Honkai Impact 3rd: The Girl Who Chases the Flame

"So, you're one of the World Serpents?"

"Hmm... that's not entirely accurate. But it's not entirely true to say that I have no connection with the World Serpent."

Melutina thought for a moment and then said,

"Have you ever wondered why this organization is called the World Serpent? And why Kevin, this warrior from a previous civilization, is the leader of this organization?"

"I've thought about it, and I've asked about it."

Raiden Mei said calmly.

"Hmm? And then?"

"..."

Raiden Mei was silent for a moment, then crossed her arms, raised her head, and struck Kevin's signature pose.

“You’re not qualified to know.” That’s what he told me.

"Um...I can imagine."

Melutina scratched her cheek.

“Then you can ask me questions… After all, it’s rare for me to come here to sort through the doctor’s old things.”

"First of all, I want to know, is this organization's purpose the so-called Stigmata Project?"

Raiden Mei asked.

"To be precise, it's not a goal, but a belief. You should have noticed that most people in this organization are extremely fanatical...enthusiastic. Like religious fanatics, and their religion..."

Melutina explained.

"So it's the Stigmata Project, is it?"

Raiden Mei understood.

"But this plan..."

"Actually, I should be the most fervent believer in this plan. However, the current Stigmata Project and my beliefs are two different things."

Melutina shrugged.

“Ideals and goals are two different things. For the world snakes now, they are trying to turn their ideals into practical, phased plans... but for me, that’s too hasty.”

"So, do you agree with the ideals of the Stigmata Project?"

"The blueprint for this plan was proposed by someone like my mother. Humanity will continue to evolve, abandoning its old ways, and eventually evolve into a species that can adapt to Honkai energy."

I agree with her idea that humanity will eventually complete its evolution and reach the stars. But, do you think current human civilization... is it ready to welcome a new generation?

"Melutina asked."

"Obviously not, so this would cause the death of the vast majority of people."

“I don’t like Kevin’s approach. For the person I respect, fighting the Honkai was a means, a process. But for Kevin, the Stigmata Project became a means to fight the Honkai.”

In my view, this is putting the cart before the horse. To taint my dreams with hatred, to wallow in the mire, to abandon all glamour and beauty for the sake of reaching only a temporary goal… there is no future in that.

Melutina showed a clear look of displeasure, which was unusual for Raiden Mei.

“You believe that humanity will evolve at a certain stage, but Kevin thinks that humanity must evolve to overcome the current difficulties.”

Raiden Mei, true to her class representative level of talent, quickly grasped the core idea.

"So the origin of the name 'World Serpent'...could it be...?"

"Snakes are the most vibrant creatures. The core of the world snake theory is the doctor's theory, and the gray snake you know is also an artificial life form created by the doctor. And the doctor's symbol is the snake, which is her favorite creature."

Melutina smiled slightly.

"So, that cadre codenamed Raven once made jokes about 'World Bird' and 'Void Serpent'... Although she didn't see me, I still decided to teach her a lesson, so I sent Gray Serpent to Siberia to grow potatoes for a few months."

"...Compared to this."

Raiden Mei had absolutely no interest in how long Raven had been growing potatoes in Siberia.

"Then why is Kevin the Lord of the World Serpent? Shouldn't it be that doctor, or you?"

"The World Serpent isn't entirely constructed based on the Doctor's theories; it also includes the worship of pre-civilizations... Kevin will let you know about a certain facility here at the appropriate time later."

Melutina thought for a moment and then said...

"Kevin, as the strongest guardian of the previous civilization, resolutely carried out this plan, and thus became the Lord. As for me, well, have you read the Bible? I'm probably in a position similar to Adam or Eve."

"What exactly is the Stigmata Project...?"

"You've said enough, Melutina."

Just then, a cold voice came from behind; Kevin had somehow gotten there and was now standing there.

"What happens next must not be spoken aloud."

"Okay, I understand."

Melutina scratched her head.

"So, Hua really became the Eighth Herrscher?"

"...if that can be called Hua."

After a moment of silence, Kevin said calmly.

"What did you say? The Eighth Herrscher is..."

Raiden Mei's eyes widened.

"Squad leader..."

"At least physically."

Kevin said calmly.

"Where did she go?"

"She just returned from the Heavenly Mandate headquarters. It seems she beat your precious apprentice into the hospital. Then she dismantled some of the World Serpent headquarters' facilities and is now heading to Mount Taixu."

Kevin finished explaining carefully.

"..."

Raiden Mei looked at Kevin, wanting to say something, but she held back.

Is this guy who answers every question really Kevin?

"Um, Bianca's in the hospital? I need to go see her."

Melutina's focus was clearly not on Hua's trip to Mount Taixu.

"No, that's not the point, Kevin. I need to leave for Tai immediately..."

"No."

However, Kevin simply uttered two words.

"why?"

Raiden Mei's eyes widened.

"You are not qualified to know."

"..."

Chapter One of the Silly Silly Silly Goose

I am Bianca Durandal Atagina, my parents are unknown, I belong to Destiny, and I am a disciple of Meludina Karl von Linnaeus.

My marksmanship and use of Honkai energy are all thanks to Teacher Medie's teaching. Her marksmanship and use of Honkai energy are outstanding, far beyond my reach.

The teacher said that she was a researcher who was completely helpless.

Therefore, as a student, I must take responsibility to become stronger and protect my teachers...

That's how it should be.

"..."

Durandal lay on the hospital bed, looking at Melutina beside her with a face full of shame.

"I am so sorry, teacher. I lost to a Herrscher so easily. As the leader of the Undying Blade and as your student, it is truly shameful!"

"No... if you win, things will get complicated..."

That thing is quite close to Hua in his prime, except for the Taixu Sword God.

"I'm ashamed to face my teacher! I swore to become stronger and protect my teacher who has no fighting ability!"

However, Durandal clearly did not think that way, and instead believed that the defeat was entirely her responsibility.

"..."

Melutina's gaze flickered subtly, and she coughed twice before speaking.

"Um, Bianca. Anyway, the Herrscher of Knowledge incident is over, and Fu Hua has successfully rejoined the team... uh, Anti-Entropy's team."

"I've heard about it. Kiana... she really has become stronger."

"Ugh...cough."

Melutina, one of the few who knew the truth of what happened back then, coughed twice.

"Bianca, now that you're almost fully recovered, would you like to accept my trial?"

"Trials?"

Durandal was taken aback.

"Well, a friend from the previous civilization entrusted me with a key of the gods... That bastard Otto seems to really want it."

"Teacher, are you planning to give it to me? That's surprising. I thought you would refuse all requests related to Bishop Otto."

Durandal was even more surprised. She had known her teacher for so long and had never seen her ever agree to Otto's request.

"This time... is a little different."

Melutina shook her head.