"Can you make out what the voice is saying?"
Mobius pressed on.
But Kiana seemed lost in thought, pondering for a moment before shaking her head.
"All I know is that it feels familiar, like someone singing, like... a mother, asking if I'm warm or cold, caring about me... It feels really comforting..."
Of course, she couldn't actually say what it was saying.
She'd added this detail intentionally, just to let Mobius's imagination run wild.
As the vessel for the Herrscher of Finality, Kiana had heard voices since she was little. Then, a few days ago, when the Celestial Screen revealed her identity, it indirectly altered her fate, and the voice became clearer.
What does that make you think?
Anyone would suspect that this might be the Will of Honkai reaching out to her, right?
Even though it's never been confirmed that the Honkai phenomenon truly has a will, based on the footage previously shown on the Celestial Screen—where it stubbornly chose the vessel for the Herrscher of Finality, insisting on that specific form—it wouldn't be too far-fetched to think a will might exist.
It's understandable.
The only disappointing part is that it was a history video, not just a simple edit or something else...
Most of the 'history content' was just the content creator talking; even when clips were shown, there wasn't much substantial information.
In reality, aside from the Herrscher of Finality and a few other Herrschers, which were presented as Live2D animations, the entries on Honkai Beasts and zombies in the Celestial Screen's projection looked like they were lifted straight from an encyclopedia.
But then again, that's to be expected.
They were educating about history from tens of thousands of years ago.
Where would they find actual footage for reference?
Just having those illustrated guides was pretty good already.
If it were archaeological findings, fragmented ancient texts, or murals, maybe we could've hoped for more.
But if you expected them to show precious recordings from their own era...
Well, that would've made them sweat bullets.
Think about it—who in their right mind, fighting for survival against the Honkai never knowing if they'd live to see tomorrow, would bother running around recording videos?
For future generations?
What a luxury.
Having a few photos would already be a lot.
But even so!
According to that VTuber on the Celestial Screen, the Previous Era ended and a new one began. If the Previous Era really refers to their time period, then surely some materials from their time must have survived.
So, honestly, maybe this content creator's video was just meant to test the waters—see how well it'd be received. If it did well, they might make more and put more effort into them.
Since it was their first attempt, and they weren't sure how it'd go...
Naturally, they wouldn't go all out.
Some people grumbled privately—the whole world is watching, for heaven's sake! If you've got the guts, open up a donation channel!
At the very least, we'd all like, tip, and bookmark your content, okay? So step it up!
Honestly.
Going back and forth, analyzing the same sparse details...
If there were more footage, photos, or physical records, we could've gleaned so much more.
Actually, Kiana did manage to capture some glimpses of the future.
She could've presented them in any form she wanted.
But she later thought, since it was the first time, it'd be better to just give a teaser.
That half-hour content not only covered future scenes—like the Stellar Alliance, incredibly glorious, with countless starships coming and going, traversing the cosmos—but also highly advanced cities where every detail felt like black tech, filling people with yearning and wonder.
And most importantly, it explained the concept of the Honkai, the Herrschers, even the Herrscher of Finality, the vessel, Kiana herself...
All these heavy-hitting details were revealed.
As far as 'education' goes, for viewers from the future, this might not be new.
But for people now, it hit like a bombshell. They'd definitely need time to process it all.
Kiana planned to reveal only a little at a time.
Whether it's official history or folk tales, no guarantees on accuracy—take it or leave it.
Then, Mobius continued questioning, drilling down into the details.
And Kiana, as if slowly realizing how unusual she was, played along, answering earnestly.
In the end, Mobius frowned, not exactly dissatisfied, but feeling that for every answer she got, even more questions arose.
She glanced up.
It was already past five in the afternoon.
She hadn't realized they'd been talking for hours.
Reluctantly, she had to leave, taking Blanca with her.
But before going, she said, "Kiana, you don't want to be stuck here forever, do you? If you're willing, you can always come find me."
Here, Mobius was playing a little game.
She knew that Shenzhou—and the world—wouldn't keep Kiana under house arrest forever. But she also knew they wouldn't tell Kiana that.
Even though Kiana seemed obedient now, Mobius could tell—Kiana was not one to stay quiet and behave.
What if?
What if Kiana actually believed it and willingly came to her lab? That'd be even better.
Mobius knew that after this meeting, it'd likely be a long time before she saw the girl again.
She'd gained some insights, and even a pleasant surprise.
Looks like she'd have to revise her report when she got back.
She did want to help Kiana, at least a little.
So, tweaking the report would be a good start.
If she made her assessment and gave reasonable recommendations, she was confident that even if higher-ups were skeptical, they'd have to accept it—and act accordingly.
"Kiana." After Mobius left, Kiana's mom brought out a plate of cut fruit, set it on the table, and sat beside her.
She lifted her right hand, gently resting it on Kiana's shoulder.
She looked at her with guilt in her eyes.
"I'm sorry... these past few days must've been hard on you."
When she was working, Kiana's mom was all business—a strong, capable woman. But at home, with her daughter, she was a gentle mother.
A big reason she'd been indulging Kiana's every wish lately was because she felt so guilty.
Even with their family's status, which usually meant they didn't have to bow to others, the entire world was pressuring them—even Grandpa had to prioritize the bigger picture. So, for now, Kiana's activities had to be restricted.
Seeing her sweet, lovely daughter confined to the house...
How could a mother not feel awful?
She even thought that her daughter's recent lethargy and lack of motivation were just a child acting out, sulking.
All she could do was try to comfort her—there was no other way.
"It's okay, Mom... I understand." Kiana felt so deceitful.
She snuggled into her mom's embrace, nuzzling against her chest. Though her own figure was quite nice, there was nothing quite like leaning on someone else.
She knew well that the squeaky wheel gets the grease.
So not only would she not explain, she'd lean into it, clinging to her mom like a spoiled child.
Just like a little kitten.
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.