Honkai Impact: I, The Herrscher of Ice, Am Loved By Players

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The verbal sparring between these two sea kings came to a pause, as skilled opponents often know when to draw the line. [T/N: Sea king = Slang for "Player"]

Neither Ana nor Elysia felt rushed. For Elysia, having Ana's Memory Fragment now exclusively in her Garden of Eden ensured their connection, and it existed solely within the Eternal Paradise.

In other words, Ana belongs exclusively to Elysia now.

For Ana, the version within the Garden of Eden serves as her trump card. In the Elysian Realm, she has ample time to win over Elysia gradually.

Huh? Why specifically the Elysian Realm?

Because Elysia is already deceased, with no means of resurrection.

Some might speculate that using the Primogenitor's power, Raiden Mei could bring Elysia back. If that were true, why hasn't she done so?

The answer is simply: Raiden Mei cannot achieve it.

Unless another Elysia emerges, experiencing similar events from Raiden Mei's future storyline, there might be a chance to revive her.

Even Ana must admit, despite becoming the Primogenitor herself, she is unable to resurrect Elysia.

Perhaps, given enough time, the Ana Memory Fragment residing in the Elysian Realm could accomplish this feat, but it holds little significance since a memory fragment remains just that—a fragment, not consciousness.

Moreover, even if possible, it would only apply within the confines of the Elysian Realm. What purpose does it serve then, when everything therein is inherently false?

After some casual chatter, Ana stepped into the Anchor Point behind Elysia. For her, Raiden Mei's words held no significance.

The reason... was simply that they were meaningless.

They were Memory Fragments, not programmed echo machines bound to follow rigid scripts. Their sole guiding principle was their character shaping destiny.

Ana didn't come to the Elysian Realm seeking its secrets; she merely pursued what she needed. She could be considered the easiest visitor for the Heroic Spirits to handle.

Unlike other visitors, the Heroic Spirits didn't have to explain the rules of the Elysian Realm to her. The only one truly burdened was Klein.

Ever since Ana arrived, the Garden's data anomalies and minor glitches increased significantly, as if these bugs were directly caused by her presence.

However, Klein being a workaholic, never complained about it. Since there was no such concept within her programming, this perceived hardship effectively did not exist.

As Ana entered the Anchor Point, her consciousness twisted momentarily. Upon regaining awareness, the surroundings had transformed completely.

As its name suggests, this place is truly devoid of light—gloomy and dim.

Contrasting entirely with the Twilight Forest's atmosphere, there is no sunlight here, enveloping everything in darkness. However, it isn't so dark as to render visibility impossible.

Some life forms exist in this realm, but most are peculiar and rather odd, with mushrooms being abundant. These fungi seem ready to explode at just a glance, utterly failing to pique Ana's interest.

The thought of living in such a place leaves Ana almost unable to fathom.

Nevertheless, this indeed serves as Mobius's abode. Thankfully, unlike her actual laboratory in reality (which couldn't possibly be any more eerie), even that has proper lighting.

"Oh my, what a rare visitor."

A delicate yet tantalizing voice echoed behind Ana, causing slight irritation. Honestly, these Heroic Spirits always prefer appearing from behind; can't they just face forward and have a normal conversation?

"Herrscher Big Sister, let's do something interesting!"

Upon seeing the petite loli before her and hearing her squeaky voice, Ana's lips twitched involuntarily.

"Grandma Mobius, could you please act somewhat more mature?" Ana asked with a hint of exasperation.

"And if not, I believe it's within my rights to fulfill my duties as a teacher."

With that, Ana extended her hand, summoning a ruler using her telekinetic and wind Authorities—the kind designed for delivering painful smacks on the rear.

At Saint Freya Academy, Ana had never resorted to such disciplinary measures. Apart from Kiana being occasionally mischievous, she maintained warm and harmonious relationships with all her students.

However, wielding this tool against Mobius should be more than sufficient.

"To strike a snake, aim at its vulnerable spot; heh-heh-heh. So, Grandma Mobius, where lies your vulnerability?"

Imitating Mobius' tone, Ana spoke softly but with a mocking edge.

"..."

Despite Ana's sarcastic demeanor, Mobius remained unfazed.

"Herrscher-Ana, what are you talking about?"

"Hmm, even I'm unsure myself, Grandma Mobius. Could you enlighten me?"

Continuing with the same tone and voice, Ana mocked:

"An old comrade like you, Mobius, trying to act young before me, Ana? You must be joking! It's impossible! And I'm well aware of your intentions!"

Mobius operates by nature's law of survival: the strong prey on the weak. All she can do is intimidate vulnerable visitors.

As for Ana, although Herrschers are valuable specimens, does Mobius truly believe she could turn "me" into one? Forget about creating a specimen; even leaving the Elysian Realm is beyond her reach.

"..."

Finally, under Ana's relentless torment, Mobius's barely maintained facade crumbled.

"Herrscher, do you think you're being funny?" Mobius's voice turned icy, her demeanor growing increasingly agitated.

"I'm just stating facts. Why would that make you angry?"

Ana crossed her arms, chuckling lightly.

In terms of strength, Mobius was not among the most powerful Heroic Spirits. Within the Elysian Realm, Ana's power was comparable to Kevin's, placing her at the pinnacle.

If pushed too far, Mobius wouldn't mind engaging in a fight with Ana.

"However, there is one thing you're correct about—I genuinely have a strong desire to consume you, in various senses." As she spoke, Ana licked her lips suggestively.

Her words contained both truth and exaggeration, but without a doubt, she held immense interest in Mobius' experiments involving the fusion of Authorities with Corrosion.

Acquiring knowledge on this subject would truly make her journey through the Garden unexpectedly fruitful. So far, everything she had gained aligned with her expectations.

"Oh dear, do you realize what you're saying, Big Sister?"

"I am fully aware, and I know I possess the capability," Ana replied calmly.

Indeed, given her strength, if she could instantly eliminate Mobius, she could bypass Aponia's Commandments and subsequently devour Mobius.

After all, at its core, this Mobius is merely a Memory Fragment.

However, resorting to such extreme measures would be pointless and unnecessary.

Even if the Mobius before her were killed, another version would appear within the Elysian Realm. She may be a Memory Fragment, but not the sole backup.

Only by seizing control like the Herrscher of Corruption did in future events could one fundamentally eliminate the Heroic Spirits from the Garden of Eden.

Therefore, unless absolutely necessary, Ana preferred not to escalate conflicts with Mobius to that extent. Moreover, she found it challenging to reconcile her thoughts regarding Ellie's perspective.

Regardless of what Mobius might have planned or intended, she was undeniably one of the Fires of Defiance—a fact beyond dispute.

"Herrscher sister, excessive confidence isn't healthy, you know?"

"Whether my confidence is misplaced can be verified by asking Elysia and Aponia."

"..."

Mobius' gaze turned dark, her eyes shifting unpredictably, resembling a ferocious beast ready to pounce.

"Oh, I almost forgot; you're unable to leave this area." Ana revealed the truth bluntly.

Mobius was a highly complex individual, making her Memory Fragment unique as well. Although Vill-V shared similarities, unlike her, Vill-V could divide her consciousness while Mobius could not.

Thus, the Mobius present here differed from the true Mobius to some extent.

This aligns perfectly with the concept of Infinite—endless possibilities rather than mere replication. Consequently, the Mobius within the Elysian Realm is considered her own Infinite by the real Mobius.

"You... How could you..." Mobius stammered.

"Don't be surprised. I am fully aware of what transpires and the secrets hidden within this Garden of Eden. There's no need for you to conceal anything from me," Ana said calmly.

At this point, she had no interest in playing games with Mobius, despite how entertaining it might seem.

"I understand your desires completely, and I don't mind what you wish to accomplish. However, if you want to achieve something through me, please show sincerity and engage in an exchange." Ana laid out her thoughts plainly.

Indeed, all she sought was a deal with Mobius. Given Mobius's character, she typically held herself above deceit in transactions, much like Gray Serpent adhering to the spirit of their Covenant.

"..."

Mobius's eyes flickered as she pondered how truthful Ana's words were. From appearances alone, she couldn't detect any deception; Ana seemed utterly flawless.

Additionally, something quite intriguing: Mobius didn't even know Ana's name yet. In other words, at this moment, she was entirely at a disadvantage.

For someone like Mobius, being caught off-guard was truly astonishing.

Even when facing Mei or Elysia, she wouldn't have allowed herself to be so disadvantaged. This situation clearly indicated that, as her opponent had stated, her intentions were fully anticipated and understood.

Cooperation and negotiation seemed to be the only way out.

"Fine, Herrscher, let's hear your terms."

"First, hand over the Infinite Engraving, otherwise, there's no point in striking a deal," Ana said calmly.

"Hmph." With a cold snort, Mobius gestured, causing distorted entities to emerge from the verdant ground and merge together.

Witnessing this, Ana couldn't help but recall how Elysia teased Mobius in the storyline.

Indeed, it was overwhelmingly green, shimmering brightly.

Someone unfamiliar with Mobius might feel alarmed by this sight, but not Ana.

In the game, the Infinite Engraving manifested through summoned creatures. Practically speaking, "Infinite" also represented boundless possibilities, making this power quite useful for Ana.

However—

"There's no need for enchantments or subtle suggestions unless you believe your power can truly affect Su, and even Hua with Yu Duo's protection remains unaffected," Ana stated.

Upon hearing her words, the distorted entities lurking in shadows halted momentarily.

Mobius gazed at Ana, surprise evident in her eyes.

"Is it that astonishing?" Ana shrugged, revealing two feathers of Fenghuang Down in her palms. Before assisting Kiana, she could have produced many more; now, only a few remained.

This gesture alone was sufficient to demonstrate Ana's connection with Hua—at least from Mobius's perspective.

Of course, what genuinely concerned Mobius was Su.

Hua's Fenghuang Down served as armor, but with Su's Karmic Wheel, it added both armor and a counter-damage shield.

"Herrscher, you indeed stand apart."

Mobius sighed once again, extending her hand as the Infinite Engraving materialized within it—this time, representing the true essence of Infinity without any limitations.

"You should have realized this when I first entered the Garden of Eden," Ana remarked softly.

Ana softly remarked, "Anyone who witnessed my battle with Kalpas should understand this, right?" Even without utilizing her full power, she nearly inflicted severe injuries on Kalpas.

What was Kalpas' strength level? In the pre-Civilization era, Kalpas could defeat most Herrschers. If not outright victorious, they usually managed to escape unscathed, barring any Herrschers specializing in psychic abilities.

Thus, Ana reached a conclusion:

Mobius's influence over other regions within the Elysian Realm is minimal. Likely, in the original storyline, she had limited understanding of Raiden Mei as well.

However, Ana overlooked one aspect.

Compared to the Authority of Conquest, her own Authority excelled more in concealment and stealth. During her fight with Kalpas, the entire area was enveloped by her barrier, which only showed signs of damage after repelling Kalpas.

Under these circumstances, aside from Ellie secretly observing, Pardo accompanied by Can, and Aponia as the overseer, no others could fully comprehend the extent of the battle. They could only make rough assumptions, leaving Mobius with glimpses of the situation but unable to truly grasp Ana's capabilities.

"Hmph, state your demand!" Mobius let out a cold snort, somewhat reluctantly.

"I need your research findings on the Herrscher of Corruption." Ana wasted no time and directly stated her requirement. Upon hearing this, Mobius's pupils contracted slightly, though it was barely noticeable due to her serpent eyes.