——Have you ever seen a pistol that fires itself?
Of course, this could be called an accidental discharge.
But... what if there were no bullets in the pistol from the very beginning?
Precisely because of this, when the "seven-handed and eight-footed" researchers—who possessed only one head on their many necks—leaned in close to the pistol, the sound of the gunshot rang out so abruptly!
A light bullet formed from [Honkai energy] accurately penetrated a researcher's head, then instantly exploded.
Grey brain matter, mixed with pale white bone, instantly smeared the area behind the researcher.
"No blood?"
In the void, Kiana's voice rang out.
Then, her figure slowly constructed itself. She held the pistol in hand, looking around vigilantly.
——Is this a laboratory?
To be honest, she really didn't expect to arrive here just by taking a nap, but she immediately understood that she had returned to the [Instance], or rather, the [Honkai Domain].
At the same time, she had perfectly merged with her [Soul].
The current her already possessed all the memories from the [Divine Prayer] period.
Admittedly, because she came to this world "actively," her memories were more complete than Raiden Mei's or Bronya's.
But she was, after all, just one of the fragments of her own soul, so for her, these memories held no sense of reality, just like listening to a story told by someone else.
But now... I... re...member!
"Bang! Bang! Bang!"
With three consecutive shots, she shattered the laboratory's one-way mirror.
"Escaped?"
Looking with cold eyes, she saw that the area which should have contained researchers was empty. She understood that the opponent's reaction was faster than hers.
But the current her was no longer the "crippled" version from before.
Although her state still couldn't be considered good, she also had a trump card on her side.
——Resurrection!
Indeed, Leo's [Reset] count for tonight was already used up, but after her [Bond] with Leo reached [Max], her [Resurrection] count was calculated separately.
In other words, even if Leo had already [Reset] three times tonight, she still had three chances to [Resurrection].
It was just that her [Resurrection] could not affect the [Instance]'s [Reset].
Otherwise, Leo, who could [Reset] six times, would be able to [Level Up] even faster.
Of course, it was hard to say if the upper limit of [Reset] counts could be increased. After all, this would require Leo to establish [Bond] to the [Max] level with two more girls to find out.
Current [Teleport Anchor]
[Level: 2 (1/3)]
"Phew..."
Exhaling a breath of turbid air, Kiana understood she was being influenced by the moonlight outside.
Otherwise, her thinking wouldn't be jumping around like this in such a tense moment.
——I still have to focus on what's in front of me and escape from here first!
Although she feared no battle, she didn't want to waste time. After all, she wasn't sure if Leo in the outside world would charge back into the [Instance] because of her disappearance.
Unlike her, Leo didn't have the chance to [Resurrection]!
Precisely because of this, she had even considered whether to commit suicide to return to the [Teleport Anchor] so Leo wouldn't worry.
But firstly, she was convinced Leo wouldn't be so irrational. After all, her [Bond] with him hadn't broken, so Leo had presumably gained the attribute bonuses from her side as well.
With this present, Leo would definitely understand her current situation and wouldn't be too anxious.
But since she couldn't communicate with Leo, meeting him as soon as possible was the correct solution.
Furthermore, she also wanted to see if she could find some important intelligence here, so that her trip being pulled in here wouldn't be in vain... although just becoming the complete [Divine Prayer] was already her greatest harvest!
But... wait, I'm starting to let my thoughts run wild again!
Shaking her head, she understood that even in her current condition, she couldn't suppress this inexplicable feeling. Thus—
"Bang!"
No longer cautious, she ran forward at high speed while blasting apart all the doors in front of her.
Otherwise, she would inevitably fall into that endless state of "chaotic thoughts" again.
And after she broke through five doors, she immediately realized something was wrong...
...I've returned to the starting point?
Looking at the door she had broken herself, she understood she had fallen into a loop, like a ghost hitting a wall.
Since doors won't work, then... destroy everything here!
"Neko charm!"
A terrifying golden phantom erupted from her body. This was by no means her previous tattered state, but a more complete and three-dimensional phantom.
In the next moment, the walls, floor, and ceiling around her were all destroyed by her.
And this wasn't the end!
Originally holding one gun with both hands, she suddenly separated her hands. The original pistol transformed into two, and she poured out a storm of bullets toward the surroundings like a torrential pear blossom rain.
Indeed, she was currently just [Divine Prayer], and a [Divine Prayer] in a weakened state at that.
But don't forget, she had once been the [God of Earth]. Her utilization of [Honkai energy] had already reached the pinnacle of perfection.
Even if that part of her memory was already riddled with holes and tattered beyond recognition, the usage methods engraved in her instincts still allowed the current her to unleash extremely terrifying destructive power.
Even if she were to face a [Herrscher] from the original world now, she had the confidence to fight.
Although there was a high probability she would still lose, if she met a slightly weaker [Herrscher], she might not be without a chance.
For example, a certain green Titan Mecha weakling!
"Awoooooo!!!"
A shrill scream pierced the sky; this was the sorrowful cry of a giant beast!
Only at this moment did Kiana realize she was actually inside a "living" laboratory!
Running out through the breach, she looked back and could see a white building wailing continuously.
Only gradually did its voice quiet down, as if what stood there was just a dilapidated laboratory, nothing more.
"Is this... the Administration Building area?"
The reason for her confused voice was, firstly, Kiana had never been here, and secondly—
She saw a round scarlet blood moon!
The moon in this area was no longer that eerie silver-white, but a terrifying bloody color that seemed to be constantly oozing fresh blood.
Of course, saying "oozing" was just an illusion. When Kiana looked carefully, she found the moon was still just a moon.
But her current bloodthirsty berserk state was becoming harder to suppress; signs of turning into a [Zombie] had already appeared on her whole person.
"It really is..."
Understanding she couldn't continue staying in this area, she hurriedly used [Divine Prayer] on herself!
Previously, she could clear her own [Moon Light Concentration] to a certain extent; now that she was complete, she could do it with even more ease.
Soon, not only was her bloodthirsty berserk impulse gone, but even the chaotic thoughts in her brain lessened.
Of course, as a price, the [Honkai energy] within her body was almost completely exhausted.
Stopping no longer, she ran quickly toward the direction of the [School building].
However, the monsters here obviously didn't want to let her leave.
From the shadows of the woods on both sides, humanoid shapes formed of shadows emerged one by one, all emitting a terrifying aura.
——It seems... experiencing resurrection once is unavoidable.
At this moment, Kiana couldn't help but regret a little.
Of course, if she hadn't been in that state, these shadow monsters wouldn't have appeared either.
Moreover, she was on the verge of turning into a [Zombie] at that time; this was a solution born of necessity.
At most, she just shouldn't have been in such a rush to lower the [Moon Light Concentration] so low.
Anyway—
"Bang!"
With the sound of a gunshot, the battle began!
[Real World: Home · Bedroom]
"If I don't return."
Looking at MEI with a determined gaze, Leo spoke bluntly: "You must use the most extreme methods to find [Mobius], otherwise this place will be plunged into misery and suffering."
Until this moment, he realized his own slackness.
He wasn't playing a game, but facing an incomparably cruel land of terror.
Any trace of slackness on his part would invite the most fatal danger.
Of course, he wasn't worrying about Kiana's safety. After all, he had roughly guessed that Kiana had been pulled back into the [Instance].
But he hated his own slackness during this period, clearing levels in the steadiest way possible, while lacking the bloodlust he had at the start.
——Having sunk into the land of gentle comfort for too long, although my strength has increased, my mindset has deteriorated!
Realizing this, he understood he couldn't go on like this.
Of course, this wasn't the reason for him to recklessly enter the [Instance], but—
[Instance Mission: Long Distance Relationship? No!]
[Mission Description: Facing a long-distance relationship, are you going to succumb to spatial distance?]
[Mission Explanation: Retrieve the girl under the condition of being unable to revive, proving your love is indestructible!]
[Mission Reward: Issued based on the girl's satisfaction, contains a Surprise Grand Prize!]
[——Truly a pair of star-crossed lovers!]
The mission itself also required him to retrieve Kiana under the condition of being unable to revive.
Of course, [Tongzi] had never made things difficult for him. Even if he didn't complete this mission, he believed [Tongzi] wouldn't obliterate him.
But since [Tongzi] indicated there was a Surprise Grand Prize, and most critically, issued the mission to him, that meant he could achieve it.
And if he couldn't do it, that meant he was a noob.
Therefore, how could there be any reason for him not to accept?
Moreover, actually, at the very worst, there was still Plan B... waiting for Kiana to [Resurrection]!
He knew Kiana could still revive, so as long as he camped at the [Teleport Anchor], he would definitely be able to complete this mission.
It was just that at that time, the girl's satisfaction would definitely be very low, but he would surely get a consolation prize.
In short, he wasn't barging in without a plan, but had considered all circumstances.
And the reason he exhorted MEI like that was just as a precaution.
——The current him was terrifyingly rational!
"Mm."
Understanding Leo's determination, MEI spoke bluntly: "I will only wait one day. I hope you can return smoothly."
Although she still couldn't recall the existence of someone like Kiana even now, after seeing the many traces left by Kiana at home, she understood there really was such a person.
And the reason she couldn't remember was most likely because all of Kiana's information had been converged!
Precisely because of this, apart from the information Kiana left in the [Real World] on the physical level, all information on the spiritual level would become ineffective.
Even [Raiden Mei] had forgotten the bits and pieces of life she lived here with Kiana; she only remembered everything from the original world.
As for Leo, he could only say it all relied on his own exceptional natural endowments——
Tongzi, forge the [Bond] for me!
Anyway, after arranging things in the [Real World], he set off.
Gazing at the silver-white moonlight outside the [School building], he raised his [long sword] and charged out toward the hole.
At this moment, he felt his body was exceptionally light.
——[Strength] was surging out!
This was the value [Divine Prayer] Kiana brought to him!
And this was also one of his trump cards.
In addition, he actually stayed in the [Real World] for a while because he was busy cooking... or rather, using the microwave to heat up those pre-made meals.
At this moment, in his BUFF column—
[Hot-blooded Stance: Your blood is boiling, vitality increased by a small amount.]
[One Step Ahead: Your footsteps are light, movement speed increased by a small amount.]
[Invulnerable: Your skin is tough, defense increased by a small amount.]
[...]
In short, he added almost everything he could add.
Even to put it bluntly, his stomach was feeling a bit bloated right now.
There was no helping it; he had to eat a sufficient portion for this BUFF to go up.
Otherwise, just eating a little bit certainly wouldn't take effect.
In short, he was now in peak condition. Even if he faced the [Tyrant Old Lady] and the [Shadow Ninja Zombie] again, he had the confidence to crush them.
It was still that same saying: Kiana's values were so beautiful!
"Is this the limit already?"
Looking at the humanoid monsters surrounding her that seemed endless, Kiana, resting her back against a big tree, couldn't help feeling somewhat discouraged.
To be honest, she really didn't know how many of these monsters she had killed.
However, it was useless. The moment she killed them, this kind of humanoid monster would grow out from the shadows again.
Perhaps she could only thoroughly eradicate such monsters by completely illuminating the surroundings.
However, the current her no longer had such spare energy.
Being able to fight until now was already the result of her being strengthened by the [Moon Light Concentration].
Now, she was about to start turning into a [Zombie] again!
Speaking of which... surprisingly, even I can turn into a [Zombie]?
Theoretically speaking, even if she was currently just [Divine Prayer], her foundation should be unchanged.
[Herrscher] was the existence she was supposed to become!
But in this world, she could only become a [Zombie]... It seems I haven't collected enough [soul fragments]!
"Letting my thoughts run wild again."
Looking at the constantly approaching humanoid monsters, she finally woke up from the "chaotic thoughts" state.
Admittedly, bloodthirsty berserk fighting spirit drove her to open fire on the enemies before her, but she really didn't have a shred of strength left, unable even to lift the gun.
So... let's just end it here. I'm tired too.
To be honest, she even somewhat wanted to experience the feeling of death.
After all, only in this way would she feel she was Leo's companion.
Otherwise, she actually thought of herself as a burden.
——Leo's act of giving up on adventuring for her sake, she had seen it all!
Since that's the case, then she might as well feel death too.
It was just that when the claws of the humanoid monster slashed toward her neck, she still couldn't help feeling a bit of fear.
——There is no one who doesn't fear death, even knowing they can [Resurrection]!
Precisely because of this, she was even more moved by Leo's willingness to go to his death for her.
That she would commit herself to Leo, this point really occupied a large proportion.
How could she not be moved by a man willing to die for her?
And now, she felt her mind was full of Leo, which instead washed away her fear of death.
Furthermore, when she thought that as long as she died, she would appear at the [Teleport Anchor], and then she could use the [Teleport Anchor] to go home, she felt incomparably happy.
——That guy must be incredibly anxious right now. My appearance will definitely give him a huge surprise!
Closing her eyes, she decided to welcome her death.
Only—
One second passed, two seconds passed... three seconds passed... she didn't feel the pain in her neck.
——So death doesn't have any sensation?
With a slightly apprehensive mood, she opened her eyes, and then saw an extremely incredible expression.
"You... why did you appear here!?"
Looking at the young man covered in layers of heavy [purple thunder] blocking in front of her, the corners of her eyes couldn't help twinkling with crystal tears.
At this moment, she could no longer deceive herself.
That fear of death had caused her perception to shrink, wanting to reduce her pain as much as possible.
——Just like an ostrich burying its head in the sand!
Precisely because of this, she didn't sense Leo's arrival.
And missed the scene of Leo being the hero saving the beauty!
At the same time—
"Finally..."
Emitting a slightly heavy voice, Leo spoke: "Found you."
His voice was a bit hoarse, but the relief in his tone was so obvious.
Likewise, he could no longer deceive himself either!
No matter how many reasons he found for himself, or even bringing out [Tongzi]'s mission.
But just now... he just wanted to see Kiana!
If not for strong enemies still surrounding them, he just wanted to hug Kiana tightly and never separate from her again!
"Catch!"
He threw three [Honkai fragments] behind him; these were what he found on the bed.
"?"
Catching the three [Honkai fragments], a look of surprise couldn't help revealing itself in Kiana's eyes.
Because this meant she could fight side by side with Leo.
She would not become Leo's burden, but a solid right-hand man!
With three [Honkai fragments] down the hatch, she could feel her exhausted [Honkai energy] instantly skyrocket.
Although there was still a feeling of it draining away, this time she finally had the feeling of power being retained.
Finally—
"Let's go back together."
Walking to Leo's side, she raised her dual guns, a golden phantom emerging from her body.
"Mm."
Seeing Kiana recover, Leo completely relaxed.
And after no longer needing to protect Kiana, he could finally explode out all his previous worries and anger.
One saw the [purple thunder] on his body shine, echoing the golden phantom on Kiana's body.
In the next moment—
War!
________________________________________
Get rewarded for helping with our community goals!
🎯 Reward for all: +1 bonus chapter at 50 Powerstones.
🚀 Tier Reward: Help us reach 20 members for +5 chapters on all stories!
👻 Join the crew by searching Ms. Medusa on (P). You know the spot! 😉