Honkai Impact: I, The Herrscher of Ice, Am Loved By Players-Chapter 221: Solo Battle Against the Main trio, Ana’s Trial!

Chapter 221 - 221: Solo Battle Against the Main trio, Ana's Trial!

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"I know what you're thinking," Ana chuckled softly. For her, discerning their thoughts was remarkably easy; moreover, they weren't intentionally concealing their feelings.

Each of them harbored different perspectives.

Kiana, being straightforward, even if it seemed possible that Ana might deceive her, still trusted Ana unconditionally.

Thus, Kiana's inner voice expressed, "Ana-sensei... must have... gone through many hardships and had compelling reasons."

Bronya, on the other hand, thought, "Bronya believes there may be falsehoods in Ana-sensei's words, but... Bronya is willing to trust Ana-sensei."

Honestly, Bronya's sentiment touched Ana deeply. Among the Main trio, she felt most distant from Bronya, despite some shared experiences between them, albeit limited.

In general, Ana aligned with Schicksal and World Serpent factions, while Bronya embodied Anti-Entropy entirely. Additionally, Ana showed no interest in related technologies.

Considering Honkai Impact 3's technological advancements, truly challenging Cocoon of Finality would be quite difficult, let alone surpassing it. Achieving such a feat would require a mechanical life genius on par with a Aeon Emanator at minimum.

As for Raiden Mei, her thoughts were unspoken, but overall, Ana could sense a lingering uncertainty.

This was understandable, given that Raiden Mei had interacted most frequently with both versions of Ana: first as Ana within the Elysian Realm and later as Bai Zhi among the World Serpent faction. Despite these encounters, Raiden Mei never suspected or considered Ana's true identity. While this might seem like an oversight, Raiden Mei believed otherwise.

"You've hidden exceptionally well," she thought to herself. "But now, there seems to be no trace of any restraints upon you. This implies that Project Stigma is entirely driven by your own will. In other words, you..."

"No need for doubts, Mei. I shall reveal all the answers one by one shortly." Ana smiled softly and took a few steps back. "However, before that, I must ascertain whether you have the qualifications to face these truths."

As Ana's words echoed, her aura surged dramatically. However, this display was merely a facade to mask her true condition; it wasn't without power but rather intended to conceal the actual situation.

This was the script written by Ana herself, and precisely why she chose this moment to make her entrance.

Observing Ana's increasingly powerful presence, the Main trio regrouped once more. Regardless of their earlier thoughts or attitudes towards Ana, they now faced only one path: defeating Ana before them.

"Looks like we're inevitably heading for battle after all," Kiana sighed, shaking her head with a hand on her forehead.

"Yes, perhaps that's just how adults operate," Bronya chimed in.

"You seem to forget, though, that Ana-sensei is our age too." Raiden Mei placed her hand on her forehead and sighed. While Kiana and Bronya expressed their sentiments about Ana, Raiden Mei gently teased them.

It felt as if encountering Ana-sensei had somehow lowered their intelligence quotient. In truth, Raiden Mei might have experienced the same in the past, but not anymore. After parting ways with Kiana, being baptized in the Garden of Eden, and becoming the Herrscher of Origin, her maturity and awareness surpassed those of her companions significantly.

However, to save an era, one needs a hero—a hot-blooded fool.

Raiden Mei could become that hero herself, but if given the choice, she would naturally entrust everything to her own ideal of a hero—even if this hero had temporarily turned into a hot-headed idiot.

"So, wouldn't it be super embarrassing if we lose against Ana-sensei?" Kiana belatedly realized.

"I doubt it," Bronya smiled reassuringly. "After all, she's our beloved Ana-sensei."

"Yeah, you're right. Thinking about it, Ana-sensei has indeed done quite a lot for us behind the scenes. Now, it's time to repay her with a perfect performance." Kiana spoke earnestly.

At this point, everyone understood that Kevin had initiated Project Stigma out of necessity. If they couldn't defeat him, the project was their only option.

But now, they discovered that their teacher, Ana, had been orchestrating the so-called New Stigma Project. Regardless of its specifics, Earth should finally be safe.

Thus, they were determined to deliver a satisfying outcome worthy of their mentor's efforts.

As for explanations, they didn't need to press Ana further; undoubtedly, once everything settled down, she would clarify all their doubts.

However... Ana-sensei truly had kept them on their toes throughout this ordeal.

Now, it was time to regain some footing, at least somewhat.

In any case, facing Ana, the Main trio felt remarkably at ease.

"Please take this seriously, my dear students. The fate of this generation and humanity's future rests upon your shoulders. If you cannot overcome my trials, then you are not worthy of knowing the truth behind everything."

With Ana's words, she raised her hand, releasing three streaks of light that transformed into distinct figures: her previous avatars.

One was Bai Zhi, wielding the Herrscher of Sentience Authority primarily, another was Jeanne, embodying the Binding Authority, and the last one, Corruption Ana, possessing the Corruption Authority.

Although the Main trio were now Herrschers, Ana's avatars originated from herself, the Lord of Finality, making their power levels no less formidable.

Even with Kiana, the Herrscher of Finality present.

Bai Zhi faced Bronya, the Herrscher of Truth; Corruption Ana confronted Raiden Mei, the Herrscher of Primogenitor; and Jeanne engaged Kiana, the Herrscher of Finality.

Each of these three avatars was comparable to Savior Kevin in power, albeit lacking his overwhelming presence. Additionally, Ana intentionally held back somewhat.

After all, this was merely a test, meant to gauge their abilities without going overboard. The ultimate goal was to prepare them for Divine Ana's impending arrival - only those capable of truly facing Her mattered most.

Without gaining the approval of Divine Ana, everything else would be rendered meaningless. A genuine god indeed wields absolute dominion, far surpassing mere imagination. Sa's capabilities were limited, but with Divine Ana's descent, it would be entirely different.

A deity born from the Cocoon, although not yet at the conceptual level, has the potential to become such an existence by providing their unique answer. This is the essence of the Galaxy universe: Divine Ana already possesses one crucial aspect necessary for becoming that transcendent being—the absence of past and future.

Precisely speaking, it's a triune existence, akin to the Buddhist concept from the West - seamlessly blending past, present, and future. This fusion truly transcends conventional boundaries.

However, Ana took a clever shortcut. As a reincarnator, her past had already vanished, while her very essence represents the future, being born from Ana's separated will. Consequently, from the outset, her future and present were intertwined, with no past tethering her. Thus, she inherently possesses characteristics of that higher level.

"Come on, Bronya, let's see how much you've progressed since Taixuan Mountain!" At one corner of the battlefield, Bai Zhi observed Bronya calmly before issuing her challenge.

"I'll gladly accept your guidance, Teacher Bai Zhi!" Facing Bai Zhi, Bronya showed no fear and promptly unleashed the Herrscher of Reason's powers against her. Unfortunately, similar to the Herrscher of Sentience, Bai Zhi's Authority lacked physical manifestation when desired.

"Let me witness how the Herrscher of Reason comprehends and manifests within the realm of consciousness!" With these words, Bai Zhi effortlessly deployed her Authority, launching an attack towards Bronya.

Due to Class Representative Fu Hua, Bronya had some understanding of the Herrscher of Sentience. However, in terms of utilizing their Authorities, the Herrscher of Sentience paled in comparison to Bai Zhi, making them seem like minor sorcery next to true mastery.

In an instant, Bai Zhi had ensnared the Herrscher of Truth within a mental illusion. As for how their confrontation unfolded inside this illusory realm, it remained unseen.

"Raiden Mei, enjoying your journey through the Elysian Realm?"

Corruption Ana smiled at Raiden Mei before her.

"If you're trying to unsettle me with such tactics, then you've chosen the wrong person, Ana-sensei."

Raiden Mei replied calmly.

"Oh dear, I was merely reminiscing with you; no need to be so serious," Ana chuckled lightly. With a snap of her fingers, numerous phantoms appeared. Moments later, these illusions transformed into familiar figures known well by Raiden Mei - each one a Heroic Spirit.

"I must assure you, I sought their individual consent beforehand, so please don't get upset." As she spoke, Corruption Ana's figure vanished from sight.

"Come on, Mei, I'm hidden among these Heroic Spirits. Although all thirteen are portrayed by me, I am concealed within just one of them. Find me, and you'll pass this stage!"

"Oh, and let me give you a little secret: This battle is being live-streamed throughout the entire Elysian Realm! If you perform poorly, they themselves will witness it too! So, make sure to give it your best!"

"You..."

How to put it? Initially, Raiden Mei didn't want to engage with this, but now she couldn't ignore it.

It seemed Ana had truly struck at her vulnerability. While Mei could disregard many things, she simply couldn't remain indifferent towards those who have helped her, including these Heroic Spirits.

Moreover... Corruption Ana mentioned that the Heroic Spirits themselves consented to this arrangement.

As for whether Ana was lying? There's no need for deceit. Previously, during their time with World Serpent, Kevin hinted that everything would be perfectly resolved in the end within the Garden of Eden.

And based on what appears now, it seems the one responsible for achieving that resolution is none other than the Corruption Ana standing before her. It's unexpected yet, upon reflection, entirely plausible.

Mei initially thought that Ana-sensei's memory fragment wouldn't accomplish much within the Garden of Eden. Yet, unexpectedly, she turned out to be the ultimate trump card.

"Alright, alright, don't get distracted!"

Just as Raiden Mei momentarily lost focus, an attack swiftly came her way from Elysia among the Heroic Spirits. With a smile, Elysia gently tapped Raiden Mei's head with her staff.

Naturally, she exerted minimal force.

"Neither I nor she wants to see you hurt, so please take care of yourself!"

"..."

Hearing these words, Raiden Mei couldn't help but become more serious. However, as she grew solemn, the surrounding Heroic Spirits mirrored her seriousness.

In essence, she now needed to identify Ana's true form amidst battles with the Heroic Spirits—a situation akin to Werewolf in Paradise all over again.

The only difference this time was that all the Heroic Spirits were false, akin to puppets. Among them, just one puppet harbored the genuine Corruption Ana.

As someone intimately familiar with each Heroic Spirit, Ana's mimicry was remarkably accurate. Even when controlling their replicas directly, there was hardly any discernible difference from the data-generated dolls.

"Let's begin, Kiana, Herrscher of Destruction, Jeanne. I hope you both deliver satisfactory performances," Jeanne said with a smile, wielding the Phantom-Imitation Black Abyss and White Flower.

"Bring it on, Teacher Jeanne! This time, I won't lose to you!" Facing Jeanne, Kiana showed no sign of backing down, her eyes filled with determination for battle.

"Is that so? Empty words alone won't suffice!" Jeanne chuckled lightly, wasting no time before launching a fierce attack against Kiana. Her mastery of spear techniques was already at an extraordinary level.

However, this posed little challenge to Ana, who possessed cheat-like abilities.

Furthermore, although the Herrscher of Finality is typically considered the strongest, thanks to Ana's enhancements, Jeanne's Authority of Binding matched Kiana's Authority of Finality. In other words, on an energy level, Jeanne could effectively overpower Kiana.

Of course, the limitation of the Binding Authority lies in its purity; it lacks specialized capabilities and relies solely on hierarchical suppression. Nevertheless, in terms of skill, Jeanne's proficiency was equally terrifying.

As Jeanne continued her relentless assault, Kiana stopped playing around and focused on evading while counterattacking with her own Authority. However, without doubt, Jeanne anticipated each move, maintaining a tight grip over Kiana, leaving her no room to breathe.

It became evident that with just a slight display of power, Ana had effortlessly subdued the Main trio.

Naturally, as mentioned earlier, this confrontation served as a test. Ana would still provide them opportunities, but seizing those chances formed the essence of their trial.