Honkai: Strijder (Honkai Impact 3 Male MC)

"You shouldn't have acted so impulsively. Although the quantum beasts' abilities would be limited in the real world, they could still be useful. And your machines are incredibly powerful—they shouldn't be wasted in a standoff with me."

In the empty and shattered palace, Kevin stood unharmed, frowning slightly as he disapproved of Sigurd's actions.

Sigurd, casually fiddling with a fingernail-sized worker bee in his hand, replied nonchalantly, "I don't want you returning to the real world with any power that's beyond my control, even if it's insignificant. As for my losses… don't worry. They're already adapting to the energy and material structure of the quantum world. Soon, they'll start proliferating."

He flicked the worker bee into the air, and in a flash of light, it vanished.

This was one of Sigurd's purposes for entering the quantum realm. With sufficient research reserves in place, he aimed to oversee and fine-tune the bees' evolution into quantum forms, a task requiring his personal supervision.

Kevin frowned again. The remnants of the trail leading back to the real world had finally disappeared from his senses.

"…Fine. I'll go with you. It's been a long time since I last saw Su. But I hope you understand—the Stigmata Plan is imperative. It's the only and optimal solution to defeat the Honkai."

"Perhaps. I've long admired Dr. MEI's reputation. But until we've exhausted all other options, I won't accept a plan that sacrifices so much before even harming the enemy. That said, you can rest assured—I truly do intend to bring you back with me. There's no hidden agenda. Let's go see your old friend. I have many things to discuss with him as well. Oh, and before that, here's a gift for you."

Sigurd handed over a dark red crystal.

Kevin took it, his expression subtly shifting.

"This is…"

"A simulated Herrscher core, enhanced for energy recovery. It should be enough to restore a little bit of your strength," Sigurd explained casually.

After all, Kevin was the true ancestor of the Kaslana family, and Kiana carried the same Kaslana bloodline. In a way, Kevin was her elder. It was only proper to show respect by preparing a thoughtful gift.

Moreover, if Kevin acknowledged her, Kiana's surname could truly and legitimately carry the weight it deserved. That way, she could embrace the name Kiana Kaslana—a name she had long cherished—with even greater pride.

Kevin gripped the core, a faint glimmer flickering in his icy blue eyes.

Moments later, the crimson gem shattered and dissolved, and Kevin's aura stabilized completely, reaching a new, higher level.

"Thank you," Kevin said, his voice still calm, though he felt a sense of relief.

Sigurd's willingness to actively restore his strength increased the credibility of his promises. After all, if Sigurd and Su had planned to banish him again, Kevin's weakened state would have been far more advantageous for them.

Sigurd nodded and handed over two white pistols.

"Your sword."

"…You're returning it to me just like that? Are you really that confident?"

"I was always going to give it back. I can't simultaneously use too many God Keys and Herrscher cores. Your sword is excellent, but losing it doesn't affect me much. On the other hand, you using it would significantly enhance our combat strength."

"Thank you."

Kevin expressed his gratitude once again, finally feeling more at ease. His gaze toward Sigurd shifted from cold indifference to a hint of recognition and appreciation.

What an honest man! Look at him—after borrowing his sword, Sigurd gets thanked for returning it!

Sigurd nodded calmly and once again took out the green leaf that could guide coordinates, stepping out of this world bubble.

…

In the chaotic and indescribable void, Sigurd and Kevin advanced silently.

Due to the blurry concepts of time and space, even Sigurd couldn't determine how far or how long they had traveled. Then, in a fleeting moment, they finally arrived at a vast grassland under blue skies and white clouds.

At the center of the endless grassland stood a massive tree, its sprawling branches and leaves holding up the heavens, an unmistakable presence that declared its significance.

The two exchanged a glance.

"I can sense a familiar aura," Sigurd said.

"And the coordinates indeed point here. Let's go; he should be waiting for us under the tree," Kevin replied.

…

Beneath the magnificent tree that seemed to belong only to a fantastical world, a handsome young man with a clean and gentle aura was brewing tea at a white round table.

"Kevin..."

Su let out a long sigh, feeling both anticipation and unease. He carried deep guilt toward his old friend, who had prioritized Su's life even in their darkest moments.

"Ah..."

Pouring the tea into cups, Su gently stroked the smooth surface of the white porcelain teapot and sighed again.

The moment Sigurd and Kevin stepped into this space, Su was already aware of their arrival.

Before the tea had even cooled, two figures came into view.

Su paused, slightly stunned.

In his eyes, the newcomers were two strikingly similar young men, both with silver hair, blue eyes, and dressed in white trench coats. Their similar physiques and height, paired with an equally cold and aloof demeanor, made them resemble two flawless, towering glaciers beneath the sky.

"Is he really not a Kaslana?" Su thought, puzzled as he looked at Sigurd, although he could clearly recognize Kevin's face.

"Long time no see. I'm glad you're still alive, Su," Kevin greeted as he approached Su, who had stood up to welcome them. However, Kevin's cold expression betrayed no sign of joy or friendliness.

Su gazed at him, seemingly lost in thought, before finally breaking into a soft, warm smile three seconds later, a smile as gentle as a spring breeze.

"Long time no see, Kevin."

Kevin didn't bring up past events, nor did Su apologize.

Their last conflict, which ended with Kevin's exile, had no personal resentment involved. It was simply a matter of differing ideologies and stances.

A millennium later, their reunion carried guilt for Su but no regret. Kevin, on the other hand, harbored no hatred for Su. They were still friends—if either were in danger, the other would risk their life to save them.

Nothing had changed; they were still best friends.

Kevin and Sigurd sat down, and Su served Kevin a steaming bowl of noodles.

"Scallion and egg noodles, your favorite from back then," Su said.

"Thank you. Did you make this?" Kevin asked.

"Yes, I hope my skills haven't changed," Su replied.

"Then I won't hold back."

Kevin picked up the bowl and ate without hesitation. After a few bites, his eyes lit up, and a rare trace of liveliness and warmth appeared in his expression.

"Delicious," he said.

"I'm glad... After wandering in the Sea of Quanta for so long, you must not have had a proper meal in ages," Su said, smiling as he watched Kevin, though his eyes betrayed a deep guilt.

Years ago, Su had outmaneuvered Kevin, and Kevin was cast into the Sea of Quanta.

Since then, Su hadn't visited Kevin—not because he didn't want to, but because he feared Kevin might try to return to reality. He also felt overwhelmed by guilt and didn't dare face Kevin.

Thus, Su poured himself into observing the world as a way of atonement, knowing that defeating Honkai was what Kevin valued most. Only by showing results could Su summon the courage to meet Kevin and convince him to change his mind.

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