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

In the blink of an eye, the decision was made.

Tesla clicked her tongue disapprovingly.

It wasn't about concerns over power distribution; rather, she didn't genuinely trust Zeke yet couldn't oppose Welt's choice either.

Welt patted her slender shoulder reassuringly with a comforting smile.

Tesla huffed and turned away, refusing to speak further.

As their silent standoff seemed to conclude the conversation, it also signaled that this gathering had reached its end.

Siegfried rose from his seat, intending to leave immediately.

Meanwhile, Zeke held up his teacup and snapped his fingers, sending a tranquilizer dart that caught Cocolia off guard and rendered her unconscious.

Without even lifting his head, he declared, "If you dare walk out, I'll reveal the entire truth to Kiana, including the fact that she is a clone of your true daughter."

"You're insane!" Siegfried blanched, turning sharply to exclaim.

Unfazed, Zeke merely glanced sidelong at Siegfried and calmly stated, "She's far stronger than you imagine! Besides, I'm here. If you won't take responsibility, then allow me to assume full care for her."

"I'm not..." Siegfried lowered his head dejectedly, clenching his fists tightly but unable to offer any defense.

Zeke put down his teacup with a crisp sound against the metal table. He crossed his legs and rested both hands on his knees, speaking with the confident authority of someone in power: "Whether it's your hatred for the Second Herrscher or your guilt toward True Kiana, regardless, Kiana is just a child. During the Yordle City incident, I witnessed her risk everything to save countless lives, nearly dying herself. It took her a full month to recover."

"Then...is she okay now?" Siegfried's expression shifted slightly, clearly unaware of these details.

Zeke continued without answering directly: "After that ordeal, she remained unconscious for three whole days. In her sleep, the phrases she muttered most frequently were 'stinky dad' and 'I didn't embarrass the Kaslanas.' She cherishes the name and beliefs you casually bestowed upon her as the most precious things in life, even willing to defend them with her own life. And yet, you abandoned her!"

Throughout this monologue, Zeke's voice remained steady, but the eerie pink patterns on his face spread to cover nearly half of it—a testament to the Honkai Energy within him surfacing due to his emotional turmoil.

Zeke closed his eyes and took a deep breath, gradually fading away the markings on his face.

Welt had initially planned to interject, but upon witnessing this display, he fell silent once more. This conversation belonged solely to Zeke and Siegfried—outsiders had no place intruding.

Perhaps the only one entitled to join was Kiana herself, the very subject of their discussion, though she wasn't present at that moment.

"I... I'm sorry, it's just that...I'm uncertain if I'll be able to return afterward. I don't want Kiana to worry..." Siegfried stammered. Despite his reluctance to admit it, Zeke's words about his hatred for Sirin and guilt towards True Kiana indeed played a part in his decision to leave.

This made Siegfried even more hesitant to face Kiana. He feared accidentally revealing these emotions might deeply hurt her innocent and vulnerable heart.

Zeke opened his eyes and stated firmly, leaving no room for objection: "It's quite simple. If you refuse to acknowledge her as your daughter, then tell her the truth, and I'll take over responsibility for her care. However, if you still recognize her, go see her—just hugging her would suffice. Don't let her doubt even in her dreams that she was abandoned."

"If you don't meet with her, I'll assume the first option by default, informing her of the truth and becoming her new support. I will never allow Kiana to live her life clinging to unfulfilled hopes like a tragic clown."

Siegfried took a step back, gritting his teeth as he asked:

"Why must you force me?"

"Because you're a man!" Zeke exclaimed.

Was there any alternative but to push him? Should they burden the innocent young Kiana instead?

If not for Kiana's attachment and the possibility of reconciliation, Zeke wouldn't have bothered with Siegfried's indecision and wavering resolve.

However, Kiana's emotional turmoil needed resolution sooner or later. The longer it dragged on, the more accumulated longing and emotions piled up, ultimately leading to deeper wounds.

Moreover, the future of the Honkai World is fraught with uncertainties. What if something truly happened to Siegfried? Should Kiana carry this regret for her entire life?

Or perhaps, at the crucial moment when father and daughter must confront their fate, Zeke might not be around due to unforeseen circumstances? Who would then look after Kiana?

Additionally, Sirin and Otto represent significant unpredictable threats.

In summary, Zeke feels a sense of urgency. He has long decided that while he still has control over the situation, he must swiftly resolve Kiana's emotional turmoil.

"Of course, I consider her my true daughter! I acknowledge her soul and recognize her as an individual! That's why I bestowed upon her the cherished name 'Kiana Kaslana'!"

"Then go see her."

Under Zeke's unwavering gaze and relentless pressure, after a prolonged silence, Siegfried slowly nodded.

"You're right; I should go see her. I am...a father."

It was a serene night, with deep snow and a bright moon.

Kiana had just finished dinner, munching on a small cake box as she walked along.

"Zeke, seriously! After such an exhausting day, he insists on calling me out—what does he want?" Kiana grumbled, trudging through the snow with her short legs.

Soon, a flicker of fire caught her eye.

"Huh? A fire? Is it for a barbecue? Heh heh, you know what's good for you, pal! I'll treat you better from now on, Miss!"

Salivating at the thought, Kiana quickened her pace, her imagination running wild.

As she passed some trees, her view gradually cleared up.

In a nearby patch of snow, devoid of accumulated flakes, a bonfire blazed merrily.

Beside the fire sat a white-haired man, smiling warmly and waving towards Kiana.

"Whoosh!"

The little cake box tumbled into the snow.

Kiana blinked, then rubbed her eyes disbelievingly. Once certain she wasn't seeing things or dreaming, she charged forward like a cannonball.

"You stinky old dad!"

"Bam!"

The young girl collided directly into Siegfried's arms, the force making even him wince slightly.

"You stinky old dad!"

"You stinky old dad!"

"Stupid dad!" Kiana repeated herself, her voice growing hoarse with sobs.

Siegfried's expression softened as he reached out and embraced his daughter, letting her sob uncontrollably against him.

"It's been too long, Kiana," Siegfried said tenderly, wrapping his intact arm around her and gently patting her back.

"Sob... St-stupid old man, where did you go? I was so worried about you! Hic!"

Kiana hiccuped amidst her tears, lifted her head, and gazed at Siegfried with red, teary eyes.

Grinning, Siegfried scratched his head with his mechanical arm. "Well, it's not easy to explain. Let's just say Dad had his hands full with many tasks."

"You mu-must've gone off somewhere for more booze again!" Kiana complained, sniffling while noticing the peculiar state of Siegfried's arm.

Pointing at the mechanical limb, she widened her eyes and asked, "Stupid old man, what happened to your hand?"

"Eh, various reasons, but it's all good now. This new arm is pretty handy, ha-ha-ha!"

Siegfried waved his prosthetic arm, laughing heartily, seemingly unconcerned about losing his original limb.

Kiana poked at the black robotic limb—it felt cold and unyielding.

"No way, I'm taking you to see Zeke! He's super skilled; he'll definitely have better ideas!"

She tugged on Siegfried's arm, trying to pull him up from his seat.

Siegfried didn't budge. Instead, he patted the stool next to him and brought over a plate of slightly burnt toast. "Nah, I've already seen him. This is fine—don't worry about your old man. Come sit down, I made you some toast! Ta-da! And here's my special homemade jam!"

"...Gross, Dad, I already ate dinner."

Seeing she couldn't move Siegfried, Kiana decided there was no rush after all and grumbled as she took a seat.

Siegfried's expression visibly fell. "So you won't eat any?"

"I will!" Kiana accepted the plate, opened the jam jar, spread it generously, and took a bite.

"Munch, munch!"

"Hmm... It still tastes the same. You haven't improved one bit, gross Dad."

"Eh? How so? I thought this batch turned out perfectly crisp!"

"Don't take my word for it—try it yourself."

"Okay, let me taste... Mm! Delicious, just what I'd expect from myself!"

Siegfried flashed a thumbs-up, revealing a gleaming set of white teeth.

Kiana burst out laughing.

"Hahaha! You're still as shameless as ever, you old goat!"

"You haven't changed either—still no tact whatsoever!" Siegfried ruffled Kiana's hair with a smile, suddenly unsure why he had felt so awkward earlier. Of course this was his daughter!

The father and daughter chatted away, as if their long separation were merely an illusion. Everything felt just like before.

Behind a nearby tree, Zeke stood with his arms crossed and back leaning against the trunk, silent.

"You're not going over?" Welt asked beside him.

"Nope. This moment belongs to them; I'm fine just watching."

Zeke replied mildly.

"So, you knew there was a Herrscher dormant within her?"

"Mm-hmm, I've known for quite some time."

"It didn't stop you from caring about her?"

"That's not related to Kiana; she is simply...just Kiana."

The unwavering certainty in Zeke's response brought a nostalgic expression to Welt's face.

"You remind me of someone from the past."

In those days, there were many good people who disregarded one's status as a Herrscher and firmly believed in human nature and kindness. That belief gave rise to the first Welt, Anti-Entropy, and ultimately, the current Welt Yang embodying his predecessor's spirit.

With this thought, Welt felt even more confident that inviting Zeke had been the right decision.

"Oh, by the way, the Honkai Energy in your body seems unusually active. I suggest keeping an eye on it—it's not a good sign. Eins specializes in these matters—should she examine you?"

"I know my limits. For now, there's no issue."

Welt stopped urging him, trusting that Zeke indeed understood his own boundaries—as expected of a true prodigy.

As for Zeke, he quietly listened to Kiana's joyful laughter, closed his eyes, and gradually smiled.