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

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Version 3.6 has concluded, giving way to the upcoming New Year version "Ink Chronicles." Although this update doesn't feature new story content, it introduces a significant character—the S-rank armor "Azure Empyrea" for Fu Hua. With Azure Empyrea's debut, she begins her reign over the Abyss.

However, due to Ana's overwhelming strength beforehand, Azure Empyrea fails to immediately dominate, leading instead to a diverse meta reminiscent of blooming flowers across various strategies. This diversity isn't detrimental to the game, as monopolization by one character would force players to obtain specific characters for optimal gameplay experience—an undesirable scenario. While it's worth noting, no one is compelled to engage with the Abyss content.

In any case, there's no doubt that Azure Empyrea's introduction was a boon for players. Azure Empyrea's strength and additional story content significantly boosted revenue during the New Year version update, even spawning memes about collecting five talismans.

Azure Empyrea's release also heightened anticipation for new armors of other characters. Older ones like Kallen and Ice-8 had become increasingly underpowered, making it challenging to compete against high-tier opponents without Herrscher-class armors or Seele in the Abyss.

With the advent of quantum weather, the once-popular Whitenight, hailed as a budget war god, began to falter. The Stygian Nymph's overwhelming power combined with its simplicity made it highly favored.

However, Ana's debut undeniably extended the game's popularity and lifespan, reducing player attrition.

During the Spring Festival, Old Mi continued their tradition by offering the Crystal Skin 'Qipao' for Stygian Nymph, which garnered widespread acclaim for its aesthetic appeal. Coupled with various character re-releases, this led to an increase in returning players over the holiday period and attracted numerous newcomers as well.

Naturally, many players who couldn't afford crystals opted to create secondary accounts just to obtain these skins—a common practice seen across multiple games.

Following soon after was Version 3.8, "Dawn's Glory," a chapter rife with controversies—some stemming from issues related to Genshin Impact, others from within the game itself.

This chapter wasn't primarily focused on Ana's storyline, at least from the perspective of players who could follow the plot. It was entirely dedicated to setting up Durandal's upcoming release, serving to flesh out and enrich her character while intertwining with some main story elements.

However, within the Honkai World, this chapter held equal significance for Ana herself.

If Kiana and Durandal were central to the main narrative, then Ana would be pivotal to the critical subplot!

As Kiana launched the Honkai Engine bomb into the sky, it detonated, releasing an enormous surge of Honkai Energy. To prevent this energy from affecting the city, she chose to absorb everything using the Authority of Space.

In response, Ana opted to observe rather than intervene.

In truth, the subsequent transformation involving Kiana pertained directly to her own Ascension process. The Honkai Energy merely acted as a catalyst, as Ascension is an inevitable stage for any Herrscher.

Due to possessing multiple Cores, reaching this point inevitably overwhelmed Kiana, making it impossible for her to withstand such power.

Even Ana herself couldn't simultaneously Ascend both the Ice and Wind Cores' Authorities, so it was unsurprising that Kiana, with her weaker constitution, could not achieve this feat either—especially considering she now possessed three cores.

Thus, regardless of whether Ana intervened or not, Kiana had to undergo this transformation. There was no need for her interference.

After transferring the Honkai Energy away, Kiana, unable to withstand the overwhelming Authorities descending upon her, faltered at that moment. Sensing this, Rita swiftly appeared and tossed the Abyss Flower towards the sky.

An imposing figure gracefully caught the Abyss Flower, using vines to secure Kiana.

Indeed, Durandal had arrived just in time.

Her arrival seemed meticulously planned, making it difficult to believe she had merely reached the scene coincidentally—an observation Ana witnessed firsthand.

Meanwhile, below, Raiden Mei noticed Durandal's presence. Despite being significantly weaker, driven by concern for Kiana, she chose to confront Durandal head-on.

The outcome, naturally, needs no explanation.

In the face of absolute power, any effort is futile.

On another front, after handing over the Abyss Flower to Durandal, Rita immediately led the Immortal Blade Valkyries to pursue and settle accounts with the World Serpent.

With Durandal, the strongest Valkyrie, by their side, Schicksal felt utterly confident—an embodiment of Durandal's allure.

Subsequently, Durandal took Kiana away to Northern Africa.

These events occurred before Ana departed, and now, approximately two days have passed since Kiana's arrival there.

"Time is just about right," murmured Ana, standing amidst the clouds, as she closed her eyes.

Kevin, with his immense power, could detect Honkai Energy flow within a certain range, while Ana, utilizing her Authorities, could perceive its movement globally.

Consequently, if Ana sought someone, provided they were within the Honkai World, she could invariably locate them.

At that moment, Ana sensed an entity surpassing even Herrschers in Honkai Energy leaving the World Serpent Headquarters, accompanied by a torrential surge akin to a steel deluge carried on the wind.

Undoubtedly, the World Serpent had mobilized all its forces—this was precisely the opportunity Ana awaited, perfectly aligned without any deviation.

"Well then, World Serpent, here I come."

As Ana uttered these words, her figure vanished from her position.

In the next instant, she materialized within World Serpent's headquarters at their base. Despite being referred to as World Serpent's base, the surroundings were distinctly antiquated, covered with layers of dust and exuding a cold, desolate atmosphere.

Strangely, for such a significant location, there was no guard present at the headquarters.

However, it wasn't entirely surprising. This area was considered a forbidden zone for World Serpent, and nobody could fathom someone daring to infiltrate it. Moreover, even if ordinary individuals managed to reach here, they would find nothing useful.

Unfortunately, Ana was not an ordinary person. Half a year ago, she had already visited this place and successfully passed the trial to join World Serpent.

In a sense, as long as she didn't openly confront Kevin, she could claim herself as one of World Serpent's officers, albeit without an official code name.

The purpose of her visit now was related to the previous trial grounds—an installation from the previous civilization era—the Elysian Realm.

As soon as Ana entered the area, a rustling sound emerged from a nearby corner.

Immediately after, a figure shrouded in a cloak stood up, his eyes glowing red—it was none other than Gray Serpent!

Gray Serpent was not an individual but rather a collective entity. He divided himself into countless independent existences, which explained why he remained indifferent to Rita's killing spree in Tianqiong City.

Ana was not surprised at Gray Serpent's appearance and even raised her hand to greet him casually.

"Hi, Gray Serpent."

"I've come to complete our unfinished transaction," Ana said leisurely. The transaction she referred to occurred when Rita killed Gray Serpent previously. Naturally, it couldn't have been solely about that incident.

Thus, their previous agreement served as merely an additional clause on the surface.

What she truly sought was another opportunity to enter the Elysian Realm.

However, given the current circumstances, this condition seemed somewhat insignificant. Ana could easily force her way into the Elysian Realm, as its inhabitants were not aligned with the World Serpent outside.

All she needed was the cooperation of the Garden Administrator, whom she had conveniently assisted earlier, earning herself a favor owed by the pitiful administrator.

Of course, the deal with Gray Serpent was not entirely meaningless.

At least, if Gray Serpent adhered to the agreement, Kevin would remain unaware of Ana's visit to the Elysian Realm. After all, Kevin himself had no means to monitor it directly.

Moreover, Gray Serpent personally neither could nor would enter the Elysian Realm.

"Your plans truly impress me, madam."

Gray Serpent dusted off his clothes, his voice carrying admiration, and indeed, he genuinely felt awestruck.

He had always believed himself omniscient, meticulously planning each step, perfectly embodying the World Serpent's principles. Yet, he never anticipated missing the significance of Ana's existence.

What he initially considered just a minor pawn turned out to be a mastermind playing the grand game herself.

She even foresaw the actions of both Lord and himself, securing the Judgment of Shamash beforehand and striking this deal ahead of time.

Additionally, Gray Serpent consistently upheld the spirit of contracts and commerce.

In this situation, compliance was inevitable; even if he didn't want to adhere to the deal, there was no choice. Unless it was the Lord himself, no one within the World Serpent could match up against the figure before him.

Compromise and fulfill the transaction, that was the most prudent course of action.

"Spare me the meaningless flattery; I'm pressed for time. Although our beloved Lord will remain in Northern Africa for quite a while yet," Ana said leisurely.

"Then please follow me."

Without further ado, Gray Serpent gestured, inviting Ana to proceed.

However, Ana wasn't in a rush to leave. She knew the route well, making Gray Serpent's guidance virtually unnecessary. Instead of wasting time on directions, it was better to ask some questions.

"Gray Serpent, what is your perspective on Project Stigma?"

"Project Stigma represents the purpose of World Serpent's existence, our mission and goal that must be accomplished. To save this world, Project Stigma is essential," Gray Serpent replied without any hesitation or doubt.

"Hmm, and what about the Spark Project?" Ana nodded slightly, showing her understanding before continuing.

"Lady Ana, please allow me to speak candidly. The so-called Spark Project is merely a beautiful aspiration, something unlikely to become reality."

"Before civilization's demise, I traveled across the world and conducted countless experiments. The outcomes confirmed my belief: human nature is not worth trusting."

"Only under the leadership of an entity like the Lord can we hope to transcend Finality and defeat Honkai."

"Lady Ana, you have no understanding of the Lord's power and the burdens he carries."

"And likewise, you know nothing of what I comprehend or bear, Gray Serpent." Ana crossed her arms, responding mildly.

"I performed an 'experiment' involving myself and numerous 'humans.' The results proved that equality within collective consciousness is destined to be a dead-end path." Ana abruptly shifted her tone, adding a hint of mockery and raspiness to her voice.

"Is that so, Gray Serpent?"

"..."

Gray Serpent fell silent. Although unable to see his expression, Ana knew he must be somewhat shocked by her awareness, as it implied she fully understood the weight Kevin bore.

"«Humans» have always needed extraordinary resolve to make their toughest decisions."

"Now—" Ana paused, her eyes gleaming with intensity.

"We have two votes."

"I believe you should reconsider your choice, Gray Serpent!"

"I will inherit her will and continue moving forward. This time, no one else shall be sacrificed," Ana declared steadily.

Kevin was stubborn by nature, and there was little she could do about it. Unless she could confront him directly with reality, he wouldn't acknowledge any alternative path.

After all, it was already reaching the point where considering alternatives became imperative.

Compared to Kevin, Ana represented untapped potential, and her chosen path starkly differed from his. Although she firmly believed in herself and knew Kiana's group could achieve it too, she couldn't convincingly demonstrate this to Gray Serpent.

Her strength, though formidable as the strongest of her generation, had not yet reached a level capable of overpowering even Kevin, let alone the Herrscher of Finality.

Without achieving such mastery, gaining Kevin's support would remain elusive.

However, she still hoped for some backing from Gray Serpent. If World Serpent and Schicksal could unite to protect humanity, countless lives could be spared from Honkai's devastation.

However, if she ultimately crosses the threshold of Finality, it would indeed minimize sacrifices to their truest potential.

"I only believe what my eyes see, Lady Ana," Gray Serpent replied slowly, neither opposing nor expressing support. He needed more time to observe.

"Merely shouting slogans is meaningless, Lady Ana."

"Hmph." With a cold snort, Ana turned and left promptly. This was already the best outcome she could hope for. Unfortunately, compared to Kevin, she lacked tangible substance.

But that's alright; she firmly believed she'd soon achieve significant results.

She decided to quietly strive and steadily develop, aiming to astonish everyone with her progress!

Shortly after, Ana entered a pristine laboratory. Despite being from 50,000 years ago, everything here appeared as good as new.

All this perfection owed itself to the diligent efforts of a certain little figure who had been working tirelessly for five millennia.

"Oh, you're here."

Nearby, at a conference table, an ELF looked up. She held an experiment logbook, scribbling away. Although an ELF, Ana sensed weariness emanating from her.

Indeed, she was the overseer of the Elysian Realm, ELF Klein.

The next update might be delayed due to evening commitments; hence, this chapter is posted earlier than usual.