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The chapter ends here, leaving readers with suspense and anticipation.
Of course, this isn't the most critical issue. The most pressing concern is that this chapter serves as an interlude, typically indicating it won't be continued directly in future versions. In other words, this marks its conclusion.
No one knows if Bai Zhi indeed revealed her true identity beneath the mask to enlighten Senti. According to Honkologists' theories, regardless of Bai Zhi's choice, Senti would have proceeded as she did anyway.
Bai Zhi's intentions align perfectly with what the Herrscher of Sentience desires, underscoring how truly fitting it is for another Herrscher of Sentience—indeed, only a Herrscher can understand another Herrscher best.
However, this scenario raises new questions. As commonly known, Herrschers have fixed numbers and positions, yet the emergence of these two Herrschers of Sentience clearly breaks this rule.
Some might argue that it's because the Herrscher of Sentience is Fu Hua, and she is unique. But is this truly the case?
If so, the other Herrscher of Sentience should have taken action against them instead of effortlessly letting both Fu Hua and the Herrscher of Sentience go, not to mention extending an invitation to Senti.
Speaking of invitations, its style bears some resemblance to Kevin's approach but is entirely different at the same time. Could it be that this Bai Zhi hails from World Serpent?
The idea makes sense if we consider World Serpent's involvement.
When Fu Hua was still known as Red Kite, the Serpent organization already existed. If Bai Zhi joined World Serpent back then, becoming acquainted with Fu Hua wouldn't be surprising, explaining why Fu Hua doesn't remember her now.
This theory quickly gained support among many Captains. Due to Raven's influence, they had developed somewhat favorable sentiments towards World Serpent. Currently, the prevailing sentiment towards World Serpent was rather nuanced.
This sentiment intensified further with Raiden Mei's recent addition to World Serpent.
It's often difficult to pass judgment on such matters. While mainstream opinion among Captains leans towards Schicksal, it must be acknowledged that Schicksal has committed its fair share of unsavory deeds.
Take the incident involving Heavenly Meteor: ultimately, the Serpent failed in their endeavor. But even if they had succeeded, would the impact truly surpass that of the Second Honkai Eruption?
The Second Honkai Eruption can largely be attributed to Otto's actions, and this responsibility inevitably falls upon Schicksal.
In summary, as this viewpoint gained traction, calls for Bai Zhi's inclusion in the game grew louder. Hmm, regarding the issue of monetization, hmm... perhaps introducing a special playable character could entice players without resorting to pay-to-win tactics!
Considering the intricate modeling detail of Bai Zhi and her performance within the storyline, if she were added to the game, there's no escaping that she'd undoubtedly debut as an S-rank character.
Nevertheless, dreams exist for everyone, including gamers; harboring hopes isn't inherently wrong.
"Brother Cake, what's your take on this?"
In the live stream chat, a viewer posed the question to Brother Cake. Recently, he had become increasingly silent over several updates, even streaming less of Honkai Impact 3 and shifting towards Genshin Impact instead.
It was evident that even for a heavy spender like Brother Cake, the official cash-grabbing tactics were disheartening. Although it didn't significantly impact him—as any new release would still entice him to spend—overall, it left a sour taste.
With this latest New Year update, Brother Cake reluctantly resumed his previous role of advancing the game's storyline, but once again, he appeared somewhat subdued.
"I think..." Brother Cake gazed at the beautiful woman on the screen, pondering and hesitating briefly.
To be honest, he wanted to say that this character strongly resembled Ana, but he lacked solid evidence; it was merely a gut feeling. Over time, years of streaming had tempered Brother Cake's impulsiveness.
"I feel she must be from the World Serpent faction," he cautiously responded after some deliberation.
After some deliberation, Brother Cake slowly spoke. It wasn't based on online comments; rather, if this character wasn't part of a new faction and exhibited such unique behavior, she could only be one of World Serpent's previously unseen operatives.
Moreover, World Serpent has numerous operatives, with at least one named Hare already known to the public.
However, judging by appearances, Bai Zhi likely isn't Hare. In fact, her name "Bai Zhi" might be a codename similar to Owl or Raven for their operatives.
"As for going live, it's possible, but there's also a chance she'll have a second form and become a boss, fitting her into both the battlefield and Abyss."
[Wow, Brother Cake is like a fortune-teller! Cutting edge, cutting edge!]
[Noooo, does that mean we'll get a new elemental type? The current roster is already draining my wallet.]
[No worries, I've quit the game anyway, laughing it off.]
[Doesn't matter, I'm laid-back. I just go with the flow in the Abyss. As long as I remain indifferent, Old Mi can't tempt me with purchases.]
[That's true, I've quit too, now only following the story through Brother Cake's stream.]
[Exactly, Brother Cake, please make more highlight clips.]
"Ah, but aren't there replays available?"
Brother Cake expressed some helplessness while observing the bullet comments, feeling nostalgic. Indeed, times have changed rapidly; it's been several years already, and Honkai Impact 3 has evolved significantly from its early days.
Personally, he preferred the earlier version and enjoyed the storyline back then. It wasn't so much about the plot itself but rather the atmosphere it evoked. Playing Honkai Impact 3 now feels different, lacking the same passion as before.
In contrast, Genshin Impact continues to captivate him with its engaging gameplay. Of course, these shifts are quite normal, reflecting that, comparatively, Honkai Impact 3 has indeed declined, an inevitable trend.
Issues like delayed updates for older characters' armor, their diminishing relevance, pay-to-win mechanics, stat inflation, and increasing complexity of Abyss conditions all contribute to this decline.
Objectively speaking, the newer writer's story arcs are arguably better than the original ones, yet the overall gaming experience in Honkai Impact 3 cannot match its past glory.
In older versions, characters could effortlessly dominate the Abyss with just some random gear from loot pools. Even relics from ancient loot pools remain usable today. In contrast, current characters require dedicated Stigmata and specific weapons, akin to fully equipped Trisolarans.
While Brother Cake enjoyed the game, his affection primarily lay with the characters. The old armors and characters were testaments to the past, yet they languished unused in inventories. This was especially disheartening for casual players.
Regardless of Honkai Impact 3's changes, Brother Cake had invested significant emotional attachment into it and couldn't simply abandon it. He vowed to accompany this game through its journey, a sentiment shared by most Captains.
The game developers indeed frustrated them, leading many to lose motivation, but few chose to leave entirely. Their enduring presence was largely due to their fondness for these beloved characters.
In the Honkai World, Central Europe.
After departing Taixuan Mountain, Bai Zhi swiftly arrived at a secret laboratory without delay. This facility was considered part of Ana's "legacy," established covertly by her as the family head of Schariac.
As for its research focus... honestly, even Bai Zhi wasn't entirely sure.
She had chosen to let the laboratory operate independently, fully entrusting it to Dr. Magi—the very same scientist they rescued during the Lunar Eclipse arc, known for developing anti-Honkai medication.
Ana's departure did not significantly impact this venture, as it operated outside Schicksal's direct control yet enjoyed protection from both Schicksal and the Serpent. Following Ana's agreement with Gray Serpent, the lab now receives exclusive clandestine safeguarding from him.
As a subordinate, Gray Serpent is remarkably dependable and loyal. At least concerning this matter, he has been unwavering in his efforts. Despite brief periods of absence, Ana's enterprise remained unaffected under his watch.
Bai Zhi effortlessly navigated through each checkpoint, entering the laboratory where she was greeted by a spirited redheaded woman—Murata Himeko.
Upon seeing Bai Zhi, Himeko initially displayed brief surprise but quickly realized who it was, her expression visibly relaxing.
"So you indeed didn't die."
Bai Zhi showed no surprise at being recognized by Himeko, as the procedures and protocols she followed to enter this place were known only to Ana.
Although Ana hadn't anticipated such an outcome, it seemed like an unintended blessing had unfolded.
"Before transforming this world into the shape I desire, death would not come easily for me. However, now, I finally possess the necessary power."
Himeko raised an eyebrow, unsure of what Bai Zhi meant exactly. But sensing the aura emanating from Bai Zhi, combined with the news of Ana's supposed demise, Himeko could intuit that Ana must have experienced unimaginable fortune or transformation.
Yet, instead of jealousy, Himeko felt genuine concern.
Himeko could only imagine the price Ana must have paid for this power; perhaps she truly had died once already.
"Alright, alright, no need to be so sorrowful. Although there was a slight cost involved, it's all worth it. Now, Himeko, I have something that requires your assistance, as it wouldn't be convenient for me to handle directly," Bai Zhi casually stated with a smile.
"Haha, it's hard to believe you would actually need my help. Go ahead, I'll do my utmost," Murata Himeko replied, suppressing her emotions and smiling.
However, what Bai Zhi said next was completely unexpected.
"I want you to become the Herrscher of Flame."
"Herrscher of Flame?" Himeko's pupils contracted. She was no stranger to the power of the Herrscher of Flame; in a sense, she herself had briefly been one, albeit for a very short duration. Now, Bai Zhi suggested making her the Herrscher again.
Murata Himeko could no longer express strong aversion towards Herrschers, considering three of her students—no, four including Fu Hua—had already become Herrschers themselves.
Himeko's colleague, Ana, had also become a Herrscher before her eyes, so she no longer harbored any strong aversion towards Herrschers themselves.
However, the idea of becoming one herself still made her hesitate and feel somewhat perplexed. Additionally, she couldn't fathom how Ana managed to achieve this.
"Rest assured, it won't cause you unbearable pain, nor will you need to endure the influence of the Will of Honkai. All you have to do is pass a small trial I've set for you, and you'll become the Herrscher of Flame. At that moment, you'll remain true to yourself, but with the power to protect those dear to you."
Bai Zhi earnestly explained, revealing that turning Himeko into the Herrscher of Flame was an idea Ana had long nurtured.
She possessed all the necessary qualifications for becoming the Herrscher of Flame, after all. And doesn't Elder Sister Himeko deserve a genuine Herrscher Armor? As for potentially exploiting monetization...
No worries! Once the time comes, we can have Old Mi gift each player one, along with a dedicated weapon and a choice Stigmata piece. Do you think Captains would complain? Absolutely not!
Players generally didn't mind quick character releases; what they disliked were the high difficulty to fully upgrade characters and limited crystal acquisition options. By simply reducing these barriers, players would naturally be satisfied, and it also resonated deeply with their emotional attachment to the game.
However, controlling power balance became crucial. After all, as the Herrscher of Flame, Himeko shouldn't overshadow Kiana, the protagonist.
"What do you think?" Bai Zhi asked with a light laugh. In Ana's view, there was no reason for Himeko to refuse such an offer.
"Can I protect you then?"
"Uh... But now, I really don't need protection anymore." Bai Zhi blinked and chuckled softly, half-jokingly. She had bestowed these Authorities upon herself; why would she need someone else's protection? However, she understood Himeko's genuine intentions.
All she could say was, "Elder Sister Himeko, your concern is heartfelt! But please, just follow my wishes and continue protecting your adorable students."
"I see... Then, of course, I accept." As Himeko spoke, her eyes filled with determination for battle.
As Schicksal's Valkyrie, Himeko has always been at the forefront of battles. Regardless of her counterparts in other worlds, here she is undeniably a Valkyrie, belonging to the battlefield. She yearns to return and fight, but for Ana's sake, she refrains and follows Ana's plans.
Now, with the opportunity to rejoin the fray, protect her student once more, and fulfill her duty as a Valkyrie, how could she possibly pass it up? The Valkyrie Assault Squad... never retreats!
"True to your nature, as expected from you. Well then, let's begin?"
With Bai Zhi's words, a milky-white aura emanated from her, enveloping Himeko who instinctively closed her eyes.
When she opened them again, she found herself amidst the starry sky. There, amidst the cosmos, He loomed nearby, while before her stood Ana, clad in garments shimmering like stardust, her eyes reflecting the vastness of stars and galaxies.
Seeing Ana and Him in front of her, realization dawned on Himeko.
"So that's what this is."
"This is merely the first step, significant not just for me, but also for humanity and Honkai."
In a soft voice, Ana dispelled any lingering illusions from Himeko's mind.
"Now, please accept the trial of Finality! I have faith that you will surely overcome it!"