Honkai Impact: I, The Herrscher of Ice, Am Loved By Players-Chapter 189: A Farewell Kiss, Captain Boiling Over!

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"Her?" Kiana voiced her confusion once more.

This time, Durandal seemed to grasp Otto's meaning. After all, compared to Kiana, she had a deeper understanding of him and knew more about his past.

"The priestess, Kallen," Bai Zhi interjected softly from the side, effectively clarifying Kiana's doubts.

"Before you shattered my plans, despite coming infinitely close to divinity, I was ultimately just a slave to the Imaginary Tree."

"Heh, compared to her, I truly fall far short." Otto suddenly spoke with self-derision.

"You shouldn't underestimate yourself. As a mortal transcending fate, defying destiny itself, you have already reached humanity's pinnacle," Bai Zhi remarked mildly, offering high praise. Indeed, it was true; although Otto was a despicable character, that didn't diminish his extraordinary achievements.

"Ha, being bound within this intrinsic world, possessing power yet lacking freedom, such a pinnacle is laughable... laughable..." Otto chuckled bitterly.

"Bai Zhi sighed lightly, "Even she is similarly constrained by the source energy, seeking opportunities for transcendence. Life is inherently filled with suffering; there's no need for comparison."

Yes, while Ana's divine self had indeed emerged, it remained trapped within the Cocoon of Finality.

It's true that Otto was confined within the intrinsic world, while Ana's divine self remained trapped inside her Cocoon, unable to break free. In a sense, their situations were similar.

Granted, Ana could still manifest herself through avatars and other means, but these representations were only partial, not encompassing her entirety. Nevertheless, such freedom is what countless beings yearn for in this world.

However, having the divine self bound within one's self can be even more distressing, albeit words like these might sound dismissive from someone else's perspective (looking at you, Sa).

"Ah, indeed—"

"So, from the very beginning, I placed this bet—

"I wagered on humanity's willpower to create instantaneous miracles, capable of disrupting the laws governing the Imaginary Tree, if just for a fleeting moment, bending them to our command."

"And ultimately, my gamble paid off."

"But..."

"That's enough; there's no need to explain further to them. They're not Anti-Entropy's two esteemed doctors—they wouldn't fully grasp it."

Bai Zhi interrupted Otto, and her words left Kiana and Durandal feeling somewhat awkward—how should they put it? The explanation indeed sounded vague and enigmatic to them.

"The specifics might be too complex for you to grasp. Just know that Otto accomplished what was necessary, took a bold gamble, and ultimately seized this opportunity."

"Alright, Otto, let's proceed. For the final stretch of our journey, she shall accompany you," Bai Zhi said softly, her eyes shimmering with golden light.

"Whether you can seize the remaining chances will depend on fate!"

As Bai Zhi finished speaking, a golden glow quietly filled the church. Within this radiance, Otto's figure gradually emerged. Though nearly translucent and visibly weary, a smile graced his face.

In the shadows beyond the reach of the golden light, another silhouette appeared.

With long chestnut hair draped over her shoulders, she carried a pitch-black Cross on her back. Shackles adorned her ankles, silver chains entwining around her body, making her appear both as a prisoner and a penitent ascetic.

However, her identity and name were instantly understood by both individuals with just one glance.

It was Ana—the true Ana.

The Prisoner lifted her head to look at the two beside her, revealing a serene smile reminiscent of their first meeting.

"Hey, long time no see." Before Bianka or Kiana could speak, the Prisoner greeted them warmly.

As that familiar voice echoed, tears streamed down the faces of both Bianka and Kiana.

"Don't cry; it's not our first encounter, nor is it a final goodbye," Ana chuckled softly.

In this moment, she wasn't merely an avatar but the genuine Ana, her authentic self. The restraints and prohibitions weren't pretenses either.

One could interpret this as the true essence of Ana's inner being. Of course, these illusions had no real impact on the core of Ana herself, but from an outsider's perspective, they might seem somewhat...

Yes, indeed, they were meant for appearances only, albeit not intentionally deceptive.

"Ana, you..." Durandal gazed at Ana before her, hesitating to continue.

Through the Kaslana Stigmata Space, Ana had gained some insight into her past actions. However, she didn't possess more knowledge than Raiden Mei, as the memories within the Garden of Eden were far more comprehensive than what the stigma space could record.

"Apologies, but there are certain things I cannot reveal yet. Knowing too much would bring no benefit to you—or any of you." Ana paused briefly before continuing, "However, rest assured, we will meet again. I only hope that when that time comes, you'll be able to bear the weight of it all."

As Ana spoke, she turned towards Otto standing nearby.

In the distance, Bai Zhi tossed the Void Archives to him. Surprisingly, despite being merely a wandering spirit now, Otto managed to catch it effortlessly.

"Let's go, Otto. She's still waiting for you."

"Yes."

Unexpectedly, the once confident Bishop Otto was nowhere to be seen, replaced by a cautious and anxious man. This different demeanor emerged only when confronting matters related to Kallen, as he knew he had just one chance left with her.

If this attempt failed, Kallen would never return.

From Ana's perspective, regardless of the outcome, there was no chance for Kallen to come back. After all, Otto sought only the unique essence that made her who she was.

A Kallen without Otto... Could she still be considered Kallen?

Of course, part of what makes priestesses so revered is their sacrifice. The true value of many things can only be revealed through death.

Only death elevates everything, and only Otto's demise could bring closure to his story. Otherwise, attempting to settle accounts with him...would prove impossible, given the countless transgressions he had committed.

"Let's go," whispered Ana, glancing at the man beside her. "I can assist you covertly, but the rest depends on your own efforts."

This time, Otto remained silent. He lifted his head, determination shining in his eyes, and walked forward under Durandal and Kiana's watchful gaze.

As if suddenly remembering something, he paused. "Farewell, heroes."

"Tell Theresa... I deeply regret that her grandfather cannot attend her coronation ceremony."

With those words, Otto waved his hand and continued walking, gradually disappearing from their sight until even his presence vanished entirely.

"Well then, farewell, Durandal, Kiana."

Watching as Otto departed ahead of them, Ana also waved with a smile. Naturally, she appeared more composed than Otto, considering for him, this might truly be their final goodbye.

For Ana, however, it was merely the beginning. Still, allowing her true self to emerge felt genuinely refreshing.

Due to the influence of her divine self, most of the time, the true self remained suppressed. This encounter could almost be seen as an exception by the divine self itself.

Just as Ana was about to leave, a voice suddenly echoed behind her.

"Ana!"

The voice was unmistakably familiar to Ana.

"Bia—"

Before she could finish her sentence, something soft covered her lips. Since Otto had managed to grasp the Void Archives, it meant that both Durandal and Ana now possessed tangible forms, albeit imperfectly.

Thus, they retained their sense of touch.

Undeniably, before Ana's eyes, Durandal... Bianka, leaned in for a kiss.

Honestly, such a bold and direct move would have been entirely plausible from Rita, but coming from Bianka, it seemed unimaginable.

For Ana, this reaction was equally unexpected. Despite the divine self's omniscience, even He hadn't foreseen this situation.

Perhaps, as Otto suggested, these are the human miracles?

Well, not quite the same thing, though.

"Bianka, you..."

After much effort, Ana managed to break free but noticed Bianka's eyes reddening, tears continuously streaming down her face. Despite always being strong and serving as a role model for Valkyries,

regardless of that, she was still a girl at heart, needing protection and possessing a softer side, albeit rarely shown due to her habits.

Indeed, even Gods have their vulnerable and tender moments.

For a Valkyrie like Bianka, the hidden gentleness within her made her even more captivating.

"I met Siegfried."

Bianka whispered softly, her voice unusually delicate, almost pinched-like. If not witnessed firsthand, it would be hard to imagine such a facet of Bianka.

However, speaking of Siegfried...

As soon as Ana thought about him, her cheeks flushed red. Memories from the Moonshadow Episode flooded back - those repeated calls of "father-in-law"... Clearly...clearly, it should have been "uncle"...

And then there were the jokes they shared, the words exchanged... It seemed...in the end, Siegfried took them seriously? No way! How could he actually believe any of that?

"Even though... In any case..." Bianka's cheeks flushed slightly, her words coming out stammered. Nonetheless, Ana understood what she meant. It was...

"I'll wait for you, no—I'll find you!"

"And one more thing..."

"That's enough! No need to say more!" Ana abruptly broke free and rushed in Otto's direction, quickly vanishing from sight.

Watching Ana depart, Bianka couldn't help but burst into laughter after a moment.

Kiana joined in with a chuckle beside her.

"I never thought, Durandal, that you...you and Ana-sensei..."

Durandal cleared her throat. "Kiana, if I remember correctly, shouldn't I be your—"

"Big Sister," Kiana replied without hesitation. She had always embraced this connection, as everything she currently possessed stemmed from the actions of past-Kiana, now known as Durandal.

On the other hand, Durandal harbored unique feelings towards both Kiana and Siegfried.

After all, Durandal had long forgotten her past memories.

"Right."

"Do you need help with... matters of the heart?"

Kiana's smile abruptly froze.

Alright, maybe she wasn't quite qualified to be a mentor on this subject after all... Mei... Mei was still at the World Serpent, huh. Hmm, Kiana didn't realize that currently, Raiden Mei seemed somewhat content and reluctant to leave.

Cough, just kidding.

"I suspect my experiences might actually be more relevant for you?" Durandal chuckled softly as she smoothed her hair.

As she finished speaking, another figure entered the church—it was Rita.

"Welcome back, Lady Durandal."

Rita maintained her usual grace and composure, impeccable as always. Even Schicksal's Valkyries were aware of their relationship.

"Yes, thank you for your hard work, Rita." Durandal nodded.

"..."

Watching the two before her, Kiana suddenly missed the Raiden Mei from the World Serpent dearly.

"Mei... these two are ganging up on me! I don't know what to do..."

"I swear, this is the ultimate fan service moment!"

In the real world, within Brother Cake's live stream:

Although he didn't directly witness the kiss (not that he couldn't see it, but only from behind rather than the side), Brother Cake felt overwhelmed by the sheer sweetness. And here he was, someone who usually avoids sugar altogether!

Who could have predicted that in this Chapter, meant to be Durandal and Otto's spotlight, Ana would unexpectedly steal the scene? Moreover, her vulnerable appearance tugged at everyone's heartstrings!

Using such a scenario to test their resolve? Who can withstand that?!

And just as Captains were howling with excitement, you throw more dog food our way? Wanting balanced nutrition with main course meals, huh?! Alright, alright, bravo scriptwriters!

Under these circumstances, Brother Cake exclaimed his sentiment.

One can only say, it indeed made sense. Regardless of the "sugar" aspect, the conclusion was highly satisfying. Although not yet the final outcome, since Otto's part remains unfinished.

However, for the Captains, wrapping up this Chapter right here would be perfectly acceptable!

"Give the screenwriter an extra chicken leg for this episode! But deduct points for not showing a kiss scene!"

Regardless, the stream's viewers were indeed satisfied, flooding the chat with messages of contentment and envy over the couple's affectionate display. Although it spammed the screen, the atmosphere remained amicable.

However, soon enough...

[Brothers, will Ana's pose be made into a skin? It's incredibly suggestive!]

[Definitely lewd, even without much exposed.]

[Fam, the neighboring streamer is drawing fanart of Ana and Bianka!]

[Wow, quick, share the link, but keep it hush-hush!]

"So... Big Sister, do you really like her?"

This content is taken from fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm.

In the outskirts of Shanghai, Ana sat on a bench, her thoughts suddenly interrupted by Sirin beside her.

"Hmm... Of course... I do."

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