In Honkai with Tom Cat

It took Li Huan five minutes to pry Tom off his back, where the cat had latched on tightly.

If he had been alone, it would have been a real hassle, but with Kiana helping from behind, the task became much easier.

"So, you're saying you saw a ghost at the end of the corridor, right?"

Tom nodded vigorously, so fast that it almost created afterimages.

Meanwhile, Kiana returned from the corridor and reported, "I went to check. There was nothing there."

"Are you sure? Nothing at all?"

"Absolutely nothing. I even checked both rooms on the sides. There were no signs of anything, no traces at all."

Li Huan and Kiana exchanged puzzled glances, both seeing the same confusion reflected in the other's eyes.

"I'm telling you, could there really be something supernatural going on here?"

"It's possible. After all, this is related to the Honkai, and anything is possible in that context."

"Tom, did you really see something?" Li Huan asked, turning to the cat.

Tom immediately placed one paw on its chest, signaling that it wasn't mistaken.

"...What should we do now?" Li Huan pondered for a moment and then stood up.

"Let's continue to the rooftop and face the Herrscher," he decided.

"And what about that strange ghostly figure? You're just going to ignore it?" Kiana asked.

Li Huan continued up the stairs, "What can we do? We don't even know where it is. Let's focus on what's in front of us first."

"Our primary objective is the Herrscher of Thunder. We'll deal with everything else later."

Kiana hesitated for a moment but then followed him. Seeing its owner move on, Tom quickly decided it didn't want to stay in the creepy corridor and hurried to catch up with them.

The trio continued moving towards the rooftop without stopping. As they passed through the floors, they noticed more and more signs of battle, just like before.

It was clear that the person who had been here was getting closer to the Herrscher—or perhaps they were already engaged in battle.

Soon, they reached the door to the rooftop.

"We're here. Let me explain a few things first," Kiana began, standing in front of the door while checking the remaining bullets in her guns.

"Based on my last encounter with her, her main ability seems to be just discharging electricity. Aside from that, she doesn't seem to have any other powers. But don't underestimate her—the power she wields is not to be taken lightly. During our last fight, if she hadn't subconsciously held back, she would have blown up the entire floor."

Kiana was referring to the battle that had taken place at the top floor of the second-year building before Li Huan and Tom had arrived.

That battle had ended with Raiden Mei losing control of her consciousness, forcing an interruption. But if it had continued, the rooftop likely would've been obliterated by her lightning.

Hearing this, Li Huan couldn't help but quip, "That sounds like Ash's Pikachu only knowing Thunderbolt…"

Kiana, who had no clue about Pokémon, looked confused. "Huh? Pikachu? Ash? What are you talking about?"

"Never mind the details. So, what's your plan?" Li Huan asked. "You're not thinking of doing what you did downstairs—just rushing in with your guns blazing, right? From what you've said, it sounds like this one's both smart and tough."

"That's one way to put it. Fighting her while trying to close the distance is difficult for me alone... But now that you guys are here, it should be easier."

Li Huan had a bad feeling about this. "Wait, you don't mean…"

"Exactly! You two distract the Herrscher of Thunder, and I'll find an opportunity to attack her from behind."

"Seriously? Your grand plan is to use me as a decoy?!"

"We don't have any other choice! This is the best we can do," Kiana replied loudly. "You guys promised to help me, and now's the time to deliver."

"Tch." Li Huan felt a headache coming on. They were right at the boss door, and backing out now would be cowardly.

Not that it was entirely out of the question.

"I'll play the tank, but leave Tom out of this. Let him stay here as support."

"Fair enough. A cat wouldn't be of much use anyway."

With Kiana's agreement, Li Huan instructed Tom to stay inside and only come out when called. Tom nodded and then curled up in a corner.

"Alright, I'm opening the door. Get ready."

After giving a heads-up, Li Huan placed his hand on the door handle of the rooftop entrance, glanced back at Kiana and Tom, nodded, and then pushed the door open.

A gust of wind blasted through the doorway, forcing them to raise their arms to shield themselves as they stepped onto the rooftop. Once they were outside, the wind calmed slightly.

"Hey? Where is she? I don't see her anywhere! Is anyone here?" Li Huan shouted as he scanned the area, but Raiden Mei was nowhere to be seen.

"She has to be here!" Kiana yelled over the wind. "This is the spot with the highest concentration of Honkai energy! She wouldn't leave here! Unless…"

Before Kiana could finish, a bolt of lightning struck from the clouds, hitting the ground not far in front of them.

The terrifying shockwave and wind nearly blew Li Huan and Kiana off their feet, and Tom clung desperately to Li Huan's waist, becoming a sort of living flag to avoid being swept away.

As the dust settled, a slender figure appeared in front of them.

She was dressed in a black school uniform, with long black purple hair cascading down her back. Her figure was perfectly proportioned, her skin smooth and pale, exuding health and beauty.

Just from her appearance, she was a rare, peerless beauty, completely unlike the mindless Honkai zombies outside. But despite her beauty, there was something unnervingly abnormal about her.

Purple-black lightning crackled around her, and a half-formed purple wing of light emerged from her back. Her hair floated gently, supported by the static energy, exuding an overwhelming sense of power.

Arrogance and disdain were etched into her beautiful face, her purple-black eyes filled with contempt and hostility.

Danger and murderous intent radiated from the girl, washing over Li Huan and Kiana.

There was no doubt—this was the Herrscher of Thunder, Raiden Mei.

"Pathetic humans, here to die again?" she said softly, her gaze fixed on Kiana. "No matter. I just dealt with one fool. Now that you're here, I can settle all scores, new and old."

As she finished speaking, several bolts of black-purple lightning struck down from the sky, exuding immense power.

At this tense moment, Li Huan couldn't help but mutter, "Why does this feel like one of those boss CG cutscenes from a game...?"

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