Almost There

As I slowly opened my eyes, the room came into focus, revealing an unfamiliar ceiling. "Where... am I?"

"Looks like you're finally awake," a voice sounded from nearby. My heart skipped a beat as I recognized it.

"Rita."

"How was your rest, Master Shin?" Rita's voice held a hint of amusement.

"Where am I?" I asked, trying to push away the fog in my mind.

"You're currently in a Schicksal's clinic room. You made quite an impression on me, Master Shin. I owe you one, remember?"

"...Rita... one more thing," I hesitated, suddenly noticing my bare chest.

"Yes? Master Shin," Rita's tone remained playful.

"Why am I shirtless?" I demanded, feeling a flush rise to my cheeks.

"Fufu~ Master Shin... Is that a question you're really gonna ask?" Rita's laughter filled the room as she looked away with a mischievous smile.

"Of course!"

Rita's smile widened as I stared at her suspiciously, then sighed in resignation. "Where are Dr. Tesla and Himeko?"

"They are safe, for now," Rita replied, her tone calm and composed. "They are being held in a church as prisoners. While I'll give you a private treatment."

I narrowed my eyes. "Private treatment? Is that what you call this?"

Rita chuckled softly. "Don't worry, Master Shin. I ensured they were treated well. But as for you..." She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "You have always been special to me. I couldn't let them treat you like any other prisoner."

Shivers send down my spine as I immediately get back onto the wall. "This isn't right."

Perhaps," she said, straightening up, her eyes meeting mine with a mixture of fondness and determination. "But it doesn't change the fact that I owe you. And I always repay my debts."

"What do I owe you anyway? I forgot."

"it seems you had forgotten, huh."

"I did."

Rita stood up and headed toward the door, but paused before leaving. "Master Shin, the Hyperion is facing a major crisis right now... What would you do if Kiana Kaslana has become your enemy?"

I blinked, taken aback. "What kind of question is that...?" I paused, my gaze shifting inward as I thought deeply. After a few moments, I answered, "I'll beat her to make sure she'll wake up."

Rita's lips curved into a smile. Without another word, she left the clinic, the door closing softly behind her.

The room fell silent once more as I lay back down on the bed, staring at the ceiling.

"Tsurugi."

A voice echoed in my mind. "What do you want?"

"Is the Herrscher of the Void really that powerful?"

"Of course," Tsurugi replied. "With your current skills, you won't be able to defeat her."

I exhaled slowly,"Right... then there's only one way, isn't there?"

Tsurugi's curiosity piqued. "What do you mean?"

"The crimson katana," I whispered, my mind already racing with the possibilities and the risks that came with it.

[Meanwhile... on Raiden Mei's Point of View]

The Hyperion hummed with readiness as Mei completed her final checks. Theresa approached her with a serious expression.

"Mei, there's something you need to know."

Mei turned to her. "What is it?"

"Your heart bomb has been disabled, but this might cause the 3rd Herrscher's will to awaken. Don't push yourself too hard; you can't fully harness that power yet."

"Thank you, Principal."

"Just call me Theresa. I've betrayed Schicksal, and I'm no longer the Principal of St. Freya. I'm sorry for dragging you into all of this."

Mei's eyes softened. "Don't say that. We've left Schicksal together. You're still our beloved Principal. You admitted me into St. Freya two years ago despite me being a confirmed Herrscher host. You are the reason why I'm standing here as a Valkyrie."

Theresa's expression softened as well. "Two years already? Time passed so quickly!"

Mei nodded, "I used to be afraid that the Herrscher might hurt more people... but I don't intend to hide any longer. I will use this power to protect the people I love."

"Mei..."

A hologram flickered to life in front of Theresa, revealing Einstein's concerned face.

"Sorry to interrupt, but the barrier is changing. We've lost contact with Tesla's team."

Theresa's eyes narrowed with determination. "Understood. Battle stations, Mei! We're doing this."

Bronya stepped forward, her voice calm and steady. "The Bronya will assist while protecting Wendy."

Mei glanced at Bronya and nodded, gripping the hilt of her katana tightly. "Thank you, Bronya. Knowing you're here, I have nothing to worry about."

"No worries."

Mei's eyes blazed with resolve as she prepared to deploy. "I'm ready."

Mei dashed out of the Hyperion, landing smoothly on its rear side. As she made contact with the ground, she unsheathed her katana in one fluid motion, her eyes fixed on the approaching Honkai beasts. "I will... cut them," she muttered with steely determination.

The battle erupted around the Hyperion, with Mei and Theresa fighting relentlessly against the swarm of Honkai beasts and Schicksal's Mechs. S

parks flew as Mei's katana clashed with the creatures, her movements swift and precise.

A few minutes into the chaos, an operator's voice crackled through their earpieces. "Sensors picked up a large number of Honkai readings around the Hyperion! Honkai Beasts have started converging on our location through the breach in the barrier!"

Theresa glanced around, frustration was evident in her expression. "What? Why do bad things keep happening at moments like these?"

"I'll go take care of them!" Mei responded, sheathing her katana before rushing toward the threat.

"The lower levels have been hit. Fires have been detected spreading through the cabins!" the operator reported.

Mei's heart skipped a beat. "Oh no! Wendy is still there!"

Bronya's calm voice cut through the panic. "Don't worry about us, Mei-oneechan. The Bronya has protected Wendy.. but I don't think I'll last long!"

Reassured but still focused, Mei sprinted towards the breach, ready to face the incoming wave of enemies.

"Enemies are entering the cabins! There's no time to wait for support... Evacuate our people from the lower decks. I will hold the Honkai off!" Mei's voice rang out with urgency and determination.

As she raced toward the cabins, her mind focused solely on the task ahead. She could hear the distant roars of the Honkai beasts and the sounds of chaos growing louder.

With a steely resolve, Mei gritted her teeth and picked up her pace. She spotted a swarm of Chariot-Class Honkai beasts descending upon the cabin. Her grip tightened on her katana, and without a moment's hesitation, she launched herself into the fray.

Her blade moved in a blur, slicing through the Chariot-Class beasts with precision and grace. Each strike was deliberate, each movement a testament to her skill and determination.

She weaved through the swarm, her katana cutting through the air and Honkai flesh alike.

Ugh... I feel so drowsy...

But why is it that all I can think of is you...

I like how you, at the end of every mission.

Kick down the dorm door and shout, "Mei, I'm home!" along with Bronya and Shin.

Arguing with Shin and then leaping beside me and yelling in my ear how hungry you are...

I would always rub your hair

And tell you, "Welcome back!"

 I like all these about you.

As Mei neared Bronya's area, a menacing Templar-Class Honkai beast descended from above, its imposing figure casting a shadow over the corridor.

Mei's eyes narrowed as she assessed the threat before her. She knew this was no ordinary adversary - an evolved Templar type with enhanced defense and paralyzing attacks.

But Mei's determination remained unshaken. With a swift and decisive motion, she drew her katana, the blade crackling with latent energy. In a single fluid movement, she lunged forward, unleashing a powerful slash that sent a surge of lightning crackling through the air.

The lightning arced toward the Templar-Class beast, striking its shield with a resounding crack. The creature staggered under the force of the blow, its defenses momentarily weakened by the ferocity of Mei's attack.

I will save you, Kiana.

You are not some Kaslana heroine, and you are not some clone of the 2nd Herrscher.

To me...

You are gentle and kind... and an idiot that I would never let go of...