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

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Nevertheless, Gray Serpent ultimately complied.

After all, there's no reason to slap a smiling face, especially when her request was insignificant for him, hardly qualifying as a trade at all.

And just like that, Ana successfully freeloaded once more.

Gray Serpent remained silent. In his view, or rather, based on his understanding, this was Ana's way of fostering closer ties with trading partners. Although it held no value for him as an artificial life form, it might be meaningful to others.

Little did he know, Ana simply had an unconscious desire to freeloop due to her frugal lifestyle from her previous life. Suddenly managing a large conglomerate in this one, while relying heavily on Rita and Fu Hua's care, she lacked any real concept of wealth. Consequently, it came naturally for her to seek freebies.

Moreover, the joy of getting something for nothing is incomprehensible to those who haven't experienced it.

However, Ana certainly wouldn't share these thoughts with Gray Serpent. With a whistle, she casually strolled away.

Meanwhile, on the other side:

"Is this what you're looking for?"

Dressed as the Argent Knight Artemis, Rita presented Gray Serpent's cybernetic eye to Theresa and her group. Although the process took a slightly different turn, Rita still followed the original plotline.

However, it was out of necessity; lacking Bronya's hacking abilities, she couldn't uncover the android's secrets herself. Fortunately, with a Schicksal traitor guiding her, she managed to keep up effortlessly. Moreover, she held the ultimate authentication authority.

"That is... Gray Serpent's eye." Upon seeing the object in Rita's hand, Bronya's pupils contracted, instinctively shielding the android behind her.

But at this proximity, Rita had enough time to complete the authentication process.

"Highest-level authorization completed!"

"Rita Rossweisse, assuming highest-level control."

"I command you: data upload..."

"...followed by self-destruct!"

As Rita issued orders to the android, it responded with a warning. Amidst beeping sounds, the android subsequently shut down.

No matter how Theresa shouted, it proved futile.

This reflected World Serpent's technological philosophy: loyalty comes first; functionality follows.

Next, Rita and Theresa engaged each other, but this time, Rita chose not to linger. She struck briefly before retreating, barely engaging at all.

"Rita, get back here!" Watching Rita depart, Theresa could only glare helplessly. With her short legs, she couldn't possibly catch up, especially since she also needed to protect Mei and the others, leaving no choice but to let Rita escape.

Meanwhile, the android that had fallen to the ground suddenly reactivated. Slowly sitting up, it looked around with a dazed expression, scanning its surroundings.

"Where...am I?"

"Who are you?"

"Huh? Is she okay now?" The sudden revival of the android startled Theresa, as she had assumed it was destroyed earlier.

"She seems fine, just doesn't remember us."

"Self-destruct? So it wasn't destruction...but formatting instead?" Bronya observed the android thoughtfully, her words measured.

"Ah? That woman actually showed mercy..." Theresa exclaimed incredulously. Based on her understanding of Rita, the latter had always been swift, precise, and ruthless.

"How...annoying!" Theresa couldn't help but exclaim.

Initially, she had wanted to consider Rita as their enemy outright, but given her repeated restraint and actions, it was clear that Rita wasn't truly malicious.

Facing someone like this, Theresa would feel psychological pressure and hesitation when engaging in combat, unable to unleash her full potential.

This indecisiveness was Theresa's weakness. Unlike Rita or others of her ilk, they could strike decisively whenever necessary, carefully gauging their force.

"Let's bring her back to the Hyperion first!"

Theresa suggested escorting Raiden Mei and Bronya back to the Hyperion. Prior to this, they had already contacted Dr. Einstein, arranging for a dirigible to rendezvous with them.

"Please stay awhile longer, everyone."

A familiar voice echoed behind the group. Turning toward it, they saw Ana approaching alone, dressed just as they'd first met her—yet everything else had changed irrevocably.

Now, Ana stood opposite them.

"Lady Theresa, long time no see."

About ten meters away, Ana halted. This distance provided a semblance of security, demonstrating her precise understanding of boundaries.

"Principal, watch out!"

Bronya stood protectively before Theresa, eyeing Ana warily. Her equipment detected a terrifying amount of Honkai Energy emanating from their visitor—levels comparable to what they had faced with the Herrscher of the Void.

Just as Bronya tensed up, however, that signal vanished abruptly, almost as if it were nothing more than her imagination.

"Don't worry, Bronya. Ana...she's likely not our enemy."

Theresa stopped Bronya, oblivious to her shock, and pulled her behind herself.

"It's been a while, Ana."

Ana studied Theresa carefully. Though no longer as vibrant as before and even somewhat weary now, the foolish innocence in her eyes was unmistakably gone, replaced by a hint of maturity.

This forty-something-year-old legal loli had finally grown up mentally.

"Lady Theresa, you've certainly come a long way too," observed Ana.

"I owe much of that to you," Theresa acknowledged sincerely. During her time in hiding, she had analyzed the motives of both Ana and Fu Hua. She realized then that Ana had dropped multiple hints along the way, which she had unfortunately disregarded at the time.

Now, she couldn't help but regret not seeing through those signs earlier; perhaps things wouldn't have escalated to this point.

"No need to thank me; you didn't believe me anyway." Ana crossed her arms nonchalantly. She never required Theresa's gratitude; everything she did was driven by her own desires and intentions. Her sole aim was to fulfill her heart's longing and continue living.

Thus, Theresa's meaningless appreciation held no value for Ana.

She wasn't that slightly naive transmigrator anymore. Over these many years, she had been tempered and now fully embraced being the true Ana.

No, not just embracing it—she was Ana.

As for any observations from another world outside this one, they were irrelevant to her.

It wasn't that knowing events couldn't be changed made her passive; ultimately, her life choices remained hers alone to make. And precisely because of this conviction, she found herself here today.

"But your suggestions gave us the opportunity... I truly am very sorry."

"Then, let me propose something else. Would Lady Theresa consider accepting it?" Ana gazed at Theresa with an enigmatic smile.

Theresa's eyes flickered momentarily, but determination quickly surfaced on her face as she nodded.

"Go ahead, I trust you."

"I wish for you to hand over the android to me. As for the reason, due to certain circumstances, I cannot elaborate further," Ana said softly.

"Oh, by the way, Rita is actually under my command now. Naturally, I apologize if she hurt any of you; her expertise lies solely in carrying out missions. Once we return, I'll discipline her accordingly."

After this, Ana added one more thing—

"Also, I am currently the head of the Far East Branch and the new principal of Saint Freya Academy. What do you think about that, Lady Theresa?"

This statement from Ana seemed rather peculiar, didn't it? Indeed, it was.

She was testing Theresa, trying to gauge whether she had truly matured. After hearing all these revelations, if Theresa could still trust her, then it would be genuine trust indeed.

Otherwise, enduring another betrayal later on would simply be disheartening.

As expected, upon hearing Ana's words, Theresa's expression flickered with uncertainty, while Raiden Mei looked puzzled, unsure of Ana-sensei's intentions.

"If Teacher Ana only wanted the android, there was no need to mention those additional details..."

Meanwhile, Bronya relied on technological means to verify the truthfulness of Ana's statements. However, after Rita's intensive training, Ana had become a master at controlling her expressions, leaving no room for suspicion.

"You're also searching for Kiana's whereabouts..."

"Yes, but not entirely."

Ana replied mildly.

"Otto wishes to locate her, but I believe it's unnecessary."

"No matter how Kiana struggles, the Herrscher of the Void's will inevitably awaken. It is a past she cannot escape and a reality she cannot defy."

"Therefore, finding her was always just a matter of time."

There was truth in Ana's words; eventually, Kiana would have to act. Whether for survival or by hiding cowardly and risking being consumed, her actions would invariably trigger Honkai Energy reactions, revealing her presence.

For Ana, reacquiring Kiana's location would be effortless. In fact, as long as Kiana remained in Shenzhou, Ana could track her solely through her Wind Authority.

"...," Theresa fell silent, sensing that Ana was right.

On the other hand, Raiden Mei appeared visibly agitated.

"No, we won't let that happen! We'll find Kiana first and save her!"

"How do you plan to save her? Through your bonds with each other? With Anti-Entropy's insignificant technology? Or perhaps relying on love to sway her?" Ana impatiently interrupted Raiden Mei.

In truth, neither Theresa nor anyone from Anti-Entropy truly knew how to rescue Kiana. The ones who fully understood were members of the World Serpent.

And Kevin, that enigmatic guy, never speaks straightforwardly; Raiden Mei is also clueless, ultimately leading to their confrontation.

Although it felt emotionally moving when watching the promotional video, such actions were genuinely foolish.

Even if you've fallen into darkness, couldn't you just communicate clearly and discuss things properly? And you, Mr. Enigma Kevin, why can't you use simpler language for once? Maybe even guide these youngsters better?

Kiana repeatedly asked for explanations, but you, Raiden Mei, refused to explain. You thought by shouldering everything yourself, you were being noble, but it was entirely unnecessary.

In Ana's view, that entire scene was purely a drama caused by poor communication. Yes, only a drama because had they truly talked it out, it wouldn't have unfolded like that.

"Come on, Raiden Mei, at least try to be more rational."

At present, Raiden Mei's desperation to save someone overshadowed her lack of strength, making her more of a liability than help.

"So, Theresa, what's your choice?" After reprimanding Raiden Mei, Ana shifted her gaze towards Theresa. Although she already knew the likely answer, she hoped for a change of heart.

I know what you're thinking: Isn't this Ana's fault again? If she hadn't said those things earlier, Theresa would have undoubtedly handed over the android. Haven't we discussed this already?

"No, I cannot give her to you," Theresa firmly shook her head.

"Even if I possess the strength to forcibly take her and the capability to protect her?" Ana sighed.

Theresa fell silent once more.

Indeed, against Rita, she had no chance at all. If Rita intended to abduct the android, there was little Theresa could do.

Now, facing Ana, recalling the combat prowess she displayed earlier...

The three of them combined couldn't stand a single blow from Ana, yet despite this overwhelming power disparity, Ana chose to negotiate with Theresa, the traitor of Schicksal, rather than resorting to force immediately.

Clearly, for Ana, taking direct action would have been far more efficient... This time, Theresa began to waver slightly.

Unfortunately, Ana decided not to grant them any further opportunities.

Did you really think Ana was desperate to seize the android? For her, it's like holding onto a hot potato. Taking possession of Gray Serpent's merchandise would only invite trouble.

Eventually, Gray Serpent would come after her for this, likely demanding significant compensation.

In other words, if not for these dimwits like Theresa, Ana wouldn't have bothered with such a thankless task. Wouldn't it be better to pretend nothing happened and enjoy a date with Rita instead?

Regardless, this android was a ticking time bomb—a time bomb only Ana could defuse.

"Fine, fine. Since you're willing to embrace that ticking time bomb, go ahead. I wish you luck in minimizing losses when it inevitably explodes."

With those parting words, Ana waved dismissively, not waiting for their reactions, and swiftly vanished into the night.

"S..."

Just as Theresa was about to agree to hand over the android to Ana, she had already disappeared from sight, leaving Theresa with a wry smile.

"Principal, according to Bronya's analysis, the probability of the android being a literal ticking time bomb is zero," Bronya stated matter-of-factly nearby.

"I doubt that's what she meant, though." Theresa scratched her cheek, feeling somewhat awkward. "Let's still have both doctors examine it thoroughly upon our return."

"And hopefully, we'll receive news about Kiana soon..."