herrscher is an agent of Honkai! We must eliminate—"]
Before they could finish,
Hokuto, now sitting against the railing of the overpass, calmly spoke.
"Valkyries are required to follow orders, correct?"
["Yes."]
"And your mission is to protect me, correct?"
["Yes."]
"Then why do you care about her?"
A simple two-question combo.
And the Valkyries had no answer.
As they stood frozen in place,
Kiana had already disappeared from the overpass.
As the heavy footsteps of Arc City's mechanized patrols drew closer,
Hokuto closed his eyes, finally at ease.
When he woke up,
He found himself in a sleek, futuristic guest room.
["You're awake, Dr. Hokuto. Thank goodness—I was beginning to worry."]
A familiar voice spoke beside him.
Turning his head, he saw Rita seated near his bedside, calmly reading a book.
"I…"
He slowly sat up, pressing a hand to his bandaged head.
Good.
This trip to Arc City wasn't in vain.
He had secured his "workplace injury,"
And in return, Kiana had saved his life.
At the same time, he had helped her bypass the Immortal Blades.
A win-win.
Except for Otto.
He lost an entire transport ship.
But that was his problem.
End of Chapter 76