CHAPTER 98: ICISEI EPISODE 98

Episode 98: So, I’m not the real me? In that case, where exactly is the real me?

『 However, Einstein, a doctor from Anti-Entropy, said thoughtfully after listening:

"Maybe it really can happen. According to this statement, it does have the possibility of occurring."

"Imaginary number renormalization—it’s a special change defined in imaginary space, and its basic characteristics are just as Chang Guang said."...

Not only did Dr. Einstein agree with this view,

Dr. Tesla also spoke up in agreement.

"That’s right, theoretically there is indeed such a mechanism that allows the two sides to convert into each other, but we in Anti-Entropy have never seen it actually appear."

After the explanation of the two doctors, Kiana generally understood the concept.

However, although she understood, she still didn’t know what help this thing could provide for the current battle.

"But, how can such an abstract concept help us in the upcoming battle??"

Facing this question, Nagamitsu continued to explain:

"Didn’t I mention it earlier? If you find out that Mr. Otto used some method to enter that endless domain,"

"You might be able to twist the surrounding space and pull him into the process of imaginary number renormalization, forcing him back into the finite world."

"For someone with the power of the Herrscher of the Void, this is not an impossible task, right?"

"Okay, I’ll remember these literally." Kiana nodded, indicating that she understood.

After making proper arrangements, Nagamitsu put her hands on her hips and said again:

"Hmm, that’s it. Herrschers are beings that can create miracles."

"As long as there’s a clear idea in your mind, everything else will naturally fall into place." Nagamitsu smiled and asked back, "Isn’t that right?"

However, in Dr. Tesla’s eyes, such a Nagamitsu was also quite strange.

"Oh, perhaps this is her unique way of cheering people on." Dr. Tesla explained Nagamitsu’s words.

"It can’t be said that this is a meaningless conjecture, but there’s a bit too much speculation now, and it seems to have little to do with the actual situation."

"Oh, you saw through me? Then I’ll just reiterate what I said at the beginning." Nagamitsu repeated her previous words with a slight blush: "I know you have the ability to defeat Mr. Otto and stop his plan. I believe in you. Goodbye."

After speaking quickly, Nagamitsu immediately ended the communication.

Not only did she close her own, but she also closed the communication windows of Dr. Tesla and Dr. Einstein.

At this moment, only Kiana and Durandal were left looking at each other. 』

『 .....』

~Dimensional livestream, Chat Room~

[ Tesla (Honkai: Impact Third): "Although it feels like a pretty good plan." ]

[ Tesla (Honkai: Impact Third): "But no matter how you think about it, it’s not easy to defeat that damned Otto, right?" ]

[ Umaru Doma (Himouto): "Well, we’ll find out soon enough." ]

[ Oyama Mahiro (Onimai): "Exactly, it sounds amazing, everything will be fine, sisters." ]

[ Oyama Minami (Onimai): "Onee-chan, you’re getting more and more skilled too." ]

[ Oyama Mahiro (Onimai): "..." ]

[ Tesla (Honkai: Impact Third): "Haha, you’re right. Let me see what kind of ending you, Otto, will have." ]

[ .....]

『 No need to think,

On the Hyperion on the other side,

Dr. Tesla and Dr. Einstein,

They must be looking at each other just like the two here, right?

Durandal, being someone who knew Nagamitsu better, apologized, "You’ve really seen us at our worst."

"She, she really is a very special scientist..." Seele also nodded with some emotion.

These peculiar characters, like Dr. Tesla and the others, are all eccentrics.

"Yes, perhaps her real purpose is not to make us too nervous?" Kiana said, not forgetting to add to Seele, "However, with this, all preparations before the decisive battle are complete. I’ll leave the rear matters to you, Seele."

After notifying Hyperion, the actions on the church side were also ready to begin.

"Don’t worry, Kiana, I will definitely protect everyone." Seele weakly promised, "So, you must also return safely!~"

"Mhm, it’s a promise," Kiana replied.

"It’s a promise, Seele." Durandal also said. 』

『 .....』

~Dimensional livestream, Chat Room~

[ Tesla (Honkai: Impact Third): "Alright, alright, it’s coming, the good time to defeat Otto is here!" ]

[ .....]

『 After bidding farewell here, Kiana and her companions planned to step into the church to find Otto.

But just as their hands were about to touch the door, Durandal, who was about to push it open, was called out by Kiana.

"Durandal, there’s something."

Durandal stopped and looked at Kiana, who had suddenly spoken, asking with some curiosity, "Is there anything else?"

"Once the door opens, we’ll settle things with Otto," Kiana said softly, as if confirming something.

Although Durandal didn’t quite understand the meaning of these words, she still nodded, "Mm, you’re right."

Then, Kiana slowly began to recount her past:

"You know, it was Otto who created me in the lab."

"He brought me into this world, but at the same time, he only treated me as an experiment, a vessel for the Herrscher’s rebirth."

"Experiment K-423, that’s all the dignity he gave me."

"Back then, I was like a blank sheet of paper, not knowing what to pursue or what to bear as a person in the world."

"It was Father who taught me kindness and sincerity through his actions, gave me the purest love, and the name Kiana."

"But in the end, he disappeared."

"After that, I began to wander, hoping to find Father, and also hoping to become someone like him who helps others, to become a true traveler."

"I thought everything was over, but Otto’s reappearance awakened the Herrscher’s malice and took everything from St. Freya."

"I had to continue wandering, bearing the sin of the Herrscher of the Void, enduring the pain of losing my teacher, and self-reproaching, causing my companions’ heartache."

"It was during those days that I first met you, and naturally, due to our differing stances, we parted ways unhappily."

"Later, after many things, I understood that human relationships are not simple, much more complex than I initially imagined."

"Therefore, Durandal, I must ask you a question."

"In what capacity do you choose to confront Otto now?" 』

『 .....』

~Dimensional livestream, Chat Room~

[ March 7th (Honkai: Star Rail): "So, Miss Kiana had such a history before." ]

[ Himeko (Honkai: Star Rail): "From birth, she only had a number." ]

[ Theresa (Honkai: Impact Third): "Kiana, isn’t the real Kiana?" ]

[ Theresa (Honkai: Impact Third): "What does that mean?" ]

[ Himeko Murata (Honkai: Impact Third): "A vessel for the Herrscher’s revival? What exactly is going on?" ]

[ Raiden Mei (Honkai: Impact Third): "The Herrscher of the Void, this former Second Herrscher isn’t already...." ]

[ The Doctor ⦍11th⦎ (Doctor Who): "It seems this piece of information has shocked you greatly." ]

[ Theresa (Honkai: Impact Third): "Yes..." ]

[ Durandal (Honkai: Impact Third): "If this Kiana isn’t the real Kiana, then where is the real Kiana now?" ]

[ Umaru Doma (Himouto): "You’re making my head spin." ]

[ Yuigahama Yui (Oregairu): "Exactly, the little girl before was so cute, why do you say she isn’t the real her now?" ]

[ March 7th (Honkai: Star Rail): "Losing, the pain of losing a teacher? Are you talking about Uncle Yang?" ]

[ Welt Yang (Honkai: Star Rail): "..." ]

[ .....]

~Honkai: Impact Third World, St. Freya Academy~

"I’m not the real Kiana..."

Kiana felt a bit unwell after seeing what her future self said.

"Experiment K-423..."

"Why, what exactly is going on?"

.....

『 In the Screen, Durandal listened to this long string of words and replied,

"Your question is profound."

"I can choose to be a vengeful avenger, or a rebel against tyranny, or even just a guardian fighting for the fate of the world."

"But these identities are not what I currently identify with. At least, when facing him again, I am still a Valkyrie of Schicksal."

"I understand that Schicksal is not perfect, and our work is not as idealistic as our slogans suggest."

"So, at a time when everyone faces choices, I want to reiterate the meaning of Schicksal and Valkyries, and reclaim the right to speak from that autocratic Archbishop."

"Schicksal is a military organization, and obeying orders is a soldier’s duty, but this doesn’t mean we should become puppets manipulated by our superiors, or cogs in a grand destiny."

"What is right or wrong, what is good or evil, what is Schicksal, cannot be determined by one person."

"These should be everyone’s choices, everyone’s path, everyone’s jointly depicted scenery on the canvas called the world."

"So, now, I will also stand with you and reclaim this right to creative freedom from Otto, for all of us."

"If it were me, a Valkyrie, what colors and lines would I leave on this painting?"

After hearing this series of words, Kiana asked with curiosity, "Is this your true thought, Durandal?"

But Durandal then revealed an even deeper thought:

"For me, this is the embodiment of Bianka Ataegina’s will."

"No matter how you look at it, Otto is always the one who rewrote my life trajectory."

"If I were to compare him to Shakespeare’s plays,"

"He is not only Caesar, not only Macbeth, but also Claudius, Othello, and even like Hamlet."

"He is like a work of art that is both beautiful and cruel, both great and complex. We will eventually defeat him and let future generations judge his history."

"I think that’s his wish deep down, too."

"It seems that in your heart, he is still an elder, a complex and contradictory person." Kiana seemed to understand Durandal’s state of mind.

"That’s right, but that doesn’t stop us from fighting side by side, nor does it stop me from going all out to defeat him, and even eliminate him," Durandal said with firm eyes.

"Mm, I completely understand now." Kiana comprehended, then extended a hand and suggested, "Then, as Schicksal’s strongest Valkyrie, before the real battle begins, how about a high-five to represent team spirit?"

The moment their two hands met, it was as if a character transformation occurred,

And the prelude to the future began to unfold. 』

『 .....』

~Dimensional livestream, Chat Room~

[ Shizuka Hiratsuka (Oregairu): "Good, very good." ]

[ Genos (One Punch Man): "The battle is about to begin." ]

[ Otto (Honkai: Impact Third): "Very good, I’m starting to look forward to how you’ll come to trouble me." ]

[ Fu Hua (Honkai: Impact Third): "Why haven’t I seen Mei along the way?" ]

[ Raiden Mei (Honkai: Impact Third): "Maybe I was still busy there at that time." ]

[ .....]

『 Subsequently, the two pushed open the church door and stepped inside.

Upon entering, seeing the church empty, Kiana asked doubtfully, "What’s going on? There’s nothing here?"

Fortunately, Durandal was sharp-eyed and noticed an anomaly not far away.

"No, look there."

Kiana felt that power and immediately spoke its name:

"Is that a rift in imaginary space in reality?"

"Let’s go and check it out," Durandal suggested.

As they approached the rift, Durandal turned to Kiana and asked, "How is it? Can you feel the space behind it?"

"Mm, sensing it alone is fine. The flowing power is indeed what Otto used before."

Feeling the power emanating from in front of her, Kiana was a little worried:

"But to expand it enough for both of us to pass through..."

"Is there a problem?" Durandal, who wasn’t very clear about this operation, asked doubtfully.

"Not sure, let me try." Kiana shook her head, "However, this is Herrscher’s power; you’d better stay away from me to avoid being affected."

With everything ready, Kiana closed her eyes and activated her Herrscher power.

"Cut off delusions, regulate breathing. Know nothing, perceive nothing."

"The divine, the extreme of change, wondrously speaks of myriad things."

As soon as the words fell, the surrounding space changed dramatically.

As space twisted,

Kiana, in the strange space, suddenly heard a familiar voice:

"Soon, I’ll be able to help you."

Kiana was no stranger to the owner of this voice.

Her first reaction was to blurt out a name:

"Mei?"

Kiana’s favorite Raiden Mei,

The Raiden Mei, she hadn’t seen for a long time.

To hear her familiar voice in such a peculiar space.

How could Kiana not be surprised?

At this moment, Kiana stood in a strange place, recalling the call she had just heard.

"Is that Mei? I think I heard Mei’s voice!"

"She’s not far ahead."

Feeling Raiden Mei’s energy floating from ahead, Kiana suddenly felt full of motivation.

But not long after walking into this mysterious space, a special memory suddenly flashed in Kiana’s mind.

In the memory, Kiana was standing on the deck, holding guns in both hands, shouting a classic line to Raiden Mei, who was also in fierce battle not far away.

"Mei! As long as Mei is here, I can have the strength of a hundred people!"

Raiden Mei, who was busy fighting, almost slipped and made a mistake when she heard Kiana’s words.

Steadying herself, Raiden Mei said a little shyly, "One, the strength of a hundred people? I’m not some kind of superhuman."

Even though she knew it was just one person’s strength, Raiden Mei never thought of herself as a super-powerful being.

But Kiana, at that time, desperately wanted to prove it.

"It’s not like that, as long as Mei is by my side, I feel like I have a hundred times the strength!"

"Hehe, only Kiana would say that." Raiden Mei, not knowing how to respond, could only smile helplessly.

The memory was interrupted.

Looking at the familiar Moonlight Throne in front of her, and her still very naive self back then,

Kiana said in this mysterious space with a look of surprise:

"Me, what’s going on? Why am I starting to recall old things?"

"Moonlight Throne, everything started that day. Counting the time, it’s been over a year."

"Only a year? So much has happened, I thought four or five years had passed."

Just as she finished lamenting, she was suddenly pulled into another strange space.

Here, Kiana was directly opposite a fully armed Raiden Mei.

"Mei? You, what happened to you? What did he do to you?" Kiana looked at her friend in disbelief.

And the other party’s eyes were firm, stating her thoughts.

"Kiana, I’m very clear-headed now."

Raiden Mei said lightly, "This is my own choice, don’t worry about it."

"Why, Mei!" Anxious Kiana shouted to Mei, "Don’t make this kind of joke, I will never agree."

"I won’t let you join World Serpent!"

Before everyone could react, the scene disappeared again.

Returning to that mysterious space once more.

Kiana was still deeply moved by that unforgettable memory.

"That’s right, that day, I will never forget."

"If I could go back to that time, perhaps I would have hundreds of ways to keep Mei."

"No, it should be earlier, during that sweet pepper curry time, or even earlier, when we were still in Arc City, then Mei wouldn’t have been sad."

"But if that were the case, perhaps we wouldn’t be in the situation we are today."

She hadn’t walked many steps in this mysterious space before she fell into another memory.

Here, everyone heard a familiar voice.

That voice was guiding Kiana at this moment.

"As for Mei, I don’t think you need to worry too much. She’s a kind-hearted child who won’t change." 』

『 .....』