The homeworld of the Empire Auxiliary Army—Schicksal Legion—and the Valkyrie forces.
Above the Mediterranean Sea.
Midgard Floating City.
"Hi hi, everyone, please follow me!"
Temporarily conscripted as a Valkyrie tour guide, Susannah—still brimming with energy—raised her microphone high with one hand and announced, "Next, let me introduce the nine massive floating island clusters that make up the headquarters of the Schicksal Legion stationed on this homeworld!"
Tap tap~
Stepping out onto the spacious landing platform of the floating city, the upper observation deck of the transit passenger station and its surrounding buildings were all designed with a special structure that allowed a direct view of the central sky avenue.
A group marked by patrol automatons and the AI aerial monitoring network as "travelers from Teyvat" slowly ascended the steps.
"Teyvat? That's an unfamiliar name."
"Being received by Valkyries... is there something special about them?"
Near the station entrance, three fully armed Midgard patrol officers in tactical uniforms—almost like cyborgs—immediately noticed this unusually composed group.
A mature young gentleman, a bard, a loli, a dancer... this kind of lineup would stand out anywhere.
Lines of identification data flickered across their compound vision. Verification complete.
Still, they only exchanged a few comments. Within the Empire, the Schicksal Legion was already quite renowned among auxiliary forces, and they had seen countless visitors and races.
Just as they were discussing whether the Valkyries had achieved some new pioneering feat, "Wait... hmm..." the last person to step out—a kimono-clad woman with a dark purple braid—caught one patrol officer's eye. Her face, her gaze, her presence—it made him stare a little longer.
"Ah, Director Raiden?"
"Which Raiden?"
"Which one do you think?"
...
"Does your unit's security have doubts about me?"
Baelzebul—Raiden Ei—slightly furrowed her brows as she looked toward the blonde, golden-eyed Valkyrie guide wearing accessories resembling small bear ears, whose bright and lively personality was obvious at a glance.
"Ahem, it's a misunderstanding... um, are you really not related to Lady Mei?" Susannah said, gesturing to the patrol officers to continue their duties.
Sigh... To be honest, when Governor Kiana and Lady Mei had casually pulled her over to serve as a guide, she had been shocked. Two completely unrelated individuals looking so alike—even their names were so similar.
The vast universe truly was unfathomable.
Or perhaps... it was the work of Her Majesty the Empress.
Susannah entertained this "heretical" thought. When something couldn't be explained, attributing it to the Empress was always correct. The fervent believers certainly thought so.
"..."
Zhongli did not join the discussion about the Raiden surname. Instead, he slowly walked to the flowerbeds near the station exit and stood quietly amid the bustling crowd for a long time.
Though their group was eye-catching, they were only noticeable among humans.
The Sacred Selene Empire housed far more than just humanity. In the short time he stood there, Zhongli had already observed dozens of humanoid and demi-human species.
Some differed only slightly from humans, making it difficult for him—unfamiliar with the Empire—to distinguish them. Fortunately, the civilian terminal issued by Midgard's immigration office provided answers through its intermittent information prompts.
"This device... is somewhat similar to Sumeru's Akasha Terminal."
Venti chuckled, lightly tapping the monocle-like device fixed to his ear and nose bridge.
"Mm."
Dazzled by the sheer volume of information, Nahida—busy browsing various data—nodded thoughtfully upon hearing the Anemo Archon's words. Just as she was about to share her carefully considered insights, "Hehe, let me see... where's the tavern..."
Seeing the wine-obsessed bard rubbing his hands eagerly, "..." Nahida fell silent.
"Hmm, as for architectural style, this really does feel closer to my Fontaine," Furina said, placing her hands on her hips as she examined the grand waterfall fountain dominating the plaza below the stairs, nodding in approval.
Nahida stepped closer.
Zhongli was too experienced, Raiden Ei was occupied, and Venti's thoughts were too erratic. This one seemed easier to talk to.
"Senior..."
"Ah! You're calling me senior?" Furina covered her mouth in surprise.
Nahida: "..."
"Alright, let's go." After a brief exchange, Susannah clapped her hands to gather everyone, pulling out an old-fashioned paper map from her bag. She circled and marked routes—her personally refined best sightseeing path, complete with hidden gem shops.
"Susannah?"
Following Venti's suggestion, Susannah decided to head to a nearby commercial street first. But just as they reached the entrance pillars, a voice called out to them.
"Alvitr, what are you doing here?!"
Dressed casually, holding snacks, with red eyes and short, neat gray hair, Alvitr casually picked at her teeth and spread her hands. "It's the Empire festival. Of course I'm on vacation. Why wouldn't I be here? You want me to work myself to death or something?"
"Hehe."
"Cut it out. Who are they?"
"Um, how did Governor Kiana put it... these people are rulers from a nation on some colonial world? They've apparently chosen to submit to the Empire. They're here to tour our homeworld. Informal—just treat them as regular tourists. I was dragged here by several superiors..."
"Oh, I get it. You got drafted as cheap labor," Alvitr grinned mischievously, patting Susannah's shoulder. "Serves you right for hanging around headquarters all day."
"Go do your thing. I'm off."
"Don't go! The famous 'Immortal Blades' errand girl, don't leave me alone—huh?" Just as Susannah was about to wail and cling to her reflexively—ding! "Let me check." Instantly composed, she pulled out her tactical terminal and tapped through it.
"It's news from Teyvat."
A few seconds later, Susannah looked toward Zhongli and the others, their expressions all different.
"The engineering teams have already landed on Teyvat. This is a live communication feed between them and Fontaine's stationed automatons. Neuvillette of Fontaine, along with the rulers of Natlan and Snezhnaya, want to meet you. Who here is Fontaine's ruler?"
At the entrance of the commercial street, Furina—captivated by the dazzling variety of desserts displayed in the pastry shop, countless as the stars—waved her hand upon hearing the message.
Just as she was about to connect the call, the noisy surroundings made Susannah pause. She glanced around at the bustling crowd, then at the dessert shop. "The ratings are pretty good... hmm, this will do." She pushed the door open. "One private room. And bring every signature item," she said generously to the server.
"Alvitr, want to join me?" she called out from the doorway.
"I... I'm in!"
As the others entered one after another, Zhongli lingered at the back, continuing to observe and appreciate everything about the commercial street.
The appearance of a city was undoubtedly one of the best reflections of a civilization's spirit. And the colossal floating city slowly unfolding before him undeniably validated Governor Kiana's words.
Have my duties... already come to an end? The new era of Teyvat... my staged death will likely not remain hidden for long.
He asked himself this quietly.
Perhaps, deep down, he had already made his choice.
Teyvat must submit to the Empire.
Not only because of the strength, wealth, and prosperity of Imperial worlds—so abundant it seemed they knew not poverty.
But more importantly—
Zhongli turned his gaze toward the massive relief sculpture at the center of the commercial street, surrounded by a gilded Baroque fountain.
"War and conquest, death and rebirth. The gods issue their decree—those who submit shall prosper, those who resist shall perish..."
He stared at the deliberately fractured pedestal and the deep black scars carved into it.
The sculpture itself was made from unknown massive stones, adorned with skulls and corpses.
Beneath banners bearing the insignia of the Schicksal Legion, the bishop's "eye," the saintess' "flower," and the knight's "sword" were depicted. Crowds knelt in shadow, while at the center stood towering, heavily armored giants holding the Aquila standard, their pauldrons emblazoned with radiant, varied insignias.
This, too, had once been a conquered world.
"Astartes," Zhongli murmured.
He could never forget the colossal celestial god that had descended upon Teyvat.
His gaze found the emblem of crossed arms entwined with lightning. "The Punishers Legion." His eyes moved upward again, where a hazy solar radiance gradually became blindingly vivid.
"Oh..."
A sound escaped him—whether sigh or awe, it was unclear.
Shimmering with gold, encrusted with extravagant gems and dazzling ornaments, the mural was intricately and excessively ornate—radiating a singular brilliance like the sun. It seemed to proclaim: this is the core, the center, the authority, the embodiment of all praise.
A vague figure was depicted.
Its form unclear, yet its meaning unmistakable.
"The Divine Empress..."
...
Honkai Dimension.
Imperial Capital.
Lion's Wrath Stargate Spaceport.
Griseo sat across from Kiana and Fu Hua, feeling utterly out of place amid the bright environment, the bustling crowd, and the towering halls. She had grown accustomed to the cramped confines of a hibernation pod, to the silent vastness of space that once brought her a sense of safety.
The transfer warship was enormous. Standing on polished marble floors and looking through the floor-to-ceiling viewport, her gaze extended from the nearby vast stargate to the port's surrounding structures, and finally to the endless continental horizon. Only then could one truly grasp the immense scale of this Honkai supercontinent.
Golden-red banners fluttered from the towering pillars of the port plaza, tassels hanging from their peaks. Atop the pillars, the domineering, clawing double-headed eagle gleamed brilliantly in gold.
Before the Imperial plaza stood rows upon rows of Astartes angel statues, each tens of kilometers tall, piercing the sky. They were lifelike, extravagantly displaying the Empire's unmatched national power—wonders no ordinary civilization could replicate or would even attempt to construct.
Griseo was no stranger to grand sights. During her interstellar wandering, she had witnessed countless marvels, and the massive projects of the Fire Moth organization remained vivid in her memory. Yet even so, upon seeing a stargate spaceport spanning an area larger than a stellar system, she still found herself momentarily unable to process it.
"These wonders... were they all ordered by the Empress?" she finally asked.
Kiana and Fu Hua exchanged a glance.
Selene's fondness for grand, extravagant, dazzling spectacles—from palaces to warships to weapons and even everyday objects—was no secret. Her aesthetic resembled that of a dragon hoarding treasure.
Although Selene rarely expressed such preferences openly now, the style—large, tall, long, thick, solid, radiant, golden, intricate—seemed to have been deeply ingrained into both the Imperial military and its citizens. Everything gravitated toward those qualities, as if only such characteristics could represent the Empire's official taste.
At the thought, Kiana couldn't help massaging her temples.
"Mm... not exactly," she said, her gaze drifting slightly. "As far as I know, Her Majesty didn't intervene much in the construction of the Lion's Wrath Stargate." After all, the excessive grandeur likely came from the Valkyries themselves.
"Mm." Griseo nodded. It had only been a passing thought. She understood well that her personal opinion of the Empress didn't matter. Whether she approved or not, obedience was mandatory. With no rank or authority, she wasn't even qualified to submit a petition.
But then she thought of the people waiting for her at the spaceport—Grandma Mobius, Mother Aponia, Kosma, Sister Elysia, Brother Kevin...
A sense of fullness and warmth filled her heart.
Her desires weren't many.
She only wished to live peacefully with everyone, safe and sound, in a world free from Honkai disasters.
"We've arrived. Our mission is complete—we've brought you back," Fu Hua said, gently patting Griseo's shoulder with a soft smile. "A new life awaits you, little Griseo."
"Just pay attention to the regulations Senti transmitted to you. The Empire isn't as oppressive as you imagine. Well... just don't make any forbidden mistakes."
Griseo nodded and glanced toward Senti, who was lying on a long sofa nearby with her legs crossed, resting with her eyes closed. Learning about the true relationship between Fu Hua and Senti had shocked her quite a bit.
"Signal from the control tower—docking bridge engaged, synchronized. Teleportation system ready," Raiden Mei said as she approached with a smile.
On such a massive warship, there was barely any sensation of movement. And those present were all privileged individuals—they didn't need to squeeze through exits with ordinary soldiers. The teleportation system would take them directly off the ship.
Imperial Capital—Central District orbital elevator station.
Slurp!
Under a massive stained-glass window radiating golden light, Kevin sat at the edge of the waiting area, eating noodles.
"Kosma, calm down. Hua already made it clear—Griseo is safe." After setting down his bowl and wiping his mouth with a napkin, thanking the automaton that came to clean up, Kevin glanced sideways at the junior pacing restlessly nearby.
"Griseo is already this grown... will she still recognize us? How has life in interstellar travel been? Is she lonely... what does she want to eat... how should I even ask..." Kosma muttered to himself.
He wasn't listening to anything else at all...
"Enough! Kosma, you're pacing back and forth and it's making me anxious. What are you so nervous about?" Mobius snapped, unable to stand it any longer.
"...My apologies, Doctor." Realizing his impropriety, Kosma lowered his head.
"Oh, come on, Kosma is just worried about Griseo. Mobius, with that temper, you'll age faster, you know♪." The pink-haired elf-like lady leaned in, rubbing and pressing herself against Mobius.
"Don't worry about me. If I ever do grow old, I'll make sure to drag you down with me."
"That's so mean. What do you mean drag me down? You're hurting my feelings."
"Alright, Elysia, Mobius, stop it. The child has grown up now. Acting like this isn't appropriate... Mobius, your collar is crooked. And Elysia, keep your hands to yourself..."
"Ah! Aponia, you're so annoying~"
The pink elf pouted as she reluctantly moved away from Mobius.
"Meow~" Pardo, holding a chubby brown cat, opened her sleepy eyes. Even her tail looked sluggish, as if it hadn't fully woken up. "Are we there yet? Sister Elysia dragged us here so early in the morning..."
"Don't complain! Pardo, you're in charge of the Imperial Garden—that's a cushy job—and you're still sleeping..."
"I wasn't slacking off! Sister Elysia, you have no idea. The Imperial Garden, and that Upper Forest Park—those creatures inside are terrifying. I'm always afraid they'll start fighting and swallow me whole. They've already burned me several times..."
"You all..." The mature woman sipping wine set down her glass, resting her cheek in her hand as she smiled faintly. Her slightly hazy eyes sparkled, revealing her lighthearted mood.
This feeling... this life... was wonderful.
"They're here." Kevin's voice rang out as he stood and looked toward the entrance of the teleportation hall.
Kosma stepped forward immediately, staring intently at the doors, hoping to catch sight of that familiar figure as soon as possible.
One of the doors opened. Amid the synchronized salutes of the stationed guards, Kiana—wearing her governor's uniform—stepped out.
Fu Hua, Senti, Raiden Mei, along with numerous officers from the auxiliary army and Valkyrie forces, followed behind. Their steps naturally aligned. Among them, a sky-blue-haired, violet-eyed girl appeared especially timid.
Her long sky-blue hair was tied behind her head. Wearing a white dress with detached sleeves, her matured figure appeared even more graceful. White stockings and a pleated skirt accentuated her long legs, and with mid-length boots, she stood elegant and poised.
"Griseo, over here." Kosma smiled and waved his hand, quickly stepping forward and calling out loudly.
"Kosma?"
Just like in her memories—in photos—Kosma hadn't changed at all. Griseo recognized him at a glance.
Kiana had already noticed the former Flame-Chasers. She waved toward Dr. Mobius, signaling that the person had been safely brought back.
"Hi, Griseo... how have you been lately?" Kosma hurried over, wanting to hug the now-grown girl... but stopped midway. Facing the grown Griseo, he knew it wouldn't be appropriate.
Griseo sensed his warmth and didn't say much. She took the initiative and opened her arms. "It's you, Kosma." After a light embrace, her usually emotionless voice carried an unmistakable hint of joy. "You haven't changed at all... everyone..."
Then, a gentle fragrance passed by, and her neck was suddenly embraced. A faint trace of helpless bitterness appeared on her face. That sweet, peach-like scent—it was unmistakably her mother, Aponia.
"Alright, there will be plenty of time to catch up. I've already booked a vacation estate. Everyone can show off their skills and welcome little Griseo back properly, alright?" Acting as something of a host in the Imperial Capital, Mobius lightly patted their backs.
"Grandma Mobius..." Griseo called softly.
Mobius nodded at first, then her expression darkened. "Why is everyone else a brother or sister, or at worst a mother or aunt, but I'm the only one called grandma?"
Griseo answered honestly, "Because Grandma Mobius is the oldest. Aunt Mei was guided by you, and Mom and Dad were your assistants..."
"Ahahaha... ugh..."
A certain pink elf was just about to burst into laughter when her mouth was covered, and she was dragged away!
"..." Griseo watched the scene before her—both unfamiliar and familiar.
Before she knew it, her eyes had grown moist.
It all felt like a dream.
Led along by Aponia, she left the station and boarded a shuttle train, soaring across skybridges, traveling through the grand and vibrant Imperial Capital—a world that combined a super metropolis, super hive city, and vast estates.
At the transfer station, she walked side by side with everyone from Fire Moth along the vast, bustling streets.
Thousands upon thousands of people of all kinds moved through the streets—enjoying themselves, celebrating, making pilgrimages, offering worship... day and night.
Laughter filled the air. Visitors fortunate enough to obtain residency permits in the Imperial Capital gathered in small groups, marveling at everything the Empire allowed them to see.
Along both sides of the roads, groups of Imperial Navy officers, auxiliary troops, and even legally sanctioned alien military elites conversed casually, laughing with their accompanying families.
Pilgrims composed of fervent believers from across the Empire recited hymns devoted to the God of All Things and the ruler of the Empire. Their melodious chants echoed endlessly.
In the distance, she seemed to glimpse the Imperial Grand Palace stretching across the horizon.
Golden light surged like waves, crimson rainbows rolled, auspicious clouds poured forth in countless streams of violet mist.
Amid resounding echoes, golden-armored divine beings walked forth from within the palace walls, wielding halberds and weapons. Winged spirits danced in the sky, and countless eternal lamps shimmered across the grand celestial dome, weaving a dreamlike haze.
What pulled Griseo back to reality was a rough voice, cold as ancient ice.
"Tch... gold, gold, and more gold. My dear and respected genetic father, almighty Allfather... now I see where your crude taste comes from."
Griseo turned back. She seemed to see several towering figures. One wild-haired giant appeared to be speaking to another radiant giant with a halo behind his head.
Her gaze lingered for only a second—then they vanished, like illusions.
Until...
They entered a quiet and comfortable estate.
Inside the hall, everyone took their seats and began their tasks. Mobius sat across from Griseo, smiling as she said, "Along the way, I noticed you had many questions. Go ahead—ask."
"Grandma Mobius... resurrection—not a contingency... is it real?" Griseo paused before asking.
As expected.
Mobius sighed inwardly.
"It's real," she nodded.
"Then... does that mean..." Griseo's pupils lit up.
It was a light called hope—a light called motivation.
Mobius did not answer directly. Her expression grew complicated as she gazed toward the Imperial Grand Palace in the distance. Humans were always bound by attachments and ties they could not let go of. Even a fleeting revival, a single conversation, could drive even the most rational person into madness.
Mobius let out a bitter smile. Unless Selene were to self-destruct, or some unimaginable and irresistible external force intervened, she could not envision any possibility of the Empire collapsing from within—even if Selene were to become a tyrant.
"Focus on the present first, little Griseo. It must not be spread—this is an unpublicized, latent blessing of the Empire."
Griseo understood.
A blessing... from the Empress.
"I will do my best," Griseo said solemnly. As if guided by some unseen intuition, she looked toward Kevin, who was kneading dough in the semi-open kitchen.
Their eyes met.
In that moment, she made her decision for the future.
Just like the countless beings entering the Imperial Capital at this very moment.
To fight—and earn merit—for the Sacred Selene Empire.
Outside the palace district of the Imperial Capital, in the lower city, Tatsumi—returning from the battlefield—held his beloved wife and daughter. Amid the brilliant fireworks and bustling markets, this was simply his home. Looking at his now-grown eldest son beside his wife, his resolve to strive only grew stronger.
Within the Imperial Palace, in the royal kitchens, chefs from Totsuki marveled at the vast stores of rare and novel ingredients—endless as the Empire's territory. New recipes would continue to emerge endlessly, just like the Empire's eternal campaigns.
According to rank, in the upper, middle, and lower reception districts, delegations from colonial governors, vassal monarchs, and leaders of recognized alien races rested here—the Black Prince who had slain his own nation, the Sith Lord in black robes, the last Emperor of the Terrans, the Slime King of the Monster Federation, the Aeldari sage, the Magos Dominus, the Necron Phaeron...
In the lower city, outstanding Imperial soldiers, exceptional rogue traders, individuals of special merit, and fortunate winners of selection quotas gathered here, admiring the scenery of the Honkai Dimension and the splendor of the Imperial Capital.
...
This was a new chapter.
An era where new hope blossomed.
The Sacred Selene Empire, now on the right track, might not be perfect—but it already represented the interests of countless people, encompassing their destinies and futures.
Sooner or later, all living beings would turn their gaze toward the Imperial Grand Palace at the center of the capital.
That was the residence of the Empress.
It was as if she were here—right now, in this very moment.
That existence—terrifying, beautiful, incomprehensible, unimaginable... a being that devoured all light yet radiated infinite brilliance. Dark yet radiant, violent yet gentle—the Empress.
She was a goddess.
She was the "Honkai" that stood above all things, the omniscient and omnipotent "Finality."
The Empress of the Empire.
Reverence and fear coexisted.
Yet no one could live without her. Everyone longed to see her.
Because for an Imperial citizen, an audience with the Empress often meant the granting of a fiefdom—at least on a stellar scale.
Whether in awe or admiration, amid the celebrations, countless toasts were exchanged—marks of the intertwined lives of all beings.
"To the great sacred Empire!"
"Praise be to the sacred Selene!"
...
This marks the end of the book. I hope you enjoyed reading this novel! ❤️ Thank you for your support!
It's been almost two years since I started translating this novel. What an incredible journey it has been, and what a great story it turned out to be. Sadly, the poor translation in the early chapters discouraged many readers from giving it a chance...
For anyone who would like to reread the story, a higher-quality and more accurate translation is available on Webnovel, with 545 chapters currently translated:
I Am Honkai (Retranslation)
https://www.webnovel.com/book/i-am-honkai%E2%80%8B-(retranslation)_30960930308179705