Honkai's Thousand Laws, Kidnapping Kiana at the Start

"Your hesitation and weakness only made him more emboldened. You were like a tool without your own thoughts, toyed with by Otto. And now, I want to save them, I want to face this, but you're still telling me to consider the bigger picture. For those in danger, for those in despair, who will light their way forward?"

"I'm tired of your lectures. Just disappear from my mind."

Fu Hua, in the state of Feather Dust, felt as if her heart had been pierced by a sword. The intense spiritual pain tugged at her memories, making her feel as if she were back on that day five hundred years ago.

"Did I really do something wrong?"

Standing atop a tall building, the girl gazed into the distance. The scorching sun was swallowed by the earth, the rosy clouds faded, and the night sky reigned supreme.

Even if trapped in darkness, even if the past was gone.

Beneath this starry sky, there were still many paths Kiana had to walk alone.

"Go say goodbye to him..."

This is a message for when the book goes on sale.

I'm very happy that you've all read this far. As expected, this is a message for when the book goes on sale.

First, I want to express my sincere gratitude to all the readers for their support. Even though our performance has been completely crushed compared to others in the same period, I'm still very happy. My previous book's failure depressed me for a long time. I thought this one would also be silently drowned among the many masterpieces, but I didn't expect so many readers.

Let me briefly describe this book.

Regarding the beginning:

I spent a long time conceiving the beginning of this book. Originally, I just wanted to write a pure wish-fulfillment story, imitating those best-selling works. But in the end, I followed my heart and wanted to write a story that wasn't so cliché.

However, due to my writing skills, this beginning is indeed quite boring. I estimate that many friends felt uninterested and deleted the book before even reaching the third chapter. It should have been the golden three chapters, but I placed the important turning point in the fifth chapter. It's understandable that it failed.

Regarding the content:

The content of this book should be a story of misunderstanding, where conflicts are driven by unequal information.

The key points are naturally Su Jue, who wants to survive, and Kiana, who wants to save the world. Coincidentally, at this point in time, both of them have serious psychological flaws. Two flawed individuals might find solace in each other, but it's more likely they'll fall into a deeper vortex.

Su Jue used a method of seduction to put on a show of strength for Kiana, allowing her to discover the shining aspects of human nature. But in reality, he was also saving himself. He was chosen as a host by the Thousand Laws, so his problems are even greater. He merely used the authority of Domination to immerse himself in the role, forgetting his past. So, don't be surprised when the protagonist messes up sometimes; he's not perfect.

Of course, I, the author, am also a potential host for the Thousand Laws. Some plot points might seem strange, possibly due to my own flaws acting up.

Regarding the future:

Many of you are concerned about the female lead. The female lead of this book is already in the title. Of course, whether they end up together depends on the future direction of the story.

There probably won't be a harem. I've glanced at the rankings, and most of the popular books are harem novels. Although I'd like to follow the trend and make some money, I'll pass on that.

Next is the protagonist's stance. He has his own stance; he won't help humanity or Honkai. More often than not, he'll remain behind the scenes, causing trouble with puppets.

Also, I've noticed many Otto fans. While I also like Otto, in this book, he'll appear more as a villain, taking the blame for many things. After all, what he's done isn't exactly... kind.

As for Fu Hua, Mei, and others, they might not be portrayed perfectly. I hope readers who are fans of these characters will be lenient.

Alright, that's all for now. I'll let the rest unfold within the story.

The book goes on sale tomorrow. If you can support it, this book will go further. Thank you again to everyone who has read this far.

Thank you.

And now, I'm begging for votes, first subscriptions, collections, and recommendations. Please, please, please.

Chapter 69: Where the Lanterns Dim, Someone Awaits Your Return. Seeking First Subscription.

In this disaster called Honkai, no one can remain unscathed. As the pale behemoth ferociously swiped its claws overhead, the only thing reflected in their pupils was despair.

"Someone save me..."

Crack—

With the sound of the Spears of the Void piercing the carapace, the last rampaging Honkai Beast dissolved into pale purple Honkai Energy. Kiana jumped off it, breathing heavily, and scooped up the little girl who had collapsed on the ground.

"Don't worry, I'm here." Kiana's smile held hope, dispelling the little girl's fear.

Infected by her emotions, the little girl, who had been on the verge of tears, managed to stifle her sobs. She raised her hand, wiped away her tears, and looked at Kiana with pure eyes, "Big sister, are you an angel?"

No, I'm just a sinner seeking atonement.

She wanted to answer that, but seeing the longing in the little girl's eyes, she reached out and gently rubbed her nose, saying half-jokingly, "Yes, I am."

Soon, the affected residents gathered around. Seeing that her daughter was unharmed, her mother thanked Kiana profusely.

"The monsters are gone now. You should hurry and evacuate."

Despite the intensifying pain in her body, she mustered her energy and urged the rescued survivors to leave quickly. Only after everyone had safely departed did the smile on her face gradually fade.

Unbeknownst to anyone, the Honkai patterns beneath her clothes had become faintly visible, and the sweat that soaked her clothes was evident.

"The range of Honkai Beast attacks has increased. In the past, they would target cities, but now even the suburbs are not spared?" Her eyes held deep worry. The Honkai in Sky City was worsening, as if something was constantly attracting them.

She had initially thought it was the Herrscher of Void's power drawing them in, but as Kiana gained more control over the Herrscher of Void's power, she was no longer completely ignorant of the Honkai Energy leaking from her own body. She knew very well that these Honkai Beasts were not pursuing the Herrscher's power. Moreover, if they were attracted by her, these disasters should have occurred around her.

Sky City definitely held some unknown secret. During her search for Griseo's whereabouts, she had occasionally stumbled upon some strange clues. Perhaps Griseo's disappearance was also related to this matter.

After confirming that there were no refugees in the disaster area, Kiana continued towards the suburbs. Fu Hua had become withdrawn after their conversation that afternoon, leaving her to go alone.

"After I say goodbye to him, I'll investigate this thoroughly." She looked up at the distance. The moon was already high in the sky, and the lights of Sky City twinkled behind her, but the outskirts remained shrouded in darkness.

I'll just take a peek. Once I confirm he's safe, I'll leave.

As Honkai continued to occur, Sky City began to go into lockdown. Travel to the outskirts was cut off, leaving Kiana no choice but to travel on foot.

She walked alone on the deserted streets, with only the bright moonlight and the stars above for company. The entire world felt forgotten.

She suddenly remembered the day she first met Su Jue. It was also a day of rampaging Honkai Beasts, and the sky was full of stars. Only the dim yellow light of the streetlamps illuminated the street.

Kiana remembered that it was Su Jue who carried her, unconscious, through this very street. She wondered how someone with such poor stamina managed to carry her across more than half the city to get here.

However, when she finally reached the outskirts, she found only darkness. Apart from the public streetlights, there wasn't a single other light.

Seven or eight in the evening was usually a lively time, yet this large suburban area was terrifyingly silent.

"It doesn't look like it was attacked by Honkai Beasts."

The buildings were undamaged, appearing more like an organized evacuation. Walking a bit further, Kiana stopped. The road ahead was blocked by barriers, and the standing notice board was covered in dust.

[Residential area attacked by Honkai Beasts. All residents have been relocated to the West District. Do not approach.]

According to the notice, this had happened three days ago.

"They've already moved?" She felt an inexplicable sense of relief. Compared to the city center with its many shelters, the defense forces in the suburbs were too weak. In such a situation, relocation was the best option.

Still, there was a touch of regret. After all, who knew when they would meet again after this parting.

She stood still, gazing in the direction of the residential buildings, lingering for a long time.

"Forget it, I'm already here, might as well take another look." After pacing for a while, Kiana convinced herself with the classic excuse, "Since I'm already here..."

Su Jue's house was some distance from the main road, requiring passage through a small alley. Since all the surrounding residences had been evacuated, the alley was exceptionally dark. Fortunately, Kiana possessed the power of a Herrscher, so simple night vision was not an issue.

In the past, stray cats and dogs would roam the alley, but now, there wasn't even a trace of a mouse.

Narrow and cramped, a sense of unease gradually brewed in her heart as she continued through the alley.

But the alley was only so long. After Kiana navigated through it following her memory, the space suddenly opened up, and a large residential area appeared before her.

Unfortunately, the residential area was still the same, but there were no lights. Even the moon seemed indifferent to this area, not even deigning to cast its silver glow.

All the lights were out, and no one was returning home.

Would he be home?

Even though she knew the answer was impossible, Kiana couldn't help but think it. The path leading to Su Jue's doorstep was dim and lightless. Though only ten meters away from her destination, she hesitated to go further.

Perhaps she was afraid of disappointment.

Let's stop here.

She turned to leave, but at the moment she looked back, she saw a single light illuminated amidst the extinguished homes.

A boy with gray hair pushed open his window, and their eyes met.

Chapter 70: Lighthouse - Seeking First Subscription

"Huh? Sirin... Ah, no, it's Kiana, right? I didn't expect you to actually come back."

"..." She stood there, momentarily choked up.

"You knew I would come?"

"No, it was just a feeling. I thought maybe one day you'd come back to take a look. That's why I specifically changed to a brighter light bulb. After all, everyone else has moved out, and it's too dark here. And you've only been here once; if I didn't make the light brighter, you might not have found your way." Su Jue seemed to suddenly remember something and quickly added, "Wait a moment, I forgot to turn on the hallway light."

Su Jue flipped the switch, and the previously dark hallway was completely illuminated. Because none of the neighbors were willing to pay for repairs, the light bulbs here had been broken and never fixed. It was only after everyone had moved out that Su Jue replaced all the broken bulbs.

"Now the hallway won't be dark," he said, stepping out of his house. He looked at Kiana, standing at the entrance, with some confusion. "Aren't you coming in?"

Her white hair obscured Kiana's eyes, making it difficult for her to see Su Jue's face through her tears. But she quickly composed herself, secretly wiping away her tears as she turned, regaining her usual composure.

She was a strong Valkyrie, and Kiana didn't want Su Jue to see her vulnerable side.

"Okay," she replied. Even if the moon and stars offered no light, even if the world was shrouded in darkness, as long as a faint light illuminated her path, she could find the direction she wanted to go.

The house was still the same, but the living room was piled high with things, with messy miscellaneous items occupying more than half the space.

"Sorry, the place is a bit messy. Let me clean up a bit first." The table was also piled with miscellaneous items, which Su Jue had gathered to take with him when he moved. Various books and old clothes were scattered about.

Taking a deep breath, Su Jue picked up the stack of books. Unfortunately, he clearly overestimated his strength. As soon as he lifted them, the weight suddenly shifted, and he lost his balance. Just as he thought he was about to fall, a slender arm easily supported him and the stack of books, simultaneously taking the books from his hands. He was stunned.

"Where are you going to put them?" Kiana's voice broke Su Jue's daze. Seeing the girl effortlessly holding up the books he struggled to carry, Su Jue scratched his head awkwardly.

"Let's put them over here for now." He brought over a cardboard box and stacked the books by the wall.

With their combined efforts, they finally managed to clear a somewhat tidy space. Due to the impending move, the entire room felt empty after they finished cleaning.

A bit desolate.

"Why are you alone?" Not seeing Su Jue's mother, Kiana felt a sense of foreboding, and a terrible suspicion began to form in her mind.

However, Su Jue didn't seem sad. Instead, he explained with a hint of happiness, "Shencheng Pharmaceuticals in the city center was offering a free medical treatment lottery. I didn't expect to be lucky enough to win a spot, so my mom is there receiving treatment."

"Treatment? Then your illness..."

"..." Su Jue remained silent, but the smile on his face was a little stiff.

Realizing she had let slip a secret, Kiana quickly apologized, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to look at your medical records before."

After a few seconds of silence, Su Jue shook his head. "It's fine. My illness isn't a secret. In fact, the reason I stayed behind this time was to say goodbye to you."

"Farewell..."

A sudden pang of sadness hit Kiana's heart. She remembered her own reason for coming here was also to say goodbye. But after everything that had happened, she suddenly didn't want to use that word. She hadn't expected Su Jue to say it first.

Su Jue didn't notice her change in expression. He looked around the messy room with a sigh, "I've been here for so long, it's hard to leave even though I have to move. My scumbag father abandoned my mother and me, but he worked desperately to earn this place. Now, because of the Honkai, everyone has to relocate to safer areas."

So it was just about moving.

Her dull eyes regained their sparkle. She didn't know when it started, but this carefree girl could become sentimental over others' words. Kiana didn't notice her own change. Realizing Su Jue was only saying goodbye because he was moving, she relaxed considerably, "After all, disasters are becoming more frequent, and relocation is a last resort. But the main group should have left three days ago. You stayed behind to... wait for me?"

Even though this neighborhood had completed its evacuation three days ago, Su Jue was still here. Kiana suddenly understood that it wasn't that he didn't want to leave, but that he was waiting to say a final goodbye to her. He was afraid she wouldn't find her way home, so he had lit the lamp. He was afraid he wouldn't see her when she returned, and he waited alone in this deserted residential area for three days.

"You could say that. After all, we're friends. It's only proper to say goodbye before leaving without a word," he said with a faint smile. Su Jue slapped his forehead, suddenly remembering he hadn't prepared any tea for his guest. "Sorry, I forgot to pour tea."

"No need..." Kiana hadn't finished speaking before Su Jue was already running to the kitchen to boil water and make tea, leaving her alone in the living room.

Of course, she didn't know that Su Jue, in the kitchen, had quietly activated his Herrscher powers. Outside the apartment building, Himeko, who had just returned after investigating World Serpent's traces, was stunned and under control.

"What are you doing? Can't I even go home?"

Glancing at Kiana sitting in the living room, Su Jue replied mercilessly, "No. You can either find a way to stay outside for the night, or I'll lock you in the Theater of Domination. Your choice."

Good thing I noticed Himeko's movement just in time, or it would have been a big problem if she had come back.

"Such a heartless man. Did you bring another woman home? I'm telling you, Kiana..."

"Shut up!" Su Jue rudely interrupted Himeko and directly controlled her to the desolate outskirts. Once they were in an empty area, he released his control.

Looking at the barren wasteland, Himeko gritted her teeth. He had actually dumped her in a place like this. "This is too much."

She was tired and hungry after a long day, only to be kicked out of her own home as soon as she arrived. Himeko's resentment grew, but what could she do? She was his puppet for now.

"I guess I'll have to make do with staying outside for the night," she sighed helplessly, patting her pockets and finding not a single cent.