"Ah, Date A Live? Hmm, let's make that the codename for the operation! The Third Herrscher's Date A Live! I'll send you the relevant information later, Kiana."
Theresa nodded, confirming the operation codename.
"No, you're telling me to... go to a place full of Honkai energy, and date Mei with no protection?!"
Kiana felt like Theresa wanted to kill her. Ah, she should say Otto. Theresa was just pushed out by Otto.
Other Date A Live operations at least take place in a safe urban environment, with various support personnel assisting.
She, on the other hand, was going directly into a Honkai-infested area, to fall in love with a Herrscher in a ruin!
And Shidou could be revived even if he was pierced through, but she didn't have the ability to revive!
The difficulty was too high!
"Of course, you won't go without protection. After all, you are... my grandniece. How could I let you be in danger? You are her... No, never mind."
Theresa's expression looked a little downcast. She thought of Cecilia, but quickly adjusted, as if what just happened was merely an illusion.
"Put on these headphones. They are a protective device. In case of danger, they can put you into a quantum state, allowing you to quickly escape the battlefield."
Theresa took out a box and handed it to Kiana. Inside was a very high-tech looking... pair of headphones.
"It should also be a communication device, right? But isn't it impossible to communicate in Honkai areas?"
Kiana remembered that in Honkai areas, transportation relied on walking and communication relied on shouting, especially since this Herrscher was the Herrscher of Thunder, which further destroyed all electromagnetic signals.
"Of course, it utilizes quantum technology. Even in areas with dense Honkai energy, it can provide stable communication."
"Since this is your first time doing something like this, we can use Ai-chan's system simulation to help you with the Strategy."
Theresa had fully modified Ai-chan's system, all to help Kiana successfully conquer the Herrscher.
"Even in front of the Herrscher, it won't be detected, because it's quantum mechanics!"
When in doubt, quantum mechanics.
"Ah, after all this talk, I haven't even asked if you want to participate in this operation. Of course, don't feel pressured. If you don't want to, I will persuade Grandpa!"
Theresa almost forgot the most important thing: she didn't know if Kiana would participate.
"Hmm... I'll participate."
Kiana was new to this, and for a while, she didn't know what to do. For now, she could only follow the plot and see how things unfolded.
Speaking of quantum technology... no need to think, it must be Otto's doing!
In short, whatever happened with Honkai, Otto was definitely behind it!
"Very good, worthy of her daughter!"
This willingness to take on everything truly reminded Theresa of Cecilia; she really… was so similar.
"In short, the Third Herrscher is currently at Chiyu Academy, and the Honkai beasts and zombies along the way have already been cleared by Himeko and her team! As for the remaining living dead, I believe Kiana, you won't have a problem dealing with them."
After all, Kiana had been trained by Ziegfried; dealing with zombies or running away was well within her capabilities.
"Due to the Herrscher's presence, we cannot get too close, so there might be some omissions, but that shouldn't be an issue for you. Finally, your target is Raiden Mei."
As Theresa explained, Ai-chan displayed images one by one, finally settling on Raiden Mei's scornful gaze.
Super A-rank feeling.
But…
She felt she would have a big problem facing Honkai beasts! Could she really defeat those giant creatures several meters tall?!
"So, how do I determine the favorability?"
Kiana still wanted to ask how to approach her first.
"It's simple. Here's a Honkai energy detector. As long as the Honkai energy within Mei is decreasing, it means your approach is successful. It's probably her subconscious reduction of Honkai energy because she doesn't want to hurt people."
"So, as long as you reach this critical point, the mission will be complete!"
"The route to Mei has been arranged. Get ready to depart, Kiana! The Third Herrscher's Dating Operation begins! Colonel Himeko, take her down!"
Although the setup seemed a bit like a game, Theresa had meticulously prepared everything because she had to take responsibility for it.
"Wait! Aren't you giving me any self-defense weapons?"
Kiana looked at her empty hands, feeling like an old person without a phone on the subway.
"Bringing our weapons might make the Herrscher vigilant, so… trust yourself, Kiana."
Theresa smiled encouragingly.
"…"
Having no other choice, Kiana could only leave.
Himeko escorted her to the same spot where she had been picked up. According to the route provided by her earphone, if she hadn't met Himeko, she would have walked directly to Chiyu Academy and encountered Mei.
"It's not far. Let's set off early. Hello, hello, can you hear me?"
"We can hear you. Go ahead, Kiana!"
"…"
She wasn't at ease at all!
Speaking of which, Kiana remembered… if K423 acknowledged herself as Sirin, even if she didn't become a Herrscher, she could at least control space to protect herself, right?
Or maybe she could summon a Beibei Dragon for help?
Alright! Then she admitted she was Sirin now! Sirin, grant her strength!
…
No reaction at all. Uh, maybe she hadn't woken up yet?
Or perhaps there was nothing there to begin with?
By the way, was she even the real Kiana?
Walking along the road, Kiana had many thoughts in her mind due to the numerous events she had encountered.
The living dead, or rather, zombies she met on the way were indeed very weak. Kiana felt that she might have inherited some of Kiana's combat prowess, as she dealt with them with ease.
Not long after, she saw the main gate of Chiyu Academy.
This was where the Honkai series began, and it was also where she was… beginning now.
She went inside.
It seemed Himeko and her team had indeed cleared the area thoroughly. She hadn't encountered any Honkai beasts or zombies along the way. Now, about to meet Mei, Kiana couldn't help but feel a little nervous.
"Kiana, go through that alley, and you'll find Raiden Mei. Wait a moment, Ai-chan is generating approach options to better assist you in approaching Mei."
Theresa's voice sounded in her ear.
"Okay, then I'll check Mei's status first."
By the wall, Kiana cautiously peeked out and saw Raiden Mei sitting alone.
Unlike the heroic appearance in the photos.
Now, what Kiana felt from her was an endless sense of loneliness.
She wanted to save Mei; she didn't want to see Mei like this.
From the moment she saw Mei, Kiana, who had been unable to find any goal, suddenly made up her mind.