Honkai Impact: I, The Herrscher of Ice, Am Loved By Players

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Schicksal Headquarters, Floating Island.

After seeing off the Herrscher of Sentience, he returned to his laboratory, where he had been spending most of his time lately.

"Lord Bishop."

Durandal's voice echoed from outside the laboratory. Observations on the Unnamed Locomotive were not classified experiments, so there was no need to exclude Durandal.

"Well done, Durandal." Otto turned, a smile of approval gracing his face. Naturally, this praise stemmed from her recent encounter with the Herrscher of Sentience, which allowed him to gauge its condition and strength accurately.

It only confirmed how truly formidable the Red Kite Immortal indeed was.

Bianka fell silent for a moment before extending her hand, offering Otto a dimly glowing Herrscher Core.

Rita had just completed compiling the report on Coral Island's situation and handed it to Bianka. Consequently, Otto wasn't fully briefed yet, as it was merely one of his contingency plans. After all, Miss Ana would have handled matters regardless.

Upon seeing Ana's Herrscher Core in Bianka's hand, even Otto, with his unwavering composure, couldn't help but narrow his eyes.

He was no stranger to Herrscher Cores. From the aura emanating from this particular core, Otto could sense the Authority of Wind. However, like the cores within Divine Keys, this one appeared lifeless.

Based on logic, this core should have remained with Ana. So why would it now be here?

Bianka said little and silently handed the report to Otto. Given the significance of such a mission report, there was no need for it to go through Amber or follow standard procedures.

"Lord Bishop, please allow me to place this core in her cenotaph," Bianka requested earnestly as she finally looked up.

Otto did not immediately respond to Bianka. Instead, he gazed at the core in his hand, deep in thought. It felt somehow off, though he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

Ana was a master strategist; when it came to intellect and planning, Otto acknowledged his inferiority. She possessed exceptional perceptiveness towards various situations, making it unlikely that she would simply end her journey here.

Yet, the facts remained unchanged—the report couldn't be falsified, nor could the Herrscher Core. Additionally, there was no conflicting information from World Serpent's side.

Still, Otto had a nagging feeling that something wasn't quite right.

Moreover, Ana seemed to owe him a transaction, and this deal was far from concluded. She had once mentioned she would witness his final chapter.

But if she were truly gone, how could she bear witness?

Otto found it perplexing, feeling a headache coming on—his mind needed more capacity.

In the end, with a sweeping gesture, he acquiesced to Durandal's request. To explain, the Herrscher Core wasn't entirely useless for him.

However, what he required was a living core. A dead core is essentially similar to a Divine Key; apart from potentially crafting another Divine Key, it serves little purpose.

Given Schicksal's current technological capabilities, creating a new Divine Key was still beyond reach. The required level of conceptual understanding and craftsmanship surpassed what their scientists and researchers of this era could achieve.

"Take it, Durandal," Otto said mildly, followed by a somewhat regretful sigh.

"Miss Ana and I can be considered old friends. How about I hold a memorial service for her under my authority as Schicksal Bishop?"

"Thank you."

Bianka glanced at Otto, then lowered her head earnestly.

For Otto, the concept of a memorial service was virtually nonexistent. If pressed, he had only ever conducted one such ceremony—but it could have been more accurately described as an exoneration rather than a remembrance.

Durandal understood these circumstances well. As her power grew and she learned more truths, her relationship with Otto evolved beyond that of a simple subordinate to superior, resembling more of an alliance.

Bianka had her own aspirations and convictions, all reliant on Schicksal's support. Consequently, she chose to make certain compromises with Otto, turning a blind eye to some matters. Of course, her mentorship under him also played a significant role.

However, if Bianka were to discover that everything she has achieved is solely due to Otto's influence, perhaps... no, it likely wouldn't change anything.

Otto knew that eventually, he would grant Bianka an opportunity to settle their affairs.

Similarly, even if Bianka learned the truth, she wouldn't abandon her responsibilities and current status; instead, she too would seek closure with Otto. It could be said that this outcome was meticulously planned by Otto from the beginning.

"Go ahead!"

Durandal bowed to Otto and turned to leave the laboratory.

Outside, Rita awaited her solemnly in a black dress, as if attending a funeral.

Indeed, it was a funeral—a ceremony organized by the Valkyries of Schicksal for Ana.

Back on Coral Island, they had intended to hold such a memorial but couldn't due to limited resources. Now at Schicksal Headquarters, they could finally arrange a dignified service.

This funeral hadn't received Otto's explicit approval, yet Amber and others were part of the procession. Essentially, Bianka merely informed Otto rather than seeking his permission.

"Lady Durandal," Rita respectfully greeted, observing Bianka's expression and understanding the outcome without needing words. She draped a black ceremonial gown over Bianka's shoulders.

Yes, Bianka would truly preside over this funeral.

In an open space surrounded by blooming flowers, Durandal placed the Herrscher Core into a specially crafted box. Similar to the one used to seal the Herrscher of Corruption, this new container was even more robust; theoretically, no one could open it.

Then, Durandal lowered the box into a prepared grave pit.

The members of the Snow Lotus Squad, dressed in black dresses, approached and filled the pit with soil, with Durandal adding the final shovelful.

The Valkyries of the Immortal Blades marched in precise formation, placing a prepared gravestone at the head of the grave. With this, Ana's cenotaph was complete.

Afterward, all the Valkyries present observed a solemn moment of silence for the hero laid to rest here. Nearly every available Valkyrie from Schicksal attended, despite the organization still recovering from its recent calamity and numerous areas needing repair.

Compared to honoring heroes, such concerns were insignificant.

In the real world, Ana, lying on her bed, suddenly sneezed.

"What's that...?" she murmured. In a fleeting moment, it seemed as though scenes from the Honkai realm flashed before her eyes, accompanied by a faint flow of mental energy drifting towards her.

"Hmm, can one still pursue the path of faith in the Honkai World?"

Ana felt slightly puzzled but didn't dwell on it. Having read countless novels in her previous life, she knew well the drawbacks of achieving divinity through faith. Even if it were possible, it might not match up to the power of The Cocoon of Finality.

However, Ana soon realized the significance of this "faith" phenomenon-as she found herself immersed, experiencing the funeral firsthand.

The ethereal Ana stood amidst the crowd, her gaze sweeping over her former comrades. Their names were still familiar to her ears. Finally, her eyes settled on Bianka and Rita.

It's hard to explain, but her love for Bianka and Rita felt somewhat hasty, almost like a forced imposition. Yet now, reflecting upon it, she sensed that they had gradually consumed her instead.

Nevertheless, all things must come to an end.

One day, she would leave the Honkai World behind, making their shared affection ultimately fruitless. Letting go might not be entirely bad for Rita and Bianka.

Despite this understanding, after spending so much time together in intimacy, it was profoundly difficult for Ana to part ways.

Even with mastery over The Cocoon of Finality, surpassing the Herrscher of Finality, she remained human, not divine. She possessed her own emotions.

"Then, let's say our goodbyes," Ana silently resolved within herself as she approached Bianka. At that moment, Bianka stood at the forefront of the Valkyries, her usually resilient face filled with sorrow.

Facing her, Ana tiptoed and gently kissed Bianka's forehead.

Here, she was merely a consciousness projection formed by collective faith. While relying on belief might be viable within the Honkai World, the faith of these Valkyries alone wasn't sufficient.

Thus, this consciousness projection couldn't be directly observed, much like how deities worshipped at small temples remain undetectable despite their divine presence.

In other words, logically, Bianka should not have been able to perceive Ana's kiss.

However, as Ana gently kissed her forehead, Bianka's pupils suddenly contracted. For a fleeting moment, it seemed as though she could see Ana's figure.

"Ana!" she cried out, instinctively trying to embrace Ana but only met empty air.

A consciousness projection created by faith can exist momentarily, akin to Schrödinger's cat paradox: if unobserved, it persists; yet once perceived, it ceases to be.

Now, with Bianka observing the projection, it naturally collapsed and dissipated, leaving everything for Bianka akin to a dream.

But Bianka distinctly felt the lingering warmth of Ana's kiss on her forehead, filling her with a profound sense of loss.

"Lady Durandal, please accept my condolences," Rita whispered, approaching softly.

"My apologies, Rita. I was just overwhelmed by my longing for her."

Durandal quickly composed herself and offered her apology to Rita. In that moment, she once again became Schicksal's strongest Valkyrie—a pillar of support.

Though the beloved had departed, those left behind must continue moving forward.

"Let's go, Rita."

After placing a bouquet at the grave, Durandal turned away. This wasn't her first farewell; last time, it was Ragna whom she saw off.

However, on that occasion, she hadn't been the final witness. She only learned later about the revered Valkyrie's sacrifice.

"Yes, Lady Durandal."

As Bianka and Rita departed, other Valkyries approached, laying flowers at Ana's gravesite like blossoms blooming after snowmelt.

But Bianka and Rita didn't truly leave; they ascended to a higher vantage point, silently observing the Valkyries below.

"You saw it too, didn't you?" After a while, Durandal suddenly spoke, her words seemingly cryptic but clear enough for Rita to understand their meaning.

"Lady Durandal, you shouldn't have called her name. Perhaps then, she could have remained here."

"..."

Durandal fell silent, all her emotions culminating in a deep sigh. Rarely one to regret, this time, she genuinely felt remorse.

Ten days later, as scheduled, the memorial service for Valkyrie Ana Schariac of Schicksal was held. This time, all of Schicksal's Valkyries attended, including Li Sushang.

Truthfully, Li Sushang didn't fully grasp why this Valkyrie commanded such deep admiration. However, after learning about her deeds, she too felt profound respect.

To sacrifice oneself to confront and ultimately perish alongside demonic forces is not something ordinary individuals could achieve. Even her great master might have struggled with it. Moreover, according to the Rakshas' description, the type of demonic possession Ana faced far surpassed what Sushang had previously encountered.

During the memorial service, Otto delivered an important speech. His tone and expression were genuinely heartfelt, showcasing his emotive oratory skills. One could easily imagine how Otto must have addressed his subordinates when he became the Schicksal Bishop.

While at that time, Otto relied more on force and strategy, his speeches were indeed stirring, worthy of being likened to a charismatic cult leader of a generation.

Unbeknownst to Otto, during his speech, Ana's projection sat on the stage, swinging her legs and listening with a smile.

It's hard to describe, but Ana felt this was very much "Otto" - consistently insincere yet tinged with genuine emotion, which surprisingly lifted her spirits somewhat.

Although Ana didn't particularly care for Otto's praise, receiving it still felt quite gratifying.

This memorial service was entirely public, meaning anyone from Schicksal, Anti-Entropy, or even World Serpent could listen in.

In Austria, at Ana's secret laboratory, Himeko leaned against the wall, silently sipping her drink before pouring the remaining liquid onto the lab floor.

Nearby, Dr. Magi kept his head bowed, diligently working away, pretending not to notice. Yet, tears glistened in his eyes as he seemed momentarily transported back to seeing his granddaughter once more.

Onboard the Hyperion, Theresa listened quietly to Otto's eulogy while gulping down bitter melon juice.

At a tavern, Raven tuned in to the broadcast and discreetly placed a glass of wine and a plate with an exquisite cake on the counter.

Within the World Serpent, Raiden Mei continued her rigorous training, but tears welled up in her eyes despite herself.

In another base, Kevin sat upon his throne, silent as ever. He raised Judgment of Shamash, honoring this esteemed warrior...

Despite the latest chapter being about Taixuan Mountain, this interlude unexpectedly precedes it, delivering yet another emotional blow to Captains...

A thousand words condensed into one sentence: "MiHoYo, you have no heart!"

I'll take a short break these next few days to rest my arm before resuming extra updates. Today was close to causing a dislocation; the doctor advised against spending too much time at the computer due to maintaining the same typing posture.