“Can you be a little more normal!!!!” The Herrscher of Knowledge shouted to the sky, “You are a forerunner, right? You are a great senior who has lived for more than 50,000 years, right?! You are the legendary Red Kite Immortal, right? Then please don’t act like an old woman who is about to retire! I am the Herrscher! The Agent of Honkai! I am your enemy! Enemy, understand? You and Kiana in the other world had a life-and-death battle with me not long ago, understand?!”
"That must be a problem between me and Kiana in that world. We misunderstood you, Herrscher of Knowledge. We're sorry." Fu Hua lowered her head without hesitation and apologized frankly with an extremely sincere expression, "Can you please forgive us?"
——Ever since she read the memories of this Ruler of Consciousness from Yu Duchen provided by her other self, Fu Hua had completely lost her hostility towards her.
Just as the other self said, this Ruler of Knowledge is indeed a very good child. Although her style of doing things is a little reckless, her nature is still kind. It is the dereliction of duty of the "self" in another world to ruthlessly force such a good child into a hostile position.
"I--!!"
Although Fu Hua didn't mind apologizing to the Herrscher of Consciousness on behalf of her "self" in another world, the Herrscher of Consciousness himself, who received the apology, felt numb all of a sudden.
She held her brows and breathed rapidly, and an unprecedented feeling of powerlessness suddenly rose up in her.
After a long while, the Herrscher of Knowledge stared with dead eyes, turned his gaze towards his future self and Fu Hua, and said in despair:
"You...what memories did you show this guy? Why did she become like this? Or did you modify the consciousness of this old antique? I beg you, can you please stop messing around and quickly change the consciousness of this old antique back!"
"Aren't you also a Herrscher of Consciousness? You don't know whether I can change the consciousness of an old antique or not?" The Herrscher of Consciousness from the future was full of surprise.
"..."
"Xiao Shi, you should know better than anyone that my consciousness has not been modified." Fu Hua, who was in a semi-transparent state, spoke softly, "I assure you that I am now more clear-headed and normal than ever before. I also sincerely feel that I... no, the 'self' and Kiana in that world are too prejudiced against you."
"It's Kiana and I who are sorry for you by turning our blades against you."
After saying this, Fu Hua, who was in a semi-transparent state, secretly glanced at Kiana.
Kiana woke up as if from a dream. Even though she still didn't quite understand what Fu Hua on her side was saying, it was still no psychological burden for Kiana to cooperate with Fu Hua to apologize on behalf of her "self" in another world.
"I'm sorry, Xiaozhi. Although I don't know what I did to you, what the monitor said is definitely right! I was a bit too much in that world!" Kiana waved her fist and put on a serious expression on her face, "I'll help you deal with her in the future!"
Chapter 5 Super Ai Li! Makes a Shining Appearance! (k)
After Yu Duchen read the memories of his future self through mutual exchange and learned about the other party's experiences since they met the Herrscher of Consciousness in their world, Fu Hua had to admit, from a third-party perspective, that this child was actually much easier to understand than she appeared.
The encounter between "myself" from the future and Kiana from that world over there, and the Herrscher of Consciousness who has now restrained a lot of his edge, is not at all pleasant, and can even be said to be quite tit-for-tat.
In the battle that took place at Mount Taixu, the "self" from the future, together with Kiana from that world, could be said to have calculated the Herrscher of Consciousness, who was not born that long at the time, to the limit in all aspects.
On another level, the Herrscher of Knowledge at that time also did some things to Kiana and Fu Hua that seemed quite irrational and oppressive.
But from a third-party perspective, Fu Hua could fully understand that there was a reason why the Ruler of Consciousness did those things - after all, at that point in time, the other party had just been born into this world not long ago, and had not received any education or guidance from others, and had even been bewitched by the Will of Honkai to a certain extent.
All she could rely on was what "Fu Hua" had accumulated over tens of thousands of years, which could not be called a good life and memory no matter how you looked at it.
If that "self" and "Kiana" had known the truth about the Herrscher of Knowledge earlier, they wouldn't have to put so much energy into plotting against her.
Fu Hua, who had gained the other party's experience, would certainly not make the same mistake again that "she" had made once in a certain world.
The Herr of Knowledge is a child who responds to soft words but not hard ones.
If she were put in an enemy position, the child would certainly resist in the most violent way.
On the other hand, if one regards the other party as one on one's side from the beginning, and as long as one treats this child with sincerity, then, with her ability to read other people's consciousness, she will definitely respond to this proactive kindness in her own way.
In fact, this was indeed very effective - even though she knew that Fu Hua's ultimate goal was still to win her over, the Herrscher of Knowledge could even read that Kiana's mind was still blank because she couldn't fully understand what had happened. But for her, when she realized that both Kiana and Fu Hua sincerely apologized to her, she couldn't get angry anymore.
"Okay, okay, okay! Stop being so cheesy." She shook her hands and turned her head to the side. Her face, which was exactly the same as Fu Hua's, was full of impatience. "My Lord is very magnanimous. He won't bother with you over such trivial matters..."
…It’s really easy to handle.
Looking at the slightly arrogant expression of the Herrscher of Knowledge, the people in the coffee shop couldn't help but reveal a somewhat strange look.
"By the way... I wanted to ask just now, what's the matter with that little bastard lying next to Misterine?" At this time, the Herrscher of Knowledge from 2018 suddenly spoke up, "If I'm not mistaken, that's Ma Fei Ma when he was a child, right? But his aura seems to be very different from what I remember, and his strength seems to be much stronger. Is he also from another world?"
Hearing the confused words from the Herrscher of Consciousness in 2018, Fu Hua, who belonged to the same time and space as her, couldn't help but reveal a somewhat curious expression.
After completing her duty in the fight against Honkai, Fu Hua from 2018 has entered a leisurely pace of life. Many psychological traumas of the past have gradually eased in the soothing and peaceful environment. Although she still cannot recall the details of the tragedy, Fu Hua is now able to re-examine those things that were difficult to face in the past with a more peaceful attitude, otherwise she would not have taken over the important task of disciplining the Herrscher of Knowledge without a fuss.
Compared to the heaviness and sadness, the look that Fu Hua in 2018 gave the young swordsman was more like a curious scrutiny.
On the other hand, the Herrscher of Knowledge from 2018 had already gotten some information about this cafe from Seele before coming to this cafe, and also knew that people from different worlds would appear here, so naturally he did not get angry on the spot like the other "self" who had just walked into the store alone.
But to be honest, he was the evil disciple who had stabbed "himself" in the back after all. It is impossible to say that the Herrscher of Consciousness from 2018 doesn't care at all.
At least, when she asked this question, the look she gave Yan Qing was already filled with a hint of ill intent.
Was it because he sensed that malicious gaze? Yan Qing, who was lying on the ground, suddenly trembled, as if he had a chill.
He opened his eyes, and with some difficulty he stood up with the only hand that could still exert strength.
Yan Qing was suddenly stunned just after he stood up. He rubbed his eyes, and after confirming that he was not mistaken, he could not help but press his temples with his fingers, muttering to himself: "This is really weird! Could it be that the wound I received from the star core hunter last night has not been healed yet? Why in a small coffee shop... can I see so many people who look exactly like the marshal..."
"...Mr. Marshal?" This honorific title, which sounded very classy and martial, immediately aroused the curiosity of the Herrscher of Knowledge from 2018. She raised her lips towards Yan Qing, and a hint of danger flashed across her red pupils... and a desire to stir up trouble. "Hey, kid! Tell the truth! Who is the Marshal you are talking about? Has anyone among us become a marshal in another world?"
"..." Yan Qing blinked, his eyes filled with clear confusion.
As a starship civilization with a great reputation throughout the galaxy, with the knowledge background of Xianzhou Luofu, Yunqi, who had already completed vocational education and was officially enrolled, would not be unable to accept the rare but not necessarily so rare situation of "similar people appearing in different worlds". Therefore, even if he saw the "Marshal" from another world, Yan Qing, who understood the current situation, was only a little surprised.
However, the situation where "similar people appear in different worlds" is ultimately just a special one that is rarely encountered.
However, in this cafe, similar situations have become a common phenomenon.
In fact, compared with those "similar people" who appeared one by one, I am the minority who is fighting alone.
The woman who had the same face as the marshal was a very dangerous person - Yan Qing had already fully realized this fact in the "exchange" just now.
Therefore, after being at a loss for a moment, Yan Qing took a cautious step back, but did not refuse to answer the question from the Herrscher of Knowledge in 2018: "Although I don't know much about the Marshal's personality, if you just want to ask about his appearance, I can only tell you that the Marshal's face looks almost exactly like you... and your predecessors."
As a civilization that has always openly hunted for rich evil creatures, the generals of each fairy ship and the marshals of the fairy ship alliance have never hidden their images from the outside world. After all, the hunting order means the highest military deterrence of the alliance. If these people are determined to know what the marshal looks like, they can just catch a passerby on the road of the fairy ship Luofu and probably find a frontal portrait of the marshal in the other's home.
What's more - although this woman who looks very similar to the Marshal is quite dangerous, deep down, Yan Qing still doesn't think that she really has the strength to compete with the Marshal.
“Oh! It’s me!” The Herrscher of Knowledge from 2018 was delighted. She slapped her thigh and laughed up to the sky, “Hahaha! It’s me after all! It seems that a great person like me can stir up a bloody storm no matter which world I go to! Hmm~ Being too great is indeed a troublesome thing.”
"Ahahahaha..." Fu Hua from 2018 gave a dry laugh. She raised her head and looked at her semi-transparent self. She saw an extremely helpless look in the other's eyes.
After exchanging Yu Duchen with each other, Fu Hua in the coffee shop naturally obtained the memories that her future "self" wanted to show her. So didn't Fu Hua from 2018 also obtain the other party's memories?
Putting aside the complicated personal feelings of the cafe manager, the world where Yan Qing lives is a veritable interstellar civilization, and the legendary "Marshal" is at the top of the alliance.
Although General Luofu believed that the "Marshal" might need Fu Hua's help in some way, to be honest, Fu Hua, who was humble by nature and did not like to compete with others, did not think that he had the capital to be compared with the "Marshal", not to mention the Herrscher of Knowledge who was like a naughty child.
I don’t know if the marshal will mind Xiao Shi’s offense.
The two Fu Huas mirrored each other, resting their foreheads on their hands and sighing.
Over here, the two Fu Huas were still having a headache over the matter of the two Herrschers of Knowledge. Over there, the Archbishop from 2018, Theresa Apokalis, went straight to the store manager.
"Hello, unknown store manager. I am Theresa, the current bishop of Destiny, and the aunt of the child who accidentally got into trouble in front of your door a few days ago."
She walked to the bar and gently jumped onto the high stool. She looked from a distance at Guanxing who was standing side by side with Rita in the kitchen, and said jokingly, "However, considering the situation of your cafe, my self-introduction seems a bit redundant?"
Of course not. I know all the sensitive spots inside you. I know exactly what kind of reactions you will get when I touch or reach certain places. There is really no need for you to introduce yourself.
Of course, it is impossible to say such words.
I don’t know if it’s because he has been serving as bishop for some time, but compared to the “Theresa” known by other store managers, the atmosphere exuded by this Theresa is more similar to that of the stargazer who once sat on the dragon throne.
However, compared with the "sage king" who had unified the world for thousands of years, this "bishop" was obviously much gentler and more approachable.
...Of course, the dark circles under his eyes became thicker.
"If you want to apologize on behalf of your niece, I accept it."
The store manager shrugged and put the notebook that was pierced by the gel pen back into the drawer under the bar. A look of vicissitudes appeared in his eyes: "I am mentally prepared for what kind of person Kiana is. Kiana in your world is not the first one to get into trouble here, and she will definitely not be the last."
Theresa was speechless for a while, and finally she could only utter some sympathetic words: "...Thank you for your hard work."
"Oh, this..." Suddenly, Theresa seemed to remember something and took out a card from her pocket and put it on the bar. "I think you might need it."
The store manager picked up the card and flipped through it. "Is this Tianming's ID card? It looks like a new style."
"Have you dealt with the Destiny of other worlds?" Theresa was stunned. "I didn't expect that, but this is indeed the latest ID card. You may know something about us in other time and space, but the Destiny of our world has basically overturned and rebuilt its organizational structure last year. The old ID card you got from other worlds may not be able to be used normally in our world."
“Is it true that I am in the dark?”
"It's a kind of compensation. Kiana from our world has caused you so much trouble, and Misterine seems to have received a lot of care from you. I'm not sure what you need specifically, so I'll bring you an identification card that can be swiped at will. With this card, you can use the currency of our world to trade, and you can choose what you want yourself." Theresa spread her hands frankly and smiled, "Besides, as a special existence like you, we also hope to establish a long-term and stable friendly relationship with you."
The store manager looked at this "swipeable" ID card strangely: "...Is this my late pay...?"
"What?" Theresa was stunned.
"No, nothing, I was just talking to myself." The store manager put away the 2018 Destiny ID card, "Would you like something to drink?"
"Hmm..." Theresa looked back at the group of people she brought with her. Most of them were chatting enthusiastically with their "selves" from different worlds. It seemed that they would not be able to go back for a while, so she could only nod helplessly, "...Then give me a glass of bitter melon juice. Theresa, you also have it in your store. You should know my taste, too?"
"What about the rest?"
"Uh-huh! You guys, do you want anything to drink?"
But at this time.
The door of the cafe was suddenly pushed open from outside.
Alicia, dressed in a maid outfit, rushed into the hall, holding the reluctant Raven in one hand and the doting Eden in the other.
"Hi, hi, hi! Nice to see you again! Dear store manager!!"
"I heard that your cafe is short of staff? You want to recruit my better Eden and Raven to your shop? How can such a fun thing be without the lovely Alicia?"
"..." The store manager was stunned. "Me? Shortage of staff? When did this happen? How come I, the store manager, didn't know about this?"
"Huh? Didn't Mebius tell me that a recruitment notice was posted in your store, so Raven and Eden are planning to come to your store? Even the specific positions are ready?" Alicia, who was dressed in a maid outfit, was full of surprise.
"Obviously, you've been fooled by her." The store manager said with a serious expression, "First of all, I have never posted a recruitment notice. Secondly, this store is not short of people. Thirdly, even if I really want to recruit people, I can't afford to hire big names like you - what a joke, which normal coffee shop can afford to hire the greatest singer in civilization and the first of the Charon List! I'm not going to do business anymore!"
"What about me?" Alicia asked expectantly.
"You? What do you mean?" the store manager asked in confusion.
"Which one of these big names am I? Alysia, who can be compared with the greatest singer of a civilization and the first of Charon's list, should also have the same brilliant glory as them, right?"
"I'm sorry, I just feel that if I hire you, there will be no peace in my store, so please be merciful and spare me..." The manager clasped his hands together and muttered very quickly.
Alicia's expression froze. In the silence, a crow flew over her head with a caw.
After a few seconds of silence, her expression fell and she looked at the store manager's face with resentment: "Speaking of a passionate beautiful girl like this, the store manager is really more excessive than I thought."
"But it doesn't matter. The reason why a beautiful girl is a beautiful girl is because she will definitely forgive everyone?~"
"Rather than worrying about whether or not to forgive me, I think you should pay more attention to your surroundings..."
"?" Alicia tilted her head, her expression blank. "What do you mean?"
"Someone has been wanting to talk to you for quite some time, didn't you notice?"
"You want to talk to me? Of course I welcome you! By the way, who is it? Is it a beautiful girl?"
"Can't you just use your head to take a look?" The store manager pointed to a table and said, "Yes, and it's your favorite one."
Alicia looked in the direction the store manager was pointing, and saw two Raiden Mei from different time and space sitting at the table the store manager was pointing at. The younger one was a clerk Alicia had met yesterday, and the other one was a little older than the "Herser of Thunder" she was familiar with.
At this moment, the elderly Raiden Mei, the Herrscher of Origin, had already stood up and slammed the table. Her beautiful, mature face was filled with excitement and anticipation... and a hint of hesitation.
Chapter 4: Raiden Meisha's Death (k)
In 2018, the moon.
In a futuristic bedroom, Kiana, dressed in cool casual clothes, stared blankly at the word "defeat" displayed on the huge screen, with a piece of potato chips in her mouth, and her fingertips pressing the handle were as stiff as a puppet.
A pair of white and powerful legs are sitting cross-legged on the soft bed, a cup of steaming instant noodles is placed on the bedside table beside the bed, a few empty packaging bags are scattered randomly on the ground, and the slowly moving sweeping robot is diligently sucking the food residue into the dust box inside the machine with the faint sound of wind.
Today is a long-awaited day off. Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows is a pitch-black night view of the universe. Nothing can be seen. The surrounding lights are off. The staff stationed on the moon have also returned to their resting place. Except for the speakers connected to the game console that still play the game's dynamic BGM, no sound can be heard from outside the house, as if this room is isolated from the entire world.
In fact, logically speaking, Kiana is not a sentimental person, and when she was stationed on the moon, she did not completely lose contact with her relatives and friends. Rather, perhaps because they were afraid that she would be lonely living on the moon, her elders and close friends like Raiden Mei and Bronya would keep in touch with her at a very high frequency, and would even go to the moon in person to accompany her when they had the chance... So even if she had to stay in the destiny's moon base for a long time, Kiana never felt lonely.
For Kiana, after being busy for a long time, being able to play games alone on her day off and eat the instant noodles and junk food that she had secretly hidden with great effort is undoubtedly a complete enjoyment.
But she didn't know why, ever since she learned from Theresa that Raiden Mei and the others followed Seele to visit the strange space that she had hit, an inexplicable uneasiness has been lingering in her heart.
This uneasy feeling not only made Kiana feel uncomfortable no matter what she ate, but even her hand control had deteriorated to the point where she failed dozens of times in a row when playing a simple computer game.
The sweeping robot quietly returned to its base, and all the garbage on the ground was cleared away. Kiana placed the handle on her knees and suddenly leaned back with her upper body.
"It's so boring to play games alone..."
"Mei and Bronya...can't you come back soon?"
At the same time, Kiana, who was left alone and uncared for, was missing her good friend.
In the Quantum Sea, Hyperion Café, one of her missed good friends was staring silently at the maid fairy who rushed into the shop with a complex gaze that was a mixture of excitement, anticipation, and a hint of hesitation.
Compared to her younger self, Mei Raiden, who has become the "Herser of Origin", is obviously much more adept at controlling her emotions. She is neither overly gentle like she was when she was studying at St. Freya's College, nor will she show to outsiders the kind of bitterness and hatred she had when she was the "Herser of Thunder".
