Chapter 1: Prologue

A certain country, a certain province, a certain city.

Lying on the emergency stretcher, vision gradually turned from clear to blurry…

Opening the eyes again, the stabbing pain all over the body caused the body to shift sideways.

Sunlight streaming into the hospital room through the window came into view.

The difficulty in breathing made one want to tear off the oxygen mask, but the piercing pain throughout the body rendered the limbs powerless. Turning the head, the gaze slowly focused, seeing the doctor standing nearby with a grave expression.

A heavy silence filled the hospital room.

The monitor showed weakening curves. Childhood memories flashed by like a slideshow. Was this... the end?

It's said that when one is about to die, there's a yearning to go home. But where is my home? Who are my birth parents?

Breathing became more and more intense, the trachea making sounds like a broken bellows. Reflecting on this life—it seemed to be filled only with loneliness.

Grew up in an orphanage, no memories of parents at all.

From orphanage to university, always feeling out of place compared to others. Always accommodating, going with the flow. Many friends, but none truly special. Conversations felt like tasks, only maintaining necessary contact. Preferred living alone.

Asked the lawyer at the bedside to bring the property donation agreement, used all remaining strength to sign the name.

Couldn't remember the last time visiting the orphanage or seeing the director. If not for the brink of death, perhaps would've never thought of them. Is this what they mean by "a dying man's words are kind"?

Heh, alone even in death. Truly a cold-hearted person.

Closed the eyes, strength draining from the body, exhaled the last breath, hand fell limply.

Finally, release…

"Huh?!"

Wasn't I already dead?

Looking down, saw the body being covered with a white sheet and pushed out of the hospital room.

Yet the soul kept floating upwards, passing through the hospital roof, drifting toward the sky.

Suddenly, a red light caught the eye—it was coming from the ring on the left index finger. The cube on the ring glowed, changing from silver to red and expanding.

"Why does this look so much like a Honkai Impact 3rd Honkai crystal..."

Before there was time to react, the expanded "Honkai crystal" suddenly rammed into the chest, enveloping the entire soul, transforming into a beam of red light shooting into outer space.

...

Death is an end, but also a new beginning. Flowers bloom and wither, the cycle repeats endlessly.

Time passed slowly.

At the edge of a certain universe—

The radiance of a star began to fade, its flickering light disappeared, leaving behind nothing but silence.

A meteor emitting red light pierced through the tranquil night, leaving a long arc across the dim sky, crashing into the endless darkness.

Ripples spread across the dark starry sky, and soon the light vanished. The stars returned to silence once more.

Countless massive "bubbles" filled the space. All was silent—this was the interstice between multiverses.

A faint light shot out from one of the "bubbles," pausing in the starlit sky. Suddenly, it trembled as if guided, and dashed toward a "bubble" filled with eerie red light.

...

Schicksal, Siberian Laboratory.

The night cloaked this frigid land. Along the horizon stood a steel structure that from afar resembled a massive prison. At its center was a large, split gear-wing emblem.

Schicksal is the oldest existing organization combating "Honkai," founded to eradicate it from the world. It has existed since the 5th century AD. Originating in Europe, headquartered in Vienna, Austria, with branches worldwide. Currently controls most of Europe and Asia.

In its early days, the organization was structured around a religious framework. Its leader is known as the "Archbishop," operating under a centralized system. After centuries of development, its religious nature has significantly faded, though its leader is still called "Archbishop."

The Siberian Laboratory is Schicksal's largest lab in Northern Asia, built after the destruction of the Babylon Tower Laboratory.

...

Inside a technologically advanced metal-structured lab, the room gleamed brightly under a multitude of lights.

Countless figures in white lab coats were swiftly moving in and out, seemingly busy with something.

Inside this enormous cultivation chamber, nearly a hundred cylindrical transparent containers, each about three meters tall, were arranged in rows. Each container was filled with clear nutrient solution, and floating inside each was a petite, white-haired girl dressed in a white robe.

Upon closer inspection, every girl inside the containers looked exactly the same.

Beep!

At that moment, the red light on one container labeled with the number 404 turned green. A mechanical voice devoid of emotion sounded at the right time: "Experiment subject No. 404 maturation process complete. Ready for extraction."

"Extract experiment subject No. 404."

At the command, accompanied by the sound of mechanical operations, the container marked 404 was transferred out of the cultivation chamber.

"Experiment subject No. 404 successfully transferred. Preparation complete."

Scene shift—to a laboratory designated for Honkai fusion experiments. Container 404 stood alone in the center.

This lab was specially constructed with extremely high Honkai energy isolation capabilities.

"404th Herrscher fusion experiment, begin."

"Experiment subject ID: K-404."

"Begin injection of Honkai suppression fluid."

"Injection complete."

"Honkai energy injection preparations complete. Proceed with injection?"

Standing inside the operations room, upon hearing the researcher's question, an older researcher in a white lab coat adjusted his glasses and spoke slowly.

"Proceed with injection."

"Yes, initiating injection."

At his command, the other researchers in the lab began their tasks.

The dome mechanism inside the transparent container began to change. Accompanied by ka-ka-ka... sounds, several mechanical arms extended to secure the subject. The girl's limb veins were pierced with needles to inject Honkai energy, and the transparent nutrient fluid began turning light blue due to the suppression fluid.

Watching the increasing fusion rate on the container's monitoring screen, a trace of excitement flashed in the lead researcher's eyes.

"Honkai energy fusion complete."

With the lab's cold mechanical announcement—

The researchers erupted in cheers.

"Sir, Phase One of the experiment is complete."

"Immediately begin Phase Two."

"But sir, shouldn't we adjust parameters first?"

"Proceed immediately!"

"Yes! Preparing Phase Two Herrscher core fusion experiment."

Two researchers placed a sealed cube into the recessed slot at the base of the experimental container. With the sound of machinery unlocking, all indicator lights in the lab lit up. All researchers exited the containment room as the heavy alloy door lowered, initiating high-concentration Honkai energy isolation procedures.

With the completion of Phase One, the mechanical arms began returning to their original positions.

Though unconscious, the girl's body curled up instinctively from the pain. Her eyes remained tightly shut, her breathing so faint it was nearly imperceptible.

Standing in the experiment control center, the lead researcher gazed at the silver-haired girl on the monitor, his eyes full of indifference. He looked to the side at the experiment records.

Experiment Record K-404: Phase One Honkai energy adaptation and fusion completed. After adaptation, the subject's compatibility with the Herrscher core has improved. Theoretically, fusion should be successful…

"Sir, Herrscher core ready."

Pulled back to reality by the assistant's report, he replied, "Begin Phase Two fusion."

"Yes, initiating fusion!"

With a flurry of operations from the technician, the screen showed the cylindrical container's liquid becoming increasingly viscous, turning purplish-red. Manifested Honkai energy particles appeared outside the container.

The experiment proceeded normally. Aside from the hum of the large container, the entire lab was silent.

As the fusion index on the display continued to rise, a nearby researcher grew excited, "Sir, it's almost suc—"

Screeeeech!!!

Suddenly! Cracks spread across the container's glass exterior. The upper and lower metal structures began to distort. The shattering sound cut off the researcher's words.

Inside the container, the silver-haired girl abruptly opened her eyes, which glowed gold. The veins all over her body emitted an ominous red light.

"Warning! Warning! Honkai energy concentration exceeding limits. All personnel evacuate immediately."

Suddenly, the lights throughout the entire lab turned red and began flashing!

In the control center, the person in charge slammed the table.

"Damn it! Not again!!"

Other researchers sighed. Although they had already witnessed such failures hundreds of times and had long grown indifferent, this time had come closest to success. What a pity...

After a moment, the lead researcher spoke.

"Experiment subject K-404, Herrscher core fusion experiment failed. Seal the Herrscher core, stop the Honkai energy injection, activate the Honkai energy storage unit, and release the suppression fluid."

As the cube in the container's base slot began to retract, the energy storage unit above started extracting. As the Honkai energy concentration diluted, the container visibly became clearer, and the girl inside gradually "calmed down."

"Honkai energy index returned to normal. Alarm lifted."

The lab alarms ceased, and the lighting returned to normal.

"Dispose of it."

With that, the lead researcher turned and left.

Two researchers drained the transparent fluid from the container, then lifted the girl, now devoid of any life signals.

After coming into contact with experiment subject K-404, the two researchers wore looks of disdain, tossing her into the incineration chamber like trash, clearly irritated. They turned and left without hesitation.

No one found this inappropriate. After all, this was just a cloned replica costing less than a thousand dollars—no personality, no consciousness—merely a large doll.

In fact, this incinerator alone had already destroyed nearly a hundred such dolls.

But what they didn't notice was that not long after their departure, a beam of red light entered the "corpse" they had discarded.

Lying in the incineration room, the girl slowly opened her eyes. Her red, diamond-shaped pupils carried a trace of confusion…

[Compatible body detected for host. Initiating fusion.]

[High concentration energy detected within the body.]

[Warning: Host is in a dangerous environment.]

The sudden voice startled me awake.

(Who are you? Where am I?)

[Answer: I am the product of the fusion between your inner consciousness and the Honkai crystal. The host is currently in the incineration chamber of Schicksal's Siberian Laboratory.]

I was shocked. Wasn't I already dead? I tried to get up, but my body felt heavy and powerless.

Even though my mind was clear, my body wouldn't respond.

(What's happening to me?)

[Answer: The host's soul is still adapting to this body. Additionally, the high concentration of energy within is continuously eroding the body.]

Bzzz!

Just as I was about to ask more, a static-like sound rang in my ears.

Hm? Why is it getting hot…?

Suddenly, I realized my situation might be bad.

Around me, the cramped chamber's walls were lined with densely packed "heating tubes" that were beginning to glow, and the rising heat was becoming obvious.

No time to think. I struggled to stand, but my body remained weak. I tried to call for help, but no sound came out.

Am I going to die again?

[Answer: The host's body contains high-concentration energy with spatial properties. If the host concentrates this energy and releases it, escape is possible.]

(Then do it.)

[Answer: This will cause intense pain. Confirm execution?]

(Confirmed! Maximize energy release. Get out of here—as far as possible!)

The intense pain that followed caused my body to convulse instinctively.

Inside the incineration chamber, the girl's body emitted a red glow—and then disappeared.

...

Outer space.

At the edge of the multiverse, between endless "world bubbles," a small red dot appeared. Inside it, a silver-haired girl curled up.

[Answer: Reached maximum distance for energy-based travel. Please confirm destination...]

The pain from the energy drain dulled my consciousness. I didn't even notice that my command to release energy to the max had taken me outside the Honkai universe.

"You decide. Choose a place safe enough for me to grow."

With that, I blacked out.

[Safe? Growth? Beginning search... Destination selected within energy limits. Scanning: Option one... Option two... Option three... Destination confirmed. Initiating transmission.]

A beam of light flew toward another "world bubble."

...

A shooting star streaked across the sky.

Central Europe, Austria, outskirts of Vienna.

Late at night, beside a highway, a flash of red light—

A white-haired girl lay on the grassy roadside.

She opened her eyes and stood up, looking at the road, streetlights, zebra crossing, and traffic lights before her.

In the distance, the city lights shone brightly, the dazzling glow speaking of its prosperity.

This must be a modern world.

A cold wind blew. Hiss... it's a bit chilly. She crossed her arms, rubbing them for warmth. Hm? This new body… so petite? Instinctively reaching down—felt nothing.

"Ah! I... this...?"

A soft child's voice escaped her lips. As she checked her body, a bizarre yet undeniable reality unfolded.

"Is this... me...?"

[Answer: The host's current body is indeed female and has fully adapted post-fusion.]

The voice in her mind reappeared, reminding her—was this her system?

[Answer: Yes, and no. I am not the type of system the host remembers. I am the embodiment of the host's inner consciousness combined with Honkai awareness. I simply compile and present the host's abilities and memories in a data format. I function solely as support. Think of me as a fusion between AI and a status panel system.]

Isn't that basically like the Great Sage from That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime? Alright then, I'll call you Great Sage from now on.

[Answer: Designated name confirmed: Great Sage.]

"Then, Great Sage, where exactly am I right now?"

[Answer: Outskirts of Vienna.]

She walked slowly to a nearby phone booth. Under the streetlight, she caught a glimpse of her reflection in the glass.

Roughly 121cm tall, appearing around six years old, white hair and red eyes, with uniquely diamond-shaped pupils. Her features were exquisitely doll-like, with delicate and fair skin, dressed in an oversized white robe.

"So delicate..." she blurted unconsciously.

Despite experiencing something as outrageous as transmigration and transformation, she didn't feel surprised or afraid. When did she become this adaptable?

Was it because she was utterly alone, with no attachments? Or due to this body, or something else?

Shaking her head to clear her thoughts—"Now's not the time for distractions. Even if I'm influenced or controlled, being reborn is still a miracle."

"Great Sage, can you display my current physical status as data?"

[Answer: Affirmative.] As the words echoed in her mind, a simple chart appeared before her eyes.

—

[Name: Unnamed (Lin)]

[Physical Status: Weak]

[Age: 6 years (Experimentally aged)]

[Height: 121cm Weight: 20kg]

[Abilities: Absolute Honkai Resistance, Honkai Energy Manipulation, Spatial Manipulation.]

[Inventory: None]

—

[Answer: Would the host like to continue using the name from your past life?]

Lin fell silent for a moment. "No."

She looked up at the sky. The full moon hung high like a lantern in the heavens.

"It's a full moon tonight. And I've changed gender, and this body's origin seems to be of Western descent. Might as well go with something local. What are some Western names associated with the moon?"

[Answer: Artemis, Selene, Phoebe...]

"Selene, then. It's a full moon after all."

(Prompt: Selene is the moon goddess in Greek mythology.)

Thus, Selene confirmed her new name.

She looked again at the status panel. The inventory section—self-explanatory, it displayed any items she possessed.

"What's going on with me right now? Where exactly is this?"

[Answer: This is another universe. Per your command for maximum energy output, you have exited the Honkai universe.]

"So I basically screwed myself over?" Realizing it was her own command that caused her to end up here.

But Selene couldn't help asking, "Can I go back?"

[Answer: Not at the moment. Energy reserves are depleted.]

Knowing she couldn't return, Selene stopped dwelling on it. Survival was the priority. Shifting her focus back to the panel, she asked, "Alright then, what's the story behind these abilities?"

[Answer: The host's...]

Selene interrupted, "From now on, just speak plainly. No need to say 'Answer' or use any prefixes—it sounds strange. Just call me by name. After all, we're one and the same."

[Understood.]

[The ability of Absolute Honkai Resistance comes from the Kaslana bloodline, which also displays dominant traits such as 'super strength', 'robustness', and 'resilience'.]

[The ability to manipulate Honkai energy originates from the Schariac bloodline. After fully fusing with Herrscher genes, it grants control over Honkai energy.]

[The ability of spatial manipulation stems from the fusion of Second Herrscher Sirin's genes and the Herrscher core. It allows conversion of imaginary energy into imaginary space for offense and defense. The diamond-shaped pupils are a dominant feature of this ability.]

Selene pondered for a moment. "I get the rest, but how exactly do I use Honkai energy?"

[Honkai energy can be simply converted into other forms of energy for powering objects. It can also be used to enhance matter. Anything—whether living or nonliving—that can withstand Honkai energy will be significantly enhanced. However, failed enhancements on living beings will lead to zombification and transformation into Honkai creatures, completely under Herrscher control.]

"So I can control any creature I inject with Honkai energy?" Selene asked.

[Yes.]

This opened up many possibilities.

Selene's top priority now was to find shelter.

She considered her options.

Go to the police? Hard to explain her background. Even using Honkai energy to manipulate them would be risky.

Seek refuge with a family? Even less likely. Too troublesome. And Selene wasn't a bad person—controlling regular people with Honkai energy wasn't her style.

That left the most familiar option—an orphanage.

"Sigh, never thought I'd end up back in an orphanage."

Selene rubbed her forehead and began walking toward Vienna's urban area.

"What orphanages are there in Vienna?"

[Five orphanages detected. The two closest to the southern suburbs are: one named Gabrielreth Orphanage, a privately-run institution owned by Markus Gabrielreth; and the other, St. Stephan's Relief Center, which is church-operated.]

"Let's skip the private one. I'll go to the church-run orphanage."

With that, Selene followed Great Sage's guidance toward St. Stephan's Orphanage.

On the way, Selene asked, "Does your sensory scanning ability have a range?"

[Yes. Detection range is based on Honkai energy levels and mental strength. Currently, it covers a radius of approximately two kilometers. This can expand as your abilities grow.]

"Superpowers really are convenient. If all else fails, I could just be a guide in the forest or desert—never have to worry about making a living."

...

"We're here."

Selene stopped.

Standing by the road, she looked through the brown gate. A wide, spotless stone path stretched ahead, flanked by neatly trimmed lawns. At the end of the path stood a church atop a small set of stairs.

The relief center was centered around the church, a blend of white Baroque and Gothic architecture. Towering spires, broad buttresses, and colorful stained glass windows gave off a solemn aura.

She glanced at the lit security booth by the gate.

Taking a breath and pausing briefly, Selene walked toward the booth.