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

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"Are you truly going to do this?"

In the Elysian Realm, at the Boule Chamber, Ana emerged from the Garden and found Klein amidst his busy work. After explaining her intentions, Klein looked up, somewhat surprised, momentarily setting aside his tasks—an uncommon occurrence.

"Yes," Ana nodded.

Regarding leaving a Memory Fragment within the Elysian Realm, Ana had already discussed it with Ellie and Eden. They agreed, effectively representing the consent of all Heroic Spirits.

Moreover, the Memory Fragment she intended to leave would serve as a means rather than becoming a freely active entity within the Elysian Realm itself.

Strictly speaking, this Memory Fragment would be concealed within the Eternal Paradise instead.

Already, Ana has significantly altered many events. While the awakening of the Herrscher of Thunder and their subsequent joining World Serpent seems likely, given that during this period, Ana must confront the Herrscher of Ice and cannot possibly appear in Nagazora City.

However, Ana couldn't guarantee if the Herrscher of Corruption remains the same annoying presence, ultimately brought into the Elysian Realm by Raiden Mei. If not, it would be a win-win situation, and placing a Memory Fragment there wouldn't pose any harm.

Her Memory Fragment serves as a crucial piece, ensuring the existence of the Elysian Realm. Consequently, neither Ellie nor Eden disclosed any details about the Memory Fragment to others.

As for Klein, Ellie greeted him first, and then Ana, with her eloquent persuasion skills, emotionally appealed and logically convinced Klein.

In reality, it seemed that Klein was simply tired of waiting.

Uploading a Memory Fragment wasn't particularly challenging. Klein had always been prepared for other returning Heroic Spirits to update their fragments. However, since Finality's arrival, no Heroic Spirit has come forth to do so.

Even though some may still exist in this world.

Perhaps certain Heroic Spirits, like Fu Hua and Su, believed their changes could affect their selves within the Garden, thus refrained from updating. On the other hand, Kevin, who never altered, naturally didn't require updates. Lastly, Griseo... she probably felt there were minimal changes herself, right?

"Lie down on that machine, and I'll handle the rest."

Klein pointed to an experimental pod nearby, his tone indifferent.

"Alright, I'll leave it to you!" Ana promptly entered the experimental chamber as Klein swiftly prepared outside, quickly activating the equipment.

As the machinery began its process, Ana felt herself entering a mysterious state. The sensation of memory duplication wasn't uncomfortable; however, along with the replication and extraction, there was also a slight loss of memories.

Frankly, Ana shouldn't have engaged in such activities at this time. She needed to be in peak condition for the Herrscher of Ice's Ascension. But for the Elysian Realm and for Elysia, she chose to go through with it.

While resurrecting the real Elysia might not be possible, she was determined to protect Elysia within the Elysian Realm.

In truth, reviving Elysia entirely wasn't completely out of reach, just like Kallen's case. However, the cost required for their genuine resurrection was too immense. Firstly, one must become Elysia—in every conceivable sense.

On this point alone, Otto had already been disqualified.

He could acquire other Herrschers' Authorities but not the Primogenitor's. The Primogenitor's Authority served as the fundamental safeguard for everything else.

And the remaining requirement is equally crucial.

The paradox lies here: Knowing that Elysia cannot be revived, yet believing she can indeed be brought back by oneself creates an inherently contradictory proposition.

The last one to resolve this contradiction was Elysia herself.

As a human, it would have been impossible for her, but as a Herrscher, she managed to achieve it.

So, is the Herrscher of Human truly human or a Herrscher? Naturally, both. At their core, there isn't much distinction between the two states.

From this perspective, the Herrscher of Corruption cannot be saved because it is a Herrscher, not a human. Similarly, the final Herrscher of a Thousand Souls faced the same fate.

"Alright, it's completed."

While Ana's thoughts wandered aimlessly, Klein's voice echoed from outside the experimental chamber. Her consciousness returned to calm, and the chamber ceased its operations.

"Thanks, Klein."

"No need to thank me," Klein replied mildly, "just remember to help organize the Garden of Eden space when you get a chance."

To Klein, it seemed like just another transaction. However, for Ana, this arrangement worked out well; at least, she wouldn't owe Klein any favors now.

Owing a favor to an ELF, especially a workaholic one, could be quite troublesome.

As for uploading a new Memory Fragment to the Elysian Realm, the most crucial aspect isn't the external loading process but rather the internal acceptance.

In other words, gaining approval from the Heroic Spirits—specifically, Elysia's endorsement.

To put it directly, Aponia's consent is required.

Aponia has merged herself with the Elysian Realm, making this her final resting place. Consequently, her authority within the realm is immensely powerful.

However, regardless of the extent of her authority, its primary purpose is to conceal Elysia's secret. This makes Elysia the most vital presence in the Elysian Realm.

Interestingly, Elysia did not inform Aponia about Ana's Memory Fragment this time.

Naturally, Aponia sensed something amiss, but observing Elysia's reaction, she refrained from significant interference. As a result, Ana's Memory Fragment successfully infiltrated the Elysian Realm.

Moreover, apart from Ana herself, only two individuals and one ELF were truly aware of this situation—a condition explicitly requested by Ana beforehand.

Ana's decision to send her Memory Fragment into the Elysian Realm was driven by her desire to protect it. To minimize potential risks, fewer Heroic Spirits stored in the Eternal Paradise should be privy to this knowledge.

Only with such secrecy could this chess piece maximize its strategic value.

Otherwise, if all Heroic Spirits were aware, the arrival of the Herrscher of Corruption in the future could not alter the ultimate outcome.

In the context of the Elysian Realm, having one more or one fewer Heroic Spirit doesn't significantly impact its essence.

Finally, Ana once again entered the Elysian Realm. However, "finally" might not be the right word, as the entire process took only about an hour. This time, though, Ana truly carried a mission.

The turmoil caused by her battle with Kalpas had significantly damaged and affected the Elysian Realm. While most issues could be rectified through Klein's external operations, some intricate details required Ana's cooperation from within.

Certain minor flaws were indeed difficult to observe on a macro level, making it unavoidable.

In this manner, Ana returned to the Forgotten City.

Guided by Klein's positioning, she reached the location where she previously clashed with Kalpas. Now, all the destroyed areas had been fully restored; neither scorched earth nor debris was visible anymore.

With just the naked eye, it was hard to imagine that their fierce battle had taken place here merely yesterday.

However, using Authority perception, Ana still detected some vulnerabilities. These flaws became her targets, and what Ana needed to do was inform Klein of their locations, allowing him to address them externally.

With that, Ana and Klein swiftly began their coordinated efforts.

While Ana was fully engrossed in her work, behind a distorted building in the distance, a head cautiously peeked out - akin to a curious cat's gaze emerging from hiding.

It was a young girl, completely shrouded in a white cloak, resembling an assassin.

She observed Ana with intrigue from afar.

"Meow—"

A loud meow echoed as a large cat suddenly appeared, carrying something in its mouth. Upon closer inspection, it seemed to be a crystal flower.

"Hey, Can, keep it down."

Hearing the cat's cry, the girl hastily picked up the feline and quickly retreated behind the building, fearing discovery.

Surprisingly, even with her keen senses, Ana did not notice the girl. Honestly, this was quite astonishing, considering Ana is the Herrscher of Wind, capable of sensing fluctuations around her effortlessly.

Yet, the girl managed to evade detection, showcasing her unique ability - a trait befitting Pardofelis, the last-ranked Flame-Chaser known as Suenagare (Dreaming Void). In terms of combat prowess, Pardo ranked at the very bottom among the Heroic Spirits; whether she could even defeat Griseo remained uncertain.

When it comes to stealth and gathering intelligence, Pardo is undoubtedly the strongest, particularly adept at opening various doors. Additionally, her luck stat is maxed out; had she made different choices, she might have survived until the present era.

Yet, she chose as she did, earning her rightful place among the Flame-Chasers. Like countless fortunate souls throughout history, despite knowing they could survive, they still opted to take risks—even when faced with certain doom.

"Region B231, let me see if there's anything else..." Ana closed her eyes, relying on her Authority to sense the surroundings. Although Pardo's luck was at its peak, since she ventured so close under Ana's watchful gaze, not detecting her would indeed be quite rude.

As the saying goes: "Those who tempt fate invite their own demise."

Meanwhile, Pardo focused on a blue gemstone. However, this gem wasn't truly a natural gem; it originated from Ana's memories, reflecting the inevitable influence of Ana's Memory Fragment within the Elysian Realm.

Even with Ana's Memory Fragment hidden within the Eternal Paradise, it still occupied a small portion across various spaces, albeit in a gray area.

However, in regions like the Forgotten City where Heroic Spirits' memories intersect at a shallow level, Ana's Memory Fragment influences them, bringing some "local specialties."

Indeed, one such example was the gemstone-like object near Ana's feet, while others included Honkai Beasts—after all, her memories of them were incredibly detailed.

With ease, Ana reached out and grasped the tail swaying before her eyes.

"Dear little kitty, what brings you here?"

Ana smiled warmly as she looked at the cat-girl in front of her.

"Eek!"

Pardo let out a startled scream and instinctively tried to struggle, but Ana had already firmly gripped her tail, causing discomfort.

Realizing escape was futile, the girl transformed her demeanor instantly.

She slowly turned around, wearing a faint smile, though it appeared somewhat forced.

"Ah ha ha, hello there, unfamiliar Boss!"

"Firstly, I'm not an unfamiliar boss, and secondly, my mood isn't particularly good right now. If you can't provide a reasonable explanation, I might just consider trying cat meat..." Ana's face twisted with a mischievous smile, her lips curling slightly. It was undeniable that she was becoming increasingly adept at playing the villain.

"No way, Boss!"

"My name is Pardofelis, the last of the Flame-Chasers. You can call me Pardo or Felis."

"And for the record, I'm a MANTIS Fusion Warrior, not a catgirl—I'm human, not particularly tasty!" Pardo pleaded pitifully.

Seeing Pardo's distressed expression, Ana couldn't help but burst out laughing. She then released Pardo's tail.

"I was only joking! Did you really take it seriously?"

"Uh... Ha ha... But Boss, you were genuinely scary just now."

Pardo scratched the back of her head, feeling somewhat helpless. Just moments ago, she sensed an aura from Ana that was comparable to Kevin's. Coupled with some eerie tales she had heard from Elysia, it left her genuinely intimidated.

"Alright, my name is Ana. I'm a new visitor here. You might have seen me before, but at that time, I wasn't yet a Herrscher," Ana introduced herself, extending her hand.

"Oh! So...so you're the previous Boss! Thank you for your patronage, may fortune smile upon us..."

Although this was their first formal meeting, Ana and Pardo had indeed crossed paths during Ana's prior visit to the Elysian Realm.

Previously, Ana had visited Pardo's stall, but Pardo herself wasn't present at the time. Instead, Ana exchanged items using silver coins at Pardo's unattended booth.

In reality, despite not meeting face-to-face, how could Pardo have missed Ana? Her stall was located within her own memory region.

Usually, she would be out sourcing goods during those times. Despite there being no thieves in the Garden of Eden, as a self-proclaimed money-lover, how could Pardo truly neglect her stall unattended?

Indeed, at that moment, Can was guarding it.

And speaking of Can... In reality, Pardo doesn't own a cat; although on Sundown Alley, she occasionally fed some stray cats.

"Alright, enough with unnecessary flattery. I have a big deal for you—will you take it?"

As Ana spoke, the corners of her mouth curved upwards, wearing a faint smile.