Honkai: Strijder

"...So, stinky old man, you still plan to leave, huh?"

Even in the most blissful reunion, there comes a moment when it's time to part ways.

As the firewood in the bonfire gradually burned out and the flames no longer provided warmth, Kiana seemed to sense something and her smile dimmed.

Siegfried flew his hand through her soft silver hair, looking into her eyes filled with worry and care, and sighed:

"Yeah, you figured it out?"

"You said you've been silently taking care of me for a long time, always following behind me without showing yourself. And with this arm... You must be going to do something dangerous but necessary, right?"

"Yeah. You've grown up, Kiana."

Mostly, she seemed to have become smarter. Was it due to all the experiences she went through? Siegfried thought, feeling a sense of guilt and tenderness.

"I can't not go... No, I promised myself that I would come back and see you!"

Kiana initially wanted to persuade him not to go, but she also understood Siegfried's determination.

So, she changed it into a command, or rather, a heartfelt wish.

A glimmer of moisture shimmered in Kiana's eyes.

Siegfried nodded firmly, embracing her, and said:

"Kiana, I promise you, I will definitely come back. And remember one thing, no matter what happens in the future, always remember that I love you, and you are my acknowledged daughter... Never doubt that."

"Okay!"

Kiana held onto Siegfried, feeling the warmth she had missed for so long, and her eyelids grew heavy.

After the training during the day, both her physical and mental energy were exhausted, and experiencing the intense emotional fluctuations of seeing Siegfried again only added to that fatigue.

In this moment, nestled in her father's warm embrace, she finally let go of everything and peacefully entered the realm of dreams.

...

After a long while, Sigurd and Welt walked out of the darkness.

Sigurd set up a new stack of firewood, reigniting the dwindling bonfire. Then he said:

"Do you plan to save the real Kiana?"

"...How do you seem to know everything?"

Sigurd complained, stroking his daughter's head, wearing an expression of helplessness.

Welt stirred the charcoal, calmly replying:

"Your life will be at stake."

"Hey! Have a little faith in me! I'm strong!"

Siegfried rolled his eyes, feeling a bit displeased.

But Sigurd didn't pay attention to his sarcastic remark and continued calmly:

"Otto is wary of your powers. But hiding and avoiding him is different from directly opposing him. If you hide, he won't deliberately come after you. But if you openly confront him, Otto won't hesitate; he will simply kill you. Even so, you still want to go?"

"...I have to go. Kiana, I mean the Kiana over there, with you taking care of her, I can leave with peace of mind. Now, my life has only one goal—to save my other daughter, no matter the cost!"

Siegfried replied resolutely, his tone brooking no argument.

Sigurd looked at him, fell silent for a moment, and asked:

"Can't you wait a little longer?"

It wasn't Sigurd but Welt who finally spoke up, hesitating to give his friend advice.

Siegfried frowned, realizing that Welt probably wouldn't have any serious plans, and in fact, plans would likely be ineffective against Otto.

Welt wanted to ask Siegfried to wait a few more years until he grew strong enough, but could Siegfried wait?

"I can't. Kiana, I mean the Kiana over there, will take care of me, and I can leave without worries. Now, my life has only one purpose—to rescue my other daughter, no matter the cost!"

Siegfried replied firmly, evoking a sigh from Welt, who couldn't find any more words.

As a friend, Welt would willingly accompany Siegfried into dangerous situations without hesitation. But before being a friend, he was the leader of Anti-Entropy.

Provoking the World Serpent would mean an all-out war with Otto, a consequence that no one could bear.

Welt carried many burdens on his shoulders, burdens that were too heavy for him to smile and tell Siegfried, "It's okay, let's go together."

Welt shook his head firmly.

"We'll make good use of this. Siegfried, take care, I'm leaving."

"Alright, thank you guys. If possible, help me find out where the other Kiana is located; that would be the greatest help to me! Goodbye!"

Siegfried waved his hand nonchalantly, bidding farewell to Welt as he watched him fade into the distance.

Afterward, only Sigurd and Siegfried remained by the bonfire, able to converse with each other in privacy.

Sigurd had nothing to say. He had wanted to ask why Siegfried gave the name "Kiana" to the other Kiana, but he realized that there was no need to ask anymore.

The other Kiana already had that name, and it was up to Siegfried himself to explain how things would be in the future... It was all Siegfried's responsibility to resolve.

Siegfried pondered for a moment and said:

"Thanks for everything today... No, for taking care of Kiana all this time, Sigurd."

"It's nothing, I'm willing to do it."

Indeed, although he often complained and appeared repulsed, Sigurd had already become accustomed to seeing that foolish and carefree smile every day.

Taking care of Kiana was troublesome and dangerous, but Sigurd had come to enjoy it.

"I may have to rely on you in the future."

"Sure."

"By the way, if... I mean, if something happens to me and I can't come back... When it's time for your wedding, remember to let me know."

"...How can I possibly marry her?"

Sigurd looked at Siegfried with an incredulous expression, then glanced at the little white haired tuna, rolling his eyes in disdain.

Siegfried scratched his head, chuckled, and didn't say anything more.

Certain things, at the time, may not be apparent to the parties involved.

But Siegfried had been through it all before.

He could clearly see the unwavering trust and reliance Kiana had in Sigurd, and he could see the tenderness that only appeared in Sigurd's gaze towards Kiana.

These were matters between young people, and Siegfried touched Kiana's head, smiled, and only wished them well in his heart.

"I hope that in a few years, you'll still be as strong as you are now, Kiana."

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