Honkai Star Rail: I am Godzilla, domineering and rampant.

March 7th's eye twitched as she pointed at the figure radiating a pitiful aura, even from behind.

"…Probably, maybe, I think… I didn't get it wrong?"

Qingque also began to doubt herself.

Was that pitiful thing in the corner really the terrifying danger she had sworn never to approach again?

'Ugh...'

--------------------------------------------

"This little thing looks rather... unique."

After holding it in for a long time, March 7th barely managed to dig up a passable adjective from her barren mind.

You could vaguely tell the creature, unlike anything she'd seen before, had a beastly shape, though entirely made of plants.

Combined with the eerie setting of the research institute, it felt like something straight out of the supernatural novels she'd read the night before.

At the thought, March 7th shuddered twice.

When people are scared, their brains start filling in terrifying scenarios, usually making things worse.

At least March 7th figured she'd better sleep with Stelle tonight, and she'd likely live to see the sunrise purely out of fear.

...

"The brief fusion doesn't show too many issues for now, it needs time to settle."

Back at the Alchemy Commission and on the way to the lab, Ruan Mei let her mind wander.

She needed more time to determine what changes would occur in organisms affected by Godzilla.

Additionally... what Welt said about creatures fused with Godzilla cells becoming unusually troublesome fascinated her.

It was practically a direct confirmation of how interesting such creations could be.

She just didn't have access to Godzilla cells for now, but perhaps she could use the cells of the animals influenced by Godzilla instead.

Deep in thought, Ruan Mei unknowingly reached the lab door. As she gently pushed it open, a bright light stung her eyes.

She squinted slightly, her gaze fixed tightly on the scene in front of her.

Three major troublemakers were encouraging her poor, weak, helpless creation... to perform a circus act?

If balancing the lab table with vines counted as part of a circus act.

"Excuse me, is this some sort of military exercise?"

Ruan Mei tilted her head, confusion filling her eyes.

...

After understanding the situation, Ruan Mei's gaze kept shifting between No. 0 and Stelle.

"Creatures influenced by Godzilla tend to grow timid, or acknowledge a higher status, in front of someone closer to Godzilla..." Ruan Mei murmured, her searching eyes locking onto Stelle, whose unease was written all over her face.

"In that case," Ruan Mei raised her voice slightly, smiling with pursed lips at Stelle, "dear, would you be willing to be my assistant for a while? I think we could spend a meaningful and fulfilling time together."

"Mm-mm-mm." Stelle shook her head like a rattle drum, eyes firm in her refusal.

Back at the Herta Space Station, Ruan Mei had only asked for her help, and she still ended up facing off against the Emanator of Propagation.

Who knew what kind of nightmare she'd run into if she stayed by her side now?

She might end up completing her entire path of destiny the hard way.

For the sake of survival, she felt it was best to say no.

"Dear, trust me, this will be incredibly fun. If you don't believe me, you can ask this assistant here. She's helped with my recent research, very reliable, those experiments all had results."

Ruan Mei gestured proudly to Qingque, who had been spectating nearby.

Catching Ruan Mei's gaze, Qingque fell into a painful dilemma.

Helping Ruan Mei convince Stelle felt a bit like betrayal, but continuing as her assistant...

Catching a glimpse of No. 0 cowering in the corner, Qingque shuddered instinctively.

As the wise saying goes: "Better them than me."

"I'll remember your kindness today, dear friend. May I repay it in the next life."

Under the three women's expectant gazes, No. 0 nodded with firm resolve.

...

Jarilo-VI.

Yanqing's seventy-third challenge.

Bang!

The mountainside in the distance was pierced again.

It had just collapsed not long ago, sealing the massive hole left by his last attack. But under Yanqing's relentless determination, the mountain once again failed to escape its fate of being blasted open halfway up.

"Cough cough, cough cough cough."

Covered in dirt, he was still coughing from the dust flooding his nostrils.

When he got back, he saw Tingyun and Serval lounging on beach chairs, chatting away.

As he got closer, he heard:

"Hmph, this time I win."

"Pfft, you were only two minutes faster, pure luck."

Serval reluctantly handed over her last cup of juice to Tingyun.

They had been betting on when he'd return.

"Got any left? I feel like I really need something cold right now."

Yanqing raised his hand feebly and asked.

"Already prepared one for you." Tingyun smiled sweetly, pointing to the tray where one untouched cup of juice remained.

Draining it in one go, Yanqing let out a satisfied sigh.

Only then did he finally have time to check on his sword.

Lifting it, his cheerful expression instantly vanished.

The once-straight blade was now bent at a 65-degree angle, an exact 65 degrees. Yanqing swore it was the most precise, hand-crafted 65-degree bend he had ever seen.

Craftsmanship rivaled only by the finest smiths of Zhuming.

"Sigh... I had to beg the general forever just to get him to buy this for me." Yanqing looked devastated, on the verge of tears.

Although he didn't have many expenses on Jarilo-VI, a sword damaged by Godzilla's EMP still needed replacing.

He'd basically dumped several months of wages into this sword, and even that was after groveling to the general for reimbursement.

He hadn't even used it for long, and now it was scrap.

"Sigh, Godzilla's power is increasing. I think he's improving faster than I am."

Yanqing couldn't help but sigh.

Since the Godzilla challenge event began, he had recorded both his own progress and every encounter, noting power levels and patterns.

And by comparison, it became clear, Godzilla's strength was increasing almost exponentially.

What used to be a tail swipe that broke a few ribs now cost him several months of pay.

The more he fought, the more his heart ached.

Wait a minute!

Yanqing was suddenly struck by inspiration and fell into a pensive state.

Could it be that one reason those renowned swordsmen rarely make a move is this?

Every time they fight, they have to sacrifice a fine sword, what kind of wealth does it take to sustain that?

Then he looked at Godzilla, who still had that relaxed and carefree expression, as if what just happened was all a game.

Shaking his head, Yanqing stopped thinking about this disheartening topic and turned to look at Tingyun, asking curiously,

"Miss Tingyun, has Lady Yukong given any new instructions regarding the movements of the Antimatter Legion?"

Of course, Jing Yuan would not conceal the news of Scorching Flare leading the army in an offensive from those still on Jarilo.

After all, though Scorching Flare is targeting the Xianzhou, the current distance between the Xianzhou and Jarilo is only a single jump.

Based on the style of the Antimatter Legion, they will definitely include the surrounding star systems in their attack scope, making Jarilo VI's position especially crucial.

Upon hearing Yanqing's question, Tingyun slightly shook her head.

"Lady Yukong wouldn't let me attend discussions of such weight with General Jing Yuan, but I did hear that some Cloud Knights will be dispatched to guard Jarilo. It should be enough for... well, a proper defense."

Even a Lord Ravager wouldn't be careless when facing the Xianzhou Alliance.

After all, the Alliance's track record speaks for itself, and considering that this operation is essentially to rescue, or rather, laugh at Phantylia's failure, it makes dividing forces even less likely.

In the eyes of the Legion, Jarilo VI is probably not even as important as a random creature by the roadside.

"Sigh~, I even submitted a request to the General, hoping to return to the Xianzhou to join the battle. I don't know if he'll approve it."

Yanqing sighed.

Compared to completing a protection mission on Jarilo, he would much rather fight heroically on the battlefield.

No young man can resist the thrill of hot-blooded combat.

But he didn't know whether Jing Yuan would agree, after all, this mission is different from before, the importance of it far exceeds what he could imagine.

However...

"Do they really need my help here?"

Glancing up at the still-sleeping Godzilla, Yanqing pursed his lips.

With Godzilla's strength, enough to directly blast an Emanator of Destruction, did he really have any value staying here?

At first, Yanqing had great confidence in his own progress.

Maybe he couldn't defeat Godzilla yet, but with his talent, he believed he could catch up in time.

But the reality was that the gap between him and Godzilla only grew wider, especially after Godzilla helped the Xianzhou capture Phantylia alive. The feeling became even more pronounced.

With someone capable of defeating an Emanator guarding Jarilo, did the planet really need his protection?

"Sigh, why has Godzilla improved so fast? Does he have some secret?" Yanqing wondered.

...

Meanwhile, Jing Yuan was facing a barrage of complaints from various engineers of the Artisanship Commission, looking rather helpless.

...

Tingyun squinted slightly, quietly observing the changes in Yanqing's expression.

Having battled in the business world for decades, she could easily identify emotional shifts and subtle cues.

When someone's immense effort couldn't compare to what another achieved with ease, the psychological blow could be fatal.

Still, she had no intention of comforting Yanqing.

Business methods weren't suitable for Cloud Knights like him. She trusted that the General would handle it.

So what do you do when a child is troubled?

Give them a good beating.

…

Interastral Peace Corporation.

As a massive capital entity monopolizing countless industries across the universe, any group like the Antimatter Legion, which could potentially disrupt their business operations, was naturally under surveillance.

In fact, the moment Scorching Flare set off again with the Legion, the IPC knew.

"Lord Ravager, Scorching Flare... I recall the Xianzhou Alliance didn't have bad relations with the Antimatter Legion. What's the reason this time?"

Topaz looked curiously at Jade.

"They say it's because Phantylia failed and was captured in Luofu. I suppose they're going to rescue her," Jade replied with a smile.

"??? Lord Ravager, Phantylia was captured alive?" Topaz's eyes widened instantly at the news.

That was an Emanator of Destruction directly under the Aeon Nanook himself, how could she have been captured alive? It was enough to shake the entire universe.

Not that it was impossible for an Emanator to be captured alive,

But that she, the most cunning of them all, was caught by just one Xianzhou vessel? How could they have managed that?

Due to the Cornerstone issues, Topaz had been participating in various tests lately and wasn't fully aware of recent major events.

"Our personnel stationed on Jarilo reported that Godzilla had left the planet for a time. Not long after that, chaos erupted across the Xianzhou, and the news of Phantylia's capture followed."

"So that guy actually defeated a Lord Ravager!"

Hearing Jade's report, Topaz felt her worldview collapse a little.

A Lord Ravager being unable to destroy the world might be a good thing, but to Topaz, this meant her long-contemplated 'revenge plan' was now useless.

Well, it wasn't really "revenge", more like payback for Godzilla silently draining her Cornerstone's energy.

Fine, he could take it, but couldn't he give her some warning first?

If she hadn't confirmed the Cornerstone wasn't damaged, she'd almost written her will.

Ahem, that was just a joke.

Still, her resentment toward Godzilla had never faded, until today, when she had to admit Godzilla truly defeated a Lord Ravager.

Revenge?

What revenge?

She and Godzilla are very good friends! Right, Numby?

"Nuu nuu?" Numby tilted its head in confusion and looked at Topaz.

It felt like a strange thought had just been forced upon it.

"So what you're trying to say is..." Topaz looked at Jade, slightly puzzled.

A pair of fair, smooth legs crossed gracefully, forming a seductive curve. With her elbow resting on the armrest and her palm gently stroking her cheek, Jade spoke as if seeking confirmation: "I'm thinking of offering some appropriate assistance."

Topaz wasn't surprised at Jade's thought. In this universe, the Aeons are the pinnacle, and below them, the first tier is undoubtedly the Emanators.

Now, standing before them was a powerful Emanator without faction affiliation, and they even knew each other. That created a significant opportunity for maneuvering. Could they bring this one into their camp?

You see, the communal zone was already disconnected.

If they could gain Godzilla's support, not to mention the influence they'd wield within the IPC, even the status of The Ten Stonehearts would rise significantly.

Wait!

Just as she imagined that kind of future, Topaz suddenly remembered a very important issue.

"The higher-ups..."

"They know as well."

Jade nodded slightly.

This kind of news was never something the upper management could keep a lid on.

"Alright then, looks like we'll be busy for a while. I just hope they don't provoke that big guy." Topaz sighed. She had no doubt about the IPC's execution capabilities. She was only worried that someone in upper management might anger Godzilla.

After all, just from appearance, Godzilla was a giant beast.

Even if this beast possessed immense power and astonishing intelligence.

She had no doubt that some dimwitted person among the upper ranks would mess things up.

"Diamond is also very concerned," Jade said with a smile. She leaned forward slightly, her eyes, like top-quality jade, gently locking with Topaz's as she said softly,

"That's why we need your effort in this, little Yelena."

...

The chaos outside had nothing to do with Godzilla.

Right now, he just wanted to sleep.

And get home runs.

As time passed and day and night cycled several times, Godzilla sensed several immense energy sources appearing above Jarilo.

After a brief scan, Godzilla quickly lost interest in them.

He had sensed this kind of energy countless times in Luofu.

Especially the massive power source that powered the Xianzhou.

The Heliobi Emperor, or more precisely, a similar kind of energy.

He had once considered devouring it.

But considering that it was an essential energy source for the Xianzhou's operation, and that he currently wasn't lacking in energy ores, plus both Luofu and Jarilo were supplying him,

His interest in that thing dropped even lower.

Besides, the real stuff was in Zhuming. What he was sensing now was just a few minor fragments.

Meanwhile, in Luofu,

Ruan Mei's experiment was reaching a critical stage.

"Initial data 5.8 extracted. Intelligence test for Subject 0 is equivalent to a 17-year-old Xianzhou native and trending upward. All other results are also normal. That leaves just the final experiment."

Ruan Mei stared at the two spinning models on the screen. 

One was the already-grown Subject 0. It now stood about three Qingque's tall, with physical strength surpassing most metals. Even Stelle baseball bat would need some effort to knock it out.

The other was unmistakably a Godzilla individual she had created at the Herta Space Station.

Or more precisely, a Godzilla-like individual.

Although the effect was vastly inferior, this Godzilla-like creature had been replicated by Ruan Mei using data from the simulated universe.

At least in general, it could mimic the abilities and behavior of Godzilla during that time period.

She had poured a lot of effort into this creature, giving it extraordinary evolutionary capabilities.

It could basically be seen as a miniature Godzilla.

Now, if she used this self-replicated Godzilla-like creature and Subject 0, who was influenced by the real Godzilla,

Would it spark something more complete?

With this thought in mind, Ruan Mei made the final preparations without hesitation.

...

"This is the situation. After discussion, we've decided to stay in Luofu to help them deal with the upcoming Scorching Winds and Antimatter Legion," Himeko said.

"Although I anticipated this result, I still have to say, no matter what, prioritize your own safety. Never act on impulse." Welt said sternly.

"Don't worry, Uncle Yang. I might not have much else, but when it comes to running away, hehe, I'm a pro!" March 7th puffed out her chest proudly.