Honkai Star Rail:The Assistant director

Continuing where we left off...

A/N: I have to say that I finally have a favorite Nikke, which is Cinderella! At first it was Anis, but Cindy (Cinderella's nickname) exceeded my expectations. I never thought I would be enchanted by her appearance, she is truly worthy of the title of "the most beautiful Nikke". Besides that, her ass is big enough that you can see it from the front. A very important detail for me, as a Brazilian.

However, I also have to admit that this banner of hers was the worst I've ever experienced. Honestly, during my days playing Nikke, I didn't have many problems with the gacha, but Jesus Christ! Cinderella made me suffer just like the Archetype Earth (Arcueid) banner in FGO!

The only reason I didn't get as pissed off as I did in FGO is because of the golden tickets I have, if it weren't for that, the salt I went through would be much worse.

But I managed to prevail and didn't use the golden tickets and managed to get Cinderella in the gacha. My wish is to get her "max limit break" and I only need one more copy to use my tickets.

The great irony in all this is that I got very lucky with the Red Hood banner and I managed to max limit break her. (And I'm very proud of this achievement.)

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Ritsuka's perspective...

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I return to the real world with BB by my side and I'm still wearing my armor.

Ritsuka: Hmm.... Where's Screwllum?

💭I can't see Fou either.... How long was I in the Simulated Universe?

BB: Welcome back to the Space Station, Senpai!

BB said appearing next to me after leaving the simulated universe.

Ritsuka: BB. How long has it been since I was in the simulated universe?

BB: Long enough that certain important things have passed that you need to know. But before I give you the information, you need to get out of this armor.

Ritsuka: That's something you want to know too. How do I get out of this?

I say this referring to me still being inside the armor.

BB: It's easy. It's the same way you deactivate your Avenger powers. Grand Master is connected to your "Spirit origin" so you will be able to get out of the armor mentally.

BB said this giving me instructions on how to get out of the armor and I did as she said and as expected a blue light covers my entire armor and it disappears.

Ritsuka: How convenient.... So if I want to use the armor back I just have to use the same way as before?

BB: Yes. However you can also use the device to activate the armor manually.

BB said this and a device appears in my right hand and I see that it has the shape of my command seal.

(A/N: It's basically what Firefly uses to activate her armor the difference is the appearance of the transformation device which is different.)

BB: Well with all that settled it's time for me to do some important things.

BB said this and I was surprised to see that she wouldn't explain to me what happened while I was out.

Ritsuka: Wait! So you're not going to tell me anything?

BB: I've already done that. Everything you need to know is on your communicator with the necessary information about what happened. Bye, bye, my dear pathetic Senpai!

BB said this by giving me a quick kiss on the mouth until she disappeared into digital particles.

Ritsuka: *sigh*. BB really hasn't changed at all. I just hope she doesn't cause too many problems... Hmpf! Who am I kidding? Of course she'll give me headaches in the future.

I say this complaining, but inside I'm happy to have BB by my side. As BB said, the moment I started accessing my device that I use as a mini computer, I saw that I have a lot of information and reports about what's happening on the space station.

💭Ok, a lot has happened and is happening right now.

While I was away, Ruan Mei left the space station, abandoning her creations in her own area. This is something I have to resolve in the future.

During this time, Stelle was doing some tasks on Herta's orders.

After completing these tasks, Stelle would talk to Herta again until she lost consciousness.

This is probably the work of Ruan Mei's drug, which would take effect sooner or later. At the time this happened, several other incidents began to occur.

One of Herta's puppets was attacked, several reports of researchers disappearing, and several other things that only add to the list of things I have to resolve.

Even though one of Herta's puppets was destroyed, that old woman has many other puppets left, in addition to the fact that well before the attack, Herta had received an invitation from the IPC, which is why she left the space station minutes before all this happened.

Ritsuka: A creation of a member of the genius society being used to cause chaos and conflict, combined with the attack of Herta's puppets causing a possible internal conflict in the station... Hmm...

💭 Many coincidences happening besides Stelle having lost consciousness along with her memories...

At that moment I feel a small, but very strong wave of negative and evil energy coming from the sealed zone. It's an aura covered in evil and an enormous desire for uncontrolled chaos and pleasure of suffering, this combination of evil is something I've felt before.

💭 The Annihilation Gang.... I never thought we'd meet them again.

I've already had the opportunity to come into conflict with the Annihilation Gang, it happened the day Robin and I met for the first time.

The gang was planning to cause chaos and destruction at Robin's concert to spread the word of their "savior." They were also planning to assassinate Robin, but they didn't expect me to be there on the day of the attack.

That's why I had to "kidnap" Robin to keep her safe, but that ended up causing a whole other kind of trouble that I don't want to go back to.

Ritsuka: I better get to the sealed zone as soon as possible.

I say this as I leave Herta's room and head towards the main elevator.

During this, I receive a few messages, one from Herta and several more from Asta, who is obviously worried about me.

Herta's message is basically her throwing the current problem into my hands, that she's busy dealing with the IPC.

I decide to call Asta using my mini computer and her hologram appears.

Asta: Ritsuka? Good thing you're back, we have an emergency!

Ritsuka: I'm already aware of what's going on at the station, Asta.

Asta: Oh! That makes things a lot easier. Where are you now?

Ritsuka: I'm on my way to the elevator to go to the sealed zone to investigate the problem. Changing the subject. Where are you, Asta?

Asta: I'm in an office in the sealed zone along with Screwllum, Dr. Ratio, and Stelle.

When Asta said that, I was a little surprised to hear that.

💭 Screwllum and my teacher being together in the same place, I never thought I'd hear that, but why is Stelle together too?

Ritsuka: And why are the four of you in the sealed zone? I assume it's so you won't be seen by the other outraged researchers?

Asta: That's one of the reasons, and another is because Dr. Ratio suspects that Stelle is responsible for Herta's puppet attack.

The moment Asta said that, I immediately became suspicious.

💭 Teacher is suspecting Stelle? The human raccoon? And Screwllum is just standing there doing nothing? There's no way these two don't know about the situation that's going on. They're are not idiots.

Ritsuka: Asta, is my teacher listening to our conversation?

Asta: Yes, he is.

The moment Asta said that, I decided to be direct and frank with my words.

Ritsuka: Okay. Teacher, you're interrogating a human raccoon who's a lover of trash cans! If that doesn't convince you that she's a waste of time, then I have no idea what you're doing.

I say this while being completely honest with my words, and I quickly get a response.

Stella: Ritsuka! Tell Fou to stop insulting me!

Fou: Fou~Kyu~

Stelle: What? You dare call my love for trash cans weak?! You'll pay dearly for saying such blasphemy!!!

Fou: Fou! Fou!

Stelle: You take that back!

💭So Fou is with Stelle... And she's arguing with Fou... Well, I'm not going to take responsibility for her funeral.

Ritsuka: As you can see, teacher, she's a little crazy in the head.

Asta: I think he ignored what you said.

Ritsuka: Then he can't complain that I didn't warn him. Asta tell Screwllum that the Simulated Universe incident has been resolved. While you're there, I'll be doing my investigation. I'll take advantage of it and bring Herta back to the station.

Asta: And how are you going to do that? Sending her a letter of resignation again?

Ritsuka: Not this time. I have a way that will make that grandma abandon what she's doing and return to the station in a hurry. Anyway, be careful, Asta. The situation is not under control yet.

Asta: I know that. You should be careful too.

Ritsuka: I know.

I end our conversation and I manage to get into the elevator. While I'm going down the floors, I decide to call Herta.

To my surprise, it didn't take long for Herta to answer.

Herta: What do you want, assistant? I'm busy and I don't have time to waste time on unnecessary conversations.

Herta said that and I see the hologram of her real appearance and I'm surprised to see it.

💭So Herta went with the IPC personally.... I thought she sent another puppet.

Ritsuka: Okay, then I'll get straight to the point. Your simulated universe is no longer under your control.

I say this in a calm and quiet tone and Herta stays silent for a few seconds until she starts laughing.

Herta: Hahaha. That was a good joke assistant. Thanks for making me laugh, I really needed a distraction.

Ritsuka: It's not a joke, Herta. I'm really telling the truth. If you don't believe me, check it out for yourself.

I say this and Herta stays silent taking my words into consideration and after a few seconds I arrive at the sealed zone and immediately receive a response from Herta.

Herta: What?! How is this possible? Why do I only have so little control in the simulated universe? What did you do Ritsuka?!

Herta said this no longer calling me "assistant" and she is really angry.

Ritsuka: Let's say that one of my partners in my world managed to get here and she is a very powerful AI.

Herta: How powerful is she to be able to steal the simulated universe?!

Ritsuka: Powerful enough for her to negotiate with Nous themselves for her to have control of the simulated universe.

Herta goes silent after I finish speaking and looking at the hologram it is easy to assume that she is speechless.

Herta: That's it. I will personally go have a chat with that thieving AI of yours! No one takes the invasion that a genius like me worked very hard to achieve!

With these words Herta hangs up and I stay silent being surprised to see her being furious.

Ritsuka: Wow this is the first time I see Herta being angry like this.

💭 She will definitely come back judging by her being angry like this. I'm even curious about her meeting BB in person.

With my conversation with Herta over, I start looking for the phase flame that the Annihilation gang is using to cause trouble at the station.

💭This evil aura is coming out of Ruan Mei's lab.

While I'm following the trail that the gang is leaving, the gang leader called Duke Inferno starts making a live recording on the station's social media group.

(Photo)

Duke Inferno:The gods of the starry skies have abandoned the world. They give no thought to the masses. Only the wounded savior can bathe the world in the firelight of Destruction. Yet always there are cowards try-

But suddenly something interrupts Duke Inferno's broadcast and the video is immediately hacked by someone I immediately recognize.

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BB! Channel!

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Duke Inferno's broadcast has been replaced by BB's personal TV channel. However, something that caught me by surprise is that judging by the immense activity in the space station's social group, it seems that BB has hacked into all of the station's broadcast systems.

Ritsuka: Don't tell me she's using this as an opportunity to reveal herself to the world by making a debut like this?!

While I'm surprised and already aware of the explanations I have to make as a result of BB's actions.

BB: Hello, humanity in a distant galaxy! How are you all doing? Still running around looking like idiots? Scurring around like ants who just had boiling water poured into their hill? You are,aren't you? Oh my! No matter how different you are, some things never change! I loved it! It almost makes me feel sorry for you!

BB says this while doing the typical introduction she does when she uses her TV studio.

BB: I thought you guys from the Genius Society would be the most intelligent people in this galaxy, but all it takes is an invasion here and a gang attack there to make you all act like spoiled brats. I take back what I said about calling you brata, at least brats can learn, but you guys don't seem to have that talent...

BB said this while looking at the camera with an expression of disappointment and boredom.

Ritsuka: My goodness, it seems like all the researchers are confused about what's going on. Good. That'll give me more time.

With BB's broadcast taking everyone's attention on the station, the influence of Duke Inferno's attack has been completely ignored and this is a great opportunity for me to solve this problem while everyone is distracted.

BB: Lucky for you guys, I'm in a good mood, so I'm going to give you brainless monkeys a little help in solving your pathetic little problem.

BB said this insulting the researchers at the station and I receive a message from her at the same time.

BB💬 I placed barriers to block the paths of the phase flame, you'll be able to capture Duke Inferno without any problem!

With this message from BB I arrive at the area where Duke Inferno's presence is present and as BB said I can see some barriers in the shape of Sakura petals blocking Duke Inferno's routes.

💭As expected from my AI kohai, always being reliable. But even with some routes being blocked, I won't let Duke Inferno wander around the station.

Since I had cleaned up this area, I don't have any Propagation bugs getting in my way, so I can get close to the phase flame that Duke Inferno is using.

The phase flame is a blue flame that can be used as a means of teleportation, and just by looking at it, I can tell that it's only a part of Duke Inferno that's inside that flame.

💭So he's just using the flame as a vehicle for him to reach the station without being physically present.... Too bad for him that he picked a fight with a flame expert like me.

My footsteps are loud enough that Duke Inferno can hear, but I don't let him react to run away and immediately cover my entire right arm in black flames and form a claw that stretches out and captures the flame that Duke Inferno is using.

Duke Inferno: Argh!!!

Duke Inferno lets out a groan of pain the moment I took the flame from him. This is the effect of my black flames that are capable of affecting the soul. I only used the phase flame to affect Duke Inferno himself.

Ritsuka: Nice to meet you in person for the first time, Duke Inferno.

I say this while holding the phase flame with my claw in black flames.

Duke Inferno: Who are you?

Ritsuka: My name is Ritsuka Fujimaru and I am a simple assistant director.

I say this in a calm tone giving my introduction, obviously joking a little with Duke Inferno.

Duke Inferno: Your face.... those flames.... your eyes..... I understand then you are that man that my daughter Caterina was talking so much about in the past.

Duke Inferno said this by mentioning the name of the member of his gang who is the explosive and chaotic woman Caterina.

💭 It still surprises me that he is her daughter. I don't see any semblance of him in her other than the desire for destruction.

Duke Inferno: Hehehe.... It seems that you had the privilege of being touched by our savior! Hahahaha! What an honor! Although it makes sense judging by the fury that is emanating from you, boy.

Ritsuka: Spare me your litany about Destruction. I already know more than enough about them. If you think I'm going to let you cause chaos in the station, you are very mistaken.

Duke Inferno: Hahahaha! Interesting! Very interesting! You are not a human, that is already very clear because no sane human can withstand such a desire for revenge that is overflowing from you, boy. Tell me... Why do you hide using that false mask? Why don't you release that purifying flame and cleanse this galaxy of its sins in the name of-

I immediately interrupt Duke Inferno's speech and make my claws release electricity that affects Duke Inferno, making him groan in agony again.

Duke Inferno: Arg!

Ritsuka: You don't know me, Duke Inferno. And don't even think that I'm going to join the fan club of rejects like you. Let this serve as a warning. If you come back here no matter where you are from I will kill you and drag your soul to the depths of hell! Oh! And tell your daughter I said "hi".

With these words I close my hand, covering the phase flame completely and I manage to burn Duke Inferno who was using the flame.

I didn't kill him completely, but I certainly killed a part of him.

Ritsuka: Hmpf. This will probably get Caterina's attention, but as if she were a problem for me.

I say this seeing as Duke Inferno is no longer controlling the phase flame and with the Gang's problem solved, I need to solve the little problem that BB caused.

Dr. Ratio: It seems that you have already have this situation under control, apprentice.

I hear my teacher's voice in my ears and I turn towards him with the phase flame in my right hand.

Ritsuka: Hello, teacher. I apologize for not having spoken to you earlier in the Ruan Mei incident. Something happened in the simulated universe that needed my attention.

Dr. Ratio: Oh yes, the task that Madam Yabuli asked you to do on her precious toy, you stayed in there for quite some time.

Dr. Ratio said this with his arms crossed, looking at me with that face that every teacher uses to interrogate a student on a question.

Ritsuka: Hehehe.... I admit that I stayed in there for longer than I should have, but I had a great experience. Although I had not expected that the moment I returned, the space station was about to have a possible internal conflict with the workers and researchers. All of this was almost accomplished by this flame here.

I say this with a light laugh of embarrassment and I look at the phase flame that is in my hands.

Dr Ratio: I must say that I did not expect your immediate and direct action in this incident, apprentice, in addition to what you did against that creation of Ruan Mei.

Ritsuka: So it was you who was watching me at that time. As expected of you, Professor.

Dr Ratio: You have many little secrets hidden, apprentice. Although I already had some theories, what you did today was certainly something that I was not prepared for.

Dr Ratio said this looking at my right hand that is still in the form of a flaming claw.

Ritsuka: I think I don't need to say that you have questions, do I?

As I did with my friends from Astral Express, I told Dr. Ratio who I am, but I didn't tell him about my adventures in the singularities and the Lostbelts, I just gave a brief summary of it.

After listening to my long story, Dr. Ratio lets out a loud sigh and he puts his hands on the bridge of his nose.

Dr. Ratio: That was a lot of information...

Dr. Ratio said that and I let out a happy laugh seeing that even he was overwhelmed with so much information that I have.

Ritsuka: Herta, Asta and my friends from the Astral Express had the same reaction as you, professor, although Herta forced me to tell certain details because she was very interested in my world.

Dr. Ratio: So, let's see if I understood everything. You are actually a time-traveling mage with the job of resolving and correcting anomalies in your world's historical past, in addition to destroying timelines that have strayed from the proper path of human history?

Ritsuka: Yes. You summed up my line of work perfectly, Professor. Although the Lostbelts part is something I'm not proud of having done.

I say this with a happy smile and Dr. Ratio looks at me with an irritated expression.

Dr. Ratio: Why didn't you tell me about this before?

Ritsuka: Well, I didn't see any reason to tell you other than the fact that I was a little afraid to see what your reaction would be after you learned the truth.

Dr. Ratio: I now understand why you don't have any records of what you did other than working on the space station, you're not actually from this galaxy.

Ritsuka: I specifically am from a parallel universe. My humanity hasn't managed to go beyond the stars yet, unlike you who can already go to different planets and meet other races.

Dr. Ratio: So that fire you used against that Ruan Mei insect is the work of your Avenger class, right?

Ritsuka: Yes. The heroic spirit of Vengeance is the class I'm using.

Dr. Ratio: Being a person dedicated to revenge isn't something that suits you, apprentice. That would make more sense if you were part of the Galaxy Rangers.

Dr. Ratio said that when he mentioned the group of people who follow the Aeon of the Hunt.

I have to admit that I'm happy to see that Dr. Ratio is taking this information about me very well. It was to be expected coming from him, who is a scholar.

Ritsuka: True. But being a Galaxy Ranger is not a path I want to follow. Now it's my turn to ask questions. I read the reports saying what happened to the researchers who were victims of Duke Inferno's attack only suffered spiritual trauma and nothing more. Besides, I can see that you have a spark of the phase flame.

Dr. Ratio told me that he already knew about Duke Inferno's attack and that he had hindered his attack by not allowing the victims to be teleported out of the Space Station.

The reason Dr. Ratio didn't simply solve the problem himself is because he wanted this incident to serve as a lesson to researchers who idolize geniuses like Herta, Screwllum and Ruan Mei.

Dr. Ratio's idea is to use this incident as a hard lesson to learn how to overcome and evolve without depending on others, this serves for people who are not prodigals like Herta and company, in addition to serving as a critique of the path of Erudition.

Unfortunately, Dr. Ratio's plan didn't go exactly as he wanted since I solved the problem quickly and BB erased the fear that Duke Inferno put on the station.

Ritsuka: I'm sorry for disturbing you, Professor.

Dr. Ratio: Why are you apologizing? I was already prepared in case my plan wasn't done perfectly, but I admit that I'm satisfied with your performance.

Dr. Ratio said this with a slight smile on his face and I was surprised to see him praising me.

Ritsuka: Professor, you're praising me...

Dr. Ratio: Don't get used to it, apprentice, a teacher's duty is to criticize the student until he shows development and evolution, praise serves to after a difficult test. Saying that, I'm going to leave, I've already spent too much time in this place full of people infected by foolishness.

Ritsuka: Hehehe..... I'm glad you visited, Professor. Come back soon!

I say this and see Dr. Ratio using phase flame to teleport and with that the annihilation gang incident is resolved.

**************

Some time later....

Ritsuka's Office...

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I had to explain to Asta and Stelle about BB and what she is besides the fact that she has control of the simulated universe, Screwllum was quite surprised to learn about BB, and said that Herta obviously won't like to know that she lost control of the simulated universe.

Stelle said that she's waiting for me to leave the station and I said that I have a few small things to do before I leave.

Ritsuka: Okay I just have to finish doing a little thing in my office so I can get back on the train.

Fou: Fou!

I enter my office and I'm greeted with a sight I didn't expect to see.

(Photo)

Herta: Look who's back, if it isn't my assistant with a thieving AI.

Fou: Fou. (Special translation: So this is what this old woman looks like...)

To my surprise, Herta is lying down reading a book on my sofa, but it's not the puppet, but Herta herself in the flesh.

💭It's been a while since I've seen her in person.

Her real appearance is almost identical to the puppet version of her, the differences are her height, a more mature body, and other things.

Ritsuka: More than an honor. Being able to see the true glory of Madam Herta, she really is a beauty without equal.

I say this sarcastically and Herta gets a slight irritated expression when she hears what I said.

Herta: I would be happy if your words were true, besides the fact that it feels strange to hear you complimenting me.

Ritsuka: I thought you like hearing compliments.

Herta: I like it, but it's strange coming from you. Changing the subject, what is that creature on your shoulder?

Herta said that and Fou seemed to be offended.

Fou: Fou! Fou! (Special translation: I am a Beast! Not a simple "creature"! I deserve to be treated with respect!)

Ritsuka: This is my best friend, Fou. He is a Beast.

I say this and Herta is surprised to hear what I said.

Herta: So this little creature is a Beast of Humanity?

Ritsuka: Yep.

Herta: That is a surprise and very fascinating, but I did not come here personally to make small talk. I came here to discuss certain things with you. The main topic is about what your personal AI did to the simulated universe. I had the pleasure of having a little chat with her in the simulated universe before coming here.

Herta said this showing me an expression of pure irritation and I am a little worried about what Herta and BB did.

Ritsuka: You two didn't fight, did you?

Herta: I had that intention, but your dear "Kohai" was quite convincing about what she added to the simulated universe, about the super computer on your planet's moon.

💭 At least they didn't fight....

Ritsuka: So you're not mad about what happened?

Herta: Oh, I'm still angry about what she did, but at the same time I'm impressed and curious about her and her capabilities, that's a credit I allow myself to give her. As much as it irritates me to admit this, she's helping me with my research on your world.

Herta said this with an irritated expression, but her tone of voice goes completely against her words.

💭 In other words, you're too proud to admit that you liked what BB did.

Herta: There's also something about the Heroic Spirits that made me curious so much that I had to come here to clear up that doubt.

💭 A question about the Heroic Spirits? I've already told her everything I know about them, so why is she asking me this?

Ritsuka: And what are you wondering about? Just letting you know that I have to get on the astral express in a little while.

I say this because I'm curious about what Herta wants to talk to me about.

Herta:Don't worry about it, we shouldn't take long, now for my question. Are you capable of having children as a servant?

Ritsuka/Fou: .....What?

Next chapter: Herta's curious and intimate experiment