'Am I dead? Where am I? My head is so dizzy. My body... I have no strength.' Ming Yu laboriously opened his eyes, once again met with an unfamiliar ceiling.
Ming Yu struggled to turn his head, trying to figure out where he was. But his body wouldn't obey; he couldn't muster even a shred of strength.
Noticing Ming Yu was awake, a girl at his side leaned in and asked softly, "You're awake? How are you feeling?"
Seeing the pink-haired girl with a pair of tall, erect rabbit-like ears, Ming Yu's heart settled, and he understood his situation. It seems I was found by Yae Sakura. Come to think of it, that white-haired nun Kallen was also found by Yae Sakura like this five hundred years ago. She really is a kind-hearted shrine maiden.
"Did you save me? Thank you for your concern, I'm much better now," Ming Yu said gratefully, noticing his bandaged wounds.
"When I found you, you were badly injured and had lost a lot of blood. But your body's recovery ability is quite good. The wounds are not serious, you should be fine after a few days of rest," Yae Sakura said happily upon hearing his reply.
Ming Yu nodded in agreement. He had been too reckless this time. Despite constantly reminding himself to be careful, that this world was dangerous, he had still been too cocky. If he hadn't run into Yae Sakura, he would probably be dead by now.
Thinking of this, an idea struck him, and he silently prompted in his mind: "System, pull up the attribute panel."
Host: Ming Yu
Honkai Energy Points: 116
Weapon: Tachi: Seishuu Muramasa (1-star)
Stigmata: Shirlena (2-star) (6-day limit)
Skills: Basic Close-Quarters Combat (LV1: 15/100)
Evaluation: C (Congratulations Host on successfully shedding your scrub status and entering the ranks of the weaklings. You have taken the first step towards becoming the strongest.)
The joy Ming Yu felt at seeing his evaluation change to C was completely ruined by the text that followed. Ming Yu could already imagine that if the system had a face, it would definitely be a smug, mocking one.
"That can't be, it must be the Host's imagination. This system is dedicated to providing the Host with comprehensive services, striving for excellence and constantly pursuing perfection."
I'll believe you when pigs fly, you darn system are up to no good, Ming Yu complained inwardly.
Seeing that he had six days left on his Stigmata, Ming Yu felt a sense of helplessness. The Stigmata not only strengthened his body but also increased his resistance to Honkai Energy corrosion. The reason he dared to venture into Senba Academy, the core area of the eruption, was not just because of the system's enhancement, but also partly because he was relying on the Stigmata. A sense of anxiety welled up in him. It seemed he had to leave Nagazora within these six days, otherwise, it would be dangerous when the Stigmata's time ran out and his strength decreased.
The small bit of good news was that he had finally gotten his first skill. Although "Basic" looked a bit lame, it was still his first skill. The fight with the Loyal and Obedient Ninja Honkai Zombies had been perilous, but the rewards were substantial. Not only did it give him a full thirty Honkai Energy Points, but his combat ability was also acknowledged by the system. It was a bit of a pity that he didn't learn something like swordsmanship. Perhaps it was because his other abilities were stronger than his swordsmanship, or maybe it had something to do with him using the tachi as a simple stabbing weapon?
Ming Yu looked at the shrine maiden beside him, many thoughts flashing through his mind. Thinking of Yae Sakura's tragic life, he sighed softly and slowly said, "My name is Ming Yu, a survivor of this apocalypse. May I ask your name, miss?"
Yae Sakura's fox-like ears twitched. With a hint of nostalgia and guilt, she replied, "My name is Yae Sakura. I am, for now, a shrine maiden."
"Is that so." Ming Yu didn't dwell on her answer and continued, "This city has been infected by the Honkai. I wonder what plans Miss Sakura has?"
Yae Sakura's expression shifted slightly, and she spoke with an unshakeable determination, "I want to find someone."
This answer was what Ming Yu had expected. You really can't let go of Kallen, can you? It's been five hundred years. Such a persistent person.
"What are your plans, Mr. Yu?" Yae Sakura asked.
Ming Yu wanted to ask about the whereabouts of Kiana's group. He vaguely remembered that Yae Sakura had met the trio, but it seemed they had fought. Perhaps because her power hadn't fully recovered after breaking the seal, Yae Sakura, as a Pseudo-Herrscher, had actually lost. This was not a pleasant memory, and even if Yae Sakura was magnanimous enough not to care, it would still be a bit awkward for Ming Yu.
After a moment of contemplation, Ming Yu replied with a self-deprecating tone, "Me? I just want to survive in this apocalypse."
"Is that all?" Yae Sakura murmured.
The two chatted casually for a while longer. Seeing that Ming Yu was not in high spirits, Yae Sakura pointed to the rice balls on the side and said, "Food has been prepared. Please rest well, Mr. Yu. It is safe here for the time being."
Ming Yu thanked her again, and Yae Sakura quietly left the room.
Taking a deep breath, Ming Yu felt like he had never spoken so formally in his life. The shrine maiden's etiquette was truly troublesome.
Looking at the two Yae-style rice balls next to him, Ming Yu couldn't help but feel a headache coming on. The rice balls were hefty, perhaps too hefty. One rice ball was equivalent to two large bowls of rice, simply wrapped in seaweed into a triangular prism shape. So how did Kallen manage to eat them back then? Should he say that all Kaslanas are gluttons?
Meanwhile, after Yae Sakura left Ming Yu's room, a dark red, fox-shaped mist materialized beside her, its red-glowing eyes glinting with cunning. "That kid is lying. He was heading towards the core of the Honkai eruption. He must have an ulterior motive," the fox shadow sneered. "It seems he doesn't trust you. Do you think everyone is as kind-hearted as you, saving even complete strangers?"
Seeing Yae Sakura remain silent, the fox shadow continued, "Do you still think you're human? Don't forget, your hands are already stained with human blood. You're like me now, a Herrscher. Human society has no place for you anymore!
You still want to find Kallen? Stop deceiving yourself, humans can't possibly have a lifespan as long as ours. It's been five hundred years, that woman is long dead. The only one with you now is me. And only I can always be with you.
I can feel a new Herrscher being born nearby. My power has waned a lot since I was defeated by those three women. Now is the only safe period. Otherwise, when the new Herrscher is born, we're doomed.
Don't forget that white-haired woman from not long ago. Do you think this kid will trust a Herrscher? Once he recovers, the first person he'll want to kill is you! Do it now, kill this kid and leave this place!"
Yae Sakura's expression was indifferent. She looked at the fox shadow with sharp eyes, her cherry lips parted, and she snapped, "Get lost!"
The black mist instantly dissipated as if it had never been there.
Yae Sakura let out a sigh, her face complicated. She looked towards the distant sky and murmured, "If it were you, what would you do, Kallen?"