Chapter 117: Even a Clever Maiden Can Get Hurt
「 "Ah… sorry, I didn't notice the bloodstains. I thought you were fine… So, you're a Puppet (Cyborg)."
The young girl's broken body continuously sparked and sizzled with electricity: "My motor is broken — I can't move." 」
「 .....」
〜Zenless Zone Zero World〜
"Huh, her mechanical body looks exactly like Senior Qing Yi's!"
Inside the Public Security Bureau of New Eridu, Zhu Yuan widened her eyes in surprise.
"Good. It seems that 'the Jade Automaton Body is very useful' is a consensus no matter which world you are in."
Qing Yi also curiously scrutinized the girl on the screen.
"The craftsmanship looks roughly the same, but her endurance seems to be slightly better."
"Senior Qing Yi, although the Xianzhou's technology is indeed highly advanced, don't underestimate the technology of the White Star Institute."
Seth muttered, curling his lip.
"Heh, if my body were damaged to that extent, my battery would probably only last five minutes."
Qing Yi smiled faintly.
Under the watchful eyes of everyone, she directly removed the two twin tails from her head and gestured with them in her hand:
"For this very reason, my hair has also been made into reserve power sources for emergency use."
Seeing the two dark holes appear on Senior Qing Yi's head, Seth immediately felt unwell:
"Senior Qing Yi… so your twin tails can be…"
"It's merely a trivial trick. Don't make a fuss,"
Qing Yi said, reattaching the two readily detachable ponytails.
"However, I am quite curious about the personality consciousness inside her body. Is it also the same as yours, Senior Qing Yi?"
Although Senior Qing Yi could interact with them freely, her personality was a simulated persona shaped and trained from the ancient cultural classics of the old civilization—strictly speaking, she was an AI.
If this Automaton girl possessed more advanced technology, the Public Security Bureau could offer more precise suggestions to the Society when Senior Qing Yi next upgraded.
—
「 The mechanical girl struggled to lift her head and looked at Sushang: "You are a Cloud Knight? Very good. Please take me to the Realm-Keeping Commission."
"Ah, this…" Sushang turned her head awkwardly to look at the two people behind her.
"Luocha, Mr. Silent Gourd, I'm afraid we have to delay things again... This lady is one of the judges of the Ten-Lords Commission (Long-Life Supervisory Authority). As a Cloud Knight, I must prioritize her orders."
"I'm sorry... If I'd known, I wouldn't have got you to come with me. You'd probably be there by now if you'd gone by yourself..."
Luocha stepped forward: "I happen to have some medical knowledge — perhaps I can treat the young lady's injuries."
"Uh, Well, it's just... She's a puppet (Cyborg). I think we should just take her to the Realm-Keeping Commission?"
"Don't worry, Miss Sushang — leave it to me." Luocha raised his left hand without waiting for a response. The pendant hanging from his left wrist dropped down, releasing a continuous stream of vitality, and instantly a wave of green fluorescence covered the puppet (Cyborg)'s entire body.
"You might get an aching or numbing sensation, but it shouldn't be too painful... Do you think you can hold still?" 」
「 .....」
〜Honkai: Impact 3rd World〜
"Is this truly not the same person?! How can such a coincidence exist in the world?"
Watching Luocha heal someone else, Li Sushang felt a strange sensation crawl up her spine, like a long centipede waving countless delicate little legs.
In the yellow sands of the northern desert long ago, the Luocha person who treated her wounds had the same face, the same technique, the same posture… and even the same lines!! Could counterparts connect with their alternate selves from another world?
This situation surely couldn't be explained away by a simple "coincidence" anymore, could it?
"What's wrong? Judging by your expression… did you recall something again?"
Durandal noticed Li Sushang's unusual state.
"Yes, but it's all in the past. It's nothing now…" Li Sushang took a deep breath and slowly lowered her head.
—
「 "It's useless. My body is an object of mechanical, not flesh and blood—"
"Be it mechanical or organic, we're still dealing with composite substances. I just hope you'll tolerate my methods..."
Before Luocha finished speaking, as the pendant in his hand shone brightly, Xueyi suddenly found that the malfunctions on her chassis were miraculously and perfectly repaired.
She, who was always emotionally reserved, couldn't help but exclaim in astonishment: "…Curious."
"You, H—How... What kind of "medical knowledge" is this!?" Sushang also widened her eyes.
Dan Heng, who recognized that power, looked serious and murmured: "The 『 Abundance 』…" 」
「 .....」
〜Bleach World〜
Seireitei, Twelfth Division Barracks, Lieutenant's Office.
"Oh? It can even repair machinery? The principle behind this power is fascinating."
"This green, fluorescent substance is also worth studying. When applied to the human body, it regenerates muscle, and when applied to machinery, it can be used for repairs."
"If only I could get my hands on a little bit."
Mayuri Kurotsuchi was sitting in front of a screen, his fingers constantly tapping the keyboard, recording something. He enthusiastically observed the changes in Xueyi's body, documenting every scene.
Frankly, muscle regeneration was nothing—if he wished, he could heal physical injuries in ten different ways. But "healing" machinery was a challenging concept, and as the Director of the Second-Generation Technology Development Bureau, he didn't dislike this new endeavor.
"Nemu, record the thirty-second experiment result."
Mayuri Kurotsuchi looked up excitedly at the barracks ceiling, where countless cables and pipelines intersected in a complex web.
One end was connected to Nemu's damaged body, and the other was connected to various large machines lined up along the wall.
He pressed the red switch next to the keyboard, producing a crackle. A faint current passed through Nemu's body, causing her to suddenly open her eyes.
"Yes, Mayuri-sama."
"Hmm… It seems the base material for the mechanical repair substance needs to be changed next time. Pull up all the previous experimental data and compile it into a table. Be quick."
—
「 "Very good. There is no need to return to the Realm-Keeping Commission. The mission continues." The girl showed a satisfied expression.
"According to the Ten-Lords Commission statutes, as a Judge, I do not involve external affairs. However, since you helped me escape, I offer one piece of advice: leave as soon as possible."
The girl cautioned the group: "I came here originally to restore order and capture a major criminal—a Stellaron Hunter. This person's swordsmanship is extraordinary; they wield a divine weapon and are extremely dangerous."
"...!" Dan Heng trembled all over. She must be talking about Blade!
"If I hadn't encountered some strange anomaly, my wakespan might have been cut short." Xueyi sighed deeply.
"A strange… anomaly?" Dan Heng cast a questioning look.
Xueyi glanced at Dan Heng, seemingly hesitating, but after a quick assessment, she turned back to the group and said, "Follow me."
Dan Heng, Sushang, and Luocha exchanged glances and followed her in silent agreement.
Just ahead, countless massive branches and vines had burst from the ground, wrapping around and engulfing a lighthouse-like building. Upon closer inspection, the very top of the tree seemed to be burning with fierce flames. 」
「 .....」