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

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However, players had grown accustomed to these abrupt endings from Old Mi's traditional storytelling style. Admittedly, this chapter contained significantly more plot content than before.

Originally, it only covered Schicksal's sudden crisis and the segment titled "Immortal Phoenix." But with Ana's inclusion, there was first an additional interlude, followed by expansions upon the original storyline.

Ultimately, both the textual volume and narrative depth nearly doubled.

Naturally, player reactions also differed considerably compared to the original timeline. This time, Old Mi heavily utilized Ana's character, effectively rendering any subsequent arcs involving Murata Himeko obsolete.

As a leading game developer, navigating public scrutiny, Old Mi couldn't afford to repeat the same formula too often; doing so would undoubtedly impact revenue and player sentiment.

Moreover... Murata Himeko hadn't actually died yet.

While outside the game, Honkai Impact 3's storyline evolves with each version update, within the Honkai World, events continue to unfold independently.

In the future, the game's writers planned to introduce two choices leading to different paths—a first for Honkai Impact 3. Historically, the Captain (or players) had little influence over the main storylines. However, here, the writers aimed to explore alternative possibilities.

Of course, regardless of the choice made, the ultimate outcome remains unchanged since the essence of the Herrscher of Sentience cannot be altered by Kiana or the Captain's decision.

As for speculating Bai Zhi's identity, the official game presented some intriguing options like Kallen, Kevin, etc., but none were related to Ana. Consequently, no matter what, Kiana could not deduce Ana's true identity and was compelled to choose the second option.

Within the genuine Honkai World, representing the primary storyline—Kiana chose Azure Empyrea Fu Hua.

The confident expression on the Herrscher of Sentience's face instantly froze, disbelief etched across her features.

Kiana genuinely couldn't comprehend it; she was clearly the real Fu Hua, possessing her body, memories, and everything else. Yet, her opponent was merely a Divine Key feather—how could it claim to be Fu Hua? How dare it?

"So, Miss Kiana believes she is the true Fu Hua?" Bai Zhi asked with a smile, seeking confirmation while simultaneously probing the Herrscher of Sentience's heart to shatter all illusions.

"It's evident!"

But how did Kiana arrive at this judgment? Naturally, Azure Empyrea Fu Hua had established a mental connection with Kiana, just as in the original storyline, explaining everything privately.

The other Fu Hua before them was a Herrscher—a Herrscher who believed herself to be Fu Hua, the Herrscher of Sentience.

While this revelation shed some light, many questions remained unanswered. The most crucial aspect was still the mastermind behind this intricate game: the enigmatic figure named Bai Zhi.

She claimed to be an old acquaintance of Fu Hua's mentor, Red Kite, but neither Fu Hua nor the Herrscher of Sentience, who identified as Fu Hua, had any recollection of her. To date, their understanding of Bai Zhi's intentions and goals remained elusive.

Thus, the interaction between Kiana and Fu Hua opened up new possibilities: either align with the Herrscher of Sentience, observing cautiously, or confront them both outright, standing firmly opposed.

Naturally, following this line of thought, Kiana should err on the side of caution and choose the Herrscher of Sentience—a choice likely shared by many others?

Of course, if it were in a game, opting for this option would be less common. After all, the true identity of the Herrscher of Sentience remained undisclosed, while Black Tiger Ah Fu had already been incorporated as a skin for Fu Hua's armor set.

So, why did Kiana immediately choose the genuine Fu Hua in reality?

One reason was Bai Zhi's unwavering composure, revealing no hints whatsoever. Continuing down that path might not have yielded any significant outcomes. As the orchestrator, one could sense that although Bai Zhi orchestrated events, she maintained distance, controlling the pace from afar.

Facing her, neither Kiana nor Bronya felt confident in their ability to oppose her effectively. Moreover, they desperately needed Fu Hua's guidance in mastering Taixuan Sword Qi, particularly Kiana.

While Raiden Mei's awakening significantly improved Kiana's condition, she still required further development to truly contend against threats.

On another note, despite Bai Zhi's ambiguous reactions, she consistently claims to be an old acquaintance of Red Kite. Although this raises some unsettling associations (hinting at a certain green individual).

What is now certain is that they must confront the Herrscher of Sentience. Despite being affected by Fu Hua's memories and not exhibiting the destructive nature typical of Honkai Herrschers, defeating her remains imperative.

Therefore, seizing this opportunity, choosing Fu Hua as their ally, and finding a chance during combat to seal the Herrscher of Sentience, reclaiming Fu Hua's body, becomes their top priority.

As for Bai Zhi, there isn't much room for further consideration at present.

Once again, if she truly intended harm, she could have acted from the beginning. Her current ambiguous stance might actually present an opportunity.

Attempting gradual probing carries risks; should the situation shift unfavorably, two incomplete Herrschers plus an incapacitated Fu Hua would stand little chance against the Herrscher of Sentience and a mysterious entity controlling the illusory realm.

In summary, amidst all these deliberations, both Fu Hua and Kiana are essentially gambling.

They were even gambling on Bai Zhi hearing their conversation and ultimately choosing to tacitly approve.

In reality, Bai Zhi indeed could listen to Kiana and Fu Hua's dialogue, as they remained enveloped within her illusion of perception. Any communication at the conscious level was audible to her.

Of course, she deliberately influenced the Herrscher of Sentience to prevent her from overhearing.

However, truthfully, the Herrscher of Sentience had no interest in eavesdropping; she always acted with integrity, feeling invincible and only slightly wary of Bai Zhi.

Nevertheless, Kiana's choice of Fu Hua infuriated the Herrscher of Sentience immensely.

"You trust her just based on a brief encounter? Kiana, this isn't like you! It's utterly foolish!"

"I don't accept this decision; it needs to be fair!" exclaimed the Herrscher of Sentience, turning to shout at Bai Zhi.

Indeed, one might have expected the Herrscher of Sentience to explode dramatically, but instead, her reaction was childishly petulant cries.

Witnessing this, Azure Empyrea Fu Hua shook her head once more.

Though Bai Zhi shared this sentiment, she maintained her serene smile. After all, in this play, her role was merely to fuel the drama.

"Since you have reservations, let's grant your wish," Bai Zhi replied gently, then turned her gaze towards Kiana nearby.

"Would the young lady agree?"

"Do I even have a choice?" Kiana countered without directly answering.

Indeed, did she have a choice? Everything unfolding now was under the control of Bai Zhi standing before them. Kiana knew it, Bronya knew it, and so did Fu Hua; only one supremely arrogant individual remained oblivious.

And yet, everyone must indulge in her whims.

All present understood that this wasn't truly Fu Hua but rather a Herrscher. Nevertheless, they willingly played along with the charade. In a sense, Senti had become somewhat of a group favorite.

Of course, it was similar in the original storyline as well.

However, previously, the Herrscher of Sentience's overwhelming power compelled the others to comply. Now, instead, Bai Zhi managed the situation, which could be seen as an improvement.

"Alright then, let's begin!"

"In that case, I'll explain this time."

"This is the Fenghuang Down that previously resided within you." Bai Zhi pointed to Azure Empyrea Fu Hua nearby.

"And this is the original Fu Hua who was killed by Otto." With these words, Bai Zhi glanced at Herrscher of Sentience beside her.

The Herrscher of Sentience raised an eyebrow, not entirely satisfied with this explanation but acknowledging its factual accuracy.

"As for what you just experienced, it was a scenario I crafted based on this fellow's rough concept," Bai Zhi shrugged. "It aimed to give you a glimpse of the true Hua and help understand our abilities along the way."

Indeed, she made no secret of her identity as the Herrscher of Sentience. When the three little silly girls before her would comprehend it—no, make that four silly girls—that wasn't her concern.

Her plan involved showing them that multiple Herrschers can coexist in this world, yet they differ from the Herrscher of a Thousand Souls. Gradually, she intended to make them realize others could also become Herrschers, ultimately leading to every human having that potential.

This was Bai Zhi's strategy, albeit only one part of it. It focused primarily on the ideological level, specifically targeting the protagonist group.

As for broader ideological dissemination, that would be handled by Gray Serpent, leveraging his strengths.

To enable humanity's adaptation to Honkai Energy, Bai Zhi planned to push forward through the Honkai Selection and Project Stigma - essentially, Ana's intentions as well.

Making the protagonist group aware and convinced was crucial. Only with their belief could she truly muddy these already somewhat clear waters, allowing her to more effectively drive the modified Project Stigma.

With Schicksal and Anti-Entropy preoccupied combating Herrschers and pondering the possibility of a Herrscher of Human, they would naturally divert most of their focus and attention away from Project Stigma.

Similarly, Kevin's attention would also be scattered, since this scenario deviates from the previous civilization's script.

Once everything becomes clear, Ana's plan will have reached fruition. Then, she can gracefully step back, slipping into the neighboring stage. However, the Honkai World remains her foundation; hence, she might still leave behind significant power, possibly even her presence.

After all... it's not like she's genuinely heartless, right?

It must be said, in certain aspects, Ana does bear some resemblance to Senti, both exhibiting a blind self-assurance.

Senti's blind confidence stems from her own strength and Fu Hua.

On the other hand, Ana's unwavering belief comes from her foresight as a reincarnator. Due to this unique position, bolstered by the System's backing, Ana has often acted with near-impunity.

If Ana were merely an ordinary Valkyrie, making no significant changes and content to play a secondary role like Alvitr, there would be no issue. However, as she stepped onto the stage of the protagonist and gradually veered towards becoming an antagonist, things began to shift.

Ultimately, Ana is human, not divine.

Even though she controlled the Cocoon of Finality and became "Him," it doesn't mean "He" equates to "Her." To put it frankly, Ana's abilities do not surpass Otto's, leading naturally to numerous vulnerabilities and flaws.

Currently, due to the chaotic situation, some astute individuals have yet to notice these discrepancies. However, in reality, unraveling her true nature is just a matter of time.

For instance, Bai Zhi's actions currently exhibit some flaws. At her core, she doesn't fundamentally differ from the original Senti in the storyline; much of what she does is merely feigning mystery without significant substance.

If the Herrscher of Sentience were to comprehend this and choose to side with Fu Hua, launching a joint attack against Bai Zhi, her plans could quickly lose their purpose.

However, such a scenario remains impossible at present.

This stems from the Herrscher of Sentience's character traits. Nevertheless, once the dust settles, it's not inconceivable that the Herrscher might eventually realize the situation and confront Bai Zhi later on.

Of course, by then, Bai Zhi would have long since vanished. Therefore, despite leaving several loopholes regarding Fu Hua, overall, her plan has indeed been successful.

More crucially, Bai Zhi managed to shift the focus back onto the two versions of Fu Hua, temporarily extricating herself from the spotlight. Consequently, the unfolding events henceforth have little direct relevance to her.

"Rest assured, I bear no ill intent. You can simply consider me as just another observer," Bai Zhi added before closing her eyes. Her aura, reminiscent of Ana's, inherently conveyed a sense of fairness and tranquility, which, combined with the slightly agitated demeanor of the current Senti, allowed Kiana and Bronya to glance briefly at her before shifting their attention back to the two Fu Huas.

Bai Zhi added one more remark before closing her eyes. Her aura resembled Su's, carrying a sense of calm equilibrium. Combined with Senti's slightly agitated presence now, Kiana and Bronya merely glanced at Bai Zhi, dismissing her attention to focus on the two Fu Huas before them.

From this point forward, events unfolded as per the main storyline.

To gain Kiana and Bronya's acceptance, the Herrscher of Sentience first engaged them in combat, followed by revealing memories through an illusory realm. Unfortunately, these efforts were entirely futile.

From the outset, Kiana already knew who the true Fu Hua was and understood the nature of the other Fu Hua. In a sense, within this plotline, Senti indeed played the role of a clown.

Senti's subsequent embarrassment turning into anger is understandable. Despite her attempts to prove herself, these individuals refused to acknowledge her, which must have been a significant blow for a newly born Herrscher!

Alas, amidst this farce, the Herrscher of Sentience could only serve as a mere sideshow.

The next update might be later than usual; my writing hasn't been at its best these past few days due to feeling off. It's frustrating.