Honkai: Fire Moth Herrschers

"So, it all boils down to this strange weather?" Mikael asked, arms crossed, walking alongside the girl named Anadiya.

Seele and Elysia trailed behind… with Seele holding Elysia's hand as she gazed around in wonder. It was hard to tell who was the child and who the adult.

"Yes, but not entirely." Anadiya shook her head, her pink eyes scanning the high-rise buildings. The glass windows, dense like a honeycomb, reflected no light under the summer sun—covered in thick dust.

"The fog has disrupted life, but it's not the sole reason people fled. The real terror isn't the fog itself, but humanity within the fog."

"Is that so…" Mikael sighed, understanding dawning on him.

But Seele didn't get it. "Humanity… what does that mean? Do people hurt each other?"

Anadiya's gaze shifted to Seele, a strange glint appearing in her dull eyes. "Ah, Miss Seele, you're still so innocent. Imagine, if someone realizes that in this dense fog, they can't even see a face just a few inches away, what would that imply?"

"It means they can get away with almost anything. At first, it was petty theft, or slapping someone they disliked—no one knows who started it, but once there was a first perpetrator, there was a first victim. Unable to seek justice through normal channels, or perhaps inspired by the act, the victim became the second perpetrator. Then a third, a fourth, a fifth… until almost everyone changed. Those unwilling to become perpetrators couldn't survive."

"But people soon realized the fog could last for half an hour, sometimes even half a day—plenty of time. Enough time to do anything."

"So, the misdeeds escalated. Petty theft became organized robbery. Slapping and kicking evolved into bloody murder. That's why Attica fell."

"Th-this… this…" Seele stammered, speechless.

"But… but online… and… and I saw street view footage just the other day! It was… it was crowded and lively…"

"The United Government wouldn't let people see a major international city reduced to this. I should have mentioned, if you dig deep enough, you can find Attica's current state on… certain… websites."

"Yes, that's right," Anadiya confirmed flatly. "As for the street view footage… that's just CGI, using us locals as extras. It's all for show, to appease the public. I heard even Nagazora, which turned to ash two years ago, has been digitally rebuilt online. Heh."

"Is… is that so…" The truth, once revealed, carries its own weight.

Mikael frowned, subtly glancing at Elysia.

"So, where are you taking us?"

"Not everyone left. Not everyone could leave. Most who stayed moved to the old Faliro coastal district. Life's tough, but there are perks. Like living in seaside villas they could only dream of before."

"Villas…"

"Not exactly… Some people, tempted by comfort, moved into those abandoned mansions, but they were quickly killed in the fog. Empty villas offer little security, even with a dozen people. It's safer to find a small, hidden nook."

"But now, things are different. At first, people clung to their possessions, but not anymore—food is paramount."

"It's hard to be self-sufficient in a concrete jungle. Even those who tried fishing or farming had their harvests stolen."

"Now, the city relies on aid from the United Government and black market trading. Remember those people who ignored you? They were planning to raid the government's supply depot near the airport during the next fog. In Faliro's underground market, food buys you anything. Half a pound of compressed biscuits could get you a young girl's…"

"No, such small-time trades are probably gone. Now it's more like slave trading. Not bad, really. If you're desperate, stick a feather in your hair and head to the market. A kind master might keep you alive. With luck, you'll be bought by an outsider and escape. Worst case… you die."

Anadiya's voice was ethereal and clear, but her words were cold and brutal. Even Elysia, who had lived through the 3rd Honkai Eruption, found it unbearable.

Though millions perished in Attica City, the survivors, under Fire Moth's protection, lived with dignity and order. Food was strictly rationed. Anyone caught trading or stealing was flogged. A second offense meant execution.

Attica was far darker!

And Attica City's chaos lasted only a few days. Attica's disorder, stemming from the global climate upheaval caused by the 4th Eruption, had persisted for a year and a half.

A year and a half… Elysia couldn't imagine…

Couldn't… but for Seele, it was impossible to comprehend.

Dusk Street was known for its lawlessness, but Seele's childhood memories were hazy. Based on her year and a half there, it wasn't that terrifying.

*Though she knew the peace was superficial. If large-scale conflict erupted, Kalpas would be furious. *

But here…

Mikael stopped. "So, Anadiya, who are you? I doubt an ordinary citizen would know all this."

"You finally asked. I thought I'd dropped enough hints." The girl chuckled softly, handing Mikael an ID.

"Let me reintroduce myself. I'm Anadiya, from the United Government's Ministry of Humanity, Intelligence Division 2. It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Mr. Mikael, Miss Elysia."

Neither Mikael nor Elysia seemed surprised. Seele, however, was about to speak when Elysia pulled her behind her protectively.

"No need to be alarmed. Your legend isn't a secret within the United Government. I can't speak for everyone, but I admire and trust you. And you should have more faith in your own abilities."

"So, how did you track us?"

"That was an accident. Before I explain, may I outline my mission?"

Mikael gave a noncommittal grunt, urging her to continue.

"Everything I told you, my predecessors learned at the cost of their lives. But they left only written records. My mission is to document this visually and submit it. So people will notice. And then… then maybe things can change."

Mikael looked into her pink eyes, watching them well up with tears.

"Do you really believe that last part?"

Anadiya bit her lip, clenching her fists. "I… I do! I have to! If I do nothing, nothing will happen, Mr. Mikael. Don't you agree?"

Mikael was silent for a few seconds, then shrugged. "Fine. What do you need us to do?"

"Heehee!" The girl wiped her tears, smiling for the first time. "It's like this! I contacted a well-known 'vigilante' in the coastal district to be my informant, but he's four hours late for our meeting…"

"A vigilante…" Mikael gave a knowing smile.