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

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"...So you're still leaving, stinky old man?"

No matter how joyous the reunion or blissful the gathering, all things must come to an end. As the firewood gradually burned down and its warmth no longer sufficed against the chill, Kiana seemed to sense something, her smile fading.

Siegfried gently stroked her soft silver hair, gazing into those innocent eyes filled with worry and concern. With a sigh, he asked,

"Yes, I see you figured it out."

"You mentioned that for quite some time, you've been silently watching over me from afar without ever revealing yourself. And considering this arm... You must be going on a dangerous mission, one you can't avoid, right?"

"Mm-hmm. You've grown up so much, Kiana."

Mostly, it seems like you've become wiser. Is this change due to the experiences you've had? Thought Siegfried, his eyes reflecting guilt and heartache.

"Can't you skip it... No, promise me you'll come back to see me!"

Kiana initially wanted to dissuade Siegfried from going but understood his unwavering determination. So instead, she turned her plea into a command—or perhaps a heartfelt wish.

Her eyes glistened with tears.

Siegfried nodded firmly and embraced her, saying,

"Kiana, I promise you, I will return. And remember this: no matter what happens in the future, always know that I love you, and you are my acknowledged daughter... This truth should never be doubted."

"I understand!" Kiana hugged Siegfried tightly, feeling the long-lost warmth as her eyelids grew heavy.

Soon, she fell asleep.

The intense training earlier had exhausted both her physical strength and mental energy, compounded by the emotional rollercoaster of reuniting with Siegfried. In her father's warm embrace now, she finally let go of everything and drifted peacefully into slumber.

After some time, Zeke and Welt emerged from the darkness.

Zeke set up a fresh stack of firewood, reigniting the feeble bonfire before saying,

"You're going to rescue the real Kiana?"

"...How do you always seem to know everything?" Siegfried complained with a resigned expression, still holding Kiana in one arm.

Stoking the embers, Zeke replied mildly, "You will die."

"Hey! Have a little faith in me, okay? I'm pretty strong!" Siegfried rolled his eyes unhappily.

But Zeke paid no heed to his banter and calmly continued, "Otto fears your power. However, there's a difference between fleeing and openly attacking Schicksal. As long as you stay hidden, he won't actively pursue you. But if you confront him directly, Otto won't hesitate to kill you. Even knowing this, you still wish to proceed?"

"...I have to. With Kiana here—this world's Kiana—in your care, I can act without reservation. Now, my life has only one purpose: rescuing my other daughter, regardless of the cost!" Siegfried responded resolutely, leaving no room for doubt.

Zeke looked at him and paused for a moment before replying, "Little Vera is still under Otto's control, and I dare not confront him just yet. So, I can't help you."

"It's alright; I'm already grateful that you're taking care of Kiana here. As for the other Kiana, it's my responsibility alone."

"So, what do you plan to do?"

"Infiltrate Schicksal Headquarters and search the entire base from top to bottom. Until I find her, I won't retreat even half a step!"

Zeke buried his face in his hands.

Savage fool, courting your own demise.

He knew Siegfried wouldn't have a well-thought-out plan, and indeed, most strategies would be futile against Otto. Zeke wanted to persuade Siegfried to wait until he himself had grown stronger, but how many years would that take? Could Siegfried afford such patience?

"Can't you wait just a bit longer?" It wasn't Zeke who spoke this time, but Welt, who had been hesitating all along. Finally, he urged his friend to reconsider.

Siegfried, cradling the small white-haired bundle, tilted his head back and gazed up at the starry sky speckled with sparse clouds.

"Welt, you know me too well—this is one matter where there's no room for compromise."

"...Perhaps I should accompany you then, at least as some form of insurance."

"No! I can take risks with my own life, but you bear heavy responsibilities. Besides, you haven't fully recovered from your battles in Siberia and on the moon, have you? I don't want to involve you further."

"But... Ah!" Welt sighed deeply, unable to find words.

As Siegfried's friend, Welt wouldn't hesitate for a moment to face fire and flood alongside him. However, before being his friend, he was first the Anti-Entropy Alliance Leader. Provoking Schicksal recklessly would mean declaring all-out war against Otto—a consequence no one could afford. The weight of responsibility on Welt's shoulders was too crushing, preventing him from smiling reassuringly at Siegfried and saying, "No worries, let's go together."

Unable to accompany Siegfried yet unwilling to stop him, Welt took out a bottle of Aqua Vitae, gulped down a mouthful himself, then silently handed it over.

"Wow, this hits the spot—you know me so well!"

Siegfried tilted back his head and chugged, feeling the fiery warmth as the spicy liquid flowed down his throat.

Watching Siegfried's cheerful grin, Welt almost felt like they were heading to a festive banquet rather than confronting Schicksal head-on.

"...Stay safe and come back soon."

With those words, he stood up, unable to bear watching Siegfried set off.

Suddenly, Zeke tossed something black at Welt. He caught it reflexively and saw that it was a black metallic USB drive.

"What's this?"

"A hidden exploit within the Schicksal System. According to Dr. Tesla, we might be able to use it to aid our reckless friend here."

"...Won't you risk exposure?"

"I doubt it. Even if I do, Otto wouldn't turn against me over such a minor matter. This is all I can manage." Zeke kept his eyes fixed on the flames as he spoke without looking up.

Direct assistance would surely provoke retaliation from Otto, potentially leading to severe consequences—like harming Vera, for example.

However, with just this subtle gesture, Otto likely wouldn't hold a grudge, assuming Zeke could reciprocate with some future gift.

Welt nodded firmly.

"We'll make good use of it. Siegfried, stay safe out there. We're leaving now."

"Sure thing, thanks for your help. The greatest assistance you could provide is finding Kiana's location quickly! Take care!"

Siegfried casually waved goodbye, watching as Welt gradually disappeared into the distance.

After that, only Siegfried and Zeke remained by the bonfire, able to converse.

Zeke had nothing left to say. Initially, he wanted to ask why Siegfried gave his name to Kiana, but upon reflection, he felt there was no need for further inquiry. Kiana already possessed this name; whatever happens next... would solely be on Siegfried's shoulders. Let him handle explaining it to Schicksal's Kiana himself.

Siegfried pondered briefly before expressing, "Um, about today's events... No, I should thank you for always taking care of Kiana, young Zeke."

"It's not necessary, I do it willingly."

Indeed, despite often grumbling and showing disdain verbally, at some point, Zeke found himself tacitly accepting the daily sight of her carefree, silly smile.

Caring for Kiana was both troublesome and dangerous, yet Zeke embraced it wholeheartedly.

"In the future, I'm afraid I'll have to continue relying on you."

"Sure."

"Uh, if... If I say 'if,' hypothetically speaking—if I don't make it back... remember to let me know when you're getting married."

"...Why would I marry her?"

Zeke looked at Siegfried with disbelief, then rolled his eyes and scoffed disdainfully as he glanced sideways at the smacking little paramecium.

Siegfried scratched his head, smiling without responding further.

In many situations, those directly involved often fail to perceive certain dynamics at the moment.

But having been through similar experiences himself, Siegfried could clearly see how Kiana displayed unwavering trust and dependence whenever Zeke was mentioned. He also noticed the gentleness that surfaced exclusively in Zeke's gaze when focused on Kiana.

These were matters of youth. Siegfried patted Kiana's head, smiled warmly, and silently wished them both well.

I hope, in a few years, you'll still be this stubborn, young Zeke.