Honkai Impact: I, The Herrscher of Ice, Am Loved By Players-Chapter 213: Classic Reenactment: Choose Wisely: Friend or Foe?

Chapter 213 - 213: Classic Reenactment: Choose Wisely: Friend or Foe?

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As Gray Serpent and Hare executed their moves, Project Stigma swiftly commenced. This plan had been finalized years ago but hadn't been initiated initially due to Su's interference, followed by the need to await the arrival of all twelve Herrschers.

In essence, no one could have thwarted Project Stigma from its inception, as everything was predetermined. With an immensely powerful Enforcer and a comprehensive system in place, if not for Ana's sudden emergence, there wouldn't have been any possibility of altering the plan.

Previously, Gray Serpent's experiment involving Jackal was merely to gather necessary data and manipulate the gears, potentially causing disruptions that could shake Project Stigma.

After all, no one genuinely wished for Project Stigma to succeed, not even Kevin.

However, his perspective has now shifted significantly. He now hopes for the uninterrupted execution of Project Stigma, as it would result in lesser casualties and losses.

This change is not unfounded; Ana and Mei have calculated these outcomes. According to Ana's plan, each step taken aims to increase the consumption of Honkai Energy within the Honkai World, necessitating Its intervention to replenish the deficit.

During discussions about His creation, both Mei and Prometheus had doubts about Ana's ability to control the Divine Self. Regardless of how one looks at it, the Divine Self of Ana represents an idealized deity.

Such an existence surpasses imagination. Given Earth's current technological knowledge and mindset, controlling a god of this magnitude seemed utterly inconceivable and unpredictable. Yet, quietly, Ana managed to nurture such a divine being.

Although she utilized existing resources, if we consider this within the context of the galaxy-spanning universe, her actions might have indeed garnered the favor of a certain genius.

After all, it aligns with what that prodigy had hoped to achieve, showcasing the truly formidable ambition of such geniuses.

As a result, compared to the original storyline, some significant changes have occurred.

In a more conspicuous location, Fu Hua finds Kevin, who at this moment is not yet transformed into the Sinful Demon state. However, the Shuhadaku of Uriel in his hand still radiates the luminosity of Finality.

This time, the power of Finality was not obtained through the Dark Gate but bestowed upon him by Ana herself.

By channeling and temporarily storing this energy within Judgment of Shamash, Ana also demonstrates care and protection for Kevin. The burden he carries is inherently painful; adding the force of Finality would only exacerbate his suffering.

Why would Ana do something so cruel? Moreover, such events had already transpired in other timelines, repeating them would undermine her dignity as the Lord of Finality.

As a result, the current Kevin is actually somewhat stronger than his counterpart in the original storyline.

"I didn't expect to find you here."

When Fu Hua located Kevin, she was initially taken aback. Although this place wasn't easily discoverable by others, it stood out quite prominently to her due to her familiarity with New Attra.

"Ah, Fu Hua, you've arrived." Kevin glanced indifferently at her, his voice as cold as ever, indicating he had anticipated her visit.

"You seem different," Fu Hua observed seriously after studying Kevin from head to toe.

It's hard to describe, but the Kevin before her indeed differed slightly from her memories. While there were changes, these did not necessarily mean Kevin had fundamentally altered.

The Kevin Fu Hua knew, during Mei's leadership, required absolute rationality. Consequently, on the surface, Mei couldn't express much emotion towards him, instead suppressing those feelings deep within her heart.

Kevin faced similar circumstances. For the sake of his loved ones and humanity's survival, he had no choice but to suppress his emotions and carry out those orders, driven by necessity.

Additionally, Fu Hua joined the Fire Moths relatively late, only becoming acquainted with Kevin much later as well. Before they met, the original fusion warriors used to gather together for Kevin's birthday celebrations.

These events were experiences Fu Hua never shared.

Thus, to her, the current Kevin seemed changed.

"..."

After a moment of silence, Kevin finally responded:

"Perhaps."

Truthfully, he wasn't sure if he had truly changed or not. He could sense subtle shifts within himself, yet when recalling the past, it felt like the same person, unaltered.

One could say that due to the times, responsibilities, and missions, his true self was hidden away. In those moments, under such circumstances, he couldn't openly express his emotions.

Long ago, he too was once a shy, handsome young man.

As Kevin observed Fu Hua before him, he recalled Ana and Mei discussing matters about her within the world bubble.

The Fu Hua standing here was no longer quite the same as his past friend, Hua. She had been reborn in this new era. Through Ana and Mei's conversation, Kevin gained insight into everything Fu Hua experienced over the millennia since their time together. He felt joy for his old companion's resurgence.

Yet, there was also a hint of melancholy.

His friend was Hua, not Fu Hua.

Even though Fu Hua conversed with him under Hua's name, Kevin could sense from Ana's words that they were...

However, it was merely a slight pang of loneliness. For now, by his side stood his beloved, and his dear friend Su still existed in the world after finding her answers.

Although communication might be challenging, all Kevin needed to know was that she was well.

Thus, facing Fu Hua, Kevin refrained from mentioning the Elysian Realm. He understood that the Fu Hua before him likely had forgotten about it entirely.

But that mattered little; the most precious presence within the Elysian Realm was her.

Nowadays, even those inside the Garden could stay informed about events outside it. Kevin believes this is precisely what they would have hoped for Fu Hua, and truthfully, she doesn't need to recall the Elysian Realm either.

"Kevin, despite belonging to the same species, do you still not consider this generation as your kindred?"

Observing Kevin's silence, Fu Hua pondered briefly before speaking up.

"..."

Kevin lifted his head, gazing at Hua before him, yet involuntarily recalling the smiling voice of another girl. Her smile mirrored Elysia's, confident and assured in her actions. Like Elysia, she too faced solitude, striving alone towards seemingly insurmountable tasks.

Although they never explicitly called each other friends, considering Fu Hua's question—kindred? No, there exists one kindred spirit in this era, and more than just one.

Unfortunately, Kevin couldn't reveal this to Fu Hua just yet.

But did he truly not consider anyone else as his kindred spirits? That wasn't entirely accurate; the Kaslanas were the best proof. Throughout history, Kevin had always shown immense concern for them, even intervening to assist Siegfried when he faced danger.

They shared the same blood and led their own lives, making them his successors.

"No, Hua, it's not hard to see them as my kin..."

"The real challenge...is letting go."

In truth, Kevin never fully managed to detach himself from their affairs. After all, he was human, not a machine, with emotions inherent to his nature.

Unfortunately...these successors indeed fell somewhat short of expectations. Nonetheless, seeing at least one or two succeed could be considered a worthwhile effort.

"I understand this well, which is why I came here..."

"For them?"

"No, first and foremost...for you."

"At this moment, at least from what I perceive, you need someone who can truly empathize with your experiences..."

Although Ana's physical presence was absent near Kevin and Fu Hua, she closely monitored their situation through certain means.

It's hard to describe, but at that moment, Ana desperately wanted to laugh.

While it might be unkind, she simply couldn't resist.

Apologies, Goddess Fu Hua, my Class Monitor; now, Kevin has found his kindred spirit, and guess what? She's listening to your conversation right now.

Indeed, Ana wasn't the only one eavesdropping on this exchange. Mei had also joined in, silently observing from afar.

Surprisingly, Mei, usually so serious, was smiling like a child.

"Doctor, please mind your image," Prometheus gently reminded her. Of course, Prometheus could see the scene unfolding as well, though being an artificial intelligence, she struggled to fully comprehend the humor.

"It's alright, no one will notice. But Fu Hua... truly is adorable."

Prometheus remained silent, unsure how to respond.

Though Kevin couldn't hear Ana's voice, he did catch Mei's laughter, causing even his icy demeanor to show subtle signs of thawing.

Surprisingly, Kevin found this secretive act intriguing, despite his usual straightforward and calm demeanor.

However, spending time with Ana these days had undoubtedly influenced him somewhat.

Of course, to maintain the charade, he needed to continue playing along. Apologies were due to Hua for now, as truthfully, neither of those women observing was someone he could afford to provoke.

Why did Kevin know that Ana was watching? It's quite simple - Ana is indeed the mastermind behind this grand theater.

"Kevin, are you searching for your final resting place?"

While it might have been true in the original narrative, the present Kevin chose to endure and live on. As for his burial site, he had already decided long ago; it would be wherever Mei lay, so long as they were together.

"I cannot confirm that. To me, this victory isn't one born out of despair but rather..."

Kevin paused, unable to resist revealing a hint to his old friend. However, it became apparent that even his friend played a significant role in this unfolding drama.

Initially uncertain, Kevin's resolve solidified when Fu Hua approached him.

"..."

Kevin's words left Fu Hua silent, stirring a hint of doubt within her. The Kevin before her and Project Stigma... perhaps...

However, everything unfolding seemed to align with the worst-case scenario. Could it be that Kevin had some hidden plan or means to turn the tide?

It was possible; she wasn't aware if alternate versions of Project Stigma existed.

"So, since you've somehow imprisoned all the Herrschers, why make an exception for me?"

"You should know...the core of the Herrscher of Sentience still resides within my body."

"There's no particular reason," Kevin replied without hesitation. "After all...you are who you are." Although Ana orchestrated much of the strategy, certain decisions were ultimately Kevin's own, aligning seamlessly with Ana's script.

The bond between friends was one aspect; another crucial factor was Fu Hua's connection to the Spark Project. If she were imprisoned alongside the others, perhaps...

Both Kevin and Ana desired unpredictability, and due to their past relationship, Kevin wouldn't take such action. This is why.

"Indeed, 'I am who I am'."

Fu Hua fell silent for a moment before nodding. Yes, even though she had become Fu Hua, she couldn't abandon her past as Hua. She remained herself—both Fu Hua and Hua embodied her essence.

"For instance, my reason for seeking you out today is precisely to acknowledge your achievements as 'Hua'.

"You have fulfilled the grand aspiration of Fire Moth, leading humanity towards victory over Honkai."

"As 'Hua', I must recognize this accomplishment."

In the past, under different circumstances, Kevin might have been slightly moved by these words. However, now, they felt somewhat ironic to him.

After all, it wasn't he who achieved these feats, but someone else from this era. Even the current situation was merely part of that individual's plan aimed at achieving maximum results with minimal cost.

He hadn't fulfilled his grand vision nor led humanity to victory against Honkai.

In Kevin's eyes, he was a failure. Of course, Ana and Mei didn't see it that way, but restoring this man's confidence again seemed genuinely challenging.

Feeling helpless, Ana could only leave it to Mei to handle.

"You don't understand, Hua."

Kevin stood up, feeling reluctant to continue discussing this with Fu Hua. Secrecy was his promise, and moreover, manipulating the emotions of a former friend was something Kevin couldn't bring himself to do.

"I do understand, Kevin," Fu Hua responded, her emotions becoming agitated as well.

In response, Kevin remained silent.

"Hua, the current Project Stigma is no longer the original one I envisioned." Ultimately, Kevin chose to reveal just a hint. "I cannot explain further, so—"

"Fu Hua, choose now: friend or foe!"