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

Karen also faced condemnation from some high-ranking officials.

More importantly—she didn't understand what she was protecting.

The sage's words struck a chord with her, and the sights and sounds of the people's lives along the way undoubtedly posed a tremendous challenge to Karen, who was inherently kind and compassionate.

That made her constantly doubt—

Destiny

Is that really true?

...

"Back then... hehe, he does look familiar."

Karen shook her head slightly and said with a hint of mockery.

That was the greatest setback she had ever suffered. Known as the strongest Valkyrie, and wielding a weapon now known as the Divine Key, she couldn't even last a single round against the Eastern Immortal.

Although now that I understand more about their strength, I am somewhat relieved about their capabilities.

But at that time, it did indeed plunge her into a vortex of confusion in her life.

"Did Otto...stand in front of Grandma?"

Theresa looked at the blond man who was determined to block Fu Hua with surprise, feeling a little strange—or perhaps it was just simple curiosity, that Otto, the mastermind behind the scenes in the main storyline, would risk his life to stand in front of someone.

While it's understandable to think of someone willing to chase after a god in order to resurrect him, it's not entirely unreasonable.

"...Yes, he did a lot for me."

Karen spoke slowly, a look of reminiscence flashing in her eyes.

"The old Mandate of Heaven was truly wicked. Fortunately, Bishop Karen later overthrew it."

"After failing, they've only intensified their oppression of the people?" Durandal said angrily.

She absolutely cannot condone this approach!

...

"Huh? New plot? And it's about Bishop Karen! The boss really dares to write that!"

Kiana, out of curiosity, clicked on the red dot indicating an update and unexpectedly discovered a short comic strip that had just been uploaded.

She hadn't expected Grandma Karen to dress like this; it was surprisingly...fashionable.

"Ha—, about the Eastern Expedition? The old antique and I are the most qualified to talk about this."

The one who knew the law glanced at it, his eyes lit up, and he eagerly asked for praise.

He even patted his chest to reinforce the credibility of his words, making it sound resolute.

"...But Otto doesn't appear in this part of my memory."

Fu Hua said helplessly, breaking the words of the Herald of Knowledge.

"You...don't have it?" The Herrscher of Knowledge was somewhat surprised, but considering that this was a world where Kallen existed, some surprises didn't seem so unexpected.

"That's perfect, since only I know this. Ahem—let me tell you about it!"

"Speaking of that time, we must mention that the battle between the Mandate of Heaven and the Ming Empire was evenly matched, but then, the enemy used the power of collapse to turn the tide of the battle. Hey! How could I tolerate that? In the blink of an eye, I, who was originally watching the battle, jumped to the top of the city wall and glanced coldly at the Valkyries attacking from above. One by one, they fell to the ground with a thud."

"Even Kallen, at her strongest at the time, only lost by a move or two. If it weren't for that brat Otto stopping her, hmph~"

The one who understood the law proudly puffed out his chest, waiting for the cheers of the crowd.

But she clearly forgot that Karen has a pretty good reputation here... which means she went too far.

"...Don't worry about Xiaoshi, Bishop Karen's strength is still S-rank even now...I didn't expect that the bishop would actually think carefully about what I said."

Fu Hua corrected him.

...

The subsequent change may have stemmed from that speech in the square that day, where a red-haired girl wearing a phantom thief mask passionately preached her ideas to the people, speaking out against the injustice that fate had bestowed upon them.

Judging solely from their positions, perhaps Karen should be angry.

But her eyes lit up, sparkling brightly, as the other person's words touched her deeply.

So, when the Heavenly Mandate forces arrived to take the girl away,

She chose to wear the mask the girl had dropped and rescued her.

At that moment, Otto Apocalypse, hidden in the shadows, saw his beloved's long-lost smile, a smile he hadn't seen since the phrase "great inventor," shining in the warm sunlight.

He also made a decision in secret.

He wanted to see that smile again, no matter the cost.

Later, Kallen was the strongest Valkyrie of Schicksal by day, and the Robin Hood-like phantom thief, Purple Iris, by night.

Otto would teach anyone he didn't understand, and he was willing to lure away numerous and complex enemies, even knowing that he would eventually be exposed; he did it all with great pleasure.

Just because of that smile,

He and Karen shared a wonderful time together, and the wandering thefts across various places did not diminish the joy in their hearts.