===X===
-Otto POV-
"Alright, children, enter the bus in a single file line" said one of the teachers
After Himeko, Welt, and I had our little talk this morning, we decided that I would share more details about what I know after the trip.
It was already time to get ready for the trip, as we had to arrive early.
But I didn't tell them about their Sacred Gears or the fact that I could turn them into a fellow Herrscher.
Maybe later, but not right now. I'd rather deal with this whole superpower bullshit after the trip we earned.
The three of us slowly entered the bus. We managed to get the very back spot where the three of us could sit together, with Himeko on my right and Welt on my left. Ms. Scot was also sitting in the same bus as us, but she sat in the very front with the other chaperone of the trip.
[Host, you haven't opened your birthday gift.] The system suddenly reminded me.
Oh yeah! I have it in my system storage along with Chastiefol.
'open it'
[Of course, new items obtained]
<------>
<{Name: Lumina
<{World Origin: Destiny
<{Item Type: Kinetic Hand Cannon
<{Rank: B/Exotic
<{Lore Description:[Lumina] is the spiritual successor—and redemptive counterpart—to [Thorn], the infamous weapon of sorrow wielded by Dredgen Yor. Thorn corrupted its wielder, feeding on suffering and leaving ruin in its wake.
But from Thorn's ashes, a Guardian discovered a remnant of its former self: [Rose], a purified version of the weapon. He then reddemed the weapon, creating Lumina.
<{Skill Description:
+{Nobble Round: Kills with this weapon leave behind "Remnants," Or rather known as vitality left behind by someone's soul after it dissipates. Absorbing a "Remnant" converts your shots into an ally-seeking "Noble Round".
+{Blessing of the Sky: Using a "Noble Round" on an ally heals them and grants both you and them a 10% damage bonus for a short duration.
<{Image:
---X---
<{Name: Gacha Ticket X 5
<{World Origin: SYSTEM SOURCED
<{Item Type: SYSTEM TICKET
<{Rank: N/A
<{Lore Description: A system-funded reward given to hosts =.
<{Skill Description: With these tickets, you can receive any random skill or item.
<{Image:
---X---
<{Name: Custom Valkyre Battle Suit
<{World Origin: Honkai Impact 3rd
<{Item Type: Battle Suit
<{Rank: A+
<{Lore Description: Allows you to create a suit with power comparable to a high-class Valkyrie suit. You can change its appearance, but only once; after that, it will stay in that form forever. The only thing that will change is the size, as it will adjust to fit the user.
<{Skill Description: This battle suit does not have any significant offensive abilities but instead has great defensive capabilities. It can tank at least one fatal attack for the user.
<{Image:
<------>
This is quite good. I can make the suit look like Luocha's suit or Otto's bishop suit.
I'm talking about the one he had before going to the imaginal tree and creating a new bubble universe where Kallen didn't die.
Anyways, I think it's time to draw, may the gacha and RNG gods be on my side.
'System, draw my five'
[Understood]
<--- --->
<{Name: Kaslana Style Gun-Kata
<{World Origin: Honkai Impact 3rd
<{Skill Type: Martial Art
<{Rank: C+
<{Lore Description: The Kaslana family's special martial arts. It combines guns and martial arts, creating a deadly fighting style.
<{Skill Description: This martial art teaches the way of effectively using guns while in close combat, using nimble maneuvers combined with powerful kicks and the use of guns at the same time.
<{Image: N/A
---X---
<{Name: Dea Anchora
<{World Origin: Honkai Impact 3rd
<{Item Type: Valkyrie Battle Suit
<{Rank: B-
<{Lore Description: It is Durandal's DEA Anchora battle suit. This suit has many abilities due to the suit's [Soulium] properties, which, with the nanobots, allow the user to create preprogrammed constructs.
<{Skill Description: The suits [Soulium] allow the user to use their inbuilt giant bow that can be used in multiple ways, from one hand to using their whole body. By stretching out your leg, you may create a massive bow that allows you to send out solium construct spears towards enemies. The user can also create spears that can be used for battle or as ammo for the bow.
<{Image:
---X---
<{Name: Hyperion Blueprints
<{World Origin:
<{Item Type: Book-Blueprints
<{Rank: C-
<{Lore Description: A book written by Otto containing the blueprint and description of the aircraft carrier Hyperion. Hyperion was an Aircraft Carrier-type Battleship (each Valkyrie squad has a patrol ship assigned to it), capable of deploying 6 patrol ships on its deck. The ship is used to repress Honkai areas that are below the scale of 3A
<{Skill Description:
+{Main Features of Hyperion:
~{Misc: Nuclear power, 6x Nuclear Reactors, Leonov Anti-Gravity Engine.
[A] 6x 430mm Railgun (3 left side, 3 right side)
[B] 6x 270mm Railgun (3 left side, 3 right side)
[C] 10x Close-in Weapon System
[D] Nexus-20 Energy Delivery Port
[E] 133m Fighting Deck
[F] Valkyrie launcher platform, used when the ship can't land, up to 10 Valkyries at the same time
~{Leonov Anti-Gravity Engine: Hyperion is equipped with 2 engines at the front and back of the ship. With the Anti-Gravity Engine, the ship is now able to take off, land vertically, and float mid-air easily. The engine usually only needs 4 Nuclear Reactors; the other 2 are prepared in standby mode.
~{Close-in weapons system: The close-in weapon system is arranged on both sides of the battleship, designed to shoot down missiles and Honkai beasts. It does deal most damage to beasts below 10m. Fortunately, the size of most flying Honkai beasts is mostly under 10m tall. This weapon system has the following components: radar, multi-tube medium-caliber cannon-to-air missile with rapid fire. The gun can be rotated in azimuth.
+{Railguns-
~{Main gun
-{430mm barrel
-{30m long
-{0.03s charge time
-{2000m/s travel speed
~{Sub gun
-{270mm barrel
-{18m long
-{0.03s charge time
-{600m/s travel speed
<{Image:
---X---
<{Name: Two-Way Escape Ticket
<{World Origin: From a land far, far away
<{Item Type: Ticket
<{Rank:E<->S
<{Lore Description: This is a silver ticket that was created by a mage a long time ago. Mostly as a trinket, a most useful trinket.
<{Skill Description: A two-way ticket that sends you to a random location the first time that it's activated and to a place designated by the user on the second activation. This ticket is a 50/50 chance, as it could teleport you to a tropical island or drop you into the middle of a volcano.
<{Image:
---X---
<{Name: Science For Dummies
<{World Origin: Honkai Impact 3rd
<{Item Type: Book
<{Rank: D
<{Lore Description: A book containing basic knowledge of technology, biology, programming, and many other types of basic scientific knowledge of the Honkai Universe. Due to its setting in the [Honkai Impact 3rd] universe, the science presented in this book is more advanced than that found in most basic science books in other worlds.
<{Image: N/A
---X---
<{Name: Tofu
<{World Origin: Your World, Dummy
<{Item Type: Food
<{Rank: E
<{Lore Description: Tofu is a soft, protein-rich food made by coagulating soy milk and pressing the resulting curds into blocks.
<{Skill Description: Tofu is used in a wide variety of dishes—from stir-fries and soups to desserts and smoothies—thanks to its ability to absorb flavors and adapt to different textures.
<{Image:
<------>
Hmm, this is good; now I can make a spaceship. No, I can have Welt make the spaceship, since I have already chosen him as my Herrscher of reason.
Taking out the book from my storage, I began to read it.
-20 minutes later-
Yeah, I could barely understand anything. I can sorta' grasp the concepts behind the Anti-Gravity engine, but something is missing. The huge gap in my knowledge is what keeps me from understanding these blueprints. Guess I'll have to read the Science for Dummies book first.
"Hm, is that a space... ship?" Shit, I shouldn't be reading this stuff on the bus.
Before I could put it away, Welt yanked the book out of my hand.
"Anti-Gravity engine? Rail Guns! Hey we're did you get this? I can tell that these blueprints aren't just doodles that you made?" Asked Welt who didn't let his face leave the book.
Damn! Damn! Damn! what do I say!??
Wait!
I got an idea...
"I got them from future me." I said confidently
Oh my God, that sounded way better in my head...
I sound so stupi-
"Wait, really? So you managed to create a time machine? Or was it perhaps because of you know what," he said with excitement.
Wait, he bought my excuse?
"I don't know, when you two left my room this morning, a guy that looked exactly like me gave me these books, saying that I would need them for the future and that he was future me." Buy it, buddy, I'd rather tell you this bullshit than tell you the truth.
"...I see," He pushed up his glasses with a glint, acting nonchalant.
But I could see the happy smile on his face.
"Did he say anything about me?" He suddenly asked.
Oh, I see, he wants to know about his future self, too.
I just have to make up some bullshit.
"No, he didn't mention anything about you, but there was another guy in the room behind him. He had glasses, brown hair with white tips on the ends of his hair, and also wore some kind of suit with a scarf. He also had this cane in his hand that looked kinda weird." Yup I described Honkai Impact/Star Rail Welt.
Hearing my words, Welt was practically grinning ear to ear at this point.
"Did they leave anything else with you? More books?"
"Yeah, he did leave one more thing."
I reached behind me and I took out the other book, [Science for Dummies]. I didn't want to show Welt my storage skill, so I pretended to pull it out from behind my waist.
Soon, both Welt and I began reading the book.
Oh yeah, Himeko also fell asleep on my shoulder around the beginning of the ride, so she didn't hear any of this.
-3rd POV-
After many hours of traveling, Otto and the other had now made it to the first stop of their trip.
Venice, the city of water.
Venice is mostly famous for its multiple canals, rivers, and gondola rides.
But before they could do any of that, they arrived at a hotel which the school had already reserved for the trip.
The sun had gone down by the time they arrived in Venice, and because the ride was extremely long with only a few stops along the way, everyone was tired.
Well, except Otto, of course.
His stamina had gone above human norms after becoming a Herrscher, although one without a core.
The only thing he was tired of was mentally; he and Welt were reading the book through the whole trip.
And Himeko?
She was asleep through the whole thing.
The girl drooled all over Otto's shoulder, and only after they arrived at their destination did he notice the pool of saliva flowing down his shirt.
"Whoa, this place is nice~!" Marveled Otto.
Despite the Inn being on the cheaper side, the school didn't hold back and got a nice place for the class.
"Yes, yes, followed now," said Ms. Fisher. Soon, everyone entered the lobby with their luggage.
Walking up to the counter, Ms. Fisher signed in the class.
A few people who worked in the Hotel helped the class get to their rooms.
-Otto POV-
*Click*
Closing the door behind me, I look towards Welt.
The room was a nice two-bedroom with a single bathroom.
But that's not the important part; what's important is that I'm going to make Welt into a Herrscher.
I've already talked with Welt (or more like passed notes around) on the bus about unlocking his "Special Abilities" for him.
And to say that he was ecstatic is an understatement. I could practically see him shaking in excitement.
Initially, I was going to turn both Himeko and Welt into Herrschers in a few years, but I decided that it would be good for Welt to get stronger right now.
And for Himeko...she would probably infuse her punches with fire when she gets annoyed at us.
I'll wait till she turns a little more mature. She's got the brains, but she is not as mature as Welt
"Alright then, Welt, get ready, this is going to hurt." Welt nodded and lay on the bed with a towel in his mouth so his screams would get muffled.
[Would you like to turn 'Welt Yang' into a Herrscher? Yes/No]
'Yes'
[Then please say the chant?]
Chant?
What chan-?
Out of nowhere, a new chant forcibly filled my head.
And damn is it cringy and long...
With a sigh, I spoke
"I am the tree that holds all, the one that birthed the world.
For I am the End and the Beginning.
Destruction and Creation.
The one true Calamity and Savior of the very universe
So, I ask you, Welt Yang, will you become my 'Truth'?"
Finishing my cringy chant, Welt temporarily removed his muffler. "I accept." A pink glow soon covered Welt's body.
"!!!"
*Screaming Welt Noises*
Welt began to wriggle around the bed in pain, much like I did. His body seems to have become a bit skinnier, shedding its impurities in the form of black mucus, just as it happened to me.
-2 Minutes later-
After a very bad performance of the worm dance, Welt finally calmed down.
[Welt Yang has become the Herrscher of 'Truth']
[Welt Yang has unlocked 'Mana']
[Welt Yang has awakened his 'Sacred Gear']
[Welt Yang has unlocked 'Honkai Energy']
[You have gained access to the Core Law of "Truth"]
With his panting body, he stood up, "Ha~ that REALLY, really hurt!" he grunted out.
"I told you it would," I retorted. Didn't he see me wriggle in pain when I went through it?
"But not this much! I thought you were being dramatic or something..." He complained, although he mumbled a bit at the end.
I rolled my eyes at his statement, "Anyways, you should take a shower, you stink!"
Welt looked confused until he looked down at his body. Taking a sniff, his whole body recoiled in disgust.
"Yeah, I'm taking a shower." he soon walked away and took a shower.
Hehe~ now it's time to try it out.
"Alright, let's do it" I muttered.
[Truth]
A small, blue light materialized in front of me as it began to shape itself. It died down, revealing a toaster.
Hehehe~ I can use Welt's [Truth] now. I had just created a toaster from nothing with [Truth].
This feeling is...incredible! The way you just KNOW how something is made down to its very last atom, even if you didn't know a single thing from the beginning. It is an indescribable sensation. A wealth of endless knowledge that exists and will exist at some point due to humanity.
Besides that, now that I have a feeling for how to do it, I can teach Welt to do it too.
I also need to learn how to use [Annihilation Maker] and [Mana].
I got a feel for mana on the bus through some meditation, but I don't know how to use it.
Do I make magic circles or something? Or perhaps it is based on pure imagination?"
I highly doubt that since Devil magic is based on Desire and Imagination, and if humans could do the same, then shit would hit the fan really fast.
Guess I'll have to find out how to use magic. I'll ask Welt to help me with research.
["11th Divine Key: Oath of Juda" has been rewarded for gaining a Herrscher]
<------>
<{Name: Oath of Judah
<{World Origin: Honkai Impact 3rd
<{Item Type: (Giant Cross) The [Oath of Judah] is a massive, ornate cross-shaped weapon with a golden frame and intricate engravings that give it a sacred, ceremonial feel. When activated, its arms unfold dramatically, revealing glowing javelins or spears that radiate divine light—often depicted as tethered by ethereal chains.
<{Rank: B+ (True: S+)
<{Lore Description:[Oath of Judah], otherwise known as the "11th God Key" and the "Key of Binding", is one of the 13 God Keys created by Dr. Mei Raiden, Mobius, and Vill-V. [Oath of Judah] is the Divine Key that bears the core of the Herrscher of [Binding], the Divine Key taking on the form of a massive cross.
<{Skill Description:[Oath of Judah] is a weapon that has many utilities. Due to its massive size and great weight, it can be used as a blunt weapon if the wielder is strong enough to lift it or swing it by the chain connected to it. Its sides can also open, revealing many javelins connected to chains, which can be remotely controlled.
Oath of Judah, bearing the Core of Binding, gives the [Divine Keys], and its wielder the power of nullification-it suppresses [Honkai] energy, immobilizes enemies, and renders Honkai-Based entities powerless. But that is not [Oath of Judah]'s full power. All [Divine Keys] have an ability called "Zeroth Power" where their abilities become greatly enhanced, and they gain new applications of their power.
+{Zeroth Power: The Zeroth Power is a temporary release of the core's full strength, often rivaling that of a Herrscher. However, due to its immense power, activating the Zeroth Power often comes with consequences. It creates a suppression field that nullifies all [Honkai] energy within its radius. This includes enemies, allies, and even the wielder—rendering Honkai-based abilities, weapons, and even reactors completely inert.
That's why its power is a double-edged sword, as beings that have Honkia-based physiology could die from the suppression instead if their powers are the only thing suppressed.
The one thing is, the core within it containing the law of [Binding] is nowhere its true power. Herrschers, when obtaining their cores and powers, gain merely shadows of the true power those cores could have. And it didn't help that the core, no, none of the Herrscher cores that were used to create the [Divine Keys] would bear the power of a Herrscher unless a Herrscher itself was wielding the Core. That's why its power went from S+ when used by a Herrscher to A+ when it is used to power a [Divine Keys].
<------>
Eh? Really?
[Indeed. A random special reward shall be given out each time you manage to gain a Herrscher under your banner.]
Hm, this is good. I can give it to Himeko when I turn her into a Herrscher. I'm sure she will be able to use it with that monstrous strength of hers.
...you know what, never mind!
She might use it on me when she gets mad...
After about 20 minutes, Welt came out looking refreshed.
"Better?" I asked
"Yeah, I feel better. Not just physically, but mentally too. My mind feels more...clearer."
"That's because the moment you became a Herrscher, your body got upgraded. Whether it's physical or mental, it's one of the perks of being one." Of course, this isn't the full potential of a Herrscher.
The reason my level was so low was that my body was gradually adjusting to the power. I can feel myself getting stronger little by little over time. I should be able to gain a few levels just by doing anything.
The one thing I was disappointed about was that I didn't get muscle or anything like that.
But just as Mimir said in GOW:
"You've got the strength of a god, no matter what, lad. But if you want the physique of one, then you'd better start picking up heavy things and putting them down."
"Herrscher?" Welt questioned in confusion.
Oh! I guess I haven't REALLY told him what I've done for him
"It's what I am," I explained.
"So you didn't just unlock my powers?" He asked.
"Nope, I made you even better!" I beamed.
He rubbed his chin as he was now deep in thought. "I see...and what can I do now that I'm a 'Herrscher'?"
I signaled him to jump on the bed with me. "Alright, come here. I'll be teaching you how to use your powers, such as [Truth] and [Unknown Dictator]."
Welt nodded and came over to me. I told him the basic feel and what his power was that I had gracefully bestowed upon him.
It took him a bit, but he soon started creating plastic Mechas, and soon after, some electrical Mechas that could move.
Next is his sacred gear.
"Now that you have a basic understanding of your Herrscher power, I will now delve into Sacred gears." With his love for technology, he would probably faint with excitement if he knew that he could possibly control all metal and technology in a huge city-wide area
"Sacred Gears?"
"Indeed, remember the whole thing about gods being real."
"You said gods as in plural?" He asked
"Yes, pantheons like the Olympic and Japanese exist. And the pantheon I'm talking about specifically is the biblical one."
"Like, Jesus and stuff?" He asked as if trying to make sure he wasn't hearing wrong
"Yes, Jesus and stuff. Well before God died-"
"Wait! he's dead!?"
Oops, guess I dropped the nuclear bomb on him by accident.
"Yes. Yes. Now pay attention."
"...so we're just going to ignore the fact that the god of the biggest religion on earth is dead?" He seems baffled that I was being so nonchalant about it.
"Yup, now pay attention or I won't teach you!" I threatened.
he seemed like he had more questions, but he shut up and paid attention.
"Before he died, he created the Sacred Gears so that humans could have a chance against the supernatural. Each of them is made with something or someone special, like the spear that pierced Jesus or the holy Grail."
"By something or someone you mean?" (Welt)
"For example, the 13 Longinus sacred gears. They are the most powerful of all sacred gears and the most feared for their abilities, especially because they have the potential to kill gods. There is the Red Dragon Emperor's Gauntlet that allows you to multiply your strength every few seconds without limit" (Otto)
"But what makes it so special isn't the weapon itself but who it was made with, the Welsh Dragon Ddraig. The very souls of that dragon are sealed within the sacred gear, and each time its host dies, it will reincarnate into a new person" (Otto)
"So god basically turned special people and things into pieces of equipment?"
Damn, he made my long and detailed explanation look so useless.
"Yes! And you, my friend, have a Longinus."
Those last words sent him home into shock, his stoic face turned to one of disbelief.
"I-I do!?" He asked with a slight stutter.
"Yes, but it isn't one of the original 13"
"Really? Then how do you know that mine is a Longinus or at the same level as one?"
"Your Longinus can control Metal and technology on a city-wide level. Back then, it might not have been that good, but considering that a lot of what humans use has metal in it nowadays, your Longinus can finally show its true power."
He finally seems to understand why his sacred gear could be considered a Longinus-class weapon.
He could control whole buildings or skyscrapers and throw them at his enemies.
"I see, so it has an environmental advantage now because of humanity's huge use of metal. What's its name then? I'm sure you know its name if you also know what it can do?" (Welt)
"Yes, I know its name, the new Longinus class sacred gear... Unknown Dictator!"
===X===