Honkai Simulator: Start with Confessing to The Herrscher of Finality

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Europe, Schicksal Headquarters.

As Durandal finished reading all the Schicksal Files, her eyes reflected a mix of emotions.

She still hadn't found where Kiana, recovered by Schicksal, was located, but she had gained a comprehensive understanding of Sirin Project.

"...The plan has reached its final stage but underwent changes due to unforeseen circumstances. The K423 experimental subject mastered the power of the Herrscher of the Void earlier than anticipated, yet she hasn't met my expectations.

"She is not yet ready to observe the world beyond our planet."

The document abruptly ended there.

Durandal fell silent.

She couldn't tell if this file was intentionally written for her eyes, but it provided a brief understanding of the project's origins and progression.

However...

Durandal did not agree with it.

Handing such responsibility to an innocent young girl, gradually ensnaring her in the trap called emotions—following the original plan outlined in these files, Senior Theresa from the Far East Branch, Murata Himeko-senpai, and countless others would have become sacrificial pawns.

Otto aimed to replicate the experience of the First Herrscher, transforming the Second Herrscher into humanity's apostle. If successful, subsequent plans could bring forth the Third Herrscher, Fourth Herrscher... eventually resurrecting all Herrschers accordingly.

This was the significance of Sirin Project for humanity.

It sounded idyllic on paper.

But Durandal still struggled to accept it. She didn't believe that defeating Honkai necessarily required Herrschers. Although she acknowledged that Kiana had grown to an impressive level, undeniable by anyone.

However, when she searched for Schicksal's records on Kiana to retrieve her, no corresponding file could be found.

Durandal couldn't help but frown.

The Schicksal Files contained numerous confidential pieces of information about Schicksal, strictly classified and not disclosed to outsiders. She had only recently obtained clearance to access them.

Logically, if Kiana was indeed recovered by Schicksal, there should have been a record here—but none existed.

Could it have been deliberately deleted?

At that moment, Durandal inadvertently overlooked another file:

Fate File: Durandal

She logged out of the Schicksal Files with a sigh.

Now, Sirin Project had succeeded, albeit unexpectedly so due to Otto's interference. Nevertheless, she still felt indebted to Kiana.

Moreover, she needed to consider the safety of the other Kiana as well.

But whom could she trust regarding this matter?

Durandal wasn't naive; she sensed that Rita knew more than she let on, possibly even the whereabouts of the real Kiana.

Yet, asking Rita directly might lead her to evade the question or provide some excuse, potentially damaging their mutual trust.

In fact, Durandal already harbored doubts about the trust between herself and Rita.

She understood this was a knot within her heart, and unless resolved, their friendship might truly come to an end.

Just then...

As she hesitated, Rita arrived.

"Lady Durandal."

The girl, delicate like a rose, smiled warmly at her. "Perhaps it is indeed time you learn certain truths. I just hope you won't be too surprised upon discovering them."

"A vessel cannot collect dispersed consciousness, but consciousness can choose its own vessel."

In a certain space, Otto Apocalypse observed a scene unfolding before him:

Kallen, standing before the gallows, battling the Honkai Beast released by Otto and ultimately dying at its hands.

This moment was recorded within Schicksal's hidden archives. However, amidst countless cycles of repetition, this fragment of Kallen's memories had subtly developed a trace of awareness.

Otto knew that it was the closest approximation to Kallen's consciousness, yet she still wasn't quite Kallen herself.

He referred to this as psionic energy.

Psionic energy served as the foundation for emerging consciousness. He had considered finding a body for this psionic energy to observe how far it could develop.

However, before he could act, the psionic energy named "Kallen" attached itself to Kiana.

Despite being merely an experimental subject, she unexpectedly gained Kallen's recognition.

Otto understood that this was no coincidence but rather another possibility—a chance to create a 'new Kallen.'

Nevertheless, the consciousness bestowed by psionic energy was not what he truly desired—the original person he yearned for. Every soul is unique; once lost, it is gone forever.

The awakening of psionic energy was merely a fortuitous accident, and he didn't consider it as any significant achievement.

However, whenever Otto felt lost, he would come to this place.

It represented his closest connection to the 'beginning,' serving as the relentless driving force propelling him forward.

At this moment, Otto indeed found himself perplexed.

His confusion wasn't about the future; futures have always been unpredictable, with unforeseen events constantly arising. He had long prepared for such uncertainties. Even Otto couldn't fully control every aspect of the future.

What truly bewildered him was his own path.

For over five hundred years, Otto unwaveringly believed that his chosen path was unquestionably correct, including at present.

Until he experienced a dream.

He relived the Medieval Times, an era shrouded in darkness.

It had been a long time since he last dreamed; consciousness entities do not require dreams. Consequently, he perceived this dream as a form of revelation.

And precisely due to this revelation, he now felt somewhat uncertain.

All his meticulous preparations were disrupted by this 'dream.'

"If this is a warning, could it be your warning?"

"Kallen."

Otto continued witnessing Kallen's death at the hands of Honkai Beasts, followed by yet another cycle of reincarnation.

"How unfortunate, but this time, I cannot heed your words."

Despite everything, Otto's faith remained steadfast.

"And so, Rita, is this what you wanted to tell me?"

Upon hearing everything Rita had to say, Lady Durandal felt utterly shaken.

"You can't be serious. I'm...?" The Head Valkyrie of Schicksal, rarely ever flustered, stammered, "I am Kiana?"

Rita nodded. "It's no secret, Lady Durandal. Of course, if you prefer, there's nothing wrong with addressing you as Lady Kiana."

Durandal fell silent, struggling to accept this revelation.

She knew she had lost her past, but never imagined it could have been...

She even found herself unsure how to face Otto once he awakened.

If he did wake up, should she continue serving him?

Or leave Schicksal altogether? Seek out her family?

"This isn't easy to digest, yet the truth remains unchanged." Rita sighed softly and said, "Sometimes, fate truly is unpredictable."

Durandal remained quiet for a moment.

"I believe I need some time to think clearly."

Although she was now fully committed to sacrificing for humanity, such personal revelations left her uncertain.

"Rita, please take over my duties temporarily..."

"Lady Durandal, I must respectfully decline on this matter," Rita interrupted gently. "Certain responsibilities cannot be replaced by anyone else; you are already an exceptional leader, Durandal."