I Am Honkai

Under the technician's deft control, a clear 3D hologram of Blue Planet appeared above the conference table.

"General Esdeath, please look here. This sinkhole was discovered by our Legion in the central Eurasian region of this world. Its expanse covers all of Central Asia and a portion of Siberia, exceeding seven million square kilometers…"

As he spoke, the 3D projection rotated and zoomed, stopping at the center of the Eurasian continent. Despite years of groundwater seepage and accumulated rainwater turning the sinkhole into the world's largest inland lake, its unnatural appearance remained conspicuous.

The sinkhole's massive impact ring was clearly visible even from space, appearing both terrifying and grotesque—like a festering wound on an otherwise angelic face.

Of course, for the ruthless soldiers of the Sacred Selene Empire, scenes like this were, if not routine, at least familiar. Constrained to a single planet, this level of destruction was trivial for the Astartes Legion.

Orders of extermination were hardly rare—every Astartes Legion had issued them at one point or another. The difference only lay in frequency and intensity.

Merely "drawing a blemish" on a planet's surface was child's play. "Glass burns," "planetary craniotomies," and "core detonations" were also within reach, if their wrath was properly kindled. For offenders, these could be easily carried out from start to finish.

Even Robert, one of the more temperate Legion commanders, wouldn't hesitate to issue an orbital bombardment order when encountering opponents steeped in fanaticism and suicide tactics.

This was especially evident in the case of Legions like the Astartes 4th Iron Warriors, 6th Space Wolves, 8th Night Lords, 11th Dusk Specters, 12th World Eaters, and 14th Death Guard. Unlike the more "diplomatic" Astartes 13th Legion, the Ultramarines, these six were the "wild" Legions.

Negotiation? Never.

These hot-headed Legions believed they were better suited to "persuading" by force.

They'd simply place a cannon to the enemy's face and ask: "Surrender?"

If the answer was yes, then good—a man of vision! The original power structure could often remain intact, while the planet became a recruitment world, subject to the Empire's taxation.

But refusal, or any attempt to negotiate terms?

A brutal beatdown would follow. First came the "Five Labors and Seven Injuries" package, then the question would be repeated: "Do you surrender now?"

If so, then the world was incorporated as an Astartes Legion outpost—but its previous power structure would be dismantled entirely.

Refusal after that was met with even less patience. Without further questions, they'd keep fighting until every last resistor was wiped out.

This degree of "leniency" was actually enforced by the Imperial Military Command, to exemplify Empress Selene's supposed benevolence. Without these regulations, the military officials strongly suspected that these "badger brothers" would happily drop Honkai Energy fission bombs as "welcome gifts."

"General, this is highly peculiar. With destruction on this scale, it's reasonable to assume they had the capability to explore beyond their planet. Yet strangely, we've found no traces of space activity on any of the surrounding planets…"

The technician's tone was grave, but Esdeath barely seemed to register his words. Her ice-blue gaze was fixed intently on the sinkhole that had obliterated all of Central Asia.

"This couldn't have been caused by orbital bombardment—it doesn't align with the timeframe, and it couldn't have formed naturally either. There are no signs of natural evolution… which means it was likely man-made."

Esdeath raised her head, her face calm as she looked to Robert.

"Yes, precisely. A force capable of such devastation indicates either a unique power system or a highly advanced technological level, which could greatly benefit the Empire."

"More importantly," Robert continued, "our Honkai Energy Crystal detected an anomaly at the border of this world—a neighboring realm of sorts. There appear to be signs of life within it."

Buzz!

Vibrant purple-red light filled the room as Robert gripped a crystal cube unique to Astartes Legion commanders, a faint purple glow reflecting in his eyes.

"For this reason, the presence of super-powered entities and intercontinental-scale weaponry makes me hesitant to dispatch the Astartes Legion for full-scale conquest."

Ever pragmatic, Esdeath's perspective was unique. "With such destructive range, if it's a lifeform, it must be incredibly strong. I'd love to fight it."

"Hahaha… Truly, General Esdeath's reputation precedes her," Robert laughed, shaking his head before he resumed, leaning forward with his hands braced on the table.

"Beginning with large-scale military operations would jeopardize our goals. They might choose self-destruction, leaving us with nothing to gain for our trouble."

The technology, super-powered lifeforms, and industrial capacity of this world piqued Robert's interest, but a frontal assault risked erasing these valuable assets. Victory was certain—but it might come at the cost of the entire world's destruction.

"So, Commander Robert, by calling in the Empire's assassination unit, you plan to carry out infiltration operations to assess this world's strengths and weaknesses?" Esdeath asked with her arms crossed, a glint of interest in her eyes.

"Yes. My Astartes warriors aren't suited to covert operations, and the ordinary human auxiliaries and servitor troops lack the skill. Only the Empire's assassination units can manage both."

The Empire's Inquisition would have been another option, but this wasn't within their jurisdiction. Robert preferred not to bother Grand Inquisitor Sebas for such a minor task.

"Of course, I never expected you would personally arrive, General Esdeath. It's an honor for our 13th Legion," Robert said with a gracious smile.

Nodding, Esdeath asked, "When do we move?"

"Immediately, if you'll follow me," Robert replied. Knowing Esdeath's impatience, he cut short any further discussion and led the way.

Esdeath and the members of the Jaegers followed Robert through a series of heavy metal doors, observing the operational docks within the floating fortress of the Astartes Legion as they walked.

Numerous transport ships belonging to the 13th Legion moved back and forth, unloading containers filled mainly with military provisions, while a few bore special markings.

Soon, they arrived at a bustling, orderly hyperspace jump command hall.

At the hall's far end stood several portals flashing with dazzling light.

Not quite "doors" in the conventional sense—they were irregularly shaped, rotating vortexes resembling torn black fabric surrounded by swirling, purple-red particles of Honkai Energy.

"Everything is ready. According to our plan, if this takes too long, I'll initiate a full-scale assault, regardless of whether it risks destroying the world. Lingering too long on one front isn't worth it; the Great Crusade is ongoing, and I can't afford to fall behind the others."

"Then, General Esdeath, I wish you luck. I'll await your findings to finalize our conquest strategy," Robert said, extending his hand.

Clang.

"Of course."

With a light tap, Esdeath's gloved fist bumped Robert's armored gauntlet. She then turned, instructing her team, "Cornelia, as we planned—wait for my signal and infiltrate once I've caused a distraction."

With those words, she didn't hesitate any further. Taking one step forward, she disappeared into the swirling interdimensional vortex.

Buzz—

...

Japan, Tengu City, Raizen High School, Class 2-4.

It was a bright and sunny morning. The warm sunlight chased away the remnants of nighttime chill, bringing with it the unmistakable vitality of spring—the season when life… ahem, the season of rebirth.

Inside the classroom, Hiroto Tonomachi was ranting to his best friend, Shido Itsuka, about the recent spike in Spacequakes.

"Shido, it's such a tragedy! Just when I, Hiroto Tonomachi, was on the verge of fulfilling my destiny, another Spacequake ruined everything!"

Leaning against Shido's desk, Hiroto, with his spiky black hair, pressed a hand to his head in exaggerated despair.

"Destiny again? Don't tell me—are you upset because your latest stock of girl games got wiped out in the Spacequake?"

With fingers interlaced on the desk, Shido looked up with a deadpan expression, his short blue hair and tea-colored eyes shining with an almost Holmesian gleam.

"Uh…"

"Thought so," Shido muttered knowingly as Hiroto froze, his face twitching with embarrassment.

Spacequakes were explosive phenomena that could obliterate buildings and structures, leaving craters in their wake. It was no surprise if Hiroto's cherished games became casualties.

He kept complaining, day after day, but… Spirits—they didn't do it on purpose. Saving them by going on dates, though? That was stretching things a bit.

Thinking of the lively residents of his home, Shido couldn't help but sigh and cover his face, exhausted both physically and mentally.

"Hey, what are you sighing about?" Hiroto assumed Shido was sympathizing with him.

As the two bantered, a sudden blaring noise interrupted.

Across the streets of Tengu City, a piercing alarm echoed through the air.

In an instant, the quiet classroom snapped to attention, all students staring wide-eyed in tense silence.

"Another one?!"

An announcement quickly followed through the intercom, confirming a Spacequake warning.

"This is not a drill. Repeat, this is not a drill! A preliminary tremor has been detected, and a Spacequake is anticipated. All students and residents nearby, please proceed to the nearest shelter immediately. I repeat…"

The Spacequake alert visibly shook the students in the class.

"Spacequake alert! Everyone, please proceed to the shelter immediately…" The door burst open, revealing a petite young teacher in a pink outfit, urgently gesturing them out.

"Stay calm, everyone! Don't forget the 'push, pull, walk' rule—don't push, don't pull, don't run!"

"Yes, ma'am!"

At her command, the students kept their anxiety under control, though their faces showed clear tension. They'd been drilled on emergency procedures since kindergarten, ever since the catastrophic "Eurasian Sky Disaster" and "South Kanto Sky Disaster" thirty years ago.

"Shido!" Just then, a beautiful girl with knee-length black hair and crystal-like purple eyes rushed over.

"Right." Shido stood up, nodding firmly.

Just then, his earpiece buzzed, and his sister's voice came through. "Shido! Prepare yourself… there's a new Spirit…."

...

"Warning! Warning! All nearby residents, please proceed to the nearest shelter! All nearby residents, please proceed to the nearest shelter!"

"Repeat! Please…zzz…"

The years of emergency drills paid off as, in mere moments, the bustling streets of Tengu City emptied. The once-crowded thoroughfares now lay silent, the only sound being the wail of alarms reverberating through the city.

Then, at a certain point, a dark speck appeared over the sea outside the city, hovering in the clear sky. Buzz—

The black dot expanded rapidly, swirling into what appeared to be a solid, vortex-like column of dark purple energy.

Even before it reached the ground, violent winds lashed across the water, raising towering waves. This single surge of energy's presence alone wrought massive destruction.

Then, the "waterspout" made landfall...

This surge of destructive power was greater than any Spacequake recorded in the last two decades. Upon impact, it seemed to form an inverted bowl of dark purple energy.

One second later—

BOOOOOM!

The dark purple sphere expanded in an instant, vaporizing seawater and erasing the shoreline. Everything in its path was pulverized or swept away, as thunderous booms echoed across the land.

The relentless roar was deafening, even reaching the students in the city miles away, including Shido Itsuka and his classmates.

BOOM!

The Spacequake's shockwave spread rapidly, expanding from the suburbs to the city center in mere breaths. Several nearby buildings were instantly engulfed by a cloud of dust and smoke.

Amid the haze, entire buildings crumbled like crackers under the pressure of the dark purple energy. Those closest to the impact were reduced to blood mist, their bodies obliterated in an instant.

Cars abandoned by the roadside were torn apart, and even electric trams hidden behind metal barricades stood no chance.

In this Spacequake's destructive radius, even the designated shelters fared no better, shattering like fragile tofu under the massive, invisible force. Faintly, beneath the layer of dark purple energy, came the muffled cries of those trapped underground.

It was unclear how long it lasted, but at last, the expansion of the Spacequake ceased, revealing a tall, ice-blue figure slowly descending onto the newly-formed crater at the ocean floor.

"What is this energy swirling around me…? Quite the unusual welcome."