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

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"Let's go, Cang Luan."

Gently patting the nearby bird, Ana prompted it with a crisp phoenix cry, and as Cang Luan soared into the sky, she too vanished from her spot.

Objectively speaking, Kevin was indeed at his weakest point right now. In the original storyline, he could have relied on the Gem of Desire to regain some energy, but currently, that gemstone is in Ana's possession.

Furthermore, prior to this moment, Kevin had briefly engaged with two Herrschers of Reason, depleting some of his strength. Calculating all these factors, Kevin truly finds himself at his most vulnerable state.

Unfortunately, seizing this opportunity proves exceedingly difficult.

With the Gem of Desire, Ana knew Kevin would appear in Northern Africa. Now, however, she has no idea how Kevin even managed to enter this world without it.

The positioning beacon provided by Anti-Entropy, known to Captains outside the game world, remains a mystery to Ana within it.

Unless, she were to launch an attack on Seabed City and demand answers directly.

Yet, any response she receives would likely hold little significance. Similar to how Ana knew Kevin would emerge in Northern Africa due to being a transmigrator, the Anti-Entropy scientists remained unaware of this information.

Although Version 3.3 served as a transitional update bridging past and future content, it still delivered crucial material to players: a new animated short CG, signaling the imminent arrival of a heavyweight character—Seele's S-rank armor, Stygian Nymph.

With Seele's impressive performance across recent updates, combined with her existing popularity, there was no doubt that the upcoming version would shatter revenue records.

In terms of storyline, the next version would also introduce a fresh chapter, given that the Lord of World Serpent had returned to power!

Inside Brother Cake's live stream room...

As Brother Cake watched Seele in the animation CG, he couldn't help but exclaim.

"Wow, switching between two distinct personalities, that's just too cool!"

Indeed, while other characters had only one persona, Seele now boasted both herself and Black Seele, effectively doubling the enjoyment factor—who could resist?

Seele represented purity and cuteness, whereas Black Seele embodied fiery aggression; with these two versions of Seele, there was bound to be one appealing to every Captain's taste.

"I thought having dual personalities was just for show, never expected Old Mi to go all-in on this!"

[Ha ha ha, Brother Cake is genuinely surprised.]

[Looks like Brother Cake got so caught up with Ana that he completely missed Seele's earlier appearances and some unique traits of A-Class Seele.]

Indeed, the concept of Stygian Nymph was already hinted at with Seele's ultimate ability, giving a sense of personality switching. However, no one anticipated Old Mi to go all out this time, truly combining two characters into a single Valkyrie Armor.

Perhaps it was precisely due to the surprise factor from Stygian Nymph that when Genshin Impact later introduced Fontaine's twin characters, Lyney and Lynette, some players speculated they might actually be the same character.

Consequently, upon their actual release, many Travelers were somewhat disappointed. Nevertheless, the impact wasn't as significant because a substantial number of players had quit following the Sumeru controversies, dampening the overall reaction.

["Wahh, thanks Old Mi! Now I absolutely can't resist pulling for this new armor. Getting two waifus with just one draw, who could say no to that?"]

["Sorry, Ana! I can't save my crystals anymore; Stygian Nymph is just too enticing!"]

As predicted, the version featuring Stygian Nymph saw an explosive surge in revenue, and indeed, it turned out exactly so.

Watching Seele in the trailer, Brother Cake furrowed his brow slightly but remained silent this time. He pondered whether there was a possibility of Ana receiving a similar armor variant. Although it seemed unlikely that Ana could have a dark side, why did he feel there might still be a chance... Absolutely not because he craved such a character!

Meanwhile, in Tianqiong City.

Ana frowned as she heard the system notification chime in her ears.

Hmm, how to put it? Her previous speculation had become reality—due to increased popularity and affection from players, she had earned an opportunity to descend into the real world.

Of course, such a descent came with numerous limitations. For instance, her Authorities would be significantly weakened in reality, the system would provide her with a real-world identity, and there would be strict time constraints on her stay.

"Is this encouraging me to interact with Captains?"

Ana blinked. Breaking the fourth wall to engage with Captains was similar to her previous descent, but this time, the system allowed her true self to enter the real world for genuine interaction.

However, based on the system's instructions, she was also meant to conceal her identity, suggesting that the intended approach might involve official cosplaying events.

Well, the idea of cosplaying herself does sound intriguing.

Currently, though, she was quite busy and couldn't spare the time immediately. Once she resolves the immediate issues and sorts out the mess in Tianqiong City, she could give it a try later.

With these thoughts, Ana composed herself, adopting a cool and indifferent demeanor.

She gazed impassively ahead, noticing a figure holding a black umbrella, clad in a dark hooded sweatshirt with the hood up, appearing not far away, maintaining a distance of approximately ten meters from her.

A crisp phoenix cry echoed as Cang Luan swooped down from above, transforming into human form beside Ana. With a wary eye filled with vigilance, she scrutinized the newcomer.

"Mistress, this individual harbors ill intent," Ana observed calmly.

As a Honkai Beast, Cang Luan had a keen perception of emotions, easily detecting the malevolence emanating from the stranger.

However, Ana waved dismissively, signaling to Cang Luan that there was no need for concern.

Indeed, there wasn't much to worry about now. She had ascended to become the Herrscher of Wind; even if Kevin himself were present, she could effortlessly escape or potentially defeat him. This encounter merely involved the insignificant Gray Serpent.

"What's this? Mr. Gray Serpent, are you ending our collaboration?" Ana asked leisurely.

"No, no, no, esteemed Empress of Wind, I simply wish to represent the World Serpent and propose another deal."

Gray Serpent's tone remained unchanged, causing Ana to furrow her brow slightly. Indeed, she strongly disliked his mannerisms; it always felt infuriatingly condescending.

Previously, they had cooperated due to mutual benefits and reliance on the World Serpent's power. However, with Kevin's return to the World Serpent, its nature fundamentally shifted, making their continued partnership unnecessary.

In other words, she could effortlessly crush the Gray Serpent before her right now, although doing so would serve no purpose.

For Gray Serpent to come alone, he clearly didn't value this particular avatar or perhaps believed there was still room for negotiation.

"Additionally, I wish to extend an invitation on behalf of our great Lord. A powerhouse like you deserves a stage such as the World Serpent."

"For invitations, let Kevin speak himself. You're not worthy enough," Ana replied. Her eyes flashed with azure light, and a sudden gust of wind swept away the black umbrella from Gray Serpent's hand. Naturally, Gray Serpent made no attempt to retrieve it, maintaining his elegant posture, neither submissive nor arrogant.

"As for any deal, if your aim is the Judgment of Shamash, then you can get lost."

"Since they have chosen to leave these Divine Keys with this generation, there's no reason for you to reclaim them. If you intend to forcefully seize them, bring it on!"

As Ana spoke, she drew the Cleaver of Shamash, which transformed into Might of An-Utu under her grip, igniting with raging flames.

"If he truly needs it, he'll come ask me himself. Don't try to curry favor by offering something not rightfully yours; first, assess whether you even qualify!"

Indeed, originally, Ana had planned to use the Judgment of Shamash as leverage in a deal with Kevin. But now, she changed her mind.

As the strongest of this era, it was her duty to carry its banner. She had no reason to fear Kevin unless he directly harnessed the Authority of Finality. Otherwise, at present, their power levels were quite comparable.

Without the Finality's influence, the Professional Kevin did not intimidate her. As for Savior Kevin... my apologies, without access to Finality's power, Kevin cannot reach that level either.

Thus, making a deal with Kevin? Out of the question!

This was her territory now; if he wants to fight, bring it on! If there's any negotiation, Kevin should be the one seeking her out! But would the current Kevin dare to confront her directly?

Without Judgment of Shamash, Kevin's strength could be considered diminished by at least ten percent. Although Ana doesn't gain a full ten percent from its absence, considering their relative strengths, she still holds a slight advantage, approximately fifteen percent.

And that's just the benefit conferred by the lack of Heaven's Fire.

Before fully activating Project Stigma, Kevin won't seize Finality's Authority, meaning she actually has an absolute edge over him currently!

However, to truly surpass Kevin, she needs to reach the level of Finality herself. As they say, king versus king, but for now, she remains merely a pseudo-king.

Defeating a true king hiding his trump cards with the power of a pseudo-king wouldn't count as much of an achievement.

Therefore, realistically, if she were to engage Kevin, both sides would likely maintain restraint, similar to Kevin's fight with Senti. It'd probably end in a draw, each returning to their respective domains.

Unless she could pinpoint Kevin's exact location and confront him head-on, risking everything, it would be impossible to truly defeat him. As the strongest warrior from the previous civilization and humanity's savior, his prowess was not merely for show.

In contrast, Ana was just a minor Herrscher, essentially an ordinary successor standing on the shoulders of those before her.

"My apologies, I spoke out of turn."

Facing Ana's cold demeanor, Gray Serpent showed no hint of dissatisfaction. He could actually guess at Ana's attitude; after all, he was conversing with a Herrscher now.

Herrschers, even those like the Herrscher of Human, possess their own unique pride. Thus, Gray Serpent anticipated that the Lord would subdue Ana, compelling her submission under the World Serpent's authority.

However, what Gray Serpent couldn't have foreseen was that Ana had already ascended as a Transcendent Queen, placing her on par with the Herrscher of Truth. Even if Kevin were to face her, they would likely end up evenly matched.

This wasn't due to Gray Serpent's incompetence but rather because knowledge and research about Transcendent Queens were entirely absent. He had no understanding of Ana's uniqueness; even learning about her becoming the Herrscher of Wind and mastering Judgment of Shamash was solely due to Ana voluntarily revealing it herself.

Gray Serpent believed he had control over everything, but ultimately, he underestimated Ana.

At its core, Ana despised Gray Serpent yet held some admiration for him, allowing her to understand him deeply—no less than she understood Otto.

Who could have imagined that the serpent lurking in shadows would now be stripped bare, exposed completely?

In Ana's opinion, if all else fails, simply releasing Mobius from the Elysian Realm would unquestionably bring Gray Serpent under submission.

While Gray Serpent might defy anyone else, there were two exceptions: Kevin and Mobius, whom he couldn't help but yield to.

"Well then, please allow me to take my leave."

Gray Serpent gracefully performed a gentlemanly bow, turning to depart.

"Hmm, as punishment for your overreach, let me impose a small consequence!"

A hint of mischief laced Ana's voice. Before Gray Serpent could react, Ideal Fluid enveloped him, lifting him effortlessly into the air. This display resembled the gravity control of the Herrscher of Stars.

"Consider this a free ride; you should be grateful, heh heh he—"

Amidst Ana's joyful laughter, Gray Serpent was flung away, encased within the Ideal Fluid, hurtling at terrifying speed towards the distance.

According to Ana's plan, after circling roughly three times along the equator, this fellow would finally plummet into the Sahara Desert in Northern Africa. Throughout the entire journey, Gray Serpent would not die.

Additionally, Ana subtly infused some of Su's power, ensuring that if Gray Serpent attempted to sever his connection with this clone, it would shock his entire mental network.

Kill Gray Serpent? No, no, no, that's the Fool's method of punishment. Her approach now truly embodies the wisdom of a Sage!

"Hmm, perhaps Gray Serpent might even enjoy this experience?" Ana chuckled softly.

Su quietly appeared beside Ana, but instead of speaking, he lifted his head, closed his eyes, and gazed in the direction where Gray Serpent had vanished. Then, placing his hands together, he silently mourned for him.

Naturally, Su knew Gray Serpent well. Even though this incarnation possessed only a fraction of his power and minimal consciousness, the World Serpent was born long before his split with Kevin.

Theoretically, both Su, Kevin, Hua, and Griseo were considered Lords of the World Serpent.

However, Gray Serpent chose the path of Project Stigma, leaving Kevin as the true remaining Lord. Unless, of course, Mobius returned.

Su couldn't say he disliked Gray Serpent; they hadn't interacted much after all. Yet, he did not fully agree with some of Gray Serpent's actions. Out of respect for their past connection, he refrained from voicing his concerns.

Now, witnessing Ana's punishment towards Gray Serpent, it reminded Su of a phrase he once uttered to Dr. Otto within the illusory realm:

"Karma is the fairest law."

"And this, Gray Serpent, is your retribution."