The Infinite Journey of a Certain Flame

"So, does that mean my time has been frozen? Hmm..."

The overwhelming amount of information left Kiana somewhat confused.

She tried hard to understand the logic the little one was trying to convey, but she still couldn't grasp what she was trying to say.

After a brief moment of thought, Kiana gave up on thinking.

She's not very good at strategy, and she's always been like that. It's really hard for her to understand those profound principles.

Now... since the past can't be changed, let's focus on the present and the future.

"One last question, is there...any possibility between her and me?"

"If they are friends, then it's fine. Now, host, face your best friend with a completely new identity."

A completely new identity... well, that's fine too.

After all, Bronya is different now, and I should adapt to this change, but...

Kiana felt disheartened that the beautiful memories she shared with everyone would forever remain just memories, a reminder that things had changed beyond recognition.

She wiped away non-existent tears from the corners of her eyes, feeling as if all her tears had evaporated because of the flames.

However, after the intense burning, comes the moment of rebirth!

"Ready? You've rested enough, now..."

Just as Kiana slowly raised her sword, intending to continue the fight, a white figure suddenly grabbed her sword-wielding hand.

What came into view was Bronya's familiar yet unfamiliar pretty face, and then, for some reason, she reached out and gently stroked her cheek.

“Overusing Honkai energy will only make you feel worse. Stand behind me. Teammate, you can no longer fight.”

After saying that, the captain, who was almost taller than him, pulled him back forcefully.

Judging from their posture, are they planning to intervene forcefully?

What's this all about!

Kiana felt ashamed that she had actually thought Bronya had changed. This girl was exactly the same as before! Apart from her appearance changing, her personality was still as unlikable as ever.

Kiana originally thought she could look at her best friend with a perspective that transcended the past.

However, she was wrong. No matter what, people can never completely forget the past!

As before, Kiana resisted forcefully and without hesitation, rendering Bronya's domineering care futile.

Unexpectedly, this teammate would go against her, and Bronya's usually calm face showed a slight change in expression.

Why don't you listen?

A moment later, the captain suddenly leaped up and swung his laser sword in a sweeping motion. With a few powerful slashes, the suddenly appearing enemies were scattered and unable to fight any longer.

A small number of them, sensing that something was wrong, did not flee in defeat but instead bared their teeth and claws and charged forward.

However, before they could launch a fierce counterattack, they suddenly froze in place and roared as if they had received some command, and soon retreated away from the place.

The enemy's retreat should have been a cause for celebration, but neither side showed any joy whatsoever.

Kiana turned her face away and, as always, retorted:

"No way! Why should I listen to you? Don't think you can boss me around just because you're different now. I'm not falling for that!"

"Hmm? That tone sounds familiar, but unfortunately I can't remember who it is."

Bronya pondered for a moment after hearing this, then slowly closed her eyes.

After acquiring the title of captain, Kiana could clearly sense the decisiveness and assertiveness that only a leader possesses.

It can only be said that what the system said was indeed correct... she is indeed different now.

"Hehe, perhaps this is your privilege. I can tolerate you this once."

Bronya opened her eyes, a barely perceptible smile curving her lips.

"Go back to the warehouse now for treatment if you don't want to be corrupted by Honkai energy."

"Actually, it's not necessary... never mind, just talk to me properly. Hehe, sorry, I was just... a little nervous."

Ultimately, Kiana couldn't bear to clash with her long-lost friend.

The two then returned to the garage where they had taken refuge, one after the other.

"Lie down, I'll heal your wounds."

Kiana had barely stepped into the garage when Bronya closed in, making it clear that Kiana wasn't going to escape.

To be honest, this guy is pushing me so hard that it's really hard to get used to.

After all, she used to be extremely reluctant to be alone with herself... Why is she like this now?

Although she felt very uncomfortable, Kiana didn't make a fuss and simply sat down with her back against the wall as requested.

Bronya then took out a strange device, saying it was some kind of medical instrument.

Does it also have an identity verification function?

Upon hearing this, Kiana immediately looked at Sirin with some surprise.

"fine--"

The other person mouthed the words as if they were on the same wavelength, clearly having been prepared for this.

Seeing this, Kiana put aside her concerns and let Bronya hold the device in her hand.

As the treatment progressed, her thoughts gradually cleared, and she began to recall her glorious past.

That past self seems to have vanished like a bubble.

And the girl from my past, who was always so sharp-tongued... has now become more tolerant and accepting of me...

"I wanted to buy osmanthus blossoms and share wine, but alas, my old friend..." Why do I have this illusion that I understand Zhongli's feelings?

"what?"

Hearing Kiana's mutterings, Bronya withdrew her hand and remained crouched, watching quietly.

She possesses a rather quiet, reserved, and well-behaved air...

"Ah! Uh, it's nothing, I just remembered something an acquaintance once said."

"Oh? Hmm...is it Mei—no, Captain Mei?"

Kiana only snapped out of her daze when she heard Mei's name and lunged at Bronya.

"Hey!"

"Right, right! I forgot, where's Mei? Bronya, where is Mei now?!"

Caught off guard, Bronya was tackled to the ground by Kiana and forced to lie flat on her back, staring at the reckless girl.

Feeling the unbearably hot temperature emanating from the other person, Bronya frowned slightly, then questioned:

"You...have you been corrupted by Honkai energy and lost your memory?"

Why are everyone different now? (Honkai Impact 3rd): Chapter 5: What should be done first to save Mei?

This is so baffling, how could someone have lost their memory?

But you, why haven't you remembered who I am yet?

Is this all the system is capable of? It can even directly affect memory?

With this question in mind, Kiana slowly turned her head, only to find that Sirin was staring intently at her with a cold, indifferent expression that said, "Don't cause trouble."

Okay, there's no need to think about it anymore, it's definitely her doing.

Thinking of this, Kiana looked directly at Bronya and slowly replied:

"No, I'm perfectly fine."

"Really? Okay, could you please let me go?"

Bronya kept her eyes open, showing no sign of panic despite being pinned down.

It seems like she's completely unafraid of what she might do?

Thinking of this, Kiana couldn't help but feel a mischievous glint in her eye.

So she pouted and slowly opened her mouth to say:

What if I don't let go?

As soon as she finished speaking, Kiana suddenly felt something pressing against her abdomen. Puzzled, she looked down...

At this very moment, the other party was pointing the pistol known as Heavy Bunny 0019 at him.

Judging by his posture, if he doesn't restrain himself soon, this guy is going to make a move.

Looking at her beautiful face, which remained completely expressionless, Kiana couldn't help but sigh that even after growing up, her silent and mischievous nature hadn't changed.

"Okay, okay, I'll let you go."

Realizing that she would get beaten up if she continued to tease Bronya, Kiana got up and offered her help.

"Tell me where Mei is now, we'll talk about the future later."

"Hmm? You really can't remember? That strange little man over there."

“What a strange little man! My name is west—oh no, my name is... uh, never mind, just call me sodium chloride.”

"It's a strange name, but it suits Ai-chan quite well."

Um... if Ai-chan were here, would she throw a cabbage at someone if she heard that?

Kiana inwardly scoffed at the situation, then looked at Sirin, wondering how she planned to deal with her.

Surprisingly, unlike his arrogant demeanor towards her, this little guy was remarkably polite to Bronya.

"Yes, they do match well. But that's not the point. As you can see, this person, who was already a bit slow-witted, has suffered severe memory loss after overusing Honkai energy. Thank goodness, it's great that she can still remember that she's a human being, so sometimes she does strange things because she can't control herself. I hope you can understand."

"Is that so? I understand."

After they finished speaking, they cast sympathetic glances at Kiana.

It was as if they were really looking at an idiot...