Core Database

"A make-up exam?" Himeko downed her drink in one gulp, pointing her chopsticks at Kiana like a disappointed teacher. "There's a limit to how stupid you can be! Small chest, no brain!"

"What are we going to do about the make-up exam next week? The class representative said we can't become Valkyries if we don't pass it..." Yae Sakura refilled Himeko's glass. Kiana, meanwhile, was carefully pulling open her pajamas to peek inside.

"There's no other way, we have to do an intensive training session before the exam!" Himeko chugged her beer, waving the bottle like a pointer. "We need to find a way to bring a failing student up to average level in just one week!"

Meanwhile, in Bronya's room, the "Metal Gear Bronya" had just reluctantly said goodbye to its teammates and quit the game. Bronya stood up and rummaged through a nearby storage box. "Found it! We'll use this!"

"Um, Teacher Himeko, what do you need me for so late at night?" Sheng Jiu yawned as he asked Himeko, who opened the door.

Himeko shrugged. "I'm not entirely sure myself, but Bronya insisted you come, so I called you over. Come in and see for yourself." She stepped aside, opening the dorm room door.

Sheng Jiu entered the dorm and quickly spotted Bronya waving at him from a doorway. "Idiot Sheng Jiu, over here." Sheng Jiu walked in, puzzled.

Inside the room, a petrified Kiana lay buried under a mountain of textbooks. Bronya was fiddling with three brightly colored helmets.

"What are these? Hovos collaboration game helmets? They're so cool, I've wanted one for ages." Sheng Jiu sat down and picked one up to examine it.

"These are Hovos mk series virtual reality connection helmets. You'll know what they're for in a moment. Alright, idiot Sheng Jiu, lend me a hand." Bronya gestured towards Kiana with her chin.

Sheng Jiu immediately understood. He walked over and pressed Kiana down onto the table. "Let go of me! What are you two doing, let go of me—" Kiana, on the table, thrashed wildly as Bronya approached with a helmet, but she couldn't escape being fitted with it.

"Don't move, idiot Kiana, it'll be ready soon."

"Wha—" Before Kiana could finish, she slumped onto the table, unconscious.

"What happened?" Sheng Jiu asked Bronya, looking at the unconscious Kiana, utterly bewildered. "I didn't even use that much force?"

"It's fine, her consciousness has just been transferred to the virtual database. We'll be going there soon too."

Bronya handed Sheng Jiu a blue helmet and picked up another for herself. The phantom of a Heavy Trooper Bunny appeared behind her. "Do you want to put it on yourself, or should I help you?"

"No, I can do it myself..."

The moment he put on the helmet, Sheng Jiu felt an intense wave of dizziness. Then, he too collapsed on the floor, losing consciousness.

With a "slap," Sheng Jiu sat up, clutching his cheek. He looked at Kiana, who had a displeased expression. "Ow, my face! Why'd you hit me?!"

Kiana retorted, "Tell me! Why did you two ambush me!"

"We were afraid you'd resist, so we helped you put on the helmet. You'll understand once you're in."

"Well, you could have just said so! I would have done it myself, no need to be so scary. Fine, since you two are trying to help me study, I won't hold it against you—" Kiana pulled Sheng Jiu up. "Look, where are we? Why are there so many books? St. Freya Academy's library doesn't even have this many!"

Hearing this, Sheng Jiu forgot the stinging pain on his face and looked around carefully. Countless corridors and staircases intertwined, connecting to immense bookshelves piled high with densely packed books of all kinds.

"Huh? Why are you wearing different clothes?" Sheng Jiu asked in surprise, looking at Kiana, who was now wearing the Ranger Armor.

"Hmph, since you're being so sincere, I'll graciously tell you. In this space, you can manifest anything you desire. Changing clothes is a piece of cake. Just close your eyes and imagine it clearly!" Seeing that she had finally gotten the upper hand over Sheng Jiu, Kiana's mood improved greatly.

"Imagine, huh? Let me try." Sheng Jiu closed his eyes and focused on his inner desires. He then opened his eyes, and a flash of white light enveloped him. The next second, Sheng Jiu's school uniform had been replaced by a fully armored set of red armor.

"How's this? Am I cool, bro?" Sheng Jiu's helmet visor slowly descended as he proudly addressed Kiana.

"Tch, I could still—"

"Lost maiden, I shall guide you onto the path of truth." A familiar voice interrupted their conversation again.

They both turned around and saw Bronya, dressed in a pink princess dress. Their expressions became priceless.

"Hahahaha, what kind of outfit is that, Bronya? Hahaha!" Kiana couldn't stand up straight from laughing, leaning on Sheng Jiu, who was also laughing with his head thrown back.

"Heavy Mech 38cc, prepare to repel—"

"We think this outfit is really cool, right Kiana?"

"Agreed."

Bronya, satisfied, retracted the Heavy Mech with its four cannons from behind her. "I am Bronya, the witch who guides you. I will lead you to the hall of truth."

Kiana whispered to Sheng Jiu, thinking she was being quiet, "I think she's supposed to be a magical girl te—"

"Let's start by looking at the earliest Honkai history," Bronya interrupted their hushed whispers. She picked up a thick, black-bound book. Instantly, a powerful suction emanated from the book, pulling the two towards it.

"Wait, I haven't— Ahhh—"

As the cover closed, the hall returned to silence.