Honkai Simulator: Start with Confessing to The Herrscher of Finality

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There was more than one way to free Wendy from the Herrscher Gem's influence beyond surgery alone.

Rin explained, "I have memories related to Herrschers, which suggest that each Herrscher's Authority is unique. By replicating the Authority of the Gem of Desire through information transfer, and with sufficient Honkai Energy, we can create a new Herrscher."

"In that case, the girl you're worried about wouldn't face any harm."

The method she proposed mirrored Kevin's approach when he had Raiden Mei assist Kiana.

It involved contesting for the Herrscher's Authority.

A Herrscher's Authority is inherently singular, representing the extreme manifestation of physical laws. Theoretically, Rin's suggestion seemed entirely feasible...

But how did she know this? Xia Chen couldn't help but wonder, "Is this from the Herrscher of Corruption's memories or your own?"

"Does it make a difference?" Rin asked, slightly puzzled.

Being still young, she softly questioned, "Did I say something wrong?"

"No, you didn't. In fact, you've reminded me of something." Xia Chen's eyes narrowed slightly. "However, there aren't many suitable vessels for a Herrscher. Apart from natural-born Stigmata bearers, the only one capable of containing the Gem of Desire would be me."

A conflicted expression flickered across his gaze.

This was no joking matter.

It wasn't as simple as equipping the Gem of Desire in a game and calling it done. Despite having confidence in his body's resilience, he lacked certainty when facing the gemstone, not daring to even touch it.

Kiana possesses Schariac bloodline and Sirin's genes, whereas he has none of those advantages. Although the system granted him courage to face anything, it didn't mean he could dismiss all concerns effortlessly.

Realizing his internal conflict, Xia Chen shook his head and declined.

"Let's discuss this later." He paused and then added, "My fear feeds Honkai perfectly, as negative emotions are its best nourishment."

Xia Chen possessed unwavering willpower, honed through multiple deaths.

Despite this, he remained cautious and indecisive about handling the gemstone. Injecting it while harboring such conflicted feelings would almost certainly transform him into a Herrscher—an outcome akin to fate's decree.

It was truly unimaginable how Wendy endured her torment. Any emotional lapse could have turned the entire Oceanic Branch to ashes, yet she persisted for two years, which itself was astonishing.

Xia Chen felt both a sense of disappointment, as if falling just short of success, and relief at having survived against all odds.

He acknowledged honestly, "Even after experiencing countless simulation scenarios, I still harbor deep fears."

In that moment, his courage to face everything seemed to vanish entirely.

At this realization, Xia Chen deeply admired those individuals who, with unyielding determination and fearless hearts, strove to conquer Honkai.

Death is something one can never fully reconcile with, no matter how many times faced.

The data extracted from the simulation scenarios wasn't entirely useless. At least Nagamitsu confirmed that aside from Herrscher Core transfer techniques, there were other research findings worth considering.

Xia Chen remained indifferent to this revelation.

To his relief, Otto didn't make any trouble over it, not even questioning him further.

As Ana had mentioned, Otto's heart was indeed broad-minded.

As long as matters did not involve Kallen, he could tolerate everything. Or rather, anything related to Xia Chen seemed of little concern to him.

Whether Xia Chen was a spy or a visitor from another world bubble, currently, neither seemed to factor into Otto's plans.

Thus, they held no significance for him.

The next day, Xia Chen appeared at the training ground as usual.

Following his routine workout, which now merely helped maintain his abilities without regression, he felt content with sustaining this level.

After exercising, Xia Chen sought out Wendy.

Today, Wendy clearly looked refreshed and dressed in new attire, shedding her usual somber appearance for a bright and cheerful demeanor, akin to a radiant young girl.

His stirring desires intensified even more.

Wendy smiled and asked, "Do you like these clothes?"

"Uh, what's going on?" Xia Chen was puzzled.

Wendy appeared significantly livelier than yesterday, but it caught him off guard.

"It's thanks to Gretel," she explained. "Yesterday, she contacted me, suggesting I should try something completely different from before."

Wendy paused before continuing, "For example, trying on new clothes, experiencing a romantic relationship, or feeling the warmth of a kiss."

The girl seemed somewhat unfamiliar with these things, blushing as she mentioned them.

She hesitated and then said, "I can change into new clothes by myself, but for the rest, I probably won't get the chance."

A momentary sadness flickered across Wendy's eyes in her wheelchair. "This dress was specially tailored for me by Gretel, but I wonder how long I'll be able to wear it?"

How much time did she have left? Even Wendy wasn't sure.

Her Honkai-infected body had become numb, while the sense of defiance relentlessly tormented her heart day and night.

Even Wendy didn't know when she might finally succumb; perhaps that day was not far off.

Xia Chen fell silent.

"Let me push you outside."

"No need," Wendy smiled. "Since I'm wearing this new outfit, I'd rather not risk getting it dirty. It's such a thoughtful gesture from Gretel. Staying here today is fine."

She possessed so little that every gift from others held immense value in her memory.

Involuntarily, Xia Chen apologized, "Sorry, I didn't think about that."

"It's alright," Wendy reassured him.

After their exchange, an awkward silence fell between them.

The young boy regretted his clumsy words, wishing he could share a story or even a joke to ease the tension. Even those dry jokes would bring Wendy joy for a long time.

He felt an urge to escape.

Unexpectedly, Wendy broke the silence, "Can I... try kissing you?"

Her sudden question startled Xia Chen.

Seeing the bold determination in her eyes, he couldn't help but agree.

Perhaps she simply wanted to experience something she had always yearned for but never could before.

Like a prince from a fairy tale, Xia Chen slowly leaned towards Wendy.

She instinctively closed her eyes.

The sensation of kissing wasn't as enchanting as described in storybooks. Instead, it felt more like meaningless entanglement.

Yet, inexplicably, Wendy sensed a newfound lightness in her heart.

She opened her eyes, a hint of confusion flashing across them.

To her surprise, her Honkai-infected feet, previously numb, were gradually regaining sensation.

Meanwhile, Xia Chen was experiencing immense pain.

"Eat her!"

"Eat her!"

It felt as if every cell in his body was screaming; his being urged his consciousness to obtain that coveted Herrscher Core.

He wanted to consume her.