Honkai Impact: I, The Herrscher of Ice, Am Loved By Players

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Nevertheless, Fu Hua followed Ana's instructions.

As Fu Hua walked away, Ana's lips curved into a faint smile.

"She's fiercely determined, driven by her commitment to the people. So if possible, assist her as much as you can without worrying about my mission." As Ana spoke, she casually picked up a bottle of wine from the counter.

"Yes, Lady Ana," Ghost replied respectfully, now feeling a profound admiration for Ana. In intelligence operations, while their bases are typically crucial and should not be abandoned under normal circumstances, higher authority figures could override these rules when necessary.

However, if someone with higher authority demands it, abandoning the outpost and exerting maximum effort becomes permissible.

Here, Fu Hua held such authority but not entirely, as Ana was also conducting missions within this region. Thus, Ana's decision meant that Ghost could fully support Fu Hua's mission without reservation.

As old partners and friends, they understood each other's character and habits well. Naturally, Ghost did not wish for any harm to come to Ana.

"What about you, Lady Ana?"

Concern and apprehension flickered in Ghost's eyes. The task level and requirements communicated from Bishop Otto clearly indicated that Lady Ana's mission was more perilous and crucial.

"It's no issue; I'm quite familiar with this area and won't require your assistance." Ana waved her hand dismissively.

At the same time, Fu Hua emerged, dressed in efficient combat attire. Although termed "combat," it resembled casual wear with only minimal defensive capabilities. However, both Ana and Ghost knew that Fu Hua didn't truly need substantial defense; most attacks couldn't even land on her, and her MANTIS physiology allowed her to ignore many assaults effortlessly.

"Let's move!" Fu Hua declared firmly to Ana.

Nodding, Ana led the way ahead while discreetly taking two bottles of wine from Ghost's counter. Notably, although there was funding for constructing this outpost, the purchase of such beverages typically came out of the Valkyries' own pockets.

In essence, Ana essentially stole Ghost's property.

However, perhaps due to being genuinely frightened earlier, Ghost didn't notice Ana absconding with the two bottles of wine. Of course, it's also possible that she simply dared not voice her anger.

Once outside, Ana casually tucked one bottle away.

One bottle would suffice for her father-in-law; any more would be cumbersome to carry. As for the second bottle, she planned to save it as a greeting gift for Raven, knowing his fondness for alcohol.

Now, regarding accusations of freeloading, how could it be seen as such? It's clearly hush money and protection fees. Aside from the potential fallout if Theresa or Otto discovered Ghost's transformation ability, just the prospect of Fu Hua and Siegfried clashing could jeopardize the entire outpost.

Taking merely two bottles of wine to smooth things over is hardly significant.

At least, by doing so, she preserved the tavern and safeguarded her salary. What do you mean, Fu Hua wouldn't fight Siegfried? Come on, isn't using Fenghuang Down necessary then? Isn't that still protecting Fu Hua?

"The friend you mentioned is..." Fu Hua began but was immediately drawn to the surging Honkai Energy before her.

Standing amidst this energy was a silver-haired man exuding an overpowering and terrifying aura, even Fu Hua felt threatened by it.

This sense of danger differed from what she experienced with Ana; Ana's presence was persistent and relentless, making for a formidable opponent, while the man before her radiated an intensity akin to raging flames, suggesting any battle would inevitably result in mutual devastation.

"Father-in-law! Catch!" Ana strode towards Siegfried and casually tossed him the bottle of liquor.

Siegfried caught it without hesitation, skipped pleasantries, and gulped down the rum as if drinking water. In no time, the bottle lay empty, echoing with the sound of its draining.

"You're late, Ana." The man wiped the alcohol from his lips with a hearty gesture, then nonchalantly flung the bottle away, leaving it scattered on the distant ground.

Internally, Ana silently mourned for the city's sanitation workers before smiling. "Fu Hua needed to change clothes, which took some time."

"Fu Hua, I believe there's no need for introductions here?" Despite her words, Ana still grinned and chimed in.

"My father-in-law!"

The speaker might not have intended anything, but the listener took it seriously.

Fu Hua scrutinized Siegfried before her, then glanced at Ana beside herself, feeling somewhat puzzled inside.

Fu Hua had little recollection of Bishop Otto's antics during the Second Honkai Eruption. Unaware that the real Kiana was Bianka, she only knew the current Kiana as an imposter.

So, she recalled the interactions between Ana and Kiana... Hmm, although somewhat peculiar, it wasn't entirely incomprehensible. Yet, something felt off.

If this were truly Kiana, Ana seemed surprisingly nonchalant; but if not, then...

"Hello, Mr. Siegfried."

"However, isn't this place rather inappropriate for your presence? As one of the three top targets personally wanted by Bishop Otto, your head carries quite a hefty price."

"Ha ha, are you planning to capture me and bring me back, beautiful young lady?"

Siegfried chuckled with narrowed eyes, appearing quite relaxed.

"Hey, hey, father-in-law, please show some respect to Miss Fu Hua. She is none other than the Red Kite Immortal who has guarded Shenzhou for millennia. Even with only a fraction of her former strength, she could easily leave both of you battered and bruised. And let me tell you, regardless of our future family ties, I won't come to your aid then."

Ana frowned slightly, her tone exasperated. Despite their seemingly friendly banter, there was an undercurrent of caution and tension between them.

"So she's the legendary immortal from tales? My apologies, truly didn't recognize you at first," Siegfried responded, his eyes lighting up upon hearing Ana's introduction. He knew Fu Hua wasn't ordinary, but he hadn't anticipated such a significant figure - the Red Kite Immortal of Shenzhou, whom he himself had once sought after following ancient legends.

Unfortunately, his search proved fruitless, never expecting to encounter her under these circumstances.

"Well, since we're on the topic, allow me to be brief; let's start with Cocolia's plan."

Siegfried revealed Cocolia's plan to Fu Hua, but only so much. This left Ana somewhat disappointed; despite her clear hints, Siegfried still didn't trust Fu Hua enough.

However, it wasn't surprising.

Even after their lengthy conversation, Siegfried hadn't disclosed the truth about the Second Honkai Eruption to Ana herself. Perhaps he believed that such burdens and grudges were his alone to bear and resolve.

He didn't wish to involve others, even if he couldn't achieve his goals by himself.

Of course, another possibility was that he couldn't guarantee both Fu Hua and Ana would believe him entirely.

At this thought, Ana felt an increased pang of sympathy for Siegfried. Despite enduring unimaginable pain, he chose to suppress his hatred and carry the weight alone.

She pursed her lips, a new idea forming in her mind.

"If you want to save those innocent people, take this iron box."

With that, Siegfried tossed a small box towards Fu Hua.

"The contents can neutralize the Honkai Energy reaction triggered by the gemstone."

Fu Hua caught the box, holding it firmly in her hand before asking, "How do you know about Cocolia's plan, and where did you get this box?"

"I have some friends within Anti-Entropy who aren't too fond of Cocolia's actions."

With that, Siegfried sighed and turned to gaze off into the distance.

"It wouldn't be prudent for me to act openly, so I'm counting on you."

Seeing Siegfried about to leave, Fu Hua hastily called out to stop him.

"Wait! I have one question."

"Why entrust this task to me? Do you really trust me that much?"

"The Red Kite Immortal of Shenzhou kept her promise and protected it for millennia. How could I not trust someone like that?" Siegfried smiled as he glanced back at her.

"But Ana just mentioned that earlier; it doesn't count as a valid reason."

"I've actually been secretly observing your actions with Kiana all along," Siegfried continued. "I believe you're truly a kind-hearted Valkyrie, and you will undoubtedly make the right choice."

With those words, Siegfried waved goodbye and walked away.

Ana watched Siegfried's receding figure, then looked at Fu Hua standing beside her.

"Well, Fu Hua, I need to take care of something, so I'll be going now. See you later! If you ever need help, don't hesitate to call me—I'm sure I can assist! Bye!"

Waving farewell, Ana followed Siegfried's path, leaving Fu Hua alone amidst her confusion.

Siegfried hadn't strayed far and naturally noticed Ana catching up to him. Given their previous interactions, he still held considerable trust in her.

"Wait, Mr. Siegfried!"

"Do you need something else, Ana?" Siegfried paused, turning around to face her with a hint of caution in his eyes. Although subtle, even he sensed a formidable threat emanating from Ana.

"Um, actually, you're currently in great danger," Ana stammered, struggling to articulate her thoughts clearly. This situation was genuinely challenging for her to explain.

Could she tell him that she came from beyond this world, knew his future, and wanted to help? It would sound utterly absurd upon hearing it.

"I'm aware; that's why I'll leave swiftly. Thank you for your concern and...your condolences." Even Siegfried didn't anticipate Ana approaching him with such words. Recalling the two children from his memories, his heart swelled with emotion.

"No, the danger I speak of isn't immediate; it comes from... your ancestor."

After a moment's hesitation, Ana decided to reveal more.

"Your ancestor?"

Siegfried couldn't help but recall the man who granted him power during the Second Honkai Eruption to defeat a Herrscher. However, he didn't immediately believe her.

Matters concerning Kevin were beyond the knowledge of ordinary Valkyries like Ana. Even Schicksal's S-rank Valkyries might be kept in the dark, right?

"Yes, your ancestor, Kevin Kaslana, is not dead. Due to certain reasons, he currently resides hidden away, beyond this world."

"I learned this through one of the Pioneers, his former companion named Su."

Siegfried remained silent, but deep down, he believed most of what she said.

Information about Kevin should only be known by the Stigmata Awakened individuals within the Kaslana family. Moreover, the Kaslanas likely wouldn't disclose such details to Schicksal, meaning Otto would have no way of knowing.

Siegfried had indeed come across references to these Pioneers and Su within the materials compiled by Anti-Entropy's doctors.

"The Judgment of Shamash you hold is the Divine Key he once wielded, holding great significance for him. If he returns, his subordinate will undoubtedly seek it from you."

"Then I'll simply return it to him."

Siegfried didn't have strong attachments to the Judgment of Shamash; if not for needing its power currently, he would have already handed it over for research by the scientists.

"It's not that simple. His subordinate was created by another doctor from the previous civilization as a bioengineered being, defying conventional logic. Additionally, hasn't Kevin placed certain expectations on you?" Ana continued.

While much of her knowledge stemmed from the transmigrator's memories, she also gleaned some insights from Su earlier, providing solid reasons and plausible cover.

This time, Siegfried fell silent instead of responding immediately. However, this silence represented his tacit agreement.

If Siegfried didn't harbor hope and expectations, he wouldn't have chosen to assist her. Now, with Judgment of Shamash in his possession, if Ana's words were true, everything she proposed could indeed be possible.

"What do you propose we do?"

At this moment, Siegfried set aside his nonchalant demeanor, genuinely recognizing Ana as an equal counterpart. Although young, her capabilities were undeniably impressive.

Moreover, it hadn't taken long after his own awakening before becoming Schicksal's S-Class Valkyrie. Thus, he believed that Ana must have experienced some extraordinary encounter herself.

"I wish for you to entrust me with the Judgment of Shamash at that crucial time!" Ana stated firmly.

"I understand him better than you; I carry the promise of his closest friend. More importantly, I comprehend his subordinates and know his organization."

"Furthermore, by then, I will be even stronger than you, regardless of whether you utilize your hidden power or not."

Seeing Ana's resolute expression, Siegfried's pupils contracted slightly. She truly knew everything, including what he had kept concealed.

Despite this, Siegfried remained hesitant.

This was the future he would soon face, the burden he needed to carry. As Schicksal's S-Class Valkyrie destined by fate, it was his responsibility, not something to be entrusted to a child—she... wasn't even older than Kiana yet.

"There's no need for undue pressure, Siegfried. The future ultimately belongs to us!"

"No matter the cost, we will surely overcome Honkai and protect this era that is rightfully ours."

"This is my promise, our pledge—to all of you!"

In that moment, a thought also began to take root in Ana's mind...