Honkai: Strijder (Honkai Impact 3 Male MC)

Why does Sigurd know so much about Ana?

Of course! She's a Herrscher; how could Sigurd possibly ignore her existence? Naturally, he had thoroughly analyzed her background and personality to prepare for future arrangements or utilization.

Sigurd let out a soft sigh, glanced at his hand, then at Kiana, and spoke with a trace of regret:

"You should be thankful this is just a projection. Otherwise… Forget it. Anyway, when she starts to improve, you can have her read Introduction to Ideology and arrange a proper conversation between her and Welt."

"Huh?"

"Just pulling through isn't enough. To master Herrscher powers, she needs a stronger belief. Great thoughts and lofty ideals are the best ways to shape conviction. Oh, and don't worry about her losing the Herrscher's power. With the Imaginary Portal bound to her and the Herrscher authority tied to her existence, the energy loss is only temporary; it will return."

"Got it! I'll make a note of it!"

Kiana earnestly jotted these points down in a notebook, nodding vigorously.

Seeing her so diligently take notes, Sigurd felt a bit of satisfaction. Then he asked:

"Anything else?"

"Yes! What about Mei's 'Sigurd-phobia'? We can't just leave her like that!"

"My earlier brief attempts, combined with your current methods, basically fall under desensitization therapy. From what we've seen, the effects are limited. Why not try induction therapy instead?"

"Hmm, go on!"

"For instance, we could redirect her physiological fear of me into absolute obedience. How does that sound?"

Sigurd touched his chin, looking uncharacteristically uncertain.

Although it might be an effective approach—and could conveniently yield a more compliant ally—he couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt. Mei's condition was partly his fault, after all. Pushing her further might feel too much like bullying the poor girl.

Meanwhile, Kiana pondered this suggestion. After a moment, a figurative lightbulb lit above her head. She pointed an accusing finger at Sigurd, leaning forward with an indignant posture:

"Wait a second! On closer thought, wasn't this all part of your plan? You planted that psychological shadow in Mei, didn't you? All so you could break her, turn her into your obedient follower, and then do whatever you wanted! Aha! Case closed! Sig's true motive has been revealed! I never expected you to be such a schemer!!"

Bzzzzzz…

Several small drones emitting crackling electric arcs appeared in the air, slowly approaching the accusatory Kiana.

Sigurd looked at her with merciless eyes.

Half a second later, Kiana swiftly shifted to a dogeza position, prostrating herself on the ground with her silvery hair spilling around her like a delicate carpet. She solemnly declared:

"I apologize for my insolence!"

"Stick to serious matters, and don't let your thoughts run wild."

"Yes! Understood!"

"Let's continue with desensitization therapy for now. After all, it's a proven method. Her current condition stems from misunderstandings and my occasional foolishness. I believe she'll come to terms with it."

"Got it! I'll keep working on it!"

"That's it, then. Get some rest, don't kick off your blanket. No snacking on too many sweets after dinner. Be cautious in battle, and don't take unnecessary risks for glory. If things get dangerous, forget the mission—retreat or call for help. It's just the Herrscher of Thousands; they can't cause too much trouble. And remember to take your vitality supplements on schedule. That's all."

Sigurd ended the communication. He wasn't being curt; he simply knew that such discussions could drag on indefinitely if left unchecked.

Kiana tentatively lifted her head, stealing a glance. Once she confirmed Sigurd was gone, she let out a long breath and collapsed onto the floor.

"Phew~~ Thought I was gonna get zapped!"

She kicked her legs idly a few times, then rolled onto her back, gazing up at the ceiling.

Holding the coin-sized communicator Sigurd had left behind, she pressed it against her chest, curling her petite body into a soft, endearing ball. Her eyes shimmered with tender longing as she murmured:

"Even if it's just to scold me, I wish Sig were really here…"

<+>

"Is that Kiana Kaslana? What an adorable girl," Su remarked warmly, resting his chin on his hand in the Cosmic Juggernauts' Mural interior. His smile was as gentle as a spring breeze awakening life.

Sigurd shot him a sidelong glance and responded coolly:

"That's my girl."

"I know, I know. I never said otherwise, nor do I have any ulterior motives!" Su quickly waved his hands in denial, chuckling wryly and shaking his head.

Sigurd continued staring at him with deadpan, unblinking eyes.

After an awkward moment, Su finally gave in to the oppressive silence, forcing a smile as he sighed:

"Sigh. If only Kevin back then had been one-third as assertive as you are, he might have won Mei over before the MANTIS experiments. Who knows? I might have had a proper nephew or niece by now—a real product of their love."

"What's Kevin up to these days?" Sigurd asked, gesturing toward a distant area cloaked in frost and chaotic energy.

Su scratched his head and replied:

"Your era's deep reserves are too daunting, so Kevin's worried he won't have enough leverage when he returns to the real world. He's currently trying to fuse Honkai energy with the power of the Sea Of Quanta to strengthen himself further."

"Good for him," Sigurd remarked indifferently.

Worry? Not a chance.

Even if Kevin became strong enough to one shot him with a finger flick, so what? Sigurd had countless contingencies and trump cards in the real world. It was laughable to think an individual's raw power alone could outmaneuver him.

Besides, for humanity, strength wasn't the sole measure of authority.

To Sigurd, who wielded the Life Equation and controlled the reins of civilization, no matter how powerful Kevin became, he would always remain a useful pawn—a mere tool.

And a stronger tool was easier to use.

Taking a sip of tea to recover from the energy consumption of maintaining communication with the real world, Sigurd stood and stepped into an open portal to another bubble universe, resuming his work.

<+>

Once left alone, Su tidied up the tea set and turned his gaze toward where Kevin was training. Like a fretful housewife, he began muttering:

"What should I make for dinner? I only know cuisines from the Previous Era and ancient times in this one. Kevin won't mind, but I wonder if Sigurd would care…"

<+>

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