The Infinite Journey of a Certain Flame

"what happened?"

With Bronya's silence, the atmosphere instantly became tense, and everyone looked at each other, wondering what Bronya had discovered.

Finally, under the watchful eyes of everyone, she raised her head and said:

"There is good news and bad news."

"When did you two become so in sync? Tell me the news first, okay?" Kiana said slowly, spreading her hands.

Seeing her plead, Bronya sighed, then placed one hand on her hip and slowly said:

"Mei is safe now. And she has fully recovered and can join the battle."

"Huh?! Mei's already healed? So fast? Whew, thank goodness, it seems her injuries weren't too serious after all."

Upon hearing that Mei had recovered, Kiana was overjoyed. After all, as long as Mei was alright, everything was fine.

It seems Celine wasn't lying after all; her injuries really aren't serious? That's great, I was so worried before.

Kiana smiled, feeling that everything was slowly getting better.

If I can reunite with Mei later, maybe I can overcome any difficulty.

However, there is another piece of bad news.

"It will be some time before Mei returns, we can't just sit here and wait to die."

Bronya was pleased with the news, but because of her role as captain, she didn't lose her composure too much.

Right now, everything seems to be moving in a positive direction, but this peace and tranquility must be protected through concerted efforts.

Thinking of this, Bronya looked at Kiana and slowly said:

"Kiana, you might not like it. But I hope you'll keep that in mind when the time comes."

"what?"

"I can't report your existence to headquarters, although I don't know how that little guy managed to hide it. But it's a good thing that Theresa and the others don't know, because that way... I can protect you."

"What?!" Everyone was shocked upon hearing this.

Kiana, who was involved in the incident, scratched the back of her head in confusion upon hearing this.

Uh, I really didn't expect Bronya to say something like that so many years later. If Seele found out, she'd probably come after her with a scythe on her back.

However, it wasn't bad to be taken care of by her~ It's just that I'm not the same person I used to be.

"Don't do that, Bronya. Mei will misunderstand."

"No, that's not what I meant. I just... never mind. Anyway, I'll make things clear to Mei before we meet, about you... we can't let everyone know yet."

Why is this being done so discreetly? Am I doing something naughty with her?

Hmm, now that you're all grown up, your personality has become so... gentle? Okay, I guess it's because you're a worrier.

Kiana didn't understand what Bronya was afraid of, but that didn't mean she disliked it. In fact, being cared for like that by a friend wasn't exactly a bad thing.

Finally, after hesitating for a moment, she slowly nodded.

“Very good.” Bronya nodded in agreement, then turned her gaze to her three bewildered juniors…

Why are we all different now? (Post-Honkai Odyssey): Chapter 46: Banishing the Celestials from This World

Seeing the captain looking at him, Lyle, who seemed to be the most opinionated of the three, scratched the back of his head and chuckled self-deprecatingly, somewhat puzzled:

"Um, should we cooperate?"

"Lyle, what are you saying?" Bronya stood with her hands on her hips, staring at her teammate with disdain. "Kiana and I were just discussing some small things, and we didn't need your cooperation at all."

To be honest, Lyle could only describe his feelings as both amused and exasperated after being lectured so confidently by the captain.

Wow, this? This... should I go along with the captain's suggestion, or pretend I didn't hear anything?

When did it become possible to talk about things so confidently while keeping them from headquarters and the archbishop...?

Lyle couldn't help but smile wryly to himself, feeling inexplicably speechless at his captain.

While Schicksal grants the Honkai Squad a degree of autonomy during operations, meaning they can question orders—in Shenzhou parlance, it's a matter of "a general in the field may disobey orders"—concealing unusual intelligence...

I feel like if we just sit idly by, we'd be accomplices.

Lyle wore a kind smile, his expression as gentle as ever. However, he was utterly speechless inside, with a thousand complaints swirling in his mind, yet he didn't know where to begin.

There's nothing we can do; after all, he's the team leader. What does it mean to have a higher-ranking official who can bully others? This is it!

"Haha, just pretend I'm... talking nonsense? But Captain, what about headquarters..."

Lyle stared at Kiana, his mind in turmoil, but ultimately decided it was best to offer some advice. After all, if he hadn't known, everything would have been fine, but now that he knew... what if he didn't do something? What if Bishop Theresa got angry later? Perhaps she would consider their past relationship and be lenient with Captain Bronya.

But I... might not be so lucky.

So, let me say something!

“Lyle,” Bronya said with a mischievous grin, rubbing her small fists together, “are you afraid because it’s too dangerous here? If so, I can let you go back to headquarters early to recover from your injuries.”

"Oh, Captain. I'm not injured, am I?"

"Whether there will be more is uncertain. You should understand what I mean, right?"

It has to be said that, after Bronya's friendly persuasion (and threat), even the most oblivious team member would have to understand what danger was.

Thinking of this, Lyle could only smile wryly and spread his hands:

"No, no, no, I feel great. I'm full of confidence and energy!"

“Alright, you go scout the area. Timido and Carol follow too.” Bronya spoke up at the right moment, freezing the male team member’s smile on his face.

He looked at his captain with a surprised expression, momentarily at a loss for words.

Similarly unsure were two other people who were called to the table: Timido and Carol. Of course, as an early Valkyrie, Kiana was also very curious.

Shouldn't we be thinking of breaking the seal on the control panel and then taking a Ferris wheel to the other side to take a look?

"Huh? Captain, we..."

"It feels like they're deliberately trying to get us away. Oh well. Since it's an order, I'll obey until Captain Mei returns."

Compared to the somewhat timid Timido, Carol's reaction was perfectly reasonable; she didn't pay any attention to Captain Bronya's unusual behavior.

He even casually called out to Lyle, as if he hadn't seen him in a long time. He seemed determined to go out and have a good look around.

Seeing this, Lyle didn't know what to say, so he had no choice but to follow along.

Bronya finally felt relieved after the three left.

Bronya?

Seeing the captain's furtive actions, Kiana, as the person involved, felt... very strange.

What exactly is she trying so hard to hide?

"You really don't need to worry about me so much. I can take care of myself. Besides, I still have her!"

As Kiana spoke, she grabbed Sirin's ponytail and pulled the little one into the frame. However, this offensive gesture naturally provoked Sirin's extreme displeasure.

"Awoo!"

When cornered, the little guy opened his mouth and bit Kiana's head. However, her mouth was so small that this fierce action looked like he was bringing his little mouth close to hers for an intimate touch.

To be honest, it's really hilarious.

Seeing the two deeply in love, Bronya's expression gradually softened. She sighed, then said calmly:

"I'm not worried about you, I just don't want to scare the headmaster."

Upon hearing this, Kiana's face contorted with anger, but she instantly put on a 'kind' smile.

At this moment, she realized how naive she had been. She had actually believed that this guy had changed, but what happened? He was still the same as before, enjoying making fun of her.

But... never mind, it's not a big problem.

"I'm not a ghost, what's there to be afraid of? Does that mean Headmistress Theresa has become so frail that she'd faint if she found out I was back?"

"Maybe."

"Uh... okay, I'll be careful." Kiana scratched the back of her head, somewhat puzzled, then raised the Flame King Sword and pointed it at the control panel with a hint of annoyance.

After dawdling for so long, it's time to move on.

Looking at the time, there's still some time before dark. Let's use this time to start the Ferris wheel and see if we can get to that Demon City and investigate.

If we could find the culprit behind this evil scheme and teach him a lesson, perhaps this incident could be resolved satisfactorily.

"Let me do it. You... might just destroy the console."

"Huh? I don't think so. I know how to control my strength, but since you insist, then let's do it..."

Kiana wasn't a rigid person; since her friend insisted on coming, she let her come.

It’s pretty much the same anyway.

Just as Bronya was operating the laser gun, intending to shatter the crystal encasing the control panel with a powerful laser barrage...

Suddenly, Sirin floated up behind Kiana and grabbed her by the ponytail.

"Ok?"

Feeling the barely perceptible tug, Kiana slowly turned her head and stared at the other person's hesitant little face.

"Is there something you want to tell me?"

"Ahem, host. Originally, after meeting your Mei, this trip could have been almost over. But because you were so disobedient, things have become a little complicated."

Oh? Is this a good thing or a bad thing?

"What do you mean?"

"Now that we've come this far, why not go all out and do something bigger?"

A bright light shone faintly in Xilin's eyes.

"How about we banish the heavenly beings from this world?"

Why are we all different now? (Post-Honkai Odyssey): Chapter 47 This is the hunting law between civilizations.