The events concluded, and after lunch, everyone gradually returned to the shop, resuming their respective tasks.
Raiden Ei, accompanied by Kamisato Ayaka and Kamisato Ayato, silently followed the General to the Honkai Impact 3rd experience store. Both siblings had been intrigued by this place for a long time and, upon hearing the General's intention to visit, eagerly joined her.
"Is this the Honkai Impact 3rd experience store? It's a bit different from what I imagined. I thought it would be full of brand-new wonders, just like in the PV," Ayato mused, observing his surroundings. Meanwhile, Lu Ze, who had somehow already settled at the front desk, was furiously typing on the computer. Based on the current metrics, the next version was ready to be launched.
The story would soon reach its ninth chapter, the combat system would be further refined, and a gacha system would even be introduced for players. Following this, a new innovation would emerge: a virtual reality headset. With this device, players could experience the game at home without needing to visit the experience store. As for access? It would be possible to invite others or exchange crystals for it, thus alleviating the troubles of those who felt isolated.
Chapter nine of the story was poised to be a climax for the Honkai world, a chapter that would bring countless tears – "This is my last lesson for you." With the narrative advancing, Lu Ze had to expedite the production of a PV, preparing to release it alongside the ninth chapter's plot. Consequently, he was exceptionally busy, leaving Venti to teach the Kamisato siblings how to play the game.
He had successfully earned two gacha tickets. However, the system would not reward tickets for the later introduction of VR headsets; new customers would still be needed to visit the store. Therefore, in the future, revenue would rely on crystal allocations. He remained confident that he would eventually obtain whatever he desired through the gacha.
Time passed quickly, and a day vanished in the blink of an eye. Lu Ze stretched lazily, his gaze falling upon a Mei Raiden figurine. He gently touched it.
"Mei..."
Just as he was contemplating what to have for dinner, the screen, which had been dormant for a while, flickered to life once more. Could it be a new episode? Based on past experiences, there was a high probability. Even Sirin, who was engrossed in her game, put down her controller and stared intently at the screen.
As expected, "Episode Three" appeared in large characters on the black screen. It seemed the darn system was up to its old tricks again. Lu Ze silently vanished from the front desk and returned to his room. His previous experience had taught him that succumbing to curiosity and watching from the front desk could lead to dire consequences. After all, his room had a small screen, and wasn't it more comfortable to watch it from his bed?
Outside, the others gathered, speculating about the content of this episode. Bronya, with great confidence, declared, "Considering the timeline, I should be appearing soon. Hmph... this should be my spotlight." Seele glanced at her silently, choosing not to retort, deciding to keep certain matters to herself.
"Alright, alright, let's sit down and watch! As for the three of you, why aren't you back at the inn?" Raiden Ei appeared unexpectedly. Even the Kamisato siblings brought over small stools and sat nearby. The three exchanged glances, and Raiden Ei spoke first, "It's still early, let us watch. I'm also very excited about the content of the third episode." Venti had no choice but to let them watch, as kicking them out wasn't an option. So, they settled down to watch.
Two weeks had passed since the previous episode's timeline. Raiden Mei's frequency of attending school dwindled, and sometimes she didn't show up at all. This caused Lu Ze some concern. Just as he was about to inquire about Mei's home address, Mei surprisingly attended class that day, her last appearance having been three days prior.
"Are you alright? You seem a bit out of sorts. If you have any worries, you can tell me." Hearing Lu Ze's words, Mei didn't respond, merely resting her head on her desk and closing her eyes to conserve her energy.
"What's wrong with her? She seems a bit off, but I can't quite pinpoint it," Kiana mused, her concern evident.
The morning hours slipped by quickly. Raiden Mei, having evaded the other two, found herself on the rooftop, her eyes filled with weariness.
"If I do as you say, can you truly help me kill the mastermind who framed Father?" A voice from within her heart chuckled softly. The demon lurking within her opened its small mouth and said, "Naturally. When have I ever lied? Are you ready to receive my power? With my strength, anyone who framed your father, or anyone who poses a threat to you, will perish by your blade."
Raiden Mei took a deep breath, gazing at the sun hanging in the sky. The seed of hatred began to sprout and grow, slowly blossoming. "Come, I entrust myself to you... my other self."
Purple lightning swirled, and intermittent violet light appeared around her. The bright sun overhead was instantly obscured by dark clouds, and the weather changed abruptly. "This is it... I have returned. Your Herrscher of Thunder... has returned once more!" The concentration of Honkai energy in the surroundings surged instantly, and countless Honkai Beasts descended. A white dragon roared, as if proclaiming its birth.
The high concentration of Honkai energy immediately drew the attention of the Hyperion, and also captured Cocolia's notice. This artificial Honkai event plan was proving to be quite successful. It had also successfully facilitated the birth of the Herrscher of Thunder. Once she obtained the Herrscher's core, Cocolia could research more data and increase her chances of ensuring those children survived the Honkai.
On the battleship, Himeko silently observed the changes in Changkong City. It seemed even her day off wouldn't be a peaceful one. With such an event unfolding, how could anyone remain in good spirits? "Ah well, I suppose it's just an overtime shift. I'll have to ask Theresa for overtime pay later."
On the rooftop, a figure appeared, controlling a Heavy-Duty Rabbit. Bronya intended to retrieve the Herrscher of Thunder's core, for Seele's sake. To fulfill the promise of meeting again, she had to take this risk.
"Bronya, the newly born Herrscher of Thunder has not absorbed much Honkai energy, so her strength is not yet formidable, but still, be cautious. Don't die." Hearing Cocolia's voice, Bronya silently removed her headset.