I Am Honkai

Boom—

Amidst the rumble and tremors of its engines, the massive stream of Honkai energy plasma flames emitted from the battleship's rear began to subside.

The transport craft descended, circling the Midgard floating island once to adjust its angle before deploying its landing gear. Following the tower's instructions, it maneuvered toward an open area specifically reserved on the landing pad.

The golden flames burning from the Lex Imperialis emblem on the hull declared its identity—Astartes 17th Legion, the Imperial Heralds.

Inside the transport's cabin, rows of Astartes clad in deep gray power armor stood in formation, their postures upright, their readiness evident.

An Astartes chaplain walked along the front of the formation, holding a power staff. One by one, he pinned handwritten scriptures of the Lex Imperialis, written on parchment scrolls, to the Orichalcum shoulder plates of the soldiers with a red wax skull seal.

The chaplain meticulously adjusted their appearances; after all, they were about to meet allied forces.

The inclusion of chaplains at the smallest tactical unit level was a distinctive feature of the Imperial Heralds, reflecting their Legion's ethos. While some Legions did have chaplains, none had integrated them into their squads as thoroughly as the 17th.

Under Lorgar's guidance, every Astartes of the Imperial Heralds was trained to be a devout believer, deeply proficient in roles like priest, chaplain, or preacher.

Had organizational limits not restricted him, Lorgar would have made every soldier in his Legion an official chaplain.

For this reason, the 17th Legion was often humorously referred to within the Imperial military as the "Fanatic Corps."

"Lord Commander, we've reached Midgard, one of the nine main islands of the Schicksal headquarters."

The intricate dark-gray composite armor of the reporting Astartes shimmered under the stark white lighting, with densely etched golden prayers that seemed alive, glowing faintly like mystical runes. Each character was legible and sacred.

"Understood."

Lorgar stood with his arms crossed, his scarlet cape draped behind him. He turned his gaze toward the grating at his side, where his captured prize lay huddled.

Within the cage, Pardofelis lay sprawled on the cold metal floor of the transport. Her head hung low, and her torn clothing revealed patches of pale, smooth skin that had already begun self-repairing—soft, supple, unblemished.

Apart from the severe damage to her clothing, Pardofelis looked much the same as before the battle—except for one thing.

Her once fluffy Siamese-like cat ears and tail were now bare, reduced to the appearance of a hairless Canadian Sphynx cat.

"I reviewed the combat logs from the engagement with her. While her overall combat strength wasn't impressive, she's highly agile and physically flexible," said a junior officer of the Imperial Heralds, whose shoulder bore the insignia of rank.

"And her regenerative abilities are remarkable," the officer added, his gaze lingering on the freshly healed patches of Pardofelis' skin.

Not long ago, when they had just loaded her onto the transport, her body bore extensive injuries: torn muscles, blunt force trauma, lacerations, burns—red and purple welts covered her. Yet in such a short time, she had healed herself completely.

"Sensitive to fire, cat ears, cat tail, feline-like agility… A specialized augmented human?" The officer's counterpart, another senior officer of the Imperial Heralds, remarked, his attention drawn to the sharp tip of Pardofelis' tail.

"A fusion warrior…" Lorgar mused, stroking his chin in thought.

At that moment, a faint murmur interrupted their analysis.

"Mm…"

Pardofelis' hairless, pinkish cat ears twitched slightly as her brows furrowed. She let out a soft, almost inaudible groan.

"She's waking up."

"Perfect timing."

Groggy and clutching her throbbing head, Pardofelis slowly opened her eyes. She glanced around at the unfamiliar surroundings in a daze.

"Where… Where am I? I feel so uncomfortable… and so hungry."

Fusion warriors don't necessarily need to eat to survive, but Pardofelis had just awakened from a dormant state. Her body was still adjusting and, after taking a severe beating, the energy expenditure for her physical recovery left her feeling ravenously hungry.

The overwhelming sensation of hunger assaulted her senses.

After a long moment of gathering herself, Pardo finally raised her head...

Thud! Thud! Thud!

Towering shadows loomed over her. More than a dozen pairs of glowing green visors stared down, emitting a cold, metallic aura. At the forefront, Lorgar wrinkled his nose and let out a deep, resonant snort, a clear warning.

"Awake?" he asked.

"Awake… Uh, ah—! You, you, you all—" Realization struck, and Pardo's fur bristled in panic. She rolled over and leapt to her feet, only to crash her head into the top of the cage with a loud thunk. "Ow…"

"Wuuu…" She whimpered like a frightened cub.

Watching her antics, Lorgar's eye twitched. Is this really one of World Serpent's senior officers? A fusion warrior of the Fire Moth? She must be an idiot.

At that moment, the roar of the engines quieted, and with a gentle vibration, the transport craft settled smoothly onto the bustling landing pad.

Shaking his head, Lorgar turned away as the hatch opened, striding out at the head of the group.

What does that bald guy mean to do with me? Am I going to be okay? Surely, nothing bad will happen...

Clinging to self-deception, Pardo's thoughts were interrupted as she sprawled on the floor, eyes brimming with tears. "Of course not! Waaa, my canned food, what should I do now…"

Screeeech—

"Out."

The sound of an unpowered chainsword rapping against the cage bars was followed by the grating squeal of the grille opening. Pardo was met with the cold, glowing green visor of a senior officer of the Imperial Heralds. The amplified voice emanating from his speaker system was coarse, like sandpaper grinding against metal.

"Hehe, sirs, I didn't cause too much trouble, did I…?" Pardo peeked her head out cautiously, wringing her hands in an attempt to appear innocent and harmless.

"Out," the officer repeated, his tone flat and unchanging. However, the sudden crackle of electric blue arcs surging across his expertly crafted chainsword made the unspoken threat unmistakable.

I, Astartes, am devoid of emotion.

"Uh… uh, I'll be good," Pardo relented, her instincts for self-preservation kicking in.

Surrounded by his Legion's Honor Guard, Lorgar descended the gangway. Officials from the First Legion of Astartes, the Dark Angels, had long been awaiting their arrival.

"Lord Commander Lorgar, Lord Commander Alex and the generals of the other Legions have already begun dining. Please allow me to escort you."

"To my fellow warriors of the 17th Legion, follow me. Your banquet awaits not far from here," another officer directed.

"Hold on," Lorgar interrupted, raising a hand to stop the leading Dark Angel.

"Split off a team. Take this prisoner and see to her placement."

Hearing this, the Dark Angel Honor Guard officer hesitated before responding tactfully, "There's no need to rush, Lord Commander Lorgar. You'd best bring her along for now. Lord Commander Alex and the others are quite eager to see your spoils of war."

"What exactly are they up to?"

"You'll see when you get there," the Dark Angel officer replied, neither humble nor arrogant.

...

On the other side.

"Well, hello there."

Selene sat leisurely, glancing up from the "Taixuan Sword Art" notes written by Fu Hua. Smiling warmly, she waved her hand. "Hard work, my generals."

Cough, cough…

"Your Majesty!"

Violent coughing broke out as every Legion Commander froze, their actions halting mid-motion. Conversations died instantly, and they straightened their backs, hands placed neatly on their knees, sitting upright and formal, all eyes on Selene.

"Drink up! Why did you stop drinking?" Selene asked, feigning confusion.

Heaven knows, her intention was nothing more than to drop by casually. She loved banquets too—there was absolutely no intention of intimidating them.

"Drink!"

Selene smiled faintly and gestured for a servant to bring over a jug of mead. Pouring herself a small cup, she sipped lightly and said, "I'm feeling a little hungry myself. Let's eat together."

As she spoke, Selene gestured for the servants to adjust the chair.

While her regular height placed her among the taller end of mortal women—far from the struggles Theresa faced—sitting at a table designed for Astartes Legion Commanders towering over three or four meters was still awkward.

"Ah, Your Majesty, I've already prepared for this."

Alex was the first to jump into action. Pushing aside the servants, he personally folded down the edges of the round table.

Adjusting the seating arrangements? That's a wonderful idea. A round table symbolizes equality. Selene daring to sit with them spoke volumes, but they dared not presume to accept the honor lightly.

"Wow, Commander Alex, I didn't think you could be so… uh, flexible," someone quipped, though they trailed off awkwardly.

The other Legion Commanders followed suit, assisting with adjustments. Only one small white-haired girl stood frozen, unsure of what to do.

Wow, such blatant bootlicking. Oh, right, she's the Empress… never mind then.

Selene chuckled at the sight of the white-haired loli sitting stiffly on her oversized chair, legs dangling. With an amused wave, she pulled her over effortlessly.

"Whoa, what's happening!" Theresa, as light as a doll, flailed as she was gently hoisted into the air.

"Take care of her," Selene said, depositing her directly into Fu Hua's arms.

"Whoa, Fu Hua! I've missed you so much… wait." Nestling into Fu Hua's embrace, Theresa rubbed her face against what she assumed to be Fu Hua's chest—only to feel something soft and unfamiliar. She froze. Could it be? Second puberty?!

Fu Hua was instantly overwhelmed with a sense of foreboding.

"Phew, scared me for a moment." Opening her eyes in relief, Theresa noticed the other occupant in Fu Hua's arms—a green-haired loli—and put on her most authoritative headmistress expression. "Who are you?"

Previously, Alex and the others' massive forms and the towering table had blocked her view, leaving her unaware of Fu Hua's presence.

Flicking her forked tongue playfully, Mobius batted her enchanting snake-like eyes and teased, "Who am I? Allow me to introduce myself. I am a shy and delicate flower of a girl—Mobius. A pleasure to meet you, Principal Theresa."

Her tone sent chills down Theresa's spine. As she observed the green-haired loli, a familiar image surfaced in her mind—Rita?

Mobius, meanwhile, clearly found Theresa's reaction amusing, poking her cheek repeatedly with mischievous delight.

"Mobius, you're still mimicking Elysia's mannerisms?" Fu Hua sighed, exasperated, holding the two lolis securely.

"Hehe, of course! It's the easiest way to trick clueless little mice onto my operating table. That shameless Elysia… well, at least she's good for something."

"What are you talking about?" Theresa asked, utterly baffled by the exchange between Fu Hua and Mobius.

Standing nearby, Selene glanced back briefly. Ah, Elysia. Through devouring her memory fragment in the Elysian Realm and observing the other Flame-Chasers' impressions of her, even Selene couldn't help but feel a bit flustered. A peculiar figure, indeed.

For Elysia, Selene's review of her memories revealed one thing: pages scrawled chaotically yet consistently with the words I like you (or him, her). There was only one conclusion to draw—God loves all mankind.

Pink on the outside and pink on the inside. A person as consistent as they come.

Hmm, by observing Elysia, Selene had indeed learned many flirtation techniques, though she had never put them into practice. Of course, Selene was self-aware enough to understand that her mimicry captured only the form, not the essence.

Soon, the round table was transformed into a long table, and seating arrangements were adjusted. Naturally, Selene occupied the seat of honor.

The tension that had momentarily gripped the room melted quickly as the atmosphere grew lively once again. After all, these were Astartes Legion Commanders—seasoned warriors who had spent considerable time around Selene. They knew their Empress' temperament well: not overly strict about protocol.

As long as no cardinal rules were broken and they didn't unluckily provoke Selene's wrath, she was far easier to deal with than Grand General Budo. Most importantly, the old steward Sebas wasn't present, and as long as no one snitched, any breaches of decorum would go unnoticed.

"Sit."

Placing Fu Hua next to her, Selene casually picked up the two lolis and tossed them onto the children's table. Then she served Fu Hua a cut of premium dragon-grade dangerous creature steak.

"This is quite good. A specialty of the Imperial Capital—a premium dragon-type Danger Beast. Its meat has many beneficial properties, such as nourishing muscles and repairing bodily damage."

As she spoke, Selene gracefully tore off an enormous rib from the premium dragon-grade creature. With a combination of knife and fork, she elegantly, yet voraciously, devoured the entire thing in record time.

"Medicinal cuisine?"

"You could call it that. The meat of high-grade Danger Beasts or wild beasts from the Untamed World, when properly prepared, typically has excellent effects on the human body. When we return to the capital, I'll introduce you to more of it."

Selene took a sip from her cup, leaned back into her chair, and said thoughtfully, "The Herrscher consciousness that previously shared your body—there's news."

"Where is she?"

Fixing her gaze on Fu Hua's emerald eyes, Selene enunciated slowly, "North America. Leiva discovered her, and later Esdeath, Hak Foo, and Borsalino joined in to hunt her down."

"Judging by the timing, the battle should already be over…"

"Your Majesty!" Fu Hua shot to her feet, her tone urgent. "Your Majesty, may I go to her? I still have a promise to fulfill."

"No need to rush. I've already given orders for her to be captured alive." Violet-red Honkai energy particles condensed at Selene's fingertips. The next moment, a projection screen materialized before them.

On the screen, a figure cloaked in icy blue was speeding toward the headquarters of Schicksal. In her hand, a black mist, imprisoned within a crystalline Honkai cage, instantly drew Fu Hua's attention.

"She's fine. Esdeath will escort her here. The question is, what do you plan to do with her?"

Resting her chin on her hand, Selene gazed at the screen, where the black mist was locked away, a strange smile spreading across her face.

Should I, perhaps, loosen the reins a little? Test the waters of indulgence, just for a moment?

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