The Vixen's Gambit: Tonight We Hunt

Time flew. Almost a year had passed since the 4th Herrscher's defeat.

During that year, Lee felt the rapid power creep. While her strength plateaued, Kevin's skyrocketed.

After four glorious patches as the top DPS, Lee's reign was finally over.

"Lee, it's over!"

Kevin knocked Lee's katana aside, ignoring his own wounds. He slammed his greatsword into the ground. "I win!"

Lee had seen it coming, but seeing Kevin declare victory still stung. His cheats are better than mine!

Less than two years, and a regular human surpassed her five-million-energy superhuman alt account. How is that fair?

But it was reality. Lee couldn't deny it.

The surrounding area was wrecked. Fire Moth had given them a huge area for this fight to decide the strongest in humanity—and it was a good call. If they'd fought in the headquarters training grounds, they'd be rebuilding it now.

So much for my plan to be the most popular hero… I'm not special anymore.

The MANTLE fusion warrior plan was on hold; she'd have to find another way to power up. Plan B was still too early…

But she could definitely milk some energy from Kevin. Being the strongest was fundamental to Lee's plan to be the savior; Kevin had taken that title and her confidence.

Oh, Kevin, enjoy your victory now. You'll be crying about this later~

Kevin, oblivious to Lee's thoughts, was ecstatic. He'd finally won; he was the strongest!

It wasn't just about beating Lee. If it weren't for the Honkai, he'd happily be a househusband, letting Lee boss him around.

He was excited because he could finally protect her. During the 3rd and 4th Herrscher attacks, Lee had been on the front lines. She protected humanity, but who protected her?

He couldn't answer that before; he was too weak. He'd just be another burden for her to protect. But now, he could finally shield her from danger.

If Lee was the shield between humanity and the Honkai, Kevin was now the shield's shield!

"I… lost?"

Lost in his joy, Kevin didn't notice Lee's dazed expression, assuming she was just in disbelief.

"Yeah, Lee. I won." He grinned. "No more running off to do dangerous things alone just because you're stronger. I can protect you now!"

"…Right." Lee slowly stood, brushing her hair aside, her usual gentle smile in place. "Good job, Kevin. Congratulations."

Those higher-ups who hate me have been looking for a way to replace me as the symbol of humanity. Kevin's victory is perfect propaganda.

Kevin probably won't listen to them, but they'll probably assume he will. They did the same with me, treating me like their pawn, then getting mad when I didn't play along.

"I'll go patch myself up. Let's celebrate tonight. Your name will finally be at the top of the combatant rankings~" Lee waved, limping towards the safe zone. "See you tonight."

"Huh? Yeah, see you…"

Watching Lee limp away, Kevin felt a sudden pang of unease. Her back looked so frail, almost… breakable.

He shook his head and looked again. She seemed like her usual confident self, the reassuring presence he'd come to rely on.

Was I imagining things? Lee's not fragile. She's like a flame, always burning bright, guiding everyone forward…

Kevin pulled his sword from the ground.

No matter what, his goal hadn't changed. He would protect Lee, shoulder her burdens.

The Honkai never rests. Barely a month after Kevin became the strongest, the 5th Herrscher appeared.

Unsurprisingly, she was stronger than the previous four. She only appeared briefly, but her icy presence plunged half the continent into a deep freeze. Her codename: Herrscher of Ice.

"I can't accept this plan!"

Lee slammed the mission document on the commander's desk. "Sending regular soldiers as a vanguard to gather intel? That's a suicide mission!"

"Suicide? It's a necessary sacrifice." The portly commander chuckled. "It's for your own good, Lee. You barely beat the 4th Herrscher. We don't want to lose our hero."

"Unless… you're confident you can handle this one alone? The plan's set, but I could arrange an early deployment for you…"

"…I'll handle the Herrscher of Ice. Alone." Lee glared at the commander, then stormed out.

The moment she left, her anger vanished, replaced by a smug grin.

Those higher-ups never disappoint. Trying to sideline me just because I'm not obedient.

Well, this makes energy farming easier~