Added to the Gacha as Rukkhadevata (Honkai Star Rail)

"Herta is really a tough nut to crack..."

Leaving Herta's office, Lumina sighed, recalling the encounter. Herta wasn't as easily swayed as Asta or March 7th. Dealing with her would require a more carefully considered approach, a long-term plan.

[Looks like you've finally met your match.]

The System couldn't suppress its smugness at Lumina's discomfiture.

This touchy-feely fanatic, who always knew exactly how to manipulate beautiful girls' hearts to get what she wanted, had never given the System a moment's amusement.

But now, watching Lumina utterly stumped by Herta, the System was thoroughly entertained.

"My match?" Lumina chuckled as if hearing a joke. "She's just a bit more troublesome. Hardly my match."

"Besides, who said I was out of tricks?" A faint smile curled Lumina's lips as she recalled Herta's expression earlier. "I've already achieved my goal..."

[?]

Too lazy to explain to the System, Lumina slowly gathered Path power in her hand. A green light coalesced into a ring, radiating an aura of life.

Tucking the ring away, Lumina strode off, humming a cheerful tune as she set out to find another beautiful girl.

"Little Asta~ I'm coming for you♪"

With Herta dealt with, all that remained was to bid Asta farewell.

When interacting with Herta, Lumina had to be careful not to reveal any weaknesses. If Herta ever exploited such a flaw, Lumina would lose control of the situation—something she absolutely wouldn't allow!

Hmm... No, that wasn't quite right. Whether she was proactive or reactive, as long as she achieved her goals, Lumina didn't mind.

Still, being proactive gave her greater peace of mind. Being reactive was fine for minor matters, but what if she suddenly found herself being manipulated?

Lumina tolerated reactivity, but she would never allow herself to be controlled. The only one who would control others was her!

Indeed, it's best to be cautious when dealing with Herta in the future... Lumina mused silently.

"Asta is so much more reassuring♪"

Just thinking of adorable Asta, whom she could easily handle with one hand, instantly lifted Lumina's spirits.

Watching Asta work at the console in the distance, Lumina's face softened into a faint smile as she glided toward her, her footsteps utterly silent.

"Sister Lumina! Are you... leaving already?"

Just as Lumina was about to approach Asta, the latter seemed to sense her presence and abruptly turned around. Her face lit up with joy at seeing Lumina, but the moment she remembered the reason for Lumina's visit, her expression immediately fell.

Observing Asta's changing emotions, Lumina suppressed a smile and said, "That's right, I came to say goodbye."

"Okay... I'll see you off."

Though Asta didn't say anything aloud, her face betrayed her reluctance to part with her beloved Sister Lumina.

"Mm," Lumina nodded, offering no further explanation.

With Lumina's permission, Asta set aside her work, stepped in front of Lumina, and began leading the way. Lumina followed behind, their silent procession creating a warm and intimate scene.

Perhaps it was the imminent farewell that weighed on their minds, but Asta remained silent throughout the journey, quietly guiding Lumina ahead. Respecting Asta's mood, Lumina remained equally silent.

The journey to the platform passed in silence.

"Sister Lumina, should I find a starship for you?" Asta asked, glancing around the platform after they arrived.

"No need," Lumina replied with a shake of her head, declining Asta's offer. A starship's speed is less than one-tenth of my own. Why would I subject myself to such slow travel?

"I... I..." Asta stared at Lumina, her sakura lips parting slightly as if she wanted to say something. But in the next instant, she closed them again.

"You can tell me anything, Asta," Lumina said gently, noticing Asta's hesitation.

"N-nothing... There's nothing I need to say to Sister Lumina," Asta stammered after a pause, shaking her head.

"Is that so?" Lumina smiled faintly, tilting her head slightly. "Asta has nothing to say to me? But I have so much I want to share with you."

With a playful wink, Lumina launched a mental attack, catching Asta off guard and plunging her into a daze.

A green light flashed in Lumina's hand, revealing a jade-green ring with delicate pink undertones.

The pink highlights didn't disrupt the ring's color balance; instead, they added a touch of sweetness, much like the warm friendship between Lumina and Asta, a bond where they could always embrace each other wholeheartedly.

Lumina offered the ring to Asta with a smile. "This is a Storage Ring. It has a surprisingly spacious interior, and it can be concealed when worn on your finger."

"This is too precious... I..." Asta began, gazing at the ring and fully aware of its immense value.

"You can't refuse! It's a symbol of our friendship."

Before Asta could finish her sentence, Lumina gently pressed a finger against her lips, silencing her.

Asta lowered her gaze to see Lumina's finger.

"If you refuse, I'll be really upset~♪" Lumina withdrew her finger, feigning annoyance.

"..."

Looking at Lumina, Asta felt a surge of warmth in her heart. After a moment's hesitation, she extended her hand.

Instead of taking the ring from Lumina's hand, Asta reached out her own.

Lumina wasn't foolish; Asta's intentions were clear.

But Lumina paid it no mind. It's just a ring, it doesn't mean anything. She took Asta's small hand, pinched the ring between her fingers, and slipped it onto Asta's index finger.

After securing the ring, Lumina smiled gently at Asta.

"It looks beautiful on you."

"Mm..."

"Then I'll be going now?"

"Mm..."

"See you later! ♪" Lumina didn't linger. With a final wave and a warm smile, she turned and left, leaving Asta with only her retreating figure.

"..."

Asta watched Lumina until her silhouette vanished completely. Then, she cradled the ring in her palm, feeling the lingering warmth from Sister Lumina's touch.

"A token of our friendship?"

"I'll treasure it forever..."

-

Asta, on Lumina:

Sister Lumina is such a kind, gentle, and compassionate person. Whenever I'm with her, the exhaustion from work slowly melts away...

She's more like a mother to me than a friend, treating me like her own daughter. She's unconditionally forgiving, fiercely protective, and endlessly caring...

If you ask me if I like this feeling... Well, anything with Sister Lumina is wonderful.

Herta, on Lumina:

From an outsider's perspective, her contributions to the universe are undeniable. She embodies kindness, charity... she's practically the embodiment of all that is good.

But as her friend, I know she's actually a woman with a truly terrible personality.