I Am Honkai

"Announcement: The year-end physical examinations for all institutions were successfully completed yesterday. We wish everyone a successful year ahead…"

On the oval-shaped hot air balloon, the giant screen continued its daily broadcasts.

Within the seventh district, yesterday's Tokiwadai test was a hot topic of conversation among passersby.

"The first-ranked is really strong. I wish I could be that strong someday."

"Alright, alright, stop daydreaming. Even a single peanut would sober up."

"Can't I dream?"

"Well, I'm afraid it'll remain a dream for your entire life…"

After all, Selene's "performance" yesterday was simply too shocking. In comparison, the other two Level 5s seemed like mere runners-up.

After the year-end test, Tokiwadai Middle School officially went on holiday. When they return next year, Selene will be in the second year of middle school, and her life has returned to a state of calm.

Selene's life during the holidays was quite leisurely. Sebas, Aoki Yoichi, and Shuji Matsuzaki handled specific tasks.

Selene had little interest in the Dark Side since Kihara Gensei had been behaving very well, so she left the affairs to Aoki Yoichi and rarely intervened.

In terms of the Destiny Research Institute, there had been quite a bit of activity recently. The T-R series potions and military robots had entered the mass production phase, and thanks to Sebas's public relations work, orders were pouring in.

Destiny Research Institute had soared in reputation, ranking among the top research fields in Academy City.

As for Selene herself, apart from occasional decision-making meetings, she had plenty of free time to relax.

Of course, aside from leisure activities, Selene did not forget to improve herself, selecting numerous courses in science and engineering and devising several training plans.

While Academy City's ability training programs are somewhat tricky, with the right approach, they can be quite effective.

Regarding leisure activities, Selene's main hobby now is food, and her secondary hobby is driving.

In her past life, there might have been more hobbies, but now, it's pointless to talk about them.

Honestly, during her time in Academy City, Selene hadn't really explored much. She had never really walked anywhere—she was either flying or teleporting.

Now that she had more free time, she planned to walk more, and talking about walking naturally involves transportation.

So, if you ask what Selene has been busy with lately, the answer is: learning to drive!

Although she had a driver's license in her previous life, driving styles abroad differ from those at home, and Selene needed to adapt. She didn't want to be a road menace.

As for the regulation that minors cannot drive motor vehicles, Selene didn't concern herself with it. As the saying goes, "Money makes the mare go." Besides, she had power, influence, and money.

Another thing is Selene's main hobby: food. It just so happens that the fourth district of Academy City has a lot of food-related facilities, with the most restaurants in Academy City. You can find cuisines from more than 190 countries around the world here.

As a descendant of the "Gourmet Empire," how could she forget her roots? Although she hadn't eaten most of these dishes or visited these places, Selene could have restaurant chefs come and cook for her.

After going around a few times, she became known among those in the know as a food enthusiast.

Along with that, quite a few urban legends have also sprung up.

Just like that, the peaceful days quickly passed, and it was already nearing New Year, and the weather was getting colder.

Selene was delighted today because, through her diligent (money) and hard-working (power) efforts, she successfully obtained a motor vehicle driver's license.

Ahem… those who know, know.

After tidying up a bit, Selene prepared to go out and drive.

As Selene excitedly headed to the garage to drive her beloved sports car onto the road, an unexpected visitor disrupted her plans.

"Huh? Kakine Teitoku wants to see me, and he's already at the door?"

"Yes, Miss, Kakine Teitoku says he wishes to meet you and is already waiting in the living room."

After receiving notification from Sebas and thinking for a moment, Selene decided to meet with Kakine Teitoku. Though eager to get on the road, her curiosity about Kakine Teitoku's purpose in meeting her was greater.

Heading to the living room, Selene was still wearing her Herrscher attire, exuding the aura of a celestial being, and carried herself with dazzling grace.

As for why Selene maintained her Herrscher outfit, besides the novelty, the more important reason was that it looked cool. (MiHoYo's outfits really hit my preferences.)

The butler opened the living room door, and Selene immediately saw Kakine Teitoku waiting inside.

His severed arms had been restored, his attire was still the never-changing purple high-end jacket, and his eyes remained gloomy. However, there was a significant change: the confident smile from their initial meeting had vanished. He just sat there with his head lowered, exuding a faint aura of defeat.

"… Kakine Teitoku, is there something you need from me? Or do you want to have another match?"

Hearing Selene's clear and pleasant voice, Kakine Teitoku slowly raised his head. After a moment, he shook his head and said, "Fighting you would just be one-sided bullying; I don't have that kind of weird hobby."

Indeed, ever since their battle, Kakine Teitoku's confidence had taken a severe hit. If, when comparing himself to Accelerator, he had the confidence to win, when comparing himself to Selene, he had completely lost hope, seeing no chance of victory.

"I'm here to ask about what you injected into me after the fight at the abandoned factory."

"I'm asking you to please tell me."

Kakine Teitoku was very sincere, putting himself in a lower position and giving Selene full control.

In fact, for Kakine Teitoku, if it weren't to figure out the source of his physical changes, he wouldn't have wanted to meet Selene at all.

"Didn't the Board of Directors give you an explanation?"

Selene's face showed slight surprise as she replied. Although Kakine Teitoku's gaze remained downcast, his attitude surprised Selene. It was unexpected for such a villain from the city's underworld to be so humble.

"I asked, but Aleister hasn't responded, and the researchers are also trying to hide it. I had no choice but to ask you."

His speech was calm, without any trash talk or any of his previous arrogance and frivolity.

After confirming Kakine Teitoku's true purpose, Selene candidly replied, "I admit that the energy in your body was injected by me. It's called… Honkai energy."