Honkai Diary: Start With Picking Up A White-Haired Treasure

"Little Vera, Papa's here!"

"Wah! It's Papa!"

Vera dashed towards the door with her adorable and amusing running gait, eliciting a warm smile from everyone present.

Simultaneously, Robbins, resembling a giant bear, quickly crouched down and enveloped his daughter in a tender, burly embrace as she approached.

In the next moment, witnessing the heartwarming affection between father and daughter filled Zeke with a strong sense of envy—both being fathers, why is your daughter so sweet?

And as for those simple-minded... hmph!

Zeke took a deep breath, deciding not to watch this overly sentimental interaction any longer. Instead, he quietly sipped his lonely cup of tea.

After a while, Robbins and Vera finally joined Zeke, sitting side by side on the sofa.

"Hmm? Boss, where's Miss Kiana?"

Noticing the unusual tranquility in the room, Robbins looked around but couldn't find the usual lively ball of white hair who was always present.

"Papa, Big Sister Kiana went to the Far East to find her father."

"Huh? She's already left?"

"Yes, she departed last night without even saying goodbye to me..." Vera spoke with a hint of disappointment.

Rubbing his daughter's hair, Robbins comforted her, "It's alright; you'll see her again someday. Besides, with Boss's smartphone, we can video call her anytime!"

"Right! I'll give Big Sister Kiana a call right now!" Vera pulled out her touchscreen phone and promptly dialed Kiana's number—Zeke's invention connected by hacking into major telecom operators' signal towers, requiring no fees or numbers, just direct dialing to specific phones.

Zeke paused momentarily while sipping his tea.

If this call goes through, won't my meticulously crafted excuse unravel? After all, Kiana set off alone; there was no one from Siegfried sent to escort her, and they hadn't coordinated their stories beforehand last night.

However, let it be. This will reveal how far that idiot has wandered and whether she can adapt to traveling solo, which isn't necessarily bad.

"Dial tone... Dial tone..."

After several rings, Vera's call remained unanswered.

"Huh? Why isn't Big Sister Kiana answering?" Vera wondered aloud.

Upon checking her phone again, surprise crossed the little girl's face.

"Big Bro Zeke, look! This phone has no signal."

"Hm?"

Initially skeptical due to the unanswered call, Zeke had been pondering what foolish stunt Kiana might be pulling this time. Hearing Vera's remark, he was taken aback.

That shouldn't be possible! The device he built could withstand falls from high buildings or even immersion in water; it wasn't so fragile as to malfunction easily.

Suddenly, Icarus's voice echoed through nearby speakers:

"My lord, there is an unusual situation."

"Explain."

"The network and communication signals abruptly cut off thirty seconds ago, with all attempts at restoration unsuccessful. Satellite electromagnetic signals interrupted—repair failed. Photovoltaic signals interrupted—repair failed. Wired telecommunication signals interrupted—repair failed... Conclusion: Except within the operational range of certain specialized equipment deployed across the city, this unit has lost its ability to exchange data with the outside world."

A flood of information raced through Zeke's mind.

Firstly, there hadn't been any significant anomalies in regional weather recently, and outer space conditions were stable, ruling out natural disasters as a possibility.

Secondly, there were no unusual developments in international or regional politics, effectively ruling out political and warfare-related factors.

After eliminating these possibilities, two major scenarios remained most likely: either a Herrscher from the relevant domain exerted their power, or an organization with extraordinary capabilities took action—such as Schicksal or Anti-Entropy.

Regarding Herrschers... While one couldn't fully rely on the original storyline, it still served as a highly credible source of information at present. Rationally, Zeke didn't believe that at this time and place, a Herrscher capable of disrupting signals would emerge.

Thus, it could be narrowed down to either Schicksal or Anti-Entropy being involved.

What was their objective?

First, let's rule out any involvement due to himself, since he had just handed over his sensitive inventions related to Honkai Energy. Even if those organizations were to react, it wouldn't happen so swiftly.

Because of Kiana...that also seemed unlikely.

Considering all angles, two possibilities emerged: Either both organizations decided to clash here, cutting off communications for secrecy or to disrupt enemy command; or... Although a Major Honkai Eruption shouldn't occur yet, attacks by Honkai Beasts on cities were not uncommon.

A sudden realization struck Zeke.

He recalled that over two months ago, not far from Uru Town, deep within the snow-capped mountains, Kiana had unleashed her Herrscher form.

The emergence of a Herrscher—even an incomplete one—would leave behind significant amounts of Honkai Energy at the site. After brewing for several months, it was highly plausible that this energy could infect animals in the mountains, leading to a surge in Honkai Beasts!

If Honkai Beasts were attacking, both Schicksal and Anti-Entropy would likely intervene, making communication blackout entirely reasonable. After all, keeping Honkai incidents secret from the general public remained crucial.

"Robbins, have there been any updates on Mondstadt or Uru Town these past few days? Any information is helpful."

"Well... I secretly dispatched someone to Uru Town yesterday to check on our safe house. This morning, they failed to return as planned to report back. Would you consider that unusual?"

Zeke narrowed his eyes.

Of course, it was indeed unusual.

To some extent, this indicated that something might have gone awry there.

Then, his pupils abruptly contracted.

Uru Town was extremely close to Yordle City; walking, even with Kiana's brisk pace, would take just a single night.

Uru Town boasted an excellent bakery with unique flavors rarely found in the city. Despite having the means, Zeke never indulged Kiana to the point of sending someone daily just for pastries.

Considering her character, it was entirely possible that before embarking on their journey, she would detour to Uru Town for a satisfying feast!

Zeke's mouth opened slightly, feeling his heart momentarily skip a beat.

After a brief moment, observing Robbins' increasingly serious expression, Zeke stood up and said, "Stay within the manor. There is armed protection I've arranged here, and Icarus will ensure your safety."

"Boss, has something happened?"

"I'm not certain yet. But let's hope for the best. Remain here, no matter what occurs, don't panic. If my suspicions are correct, this place should be the safest fortress. And if even here isn't safe... well, then I wouldn't know where else you could go."

"I understand."

Robbins wanted to inquire further, but after patting Vera's head, Zeke started moving away, speaking as he walked. During their short conversation, he entered the suddenly opened basement door.

Moments later, a subtle vibration traveled through the floor beneath their feet and the surrounding walls.

Intrigued by the commotion outside, Robbins and Vera approached the window. The once lush garden had been replaced by a gleaming black metallic surface. Countless barrels of various-sized cannons emerged from underground, walls, and even hung suspended in mid-air, densely filling their entire field of view.

Before their eyes, the ground near the entrance rumbled open, revealing a runway extending deep underground.

Almost immediately, amidst the faint hum of electromagnetic propulsion engines, a dark silhouette burst forth like a shooting star, disappearing at lightning speed towards the end of the runway before they could discern its details.

Robbins took a deep breath.

"Vera, do you know when these things were installed?"

"N-no... I don't..." Vera replied, awestruck.

Robbins was once again convinced that his young boss must be some kind of deity; anyone suggesting otherwise would face his vehement disagreement. He was certain this manor was just an ordinary estate when he purchased it, and there's no way such terrifying weaponry could be bought anywhere.

At the same time, a sense of foreboding gradually enveloped Robbins' thoughts.

With such formidable capabilities, if even Mr. Boss seemed uncertain, just what kind of crisis was approaching?

Robbins felt uneasy, but as Mr. Boss had stated, this manor remained their safest fortress.

"Miss Icarus, could you help me contact some individuals?"

"It depends on the situation, Mr. Robbins. Currently, my interference range is limited to approximately 83% of Yordle City."

"Please give it your best shot. Would providing names and phone numbers suffice?"

"That will be enough."

"These people can assemble a professional armed force consisting of forty-five members, equipped with substantial firepower. Can we have them join our defensive fortifications?"

"It is feasible. Your suggestion is excellent, Mr. Robbins."

Robbins relayed the necessary information.

Once Icarus contacted several captains, instructing them to promptly gather their forces, thereby bolstering the manor's defenses, Robbins finally breathed a slight sigh of relief.

With all those cannons and the addition of skilled soldiers, unless missiles rained down directly from above, they should be well-protected, right?