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

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"She isn't the real Kiana; Theresa and I have known for some time," Himeko continued after Fu Hua.

During Anti-Entropy's invasion, Theresa had learned about this situation and informed Himeko.

Although they didn't explicitly tell Ana, they were aware she knew as well. In fact, Ana had subtly hinted at it before—the most direct evidence being her reference to Kiana as her "cousin."

The true Kiana should be Ana's elder cousin. While Theresa wasn't entirely clear on Ana's birthdate, accessing such information from the central archive was straightforward for her.

As for Kiana's exact birthday, Theresa remembered it vividly, since that day held significant meaning for her too.

"Then why did you...?"

Fu Hua initially wanted to ask why they let things go unchecked but reconsidered, thinking perhaps Theresa and Himeko underestimated the severity of the situation, which could be understandable. She rephrased her question:

"Her power is highly unstable, with constant risk of losing control. Allowing her freedom poses a threat to humanity."

Even mentioning this sounded absurd and laughable to Fu Hua.

They had planted explosives within the heart of the 3rd Herrscher—Raiden Mei—to prevent catastrophe upon her awakening as the Herrscher of Thunder. Yet they spared the most dangerous Herrscher of all.

Given Raiden Mei's power and level of awakening, Theresa could have easily suppressed her if she truly awakened. Compared to Kiana, she was hardly worth considering.

"Speaking grandly while pushing an innocent girl to her death."

Himeko paused, then looked up at Fu Hua with questioning, indignant eyes. "Fu Hua, is this your idea of justice?"

Fu Hua fell silent, her shifting expressions indicating that Himeko's words had indeed struck a chord, leaving her conflicted.

"Innocent?" From above, Ana leaped down, landing gracefully before Himeko.

"In a world plagued by Honkai, enduring trials beyond its boundaries, who dares claim innocence?!" Ana spoke coldly. She despised Himeko's tone; while she didn't oppose or criticize their actions, labeling someone as "innocent" was unacceptable when it came to Kiana.

"Do you realize whose blood stains her hands—the blood of your esteemed mentor, the blood of your comrades? Bearing such sins, can you still call her 'innocent'?"

"Himeko, surely you haven't forgotten why you're still alive today?" Ana's voice grew stern.

"You missed that operation due to illness, and on that day, the Valkyrie Assault Squad's mission was to stop the Second Herrscher's rampage."

Ana revealed this truth unknown even to Himeko. Otto had classified these records, making them inaccessible without at least S-rank Valkyrie clearance.

Himeko's pupils contracted as Ragna's figure involuntarily appeared before her eyes. To her, Ragna was not only a senior officer and captain but also a mentor—someone immensely important.

And then there were their comrades-in-arms who fought alongside them; yet ultimately, they...

Kiana's innocent and adorable face flashed across Himeko's mind. No matter what, she couldn't associate such a girl with being the murderer of her fellow warriors.

"I'm not blaming anyone here; I merely want you to acknowledge reality!

"The pure and innocent girl you see is not truly innocent! The burden of guilt must weigh upon her shoulders just the same; it's something she needs to confront!"

"Can ignorance truly absolve one's guilt?" Ana scoffed.

"In that case, wouldn't all the Herrschers who committed murder be considered innocent?"

"After all, they could simply claim being controlled by the Will of Honkai to evade responsibility, don't you think, Major Himeko?"

"If I had the authority to decide, I would undoubtedly reveal the truth to her, no matter how cruel it may be."

Shaking uncontrollably, Himeko fell silent.

In the original storyline, nobody managed to breach Himeko's defenses, but this time, she was genuinely shaken—a significant test for her.

The information Ana revealed was utterly explosive, leaving even Fu Hua, who intended to counsel Himeko, speechless. She never imagined Ana possessed such a fierce side or knew so much.

Rita, standing nearby, remained silent as well, lowering her head with her usual smile fading from her face.

After all, Ragna had been both guide and mentor to Rita.

Even Tesla, typically fiery-tempered, said nothing. As someone similarly affected, she recognized the truth in Ana's words.

However, the person Ana once followed chose to bear that burden and became their leader—and ultimately, he did not disappoint them.

Compared to him, Kiana...

Being young was neither an excuse for avoiding responsibility nor a reason for others to conceal theirs. Although today's events were orchestrated by Otto's experiment and under his control, at its core, it was still the direct result of these individuals' actions.

The current Kiana didn't possess Raiden Mei's resolve.

If the future does not align with their hopes, they would become sinners, unable to face their departed comrades. In this moment, Tesla even began to think that perhaps Cocolia's perspective might have been correct...

"To combat Honkai, sacrifices are inevitable; someone must always make them." Ana continued, directly quoting Fu Hua this time. However, when spoken from her lips rather than Fu Hua's, these words held greater weight and felt more somber.

"Himeko, misplaced compassion only leads to even more terrifying consequences," Ana said slowly. "Before us lies the Abyss, behind lurks Hell. Are you prepared to bear it all and become a sinner?"

These words were not spoken lightly. If one considers another perspective, saving a Herrscher would indeed make the Far East Branch guilty in the eyes of the world—had they ultimately failed.

However, Ana didn't want to view this situation as someone who had already experienced these events; after all, she was the sole person with such foresight in this world. Now, being directly involved, she couldn't distance herself as merely an observer from the past.

"Sacrifice is inevitable, for it's the price you must repay!" Ana's voice resonated with unwavering conviction.

In the original storyline, Fu Hua's resolve wavered due to Himeko's words. But now, Ana returned those same words to Himeko. As for what Fu Hua might think? That wasn't Ana's concern.

Truthfully, regardless of what Ana said, the course of events wouldn't significantly change.

But as someone who's been through it all, what kind of veteran wouldn't seize this chance to vent properly? Moreover, upon closer inspection, it seems like Otto is merely playing everyone along in his game!

Truly deserving of the title 'Fool'! By dragging everyone down to his level, he manipulates them effortlessly with his experience.