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

"Three hours ago, an unidentified armed force emerged in Mohan City and forcefully breached the local Schicksal branch responsible for managing the city. They declared 'City Independence,' 'Power to the Citizens,' and 'Opposition to Schicksal's Tyranny.'"

"At the same time, Bai Guang City, located hundreds of miles away, experienced a similar uprising against its Anti-Entropy division. The local defenses were substantial, preventing immediate occupation. However, to avoid greater damage, our forces have retreated within the base, temporarily unable to quell the unrest."

"The nearest Undine's Tale branch to Bai Guang City is currently dealing with large-scale food poisoning incidents at Entropy University and several Anti-Entropy high schools within the city. The collective protests from parents have left the branch staff busy rescuing students and handling parental concerns, leaving them unable to provide support elsewhere."

"Across many cities in North America, a Cult of Honkai has emerged. They claim their leader as the Herrscher chosen by the God of Honkai, preaching that Honkai is a trial set by the divine, Honkai Beasts are messengers of judgment, and zombification is punishment for sinners. Thus, only by believing in Honkai can one be cleansed of sins during the Trial and continue to exist..."

"At the same time, in Northern Europe, a Honkai research institute surfaced, vehemently criticizing the Cult of Honkai. With a rational and objective tone, they propose—Honkai, similar to solar storms, is merely a natural phenomenon. If not harnessed, it becomes a natural disaster, but if thoroughly studied, it represents a gift from the universe driving civilization's advancement. They further declare that both Honkai Beasts and Zombies are weakened variants of Herrschers, capable of being guided and tamed, even showcasing videos of domesticated Honkai Beasts. Currently, this stance has garnered significant attention and support."

"So far, within just one day, armed uprisings have occurred in 127 cities worldwide, with most military groups rallying under slogans of independence and democracy. Over three hundred cities experienced various anomalies on different scales, nearly paralyzing half of our low-level and mid-level manpower. At the same time, all sorts of mischief-makers are emerging, often basing their arguments on the fact that both Schicksal and Anti-Entropy possess Herrschers... cleverly leveraging the authority of Schicksal and Anti-Entropy, making it difficult for us to decisively refute them with unequivocal righteousness.

"The contentious topic seems subtly consistent: finding ways to coexist harmoniously with Honkai. This Herrscher of a Thousand People intends to directly shake our grand endeavor against Honkai at its ideological core."

Currently, the situation is akin to a flourishing of military regimes amidst a cacophony of competing Honkai theories. Amidst the chaos, each issue intertwines with another, leaving those involved unsure where to begin addressing the problems.

"Sigh..."

Einstein rested her forehead in her hand, exhaustion and headache evident on her pale face framed by faintly reddened lips as she closed her eyes.

Everything had happened too quickly.

After the previous meeting concluded, Einstein managed to hastily convene a remote gathering with regional leaders and disseminate information about the Herrscher of a Thousand People. Before she could even discuss and devise an overarching plan with them, a barrage of unexpected incidents unfolded, completely throwing her off-balance.

Einstein initially anticipated that the Herrscher of a Thousand People would gather influential figures controlling vast resources, launching a grand rebellion with a unified front. Indeed, rebellious flags were raised—but the issue was their scattered nature, from one end to another, coupled with peculiar organizations spreading bewildering propaganda. It made it nearly impossible to pinpoint the main threat.

She considered conducting a direct decapitation strike but couldn't determine where to begin. Surely they couldn't send Zeke and Welt, their invincible trump cards, on individual missions like a hit squad? What if the Herrscher of a Thousand People harbored deeper hidden tactics, luring the tigers out only to exploit the resulting vulnerability?

"Don't rush; isn't this situation within our expectations?"

Welt patted Einstein's shoulder and spoke with his usual steady demeanor.

A cold glint flashed through his eyes as well. After all, this incident had caused immense chaos and countless casualties, even involving innocent students. It would be surprising if Welt weren't furious.

However, Welt understood that mere anger and anxiety were unproductive. What mattered most now was devising a comprehensive and practical response strategy.

"Zeke, how is your side progressing?"

"The worker bees have gathered extensive data; they're currently integrating and analyzing... Here it is: potential Herrschers of a Thousand People identified—two hundred and one. Hmm? One has been taken down, captured by... Durandal?"

Zeke closed the series of data windows before him, slightly narrowing his eyes. Instead of contacting Durandal directly, he immediately connected to Hera's communication channel.

"Durandal, was this part of your plan?"

"Do you think I'm omniscient, able to predict the future? It's just coincidence. Durandal happened to be on leave and encountered her, seizing the opportunity—a stroke of luck."

"I've marked some potential targets and synchronized their data with you. Have the Valkyries assist in capturing or eliminating them accordingly. Any additional information?"

"It aligns closely with what I have here; nothing much to add. Let's proceed as planned."

"The Herrscher of a Thousand People won't breach my communication channel. During interrogations, synchronize with me for updates."

"Understood."

Knowing Zeke's preference for efficiency well, Hera smiled warmly on the screen and raised her teacup as a gesture of farewell.

Zeke nodded in acknowledgment and cut off the connection.

"Dr. Ein, Welt, as frontline forces face increasing challenges, the importance of command and coordination grows. Continue managing the situation, minimizing conflict and losses as much as possible. The capture of the Herrscher of a Thousand People—I'll handle it personally."

"Roger that."

"Understood."

Einstein and Welt responded simultaneously.

With a glance at them, Zeke then gently rotated his slightly stiff neck.

Crack!

Amidst the sound of joints moving, Zeke, expression unchanging, spread out his hands, summoning numerous virtual windows around him.

In the United States of America, Miss Pope of the Cult of Honkai had just concluded her doctrinal proclamation and secured official support from half the state governments. Returning to her lavish room, she tore off her ornate golden vestments, revealing a youthful face filled with cold indifference and malicious intent.

"Ha! My part is done. How about yours... Wait, there's already trouble?"

The petite redheaded girl approached the window, gazing into the distance with a dark expression.

Durandal herself took action; seems like we can't escape this one. How unfortunate~~

No matter. Our plan aims to steer the larger trends, and once set in motion, it cannot be stopped. Capturing a few individuals won't affect the overall outcome.

That's not the issue! In Welt's unexpected incident, we didn't reveal any significant information, yet they still captured our agent so quickly. Could it be that they've been aware of our presence all along?

...It must be coincidence, right?

[Don't be complacent. We're up against the entity controlling most of civilization's power, a monster who wields Herrscher abilities with ease. No level of caution is unwarranted.]

[Enough chatter! Just pick up the pace. Also, I propose a vote: let's not waste our strength preserving that unfortunate one's consciousness anymore. Since she's been captured, it's time to let her fend for herself.]

[Agreed. Every bit of our power is precious; there's no need to squander it on failures.]

[Fuck!!! You fucking— You all can go fuck yourselves!]

The final curse came from the unfortunate soul held by Durandal.

However, Miss Pope merely scoffed disdainfully, wearing a malicious grin of schadenfreude.

In the following moment, Miss Pope and over a hundred accomplices causing chaos worldwide saw dark clouds gathering in the sky above them simultaneously—

[Oh shit—]