Chapter 54. Kiana: A Kiana Without Braids Has No Soul!

"Sorry to bother everyone at miHoYo this time. We'll handle our own matters."

Sora took the initiative to say goodbye to Hokuto, not wanting to fake things anymore, and turned to leave.

"Wait a moment!"

Raven quickly stopped them, frowning as she asked, "Do you two know what you're doing?"

"Of course we do." Sora's expression was serious. "Just as you said, Teacher—we're no longer children."

"..."

...

...

In the end, Raven still stayed behind.

Even though she had only planned to stay at miHoYo temporarily.

However, Hokuto didn't mind—once you joined miHoYo, you were his. Thinking of leaving? Not a chance.

As for the placement of Raven's own studio, Hokuto rented another floor specifically to serve as their office.

After all, they were originally two separate teams. Forcing them into one space would only affect work efficiency.

So why not keep them separate, each doing their own thing?

Hokuto even kept the name of Raven's studio intact.

This small gesture seemed to make Raven's impression of Hokuto rise slightly?

It was, after all, a studio she had managed for years. If it really disappeared, she'd definitely be sad.

And with Raven joining, the new main story of Honkai Impact 3rd could finally begin development.

This time they had enough manpower, and progress was much faster than before.

Before long, the 13th and 14th chapters of Honkai Impact 3rd's main story, as well as the animated short Meteoric Salvation, were completed.

Hokuto also followed up by posting an update announcement on the official miHoYo website.

A polished poster, followed by the main content of this update:

1. Main Story Update:

Thanks to the tireless effort of the entire miHoYo staff, the main stories Endless Midwinter Night and Dark Dawn have finally been completed. We sincerely hope players will enjoy the story just like before.

Oh right, if anyone wants to stab the writers, feel free to mail your knives to us—we'll have staff handle it on your behalf (lol).

2. New S-rank Valkyrie Battlesuit Implemented:

This time we're bringing you Fu Hua's S-rank Valkyrie battlesuit [Azure Empyrea], a Valkyrie armor with a very classical style. If your heart is stirred, get ready!

3. Official Livestream Announcement:

Following this main story update, miHoYo will be doing an official livestream on pilipili, hosted by two beautiful girls you'll never guess!

We know you're curious about who they are—but Mr. "Otto" said it has to stay secret (sorry~).

4. First Side Story Event in Honkai Impact 3rd Dated:

Our first-ever side story event Chronicles of the Honkai Kingdom, created with the passion of the entire miHoYo staff, will launch in four parts, starting one week after the main story update.

Special note: Don't worry about grinding too hard—Mr. "Otto" said this side event is a treat for all players! Just log in daily to enjoy the story and do a little farming. Very casual.

Are you starting to feel some sympathy for Mr. "Otto"?

5. Minor bug fixes.

6. …

Actually, players already suspected miHoYo had something big coming, even without the announcement.

After all, it was almost Lunar New Year.

What game company wouldn't push out some events around this time?

But they didn't expect miHoYo to go this big. Between the main story and the side event, they had a full month of continuous high-intensity content—lasting until the end of the holiday.

It was all clearly aimed at maxing out player retention!

[miHoYo YYDS!! (Let me pull Herrscher of Reason already, I'm begging T_T)]

[Is it true what they said in the announcement about staff helping stab the writers? I really will send knives to miHoYo! (lol)]

Some players discussed sending blades to the scriptwriter, while others focused on different things.

Like the new Valkyrie battlesuit, the new side story, and the official livestream.

[The new battlesuit is Fu Hua's S-rank? What about Himeko?]

[Seems like the devs are still hiding Himeko's return. Too bad—miHoYo's little tricks have already been seen through by the wise public.]

[No one curious about the livestream? Two girls we'll never guess? Honestly, I'm very curious!]

[Personally, I care more about the side event. If it's "very casual," then the story must be a lighthearted and funny one, right?]

...

The Honkai Impact 3rd update announcement immediately drew a lot of attention.

In a certain 13-member group chat, they were also discussing the update.

Elysia: [[link]]

Elysia: [Honkai Impact 3rd is getting a major update!!]

Eden: [Elys, you really do love Honkai Impact 3rd.]

Elysia: [Because it's really fun~~ and filled with so many gentle, beautiful, kind, and cute girls just like me.]

Elysia: [Don't you like Honkai Impact 3rd, Eden?]

Eden: [Of course I do. Anything Elysia likes, I like too.]

Eden: [And Honkai Impact 3rd really is just as fun as you say.]

Elysia: [My lovely Eden~♪]

Mobius: [Am I showing up at a bad time?]

The sudden message from Snake broke the increasingly fluffy atmosphere in the group.

Elysia: [Oh, no way—Mobius, it's always the perfect time when you show up~~]

Mobius: [Don't say gross things, Elysia. I just logged on to see what the new update is.]

Elysia: [Looks like Mobius likes Honkai Impact 3rd too—but of course you do.]

Elysia: [After all, you and I are very, very close friends~~ It's only natural we share the same interests~~]

Mobius: [...]

Elysia's words seemed to leave Mobius speechless.

After a pause—

Mobius: [Elysia, every time I see you, I feel like [humans] are a far more bizarre species than I ever imagined—one that could give rise to someone like you.]

Mobius clearly meant it sarcastically, but Elysia remained unfazed.

Elysia: [Mobius, your compliments are always so unique~~ but I like them all the same~~]

Mobius: [...]

Mobius was completely silenced.

Mobius: [Enough. I'm not in the mood to talk anymore.]

Mobius: [I'm out.]

Elysia: [Aww~~ wait, Mobius~ I wanted to ask if everyone's free for an end-of-year gathering to run the event together.]

Elysia: [Oh, and let me tell you a little secret—when I dropped by miHoYo last time, I happened to peek at the script for Chronicles of the Honkai Kingdom on Kiana's desk. It's a very relaxing story.]

Elysia: [I'm sure it'll make everyone happy.]

...

...

Time passed as players waited with anticipation.

On the day of the Honkai Impact 3rd main story update—

The girls had already cleared out a dedicated livestream corner in the miHoYo studio.

They cleaned out the clutter, decorated the space, set up the equipment, and even placed several life-sized HoYo dolls in the background.

Yep, that last part—Hokuto suspected it was a certain vertically-challenged Theresa's personal touch.

Sigh~~ don't get too attached to your HoYo doll now.

Though he complained internally, Hokuto didn't actually ask anyone to remove it.

His eyes scanned the room and finally landed on Mei, who was helping Kiana braid her hair.

"What are you two doing?"

"Kiana asked me to braid two plaits for her," Mei explained, not stopping her hands.

"Plaits? Why the sudden interest?" Hokuto asked, not quite getting it.

"How could Kiana in Honkai Impact 3rd not have her twin braids?" Kiana replied. "A Kiana without braids has no soul!"

Hokuto: "..."

Are you really okay roasting yourself like that?

Still, once she explained, Hokuto understood what she meant.

However…

He looked at Kiana's hair volume a little anxiously. A lot of 2D hairstyles are physically impossible in real life, after all.

Even if this was the real paramecium standing in front of him…

He didn't feel too optimistic.

Swish—swish—

Mei stood behind Kiana, carefully braiding her hair. It was clear this wasn't her first time doing it—her movements were deft and practiced.

The two white plaits gradually took shape.

What Hokuto had been worried about never happened. He had to admit—fate really had blessed the girls of Honkai Impact 3rd.

Not only did they have stunning, beautiful faces and distinct personalities, they even had hair volume that could make countless people envious.

"Kiana, it's done. Take a look."

Kiana turned her head side to side in the mirror, her twin white plaits swaying in a graceful arc.

She was satisfied. "Thanks, Mei!"

Then she got up and skipped over to Hokuto.

"Hokuto, Hokuto! What do you think of my hairstyle?"

"Hmm…"

Hokuto circled Kiana a few times, then gave her and Mei a thumbs up.

"Perfect!"

"Hehe~~"

"Where's Himeko?" Hokuto asked.

The two "beautiful girls" mentioned in the update, of course, referred to Himeko and Kiana. Not only was Kiana the lead of this story update, but Himeko's popularity was surging.

Having them host the livestream was the ideal choice.

"I'm here."

Himeko walked over from the other side.

Flawless makeup, crimson hair that flowed like fire.

She confidently sat down at the livestream setup and waved at Kiana.

"Kiana, come over. It's almost time."

"Oh! Okay! Himeko—uh…"

"Hm?"

"Sensei! Himeko-sensei! I didn't say it wrong~~" Kiana quickly corrected herself.

Himeko rolled her eyes. "Forget it, I'll let it slide."

Kiana grinned sheepishly and sat beside her.

The rest of the miHoYo studio staff—even Raven and Sora—wandered in out of curiosity, gathering nearby to watch.

They saw Himeko log into miHoYo's official pilipili account.

The livestream was ready.