Honkai Diary: Start With Picking Up A White-Haired Treasure

"Seele, are you alright?"

"I'm fine, Seele. Sorry for making everyone worry. But from now on, I should be able to help too!" After landing, Seele greeted Bronya's concern with a radiant smile.

Then, bashfully, she let go of Zeke's hand.

With so many people watching, it felt quite embarrassing.

Zeke reached down, gently ruffling Seele's soft black hair, slightly disheveling her cute bob cut hairstyle, eliciting a series of delicate giggles from her.

His lips curved upwards as he said,

"It went just as smoothly as I anticipated. Remember to communicate more with your inner self; when it comes to understanding power, your perspectives are worlds apart."

"Yes, Big Bro Zeke!"

"All right, go take a break over there for now. Bronya, since the issue is resolved, withdraw the forces outside and release a statement saying Anti-Entropy has gained another Herrscher-level combatant. Let everyone else speculate on the rest."

"Yes sir!"

Bronya complied, disappearing promptly from sight, while Seele walked towards an open space nearby. A Cecilia individual dressed as a maid approached her, arranging a seat along with beverages and snacks.

Kiana and Sin exchanged glances, wanting to join Zeke but hesitated when he waved them away.

"Step back, I still have work to do."

Both girls pouted, yet dared not protest, silently moving towards Seele instead.

Zeke turned around, facing the debris-strewn ground, and shook his head.

"Snap!"

With a finger snap, black swarms converged from the ground, corners of buildings, and across the sky. They either evaporated various construction fragments on-site or moved them centrally for fusion. Lasers emitted, melting steel all around, while numerous worker bees spun their blades, smoothing out uneven fragments.

Swiftly, under visible transformation, the rubble began reconstructing itself piece by piece into its original towering edifice.

Meanwhile, Kiana circled around Seele, observing her closely before reaching out with delicate fingers to poke Seele's cheek.

"K-Kiana?"

"No, I was just curious. Don't you feel anything different about yourself?"

"Well, umm, my senses seem much sharper now. My vision and hearing have changed slightly, and I can sense a lot of power within me... But I'm not quite sure how to describe it. Overall, I think I've become stronger."

"I see... Well, becoming stronger is always good news. Congratulations!" Kiana flashed a thumbs-up, smiling brightly.

With a gentle smile, Seele nodded softly.

Sin grabbed the teapot at that moment, gulping down a large mouthful noisily, then scoffed dismissively, "Don't expect too much from her. Just look at her—it's a waste giving her this power. Don't count on her being any use on the battlefield."

"Don't be so harsh! It's fine if she doesn't fight; we're not short on strength anyway. As long as Seele stays healthy, that's all that matters!" Kiana patted Sin's shoulder, maintaining her radiant grin towards Seele.

Seele's hand tightened around the teacup handle, accidentally crushing its ceramic grip. Panicking, she hastily set the cup down, narrowly avoiding spilling tea on her dress.

"Whew..." Seele exhaled deeply and touched her face, then mustered up her courage.

"Seele... Even though Seele isn't good at fighting, I'll do my best! For this world, so we can all stay together forever—Seele will use this power wisely. I'm sure it'll help everyone!"

She clenched both fists tightly to cheer herself on.

Sin studied Seele for a moment before snorting dismissively without another word. Truthfully, she wished she possessed such strength. As time went by, their enemies only grew more formidable, but Sin's own abilities hadn't improved as much as she'd hoped. She could no longer effortlessly defeat even Pseudo-Herrschers, let alone true Herrschers. This development secretly worried her.

If she couldn't become stronger, she wouldn't be indispensable to Zeke or Bronya—and that was something Sin simply couldn't tolerate. The sense of urgency gnawed at her relentlessly.

Her expression darkened further as she stared down at the table.

Kiana glanced curiously at Sin, shrugged, turned toward Seele, and pulled her into a hug. Like playing with a small pet, she gently teased Seele's delicate frame.

"So sweet, so obedient! Big Sister Kiana is super happy you're being so understanding, Seele. But don't push yourself too hard, okay? Your happiness and health are most important, got it?"

Despite being a fool who never knew how to take care of herself, she gently advised Seele.

"Big Sister Kiana... Thank you."

Enduring Kiana's playful antics, Seele felt slightly uneasy but also cherished this affection and warmth immensely, her delicate smile radiating bashful delight.

Two radiant grins complementing each other formed a breathtaking scene—like lilies blooming amidst them.

Soon, Zeke and Bronya approached side by side.

Zeke lifted his hand, effortlessly picking up the beaming Kiana, then stared expressionlessly into her eyes.

"Having fun?"

"Don't get jealous now; you're still my favorite, Zeke! Come here for a hug!" Kiana spread her arms wide, smiling brightly at him.

With his free hand, Zeke flicked Kiana's forehead before setting her down aside from him as he took a seat next to Seele.

Bronya sat on Seele's other side, holding her hand silently to convey her concern.

Zeke sipped his tea, glancing briefly at the smoothly progressing reconstruction nearby. Then, turning towards Seele, he reached out and gently pried open her eyelids.

"Hmm... Not bad. All vital signs appear stable. Give me your hand."

Zeke requested.

With a soft acknowledgment, Seele offered her delicate, pale wrist to him.

Zeke pressed his fingers against her pulse, actually sensing the flow of Honkai Energy within. After examining it briefly, he retrieved a high-tech-looking syringe from his coat pocket and inserted it into Seele's wrist.

As Seele winced, enduring the discomfort, Zeke drew a tube of blood. He observed it for a few seconds before placing it back in his pocket.

"I'm not sure if I should congratulate you, Herrscher. Originally, I didn't intend for you to be involved with such dangerous power. Regardless, communicate well with your other self; let her guide and teach you. Most importantly, don't harm yourself." Zeke patted Seele on the shoulder, sighing.

Holding her punctured wrist, Seele nodded firmly. "Yes, Big Bro Zeke, Seele will do her best."

Next, Zeke turned towards the sullen Sin and gently tapped her head with his hand.

"What's on your mind?"

"...Zeke, can I become a Herrscher too? Or maybe even a MANTIS fusion warrior!"

"Those opportunities are rare and unpredictable. Why, feeling inadequate in strength?"

"Yes, during crucial moments, I haven't been much help," Sin admitted dejectedly.

Zeke rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

"Indeed, against Herrschers, they wouldn't be much help."

"Right? Even you agree, Zeke!"

"You seem quite bothered by it?"

"I don't... I don't want to be left behind by Zeke..." Sin fidgeted her fingers, tears welling up in her eyes.

Zeke gently pulled the girl close, cradling her small body on his lap while stroking her pink hair softly.

"Everyone has their unique purpose and is irreplaceable. Don't overestimate yourself, but also never think you're insignificant. Relax, Sin will always be Sin. Unless you choose to leave, I won't abandon you."

"Zeke, QAQ!"

"Feeling better now?"

"So happy, Zeke is the best! Of course, Bronya is amazing too!" Sin leaned closely against Zeke, radiating contentment with a blissful smile.

Beside them, Bronya scratched her cheek, responding with a simple "hm." She was accustomed to Sin's compliments.

"Zeke~ (≧▽≦)/~ Me too, give me hugs as well~~"

Kiana squeezed between them, wrapping her arms around Zeke's waist.

With Sin cuddling affectionately against his chest, emitting heart-shaped bubbles, and Kiana's grinning face pressed against his side, Zeke looked up at the sky and sighed deeply.

"Sigh..."

"Zeke... Eighteen...eighteen kids we'll have..."

Wait, you're not even an adult yet! And isn't that thinking way too far ahead?!

"Zeke (~『~)! It smells so good! Ah, amazing!"

Kiana, as always, left people unsure of how to handle her antics. Previously, it was her obsession with cute girls; now, she openly swoons over Zeke. Despite years of attempted correction, her education seems entirely ineffective.

"Sigh!"

Zeke sighed again, feeling even more drained.

How bothersome. Research is far better, requiring only focus on progress—thankfully, these two are the only troublemakers. Observing Seele's flushed face and Bronya's composed demeanor nearby, their usual well-behaved nature remained intact, which was truly reassuring.

With a red face, Seele lowered her head, experiencing an inexplicable bitterness within. Meanwhile, the other Seele earnestly taught some unspeakably risqué topics.

Unnoticeably, Bronya touched the small medicine bottle in her pocket, gradually shaping her plans.