In Honkai with Tom Cat

Responsibility and pride.

Hearing Kiana's response didn't stir much within Li Huan.

While he didn't dislike such youthful and passionate answers, they didn't particularly move him either.

If he had heard something like this a few years ago while still in high school, he might have felt a rush of excitement.

Even though he was not yet twenty, a few years of being tempered by society had made it difficult for his worldview to return to the idealistic days of his school years.

It's not that his mentality had aged; rather, he had become more pragmatic and self-serving.

Helping Kiana fight the Herrscher of Thunder, especially when there was a risk involved, didn't seem particularly worthwhile.

While it might sound unethical, it's a realistic perspective.

Even though Li Huan could be considered a good person, when faced with a situation that could endanger his life, his priority was naturally his own safety.

Even if it meant a guilty conscience.

"So, are you going to help me or not?" Kiana frowned and asked, "You've been standing there in a daze for several minutes."

Li Huan snapped back to reality and said, "About that... to be honest, it sounds pretty dangerous."

He stroked his chin, trying to be diplomatic. "I'm not exactly a fighter, more of a punching bag. Tom is just an ordinary cat..."

"Hey! That's not what we agreed on!" Kiana frowned deeper. "I wasted precious time saving people to deal with your issues, and now that I've helped you, you're going to back out?"

"Well, that's not what I meant. I just—"

"Let me make this clear," Kiana interrupted Li Huan roughly, "I asked for your help because I had no other choice."

"What do you mean?"

"It's been about an hour since I last encountered her. Now that another hour has passed, who knows what's happened to her by now?" Kiana spoke in a solemn tone. "If she has fully transformed into a Herrscher, I probably won't be able to defeat her."

"Besides, don't think that staying out of this will save you. If she completes her transformation, she'll likely wipe out anyone still alive in this city, and you won't escape that fate."

Li Huan was left speechless by her argument.

"Moreover, if we succeed in stopping her, we might gain a valuable ally."

"Hmm..."

While Li Huan was still deep in thought, a notification suddenly popped up from the system in front of him.

[Side Quest: Defeat the Herrscher of Thunder]

[Quest Objective: Defeat the Herrscher of Thunder alongside Kiana Kaslana]

[Quest Reward: Two guaranteed rare gear or skill draws]

[Quest Description: Herrscher! Herrscher! The power of a Herrscher is supposed to be unstoppable! — At least, that's how it usually is. However, the Third Herrscher, the Herrscher of Thunder, seems to have some peculiarities. In her incomplete state, she is not invincible. Brave youth! Create a miracle with your companion.]

"I'm in," Li Huan replied instantly, without hesitation.

This is the dirty but straightforward logic of the adult world: where there's a reward, risks can be ignored.

Two rare gear or skill draws would greatly enhance Li Huan's abilities. With the enhancements from just the ancient martial arts and the Hope Bloom running shoes, getting two more abilities or pieces of gear would provide him with plenty of self-defense capabilities.

The idea was almost too good to pass up.

Besides, he had already promised to help her. Now that he had a valid reason, it would also ease his conscience.

[You're such a scumbag, you know that?]

Shut up, system.

"Why did you suddenly agree so readily?" Kiana tilted her head suspiciously. "Something feels fishy."

"It's just your imagination."

Li Huan laughed it off. "We already agreed to be allies, helping each other out. What's the harm in going with you?"

"Alright then, I appreciate it."

Kiana didn't press further. Now that he had agreed, they were all set.

But just as the two had reached an agreement, a new problem arose.

"So, even though we're all set, how do you plan on finding the Herrscher of Thunder?"

Hearing this question, Kiana smiled easily. "Oh, that? Just over there."

She raised her hand, pointing in a direction. "On that rooftop."

Li Huan followed her gesture.

He saw thick clouds, wild winds, and occasional lightning strikes hitting the rooftop of a nearby school building.

"With such a big commotion, even an idiot could find her."

"Uh... I see."

Li Huan felt a bit embarrassed. The display was as obvious as wearing a sign around one's neck that said, "I'm a big target."

"Anyway, let's head over there first. We can figure out our battle plan when we arrive."

After saying this, Kiana began heading toward the school building.

Watching Kiana leave, Li Huan shrugged and called out to Tom before following her.

After about ten minutes, the two of them, along with the cat, arrived at the base of the school building.

This was the senior building, not far from the junior building where they had been. They got there quickly.

Since Kiana hadn't been to the senior building before, it seemed there were still quite a few Honkai zombies inside.

As a result, the two of them and the cat hid in the bushes in front of the building to discuss their plan.

"Alright, let's go over the plan," Kiana said, addressing both Li Huan and Tom. "We'll storm the building and head straight to the rooftop."

"Hey, are you sure this half-baked plan will work?"

Li Huan looked at the building, concerned. "There are probably a lot of zombies in there. Can the three of us really break through?"

"What's there to be afraid of? They're all low-level grunts with combat power below 5," Kiana said confidently. "As long as you don't hold me back, we can storm through with no problem. The real challenge will be dealing with the Herrscher afterward."

"That sounded pretty cool. But how do you plan to fight the Herrscher?"

"Well..." Kiana said as she unlocked her guns and loaded the bullets. "We'll figure that out once we're up there."

"I'll say it again," Li Huan looked at Kiana, who was only armed with two guns and no protective gear, "Are you sure this is safe?"

"It's safe. Big guns, big guys! Let's go!"

With her twin guns in hand, Kiana leaped out of the bushes, charging toward the school building with a fierce determination.