Honkai Impact 3rd: Starting to Save the Pre-Civilization with Hand-Crafted Black Tech

"Me?" Mobius pulled out her phone and indeed found a text message sent to Klein from her own account. "When did I..."

The next second, her phone proactively switched to another interface. Prometheus, in the form of a paper figure, appeared on the screen. Accompanied by a bow, a dialogue bubble also popped up: "My deepest apologies, Dr. Mobius, for summoning your assistant without permission. However, there is a project that Dr. Ai Yue specifically requested you to undertake. We hope for your understanding."

"Hmph, so you haven't forgotten about me," Mobius snorted lightly, a smile appearing on her face. "Let's go, Klein. Vacation is canceled, we're going back to work overtime."

"Understood, Dr. Mobius."

Chapter 53: Unscrupulous Scientist Tricks Pure, Innocent Minor

While Dr. Mei and the others were being meticulously arranged by Prometheus, a gray-haired girl was searching for something at the airport.

She finally stopped in front of a small, specialized helicopter and pulled out her phone, comparing it with the information in the mission text message.

"12C... is this it?"

She hesitantly stepped forward and knocked on the cabin door. Soon, the door opened from the inside, revealing a white-haired man wearing a mask.

"Hello, I am Hua from the Fifth Reconnaissance Squad." The girl who called herself Hua presented her badge and identification. "I'm here for the mission."

"Mhm." The masked man let out a nasal sound, unsure if it was a greeting or an acknowledgment of Hua's statement. However, he immediately stepped aside, gesturing for the girl to come up. "You can talk to him about it."

"Oh, okay."

Hua paused for a moment before boarding the helicopter. She didn't pay much attention to the masked man's attitude. After all, ever since that incident, her reputation within Moth to Fire had gradually declined, and she had become more accustomed to acting alone even when carrying out missions.

Besides, how many people within Moth to Fire weren't special? In this place, one could encounter many eccentric individuals just walking to the cafeteria. A masked man who disliked talking was hardly anything strange.

However, the masked man... had she seen something about that topic on the internal network recently?

Sitting in the adjacent seat, Hua thought about many things, but her thoughts were soon interrupted: "Hello, your name is Hua, right? Can I call you by your name directly?"

A young man with glasses walked over from the co-pilot's seat in the cockpit. He looked very friendly, with a gentle smile on his lips. As he spoke, he extended his hand, appearing to be a very enthusiastic person.

A cold, masked man and an enthusiastic man with glasses – what a strange combination...

"No problem, you can just call me Hua," Hua thought to herself, while also taking another look at him. "Are you the person in charge of this mission?"

"Yes, you can just call me Ai Yue." Ai Yue nodded. "Speaking of which, we should be from the same hometown."

"Is that so?" Hua also smiled in response, quickly recalling his identity from her memory – Dr. Ai Yue, he should be that newly rising scholar who had recently become famous on the internal network. It was said that he had exchanged a valuable patent for a...

Hua froze mid-thought. She turned her head to glance at the masked man on the other side and finally connected the dots – if this man with glasses was Dr. Ai Yue, then this masked man should be Kalpas, the prisoner Ai Yue had pulled out from the Deepest Place.

"Don't be nervous, Kalpas isn't scary at all." Ai Yue seemed to notice Hua's nervousness and comforted her. "You'll get used to him if you get to know him better. He's actually quite easy to get along with."

Hua didn't know what else to say, so she just nodded.

While the two were talking, the helicopter started up and smoothly took to the sky. Hua was taken aback, then glanced around the cabin. "Uh, Dr. Ai Yue, are it just the three of us on this mission?"

When the mission text message initially selected only her from the entire squad, Hua hadn't been particularly surprised. Moth to Fire often had a tradition of drawing individual members from different teams to form temporary squads for missions, so she was used to it.

But she had never seen a temporary squad with only three members, let alone one that included a scholar who couldn't be considered combat-effective.

This meant the mission only required two people?

She couldn't help but feel a bit strange.

"It's a covert mission. Having too many people involved would only increase the risk of failure," Ai Yue explained simply. "Don't worry, the mission risk isn't that high."

Hua looked at him with some surprise, then nodded and said no more.

She was accustomed to following orders. In the past, when she had raised similar questions about missions, she would typically receive answers like "Don't ask what you shouldn't ask." The fact that he was willing to offer an explanation was already considered quite amiable.

But why me?

Hua was not a sociable person, so during her free time, she actually enjoyed browsing various posts on the Moth to Fire internal network. Although she rarely posted, she enjoyed the lively atmosphere of the forum.

Therefore, she had learned that the young and easy-going scholar before her was actually a very formidable individual. He had been personally recommended to Moth to Fire by Dr. Mei. His very first invention patent had attracted the covetous attention of various factions, and he also had a very close relationship with Dr. Mobius, surpassing even her favorite assistant, Klein. Furthermore, he was often seen interacting with various Fused Warriors on equal footing. Some had even witnessed the mysterious head of the Weapons Development Department, Vill-V, entering and leaving his laboratory.

It could be said that he had connections with many of the mid-level personnel in Moth to Fire. Why would such a person choose her for this mission?

Hua didn't voice her doubts, but that didn't mean Ai Yue wouldn't ask.

"You're probably wondering why I chose you, aren't you?" He seemed to have perceived the girl's inner turmoil and asked. After Hua nodded, Ai Yue continued, "I've reviewed your file. Whether it's your abilities or your past achievements, you are undoubtedly one of the most outstanding warriors in Moth to Fire. Moreover, you're from my hometown. Given that, it's only natural that I'd choose you."

In reality, Ai Yue was somewhat surprised when he saw Hua's file.

In the original storyline, Hua at this era wasn't a central character, so the descriptions of her were quite brief. Furthermore, the important figures active during this period were all exceptionally talented, and under their brilliance, Hua seemed even more ordinary.

However, if one took the time to truly understand this girl, they would realize that her strength was far from that of an ordinary soldier.

Even before the Seventh Herrscher awakened and was still known as the human "Himiko," Hua was already a core member of her team, responsible for handling Honkai disasters across the entire Australian continent. At that time, Himiko believed Hua was the most likely candidate to become a warrior on par with Kevin and the others.

Later, when the Seventh Herrscher awakened, the Fifth Squad led by Himiko was instantly annihilated, with only Hua escaping from her grasp. She also managed to save Eden, which was enough to prove her strength.

Not to mention that Hua currently serves as the "spearhead" in the Fifth Reconnaissance Squad. This position requires undertaking the most dangerous and crucial responsibilities of a mission, yet Hua not only perfectly completes every mission but also has the energy to look after her teammates.

Possessing such outstanding strength even before becoming a Fused Warrior, it was no wonder that Kevin placed high hopes on her after she became one, believing she could go further than anyone else.

Of course, these things were still too far off for the current Hua. What Ai Yue valued now was her excellent compatibility with the "Eighth Divine Key: Feather of Dust." This compatibility, combined with her peculiar destiny with the Eighth Herrscher in later generations, led Ai Yue to believe that Hua could play a crucial role in the plan targeting the Eighth Herrscher.

Chapter 54: Now It's Time for a Display of Financial Power

Naturally, Hua was unaware of what Ai Yue was thinking. She was simply a bit surprised that he spoke so highly of her.

"You flatter me. In reality, there are many people stronger than me," Hua lowered her head, a habitual gesture when the topic turned to herself. "Besides, you must also have good relationships with the Fused Warriors, right? Perhaps you should ask them for help with this kind of mission."

"Fused Warriors have their own duties," Ai Yue found it difficult to change Hua's lack of confidence in a short period. "Moreover, in the face of this mission, there might not be much difference between a Fused Warrior and an ordinary person."

Hua heard an unspoken meaning in Ai Yue's words and couldn't help but look up at him. "Is it a dangerous mission?"

"The Eighth Honkai Outbreak has begun," Ai Yue didn't answer directly, "but there's no information on the Herrscher yet."

"This..." Hua froze for a moment. "The Eighth Honkai Outbreak has begun?"

Within Moth to Fire, soldiers like Hua were considered low-ranking. Although with her experience, she was already qualified to be a captain leading a team of soldiers and thus promoted to middle management, her personal personality led the young woman to prefer being a soldier who followed orders.

It was precisely because of this that she was unaware of the situation. Dr. Mei, unable to figure out the condition of the Eighth Herrscher, had not yet spread the news. Currently, only a small portion of Moth to Fire knew about it.

"So, are we going to look for the Herrscher's whereabouts now?" Hua reacted quickly. After realizing what had happened, she quickly deduced the outcome based on Ai Yue's words. "But why would a scholar like you need to do something like this?"

"Because it will save a lot of trouble if I do it," Ai Yue smiled. "This way, unnecessary sacrifices can also be reduced, right?"

Speaking of which, he suddenly changed the subject and looked at Hua. "However, I am very aware of the risks of this mission, so if you don't want to carry it out, there's still time to back out now."

"I have no such intention." Hua glanced at Ai Yue, then looked out the cabin. "Besides, isn't it too late now?"

Although Ai Yue said there was still a chance to back out, the plane had already taken off. How could she back out?

"I believe you won't flinch." Ai Yue patted her shoulder and pointed to the backpack beside her. "Of course, if you really choose to leave, there's a parachute here."

Thus, this simple and abrupt encounter temporarily came to an end. Before reaching their destination, they both needed some rest.

Three hours later, the plane finally reached its destination, landing on a wasteland on the outskirts of a city. However, to Hua's surprise, it was a peaceful city. Let alone Honkai Beasts, there were very few pedestrians on the road.

"Would a Herrscher hide in a place like this?" Hua said with some confusion. "It doesn't even look like there's been a Honkai disaster here."

"The Herrscher might not be hiding here," Ai Yue replied, "but the Herrscher's tentacles are here."

Tentacles?

Hua couldn't understand the meaning of the word for a moment, but her long-standing habit made her refrain from asking further questions.

"Let's go and see. Hua, take this box." Ai Yue jumped off the plane, not forgetting to instruct, "Kalpas, you stay here."

"Oh." Kalpas, who had said nothing all along, finally spoke his second sentence since Hua had seen him.

"Speaking of which, I haven't heard the pilot speak at all along the way?" Hua finally realized something at this moment.

The pilot seemed to have never shown up from the beginning, and hadn't even said a word along the way, appearing too silent.

Although Kalpas, sitting at the other end of the cabin, was also like this, there couldn't possibly be two people with such personalities on the plane, right?

"It's her first time flying a plane, and she's a bit nervous." Ai Yue casually opened the cockpit door, revealing an empty pilot's seat. "Come on, Rose, say hello to Hua."

"Empty?" Hua finally showed a more obvious expression. She stared at the cockpit in astonishment, unable to believe how she had gotten here. "When did Moth to Fire get a pilotless plane?"

"It's not pilotless, it's piloted by artificial intelligence." While Hua was stunned, a phantom appeared before her. The girl with gray twin drill pigtails bowed slightly to her. "Hello, Miss Hua, I am the artificial intelligence 'Prometheus,' the pilot for this flight. Please rate my service: 1, very satisfied; 2, extremely satisfied; 3, exceptionally satisfied."

"Uh, then 1," Hua replied subconsciously despite her bewildered expression. "Wait, artificial intelligence?"

Did something even more outrageous than pilotless operation appear?

"You actually responded to this question so seriously. It seems your personality model needs some modification." Prometheus said expressionlessly, then looked at Ai Yue. "Dr. Ai Yue, the specific coordinates have been sent to your phone. Please check them."

"OK, let's go then."

Ai Yue reached out to the cockpit's instrument panel. Hua only then noticed a black object embedded in the panel, with many limb-like extensions connecting to the control devices. It seemed Prometheus was piloting the plane through this object.

And after Ai Yue removed it, this black object automatically changed its shape, conforming to Ai Yue's forearm and turning into something like an arm guard.

Hua stared blankly at this scene, momentarily thinking she had returned to when she first joined Moth to Fire.

Back then, as a university student, she had looked at the high-tech equipment within Moth to Fire with the same kind of eyes, hadn't she?

But this thing looked too high-tech! When did Moth to Fire get something like this?

"A bit of nanotechnology, still in the experimental stage, not very perfect in performance." Ai Yue lowered his sleeve to cover Prometheus's sub-unit, seeing Hua's gaze, he explained, "Want it? When the technology matures in the future, I'll get you a set."

"Ah?" Hua probably didn't expect Ai Yue to be so enthusiastic. After a moment of stunned silence, she quickly shook her head. "No, I don't need it... I don't need this kind of thing anyway."

Ai Yue just smiled at this and said nothing more.

Not tempted? It's fine, brother has many interesting things at home, I'm not afraid you won't be tempted.

At this moment, Hua didn't realize that Ai Yue's enthusiasm for her was all with ulterior motives, aiming to make her willingly become his subordinate.

It's a pity that it's too late to run now.

Chapter 55: Ai Yue's First Dream Trial (Four Thousand Words)

The two walked through the city and soon arrived in front of a residential building.

"So, the unconscious person is here?"

Hua looked at the somewhat old detached house in front of her. Ai Yue had briefly explained the situation to her on the way, so she understood Ai Yue's plan. She knew he intended to find the Herrscher's location by starting with those affected by the Herrscher's abilities.

"Yes, I've already contacted her parents in advance." Ai Yue couldn't act like a charlatan in front of Hua now, so he could only speak vaguely. "Don't talk later, just watch me operate."

Hua nodded and followed behind Ai Yue.

When Ai Yue rang the doorbell, a woman with a sad expression soon came out from inside. She looked at the two people in front of her with a questioning gaze and asked vigilantly, "Who are you?"

"Hello, Mrs. Sara?" Ai Yue showed a document. "I'm a doctor from the Medical Division of the UN Public Welfare Foundation. We contacted you on the forum before, and I'm here to examine your daughter."

"Are you Dr. Ai Yue?" The woman clearly remembered something and looked Ai Yue up and down. "This... can it work?"

Although Ai Yue was still wearing that white coat, his overly young appearance lacked credibility.

"You don't have any other options now, do you?" Ai Yue said with a smile. "Don't worry, we don't charge any fees. Why not give it a try?"

"...Alright." Mrs. Sara was clearly in a state of panic, so she didn't hesitate much. She stepped aside and invited the two in, though her expression was still a bit flustered. "Oh, right, please try to keep quiet. I..."

"Sallana? Sara!"

Before the woman could finish, a man's drunken and impatient voice came from inside the house: "Where did you go!"

As the two walked into the house, they saw a man stagger to his feet from the sofa, holding a wine bottle. "Who is this pretty boy? Who let you bring them in!"

As he spoke, the man walked towards Ai Yue, rolling up his sleeves as if to resort to violence.

Hua narrowed her eyes slightly and took a step forward without a sound. If the man dared to step within three meters of Ai Yue, she could take him down directly.

"Honey, these are doctors here to see Rachel," Mrs. Sara quickly stopped him. "Don't get agitated, they don't charge anything."

"Hmph, they better not." Perhaps intimidated by Hua's gaze, or perhaps not wanting to make a scene in front of outsiders, the man eventually gave up his original intention. However, he grabbed Sara's arm instead. "Since your daughter is being taken care of, come upstairs with me!"

Mrs. Sara instinctively tried to break free at first, but then gave up struggling. She simply pointed to the door of a room nearby with her other finger and looked at Ai Yue with a pleading gaze: "Doctor Ai Yue, I'm entrusting Rachel to you."

The two quickly disappeared around the corner of the stairs. Only then could Hua no longer hold back her words: "Are we just going to watch?"

"Domestic disputes are the hardest to deal with," Ai Yue walked towards the room Sara had pointed to. "What's your assessment of this family?"

He pushed open the room door. In a small room crammed with a bed, desk, chairs, and a wardrobe, leaving almost no space to stand, a somewhat gaunt girl lay on the bed, a smile on her lips.

"A typical blended family. Economic factors put the mother and daughter at a disadvantage in this household," Hua analyzed simply. "Judging by that man's attitude, this girl's life at home is probably not good. If that's the case, it could lead to some psychological issues."

"A reasonable analysis, but this is just the surface of what we see," Ai Yue picked up his phone from the bedside. Prometheus, hidden in his sleeve, immediately extended a tendril to connect with the phone. "You can manage this kind of thing for a while, but can you manage it forever? If there's no proper solution, her situation might even get worse after we leave."

Besides, if we're going to deal with it, we'll do it after the main task is done.

"Search complete, special keywords found," Prometheus's voice sounded. "Based on the current situation, there is a 99.2% probability that this person is one of the original anchor points."