Honkai Impact: I, The Herrscher of Ice, Am Loved By Players-Chapter 179: Jeanne’s Betrayal! Captains Begging to Join the Ship!

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In the real world, Brother Cake's live stream chatroom:

"So it was... just a projection all along," Brother Cake murmured after watching the unfolding events on the screen, his eyes dimming.

The entire live stream fell silent, as if dead. Only a few uninformed viewers questioned with confusion, while naturally, there was one individual akin to the Herrscher of Thousands freely venting their thoughts in the chat:

[Ha ha ha ha, I told you guys—it's too simplistic.]

[Forget about hope; forget about it—Ana is already dead, ha ha ha!]

[She died for these ordinary humans, ha ha ha—]

Indeed, without a doubt, the one freely venting in the chat was Ana herself.

As the Lord of Finality, her typing speed and thought processes now far surpassed those of ordinary individuals. She could truly multitask effortlessly, even capable of creating multiple online personas if she desired.

However, there was no need for that; currently, she just wanted to indulge herself. It didn't matter anyway, since she was trolling her own character. If someone ever figured out her identity in the future, she could swiftly switch gears, donning the official label of "Ana's Voice Actress," effectively turning the tables with overwhelming advantage.

This maneuver left even Ana impressed with herself.

No one else could ridicule Ana like this, but as Ana's true self—considered both the original inspiration and voice actress in this world—it was perfectly within her rights. Hmph, just thinking about it felt satisfying.

Jeanne led the way ahead, while Durandal and her companions searched for clues along the route, occasionally conversing with Jeanne. Through these discussions, they gained insights into life from five hundred years ago.

Unfortunately, at present, only Bishop Otto and Fu Hua truly understood that era. Otherwise, they would have eagerly sought firsthand experience of those times.

This sentiment was especially true for Theresa. Although she often disagreed with many of Otto's actions, he remained her grandfather. She hoped understanding that era better might help her comprehend him more fully, ultimately aiding her in dealing with him effectively.

However, through Jeanne's accounts, the trio discovered a completely different side of Otto.

Naturally, Tesla's assessment was that even his past self still possessed some humanity, suggesting that he gradually transformed into the monster he became over time.

Tesla, as always, remained consistently irascible.

Soon, they found the target Jeanne had mentioned. In a corner, a limping blonde man emerged, looking around anxiously.

It was none other than the Schicksal Bishop - Otto. However, this was Otto from five hundred years ago, so he should not yet be referred to as Bishop Otto, simply as Otto.

"Otto?!"

Despite their anticipation, all three couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.

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Jeanne, concerned, approached swiftly and helped Otto to his feet.

"Director Otto, are you alright?"

"Jeanne, it's you... Have you seen Vera? We got separated..." Upon spotting Jeanne, Otto disregarded his injuries and grasped her shoulders with both hands, urgently questioning her.

"My apologies, Director Otto. I too became separated from the others." Jeanne responded. "Moreover, based on what they've said, we seem to be in the year 2017 AD now. We... apparently have traveled through time."

As she spoke, Jeanne turned slightly, glancing at the three figures behind her.

"And according to them, you appear to have lived for over five hundred years, becoming the 'Bishop Otto' they speak of... Director Otto... You... truly possess such technology?" Curiosity prompted Jeanne to add this question at the end.

Her gaze remained clear, revealing that she wasn't coveting immortality but rather was simply intrigued by the concept.

"That kind of thing... It seems utterly impossible..." Otto panted, processing the information Jeanne shared. With a bitter smile, he replied helplessly. How could he possibly know about something like this? Besides, if eternal life were genuinely achievable, couldn't it then revive Saint Kallen?

In the real world, within Brother Cake's live stream chat:

With Director Otto's appearance, the tone in the chat took another sharp turn. After all, few Captains held any fondness for this old acquaintance. However, due to Jeanne's presence, Tesla's questioning became notably gentler.

Jeanne steadfastly stood before Otto, protecting him and defending his actions. Ultimately, even with Tesla's eloquence, he could not match Jeanne's persuasive arguments.

At one point, Tesla felt that the Jeanne before him seemed more like a true Holy Maiden than ever before.

"It is my admiration for the glory of the Holy Maiden that allows me to continue fighting. This battle flag in my hand symbolizes the Holy Maiden; with its strength, I remain invincible on the battlefield, victorious against all foes!"

Jeanne raised her battle flag, adorned with the emblem representing the Holy Maiden of Schicksal. Although she was not that Jeanne d'Arc, at this moment, she embodied the spirit of someone fighting for their faith, dedicated to the people.

"By the way, why didn't you choose her as your successor? She appears far better suited to lead Schicksal."

Tesla posed this question to Otto on behalf of the audience. It seemed that nearly everyone now wished for Jeanne to become the Holy Maiden, replacing Otto as the leader of Schicksal.

This sentiment wasn't solely due to their feelings for Ana; it was also influenced by Jeanne's various inspiring statements throughout her journey. She truly embodied greatness!

Watching from the screen, Ana simply shook her head. The idea sounded appealing, and perhaps Director Otto might have indeed considered such a decision back then. As for any potential power struggles later, that remained uncertain.

However, the main issue was that Jeanne's existence in this Honkai World was entirely fictional. While she was a remarkable historical figure in other timelines, here, she was completely fabricated.

"Perhaps... some unforeseen circumstances arose?" Otto replied with a bitter smile. Honestly, even he couldn't fully comprehend why he hadn't elevated Jeanne to the position of Holy Maiden.

"Hmph, maybe you got her killed somehow. Dogs never change their nature!" Tesla crossed her arms, responding coldly.

"Even if it meant dying for Director Otto, I would willingly do so."

Meanwhile, Jeanne stepped forward, expressing her stance on behalf of Otto. Observing this, Tesla and others likely grasped the situation, as did the Captains watching through their screens.

Indeed, it was about character. If forced, she might have reluctantly assumed the role, but given a choice, Jeanne would never become the Holy Maiden of Schicksal.

"Ah, if only Jeanne had become the Schicksal Bishop or even the Holy Maiden of Heaven's Fate, it would've made perfect sense," Brother Cake sighed genuinely. The bullet comments then filled with references to "Fate/Grand Order." Eventually, someone pointed out that Saint Kallen lived around the same time as Jeanne, suggesting that for the sake of introducing Saint Kallen, the writers effectively removed Jeanne from the narrative.

Of course, this mattered little beyond eliciting some self-deprecating humor among the Captains.

"You can continue your lamentations, heh heh. Next up is the beginning of another nightmare."

As Ana watched the scrolling bullet comments on the screen, a subtle yet meaningful smile appeared at the corner of her lips. Despite often steering the conversation in the stream, she chose not to comment this time.

Being aware of the upcoming plot developments, she knew when everyone's defenses were weakest, it was best to strike rather than play the clown for ridicule.

The subsequent plot unfolded without significant twists or surprises.

On the Hyperion, they discovered puppet threads on Otto, leading them to suspect his identity as the Herrscher of Dominance. However, after spending time together, the trio had developed considerable fondness for this Otto from five centuries ago.

Just as people distinguish between Kiana and the Herrscher of the Void, they also separate this Otto from the current Schicksal Bishop. Regardless of past events, this Otto possesses humanity and lacks the same obsessions and ambitions.

From the perspective of the Hyperion crew, they hoped to extract the Herrscher of Dominance core peacefully.

However, given Otto's penchant for mischief, it was evident that he wouldn't allow such an opportunity.

Finally, following their investigations, the long-missing Bishop Otto initiated communication, inviting everyone to meet at Kolosten's church for a discussion.

By the time they arrived at the church, nearly all members of Schicksal were present, along with Bai Zhi, a visitor from the World Serpent.

By now, almost everyone knew that Bai Zhi hailed from the World Serpent, and she did not deny it. After all, in a certain sense, the World Serpent was her domain.

Of course, that referred to her true self's origin.

After Bishop Otto's lengthy explanation, just as everyone began to lower their guard, he suddenly issued a command.

"The time has come. Let us retrieve our experimental subject!"

As Bishop Otto spoke, something sharp instantly pierced his body. The wielder of this piercing weapon was none other than Jeanne.

"My apologies, Director Otto."

With the lance entering Otto's body, he rapidly withered away, transforming into Soulium. Within it, the final core emerged.

"Jeanne! You!" Everyone stared at her in disbelief.

Undeterred by their gazes, Jeanne walked calmly to Bishop Otto's side, handed him the core, and then respectfully stood behind him.

Thus, the secret behind this farce was unveiled.

The "Otto" present was not the genuine Director Otto from five hundred years ago but rather a Soulium replica, simulating his consciousness with only fragments of his memories.

Similarly, Jeanne d'Arc-Schariac was not truly from the past; she was a clone created by Otto, intended to uncover the secrets hidden within Ana's memories.

Of course, these revelations were directly gleaned from the main storyline known to Captains.

In essence, everyone involved in this dramatic play had been kept in the dark. Initially, Otto planned to entrust his scheme to Rita.

However, with Ana's involvement, the final plan was handed over to her consciousness-driven duplicate.

As for the outcome, Ana's duplicate executed it flawlessly, resulting in an explosive impact that fully aligned with Otto's expectations.

For those present, the revelation of Jeanne's true identity felt like a heavy blow. However, Otto hadn't genuinely deceived them, as Jeanne's real identity was indeed Ana herself—though they couldn't see through the deception.

As for any tarnished reputation, Otto cared little about such matters. He already bore enough infamy, so much so that it could fill volumes, making him indifferent to further criticism.

In the real world, within Brother Cake's live stream chat:

Jeanne's sudden betrayal caught all the Captains off guard. No one could have imagined that someone so loyal and adorable would turn out to be a treacherous villain.

However, it wasn't truly a betrayal; this was part of Bishop Otto's scheme. The blame couldn't solely rest on Jeanne's shoulders.

Undeniably, Jeanne's identical appearance to Ana earned her some favor with the Captains.

In this regard, Jeanne differed significantly from Ana, much like how Corruption and Ellie were distinct. Theresa and Amber, being clones themselves, also elicited feelings of pity and regret among the Captains for their replicated existence.

"Ah well, even if she's a clone, at least she still feels connected to Ana," Brother Cake consoled himself after a moment of somber reflection.

[Wahh, don't cry, Brother Cake. Let me sob for a bit too.]

[Being Ana fans is just too tough. Otto, you son of a bitch, you're such a jerk!]

[Otto, I'll curse your xxx!]

[Never mind, I don't care if she isn't exactly Ana anymore. Hopefully, this Jeanne can still join the ship (emoji: 🤣)]

[Join the ship, join the ship! Even a name change would be fine!]

[Dang it, with such great modeling and artwork done, it'd be a waste if she doesn't make it onto the ship.]

"Boarding the ship?"

Ana scrutinized the screen, pondering this possibility.

Honestly, it seemed feasible.

In the game, during this arc, Jeanne had a complete and intricately detailed character design. As long as her subsequent characterization remained consistent, it would be entirely possible to introduce Ana's armor using one of these Chapter skins at an appropriate time.

It wouldn't even require much effort; just designate it as a special event armor. Plus, the Stigmata set was already prepared - the "Holy Maiden of Deliverance," consisting of Jeanne's upper, middle, and lower-tier artifacts. The weapon choice is straightforward too, simply a lance. Tsk tsk.

However, that's as far as Ana's thoughts went.

If MiHoYo could surely come up with the same idea, there was no need for her to exert any extra effort. Thus, she merely entertained the thought briefly.

Soon, she dove back into the live stream, fervently stirring up excitement. She was beginning to relish the feeling of playing the villain, the antagonist.

Being the hero truly lacked any thrill; always having to consider every angle, worrying about others' feelings—it was exhausting.

After revealing his secret, Otto proceeded to recount the journey involving the Herrscher of Dominance's core. In the end, just like in the original storyline, he handed it over to Theresa.

As for whether he left anything behind or not? Well, you'd have to ask if the core indeed reached Theresa's hands, right?