Honkai Impact: Dreams and the Holy Grail, but the Servant is Rei.

Compared to the peerless sword of Mirror Stream, which is formed from solid ice and moonlight, this illusory and transparent one-handed sword was forged by Meng Weiyu's determination.

This was his determination to leave the Holy Grail alive! This was his reason for wielding the sword!

Even if the road ahead is incredibly difficult, he will never give up. He has not yet set foot in the world beyond the Holy Grail, and his parents are still in his distant hometown; he must go back!

He slashed his sword into the darkness deep within his consciousness, unleashing a massive burst of sword light.

The sword light swept through Meng Weiyu's mind, severing all his confusion, unease, fear, and sorrow.

So what if we're at the mercy of fate? So what if we can't control our own victory or defeat? Just give it your all!

After all, from the moment he passed through the portal into the Holy Grail, he had already begun his own story!

At that very moment, the panel of the [Actor's Dictionary Box] in my mind changed, and lines of text began to appear at the bottom:

[Congratulations, host, for triggering the hidden side quest—Become a Pleasure Envoy and receive one chance to draw an abbreviation!]

[Lottery drawing...]

[Based on the host's determination to sever distracting thoughts, a breakthrough in mental state has been achieved.]

[Congratulations, host, you have obtained the gold-level affix [Delusion Slayer - Level 1 (0/100)]!]

In her mind, the figure of Meng Weiyu that had formed in her consciousness suddenly turned around and saw these words that had appeared.

When he saw the words "Envoy of Pleasure", he wasn't particularly surprised because Berserker [Mirror Stream] had already hinted at it before.

He carefully examined all the text in the [Entertainer's Encyclopedia] panel, but he couldn't find the details of the hidden side quest to become a Pleasure Envoy, nor could he see what he needed to submit, what he needed to pay, or what the price was.

It seemed as if a vast net woven by fate was closing in on him, trying to trap him completely within his predetermined destiny.

But now, all that's left in Meng Weiyu's eyes is determination!

He swung his sword again, cutting away his previous negative thoughts.

Then he immediately noticed that [Slay the Delusion - Level 1] had gained one more use!

【Slaying Illusions】: With the sword of idealism, slash with unwavering resolve to cut off all distracting thoughts and illusions! The stronger the determination and willpower, the greater the power of the sword strike!

Meng Weiyu unleashed several more sword energies of [Slay the Delusion] in his mind. When the number of [Slay the Delusion - Level 1] stopped at (6/100), he found that even if he swung the illusory transparent one-handed sword again, the number of uses would not increase.

Using projection magic, he mentally visualized a 1-meter-thick artificial diamond barrier that he had projected into reality.

With a strong will to survive and escape the Holy Grail, he swung his sword once again!

After being enhanced by level 50 [Projection Magic], the barrier, which was already almost as hard as the real thing, was easily cut in half by him as if he were cutting butter with a knife!

【Slay the Delusion - Level 1 (7/100)】!

"This attack is incredibly powerful!" Meng Weiyu stared in astonishment at the illusory longsword in her hand.

If it's already this strong at level 1, what kind of earth-shattering changes will it undergo when it reaches level 50 or 100?

But that attack had also exhausted a lot of Meng Weiyu's mental energy. He felt that he had entered a state of sagehood, like an old monk in deep meditation...

In this state, Meng Weiyu once again entered into meditation about tomorrow's battle...

At the same time, [Xi Lian] grasped the memory crystal that Berserker [Jing Liu] had handed back to her.

As she began to analyze, her body trembled as if she had been electrocuted. The figure that appeared in the memory crystal in her mind was not Berserker [Kagami], but Rider [Kagemoto]!

The image of [Jingyuan] smiled at her:

"Gentlemen, it's been a long time..."

Xi Lian took a deep breath, calming the shock in her heart, and then continued to absorb the memories from the crystal:

"As comrades who have gone through life and death together here, I have a lot to say to you, but this Holy Grail is in the control of another person, whose strength is among the top even among all the envoys."

"But there's no need to worry too much. If everything goes well, we'll see each other again later."

"As agreed before, I will pass on to you some of the abilities and memories you currently have, but remember, do not reveal all your cards."

Servant is just a living [memory]... [Xi Lian] remembered what Berserker [Jing Liu] had said before.

"Also, tell Meng Weiyu that he must upgrade the level of [Slaying Illusions] as soon as possible! But only use it at full power when encountering the most dangerous enemy."

His greatest enemy... isn't it himself? [Xi Lian] recalled the words left behind by Assassin [Kafka] when she disappeared not long ago.

Chapter 44 Conspiracy, Trap, Trial, and Showdown

The memory crystal completely dissipated in Caster [Xi Lian]'s hands. She gently closed her eyes and slowly opened them again, then gently exhaled.

【Xi Lian】walked to Meng Weiyu’s side and saw him sitting cross-legged with his eyes closed, resting. Instead of interrupting him, she summoned a phantom transparent ritual sword to guard against any unexpected events around her.

Berserker [Mirror Flow] was sitting on a pillar of a nearby building ruin. She covered her eyes again with a black blindfold with a silver moon pattern printed on it, but [Xi Lian] could still sense that her perception of the surrounding things had not been weakened.

The luxurious room on the top floor of the "tavern" was also very quiet. Giovanni was still pondering what Berserker [Mirror Flow] had said earlier, seemingly deep in thought.

Meng Weiyu didn't seem to care much about the conversation that took place in the Holy Grail or the Caster Xilian and Berserker Jingliu inside the Grail.

He downed a glass of the strongest liquor in one gulp, sped up the projection of the Holy Grail, and then, gazing at the vintage wall clock decorating the room, murmured to himself:

"The opening ceremony of the 'tavern' is approaching. I will be giving my opening speech in less than an hour."

But it was unusually quiet outside the room, and no one came looking for him.

The Holy Grail projection, which was playing at double speed, suddenly returned to normal speed. Giovanni noticed that the young man sitting cross-legged in the Holy Grail had ended his meditative state, and [Xi Lian] beside him had placed his hand on his shoulder, as if conveying some message.

In this strange atmosphere, Giovanni knew that asking Meng Weiyu next to him would probably be of no use, so he simply kept quiet and watched the Holy Grail playing the video.

"Thank you, you've been a great help." After receiving the information and the three new abilities that Xi Lian had just acquired, Meng Weiyu nodded to her, then gently touched the fair hand that was resting on her shoulder, and transmitted the thought back to her through [memory].

"I think in the upcoming competition or battle, you only need to use the second ability they told you about. Let's keep the other two as our trump cards and keep them hidden."

"Yes. That's what I think too." The touch of Xi Lian's thoughts reached Meng Weiyu, but the next moment she noticed Xi Lian bending down, carefully examining her as she sat cross-legged:

"We could have just used physical contact to communicate, so why did you have to touch my hand?" [Xi Lian] stared into his eyes with a mischievous smile. "Do you like this kind of feeling, buddy?"

Meng Weiyu felt his ears and face turn red instantly. Rather than saying he wanted to take advantage, it was more accurate to say that he did this simply because he was used to holding hands with Xi Lian before, and it had almost become muscle memory...

"Sorry, it was just a habit." He quickly withdrew his hand, then realized that such a statement was equally inappropriate.

Just as he was about to try to salvage the situation, he sensed the message transmitted by [Xi Lian]:

"Partner, let's try that [Slay Delusion] stat again and see how much it improves?"

...Meng Weiyu couldn't tell whether Xi Lian was giving her a way out or if this was the quirky girl's real purpose.

When he pushed the golden attribute to [Delusion Slayer - Level 1 (8/100)], he suddenly realized that as long as [Xi Lian] was by his side, the leveling speed of this attribute would probably be very fast...

However, the progress of playing King You of Zhou will probably stagnate from now on.

【Slay the Delusion - Level 1 (9/100)】!

He took a deep breath and dismissed the thought.

“I’m ready.” A day later, Meng Weiyu said to Berserker [Mirror Flow].

"Both I and the real her once said: 'Whoever wants to learn my sword, I will teach.'" The Ephemeral Flower Sword, made of moonlight and solid ice, took shape in the hands of [Mirror Flow].

"Since you're ready, let's begin!" She pointed the Tanhua Sword at Meng Weiyu.

The red tag 【Projection Magic】shines brightly in Meng Weiyu's mind system. He immediately enters the 【Emiya Archer】 servant state for a limited time of ten minutes, and the black and white twin swords - the 【Gan Jiang Mo Xie】, Red Archer's most frequently used signature weapon, are projected at this moment.

With the added effect of level 50 [Projection Magic], just like the short sword [Breaking the Laws of All Things] that he used before, he can now also use the abilities of [Gan Jiang Mo Xie].

Unfortunately, the weapon used by [Emiya Archer] is also a fake. Even the dual-sword form is a piece of information that he filled in based on his own imagination, which is missing from the original weapon, and it is not the real peerless divine weapon called [Gan Jiang Mo Xie].

Even with the counterfeit divine weapons [Gan Jiang and Mo Xie], the great hero Emiya has still managed to develop the [Crane Wing Triple Combo] battle technique!

The surrounding space seemed to fluctuate, and an invisible, transparent barrier of enormous range enveloped Meng Weiyu, Xi Lian, and Jing Liu!

This is a barrier set up by Caster [Xi Lian]! Even the real Xi Lian seems unable to achieve this effect through the power of [Demigod of Time], but here, having inherited her original body and some of her memories, she is additionally under the watchful eye of the Flowing Light Heavenly Lord, who is also the Star God of Memory!

The invisible and transparent barrier was constructed in imitation of the illusion that Meng Weiyu and Xi Lian had entered in the Otherworldly Memories. Within this barrier of memories, everyone would remain in the state of only being inside the barrier until they died from a fatal injury!

As the Master of Caster [Xi Lian], Meng Weiyu's mana consumption was greatly reduced within this barrier, in addition to receiving reverse energy from the Caster!

"As expected, you still chose this plan." Berserker [Mirror Stream] showed a relieved smile.

"This plan has a very obvious flaw: if I attack this barrier with all my might, or if it encounters the aftershocks of a strong [magic] collision, it will be destroyed." She seemed to know the barrier just as well.

"However, as a battle environment, I think it's perfect!" Her figure vanished instantly, and the next moment she appeared in front of Meng Weiyu.

After a few crisp clashes between weapons, the Berserker servant who inherited the memories and abilities of the former swordsman of the [Luofu] Immortal Ship kicked Meng Weiyu into the ruins not far away.

Compared to Saber [Yun Li], who wanted to kick his head off when they first met, this kick was obviously much less powerful. Meng Weiyu was able to react instantly when he was kicked away and projected a barrier with added cushioning, so that he was not injured this time.

Since neither he nor [Mirror Flow] aimed to kill each other, he hoped to use this rare opportunity to hone his close combat skills unless absolutely necessary!

“Again!” Berserker [Mirror Stream] said, pointing his sword, the Ephemeral Flower Sword, at Meng Weiyu, who had just gotten up.

Chapter 45 Transformation

After another crisp clash between Gan Jiang and Mo Xie and the Tan Hua Sword, Meng Weiyu once again used Berserker [Mirror Flow] to repel them.

But this time, he held on for several seconds longer than before.

This wasn't because he possessed top-tier combat talent, but rather due to the effect of the red item [Projection Magic] in the system panel: the [Emiya Archer] state not only enhanced his various physical abilities and qualities, but also granted him the combat experience of the great Emiya!

For Meng Weiyu, who had almost zero close-combat experience, being able to last even a few seconds at the beginning was already remarkable. This is like a top professional player who has not participated in any competition for decades after retiring suddenly finding himself in a final against the current world champion without any warning.

Fortunately, although Berserker [Mirror Stream]'s attacks were fierce, she did not go for the kill at the beginning, and she always stopped short of killing at the crucial moment.

Meng Weiyu couldn't help but think of the former Five Valiant Stars of the Clouds who was later stabbed tens of thousands of times by Jing Liu, who later became the Star River Hunter Blade. Compared to him, she felt much luckier...

He was knocked back but didn't even have time to adjust his stance. The next second, the Tan Hua Sword was at his neck.

"Don't get distracted, try again!" Berserker [Mirror Stream] Mirror Stream scolded, like a strict master instructing his disciple.

The moonlight and the longsword frozen in ice were withdrawn, and a breath later it stabbed towards Meng Weiyu's heart again, but this time it was easily blocked by Gan Jiang and Mo Xie.

"This is only the third time, how can he last this long?" In the "tavern," Giovanni, who hadn't spoken for a long time, showed a surprised expression as he looked at the young man in the Holy Grail projection who lasted for nearly two minutes this time, compared to the previous two times when it was only a few seconds.

"Hmm, he already has someone's combat experience, but he was so embarrassed the first two times because he lacked actual combat experience. He'll last longer once he gets used to it." [Meng Weiyu] calmly watched the image projected in the Holy Grail, and then started playing the Holy Grail's projection content at double speed again.

"Hmm? Why are we accelerating again?" Giovanni asked. He clearly noticed that this acceleration was faster than any before.

“Yes, I’m sorry, I’m in a hurry,” [Meng Weiyu] said. “The opening ceremony of this ‘tavern’ will be held in less than one system time.”

"Opening ceremony?" Giovanni looked incredulously at the young man holding a wine glass beside him.

Inside the Holy Grail, the simulated environment is that of nighttime in Pinocchio. As one of the twelve divided moments, there is no concept of time here.

Caster [Xi Lian] stood beside the Holy Grail, maintaining an invisible and transparent barrier while watching Meng Weiyu and Berserker [Jing Liu]'s battle, or rather, trial.

Before their fight, Meng Weiyu gave him a simple projected timer, which she maintained with the power of the [Demigod of Time] so that it did not dissipate.

According to the scale above, at least eight system hours have passed!

Because the two were only engaged in the simplest combat that did not consume magic power, Caster, who possessed [Magic Power A+], was able to maintain the barrier until now.

Inside the barrier, the two had been locked in a stalemate for over twenty minutes.

From the moment Meng Weiyu persisted for nearly two minutes for the third time, [Xi Lian] realized that this was not Jing Liu teaching Meng Weiyu swordsmanship or feeding her moves at all. It was a "rehabilitation training" to help someone with rich combat experience quickly regain her sense of rhythm!

The sounds of weapons clashing finally stopped. This time, it was Berserker [Mirror Stream] who took the initiative to disengage and cease the exchange of fire!

"Alright, now show me all your true skills and tricks." As soon as he finished speaking, Jingliu took off the black eye mask with a silver moon pattern on the surface, revealing his crimson eyes.

"The sparring session is over, now I'm going to go all out!"

The chilling sword energy, carrying extreme killing intent, arrived in an instant, and Meng Weiyu once again felt that terrifying feeling that every cell in his body was warning him.

At this moment, he dared not be distracted in the slightest. Of course, if he could be distracted, he would definitely be mentally ranting about the sudden increase in difficulty:

This is practically a real-life, enhanced version of "This is offense, this is defense, this is Genichiro Ashina?!"

With the help of Emiya's extensive combat experience, the long-term battles have made him familiar with the sword techniques of the Berserker [Mirror Style].

But even with the same swordsmanship as in the previous battles, after it contained the ultimate killing intent of using one's own body as a sword to cut down the enemy, he began to have difficulty even just defending.

The true peak of Jingliu's martial arts was reached after she fell into the demonic body, when she personally killed the "evil dragon," the product of her best friend's failed resurrection.

The peerless divine weapon that Yingxing forged and gifted to her—the Fragmented Sword—shattered. Even the most powerful mortal ironware has its limits, and its end can be seen; she thought so at that time.

If you want to transcend the so-called limits, if you want revenge, if you want to achieve a breakthrough that no one has ever set foot in, then from this moment on, use your body as a sword!

The demonic yin body that drives the immortal race to madness manifests in Jingliu as making her feel like a sword that can cut through everything in the world!

The next moment, the white [Gan Jiang Mo Xie] sword in his right hand was knocked away by the Tan Hua sword! The other black longsword blocked forward, but was cut into pieces by a single sword strike.

Meng Weiyu narrowly dodged the swift slash, but the fragments of the longsword that disappeared too late after the projection was withdrawn grazed his cheek.