Honkai Impact: I, The Herrscher of Ice, Am Loved By Players-Chapter 211: Unveiling Project Stigma

Please support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I'm working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for most novels - There are at least twice as many available Chapters on Patreon, compared to here on Webnovel.

Additionally, there are also free extra Chapters available for Free Members, so head on over:

Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff

******

Joyful moments are always fleeting, but different content can bring varying degrees of happiness.

For Brother Cake now, it indeed felt like a relief.

Yes, he had finally completed today's giveaway and was ready to dive into the plot. As for tomorrow, although there would be another giveaway, he planned to approach it differently.

He intended to connect live with the lucky winners during their card draws. Honestly, such a unique giveaway format was unprecedented among streams.

Typically, if other streamers didn't want to draw themselves, they either enlisted an assistant or simply offered cash instead.

Brother Cake, however, chose a distinctive path. He aimed for the prize to go to genuine fans who truly loved Honkai Impact 3. Of course, if any recipient faced real-life hardships or wished to surprise their family, he fully supported them and even offered double the amount, provided the circumstances were genuine.

In essence, Brother Cake, as a spontaneous streamer, valued authenticity above all else. He refused to engage in insincerity, adhering strictly to this principle, which might also explain his sustained popularity over time.

After all, there were no streamers quite like him, generous and straightforward, without needing to cater to platform administrators or moderators. Regardless, he aimed never to violate any rules; if he did... it wouldn't be his fault.

"Alright, fam, let's take a break and check out the latest plot developments."

As Brother Cake spoke, he opened the newest Chapter of the storyline. This update was an interlude, not too long but not short either, focusing on Project Stigma.

Naturally, this plot followed the original narrative, which could also be considered as the second layer of Project Stigma. The first layer had already been dismantled earlier.

And the existence of a second layer implied there must be a third.

"Holy crap, Otto!"

Upon seeing Otto suddenly appear, Brother Cake jolted with surprise and instantly jumped from his chair.

To explain, while Otto's farewell was undeniably moving, Otto himself was the type who, upon dying, would expect both a solemn tribute and a simultaneous celebration with champagne, complete with welding his coffin shut for good measure.

The abrupt appearance of Otto felt like a bomb, startling every Captain watching.

Fortunately, clarification soon followed.

This "Otto" was a creation of Theresa's imagination, another version of herself - her reflection in the mirror, merely borrowing Otto's appearance.

However, compared to the Captains' reactions, Theresa remained more composed, and the reason was quite simple.

Previously, within that game, she had already encountered her grandfather. The player known as the Fool continued tirelessly on his quest to save Kallen.

Thus, the one appearing here could not be her true grandfather.

As "Otto" provided his explanation, Theresa felt that this dream realm closely resembled the game they played earlier. Both were equally realistic, but with a key difference: In the game, there were countless restarts, while here, such opportunities did not exist.

She must find her own weakness.

"This storyline... although still profound, feels somewhat dull, yet again relying on nostalgia," Brother Cake commented with a slight frown.

In a certain sense, he was right. Indeed, the developers could have simply presented a table explaining Project Stigma, but as a game, taking such a straightforward approach was not feasible.

In truth, the Chapter's name had already revealed everything.

"Nevertheless, since Project Stigma is connected to the final outcome, it still..."

Brother Cake didn't finish his sentence. Likely due to exhaustion from the previous lottery draw, he seemed somewhat drained. Otherwise, in his usual energetic and enthusiastic self, he would have continued discussing fervently.

However, just when you think Old Mi has lost its touch, they always manage to deliver something significant.

Under "Otto's" guidance, Theresa ultimately overcomes her weakness. Harnessing Vishnu's ability, she begins devouring the dream realm, simultaneously guided by a mysterious force that leads her to a specific location.

This place is the domain of Chimera, essentially Kevin's dream realm, marking the beginning of everything. The one guiding Theresa here is the Stigma's will within the stigma space, appearing indistinguishable from Kevin on the surface.

Compared to the original space, although this area also contains countless ice formations, there is a fundamental difference. Theresa notices what seems like a figure sealed within the icy expanse.

However, due to the thick and impure ice crystals, it was impossible to see clearly inside.

In reality, what lay sealed here was a fragment of Ana's consciousness, more precisely, her previous incarnation - Bai Zhi.

Although Project Stigma has undergone changes, its initial stages remain unchanged.

Through this project, humans were guided into the dream realm, ultimately becoming part of it. As the thought process of Honkai mirrored that of dreams, Honkai could then permeate every individual via the dream realm, enhancing their Honkai Energy and adaptability.

Naturally, according to Project Stigma, beyond this world, new beings—the Stigmata Humans—would emerge. Meanwhile, the original humans, serving as the foundation for the dream realm, would forever live within the dream, collectively forming a deity.

Up to this point, everything remains identical.

However, to significantly boost the Honkai Energy levels and adaptability of so many people, the existing Honkai Energy alone is insufficient. Therefore, at the inception of this dream realm, Ana's avatar—Bai Zhi—serves as the energy source, releasing Honkai Energy.

The reason behind choosing this particular avatar is naturally due to the Power of Perception.

The Power of Perception operates silently, and within this dream realm, its capabilities are even more extensive, making Bai Zhi the ideal choice.

Meanwhile, Kevin, who should have been the master here, becomes merely a guardian.

Naturally, this is a covert substitution plan, so externally, nothing appears different. Theresa only notices Bai Zhi but fails to recognize her as Ana or comprehend that she is the root cause of everything.

Even if she had realized it, it would have been futile.

Aside from the fact that Theresa couldn't break through the solid ice, she also stands no chance against Kevin in this realm. Soon enough, their confrontation ensues.

For Kevin, Theresa's Kaslana bloodline, Fusion Warrior potential, and status as Schicksal Bishop make her quite troublesome; thus, eliminating her becomes his priority.

Her presence here can be considered accidental, as World Serpent's plans were not yet fully set when she intruded.

Regardless of her potential, she had to be eliminated first.

But no matter what, Theresa's removal was paramount.

In this icy world, Kevin stood holding the Shuhadaku of Uriel, having transformed into his Sinful Demon form. Silver radiance coalesced around him, forming a figure—Ana herself, albeit as just a projection.

As Ana gazed at Kevin, her lips curved slightly with amusement.

To explain, even before her transmigration, she had always been intrigued by Kevin's Sinful Demon appearance. Now, naturally, her interest only intensified—it was undeniably reminiscent of a succubus!

Of course, it remained purely fascination for her. After all, such an intriguing form of Kevin would undoubtedly captivate anyone... Well, mostly her—she still remembered being utterly stunned by videos featuring several Succubus Kevins back then.

"Come to think of it, has Ellie ever seen you like this?" Ana suddenly recalled something and asked with a smile.

Kevin did not respond verbally, but his silence itself spoke volumes.

"Oh dear, I suppose that makes sense; otherwise, she'd definitely have some sarcastic remarks." Ana sighed softly and shook her head. It felt strange, somehow missing Elysia after not seeing her for a while, though their absence was due to Ana's shielding within the Elysian Realm.

Perhaps... it involved some inappropriate scene for young eyes.

Speaking of which, can two memory fragments truly have children? Hmm, although they are still both girls. But being memory fragments, perhaps anything is possible?

Ana chose not to delve deeper through divine insight; sometimes, preserving a hint of imagination feels better than knowing the truth outright.

"How's the situation?" Kevin finally spoke, a rare occurrence.

"Everything seems to be progressing smoothly," Ana replied mildly. She understood that Kevin was referring to Project Stigma, and indeed, thus far, there had been no hindrances. By the time obstacles arise, half of the project should already be complete. Once all settles, it will naturally reach its conclusion.

At that moment, the people of the intrinsic world will experience a significant transformation, with Honkai Energy becoming accessible and controllable by everyone.

Of course, for civilization, this would only be the first step.

Eventually, It must depart, leaving behind the Cocoon becomes questionable—no, once emerging from the Cocoon, the Cocoon itself ceases to exist.

At that point, perhaps the transmission might rely on faith instead.

In such a scenario, it could become something akin to "light as the bond, connecting generation after generation."

However, regardless of how it unfolds, Honkai Energy is not a long-term solution. Its essence stems from The Cocoon of Finality's connection to the Imaginary Tree, where the original imaginary energy gets polluted and transformed into Honkai Energy.

Honkai Energy, being more volatile, also carries the Cocoon's will. In the future, to break free from the solar system, humanity must ultimately depend on imaginary energy. Only by truly stepping beyond the solar system can Earth's civilization be considered leaving its cradle.

But that day remains far off.

Moreover, even if The Cocoon of Finality or It departs, there would be minimal impact on Earth.

The presence of Honkai Energy on Earth actually maintains a state of equilibrium, constantly consumed and converted, preserving this balance.

With the arrival of the Cocoon, the Herrscher of Finality emerged, but in reality, it did not significantly affect Earth's existing Honkai Energy levels. Even the appearance of other Herrschers had a similar negligible effect.

After all, Herrschers have appeared in previous civilizations, and even the Herrscher of Finality emerges after the cycle resets following other Herrschers' emergence. Only Ana's appearance genuinely increased Earth's total Honkai Energy.

Therefore, if the original plotline were to repeat with a Herrscher of Finality draining all Earth's Honkai Energy, it might be slightly stronger than the End Insect from before.

However, its strength would still be limited, as there is no The Cocoon of Finality this time around.

Ultimately, Cocoon's Authority held greater significance. Without such Authorities and governing laws, possessing vast energy alone could result in entities akin to Sa.

Nevertheless, predicting the behavior of the Herrscher of Finality remains uncertain. Of course, these are mere speculations, unverified by Its presence.

So here arises the question: Why not seek verification from It directly?

Hmm, if everything requires validation, what purpose does contemplation serve? What value holds imagination? This is the downside of omniscience.

Once you know everything, providing answers becomes trivial. In essence, knowledge incurs no cost, rendering everything meaningless.

"Well then, Kevin, let's wish for our success!"

With that, Ana extended her hand.

Looking at the girl before him, Kevin hesitated briefly but ultimately reached out and clapped hands with her—a subtle change from his past self.

"Since you've come this far, Kevin, why not entrust your burdens to me?" Ana asked with a gentle smile.

Everyone knew the immense weight Kevin carried, beyond just ideologies; there were deeper issues burdening him like mountains, suffocating him.

However, in response to Ana's suggestion, Kevin shook his head.

"I won't relinquish these burdens until I witness that day with my own eyes," he said slowly. This was his unwavering vow. Even with victory seemingly within reach, he dared not relax, embodying the steadfastness expected of a Heroic Spirit destined to save the world.

What could Ana say to such resolve? She merely smiled and shook her head. Some individuals are inherently stubborn, yet this tenacity commands respect. Kevin... truly lives up to being inscribed as the Savior!