Honkai: Strijder (Honkai Impact 3 Male MC)

"—Our first encounter with the Herrscher of Thousands went more or less like this. Report complete, Sir!"

In a clean and tidy girl's bedroom, Kiana stood straight in her simple white pajamas, saluting seriously to the real-time projection of Sigurd sitting on a chair. Her demeanor was both dashing and adorable, especially with her slightly upturned lips and that little strand of white hair bouncing back and forth.

Worth mentioning, the cleanliness of the room was entirely thanks to the diligent efforts of several Cecilia individuals, having little to do with Kiana herself.

Sigurd's projection stroked his chin thoughtfully and asked,

"I understand the situation, but…what's with the handprint on your face?"

On Kiana's cheek was a red handprint, faintly showing the small and delicate contours of the hand that left it.

Kiana's expression froze, then she turned her intact cheek toward Sigurd, giving him a sidelong glance.

"It's your fault! Mei still has a massive psychological shadow because of you. I was trying to help her overcome it—and this is what I got. She apologized, though, so it's not her fault."

"Oh, in that case, no problem."

Sigurd dismissed it lightly, the lingering murderous intent in his eyes slowly fading—so long as she wasn't hurt emotionally. Not just anyone could lay a hand on Kiana.

Then Sigurd continued,

"Once bitten by a snake, you fear ropes for ten years. Psychological issues aren't so easily resolved. Just take your time and don't push it."

"Mm…by the way, could Mei's struggle to fully master her Herrscher powers be your fault?"

Kiana blinked and looked at Sigurd suspiciously.

Sigurd shook his head.

"Unlikely. Wendy is a true genius—she experienced her Herrscher transformation five years ago and reconciled with her Herrscher persona. It's no surprise she crossed that threshold. Seele is unique because the Death Stigmata makes her naturally suited to being a Herrscher. As for you, you know your situation well—you are the original Herrscher persona while Sirin is the original human persona, so it's no surprise you would handle your power well since it's yours to begin with."

"Excluding the three of you, it's entirely normal for people like Mei and Ana to struggle with their transformations. One still hasn't made the leap, and the other has ascended but can't control her powers. That's just how it is."

Thus far, every person who mastered Herrscher powers had unique and unrepeatable circumstances. Raiden Mei and Ana Schariac were simply missing those extraordinary conditions. One had yet to transform, and the other couldn't control her ascension.

But that was the norm.

Kiana understood this logic, yet she still looked at Sigurd suspiciously. Her bright eyes carried a hint of teasing as she asked,

"If it really were because of you, what would you do about it?"

"Then I'd string her up and make sure that shadow sticks with her for life. With the Gem of Conquest in her body, access to top-notch education, and the best health care technology, plus the effort put in by Einstein, Fu Hua, Welt, and myself… If she can't overcome a psychological shadow, we might as well take the gem out. I could put it to good use myself."

Kiana: (´◔‸◔`)...

Kiana: (╯‵□′)╯︵┻━┻!!!

Listen to him! Is this even human language!?

Kiana clenched her fists—metaphorically speaking.

Then she stomped her feet in rage, the heavy thuds echoing in the room.

"Alright! I can't say one word of nonsense, but you can make jokes like that? Give me a proper answer!"

"Seriously, Ana Schariac is an exceptional Valkyrie, but she's also a softhearted and fragile girl. She couldn't bear to watch her teammates die in front of her, which is what allowed the Will of Honkai to take advantage of her. That's her root issue. Take her out to see the world. Visit orphanages, military hospitals, schools. Let her meet people who, like her, endure suffering. Let her see that there are many others in pain who need help."

"She fell because of her kindness. Let her rise again for the same reason. She doesn't need to forget her trauma—she needs to establish a new, higher purpose and regain her courage and strength."

Sigurd's voice was steady as he explained.

Kiana fell silent, pondering his words, and eventually nodded.

"True. The key isn't healing the wound but restoring her belief. I get it—but why do you seem so familiar with her situation? Don't tell me you've already started picking candidates for your harem before becoming Emperor?"

Pointing at Sigurd, Kiana's angry expression made him wonder whether she was joking or genuinely imagining him in such a light.

Sigurd stared back with lifeless, deadpan eyes.

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