The Infinite Journey of a Certain Flame

She's actually trying to steal someone from her best friend who's been retired for a long time and only recently came back to work temporarily? That's just too much... Well, this kind of thing has happened again with Kiana.

It's reasonable for Bronya to have some minor problems.

In short, whether it's reasonable or not, Mei doesn't want to lose out in this battle. At the same time, she also needs to understand why her friend is so resistant to revealing Kiana's existence.

Could it be... that her reappearance after many years of disappearance is related to her?

Once this question arose, Mei became increasingly convinced that something extraordinary must have happened during her absence.

But what exactly happened?

She argued with Bronya while observing everyone present.

Timido, Lyle, and Carol are all perfectly normal members of the Schicksal Honkai Squad, and I haven't been constantly depressed all these years. Therefore, I have a fairly good understanding of the character of the younger generation.

"Um?!"

Suddenly, a small creature that she had never seen before but seemed vaguely familiar caught Mei's eye.

She... wore a beautiful outfit like a rag doll, her long skirt swaying in the wind, her waist-length hair tied into two ponytails with black and pink squares. Her orange eyes, haughty gaze, and the large purple scissors hovering behind her added a touch of danger to her cuteness.

It's hard to imagine that such an adorable little guy would appear here.

However, what surprised Mei was actually her appearance.

"The Herrscher of the Void? No, you should already be..."

The reality she was confronted with was so shocking that Mei's eyes widened and she didn't even have time to argue with Bronya.

She stretched out her delicate, white hand and suddenly drew the katana.

"Ok?"

The moment the blade was drawn, everyone sensed the murderous intent that was laid bare.

"Whoa..." Sirin quietly watched Mei, watching this girl draw her sword and slash at her, without offering the slightest resistance. She let the incredibly sharp scissors slice into her shoulder. A muffled 'thud!' echoed, and the dark, foul blood almost stained Mei's sword black.

This also left everyone present astonished and puzzled as they stared at the captain, who had only recently recovered from his injuries.

Seeing her friends killing each other, Kiana was heartbroken and hugged Mei from behind.

"Sirin! Mei, why?!"

"Let me go! Are you all being controlled by something? This thing is dangerous!"

Well... I have to say, Mei's reaction was the most normal of everyone present.

Bronya stroked her chin and nodded silently, giving Mei's behavior very high praise.

Honestly, if it weren't for concerns about accidents, she would have dealt with this unknown little one immediately. At the very least, she would have kept a close watch on her, instead of letting her roam freely like this.

However, that's just wishful thinking. After all, if something happens to her, Kiana will too... So I have to find a way to stop Mei—hmm?

Is she smiling?

Looking at Sirin, who was kneeling on the ground bleeding profusely but showed no sign of pain or fear.

Bronya realized that this might be what Fu Hua had occasionally mentioned before as a... self-inflicted injury strategy?

bark...

It can truly be said that they have absolutely no shame or scruples.

This guy is tough to deal with.

In the end, Bronya also gave Sirin a very high evaluation.

She knew very well that the little guy's belly contained the same pitch-black liquid as what she had sprayed out.

The reason for resorting to this desperate measure is probably to play the victim and gain sympathy to break the deadlock.

"Mei, calm down! Who attacks their companion the moment they arrive!"

"What! Kiana, what's wrong with you, Kiana? I... I'm not her comrade."

Mei, who was being held by Kiana's slender waist, flailed her arms and legs, trying her best to break free but to no avail. In the end, she had no choice but to stop struggling and began to try to reason with her.

This is really difficult. Why would she agree to be friends with some random little thing?

Mei stared at Sirin, who was sitting on the ground with her head down and silent. The more she looked at her, the more she felt that... this little thing was her rival, and that she would use dirty and despicable means to steal the most precious things from her.

It's strange, isn't it? Why would I feel this hostility towards something that looks like a doll? It's truly unbelievable—

"Sirin, are you alright? Mei is just a little agitated."

“It’s alright, it’s just a minor injury. I won’t hold it against you.” Sirin stood up magnanimously, then slowly extended her index finger. The void opened up and bandages and gauze fell out.

As these things fell, Kiana immediately released Mei and began to help bandage her wounds.

With just this one action, Mei felt that her intuition was right.

This doll actually does that?!

"Mei, don't panic. Things aren't as bad as you think. It's getting late. Let's go back to base and make plans then?"

Just as Mei was feeling helpless about her beloved being deceived, Bronya appeared behind her and put her hand on her shoulder.

Hey...

"Alright, there's probably some danger in this town tonight. Let's find a quiet place to regroup and make further plans..."

Faced with an even greater and more difficult problem, Mei put Bronya's dilemma aside and began to think about how to get rid of this little guy of unknown origin.

Although Bronya's behavior was a bit strange, she was still his friend.

Even if we're going to settle scores later, we'll have to get rid of the outsiders—the puppets—first.

With these thoughts in mind, Mei suppressed her inner impulse, apologized to Sirin and Kiana, and returned to the base with the others.

"Wow, this place...is so wonderful!"

Looking at the luxuriously decorated base in front of me, it seemed to have everything I could need.

Mei felt that her base, which consisted of only a table and a chair, was really in a difficult situation to describe.

"Mei? What's wrong? Are you still blaming yourself?"

Kiana's call brought Mei back to her senses, and she looked at the person who had already closed the roll-up door.

Why is everyone different now? (Honkai Impact 3rd): Chapter 54 Mei: I have to find a way to get rid of her!

I feel guilty. I didn't do anything wrong, so why... do I feel guilty?

Although Mei really wanted to say it directly, she knew very well that if she spoke her mind directly, that cunning little thing would probably take advantage of her.

Why do you have such thoughts? Just look at the look that guy gave Kiana behind her!

"Hee hee hee!"

Xilin covered her mouth, her eyes narrowed into slits with a mischievous grin. She was so smug, it made one want to poke her cheek and give her a good beating.

Veins bulged on Mei's forehead, and her bright, beautiful eyes narrowed into slits.

However, she wasn't gloating; she simply wanted to tear the little one to pieces—no, how could she? She just didn't like her, so why would she have murderous intent...

Well, Mei, who had already turned to black, had to admit it to herself.

She really seems determined to get rid of this little guy completely!

Unfortunately, this is something that can never be done.

"No, Kiana. You don't need to worry about me too much. It's been so many years... I've actually grown a lot."

Mei helplessly tucked her hair back as she dealt with her long-lost friend.

Seeing Mei's reaction, Kiana happily touched her hair.

Although, some minor problems have occurred since we met.

But being able to see her is already the best thing, so let's not worry about these little things anymore.

Let's eat and shower together quickly, then have a lingerie party and have a blast!

Unfortunately, Kiana's hopes were not fulfilled in the end.

"Bronya, I don't understand why you insist on staying here. But I need to hear your explanation regarding the Second Squad's operations. Is that alright?"

"Hmm? Okay. I'll tell you."

Upon hearing Mei's request, Bronya sighed, then slowly stepped forward to accompany her to the sofa to discuss work matters.

Kiana, left behind, watched the two of them slowly move away, one after the other, in perfect unison. A feeling of inexplicable envy welled up within her. She truly couldn't understand why Mei, having finally reunited with her, would immediately ask about her situation.

Fine, ask away, but why not include yourself in the question? I really don't understand what she's thinking...

Kiana, feeling utterly speechless, knew that if Mei hadn't called her, going over there would likely only make everyone feel awkward.

Slightly frustrated, she had no choice but to hold little Xilin and inquire about her injuries. At the same time, she asked a crucial question.

Why would Mei hurt you?

"Who knows? Maybe she's upset that I stole her treasure." Little Xilin swung her feet, looking incredibly happy. She seemed completely unconcerned about her bleeding wound.

Kiana was left completely bewildered by this bizarre reaction, unsure of where to begin.

Helpless, she could only sit on the edge of the bed with the little one in her arms, and begin to soothe its wounds and comb its hair. She looked just like a gentle and refined mother, or a little girl who treated the doll as her daughter.

To be honest, this reaction not only surprised the younger generation like Timido, but also left the two senior figures present feeling quite bewildered.

"Bronya, you don't have to tell me why you're hiding the truth. But you must tell me what that little thing is!"

Although she was supposed to be learning about the Second Squad's recent activities, Mei's first reaction upon sitting down on the sofa was to sit up straight with her legs together and seriously interrogate Bronya about Sirin's background.

At this moment, she desperately wanted to get rid of the little thing. Of course, it would be even better if she could lock her up or just kill her.

Unfortunately, this may only ever be a hope.

"I'm sorry, Mei. I don't know either. All I'm sure of is that guy is already tied to Kiana."

Hmm...very good, excellent.

Does this immediately foreshadow the worst possible outcome?

Mei felt strangely annoyed by Bronya's candid words.

She never imagined that after rushing to the scene, she would meet her long-lost friend, but she also never imagined that her friend would bring back an annoying little thing.