Honkai Diary: Start With Picking Up A White-Haired Treasure

Please support me on Patreon, where you can read 100+ extra chapters for this novel and a bunch of extra chapters for all the other novels I'm working on. I upload at least 1-2 times daily for all novels.

Additionally, there are also free extra chapters available for Free Members, so head on over:

Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff

******

'Not surprising for Otto,' Zeke thought to himself, maintaining a composed expression while observing the camera lens as if oblivious to Otto's probing.

"Oh, my mistake. I must have momentarily slipped."

In response, Otto feigned seriousness, treating it genuinely as a simple slip of the tongue. He then continued, "I'm intrigued by your proposition, but one statement alone won't convince me, you understand that?"

"A research paper has been sent to the touchscreen device near you."

Calmly, Otto picked up what appeared to be a tablet and began scrolling through it. After five minutes, he set it down and said:

"The Theory of Soul Information Origins—a new scientific framework seeking balance between abstract concepts and empirical data. It's intriguing, yet lacks validation and tangible results. It resembles more like conjecture from a third-rate amateur. Such ideas cannot persuade me."

"That's why I said, it's just a possibility. Validation and outcomes will come, but they require time."

"And then what? Do I seem gullible enough to fall for this?"

"Of course not, but since it involves resurrection, you wouldn't mind taking a gamble, would you? And regarding one of your plans, isn't it wise to have a backup insurance measure? We both value her greatly—you stand to gain nothing by refusing."

The "we" referred to Zeke and Kiana.

The plan mentioned involved sacrificing someone significant to awaken the humanity within a Herrscher, ultimately cultivating a Herrscher with human qualities. This plan had two critical components: first, ensuring Kiana's growth and forming meaningful bonds so she has cherished individuals; second, when the Herrscher of the Void awakens within her, having at least one such individual as a sacrificial offering to stimulate Kiana emotionally.

Otto must have considered that a single sacrifice might not be enough stimulation. In that case, he'd be prepared to sacrifice two, three, or even more victims until the provocation is sufficient for Kiana's human side to resist the Herrscher's consciousness.

From this perspective, having a larger pool of potential sacrifices was advantageous.

Since Kiana values Vera, keeping her alive ensures another possible sacrifice for the future.

This proposition piqued Otto's interest.

He sat upright, contemplating briefly before saying:

"That's a compelling argument; you've convinced me."

"Thank you for your understanding."

"And regarding your hypothesis, do your utmost to test and implement it. If you can deliver significant results, this world will yield to your vision."

With his final words, Otto crossed his fingers, leaned back with legs stretched out, exuding an air of calm confidence.

Yet, through the screen, Zeke felt an overwhelming sense of ambition and dominance transcending distance, clearly conveying—Who dares challenge my supremacy? None but I!

"I'll strive diligently. And as for Saint Kallen, the legendary figure, I eagerly anticipate bearing witness to her true form."

Finally mentioning the crucial name, Otto's pupils contracted momentarily before he smiled again.

"You understand well, young man. Farewell."

"Farewell."

The communication ended, and a set of coordinates was sent to Otto's tablet device.

Otto handed it to Amber beside him.

"Have the Valkyrie team on tracking duty proceed to these coordinates for extraction. Instruct them to be cautious; this is highly valuable cargo."

"Yes, Lord Bishop. Should we bring back that other individual as well?"

"Let's attempt to track him down, although I doubt we'll catch him. He seems quite confident, but it doesn't hurt to gauge his capabilities. Additionally, compile a comprehensive dossier on him, detailing every event from birth until now without missing any significant information."

"Yes, sir!"

Otto picked up another cup of tea, hoping he wouldn't crush this one either, and smiled with anticipation.

It wasn't yet time to retrieve K-423. Keeping her close to someone intelligent could ensure her safety and further growth, which would be advantageous for future battles against Herrscher consciousness.

Moreover, Otto was genuinely intrigued by Zeke's theories—on some level, this was the true reason he agreed to treat Vera.

A rare, unparalleled genius, a new theoretical framework involving resurrection, potentially even explaining aspects of souls and reincarnation, coupled with mysterious methods revealing numerous secrets—all combined, these factors generated high expectations for Otto.

For geniuses, constraints only limit their potential; allowing them freedom fosters quicker progress.

Thus, Otto chose to let her be.

As Zeke had suggested, it was a gamble—either they gain immensely with substantial rewards or secure a backup sacrifice; either way, there's no loss.

Regardless of the outcome, Otto remained confident that events would unfold as he anticipated, and nobody could escape his grasp.

Ten minutes later, the Valkyries arrived at the abandoned factory and found Vera asleep on a pristine bed.

She resembled a delicate Sleeping Beauty, with golden locks of hair and a beautifully maintained little dress. Beside her pillow lay a brand-new yellow rabbit plush toy.

The Valkyries carefully carried Vera away.

Meanwhile, the remaining group searched the vicinity, locating Zeke's base entrance and realizing he was likely watching them through surveillance equipment. However, they couldn't find any additional traces or clues and eventually had to depart.

On the other side of a nearby mountain, Zeke sat in his cave, holding the immobile Kiana in his arms as both watched these events unfold on a screen.

As Vera was taken away, Kiana's arms, wrapped around Zeke's neck, unconsciously tightened.

"Vera, you'll be saved, right?"

"Yes, as I mentioned earlier, if anyone can save Vera, it's undoubtedly Otto."

Kiana reached out and gently touched Vera on the screen, seemingly bidding her farewell.

Then, she turned to Zeke, sniffled, and asked:

"I didn't realize, Zeke, that you also lost your family due to Honkai?"

"Mm-hmm."

"Don't be too sad; from now on, I'll always be with you."

Kiana pressed her cheek against Zeke's, showing a rare display of tenderness.

While Kiana understood little of the cryptic conversation between Zeke and Otto, her unwavering belief that Zeke could handle everything meant she had no interest in probing further. Instead, she felt sorrow for Zeke's past and fully comprehended his current loneliness.

The balance shifted subtly between searching for Siegfried, presumed lively and energetic somewhere, and staying by Zeke's side during his solitude.

Zeke remained unaware of this change in Kiana's thoughts. He only noticed that, perhaps due to her injuries, Kiana seemed unusually docile. It was akin to a perpetually feisty cat suddenly becoming affectionate one day, which left Zeke feeling somewhat unsettled.

He gently stroked her head without saying a word, a complex emotion flickering in his eyes.

Otto's words forced Zeke to recall memories he'd rather not remember, leaving him uncertain about how to perceive Kiana now.

Zeke couldn't discern if Otto's remark was merely a verbal retort or had some deeper purpose behind it.

Among players, this man was often labeled as the source of all evil, the original heartbreaker, and someone prone to overstepping boundaries. However, upon actual interaction, Zeke discovered that Otto harbored profound intentions and an extraordinary mindset.

After all, Otto was the ruler of Schicksal who, for 500 years, manipulated events from behind the scenes. Facing him, any underestimation could likely prove fatal.

"Zeke..."

As Zeke drifted into thought, Kiana's soft voice gently brought him back to reality.

"What is it?"

"You mentioned ice cream and cake on our way here. Were you just teasing me?"

"..."

Young lady, given the situation, why are you still thinking about these things?

Zeke was speechless, but miraculously, his chaotic thoughts settled down. He gestured, and a small refrigerator extended from the side of the Colossus motorcycle, revealing ice cream and cake, just as promised.

"Which one is sweeter?"

"I haven't tried them yet, so I don't know. But my guess would be the ice cream."

"Well then, feed me."

"...Sure."

Seeing her immobilized state, he decided to indulge her just this once.

Zeke opened the ice cream as instructed and brought it to Kiana's lips.

She took a bite and chewed slowly.

Another bite, more chewing.

Tears welled up again during this process, spilling over her cheeks.

"Kiana..."

"You lied... It's not sweet at all," she murmured through teary eyes.

Suddenly, Zeke realized that she wasn't merely asking for food; she sought comfort from the sweetness amidst her deep sorrow.

Taking a bite of the ice cream himself, Zeke found it tasteless despite its chill. He swallowed, then offered it back to Kiana, gently wiping away her tears while saying:

"Eat it, it's really sweet. Trust me, things will get better."

"Mm-hmm..." Kiana sniffled, obediently finishing the ice cream without wasting any.

Perhaps truly exhausted, she leaned against Zeke and drifted off to sleep.

Holding her close, Zeke suddenly smiled with a sense of relief.

Why overthink? The Kiana he knew was right here—innocent, kind-hearted, mischievous yet stubborn, seemingly carefree but possessing a softer heart than anyone else.

She wasn't a Herrscher or a demon; she was simply Kiana, nothing more.