Chapter 3 – Anchoring into a New World (Part A)
[Neo's POV]
The world snapped into focus with the sharp scent of gunpowder.
Stone beneath my boots, sunlight spilling across a sprawling training yard. Rows of Valkyrie cadets in regulation uniforms practiced maneuvers, rifles barking in rhythm. Their voices blended into a disciplined chorus, each movement precise, each step echoing years of tradition.
And in the middle of this militaristic harmony—me.
The strange outsider who had just appeared out of thin air.
Dozens of eyes turned, wide with suspicion. Whispered voices pricked my ears.
But the only two who really mattered stood at the front.
One, with silver-white hair tied in a ponytail, bright blue eyes sparkling with a mix of mischief and wariness. Her posture was casual, but her hand twitched toward the holsters strapped to her thighs.
Kiana Kaslana.
The other was taller, sharp red hair swaying as she crossed her arms, her amber eyes narrowing on me. The faint smell of alcohol clung to her coat, but it didn't dull the lethal aura rolling off her.
Murata Himeko.
"…You," she said, her voice like a blade. "You're not one of my cadets. Where did you come from?"
Her tone wasn't hostile yet, but there was a weight in it that pressed against my chest. The kind of authority only a veteran could wield.
I raised my hands slowly. "I can explain. I—"
"Teleportation?" Kiana cut me off, tilting her head. "Or… some kind of experimental tech? You don't look like one of Otto's freaky lab projects."
"I'm neither," I said carefully. "My name is Neo. And I'm… not originally from this world."
That earned me twin looks of suspicion. Around us, cadets muttered nervously.
[Dimensional Chat – Private Feed]
[Tony Stark]: Bold move, kid. Going full disclosure already?
[Asuna]: Won't that make them distrust him more?
[Kiana (Group)]: H-Hey! Why's there another me in this chat?! …Wait, she looks exactly like me—!
[System]: [Notice] Local entities with overlapping identities cannot join chat until stability achieved.
…Great. That explained why "Kiana Kaslana" in the group feed just went offline with a confused yelp.
Back in reality, Himeko's eyes sharpened. "Not from this world? You expect me to believe that?"
"I don't expect you to," I admitted. "But I can prove it. If you'll give me the chance."
Her gaze swept over me, analyzing every twitch of my body. Finally, she jerked her chin. "Fine. You're coming with me. Try anything suspicious, and you'll regret it."
Kiana leaned in, whispering (loudly enough for me to hear): "He doesn't feel dangerous though, Himeko. More like… weirdly familiar."
"Familiar?" I echoed.
She blinked at me, as if realizing she'd said too much. "…N-Nothing!"
Himeko gestured sharply, and the crowd of cadets dispersed back into training drills. "Kaslana, with me. We're taking him to the Headmistress."
The walk across campus was surreal.
The Valkyrie headquarters of Schicksal stretched like a fortress—tall stone walls reinforced with modern steel, gothic towers studded with anti-air cannons, banners snapping with the Kaslana insignia. The air vibrated faintly with the hum of Honkai energy containment fields.
Cadets saluted Himeko as we passed. Some cast lingering glances at me, curiosity written plain on their faces.
I kept my breathing steady. On the outside, calm. Inside, my thoughts were racing.
This was it. I had officially anchored into the Honkai Impact 3rd worldline. No more observing from a distance. I was part of it now.
We arrived at a large office nestled within the central tower. Stained-glass windows bathed the room in colored light, and bookshelves lined the walls beside strange relics sealed in display cases.
Behind a massive desk sat a woman so small I almost mistook her for a child at first glance—short silver hair, priestess robes, and eyes sharp enough to slice steel.
Theresa Apocalypse. Headmistress of St. Freya Academy.
Her gaze flicked from Himeko to me, then narrowed. "And who exactly is this?"
Himeko sighed, rubbing her temple. "Someone who appeared out of nowhere during drills. Claims he's not from this world."
Theresa's eyes darkened. "Not from this world?" She stood on her chair, trying to loom despite her size. "Explain yourself, stranger."
This was it. No turning back.
I drew in a breath. "My name is Neo. I died in another world. When I woke up… I was reincarnated here. With powers and knowledge that don't belong to this timeline. And I'm not alone—there's a group, spanning across countless worlds, connected by something called the Dimensional Chat."
The silence that followed was suffocating.
Kiana blinked, eyes sparkling. "…Wait, wait, wait. You're saying you're like, an isekai protagonist? That's so cool!"
Himeko groaned. "Kiana, this isn't the time to get excited over anime tropes."
Theresa crossed her arms, frowning deeply. "Reincarnation… and a multiversal connection. That kind of power is not something I can take lightly. Prove it. Show us something only someone with this… 'Dimensional Chat' could do."
I nodded. Time for a demonstration.
"Degenerate," I whispered.
Blue runes lit up across my arm. Great Sage's calm voice resonated in my mind.
[Skill Separation Initiated. Splitting: Analysis Module from Gluttony.]
A flicker of light gathered between my palms, and a fragment of skill essence materialized like a glowing orb before dissolving back into me.
Himeko stiffened, her instincts screaming. Kiana's jaw dropped. Theresa's eyes widened faintly, though her posture stayed guarded.
"I can separate, merge, and manipulate skills themselves," I explained softly. "That's my proof. And the Chat Group…"
With a thought, I projected the system interface into the air. Names scrolled across the glowing window: Zhongli. Tony Stark. Asuna. Himiko. Kiana (locked).
The three stared, stunned.
[Dimensional Chat – Live Broadcast Enabled]
[Tony Stark]: He actually showed them. Damn, kid, you've got guts.
[Asuna]: I don't think I could've done that so openly…
[Zhongli]: Truth is a weighty stone. Yet by offering it, one builds the foundation of trust.
[Himeko (watching feed): …So this is what you've been hiding, Neo. I see.
Back in the office, silence stretched.
Then Kiana grinned, stepping closer. "So… you're really not from here, huh? Honestly, I think that's kind of awesome. You're like me, in a way—different from everyone else."
Her words carried more weight than she realized.
Himeko finally spoke, voice measured. "…You're dangerous. But you're also honest. That's worth something. I'll be keeping my eye on you."
Theresa tapped her desk, sighing. "Neo, was it? For now, I'll allow you to stay under supervision. If what you say about this multiversal group is true, then perhaps fate brought you here for a reason."
Relief washed through me. I wasn't out of the woods yet—but at least I wasn't being thrown into a cell.
And for the first time since waking in this world, I felt… anchored.
Chapter 3 – Anchoring into a New World (Part B)
[Neo's POV]
The silence in Theresa's office lingered like smoke after a gunshot.
I could feel the weight of their stares—Theresa's sharp and calculating, Himeko's steady and skeptical, Kiana's bright and curious.
The glowing Dimensional Chat interface still floated in the air above the desk, pulsing faintly as though to remind everyone that this was real.
[Dimensional Chat – Live Broadcast Feed]
[Tony Stark]: You see that? He dropped the "isekai bomb" and survived. Proud of you, kid.
[Asuna]: (giggling) I can't believe they didn't tie you up immediately. Theresa looks like she's two seconds from pulling out holy water.
[Zhongli]: Hm. Her wariness is natural. This world is scarred by calamities, and strangers wielding mysterious power often bring misfortune.
[Himiko (HSR)]: Tbh, I'm kinda jealous. He gets to meet all the important people right away. Took me months to get noticed in the Astral Express.
[Kiana (Group, locked)]: …Why is there another me in here?! I don't get it, but she sounds cute… Wait—am I cute?
I coughed into my fist, suppressing a laugh at the last line. Kiana tilted her head, confused.
Theresa broke the silence first. "You're asking us to take you at your word. And while your demonstration was… impressive, words alone aren't enough. What is your purpose here, Neo?"
Her question hung heavy.
I could lie. Tell her I was just lost, confused, still figuring things out. But… no. If I wanted their trust, half-truths wouldn't cut it.
"My purpose," I said slowly, "is to stop tragedies before they happen. In this world, in others. To fight against something far bigger than Schicksal, Anti-Entropy, or even the Honkai."
Himeko's eyes narrowed. "Tragedies?"
Kiana frowned. "You… know something, don't you?"
The Chat Group buzzed with unease.
[Asuna]: Careful. If you tell them too much about their fates…
[Tony Stark]: Yeah, butterfly effect and all that jazz. You don't want to break reality before you even get a girlfriend.
[Zhongli]: Yet truth has weight. To build trust, one must offer a fragment of what they guard most closely.
I nodded faintly to myself. Zhongli was right.
I turned to Himeko. Her sharp gaze softened slightly when she realized I was looking directly at her.
"You," I said quietly, "carry more than you let anyone see. You drink to dull it, but the pain's still there. If I do nothing… that weight will one day break you."
Her pupils shrank, the words striking deeper than I'd intended.
"And Kiana," I added, my voice gentler. "You're searching for something. For who you really are. That search… will bring you face-to-face with truths you may not want to hear."
Kiana's hands trembled at her sides, but her eyes didn't look away from mine.
Finally, I looked at Theresa. "…And you, Headmistress. You fight to protect them all, even though your body has its own limits. You bear responsibility for far too much."
The room fell silent again. This time, though, it wasn't disbelief—it was recognition.
[Dimensional Chat – Live Feed]
[Tony Stark]: Damn, kid. Straight to the jugular.
[Asuna]: (worried) Wasn't that… too much?
[Zhongli]: A truth revealed in fragments can guide more gently than a lie.
[Himiko]: (smirking) Neo's a natural at this. He's already got them looking at him differently.
Theresa exhaled slowly, sinking back into her chair. "…If you truly know these things, then perhaps you're not lying. But knowledge is dangerous. Even well-meaning warnings can shift the flow of fate."
"I know," I admitted. "That's why I'm not here to dictate your lives. I want to walk alongside you. To fight with you, not for you."
For the first time, Himeko's gaze softened. Kiana's lips curled into a small smile.
Theresa leaned back, folding her arms. "…You're reckless. But perhaps reckless is what this world needs."
At that moment, the system interface flickered. A new notification chimed in my head.
[Special Integration Bonus Unlocked]
Condition: Establish trust with key figures of the host world.
Reward: 2 Skills Resonating with Worldline Laws.
I blinked, the glowing words filling my vision.
[New Abilities Acquired]
• Honkai Energy Adaptation (Passive)
• Grants natural resistance and compatibility with Honkai energy.
• Allows slow absorption of ambient Honkai particles, converting them into usable stamina or energy.
• Prevents corruption from low/mid-tier Honkai sources.
• Ether Link (Active)
• Creates a tether between Neo and chosen allies.
• Tether shares sensory data and emotion waves, boosting teamwork.
• In emergencies, can transfer a small portion of energy or vitality through the link.
"...Interesting," I murmured aloud.
Himeko raised a brow. "What's interesting?"
"Nothing dangerous," I assured, smiling faintly. "Let's just say this world… seems to think I belong here, at least a little."
Theresa's gaze sharpened, but she didn't press further.
[Dimensional Chat – Live Broadcast]
[Tony Stark]: You're kidding me. The system just gave you anti-Honkai hacks? That's like being born with plot armor.
[Asuna]: Ether Link sounds… kinda romantic, actually. Sharing emotions across a tether…
[Himiko]: (teasing) Careful, Asuna. At this rate, you'll fall into his harem too.
[Zhongli]: Hm. A fitting evolution. Bonds are the cornerstone of strength.
Kiana suddenly leaned forward, eyes sparkling. "Wait, wait, wait—you can link emotions? Like… if I feel hungry, you'll feel hungry too?"
I laughed, shaking my head. "More like if you're in danger, I'll sense it. Or if you're scared, I'll know and can help stabilize you. It's not… trivial."
She pouted. "Aww. Guess I can't prank you by sending my cravings across the link."
Himeko rolled her eyes but smiled faintly at Kiana's antics.
Theresa finally raised a hand, restoring order. "Enough banter. Neo, you may stay. But I will hold you accountable for your words. If you intend to fight alongside us, then you will prove it."
I bowed my head slightly. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
For the first time since I'd arrived in this world, the tension in the room eased. Not completely—but enough.
Enough for trust to take root.
And enough for me to believe… maybe, just maybe, I could really change things here.
Chapter 3 – Anchoring into a New World (Part C)
[Neo's POV]
After the tense revelations, Theresa asked Himeko and Kiana to give us a moment. Reluctantly, they left her office, though Kiana shot me one last curious glance before the door shut.
Now it was just me and the Headmistress.
She leaned back, hands folded, her expression unreadable. "You spoke about fighting alongside us. But what you didn't fully explain is this… 'Dimensional Chat Group.' If you expect to operate here, I need clarity."
I nodded. She deserved honesty.
"The Chat Group is… a kind of interdimensional system," I began slowly. "It connects individuals across different worlds, from here to others like it. Genshin, SAO, Marvel, Star Rail…" I trailed off, watching for her reaction.
Her eyes widened briefly at the unfamiliar names, but she stayed silent, waiting.
"It's not just communication. The group assigns missions—objectives we have to complete together. Sometimes they're in our own worlds, sometimes in others. Success earns us points, items, even abilities. Failure… well, I haven't tested that yet, and I'd rather not."
I glanced at her directly. "As the owner, I can't refuse missions. I'll be pulled in whether I like it or not. But I can make sure the people I protect here aren't blindsided."
Theresa tapped her desk, deep in thought. "…So you're saying these missions could one day involve this world. Ours."
"Yes," I admitted. "But they could also give us tools to fight the Honkai more effectively. It's risky—but it's also a chance."
She sighed, a long, weary sound. "…You're reckless. But I believe you're sincere. Very well. You will continue to operate under my watch. But Neo—" Her sharp gaze locked onto mine. "If your 'group' endangers my students, I will hold you accountable."
I met her gaze evenly. "Fair enough."
The system interface flickered suddenly, cutting through the atmosphere.
[Dimensional Chat System Notice]
Group Stability: Achieved.
Requirement: First Collective Mission must be chosen.
Reward Scaling: Medium – High.
Owner Privilege: Neo may test "Owner Perks – Gacha Advantage."
[Dimensional Chat – Live Broadcast]
[Tony Stark]: Aaand there it is. System wants blood.
[Asuna]: So soon… I thought we'd have more time.
[Himiko]: Heh. No better way to bond than risking your lives together.
[Zhongli]: The wheel of fate turns swiftly. Delay would only dull resolve.
[Kiana (Group)]: Wait wait wait—missions? Like… dangerous missions?!
Theresa glanced at the glowing window and sighed. "…I assume we're all seeing this."
I nodded grimly. "Yeah. No avoiding it."
The mission options unfolded like cards on a table:
[Mission Options – Select One]
🔹 Easy Mission: "Hollow Knight Trial" – Defeat a minor Honkai beast outbreak in an alternate collapsed timeline.
🔹 Medium Mission: "Aincrad Dungeon Subjugation (Floor 35)" – Assist Asuna's world in clearing a deadly boss to prevent mass player casualties.
🔹 Hard Mission: "Stark Industries Infiltration" – Repel rogue Lord God transmigrators attempting to steal arc reactor tech.
[System Note: First mission must be decided by group vote.]
[Group Banter – Live]
[Asuna]: (panicked) I–I know this one! Floor 35's boss was brutal… so many players nearly died there. If we intervene, we can save hundreds!
[Tony Stark]: Love how I'm already on the hard difficulty hit list. Pass.
[Himiko]: Easy one sounds… boring. A single outbreak won't prove anything.
[Zhongli]: Medium provides balance. Enough danger to forge teamwork, not so much as to crush us.
[Kiana (Group)]: Asuna's world has real people stuck inside a death game?! We can't just ignore that!!
[Himeko (Group, unlocked by Neo's link): Hmph. Saving lives sounds like the right call. I'd vote Medium too.
The votes began tallying almost instantly.
• Asuna: Medium
• Zhongli: Medium
• Himiko: Medium
• Tony Stark: Easy (reluctantly)
• Kiana: Medium
• Himeko: Medium
• Neo: Medium
[Mission Locked: Medium – Aincrad Dungeon Subjugation (Floor 35)]
Countdown: 12 hours until transfer.
I exhaled slowly. "Guess that's settled."
But then another window appeared before me alone, glowing a brighter gold than the rest.
[Owner Exclusive – First Gacha Test Pull]
Perk: Owner has increased chance for rare or higher items/abilities.
Note: This privilege balances the burden of leadership.
I smirked. Finally, a chance to see what "special treatment" looked like.
"Alright," I muttered, focusing on the gacha screen. "Let's roll."
The virtual wheel spun before me, glimmering with thousands of possibilities—artifacts, skill fragments, blueprints, potions, even weapons. Most blurred past too quickly to register.
Then it slowed.
Click. Click. Click.
The wheel stopped.
[Congratulations!]
You have obtained: "Prototype Stigmata – Knight's Resolve (3-Star)"
Effect: Increases physical endurance and reaction speed slightly. Synchronizes better with Honkai energy adaptation.
Rarity: Rare.
[Dimensional Chat – Live Reactions]
[Tony Stark]: Oh wow. Plot armor, table for one.
[Asuna]: That's… actually really useful for survival. Not flashy, but it'll keep you alive.
[Himiko]: (snickering) Knight's Resolve? How chivalrous of you, Mr. Harem King.
[Zhongli]: A knight's resolve may seem humble, yet foundations must be laid before towers rise.
[Kiana (Group)]: Oooh, so it's like a buff! I want one too!!
The stigmata shimmered briefly before merging into my body. A faint warmth spread across my limbs, subtle but solid. My muscles felt denser, my reflexes sharper.
Not godlike. But enough to make a difference.
Theresa eyed me warily. "More powers?"
"More survivability," I corrected. "And if the group system is right, I'll need it."
The countdown timer ticked in the corner of my vision: 11:59:00.
Tomorrow, we'd step into Aincrad together.
A new world. A deadly mission. And the first true test of whether this group could function as a team.
I clenched my fist, the faint hum of the stigmata resonating with my heartbeat.
This was only the beginning.