258 Hua : How can I be a Herrscher ?

The fight raged on, but in the end, neither Luo Mo nor Kalpas could claim victory, It was a stalemate.

Luo Mo started strong, but it was clear he wasn't prepared for Kalpas's reckless, all-or-nothing fighting style. Deep down, Luo Mo always fights with a bit of reserve – it's instinctual.

And this time, it meant he narrowly missed taking down a weakened Kalpas.

It's not about being soft or afraid, When someone comes after you, full-force is the only way to survive, regardless of their reasons.

Okay, picture this: it's not some dangerous enemy, it's just little Ellie. She waltzes into your house, makes herself at home on your sofa, raids your snack stash, and then... deletes all your slightly spicy cosplay photos.

Ugh, the worst. But then, hold on – what if she replaced them with even spicier pictures of herself?

Luo Mo buried his face in his hands, his mind spinning. Honestly, the main reason he hadn't reacted yet was simple: he hadn't bothered to ask Vill-V what the heck happens if you explode one of these Flame-Chaser projections.

I mean, they're not just pure memories or energy, are they? Stigmata 'energy'? Who knows what they're made of at this point!

Okay, the Kongming stuff is finally wrapped up, and the "Saga of the Shattered Swords" visual novel is rolling out steadily.

Now that the Red Kite Immortal storyline is kicking off, he's... kinda just ignoring the big Ice and Rock Herrscher plot points.

Why sweat it? Those guys show up, cause a little chaos, then poof.

From a utilitarian point of view, it is still difficult to describe the sadness of two characters who suddenly appear, but why bother yourself?

If you have any difficulty, just skip it. It's not a big problem.

Speaking of things that matter, it's time to get this Herrscher of Sentience situation under control. Gotta find a way to handle it, and fast. Would Fu Hua be down with having a clone of herself made?

Alas, let's discuss with the system first to see if there is any other way.

...

" Hey, did you miss me ~ ♪ "

Elysia skipped over to Luo Mo, a huge smile on her face. When she spotted his bruises, that smile somehow got even wider.

You gotta understand, if someone seriously wanted to take Luo Mo down and kill him, she'd be the first in line to defend him; but if someone wants to beat him up… well, she wouldn't mind helping hold him down, just for fun.

Alas, the friendship between them is so innocent and flawless ♪

Luo Mo looked at her carefully for a moment, making Elysia a little confused.

After all, to be honest, except for the fact that he was a little surprised when he saw her for the first time, his eyes have always been calm since then, even sometimes gazed towards Griseo and Mobius...

Has he finally come to his senses? She is also distressed when her charm as a beautiful girl is always denied ~, although she still likes beautiful girls ~

"Elysia," he said, "your eyes are still red. You sure you're okay?"

Luo Mo nodded, a hint of satisfaction on his face.

Seemed like stopping by yesterday to check on her after that game plot had been the right call.

"Wait, what? What do you even mean?" Elysia stared at him, a mix of confusion and genuine hurt crossing her face.

he just observing whether she cried yesterday? Who is this? Can we still be friends?

"Okay, let's get this straight," she said, her voice rising slightly. "Are you saying you actually wanted to see me cry?" Friendship boat, prepare to capsize, Elysia thought grimly, clenching her fists.

"Ellie, grab Hua and let's head to the company! We'll get those dubbing lines done twice as fast with two of her!" Luo Mo blurted out, completely changing the subject.

Clearly, he wasn't explaining his weird comment anytime soon.

Honestly, mostly because he was terrified of getting Beaten.

Out of nowhere, Luo Mo's mind flashed back to that nightmare. Little Ellie, in all her mischievous glory, deleting his… ahem, his treasured artwork collection. A shiver ran down his spine.

Photos are the sacred records of human experience! How could anyone just wipe them away?

…Luckily, in the dream he managed to catch her and deliver some much-needed discipline. Phew. Imagine waking up to that disaster – it would have ruined the whole day.

"Count me in! I miss Mei already, it's been ages~" Elysia piped up, waving her hand excitedly to get his attention.

" Next is Fu Hua's special performance, so that's not impossible..."

Luo Mo looked at Ellie and thought about what would happen if Hua dubbed the Herrscher of Sentience 50,000 years ago?

It will definitely be difficult, but he is looking forward to it.

...

After the initial hype around Kongming died down, her legend lives on. People still debate her actions endlessly. Chalk it up to the Mihoyo writers and their love of stabbing players, maybe?

But for players in China, there's something else on their minds – a figure glimpsed only briefly, yet impossible to forget. The iconic Red Kite Immortal, a hero straight out of Chinese folklore, seared into their memories.

Okay, we're two steps closer to getting that free Kongming BattleSuit! All that's left is collecting the last fragment, then logging in for the next update.

Catch is, you gotta give the game a glowing review to get your hands on those pieces.

The result? You wouldn't believe the internet right now.

Five-star ratings everywhere, gushing testimonials… it's practically a love letter to the game! A bunch of new players probably fell for it hook, line, and sinker. It's honestly kind of hilarious.

Sure, you'll probably find the odd salty rant from some big spender who didn't get their way, but hey, that's the internet.

Overall, Honkai Impact III's reputation is doing a complete 180 thanks to this whole thing.

Luo Mo was practically giddy about this! Finally, a fresh batch of new players, lured in by the promise of free stuff. They're in for a wild surprise, and he's going to reap the benefits. Sweet, sweet payback...

Of course, the last piece of the puzzle is tucked away in that "Saga of the Shattered Swords" visual novel. A long read, finished within a single update... something tells me a lot of players are about to feel a chill down their spines when they see that requirement.

[Ugh, what do I do? Remember what happened with Himeko's side story way back? They did the same thing, made me go through her sad backstory first... ]

[Hold up, not this time! This whole thing is a knife, plain and simple. You know the rule: one dose of sadness means something sweet is coming next!]

[Anyone else find the main plot kinda meh these last chapters? The new Herrscher of Rimestar is cool, but that's about it...]

You know what they say: laziness breeds innovation! So, why waste precious effort on Make complicated plot Reboot when you can use those brain cells and resource elsewhere?

The main story these past couple of chapters has been pretty streamlined. Basically, it's all about [Mei's] growth while hanging out with the World Serpent crew.

Honestly, if Luo Mo could rewrite everything, he would. A perfect game, polished to a shine – that's the dream, right? But with everything going on in the real world, the Honkai(aka Kevin) threat getting worse by the day, he's in a constant battle against time.

Every change, every new story arc means resources and manpower. Is it worth it, delaying things even further, just to fix something relatively minor in the grand scheme of things?

...

Over at MiHoYo HQ, inside the dubbing studio... Things were going smoothly until Anna barged in, shattering the calm.

" Although I have known for a long time that there are two class monitors, I am still surprised to see them again. "

Kiana looked back and forth between Hua and Fu Hua in surprise, but from what she saw, although there was a big difference in temperament, the talent who called herself Hua looked more like a girl than the current squad leader.

Mei also looked at them curiously. She had seen both of them before, but to be honest, she didn't see them at the same time many times.

Judging from their appearance, the two of them are at least related.

" Huh ~, boss, although you mentioned to me that my dubbing might be a little short, it's probably too short. "

Anna was a little angry. She had been prepared to work overtime until late at night in the past two days, but her dubbing was too little, right?

" Didn't you say that you have a lot of things to do? I'll compress it for you, and you won't have anything to do next ~"

Luo Mo waved his hand, indicating that your mission is completed and you can leave.

"Hold on, boss," Anna grumbled, giving him the saddest puppy-dog eyes she could muster. "Isn't this a little harsh? Once the useful donkey's done its job..."

The work in the dubbing studio is much easier than typing code. Although there are reasons for the boss's lax requirements, Anna's dubbing was done casually and there were no requirements at all. It was very perfunctory.

This made Anna, who was originally preparing for a big fight, immediately wilt. Although she was flattered at first, the dubbing was also quite interesting, and it was the kind that allowed her to have more contact with the protagonist Kiana.

Anna puffed out her cheeks in mock offense. Can't a girl dream? But deep down, she knew there was no changing his mind.

With a reluctant shrug, she headed out the door, but not before tossing a parting shot over her shoulder: "By the way, I'm ready to study at St. Freya's place. "

Obviously, another Herrscher has officially moved in at St. Freya. The principal of the school must be very pleased. After all, he is one step closer to the final victory.

"Another Herrscher rolls into town, huh?" Elysia turned from watching Anna leave, a mischievous glint in her eyes. She nudged Luo Mo, "So, spill the beans! Is it our icy friend?"

"Yep, Herrscher of Ice, just like in the game," Luo Mo confirmed. "But man, whatever Cecilia said to her must've worked like a charm. She's not falling for that 'destiny's puppet' nonsense the others did. This version is way tougher."

"Oh, I get it!" Kiana piped up, always eager to share her knowledge. "Remember how Sirin and I were different? It's kinda like that, right? Don't worry, this happens sometimes!"

After all, you see, there are so many Herrschers around us, and it is the Herrschers who save the world.

The textbooks in the next issue may need to be changed. From Herrschers are the enemy of mankind to Herrschers are the allies of mankind. Better not mislead the newcomers.

"Yeah! The Herrschers can be good people too!"

Elysia looked at Kiana with admiration and nodded, but soon her eyes naturally turned to Mei... the horns on her head.

"Wouldn't it be fabulous if I became a Herrscher someday?" Elysia sighed dreamily. "I've heard they give you an instant fashion upgrade – long, flowy outfits, super elegant vibes… and the best part? Your eyes change color! Like the coolest contacts ever! Wouldn't that be amazing, Mei?"

Mei could feel a headache coming on. "Contacts? Well… Elysia, being a Herrscher isn't a game. Honestly, it's pretty… uh, dangerous, wouldn't you say?"

She'd never quite understood Elysia's fascination with her, ever since their first meeting. All that bubbly energy was cute, sure, but seriously exhausting.

"Hmm? Then let Mei teach me some experience. If I accidentally become a Herrscher in the future, then..."

Elysia covered her mouth slightly, with a smile on her face, but she moved her steps towards Mei.

"You!! not everyone can just become a Herrscher!"

Kiana was a little angry and stopped in front of Mei, is This Bad Woman thinking she was just a decoration and wasn't here?

Kiana had spent enough time with them both to know Elysia wasn't exactly… normal. (you same duh)

But teasing Mei like that, in front of her? No way.

Sure, things were still a little awkward, but Kiana wasn't letting anyone mess with Mei, no matter how mysterious they were.

"Kiana, relax," Elysia giggled, putting a hand on Kiana's shoulder in a mock-comforting gesture. "I'm just a curious girl! Exploring all the possibilities, you know? Don't be such a worrywart."

She winked at Kiana, then let her hand slide away. "Besides, you've got the potential yourself, even if you're missing some…key accessories," she added with a playful glance at Kiana's head.

Kiana scratched the back of her head, a frown creasing her brow. "What's with all the weirdness? Why are you so obsessed with the Herrscher stuff anyway?"

Something about Elysia was just…off. Familiar, yet strangely unsettling. Her words, the playful smile, the way she touched her shoulder... it was all starting to feel like a weird, teasing puzzle.

"Alright, alright, Herrscher gossip hour is over," Luo Mo said, rapping his knuckles on the table to get everyone's attention. "Time to get down to business! Today, we're knocking out two PVs, featuring our very own Hua and Fu Hua!"

He looked around the room, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. "Gotta say, we've got a bigger crowd than usual… which is… interesting. Kiana, Mei, that's to be expected. But Bronya?"

"Apparently, she's hit a crucial moment with that core thing," Luo Mo continued, making vague gestures with his hands. "Word is, she took off with Seele to go… racing? On bikes? Unclear. Point is, they're probably just somewhere on this island, blowing off steam."

Then, today's protagonists, Fu Hua and Hua, looked at each other awkwardly.

It wasn't awkward at all, but the two people who should be familiar just by looking at them just nodded and said hello, and said no more.

Meanwhile, Elysia's just here for a good time. She went to give Kongming a hug, but Kongming took one look at her and whipped out that fan like a shield.

Although she doesn't know why so many people want to hug her,

Speaking of surprise hugs, Kongming remembers that whole incident with Cecilia yesterday like it was burned into her brain.

No way she's letting some random person glomp her today.

No, thank you!

"Mr. Assassin, you traitor!" Kongming thought dramatically, glaring daggers at Luo Mo. "Was luring me here just a ploy to toss me into the lion's den?!"

Speaking of Lions, she's been eyeing Elysia with suspicion gaze the whole time.

Forget hugs, she could practically feel those mischievous eyes plotting some other way to get close. Not on her watch!

"Alright, so, Hua, you'll be playing the Herrscher of Sentience, and Fu Hua, you're voicing the Red Kite Immortal. Any questions?" Luo Mo announced, all serious and business-like.

Questions? Fu Hua barely managed to hold back an exasperated sigh. Try a MILLION questions!

This whole thing felt super strange – Red Kite Immortal? Okay, maybe she could work with that.

But the Herrscher?

Fu Hua took a deep breath to steady herself. "I will not become a Herrscher," she declared, her voice firm, betraying none of the internal turmoil she felt.

"Excellent, that was fantastic! We'll use that take," Luo Mo said, a touch of surprise in his voice. He hadn't expected Fu Hua to shift into character so quickly and with such conviction.

Then he turned towards Hua, waiting expectantly. But Hua just sat there, a flicker of confusion crossing her face.

Sure, she'd gotten used to the idea of Herrschers in the game, but in real life? Most people around her seemed so… normal.

Yet, knowing what she knew about herself, about the other voice inside her head... it was hard to just come out and say she liked Herrschers idea.

" The Herrscher? How can I be the Herrscher? " she asked doubtfully.

"The tone is wrong, but the lines are correct. It seems you have prepared well. Come on, I'm optimistic about you! " even more satisfied Luo Mo said approvingly.

He looked around the room, feeling a surge of pride. These girls were naturals! Even the first-timers were showing serious dedication.

Especially Fu Hua! Even though her part hadn't come up yet, she kept reviewing her lines under her breath, probably practicing secretly while he wasn't looking.

Talk about work ethic!

If you leave it to them, you will definitely feel at ease.

They clearly had this under control! He happily closed his script book, tucked Kongming under his arm, and prepared to make a tactical retreat.

"Hold on–"

Before he could make it two steps, a hand pressed down on his shoulder, surprisingly heavy. Then, a forceful shove sent him stumbling back onto the stool.

Fu Hua pushed up her glasses, a cold light appeared in her eyes,

She was a little worried, other party's disorder was getting more and more serious.

Did he need her help with medical treatment?

"I said," she repeated, her voice low and steady, "wait."

"Yeah, you know, those things of mine? Suddenly, not that urgent at all!" Luo Mo chirped, practically vibrating in an effort to seem casual - Very casual - Super relaxed.

Nothing to see here, just a guy who wasn't desperately trying to escape a second ago.

Honestly, an angry man is one thing, but an angry Fu Hua? Way scarier. His survival instincts were screaming at him to tread carefully.

Fu Hua just sighed, dragging two chairs over and plunking herself down opposite him, leaving a space for the other version of herself.

This was getting ridiculous!

Head pounding, thoughts tangled... how in the world did she suddenly become a host for the Herrscher?

Either she has been taking care of Cheng Lixue recently, or the boss has done a good job of keeping secrets and wants to scare her.

from the expressions of Elysia, Mei and others, there is a high probability that it will be the second one.

As for Kiana... "Oh, class president, it's just a Herrscher! No big deal! We're basically all Herrschers at this point, right?" She patted Fu Hua on the shoulder like there wasn't a care in the world.

Nothing wrong with that? At least the Herrschers stick together, she seems to think! Long overdue in her book, for Fu Hua to get with the program!

Fu Hua just shook her head, the frown deepening on her face. She glanced at Luo Mo, a flicker of unease in her eyes. She knew her own body well enough, and this Herrscher business... something wasn't right.

With Divine Sound and her own memory, how could the immortal who had once been possessed by the devil become possessed by the devil again?

"I know you don't like explanations. From the perspective of the game world, it's really surprising that I will become the Herrscher, "

After considering his words, Fu Hua slowly said, "But how did I become a Herrscher? "

——This is what puzzles her the most.

"At the beginning of the PV, two Fu Hua were walking high in the sky. I had some guesses, but I didn't expect it to be true. " Elysia narrowed her eyes and said.

Another Herrscher among the Thirteen Heroes? Honestly, the situation just keeps getting better and better!

Fu Hua is (one of) the protagonist, the protagonist is a lawbreaker, and the protagonist must live.

It is roughly equivalent to the protagonist becoming the living Herrscher of humanity. The perfect equation appears in Elysia's mind, and she must be happy.

"Remember the beginning of the last lesson Chapter? Fu Hua, your body and consciousness are not in the same place, "

Luo Mo just gave a simple explanation, and then discussed with a flattering smile, "Why don't you dub the rest first?"

Ugh, he hated dealing with the fallout of plot twists. Revealing everything would just spoil the surprise, wouldn't it?

Besides, he'd already checked with the system, or rather, that annoyingly smug system. Turns out, those girls originally destined to become Herrschers would still get their power-ups as planned. Some rule about balance or something, the system claimed.

Luo Mo personally thought it was the system's way of sticking it to him.

Anyway, the point is, as long as the right circumstances were set up once those other Herrschers emerged, his Sentience project should still work out perfectly.

"... good. "

Fu Hua looked at him deeply and finally nodded.

...

"Leave above and below, the light above the flame—— "

"When flowers bloom and fail, they return to dust..."

"I will change... everything?" (I will reverse all creations!!!)

As expected, Hua was confused.

Is her voice really his own? She asked several times, but the answer was always in the affirmative.

She couldn't help but become more confused, The changes in the Herrscher personality were a bit big...

---

Edit:

Thank you RVN_RZGRZ for suggestions and corrections to this chapter.

Maybe someone know, there are several chapters that haven't been edited, but actually they have been edited, it's just that Webnovel is a bit buggy and doesn't want to include the edits in the chapters that have been released.

I was a bit bothered by it but didn't want to think about it too much so I just let it go.