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

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Ana shrugged and gave Fu Hua a meaningful glance, indicating she would no longer interfere.

"Since our paths diverge..."

Rita composed herself as well, summoning her rose-adorned scythe and adopting a combat stance.

"In that case, I must employ necessary measures to ensure my objective."

"As Valkyrie Rita Rossweisse, pardon me for this intrusion!"

With those words, Rita swung her scythe and charged forward. Not backing down, Fu Hua countered with her gauntlets, clashing against Rita's weapon.

"Clang-clang—"

Blades and fists crossed, sparks flying through the air.

From her vantage point nearby, Ana produced a bucket of popcorn from somewhere, relishing each bite. Wasn't this better than going to the cinema?

After several exchanges, Fu Hua quickly noticed an issue:

"(Every strike is perfectly timed, not aimed to attack but solely to defend.)"

In terms of raw power, Rita undoubtedly fell short compared to Fu Hua. If Rita had launched aggressive attacks, she would likely have been defeated swiftly by Fu Hua. However, focusing on defense allowed Rita to prolong the fight significantly—a strategy she excelled at.

Typically, during missions, Durandal led the charge upfront, eliminating the need for Rita to engage directly; her role was simply to entangle opponents.

"(This person is just trying to stall me!)")

"(We're out of time.)"

"(She might get hurt, but there's no other choice.)"

Even amidst this crisis, Fu Hua maintained her inherent compassion from the beginning.

Rita closely observed Fu Hua's reactions. Seeing the change in her expression, she guessed Fu Hua's intentions, being an expert in such matters herself.

"Oh? Are you planning to use your Divine Keys, Lady Fu Hua?"

Fu Hua possessed two Divine Keys: the Key of Domination and Fenghuang Down. Rita was well aware of this. While Grips of Taixuan could still be countered, facing Fenghuang Down would likely only allow for brief resistance, making it truly perilous.

"Given the circumstances, for my own safety..."

"—I cannot hold back any longer!"

In the vast training ground, both Fu Hua and Rita removed their armor limitations. Fortunately, Fu Hua did not resort to using her Divine Keys. However, Ana realized that at this moment, it might have been impractical for Fu Hua to employ them anyway.

Her class monitor had gone all out, preparing various contingencies to defeat the Herrschers. Yet, if Fu Hua hadn't intervened, Otto's original plan may not have required Himeko's sacrifice.

However, this turn of events was actually within Otto's expectations—though his first choice certainly wasn't relying on Himeko.

If she hadn't chosen to give Kiana the chance to survive instead, she could have easily killed the Herrscher of the Void.

Such a gamble did not align with Otto's style; there were too many uncertain factors involved. He preferred having complete control over every aspect.

"This is such nonsense! Want some popcorn, Bianka?" Ana lifted her bucket of popcorn as she watched the impending clash below.

"No thanks," replied Bianka beside her. Unnoticed by Rita and Fu Hua, she had quietly arrived at the scene.

Durandal raised Hler's Serenity, hurling the riding lance like a javelin—an approach that Ana herself favored.

The lance struck the ground, its faint glow reflecting under the moonlight, announcing the arrival of its mistress to the two Valkyries.

Rita and Fu Hua halted their imminent confrontation, turning their gazes toward where Ana sat in the distance.

They saw Durandal appear next to Ana, only to witness an unexpected sight: Ana feeding Durandal popcorn.

Instantly, an awkward atmosphere permeated the field.

Even someone as composed as Fu Hua was at a loss for words.

With one side locked in fierce combat and the other facing imminent disaster, these two strongest Valkyries of Schicksal were here munching on popcorn and flaunting their relationship? Seriously?!

Feeling their gazes, Durandal cleared her throat softly.

Yes, it wasn't that she wanted to eat; she simply couldn't resist Ana. When Ana starts purring, who could say no?

"Oh, Lady Durandal!" Rita didn't seem bothered by the closeness between Durandal and Ana—it had become quite routine—her voice carrying a hint of delight.

If Durandal is here, we can stop Fu Hua...

"Hold your hand, Rita."

"Huh?" Confused, Rita looked at Durandal, unsure why she would give such an order when even she understood the implications of Fu Hua's actions.

But as a deputy officer, she bowed her head respectfully.

"I understand."

Fu Hua sighed with relief as she saw Rita retract her scythe. She didn't wish to fight Rita nor waste time here; her strength should be reserved for battling Herrschers.

"Leave, Fu Hua," Durandal said slowly, gazing at her.

Fu Hua raised an eyebrow, taken aback.

Fu Hua felt somewhat incredulous. Logically, with Durandal's arrival, subduing her should have been effortless for both of them, yet Durandal chose not to act.

Oh, she hadn't accounted for Ana's presence.

Indeed, Fu Hua could tell that Ana likely leaned towards neutrality and enjoyed stirring things up. If Fu Hua had managed to overpower Rita, Ana would probably intervene, allowing her to leave without harming Rita.

Now, with Durandal joining the scene, the balance shifted entirely. Ana might side with Durandal, but despite having the upper hand, Durandal still let Fu Hua go?

"We cannot provide assistance," Durandal stated calmly, casting a cautionary glance at Ana beside her.

With an awkward smile, Ana popped another handful of popcorn into her mouth, continuing to munch nonchalantly as if it were none of her concern.

"Our battles are not solely driven by personal beliefs; they also involve those we hold dear."

"If I were in your position, I would make the same choice."

A nostalgic look flickered across Durandal's eyes. During the Honkai incident in Manila, her relationship with Ana hadn't yet reached its current depth. Yet, she had still rushed to provide support without hesitation. Thus, she fully understood Fu Hua's feelings and intentions.

If given the chance, Durandal would willingly lend Fu Hua a hand. Unfortunately...

"..."

Fu Hua fell silent. In just a few short hours, her perception of these three S-rank Valkyries from Schicksal had undergone continuous shifts.

"Thank you for your kindness; I will remember this favor."

With that, Fu Hua respectfully bowed, turned around, and leaped off the edge of the floating island.

Just as she was about to jump, a peculiar voice echoed behind her.

"Red Kite Immortal, I wasn't lying..."

Ana, observing Fu Hua's departing figure, spoke thoughtfully, mimicking Otto's tone.

Durandal and Rita looked at her, somewhat taken aback.

Realizing her slip, Ana quickly smiled, dismissing any concern.

"I believe this is what Lord Bishop intended to convey to Fu Hua before the communication cut off!"

"Hmm, indeed it sounds like something Lord Bishop would say."

After brief contemplation, Rita nodded in agreement. As someone who had closely followed the bishop for a long time, she understood his linguistic patterns well. However, Ana's ability to articulate such thoughts suggests that Lord Bishop placed immense trust in her.

In the distance, Fu Hua paused momentarily but then vanished into the night sky. Ana's words seemed to have no effect on Fu Hua, unable to sway her determination.

The three figures silently gazed in the direction where Fu Hua disappeared.

After a prolonged silence, Rita broke the stillness.

"Why...didn't you stop her?"

With no one else around, Rita dispensed with formal titles, yet she genuinely couldn't comprehend why Durandal didn't intervene. Durandal should have been fully aware of the significant gap between Fu Hua and the Herrscher.

"She will die," Rita stated matter-of-factly.

"That was her own decision," Durandal replied indifferently. "It's truly unfortunate... I don't dislike her at all."

Rita sighed. Not only did she not dislike Fu Hua, she genuinely liked her; Fu Hua was indeed quite endearing. However, allowing her to head straight to certain death like this was truly unacceptable.

"Don't worry, she won't die," Ana said calmly. "Or rather, she won't truly perish."

"The genes of the Archon Honkai Beast Jatayu grant Fu Hua the ability to be reborn through Nirvana, and Fenghuang Down will protect her consciousness." Ana paused briefly before continuing, "In a sense, Fu Hua is indeed immortal."

Ana's words piqued Rita and Durandal's interest, both looking at her curiously.

"How surprising! Even you, Rita, don't know about this?" Ana asked, somewhat taken aback but quickly understanding the situation. Indeed, even Otto wasn't fully aware of the exact reasons behind Fu Hua's immortality.

Even the Void Archives lacked comprehensive information on the subject.

The Void Archives contained knowledge from the previous civilization, but their records regarding The Thirteen Flame-Chasers were incomplete. Many experiments conducted by Mobius, for instance, remained highly classified.

"In any case, there's no need for excessive concern." Ana chose not to dwell further on this topic.

"Moreover, Bishop Otto is likely observing there as well. With his Gun of God, even if Fu Hua faces mortal peril, he can compel her to yield."

With that, Ana lifted her head and gazed towards the distant Hyperion. Through the Gem of Desire, she could sense the Queen's approximate location.

As the Queen returned, the power within this Gem of Desire reactivated, becoming increasingly active.

Fortunately, the Gauntlet of Hades still managed to suppress it effectively.

However, since Fu Hua had gone ahead, chances were nothing has changed, implying that Ana's time was running out.

Ana turned back, looking at Bianka and Rita beside her.

"Hey, Rita, what would you have done if, during our encounter at Saint Freya Academy, I stood against you?"

Rita exchanged glances with Durandal, knowing they had indeed considered this question—or rather, contingency plan—long ago.

Regardless of their thoughts, thankfully, Ana ultimately chose their side at that time, sparing them a difficult dilemma.

"Of course we'd help you find your way back and then properly discipline you," Rita chuckled lightly, her response consistent with her usual style.

Unfazed by this answer, Ana continued probing. "What if opposing me was merely to satisfy someone's selfish desires?"

"..."

Bianka and Rita fell silent once more.

"I believe Bishop Otto is not that kind of person," Bianka asserted firmly.

Rita remained quiet; from her reaction, it seemed she agreed with Bianka, yet there was also some hesitation. In truth, Rita knew about Otto's personal ambitions.

"Bianka, what you see may not reveal the whole picture." Ana slowly approached Bianka, wrapped her arms around her neck, and gently kissed her cheek. "Rather than calling him a hero who stakes everything against Honkai, I would label him as the Fool—the wisest of Fools."

"And I suspect he would appreciate being described as such."

With these words, Ana released Bianka, turned, and walked toward Headquarters in the distance.

Rita watched Ana's retreating figure with contemplative eyes, while Bianka seemed more puzzled and uncertain.

Ana's words didn't instill doubt about Otto in Bianka, but they did make her think deeply.

Despite Ana often appearing casual and fragile, Bianka knew that Ana's strength was on par with hers. Moreover, most of Ana's predictions had proven accurate.

The love Ana showed towards her felt genuine; there was no need for her to feign mystery or sow discord between them.

Importantly, Rita... also remained silent, which spoke volumes.

Bianka understood that Rita held knowledge she herself lacked, perhaps even staying by her side precisely because...

"Rita..." Bianka turned, looking at Rita with questioning eyes.

Rita nodded without speaking. There were many things she couldn't reveal to Bianka, hoping only that Bianka would continue to trust her.

Naturally, Bianka trusted her completely. Their bond and mutual understanding needed no further explanation!

Rita, with her head lowered, pondered Ana's intentions as well. It seemed... Ana was choosing to stand against them, but... what did she plan to do?

Honestly, there appeared no reason for Ana to betray Schicksal. As an S-Class Valkyrie, family head of the House of Schariac, and a priestess, what kind of disagreement could drive her to oppose Schicksal?

Such courage to abandon everything—and considering Rita's understanding of Ana...

It truly felt unimaginable.

Meanwhile, Ana walked with unwavering calm, feeling unburdened. Regardless of future events, having disclosed this information now meant she would be at peace if they ever faced each other on opposing sides.

As for whether Bianka and Rita would report it to Otto?

Of course not. After all, Ana hadn't revealed anything substantial yet. She had taken no decisive action!