The Vixen's Gambit: Tonight We Hunt

After the 3rd Herrscher's emergence, the Honkai's activity accelerated significantly.

First, Honkai Sickness, initially a rare phenomenon, began spreading globally. Even Fire Moth couldn't conceal its existence; it had become common knowledge.

The increasing frequency of minor Honkai eruptions and attacks by Honkai Beasts and zombies went without saying… The most pressing issue, however, was the birth of the 4th Herrscher.

The 4th Herrscher, codenamed Herrscher of Wind, was a mobile natural disaster. Devastating gales swirled around her, each attack a tornado capable of tearing through steel and concrete. Forget fighting her; most Fire Moth members couldn't even penetrate the storm surrounding her.

Undeniably, the 4th Herrscher was far stronger than the 3rd, yet barely a year had passed between their appearances.

"So, that's the situation. No one else can get close this time, so we're on decapitation duty."

On the plane en route to the designated battlefield, Lee casually flipped through the intelligence report on the 4th Herrscher, a relaxed expression on her face. In stark contrast, Kevin, sitting beside her, was tense, his expression rigid.

"Don't be nervous, it's just a Herrscher."

Eyes still on the report, Lee reached out and ruffled Kevin's hair. "I'll take her down. You might not even get a chance to show off."

The 4th Herrscher's destructive range was immense, and she made no attempt to conceal her presence. Her trajectory was also predictable. Thus, Fire Moth had evacuated an entire city along her projected path, turning it into a battlefield.

The plan was simple: Lee would wait in the city. After penetrating the Herrscher's wind barrier, she would engage her directly. While Lee kept the Herrscher occupied, Kevin would execute a surprise attack from high altitude, aiming for an instant kill.

Lee wanted to declare she could handle the Herrscher alone, needing no backup, but the 4th Herrscher was clearly far stronger than the previous three. She decided to play it safe.

"Lee, are you sure you'll be alright on your own?"

Kevin's expression was worried. He wasn't concerned for himself, but for Lee. While Kevin knew he was strong, he hadn't faced a Herrscher-level opponent yet. Seeing the cities reduced to rubble in the Herrscher's wake, he couldn't help but worry.

This operation placed Lee, who would confront the Herrscher head-on, at far greater risk than him, who would be executing a surprise attack. If something unexpected happened…

"Kevin, who are you talking to?" Lee smiled faintly. "The previous three Herrschers didn't commit suicide out of the kindness of their hearts. I sent them packing—and this Herrscher of Wind will be no different."

Regardless of her inner thoughts, she couldn't show any weakness. Heroes couldn't be afraid; they had to maintain confidence. Otherwise, the people who relied on them would panic.

But this 4th Herrscher… Lee was probably still stronger, though victory wouldn't be as easy as before. A flawless victory was unlikely—unless she used the system to cheat.

Besides, even without the system, she had a new trick up her sleeve.

Lee stroked the long box at her side, containing a new weapon she'd recently received from Vill-V.

The 3rd Divine Key: Seven Thunders of Retribution.

With strong support from Mei, who had effectively replaced Mobius as Fire Moth's lead scientist, and influenced by Vill-V's outlandish yet effective creations, Fire Moth had finally approved Vill-V's proposal to create equipment using Herrscher cores.

The first product was this weapon-type Divine Key, which Lee had practically begged Vill-V to create.

To achieve this, Lee had made a point of visiting Vill-V regularly on the remote island where she was building a prison, chatting and building rapport. She'd successfully raised Vill-V's goodwill to level nine—though Vill-V still seemed to harbor some suspicion, preventing Lee from maxing out her goodwill even after a year.

Lee suspected Vill-V still doubted the sincerity of her kindness, believing it was all an act.

In a sense, Vill-V was spot on. A true genius. But Lee could guarantee Vill-V would never see her true colors, because she was just an alt account.

A perfect alt account who could die for her cause without a second thought, indifferent to worldly possessions~

Even with her suspicions, Vill-V had fulfilled Lee's request, designing this katana-type Divine Key, similar in appearance to the Dawn 1 she'd made for Lee earlier. However, Vill-V had added a "random mood system," allowing the sword to change forms… Lee felt this feature seemed familiar somehow.

Regardless, despite not recognizing the name "Seven Thunders of Retribution," Lee was quite satisfied after testing it. While it lacked the raw destructive power of Judgment of Shamash, it was more practical for her current needs.

But after killing the 4th Herrscher, should she exaggerate her injuries? Playing the role of the self-sacrificing hero who sustained grievous wounds to protect Kevin… Surely that would yield a good energy harvest?

Seemingly envisioning the incoming energy, a smile crept onto Lee's lips.

Herrscher of Wind, better bring your A-game~

Lee didn't know the name of the city chosen as the battlefield, and after today, no one would care. It would be a complete ruin.

"This presence is definitely on another level compared to the previous Herrschers."

Looking at the massive turquoise tornado wreaking havoc in the distance, Lee narrowed her eyes. If this city hadn't been evacuated, that single attack would have claimed tens of thousands of lives.

Fortunately, Fire Moth had evacuated the civilians—wait, was that a kid?

Lee frowned, spotting a figure atop the tallest building in the city center. A boy, clutching what looked like a bomb, his expression serious, seemingly preparing to jump into the tornado.

He probably thought the tornado was the source of the destruction, planning a suicidal attack…

So young and naive~

Lee chuckled wryly, sprinting towards him.