Honkai: Strijder (Honkai Impact 3 Male MC)

Late at night, Jackal changed into casual clothing, a hat, and walked on dimly lit streets.

She looked elegant and graceful, with long, slender legs exuding a youthful charm.

Combined with a trendy shirt, she looked like a beautiful urban fashionista.

She had come to the coordinates Gray Serpent had left and followed a hidden marker for more than ten kilometers until she reached a masquerade event.

There, she found Gray Serpent, who hadn't bothered to change his appearance.

Jackal: "I mean, don't you ever consider changing your look? Like me, I'm both good-looking and unlikely to be recognized."

Gray Serpent: "That's not important. Have you finished reading it?"

Standing in the shadowy corner, the two confirmed there were no surveillance or spies around, and then they began their conversation.

Jackal suppressed her playful smile and chuckled coldly.

"I've finished reading it. I never expected that Otto, who has been running the front-line combat forces for five hundred years, is actually a staunch advocate of escaping. On the other hand, Welt, who is indecisive and overly gentle, has devised such a decisive and grand plan. They should be the opposite, right?"

"It's precisely because of the contrast that I believe in its authenticity even more. This reveals their deeper character traits. Otto is strong-willed and more rational. The more he studies and combats Honkai, the more he'll understand how difficult it is, making it entirely reasonable for him to formulate an escape plan."

Listening to Gray Serpent's analysis, Jackal nodded as if she had gained insight.

She furrowed her delicate brows slightly and continued to analyze along the lines of her reliable old comrade Gray Serpent.

"As for Welt's plan, it further shows that he is a pure idealist. Integrating the thoughts of all humanity? Well, that's a challenge almost as difficult as defeating Honkai directly. The romantic idealism in it, I don't know whether to call it cute or ridiculous."

The more they analyzed, the more they felt that this incredible information was highly credible.

Surely, Anti-Entropy wouldn't go to such lengths to deceive them with such an exaggerated and traceable plan, right?

Why not provide a more plausible piece of information? It would have been much more convincing!

...

"Ah-choo!"

At this moment, far away in the sky, Sigurd suddenly felt a bit itchy in his nose and couldn't help sneezing.

He glanced around but didn't notice anything unusual.

If he knew about the conversation between the two World Serpent members, he would probably burst into laughter.

...

Gray Serpent was extremely confident in his hacking skills, and he indeed had the ability.

However, the more confident he was, the more he tended to believe the information he had unearthed.

Based on this psychological foundation, he would subconsciously lean towards this information when integrating the various fragmentary pieces of information he had previously acquired.

In essence, they were convincing themselves of its authenticity.

But both of them were sharp individuals, so even though they were initially swayed, they still had some doubts.

After a moment of thought, Jackal continued to ask, "Gray Serpent, where did you get this information?"

"From Anti-Entropy's database, hidden in the lowest level of multiple encryptions. It was so well concealed that I almost missed it."

"Anti-Entropy? Wasn't their database always deeply hidden?"

"It suddenly surfaced a few days ago, even their headquarters base was openly revealed, as if they had suddenly changed their style... Upon further thought, perhaps their plans had entered a new stage, and they were reconciling with Schicksal—No, maybe from the beginning, both organizations had secret dealings. It was just for the sake of certain plans and to attract as many talents as possible that they split into two directions to deceive the world."

Gray Serpent said with a heavy tone.

Jackal, after a brief contemplation, nodded in agreement.

"Indeed, the fact that the Valkyries and Anti-Entropy's mechs appeared simultaneously to destroy our base is the best evidence. It's unlikely that Anti-Entropy wanted to deceive us. Otto knew about it and even helped us a bit, right?"

"If that's the case, it also proves that the relationship between the two organizations is not as hostile as it appears on the surface. They are actually quite close."

...

"Ah-choo!"

Having just changed bodies, Otto (♀) suddenly sneezed.

The two snow-white, elastic, bunny ears on her head wiggled playfully, creating a thrilling sight.

"How strange, how could I possibly catch a cold? Is it because Sigurd is thinking about me? Oh well, it was just a small favor, no need to thank me so much."

Otto (♀) chuckled, her mature and gentle voice making her sound enchanting.

"Otto, please put on some clothes, it's quite indecent."

"What's the big deal? You've seen me in all kinds of bodies, haven't you? Besides, do I not look good like this, Amber?"

Otto flirted and tried to be charming.

"ヾ(❀╹◡╹)ﾉ~～"

"Please maintain proper etiquette and decorum, Otto."

Amber replied calmly, dragging her robe.

Otto clicked her tongue.

Trying to make Amber smile was a challenge akin to capturing a fully empowered Herrscher.

"Alright, help me change my clothes. I can't wait to see Sigurd's reaction when he sees me like this."

...

After Gray Serpent and Jackal's analysis, they fell into silence, feeling somewhat weighed down.

They had never imagined that both Schicksal and Anti-Entropy, two prominent organizations in the fight against Honkai, had their own salvation plans in secret.

Moreover, these plans were significant and not inferior to their own World Serpent's Stigmata Plan.

How would their Sire view this revelation?

"Gray Serpent, I will try to contact the Sire as soon as possible. The situation has become quite complicated, and no matter what, the Sire must return promptly. Otherwise, we might find ourselves at a disadvantage. What about your side? Any thoughts?"

After a moment of silence, Jackal spoke slowly.

Gray Serpent raised a hand and said, "No need to rush; there's one more thing we need to do."

"What?"

"Welt is in this city. Jackal, I need you to go there and see what he's doing for final confirmation."

"...You are indeed cautious."

Jackal sighed, understanding Gray Serpent's intention quickly.

Years of cooperation had created a silent understanding between them.

Gray Serpent had multiple bodies, and he wasn't concerned about losing them.

However, his bodies were mostly semi-mechanical cybernetic bodies, which could easily be recognized.

It wouldn't be suitable for him to reveal himself in front of someone like Welt.

Jackal was different.

Her body was that of a beautiful woman, with no major flaws apart from being overly attractive, which could actually be an advantage in blending into a crowd.

Plus, Welt had never seen her before.

To observe Welt's actions, Jackal was much more suitable than Gray Serpent.

As for the peripheral agents - leaving aside their acting skills and the possibility of exposing themselves, their limited perspective and the limitations and risks of recording devices made it impossible to draw definite conclusions about the situation.

In many ways, Jackal needed to see things with her own eyes for the most accurate assessment.

"Your considerations are correct. I need to make the trip myself—Be prepared for backup. I don't want anything unexpected to happen. We haven't retrieved the 'Key of Thunder' and Raven yet, and I'd rather not lose myself before that."

Jackal said.

Gray Serpent nodded and disappeared into the darkness.

...

Jackal arrived at Welt's location.

To her surprise, the typically kind-hearted man wasn't visiting local Anti-Entropy agents, orphanages, or senior care centers.

Instead, he entered a brothel.

"Oh? Well, he is still a man, so it's not that surprising."

Jackal adjusted her cap, pulled her shirt to the side, revealing a smooth shoulder, and had two rebellious and exotic red lines painted on her face.

Her appearance matched the promiscuous environment.

She confidently entered the establishment.

"So, is it because of family reasons that you're doing this?"

"Oh, it's not like I had a choice. Who wants to end up like this? Once you step into this place, it's hard to get out–By the way, did you spend all this money just to chat with me?"

"Is that bad? I think you seem much more relaxed now. If this can bring you some comfort, then it's worth it."

"...You're the strangest man I've ever met."

Jackal thought she would need to search for a while or that Welt would be off on some heroic mission.

However, as soon as she entered, she saw him.

And what she saw was entirely different from her expectations.

She saw Welt facing several heavily made-up young women, smiling warmly, without a hint of lust or disdain.

In a place like this, why was this man still so clean and warm, like sunshine?

Jackal was taken aback for a moment but quickly regained her composure.

She found a corner to sit quietly and observe.

"I've learned a bit about your situations. Either you were forced by life, or you've suffered unfair treatment. This is a filthy place, but it's not your fault. Those scumbags who devour others without mercy are the ones polluting this place, right?"

"You're crazy! Speak more quietly!"

"It doesn't matter; they can't hear us. If, and I mean if, someone was willing to help you, what would you want?"

"...I want to go home. It sounds funny, doesn't it? I don't know why, but I just want to go home, even if it's lonely and even if I can't eat well."

"I want to go to school again. I don't want to live like this anymore."

"I want to find a good man... But…. am I even worthy of one?"

They spoke, and some of them started crying.

What should have been a place for revelry and indulgence had turned into an atmosphere resembling a church of prayers.

They talked about their hardships and desires, and Welt, surrounded by them, always looked at them with gentleness, like a benevolent and forgiving deity.

Jackal sat there for a long time, listening.

Finally, she saw Welt leave and followed him discreetly.

She witnessed Welt visiting a gangster's base, engaging in another conversation.

Some people confessed and even fell to their knees in tears, while others would never see the sun again.

Jackal had been able to follow Welt all the way to this point, which was surprising given her initial expectations.

"Miss, you've been following me all night. Is there something you need?"

"What... What are you doing?"

"I'm trying to understand their pain, their wishes. I want to know what needs to be done to make this world a better place."

Welt replied with a smile, his pure aura unaffected by the faint scent of blood.

Jackal nodded, stepped back, and left.

As she watched Welt walk away without any intention of stopping her, Jackal's expression darkened.

"Understanding pain and wishes... He's executing that plan! To understand the thoughts of the majority of people, to subdue and unify them, to achieve unity of consciousness! Indeed, it's all true!"

Jackal spoke to herself with conviction, as if using this to suppress certain emotions.

She didn't want to admit it, but for a moment, she saw a shadow of the Sire in Welt—not the terrifying power that could walk through the Quantum Sea, but a steadfast and pure aura emanating from the depths of his soul.

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