Pace, Run, Roll

In the game, Mei's inner thoughts reveal a complex reality that might be apparent to others: the bond she shares with Kiana wasn't easily formed. 

Yet, for Kiana, the happiness she feels is beyond words, The fact that Mei entrusted her with such a significant role took her by surprise. 

Her gratitude deepens as she reflects on her journey around the world, which brought her a precious companion and a circle of friends.

" Ahem..." Mei coughed awkwardly, raised her hand to tangle a strand of hair behind her ears, and her face turned slightly red.

Although it was undoubtedly her true thoughts in her heart, it also made her feel shy. After all, she almost showed her heart in front of so many people.

"Mei!" Kiana exclaimed, spreading her arms wide and pulling Mei into a warm embrace. 

"I'm so moved, Mei. I promise, I won't ever leave you again!" Kiana clung to Mei, much like a koala latches onto a tree, showing no signs of letting go.

"It's just a game, Kiana. Don't take it so seriously," Mei said, a blush spreading across her face. The two ghost horns on top of her head had an inexplicable sense of arrogance.

She glanced around to make sure Bronya and Seele weren't watching. They were focused on the game, and the two little ones were chattering excitedly about something else.

Recalling the plot, She reached out and playfully tweaked Kiana's ears. "But seriously," she continued, her expression turning more sincere, "you can't be so reckless in the future."

She said it with a serious face, staring at the other party's blue eyes, not allowing her to look away.

A sigh escaped Mei's lips as she glanced back towards the game. A mix of amusement and a hint of worry filled her heart.

"Please, try to be a little more responsible," Bronya said, a hint of exhaustion in her voice. "Setting a good example is important." While she sounded exasperated, she also understood the situation wasn't simple. After all, the game gave them a rare chance to reconnect with feelings they might have lost touch with.

Seele leaned in close, her warm breath tickling Bronya's ear. "Sister Bronya~" Seele's voice was soft and playful, and it brought a faint blush to Bronya's normally flat face.

She pretended to be nonchalant and turned her head and asked, "What's the matter, Seele?"

---

Sora couldn't stop raving about Mei's cooking, shoveling another bite into her mouth.

she was also surprised by the ingredients, which she had never tasted before. Even though there were so many chili peppers, they were not spicy at all.

Then she couldn't help but ask a classic question:

"Oh, it would be great if the teacher could have cooking skills like Mei's. She is good at everything, but her cooking is really unpalatable."

---

An awkward silence fell over the room. The usual chatter from the kids had stopped abruptly. 

"Pfft haha——" Lyle stifled a laugh, glancing out the window. 

He really didn't want to cause a scene when the teacher got back, but Sora's honesty was just too much!

Everyone had their own thoughts about the teacher's cooking, but no one was brave (or maybe foolish) enough to say it out loud.

"I didn't mean it! Teacher, I didn't say that!" Sora blurted out, waving her hands frantically. Her face was flushed as she insisted she'd never meant to be disrespectful.

"Hey, Lyle, lower your voice."

Raven said with a sigh. She reached over and ruffled Sora's fluffy hair, her big hand almost covering her whole head. 

Lyle immediately quieted down. He knew better than to mess with the teacher – especially when it came to certain topics. There would be serious consequences if he didn't listen.

"Sora, it's okay. I'm not mad," the teacher said. "Cooking has never been my strong suit." She shrugged. After all, being a mercenary didn't exactly demand culinary skills. Food, for her, was meant to be functional.

"No, I don't, The teacher's cooking skills have improved a lot recently."

Sora protested, her face turning pink. She clutched her Mark Rabbit plushie tightly. It had a little pin of Raven on the side, a prize from that Honkai Impact Three idol contest.

And Sora chose the teacher's without hesitation.

Raven watched this exchange with a knowing look in her eyes. A wry smile crossed her lips. "Don't kid yourself, Sora. I know my limits in the kitchen – and trust me, I'm nowhere near Mei's level."

She paused, a hint of self-deprecation in her voice. "Honestly, if anything I've cooked recently tasted good, it's only because I've been following that 'Cooking with Valkyries' show. Lots of practice, that's the only trick."

---

Tesla and Mei were naturally very interested in what Sora said about their teacher.

However, from the fleeting scenes in the game, the players basically recognized that it was a raven, and then they were puzzled that a raven would actually do such a charity. After all, the other party looks like a cold-blooded mercenary who only cares about profit.

Of course, the two people in the game don't know.

Mei asked Sora a question that had been on her mind: If Teacher went out every month, why hadn't she helped them escape Nagazora City all these years?

Sora explained that during their storytime sessions with the teacher, they'd also learned a lot about her story. It turned out there were reasons behind Raven's actions that they hadn't fully understood.

"Our teacher didn't grow up with a silver spoon," Sora began. "She had a rough childhood and had to start from scratch, all on her own."

Sora's voice softened. "She worked hard for years, taking all sorts of jobs and dealing with all kinds of people from different places. It took her over a decade to save up enough money."

"And you know what she did with that money?" Sora's eyes shone. "She bought a whole island! She's planning to build a big house where everyone can live together, a safe and happy place away from all the danger."

"Of course, she'll take me and everyone else she's rescued from the Honkai with her. But there's one thing..." Sora hesitated, her voice trailing off.

---

Years of living on the edge had given Raven a sharp instinct for danger, and a feeling of unease settled over her. 

Trying to calm herself, she frowned and focused on the next video segment. "It's just a game," she reminded herself.

---

Sora's voice continued in the game, "But tragedy struck unexpectedly. Four months ago, a massive Honkai disaster rocked the world. Our teacher was in Nagazora City at the time, fighting waves of Honkai beasts and protecting everyone in the Nest."

"The devastation lasted for ages, but when it was finally over, terrible news came from afar. The teacher's island... the teacher's island sank because Honkai impact that happen."

Mei slowly typed a question mark. Something clicked. Four months ago...could this be related to Kiana's situation?

"I still remember what the teacher looked like back then,"

"She was expressionless and silent, but she kept pacing back and forth in the room, running and rolling... She kept saying that it was okay, but tears fell in large drops."

"Finally, the teacher couldn't help but rush out and cry to the end of the sea, as sad as a child."

"She kept crying and crying until her tears dried up and her voice became hoarse, then she stood up. She swore an oath to the sunset—"

"No matter how much it costs, humanity will definitely defeat Honkai!""

...

' slander' of her image in the game.

At this time, it was obvious that not only Tesla and Mei were in the game, but also countless laughs could be heard around them.

" Me? Like that?"" Raven said uncertainly,

She probably wasn't as embarrassed as she acted.

[Hahaha, I can't hold myself any longer, especially after Raven said those few words. ]

[The words Oath kevin said were so righteous and awe-inspiring, but in Raven's mouth, they made people laugh.]

[How to put it, it is indeed like Tesla complained; this is a sad story, and even though I know it shouldn't be, I still want to laugh.]

[The previous Raven's "My Island and Me" is almost explicit, right? Wow, it's so miserable, hahaha.]

The portrayal of Raven in the game had given everyone a good laugh, much-needed relief in the middle of the intense plot.

"Uh...teacher, don't give up! The island might be gone, but you still have us," Sora said, giving Raven a heartfelt hug and gently patting her back, mimicking the comforting gestures she'd seen in videos.

Raven's mouth twitched into a half-smile. Sora's words were sweet, but they brought an unwelcome memory to mind. 

She could practically hear that sly 'devil' whispering in her ear: 'Raven, you wouldn't leave these children alone and helpless, would you?'

Damn! It was that schemer who'd gotten her into this mess in the first place!

Raven glared at the video, seething. If only that meddling busybody hadn't kept harping on about the whole idol event, how could this tiny scene have blown up like this?

The barrage of comments in the live chat only made it worse. Her own misery had become a meme, a source of amusement for everyone else. Gritting her teeth, she couldn't help the rising anger. 

Just who did that guy think he was?

Who is he, really? Damn it!

[Raven, sorry about the island, but hey, it's our favorite meme now!]

[Never knew a tiny island could make people so happy. Walking, running, rolling... Raven, your misfortune is hilarious!]

["My island and I ~ inseparable forever." "Submerged by a tsunami" Wow, didn't see that coming! The devs are savage!]

…

St. Freya Infirmary,

"Master, what's so funny?" Cheng Lixue looked confused. She kept hearing laughter around her and just couldn't understand the joke.

"Ah, it's an inside joke of sorts," Fu Hua said, a small smile playing on her lips.

Now, Fu Hua finally understood the meaning behind Luo Mo's words when they captured Raven. Looking back, it was clear His words had been carefully chosen, full of malice.

Luo Mo must have known Raven's whole backstory and deliberately made those comments.

"An inside joke? But is it really that funny?" Lixue still didn't get it. She felt lost, like there were pieces of the story she was missing, and it left her unable to see the humor.

"Cheng Lixue, think about it this way: you have to see it in the context of Kevin's grand oath and then the whole embarrassing idol event Raven got roped into. There's this... hmm?"

Fu Hua paused mid-sentence, a look of surprise on her face. It was like she'd just glimpsed something unexpected in the fog.

"What is it, Master?" Lixue asked, her curiosity piqued.

"...a Stigmata. A pattern is emerging," Fu Hua murmured, a hint of amusement in her voice. 

"Luo Mo was right. He really did corner Raven and bring a whole world of trouble down on her head."

...

One minute ago,

"Boss, should we really release the Stigmata?" Su Lu asked hesitantly, glancing at Luo Mo. Deep down, this felt wrong. If Raven were a real person, she'd probably be wishing for a quick and painless death right about now. 

whether she wants her boss to die or herself to die.

"It's okay, we have her permission to use her image. Go ahead," Luo Mo replied calmly, taking a sip of his tea. 

"It's interesting, the more I drink this tea, the better it tastes. It wasn't something I enjoyed before, but I'm starting to see the appeal."

"..." Su Luo hesitated. This whole thing felt shady. She couldn't imagine anyone willingly giving permission to have their image turned into a meme like this.

But he is the boss; he has the final say.

"Okay, done." Su Luo quickly finished the modifications. 

The three event stigmata earned from the main questline revealed their true form: Running Raven, Pacing Raven, Rolling Raven – all four-star quality.

The effects weren't game-breaking for the current version, but they were definitely useful and versatile.

Luo Mo explained that he'd borrowed elements from Theresa: Gluttony, Swimsuit, and Newton Lower stigmata sets. Judging by the effects, it was clear these new stigmata would be a favorite among players for a long time to come. 

Raven's name would be permanently etched into the minds of everyone playing.

The only downside was...

"Ah, shame I'll never get to see Raven's face when she realizes," Luo Mo sighed, a hint of mock-disappointment on his face.

Su Lu could barely contain her exasperation. 

Where did this devil even come from? Normally, wouldn't someone who schemes and deceives at least try to stay hidden? How could he be so bold about it? 

Her boss was definitely not normal.

Luo Mo's eyes narrowed as he watched Su Lu's face twist with worry and confusion. A quiet, almost dangerous tone entered his voice, "Su Luo, what's on your mind?"

"Um...boss?" Su Luo stammered. Had she done something to upset him? She couldn't think of anything!

Suddenly, the papers she'd been holding slipped from her suddenly sweaty hands and scattered across the table. One landed dangerously close to Luo Mo's cup of tea, which she'd knocked over in her panic. Tea spread across the table, soaking into a document.

Frantically, Su Lu grabbed the wet paper, scrambling to wipe it off. To her relief, it seemed mostly blank, just a title scrawled across the top: "Seele's One-Day Adventure?" That was a strange name. She quickly moved the document far away from any remaining liquid.

"Ah, that one?" Luo Mo chuckled, strangely unfazed by Su Lu's mishap. Still, he couldn't help but think back to that sudden bout of sneezing. 

Someone was definitely cursing him, probably for that Raven debacle. Compared to that, knocking over a teacup seemed pretty mild.

"Well, funny you should ask..." Luo Mo's eyes twinkled. "Since you're the cause of the mess, why don't you finish it?"

A sly grin spread across his face. After all, Su Lu was a screenwriter, and lately, she had her hands in just about every project. This could be her next creative challenge!

"Boss, it was blank!" Su Luo protested, widening her eyes in mock-innocence. She wasn't about to take the fall for this; agreeing to write this mysterious script was a sure path to disaster!

"Exactly why I asked you to fill it in," Luo Mo countered with a sly grin. "Or perhaps... have you heard stories of writings only visible to the truly intelligent?"

Su Luo stared at him blankly. Was he seriously pulling the 'Emperor's New Clothes' trick? She wasn't falling for that.

"Look, trust me, this side activity is charming, harmless – a great way to redeem your reputation," Luo Mo pressed on, his tone taking a more persuasive turn.

"... swear?"

"No problem," Luo Mo agreed readily.

"Alright. i Swear that if I fight back even once in this story, you'll force me to work overtime for five days straight!" Luo Mo declared, his tone exaggeratedly solemn.

While five days didn't seem too bad, Luo Mo was notorious for disappearing the moment the clock struck quitting time. This vow actually held some weight.

Su Luo couldn't help but grin. In the end, the whole thing was basically a mini-Theater.

...

"Just die already! DIE!" Raven's polite smile barely masked her rage.

Her eyes stared blankly at those blasted stigmata, their relentless movement echoing in her mind. 

The kids' comforting words couldn't reach her; she could only curse that infuriating mastermind behind all of this.

"When will this bitch die?!"