Honkai Impact: I, The Herrscher of Ice, Am Loved By Players-Chapter 220: Savior Kevin’s Arrival, Ana Makes Her Debut!

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"Very well, you have passed the Sinful Demon's trial."

In the Honkai World, amidst the starry sky, after an intense battle, Kiana and her companions ultimately defeated what Kevin bore upon his shoulders. However, it was merely a test orchestrated by the Sinful Demon.

As Kevin spoke, immense power surged towards him, causing even Kiana, now the Herrscher of Finality, to furrow her brow anxiously, feeling the weight of the situation intensify.

Although she had legitimately obtained the Power of Finality, in reality, Kevin's mastery over it did not fall short of hers. Moreover, Kevin himself was incredibly formidable from the start.

And at that moment, Kevin finally revealed his true strength.

"Come forth, all that I bear!" Kevin declared with a low voice as power coursed through him. He stepped into the void, emanating divine radiance. Emerging from the Nihility, a colossal figure possessing myriad characteristics appeared.

Standing tall, he seemed like the undisputed ruler of this world.

"This transcends choice and survival; at this moment, the aspirations of all converge into one grand ambition—

"Step forth, for I am the inscription of salvation!"

Indeed, this was Kevin's strongest form: Savior Kevin. In this state, his power surpassed even that of the Herrscher of Finality. Naturally, achieving this transformation demanded immense requirements and a terrifying burden on Kevin.

In the game lore, references to Savior Kevin could be found across different titles, including Honkai Impact 3. Within the Elysian Realm storyline, Kosma also mentioned Savior Kevin while contemplating the disparity between their strengths.

However, in reality, "Savior Kevin" was merely an idealized state—essentially, it should have been unattainable.

But how did Kevin manage it now? The answer lies in the Power of Finality's enhancement, enabling him to suppress the Main trio and wield authority over everything.

"Brahma of Hundred Beasts, empower my being; Sinful Demon descends, draw the sword of salvation..."

"This is humanity's chimera, the culmination of Stigmata, the Sword of Civilization transcending Finality—

"If you cannot overcome it, you will never bear the dream named Kindling."

Savior Kevin murmured, wielding the Regalia as he clashed with the Main trio. However, it was clear that Savior Kevin was the ultimate boss even in reality, not just within the game.

Although this battle might have seemed less straightforward in the game, for the current Main trio, it proved to be an exceptionally grueling ordeal.

Despite facing three opponents alone, Kevin fought like an unstoppable force akin to Lü Bu at his prime. Unfortunately, the Main trio were no match for the legendary trio from Peach Garden, and they quickly found themselves overwhelmed.

However, mere suppression held little significance.

Kevin had reached this point relying primarily on his own strength, rather than external sources. In contrast, the power of the three Herrschers before him stemmed directly from the Cocoon of Finality.

Prolonging the fight would inevitably lead to predictable outcomes.

Nevertheless, Kevin continued battling relentlessly, showing no mercy whatsoever. Even though there was no need for such desperation, he persisted regardless.

Though the outcome seemed predetermined, Kevin insisted on witnessing it unfold with his own hands, fully deserving of the right to do so.

Moreover, Kevin knew well that "She" would likely descend to engage in a similar confrontation herself.

If even Savior Kevin couldn't overcome her, how could they possibly prepare for her return and face Its arrival? No one understood better than Kevin the disparity between himself, her, and It.

Even if she held back, he still couldn't defeat her, let alone contend with the being within the Cocoon. This relentless battle also served as a safeguard for the Main trio.

"Come forth! This time, I stake my life on this battlefield, hoping you will surpass all limits!"

Savior Kevin engaged the Main trio in combat. However, as time passed, it was not Savior Kevin who first showed signs of decline but rather the Main trio themselves.

Undeniably, as the strongest figure from the previous civilization, having existed for five millennia, Kevin's power and experience far surpassed those of the newly ascended Herrschers.

Despite their performance, Kevin remained undisappointed.

In truth, he never harbored high expectations to begin with. He embodied the last resort, the personification of despair—for both Earth and himself.

Given enough time, the Main trio would undoubtedly grow stronger, but currently, they were still too inexperienced.

However, the Main trio encompassed more than just three individuals.

In the game, this scenario transcended dimensions, garnering support from various sources of power. In reality, Anti-Entropy and Schicksal provided substantial firepower assistance, while Ai played her unique role by communicating with parallel worlds she had previously visited.

With this combined strength, the initially struggling Main trio rallied and began launching counterattacks against Kevin.

However, Kevin was not one to fall easily.

As time progressed, though, the Main trio gained an absolute advantage.

The moment to end it all had arrived!

The three young women exchanged glances before simultaneously charging at Kevin. He summoned meteorites using his scepter, but they were effortlessly countered. Then, Kiana delivered what should have been a fatal blow.

Yet, it did not land on Kevin.

An indescribable ripple emanated outward from Savior Kevin, rapidly reversing both time and power.

Kiana watched in disbelief, powerless to intervene. She knew that the essence of Finality's power was control over time, but achieving such mastery was beyond her or even Kevin's capabilities.

Naturally, only one other person could achieve such a feat.

"Kevin, before uttering phrases like 'loading life into the gun,' why not consider your friends and family first?" A familiar, flippant voice suddenly echoed amidst the stars. As it resounded, a figure slowly emerged, with steps seemingly formed from starlight beneath her feet.

Upon hearing that voice, Savior Kevin, who had been engaged with the Main trio, lowered his head. The colossal chimera form instantly dissipated, revealing Kevin's classic appearance once more.

He nodded towards the Main trio, then turned and vanished into the stardust.

Kiana watched as Kevin disappeared but understood that he was merely leaving temporarily, not perishing. His effortless control indicated that if he chose to continue, they would have no chance against him.

In essence, Kevin had simply been sparring with them or perhaps even...

This realization unsettled Kiana. It felt akin to exerting all her effort, seeing victory within reach, only to discover it was just part of someone else's training—a mere fraction of their journey.

It's hard to describe, but it feels genuinely disheartening. Not just mildly discouraging either; Kiana knew there was a significant gap between them and Kevin, but she never anticipated it to be this vast.

Even without Ana transcending her role in other timelines, the original storyline made it clear that Savior Kevin was unbeatable by the Main trio alone.

In some world lines, Savior Kevin single-handedly defeated the Herrscher of Finality from the previous civilization, effectively ending Honkai.

Despite their Ascensions, the disparity between them remained substantial.

More importantly, compared to Kiana and her friends, Kevin truly embodied humanity better.

Kevin represented the pinnacle of human civilization, while the Main trio were Herrschers themselves, albeit altered slightly due to the Herrscher of Origin's influence.

Nevertheless, when juxtaposed with Kevin, he undeniably felt more akin to a true human.

At present, however, Kevin's actions are no longer crucial. What matters now is the figure who summoned him, the presence emerging from the starry sky.

As Kiana gazed at the distant silhouette, she couldn't help but feel stunned.

Yes, she had seen this figure not long ago! It's...it's...

"Ana-sensei," Bronya interjected, helping Kiana overcome her momentary stutter.

Bronya spoke up first, inadvertently helping Kiana overcome her stutter momentarily. However, as she watched the figure slowly approaching from the sky, Bronya felt a sense of unease.

"Big Sister Mei..."

"Hmm."

Raiden Mei also stared at the gradually advancing silhouette. Strangely, she sensed an unprecedented pressure emanating from that presence.

If Savior Kevin's aura made it slightly hard to breathe, this new figure's mere gaze could strike terror and instant death.

Of course, such a description might be exaggerated, but Raiden Mei indeed felt an overwhelming resistance throughout her body.

Yet, both the appearance and demeanor unmistakably belonged to—

"Hello, my dear students; long time no see."

In the vast expanse of the starry sky, Ana, clad in her flowing white gown, approached leisurely, resembling both a celestial maiden descending from heaven and a divine being on the brink of emerging from its cocoon.

As Ana, her essence naturally radiated with the aura of divinity—a level utterly incomprehensible to the three individuals before her.

"Well? Aren't you going to welcome me upon our reunion?" Seeing their silence, Ana chuckled softly.

"..."

"..."

"..."

"You're not Ana-sensei!" After a brief silence, Bronya stepped forward, her gaze intense as she stared unwaveringly at Ana and stated coldly.

"Why wouldn't I be?"

Ana's expression remained unchanged. To be honest, this rejection was within her expectations. The sudden appearance of someone presumed dead is understandably difficult for anyone to accept.

However, Ana didn't appear here to engage in battle with the Main trio. After all, she wasn't truly the main antagonist yet.

"Oh dear, Bronya, despite me always keeping an eye on you, it seems you don't recognize me anymore. How disheartening."

Kiana's eyebrows furrowed slightly at Ana's words. This tone reminded her of the Herrscher of Dominance. Of course, the entity before them couldn't possibly be that Herrscher, but...

"All right, all right, just kidding."

Suddenly, Ana spoke, "Oh dear, Bronya, even though I've been closely observing you all this time, it seems you don't recognize me anymore. How disheartening." As she said this, her aura diminished, making her appear like an ordinary person. However, given her presence amidst the starlit sea, there was no way she could be just anyone.

"Since Bronya believes I'm not Ana, allow me to reintroduce myself properly."

"I am Ana Schariac, your teacher, and concurrently, the Lord of World Serpent. The New Stigma Project, also known as the Honkai Plan, is under my leadership and guidance."

As Ana spoke, she extended her hand, revealing a mask within it.

"Do you remember this, Bronya?"

Seeing the mask in Ana's hand, Bronya's pupils contracted, and Kiana reacted similarly. They had encountered the owner of this mask during their time at Taixuan Mountain.

"That's right, I am indeed the owner of this mask - Bai Zhi," Ana smiled, feeling secretly pleased inside. Having remained behind the scenes for so long, she finally found an opportunity to step forward and make her presence known. It had almost suffocated her waiting patiently.

Fortunately, with Kevin, Mei, and Otto present, she managed to hold back her excitement.

It wasn't easy, but seeing these expressions on their faces now felt worth it for Ana. Although not solely orchestrated for this moment, it still brought her a sense of satisfaction—a small triumph amidst chaos.

"Wait, if you're Ana-sensei, then what happened at Coral Island?" Raiden Mei asked first.

"Hmm, that's a good question, but it's quite a long story, one that marks the beginning of everything."

"Raiden Mei, as someone who experienced the Herrscher personality firsthand, I believe you understand its significance better than anyone?"

Raiden Mei nodded affirmatively. Indeed, for a significant period, her Herrscher personality had been a constant torment until they eventually reconciled, thanks largely to Kiana's influence.

"At the time, when we fought on Coral Island, the Herrscher of Winter was my detached Herrscher personality—an existence akin to the Herrscher of Sentience."

As Ana spoke, she raised her hand, and a Snow Lotus appeared in her palm. Sensing the aura within that Snow Lotus, Raiden Mei suddenly realized it bore striking similarities to the presence of the former Herrscher of Winter.

"For disobedient children, proper discipline is necessary. In any case, at that time, she took control of my body."

With these words, Ana tucked away the Snow Lotus once more. It wasn't yet the right moment to release this entity. This being could be seen as a replica of Senti but even less compliant than her, possibly influenced by her memories.

"At that point, I had already embarked on a different path, making my original body insignificant for me. The actions I undertook involved many complexities."

"Ultimately, for me, abandoning that body was both a sacrifice and a means to spur you all forward. Thus, the tale of the Herrscher of Winter comes to an end."

Raiden Mei remained silent, her eyes flickering as she contemplated the truthfulness of Ana's words.