Question 7 (1/2):
In the large-scale sci-fi action mystery idol drama "Honkai Impact 3rd", how many contestants were there at the start of the heroine selection competition?
A: Eleven
B: Nine
C: Six
D: Three
Einstein: "Large-scale sci-fi action mystery idol drama…"
Amber: "Honkai Impact 3rd…"
Kiana: "Heroine selection competition…"
Tesla: "Since when has Honkai been wholesome enough to turn into an idol show? What is this, 'Bloody Paradise'?"
Tesla suddenly recalled the early days after Anti-Entropy split from Schicksal. Back then, they were so short on funding they could barely afford meals. She and Einstein had even seriously considered becoming idols to make money.
But no matter how wild her imagination was, she simply couldn't connect "Honkai" with "idols."
Tesla's tangent left black lines across everyone's foreheads.
Of course, what shocked them even more was how ridiculous the question itself was.
Honkai… an idol drama?
And Honkai Impact 3rd?
Does that mean there's also a first and second?
"Judging by the name, this is a character selection Q&A from a TV series or film," Theresa said calmly.
After going through several second-round questions, she had figured it out — they were all bizarre prompts designed to expose someone's embarrassing past.
She had already been hit once. Social death, achieved.
And now it involved her again.
If she could find the system's physical location, she would've already taken Judah and smashed it to pieces.
After all, compared to the Anti-Entropy science duo who almost debuted as idols…
Theresa had actually stepped onto the screen stage in her youth, becoming the wildly popular idol TeRiRi for a time.
Earlier scene — continuation:
The screen fades after Mei and Sora approach the tactical mech to transport the curry.
Rita: "Oh my, Lady Kiana, your sins run quite deep~"
Kiana: "Th-this… that… even if it's the future me… Raven, I'm sorry…"
In that kind of atmosphere, Kiana felt like if she didn't say something, Raven might one day knock her out from behind.
Theresa suggested that if Raven was worried about the children, there was still space in St. Freya's dorms. They wouldn't do anything.
Einstein added that Anti-Entropy could support several children as well. Even Cocolia ran an orphanage — though her methods were questionable, she treated the children sincerely.
Bronya confirmed: "Mama Cocolia gave her true heart to every child."
From the video, it was clear that Sora's trust in Raven was genuine.
And Raven hadn't squandered World Serpent's influence recklessly — she earned money herself and bought that villa island.
Those two facts proved one thing:
Raven wasn't evil. At least, not in the strict sense.
The conflict between Schicksal and Anti-Entropy had always been ideological — but at their core, both sought to defeat the Honkai.
More than judgment, what people felt was sympathy.
It was clearly a tragic story.
Yet everyone was laughing.
We wouldn't laugh.
Unless we absolutely couldn't help it.
"Pfft—"
"Jackal, you laughed. Didn't you?"
Raven's expression darkened.
Jackal waved dismissively. "It's just a villa island. As a World Serpent executive, you should broaden your horizons."
She mocked Raven's small-time mentality, yet carefully avoided mentioning compensation.
After all, she herself had said it — the ones who destroyed the island were certain people. Go find them.
Grey Serpent nodded approvingly at Raven.
"'No matter the cost, humanity will defeat the Honkai.' Raven, you've done well. You truly embody our lord's ideals."
Raven looked conflicted.
Logically, since she now knew the villa island would sink, the smart move would be to sell it off immediately.
But she had already paid so much in down payments and installments.
If she gave up now… the loss would be devastating.
In the Valkyrie dormitory:
"Mei and Dr. Tesla went to Nagazora City. We still don't know their exact mission," Theresa said seriously, puffing out her small chest with an air of wisdom.
"Based on timing — Kiana saved Sky City three months after the Great Eruption. Mei arrived in Nagazora four months after. That one-month gap means Schicksal and Anti-Entropy must have discovered something…"
"So your guess is that World Serpent had other operations in Nagazora?" Himeko asked thoughtfully.
"Perhaps they discovered Raven's whereabouts," Mei suggested. "Sora did say she's always lived in Nagazora."
"Should we approach the children?" Himeko asked.
"No. We're unfamiliar with World Serpent and Raven. We have very little intel. Grandfather might know more — but he won't tell us," Theresa replied.
"Station personnel around Nagazora. If you see the children, make light contact — but don't get too close. If you see Raven, withdraw immediately. Avoid conflict."
Despite her usual laziness — reading manga and playing Homu Adventure — Theresa was still capable as a principal.
Himeko nodded. "Understood. I'll arrange it."
The selected participants continued discussing and organizing the intel.
Then, right on cue, the system's mechanical voice sounded again.
[Question 7: ...]
And thus, the absurd "Heroine Selection Competition" began.