Honkai Impact: I, The Herrscher of Ice, Am Loved By Players-Chapter 204: The Herrscher of Corruption’s Origin? MiHoYo!

"You... succeeded?"

In the past, Mobius had shared some research findings on the Herrscher of Corruption with Ana. However, she knew that Ana wasn't primarily a researcher and wouldn't be able to achieve what she desired.

Yet, the Ana standing before her had remarkably reached the anticipated state, even surpassing it with greater perfection.

Having encountered both the Twelfth Herrscher from the previous civilization and this era's Herrscher of Corruption, it was evident that the Ana now appeared as yet another distinct entity.

How exactly did she manage to accomplish this? Mobius genuinely couldn't comprehend it.

"I simply achieved becoming the Herrscher of Corruption through a different path," Ana replied calmly.

"Furthermore, for you all, the Herrscher of Corruption represents absolute control over life and death, the ultimate Finality. But do you truly understand the Authority of Finality?" Ana continued.

Mobius' eyes flickered. As a researcher, she naturally knew that the Authority of Finality encompassed time and the cycle of rebirth.

"I can replicate its effects, whether externally or internally."

"...Impossible!" Mobius hesitated momentarily before vehemently denying it.

"Nothing is truly impossible. If not for this power, do you think you'd still exist now?" Ana replied calmly.

"..."

"You..."

Mobius ultimately didn't continue questioning further. Ana's current state was what every scholar in the world aspired to achieve and envy, with only Mei remaining unshaken by such a revelation.

However, when Ana first encountered Mei, she hadn't yet reached this level of transcendence.

"Besides, haven't you always wished to witness a confrontation between two Herrschers of Corruption? Now, you have that opportunity," Ana continued.

"Hmph, spare me. You don't seriously believe a mere fraction of energy can handle that guy, do you?" Mobius retorted coldly, her voice tinged with sarcasm.

"I merely said I'll let you observe; I never claimed victory was necessary." Ana shrugged helplessly. While she indeed could defeat their opponent outright, there was no need for it.

"For the situation at hand, Vill-V has already provided a solution. All we require is more time, which I am fully capable of granting, wouldn't you agree?"

"Hmph." Mobius let out a cold snort, but her demeanor no longer held the previous sarcasm and indifference. She pondered the truth behind Ana's words and—what benefits Ana could gain from this.

Mobius always believed that Ana had come to the Elysian Realm seeking something for personal gain. However, she couldn't ascertain exactly what that benefit or desire might be.

Of course, contemplating these matters now held little significance since Mobius was about to dissipate. Even if she refused, Ana would still be able to utilize her remnants regardless.

"Do I have a choice?"

"Well then, thank you for the feast!"

As Ana finished speaking, Mobius's form began disintegrating into data. With a gentle inhale, Ana absorbed Mobius's essence, embarking on a voracious consumption spree within the Elysian Realm.

Compared to the Herrscher of Corruption, Ana still held an advantage.

Most importantly, she knew this place well, understanding what could be consumed and what tasted best. In contrast, the Herrscher of Corruption indiscriminately devoured everything.

This led Ana to speculate: If the Herrscher of Corruption cannot leave the Elysian Realm, would it possibly recreate another version of the Garden within its own mental world?

After all, with the memories of Heroic Spirits absorbed, it had every capability to achieve this.

Of course, these thoughts were merely speculative. From the Divine Self's omniscient perspective, such a scenario was indeed possible, but the situation would unlikely escalate to that extent.

However, if Ana could directly eliminate the Herrscher of Corruption now, why bother consuming everything within the Elysian Realm?

Naturally, it's because reconstructing the Elysian Realm later requires substantial data and energy. Understanding thriftiness is key; the consumed data will return in other ways eventually.

Moreover, in a sense, devouring serves as a form of documenting the Elysian Realm, doesn't it?

Additionally—by eating more herself, she ensures less consumption by the Herrscher of Corruption. Although the Herrscher may not be as meticulous (or ruthless) in its feasting, at least it weakens its power somewhat, making Elysia's eventual intervention easier.

To facilitate this plan, Ana stages another faux death scene.

Well, dying repeatedly has become her signature trait anyway. One more death won't hurt, especially considering the Heroic Spirits have already died once—or even twice! As the embodiment of the Elysian Realm's memories, one must respect the established company culture.

In the real world, finally, Version 5.9 "Endless Spiral Feast" arrived. From its name alone, it was clear that this update would introduce Vill-V's armor.

Of course, for Captains like me, the storyline and characters aren't really important in this version. What matters most is—this game's relentless pay-to-win tactics, pushing players to quit for their own mental health, have gone too far!

The biggest issues with this game lie in the extended downtime between updates and the grueling ultimate zone after unlocking it. However, the early stages for new players remain enjoyable and fresh.

So, my advice to Captains, especially those level 81 and above, is to create a new account and play through at least one version cycle to rediscover your initial enthusiasm.

What? You're asking about me? Naturally, I'll be observing from the ultimate zone, waiting for the artbook release.

It's safe to say that around this time each year, Honkai Impact 3 Captains become the most active. Even old veterans shed their lethargy, diving headfirst back into the Abyss to chase high scores once more—not just settling for S-rank or Red Lotus, but aiming straight for Pain tier.

One can hardly fathom how these overpowered elites descend en masse, like a forceful dimensional strike.

It's not that whales lack the gear; they simply prefer not to grind the Abyss.

During this period, the most notable aspect is the plethora of misinformation spreading. Of course, what I've mentioned here is just the latest iteration, and...in the future, there will likely be even newer versions.

This was both the busiest and most laid-back version, as previously mentioned due to leaks from the test server.

Everyone eagerly awaited Ellie's release.

While some anticipated Ellie, others had already started enjoying the new content.

"Wow, Vill-V is insane!"

In Brother Cake's live stream, he controlled the newly released character, fiercely battling within the Abyss. It seemed like this update was tailor-made for Vill-V, with her gameplay mechanics being quite intriguing.

Casual players were waiting for Ellie, but the whales naturally chose to indulge first with Vill-V. As for Ellie, no worries—she wouldn't be short on attention either.

Perhaps due to the emotionally draining storyline earlier, Brother Cake appeared somewhat weary now. Looking at the Garden of Eden, he felt torn between wanting to progress yet also hesitating. However, spurred by the bullet comments' urging, he decided to dive back into it.

"Ah, seriously, what's with all your impatience? Just itching to see me lose my cool, huh?" Brother Cake said, somewhat exasperated, as he opened the Garden of Eden and continued the story.

Naturally, the bullet comments followed his expectations:

[If not to watch you crack under pressure, why else would we tune in?]

[Brother Cake, I purposely held off progressing the story just to see you! Can't wait!]

[Brother Cake! For you, I deliberately resisted grinding!]

[Bro, something's off with you!]

To be honest, Brother Cake had grown somewhat accustomed to these defiant bullet comments; it wasn't his first encounter with them. Fortunately, due to his frequent giveaways and interactions, the overall tone hadn't significantly shifted.

Unlike a certain neighboring streamer whose chat was constantly filled with outrageous remarks, ripe for compilation videos.

"The internet isn't lawless, guys. Let's all watch our words and actions carefully," Brother Cake sighed, finally getting serious about progressing the storyline. To enhance immersion, he even placed several Heroic Spirit figurines on his desk, collecting one each time a card shattered.

One could only say that after enduring so much, he had learned to find joy amidst hardship.

As for the plot, well, it unfolded just as expected.

After lengthy dialogue, they finally encountered the first Heroic Spirit—Sakura.

"Ah—" Seeing her appearance, Brother Cake couldn't help but let out a soft sigh. Among the Heroic Spirits, she was quite popular, inheriting the fanbase from the original Yae Sakura. For veteran players, she represented a cherished nostalgia.

Of course, this wasn't the main point. The key aspect is—Sakura truly has a tragic fate. She is the earliest casualty among the Heroic Spirits of the Paragon Realm. While others meticulously guard their secrets, few realize that she herself already knows her destiny.

Now, after being absent for so long, she steps forward once more, likely heading towards her final battle—a battle that may seal her demise.

"...However, before that, I have one more request.

"If possible, please make my death even more [painful].

"Let me experience despair, remorse, and utter helplessness to their fullest..."

"Only then can I truly grasp how much I was [inadequate]...

"And understand, at last, how I managed to uphold the [pride] of being a sister."

"Never once, and never will..."

Reading this excerpt, even Brother Cake could only sigh. Undoubtedly, Sakura remained deeply immersed in her past, yet it wasn't entirely out of regret. Her devotion to her little sister remained unchanged, just as her stance towards Herrschers did.

It is precisely because of this unwavering commitment that she felt remorse, but without question, she ultimately upheld the [pride] of being a sister.

In the Honkai World's Elysian Realm, as Sakura raised her blade, she heard the voice she had longed for:

"Big Sister..."

Though merely two words, they were enough to bring tears to Sakura's eyes, igniting within her an even greater surge of strength.

"Thank you... Ana..."

"..."

Brother Cake didn't speak; he silently removed Sakura's figurine from display. Fully understanding her plight and feeling deeply for her, he found himself at a loss for words. This was Sakura's own choice, yet it was truly heart-wrenching.

Still, it was very much in character for her.

The bullet comments on the screen echoed with sympathy, mourning Sakura's fate.

[Sniffle, farewell Sakura!]

[Sakura had such a tragic life; I can't even imagine how she felt facing the Twelfth Herrscher.]

[Rest well, let bygones be bygones.]

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[Goodnight, Sakura. May you find peace in another world... Wait, no... Ugh...]

However, just as everyone thought they had reached the limit of the scriptwriter's creativity, what unfolded next once again shattered their perceptions.

The upcoming first-person perspective was none other than the Herrscher of Corruption wearing Ellie's guise.

"Damn it, why did I turn into this bastard?!" Seeing the monstrous character on screen and realizing who he was controlling, Brother Cake couldn't help but curse aloud.

"Can I let this thing get killed by mobs?" The thought crossed his mind, but upon glancing at the number of viewers in the live stream, he ultimately abandoned the idea without even attempting it.

Honestly, though, it felt like pure torment for him.

He truly despised the Herrscher of Corruption, yet now he had to use this character to kill Heroic Spirits? What is wrong with that scriptwriter?!

Then, something he dreaded most happened next.

Indeed, following immediately after, was using the corrupted Ellie to face Kosma. Frankly, it proved quite challenging, hinting at another foreseeable reality:

Kosma would likely be introduced into both the Abyss and battlefields soon; however, its elemental attribute remained unknown.

Kosma was incredibly challenging, and Corruption Ellie's abilities were utterly disgusting—a double torment for Brother Cake, which resonated with the viewers in the live stream as well.

Of course, this wasn't the end; even more heart-wrenching moments awaited ahead.

Griseo transformed both herself and Kosma's data into paintings, essentially meaning they had already perished within the Elysian Realm. Through this act, she aimed to halt the Herrscher of Corruption's advance, effectively buying valuable time.

It's hard to fathom how Far Stars, always protected by the Heroic Spirits, could make such a decision and turn both Kosma and herself into artwork.

All just to impede the pursuit of the Herrscher of Corruption... This...