Ch-1 < Meeting Cecilia daughter >

So where are we now. Kevin said as he was still in void of time and space.

The system responded promptly. "Host, we are near the main canon timeline during the events of the Second Eruption. Specifically, the moment when Cecilia Schariac perished while attempting to stop the eruption."

Kevin felt a pang of sorrow at the mention of Cecilia. She had been a hero, a mother who had given everything to protect her daughter and the world. "So I've missed the chance to reunite Kiana with her mother…" he murmured, his voice tinged with regret.

"Yes, Host," the system confirmed. "That moment has already passed. However, there are still opportunities to influence the timeline in meaningful ways."

Then system teleport him and Kevin stood outside the Kaslana household, his eyes scanning the surroundings as he waited.

The recent interaction with the Schicksal diplomat still lingered in his mind. After using the Key of Sentience to put the diplomat into an illusion, Kevin had extracted valuable information. He knew that Siegfried had been adamant about keeping Schicksal away from his daughter, and the tension between Siegfried and the organization was palpable.

Kevin's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a door slamming open, followed by angry footsteps. Siegfried emerged, his expression a mix of frustration and protectiveness. He was a tall, rugged man with silver hair that spoke of experience, and his eyes, though kind, were heavy with the burdens he carried.

Siegfried's eyes widened in surprise as he caught sight of Kevin standing near the diplomat, who was now waiting outside, seemingly in a daze. "Who… who are you?" Siegfried asked, his voice tinged with suspicion. He couldn't shake the feeling that this man seemed familiar.

Kevin stepped forward, his expression calm but resolute. "My name is Kebin Kaslana. I've come here because I heard that a Kaslana lives here."

Siegfried blinked, clearly taken aback. The name "Kaslana" was a powerful one, and hearing it from a stranger set off alarms in his mind. "Kaslana…?" he repeated, searching Kevin's face for any sign of deceit.

Kevin held Siegfried's gaze, knowing that trust would be hard-won. The Kaslanas were a proud lineage, and Siegfried had every reason to be wary.

Finally, Siegfried nodded, albeit cautiously. "Alright, come inside. We'll talk."

The interior of the house was cozy, a stark contrast to the tension outside. Family photos lined the walls, capturing moments of happiness and love. Siegfried's gaze softened as he glanced at them, memories of better times flooding his mind. The furniture was simple but sturdy, reflecting the practical nature of its occupants.

As they sat down in the living room, Siegfried took a deep breath, his eyes never leaving Kevin's face. "I'm sorry, but you'll have to forgive me if I'm a bit cautious," he said, his voice betraying a hint of sadness. "The name Kaslana carries a lot of weight, and I've lost too many people to take any stranger's word lightly."

Kevin nodded in understanding. "I expected no less. But I didn't come here to cause trouble. I came because I share that name, and with it, the burdens of our lineage."

To emphasize his point, Kevin's arms began to change, his hands morphing into monstrous claws. The transformation was brief but enough to make Siegfried's eyes widen in shock.

"What… what is this?" Siegfried stammered, his voice filled with disbelief. "Why can Kaslana transform into this… monster state?"

Kevin's gaze was steady. "Do you know about the Previous Era?" he asked, his tone calm as he returned his arms to normal.

Siegfried's face darkened, and he nodded slowly. "Yes, I know."

The technology of the Previous Era was far more advanced than anything we have now… but it's also full of horrors. In a desperate attempt to fight against the Herrschers, humans incorporated the genes of Honkai beasts into their own bodies…" Kevin explained.

So that's the reason. Siegfried pondered but " why do you know all of these." He asked.

Kevin paused for effect, "is because I'm from the Previous Era."

Siegfried's eyes widened in shock, his mind struggling to comprehend what Kevin had just said.

Before he could respond, Kevin reached into his subspace and pulled out an object that pulsed with an ominous energy. It was the Divine Key of Thunder, a weapon of immense power and a relic from the Previous Era.

Siegfried leapt to his feet, recognition dawning on his face. "That's… that's a Divine Key! You shouldn't be in possession of something like that!"

Kevin calmly placed the Divine Key on the table between them. "This is proof of who I am. I was part of a project in the Previous Era, a soldier designed to fight the Honkai. I've been in cryostasis for thousands of years, and when I awoke in this era, I spent years preparing for the battles to come."

Siegfried stared at the Divine Key, his mind racing. The history of this world, the battles fought in the shadows, the sacrifices made—it all started to make sense. And this man, Kevin Kaslana, was somehow connected to it all.

Kevin continued, sensing that Siegfried was beginning to believe him. "The world you know is only a fraction of what's really out there. The Honkai is a force that transcends time, and it has existed since the dawn of humanity. The fight against it has been ongoing for millennia".

"if you cannot explain clearly then completely confuse them". Kevin thought.

Siegfried's shoulders slumped slightly, the weight of the revelation pressing down on him. "And what does that have to do with me?" he asked, his voice filled with a weary resignation. "I'm just a single father trying to protect his daughter."

Kevin's expression softened. " shouldn't you help your fellow house member and I want to help knowing your condition."

Siegfried looked at Kevin, a mixture of hope and doubt in his eyes. "How can you help? Schicksal has already tried to take Kiana away once, and I won't let them do it again."

Kevin leaned forward."I can teach Kiana everything I know, train her with the techniques and equipment from the Previous Era. She'll be strong enough to defend herself, to protect what she loves. And with my knowledge and power, no one will be able to take advantage of her."

Siegfried remained silent for a long moment, the conflict in his heart evident. He wanted to protect his daughter, but the idea of entrusting her education to a man who claimed to be from the Previous Era… it was almost too much to consider.

But as he looked into Kevin's eyes, he saw something that reassured him. There was no deceit, no hidden agenda. Kevin was offering his help out of genuine concern, and Siegfried could sense that he was someone who understood the burdens of their lineage.

Finally, Siegfried nodded, the tension in his body easing slightly. "Alright. I'll give you a chance.…"

Kevin held up a hand. "You have my word, Siegfried. We won't let anything happen to Kiana.."

Siegfried exhaled slowly, the weight of his decision settling over him. "Then you can stay here, at least for now. We'll see how things go."

Kevin smiled, grateful for the opportunity. "Thank you. And don't worry—I'll do everything I can to keep Kiana safe."

As Kevin and Siegfried shook hands, solidifying the trust between them, they both heard the sound of the door behind them being pushed open.

"Dad, I'm back! Today I—huh? Is there a guest? Hello!"Kevin turned to see a young girl standing in the doorway, her voice bright and cheerful.

She was dressed in a pure white dress, her white hair tied into two neat braids, and her blue eyes sparkling with curiosity.

The moment Siegfried saw her, the tension in his face melted away, replaced by a gentle, fatherly smile.

"Welcome back, Kiana," Siegfried said, his voice warm and affectionate. It was a stark contrast to the stern, battle-hardened man Kevin had met just moments before. Kevin couldn't help but smile at the sight, a pang of envy stirring in his heart.

Kevin smiled and waved at her, trying to match her enthusiasm. "Hello, Kiana. I'm your father's friend. Just call me Kebin."

Kiana's eyes lit up at the friendly greeting. "Nice to meet you, Kebin san!" she chirped, bouncing on the balls of her feet.

As Kevin watched her, another name echoed silently in his mind: "Bianca Kaslana." The thought lingered for a moment before he pushed it aside, focusing on the present.