To create Honkai Impact 3rd in a world where Kallen exists.

"Until, I give my life."

Mei remained silent, because she knew that Kiana was exactly like that, without exception.

"I have met countless people just like her."

"Even when faced with death and fear, they will still firmly do what they believe is right and walk the path they believe in."

"...They left, and none of them came back."

The cold words pierced Mei's heart like sharp awls. She understood, she knew, she was afraid, she was clear.

—That is the fact that no matter how much she sacrifices, she cannot change.

Kiana wants to be a hero, and the world seems to be urging her to become one too.

But what was the price? What price did she pay?

That's something no one close to Kiana wants to see.

...

“Kevin…”

Alicia pursed her lips, but only uttered the other person's name. The Kevin in front of her was not the eternal ice on the screen. Her heart was frozen, only trembling slightly.

Kevin's offhand remark about how you teased the other person has ruined your good mood.

“Himiko, Kon… there are just too many people,” Kevin said calmly, the air seeming to shift from cheerful to icy. Such moments were not uncommon around Kevin.

Thirteen Heroes didn't want to bring up this topic, but that didn't mean they were afraid to face it.

"Like a hymn to life, they are equally worthy of the name of heroes." Eden raised his glass and smiled faintly.

"While the Firemoths may not have many good items, they certainly have no shortage of excellent warriors." Mebius snorted, a rare hint of reminiscence flickering in her snake-like eyes—the guy who had abducted her excellent assistant, and Desdobia...

Hua lowered her eyes, as if in mourning; Ying didn't speak, but just touched Ling, who had recovered, her hand still on the hilt of the sword at her waist.

Qianjie remained silent, the ceaseless flames burning; Pado chuckled twice, clutching the can, she didn't think she was qualified to participate in this discussion.

The thirteen of them were the best warriors Kevin had mentioned.

...

"That's just how idiot Kiana is, that's definitely her personality."

Before Kiana could even offer a defense, Bronya ruthlessly demolished Kiana's base.

In her opinion, her problems were already big enough, but after several operations and games, she discovered that Kiana seemed to always prefer to take on the most dangerous activities alone.

While we cannot rule out the influence of Himeko-sensei, she seems to be taking shape now.

"Hey, hey, hey, you can eat whatever you want, little dwarf, you might not grow tall, but you can't say whatever you want. I'm not in a hurry to die, I'll definitely call for my older sister if I need anything."

Kiana rolled her eyes. Even if she thought her actions in the game were kind of cool,

But I still have so many relatives and friends, and I'm not without connections.

"But you still went to Changkong City to take the blame yourself, didn't you?" Bronya thought for a moment, and although she hadn't planned to sabotage them further, she decided to stick to her guns.

You're the one who won't grow tall! Bronya is still young and has a lot of potential!

Also, that's normal for Russian girls!

"If I didn't go, would I have run into you guys? Seriously, besides... wasn't I close by and right there?"

Kiana muttered, her face full of resentment. Why was Bronya so angry?

How well did they coordinate in the game? (Kiana's opinion)

"Alright, alright, look, it seems like I'll have to apologize to Kiana next and agree to her request..."

Mei poked Kiana's puffed-out cheeks with her index finger, and then heard a breath coming from Kiana's mouth, which was quite cute and made Mei smile.

"Mei—don't you feel guilty about agreeing to other people's requests?"

"uh-huh?"

"I don't care, you have to compensate me."

...

Kevin seems to have provided an answer to this problem that Mei couldn't solve.

—Walking with 'snakes'

Kiana resolved the Honkai first and retrieved the Herrscher core.

This significantly increases the necessity for Mei to join World Serpent; where else could she join?

She had recently gone against destiny, and all Anti-Entropy could do was discover the Honkai at the same time as Kiana; it was uncertain whether other smaller organizations had even figured out the Honkai.

How ironic! Only by leaving Kiana's side can she truly be protected from danger.

But if she wants to save Kiana, it seems that this is the only choice she has left...

At that moment, the sky not far away shattered, and a purple beam of light surged forth from above. The portal to imaginary numbers had opened, and the attack of collapse was imminent.

According to Kevin, Mei can become the Herrscher of Thunder at any time during this period.

Kevin looked into the distance and said softly:

"Raiden Mei, I don't need to convince you, because you know better than I do..."

"—Her ideals could save the world, but not herself."

"Whether you trust me or the World Serpent, I will give you time to make a decision. Raiden Mei, Kiana's fate is in your hands."

Kevin's meaning was simple and clear—becoming a Herrscher could only alleviate Kiana's situation.

Solving the Honkai before she does is the only option.

Then, a fierce wind swept through, tall buildings shook, and the whole world seemed to change dramatically.

Mei was astonished to discover that the drop in the water level in the city was actually... the entire city's buildings... were gathering towards the sky!

Roars, booms, the deafening sound of collapse, and screams from the crowd blended together.

Then came the light, a blinding, intense light that bathed everything in bright light.

Countless shards of glass defied gravity and flew upwards, occasionally reflecting the colors of an unknown scene—things from another world, yet projected onto the present in a time-space distortion.

A purple cross shone brightly in the distant sky; tall buildings collapsed, a fierce wind arose, lightning flashed and thunder roared, all bathed in light.

Everything foreshadowed the coming storm.

...

[What a pity... her ideals could save the world, but not herself. Sigh, that's really true.]

Kiana saved the world, but the world doesn't seem to favor her. She still walks alone on her journey. Friends, teachers, family, partners—she had everything, but the world... is truly cruel.

[At first, I thought, how could Mei possibly leave Kiana? They clearly care about each other so much... But it turns out what the other person said makes a lot of sense. Damn it.]

Their feelings for each other were their strongest bridge, but now, that very feeling is the reason they have to part ways—precisely because they cared for each other more than anyone else, including each other themselves.

"...Originally, if it were just about becoming a Herrscher, Mei-nee wouldn't have needed to join World Serpent at all, but now,"

Bronya sighed, looking at the world captivated by the game on the screen, a thought flashing in her eyes—she wanted to create a game like that too.

"It seems that there is no other way but this path."

Bronya looked away, speaking with great regret.

Kiana remained silent, glancing at Mei, who was also looking at her. Their eyes met.

The eyes are the windows to the soul. They looked into each other's eyes and saw the surging emotions, the sadness and bewilderment, the tears welling up in their eyes.

Kiana took a deep breath and said fiercely.

"Mei, if you want to leave, I won't let you leave, even if it means fighting."

She raised her fist, revealing the ugliest smile she could muster, a smile that looked like she was about to burst into tears.

"I said!"

If you're strong enough, the other person probably won't leave you. Even if you have to force them to stay, you should keep them by your side!

"Okay, sure, if you can."

Mei looked at Kiana and said seriously.

"We... I won't let you leave. No matter how many times, I'll wake you up with my fists! Just like before!"

Chapter 83 Congratulations, the Return of the Thunder Queen

Mei woke up groggily, only to find the world around her completely dark.

Countless wandering quantum shadows surrounded it, and pillars of light from the sky enveloped it, making everything before its eyes seem unfamiliar.

But all she wanted to do was find Kiana—the most important person to her.

However, they were spotted by the quantum shadows on the way and became entangled in a battle.

Kiana was also anxiously searching for her and arrived just in time to have Benares take action.

The wind pressure generated by her wings easily suppressed the monsters, a stark contrast to Mei's disheveled state just moments before.

At this moment, the giant dragon stood obediently beside Kiana.

Kiana then told him to go back, as she herself was going to save Changkong City, using the power of the Herrscher of the Void.

Mei was naturally worried about her physical condition. How could she save the city when she was still covered in wounds?

"Doing such dangerous things, your body will—"

Kiana closed her eyes, as if pondering her words.

"...Kiana?"

“Mei... I know everything. I am fully aware of my physical condition.”

She spoke calmly, even though it was her own body.

"To be honest, I get scared when I hear the word 'death,' so scared that I can't walk and my body trembles."

"But I can't run away because I'm afraid. I have responsibilities to bear..."