A journey of Shadowverse and Honkai Impact 3rd

"Also, it's very dangerous down there now, remember not to go down there by yourself."

"Ah."

With a steady "hmm" sound, the mud giant with green grass dotted on its shoulders and head watched the beautiful blue light spread and gradually disappear. It then realized that the lovely human had left.

It walked aimlessly on the grassland, and then sat on the rock where the girl had sat before. Unexpectedly, it was looking forward to their next meeting.

In the shining morning light, even the insignificant soil and the green grass above the head have quietly bloomed milky white flowers.

The pale yellow stamens swayed, and the beautiful color seemed to melt in the sunlight, spreading across the entire grassland.

11. Nordic Town

This is a small town located in Northern Europe. The cold climate has shaped large areas of coniferous forests that are a mixture of dark green and snow-white, and also created the snow-capped peaks of the mountains behind the town. Although the glacier that runs through the entire town is full of cold light, it is also warm in spring and summer.

From the outside, most of the houses are made of wood and are scattered along the traffic lines. The red or blue tile roofs are covered with snow of varying sizes. It looks lively, but not much.

Even if they are wrapped in thick cotton clothes and their limbs are covered with multiple layers of cloth to prevent heat loss, most residents are still reluctant to stroll in the cold world of ice and snow.

But this does not include the priest named Capton.

The church is located in the eastern part of the town. The bright and beautiful building is full of the builder's ingenuity. The well-placed arches and pillars perfectly support the symbol of this god.

A black fence followed by a solid wall separated the church from the outside world, as if to isolate the unbearable cold, allowing Father Capton to play with the children he took in in warmth.

"Christmas is coming soon, little ones, are you ready to ask Santa Claus for Christmas gifts?"

The priest, wearing a red round hat on his head and not wearing any robes, dodged the flying snowballs and fought back with them with laughter. Although he was big in size, he was still a child.

"I want to eat endless delicious food—"

A child shouted loudly, his rosy face filled with obvious enthusiasm, but his movements quickly turned into panic, and he fell to the snow in a mess.

"Yes, you will get what you want!"

Father Capton shouted, hot white air puffing out of his mouth, with a happy smile on his face.

"Santa Claus will deliver presents to your bedside on Christmas Eve."

Joyful laughter and the sound of snowballs breaking through the air penetrated the window and reached the ears of the girl named Sera. Although the sound was as light as a feather, it was still filled with joy.

I could hear the sound of the priest playing with the children. The priest was really friendly.

The girl was wearing a blue hospital gown and pale bandages. There was an IV bottle and medicine stand next to the bed. She lay quietly and motionless, surviving in the world in an unusually calm and sick state.

Unlike the lively and energetic Sera in the card world, Sera in the real world is not only physically ill, but also suffers from all kinds of pain. The necrotic body tissues also severely restrict her mobility, forcing her to be a patient from beginning to end. She can only lie in bed, trying hard to listen to the various sounds from the outside world to spend the long and desperate time.

Breathing burns the nasal cavity, swallowing and spitting tears the throat, and even blinking feels like a knife cutting.

In reality, Sera, who knew that she was challenging the [Trial of the Unkillable] and that her body was hanging on to life because of the trial, often had a question.

——Is my beating heart really the source of life?

The poor physical condition coupled with the phantom pain from the trial made all the vital activities in her body a source of pain in Sera's perception, so much so that her mind would always produce such absurd ideas from time to time.

The blue eyes, which were between lifeless and spirited, stared motionlessly at the somewhat familiar ceiling. The faint and inaudible breathing was an instinctive activity to minimize movement. While being bound and imprisoned in the body and brain, Sera's consciousness could only try its best to focus on the knowledge it had gained.

She believed that the path to salvation lay within it.

[Alchemy of the Colossus] The system brought about by the decomposition is the basic alchemy of clay figures, involving the mysticism and the mysteries of alchemy. After a careful review and understanding, the girl was surprised to realize that the world theory described in it is completely different from science.

Objective and absolute truth is not untouchable. From magical factors to the most primitive mana, scholars have explained the context of the world and turned the creation of life and the shaping of truth into reality.

The theory of puppetry that emerged from this has yielded various results in the search for the origins of humans...

The structure of the human body and the flow of life and spirit were shocking to Sera, who felt like she was just reading a textbook, even though there was no definite and profound theory.

Because she had seen real objects in the card world, whether it was a clod of earth with a heart or a dazzling array of mysterious golems, they all satisfied her imagination of fantasy.

Standing at the threshold and seeing the top of the mountain, beginners have to sigh at their own insignificance and prepare themselves for the next step of the climb.

However, even with the cheating method of card decomposition that has imprinted a bundle of knowledge in her head, when it comes to application and practice, Sera still needs a long period of practice to turn the beautiful scenes in the knowledge into reality.

She hasn't even grasped the basics yet, so it's undoubtedly wishful thinking to want to create her own doll, her own Ochis. Until now, Sera feels dizzy whenever she thinks of the design of Ochis. As a poor student, she suffers from the bullying of the master's masterpiece.

Time passed minute by minute, and the mana in the body slowly arranged into a specific spell according to the spiritual will, simulating the effect of actual use. During the thinking process, Sera accumulated many questions, but due to the limitations of reality, the girl was unable to verify them.

There is no magical factor in reality. Only the energy radiation similar to the crystal fragments in the body pulsates at all times, and a malevolent will fluctuates with it.

It seems that it is because there is a certain will in these energy radiations that they conflict with the mana representing one's own spirituality within the body?

Sera did not disturb the crystal fragments that were now quietly resting in her body. Having experienced the impact of negative emotions, she did not want to recall the miserable life in the laboratory.

"Celin, are you there?"

"What's up, Sera?"

"Well, I want to ask, do you know what that crystal fragment in my body is?"

There was no basis for this, but Sera's intuition told her that Miss Ling Xilin, who had suddenly appeared, must know something.

"Those damned humans must have torn my Herrscher core fragments into many pieces. Tsk, if you have the chance, please help me collect them."

Before Sera, who was full of doubts, could continue to ask questions, there was a new response in the mind channel after Xilin's voice full of hatred.

"Forget it, no need. I'm fine now. Sera, just live your life well. I don't care."

In the spiritual realm, the purple-haired girl bathed in sunlight opened her golden eyes with complex emotions, but in the end she let out a helpless sigh.

Even if she doesn't do anything, can Sera really escape from the quagmire between destruction and civilization?

12. Christmas Tree

The sound of light footsteps was heard in the stairwell. Although the wooden steps looked a bit old, the sound of them not being rotten indicated that they could still last for a long time.

Just like Father Capton, the wounded who have retired from the front line of rescue will always find some strange positions within their capabilities to make use of their remaining energy, so as not to let their lives stagnate in a nightmarish purgatory.

The kind-faced priest took out the key with one hand and opened the innermost door on the second floor. Just as he was about to carry the sapling on his shoulder in, he saw an unexpected scene.

The girl in the hospital gown opened her deep blue eyes, straightened her upper body and looked out the window at the world. Under the cold white light, her face looked both delicate and fragile. A quiet and melancholy atmosphere filled the room, leaving him who opened the door at a loss as to what to do.

"Father..."

Sera came back to her senses from the snow outside the window and turned to look at the priest with clear eyes, but apart from the clarity, there was no obvious emotion in her pupils.

"What tree is that?"

"Ah, this is a Christmas tree, a tree that brings blessings."

After saying this, Father Capton suddenly recalled the fact that the girl could not hear. However, just as he was thinking about how to communicate clearly, the girl glanced at the sapling still on his shoulder.

Could it be that…

"I see. Thank you for your blessing, Father. My name is Sera, and I thank you for your help back then."

There was no passion in her voice, and the gratitude seemed to be only floating on the most superficial level. Sera, who could not muster much energy to thank her, spoke in a soft and ethereal tone, and her weak and slow words only revealed her illness.

"Is that so? Little Sera, you should rest first. If you are sick, you need to recuperate well. We can talk about other things later."

After confirming that the girl had recovered her hearing, Capton was not happy for her. Instead, he felt only pity for this poor child who had been exposed to the ice and snow.

- Father in heaven, why did you bring suffering upon this angel who came to the world, so that he had to endure misfortune at such a young age that even adults could hardly bear?

The sapling is neatly erected in the selected area of ​​the room, and the thriving greenery immediately shows a fresh vitality. In the following decoration, the priest will install a light that can emit light on it, and adorn it with a brilliant and holy golden and red ribbon, making it the traditional blessing tree.

From beginning to end, Sera watched the priest busying around calmly, and witnessed a Christmas tree belonging to this room being silently erected. Finally, her eyes fluctuated slightly when she saw a funny fat red sock.

The Christmas stocking with the name "Sierra" written on it is hung on the wall next to the Christmas tree. The bright festive red color looks a bit like a delicious apple, and also like the couplets during the Chinese New Year in a distant past life.

"Okay, let's turn on the power and see the effect."

The priest, with his back to the bed, uttered a joyful self-affirmation. He then stood beside the tree and pressed it gently. The tree, full of vitality, began to light up with three-colored lights, flickering like the stars in the sky.

This is how we create a festive atmosphere.

This thought flashed through the priest's mind, and he turned to look at the girl on the wooden bed, and met Sera's pure blue eyes.

The eyes are as pure and spotless as the sky, and the pure white calmness merges into a peaceful water mirror. In the bright blue color, no matter who you are, you can find your own color in it.

A pair of flawless eyes, but not because they are filled with all the beauty, but because they can reflect the true colors of all things in the world.

“What a beautiful Christmas tree.”

With the subtle adjustment of focus and the exact intersection of their eyes, the joy in Sera's eyes, as white as snow, vanished, and a sudden illusion passed through his mind, which inevitably made the priest feel a little regretful.

There should be a happier expression on this child's face.

"By the way, do you need anything to eat? Sera, like ice cream or something that kids like."

Eating ice cream in winter is a strange combination, but when it comes to Sera, Capton can feel the wonderful compatibility between girls and ice cream.

If it were her, maybe eating ice cream at any time wouldn't be strange.

"Thank you, but my current condition... doesn't allow me to eat much."

While organizing her words and maintaining a gentle appearance, Sera was also enduring the pain of a torn throat. Every word she spoke consumed her gradually eroded willpower.

Ice cream, a sweet treat. If it weren't for the pain, I would really want to try it...

His eyes swept over the injection needle and the slender syringe rooted on the back of his hand. Although real life was not necessary during the challenge of the trial, if he did not eat anything for a long time, he would always have the illusion that he had turned into a plant.

Just need to absorb water and heat, and thrive in the beautiful sunshine. Just think about it, it is really an enviable lifestyle.

A shallow arc appeared at the corner of the girl's mouth. The smile, so fragile that it seemed non-existent, pulled her face and brought the phantom pain bestowed by the trial.

——The world will continue, life will continue, but it will suffer eternal and everlasting torture.

"But, Mr. Father, please keep it for me. When I feel better, I really want to eat some sweets..."

Hearing this, a gentle smile appeared on the kind face of the middle-aged priest. In what he thought was a good start, Capton agreed readily and left the room where Sera was with a relaxed and happy pace.

The creaking sound of the wooden door swinging ended, just like the end of a play. All the emotions on the girl's face disappeared in an instant. Even though she felt that she could adapt to it, she was unwilling to experience more pain.

In real life, I have probably been an indifferent person for a long time, because if I want to express my feelings, every second is torture.

As Sera was thinking, she caught a glimpse of the Christmas tree that was still shining with three-color light. The bright light and the Christmas stockings next to it evoked a warmth in her heart.

The sound of breaking through the air was as thin as a mosquito's hum. Ordinary people would definitely not be able to hear or perceive it. The speed of the silk thread was extremely fast. The moment it hit the light bulb button, it instantly straightened. The clever force immediately stopped the flashing journey of the three-color light.

The line of domination was annihilated, and the mana that came out of the body died immediately when it lost contact with Sera, strangled by the vicious energy radiation that occupied the air.

"Mana and external energy radiation cannot coexist..." Sera took note of this repeatedly verified principle in her heart.

"Those are Honkai energy, but it seems that you don't like Honkai energy, Sera?"

Xilin's sudden speech gave Sera the scientific name of external malicious energy radiation. However, during Sera's continued questioning, Xilin exposed her nature as a poor student. Her hesitant words were full of various subjective and imaginary metaphors, and there was no complete system at all.

"Ah, it seems that I am still smarter than you, Xilin." After asking Xilin the question, she was completely defeated. The inexplicable sense of accomplishment made Sera happy.

"Sera! I'm ignoring you! I'm angry!"

13. Dragon Revelation

On Christmas Eve, the dark snowstorm rarely stopped. Even the ruthless nature seemed to reserve some warmth for others at this time.

The blue eyes that turned gloomy along with the darkness were filled with a strange light. The girl's self-proclaimed indifference was seen as peaceful and tranquil in the eyes of others. In the silent environment, Sera realized that something funny was happening.

Wearing a bright red suit and a white beard, with a large bag on his back, it is unknown what technique or technology he uses, but such a chubby Santa Claus can sneak around silently and deliver gifts filled with blessings to every household.

Phew, it's the priest.

She cooperated by closing her eyes, and the uncontrollable laughter in her heart stopped the phantom pain that made her move. After the rustling sound ended, Sera deliberately glanced at the "bulgy" Christmas stockings in the room.

It feels a bit funny. In order to prepare for the gift tonight, I even came to fix the hinges of the wooden door yesterday.

Well, I should have thought of it earlier. Without the creaking sound of the door, Santa Claus's journey to deliver gifts will be more convenient.

She smiled, her weak smile as pure and beautiful as a white flower, but unfortunately no one appreciated it. In the night, the line of control filled with Sera's curiosity extended and sank into the Christmas stocking.

A range of more than ten meters is no problem. As long as there is enough mana and mental power, the Line of Domination can do a lot of things.

Huh?

The outline of the object transmitted back by the line of domination seemed somewhat familiar. With the increased mana output, the azure silk thread had puppetized the gift that should have been a doll. Under careful manipulation, the dominated rabbit doll jumped out of the Santa hat with a gymnastic movement of rotating 720 degrees in the air.

The exquisite doll is shaped like a rabbit, and its entire body is immersed in the yellow color of an unripe orange. The yellow hue should be a design that gives people warmth, but in Sera's opinion, this anthropomorphic rabbit is far inferior to one of its kind.