Showing the Mecha Bunny in her arms to Raven, Sora replied with full confidence, "It'll be fine. I've got everything memorized."
"That's good. We can't afford any mistakes here, or some scary adult might spank you."
"Eek! Teacher, you have to protect me then!"
"..."
Me? Protect you? Really?
Raven suspected that if Sora messed up the script and got spanked, she'd be next if she dared intervene.
But there was no turning back now. Raven had no choice but to trust Sora.
Still, she decided to keep an eye on Sora from nearby, just in case.
Meanwhile, following the map provided by Tesla, Mei arrived near the area where Herrscher energy had been detected in Nagazora.
"I don't remember Nagazora having such high water levels before."
"It's because of the Honkai. The endless tsunamis and tides... This is actually the best-case scenario. At least the city hasn't been completely submerged yet."
As she walked, Mei didn't encounter a single living soul, leaving her no choice but to chat with Tesla.
Soon, however, she spotted her destined person—a little girl.
"Why is there a child here in Nagazora?"
Frowning at the sight of the girl on the rooftop, Mei hurried over.
Seeing someone approach, Sora quickly compared Mei to the photos she'd seen.
Once confirming this was indeed the person she was waiting for, Sora began mentally rehearsing her lines.
"Little one, what are you doing here?"
"I'm looking for something. I was supposed to stay with the others, but Teacher hasn't come back in a long time, so I came out... and lost it."
Mei suddenly felt a sense of déjà vu.
It was like stumbling upon a side quest from an NPC.
But kind-hearted Mei couldn't just leave a child here.
She patted Sora 's head. "What did you lose? I'll help you find it."
"A small floating robot. I named it Mecha Bunny. Big Sister, can you help me find it? Mecha Bunny is very important to me. It holds all my precious memories."
"...Alright. But stay here and don't wander off. It's dangerous."
After instructing Sora, Mei set off to find the robot, all while wondering about the child's true identity. After all, what ordinary child would have a floating companion robot?
But Mei didn't suspect Sora of deliberately approaching her—the girl's age was disguise enough.
As expected, Mei soon found Mecha Bunny and returned, having defeated several Honkai beasts along the way.
With Mecha Bunny retrieved, Sora led Mei back to where she and her friends were staying.
On the way, Mei learned that Sora had a teacher who would occasionally bring them supplies.
"Actually, Teacher is really pitiful. A while ago, she came back and just paced around her room in a daze. I even saw her rolling on the floor at one point. But then, out of nowhere, she stood up and started shouting at the window, 'Humanity will definitely overcome the Honkai!'"
"..."
Hearing this, Mei chose to remain silent.
In the face of the Honkai, everyone was a victim. There was no room for mockery.
"By the way, Sora, since you're often around here, have you seen a white-haired big sister? She has beautiful blue eyes."
"Hmm... I haven't. But maybe the others have. You can ask them."
"Is that so? Then I'll go ask the others."
Though disappointed, Mei refused to give up.
She questioned the other children and eventually learned that one of them had seen Kiana—but only if Mei helped retrieve a lost necklace.
Mei agreed without hesitation and soon found the necklace.
Along the way, however, she grew increasingly uneasy.
The fact that a city as small as Nagazora could spawn an Emperor-class Honkai beast spoke volumes about Kiana's deteriorating condition.
After returning the necklace, the child pointed Mei in the right direction.
Following the lead, Mei pressed onward—only to run into a familiar face.
"Raven? What are you doing here?"
"Heh. Shouldn't I be asking you that? Why are you here? Looking for that girl?"
"..."
Even as Mei stayed silent, Raven—who knew the script—understood her purpose.
Raven then proceeded to play her part flawlessly.
ROAR—!
A deafening cry echoed from the sky as a silver-armored Bella descended.
"She's... trying to stop us from reaching the Herrscher of the Void."
"Then we'll defeat her. I won't let anyone stop me from taking Kiana back—not even a Honkai beast."
With Raven's help—and Bella deliberately holding back—the beast was soon defeated, crashing into the water below.
Having accomplished her task, Raven began testing Mei's resolve.
As expected, Mei, just like in the original story, briefly unleashed her Herrscher powers.
"Go. Take her away. Before I change my mind."
With Raven's permission, Mei, panting heavily, rushed off to find Kiana.
Finally, amidst the ruins of a classroom, she found the girl she'd been searching for.
But Kiana's body was now covered in purple Honkai corruption marks, her complexion deathly pale.
Without hesitation, Mei scooped Kiana into her arms and carried her back to the Hyperion.
After emergency treatment from Tesla, Kiana was temporarily out of danger.
However, Tesla also informed Mei of Kiana's true condition.
Hearing that Kiana only had two months left, Mei was devastated.
She'd finally brought Kiana back, only to learn that the damned Herrscher consciousness had left her with just two months.
Standing outside Kiana's room, Mei hesitated.
Fear, anxiety, dread—all these emotions swirled within her, making it impossible to push open the door.
But in the end, love conquered all. When she finally stepped inside, she found Kiana lying in bed, gazing out the window.
In an instant, Mei rushed forward and embraced her.
"Kiana... I've finally brought you back. We're together again."