Honkai Diary: Start With Picking Up A White-Haired Treasure

"The soil still contains some residual Honkai Energy," Zeke observed thoughtfully as he let the brownish dirt slip through his fingers. "But it shouldn't cause any significant issues. By deploying mechanized forces and personnel with resistance capabilities, along with applying appropriate anti-Honkai energy inhibitors, we should be fine. Once completed, this remaining Honkai Energy could even serve as preheating fuel for activating the Selene Throne..."

He then lowered his head and gently tapped the ground.

"At first glance, the foundation appears stable enough... Did Dr. Ein conduct an underground environmental survey?" Zeke asked Raiden Mei.

Raiden Mei, who had been diligently recording Zeke's observations on her tablet, instinctively straightened up. With a composed expression, she responded calmly:

"Yes! We've conducted comprehensive surveys using seismic waves, electromagnetic signals, and precise gravity fields, revealing no signs of weak geological structures. Additionally, at eighteen meters below, we discovered a substantial granite base, which provides excellent support!"

"Hmm... These methods are all indirect, though I trust Dr. Ein's expertise. However, have you considered testing with Honkai Energy?"

"Honkai Energy?" Raiden Mei blinked, momentarily taken aback.

Zeke glanced at her and sighed.

"Ah... After dealing with Honkai for so many years, ever since the widespread deployment of Selene, humanity has already begun reaping benefits from Honkai Energy. Yet both Anti-Entropy and Schicksal still instinctively view it as a source of war and threat... Their minds remain too closed."

"Huh?" Raiden Mei looked at Zeke, puzzled, unsure if she understood his meaning.

Instead of explaining further, Zeke casually summoned a swarm of bees. One by one, worker bees descended to the ground and burrowed into the soil.

Then, vast amounts of Honkai Energy radiated outward from beneath his feet. Amidst glimmers of golden light scattered across the surface, each worker bee transformed into an energy conduit, channeling Zeke's Honkai Energy deep underground.

Zeke expanded his perception, using the injected Honkai Energy as a foundation to construct a comprehensive model of the subsurface within his mind.

"Whether electromagnetic signals, gravitational fields, or seismic waves, they all reflect only single aspects of physical properties. Honkai Energy is different; when utilized correctly, it provides complete information that closely mirrors reality... Have you learned anything from this demonstration?"

As Zeke recorded this model onto the virtual screen projected by the worker bee, he asked:

Raiden Mei diligently noted down her experience on her tablet and then saluted with genuine admiration.

"Yes, sir! Thank you for your guidance, Mr. Zeke. I will cherish this lesson and apply Honkai Energy more flexibly."

"Does that mean you haven't learned it yet?"

Zeke gave her a mild glance.

Raiden Mei fell silent.

Some observations need not be emphasized aloud; just understanding is enough.

Please don't compare me to the Great Demon King himself! Even if she had new insights, mastering them required time for adaptation and deduction. How could one instantly learn such complex techniques?

Internally grumbling, Raiden Mei could only bow her head, expressing her humility externally.

"Forget it, my intention was simply to encourage open-mindedness. Our enemy, Honkai, grows stronger alongside civilization itself. To stand a chance, we must unite our efforts while fully utilizing our intellect. Especially in the realm of scientific research, narrow-minded and stagnant thinking must be avoided at all costs."

"...Yes, thank you for your guidance."

Raiden Mei expressed her gratitude once more, fully comprehending Zeke's profound intentions. This time, she wore a warm and genuine smile.

'As expected from the man leading the grand strategy—Zeke truly stands apart.'

Then, Zeke gently patted her shoulder as a gesture of encouragement.

In the next instant, Raiden Mei froze on the spot, her mind going blank reflexively, breaking out in cold sweat, and shivering involuntarily.

"During youth, hormones often lead to playful impulses, causing some distress for you, I apologize. It's best to overcome these soon. You will become a crucial strategic force for civilization, so it's preferable not to have any apparent psychological weaknesses."

His words were half-apology, half-request, as Zeke spoke.

Rigidly, Raiden Mei nodded.

Never did she imagine that there would come a day when Zeke would apologize to her—but wait, what does he mean by "playful impulses"? Did her troubles somehow involve Zeke's direct actions?

Before Raiden Mei could delve deeper into her thoughts, Zeke continued questioning her:

"As this facility is coastal, surely there must be designs in place to withstand typhoons and tsunamis?"

"Yes! We've already prepared defenses against intense typhoons and tsunamis."

"Add another layer of defensive countermeasures facing the coast to account for extreme scenarios—like Honkai Beasts emerging from the sea."

"That...you're right; I hadn't considered that possibility. Should we relocate the work zone further inland as a precaution?"

"No need. Dr. Ein's layout plan is quite reasonable, and this location is optimal. Even under extreme circumstances, these facilities serve primarily as auxiliary support with minimal impact on the overall system's operation. Enhancing defense measures should suffice; there's no necessity to move," Zeke explained while walking ahead.

Suddenly, his ears twitched, prompting him to glance back due to some commotion.

Not far behind, Kiana and Sin, who had accompanied him as usual, were playfully tugging at each other's cheeks and whispering mild taunts, their daily squabbles unfolding once again.

"Eleven o'clock direction, approximately sixty-seven kilometers away—signs of Honkai Beasts... Kiana, Sin, take care of them. Don't let them gather in large numbers."

"Yes, sir!" × 2

The pair straightened up simultaneously, saluted, donned their black armor with its pale blue flame trails, and vanished at the horizon within a blink.

"Sigh..."

Zeke exhaled deeply.

If only these two could be as worry-free as Bronya someday, his quality of life would surely improve significantly... Glancing sidelong at Bronya quietly walking beside him, Zeke took another deep breath and silently shook his head.

No matter; let them have their fun. One cunning little vixen like Bronya, bold and resourceful, is quite enough.

"Let's go. We should check on the actual progress of construction. Dr. Ein mentioned you've been overseeing much of this system's implementation work, so it'll be good to see how far you've come too."

"Yes, Mr. Zeke."

Raiden Mei swallowed hard, barely suppressing her trembling legs as she followed a few steps behind.

After a day of inspections, Zeke had gained a thorough understanding of the Far East Region's Selene system details. Raiden Mei compiled a lengthy list of improvement suggestions.

Upon returning to base, she promptly sought out Dr. Einstein to report her findings—her brisk pace suggesting relief at finally being free from her duties.

Bronya, now off-duty, bid everyone farewell and went to reunite with Seele after half a month of separation.

Zeke casually dismissed Kiana and Sin as well.

Finally, for the first time in ages, he could enjoy some peaceful solitude.