"Bronya became a lawyer, Fu Hua's body was chosen by a Herrscher…
From Koji's side they heard that several of his classmates had turned into Herrschers.
Was this even possible?
There were only so many Herrschers in total—how could he be teaching that many?"
"Could Saint Freya Academy be the nest of Honkai itself?" Himeko couldn't help asking.
"Saint Freya does indeed carry the nickname 'the Eastern Demon's Den.'
Wendy and Anna have both spent time there."
Himeko's mouth twitched. If she didn't know they were fighting for humanity, she might really think…
"Those Herrschers like Kiana, they actually haven't shown their true strength."
"What do you mean?"
Himeko's understanding of Herrschers was limited. All she knew was that they were walking natural disasters. If that wasn't strong enough, then what was?
"The essence of Herrscher authority is the ultimate expression of physical laws. Think about it—do you really think Kiana and the others, who can barely pass their physics courses, could ever bring out the true depth of that power?"
"Uh…"
Himeko was stunned. Now that Koji phrased it like that, it made sense. Even a good student like Fu Hua was lacking in physics, let alone an idiot like Kiana.
"Looks like we should be thankful."
If Kiana and the others actually had a high level of education, the Herrscher powers could easily destroy the world.
Koji sighed. "Take Herrscher authority itself. If the host body was a physicist, they could manipulate reality to terrifying extremes. At that point, humanity wouldn't even have a chance."
"Exactly. A Herrscher who actually knew how to play with the rules of physics… humanity would be doomed."
The Herrscher of Wind, for example, controlled the ideal fluid. But Wendy? She only managed to blow some gusts. Mihoyo likely knew how terrifying the true authority was. If every Herrscher could wield it to the fullest, the game itself would be unplayable.
A few days later, Tartaglia found Koji and challenged him to a true man's duel.
"Comrade, may you enjoy yourself to the fullest."
He stared at the sword in Koji's hands. What a peerless weapon. Even five-star artifacts felt inferior compared to it. The aura alone shook the soul.
"Tartaglia, you really are unlike the other Fatui Harbingers," Koji said helplessly.
The others had their own goals. Tartaglia only wanted to fight strong opponents.
"I'm not like the Lady or the others. Enough talk. I'm coming!"
Hydro gathered, shaping into a spear as Tartaglia lunged forward, pupils reflecting a faint, dangerous gleam.
"Hah!"
Danger!
The instant Koji swung his sword, Tartaglia's battle-honed instincts screamed. He dodged at the last moment.
The blade never even left its sheath, yet a slash of sword-qi cut through the ground, leaving a smooth trench stretching dozens of meters.
Tartaglia's expression hardened. Just from a half-swing of an unsheathed sword… such overwhelming sword pressure. What a monster.
And yet, all the better!
Since it was like this, he would go all out.
Lightning sparked as Tartaglia floated in the air, power flaring violently. He was about to unleash his Foul Legacy: Devil Form.
"Too slow."
Koji blurred like an afterimage, slapping Tartaglia's face before he could react.
[Blessing of Godspeed: Supreme speed. With it, you could outrun even time itself.]
Boom!
In the next second, Tartaglia's head smashed into the ground. The impact split the earth into jagged cracks.
"Tartaglia, let this be your lesson. Remember—telegraphed ultimates with long wind-ups are fatal."
Koji clapped his hands. Normally, Tartaglia wouldn't learn this until Fontaine. Koji had simply made him experience it earlier.
Now, Tartaglia lay there, unconscious, sinking into infant-like sleep. He never imagined his ultimate could be interrupted mid-cast.
Yet that was his last thought before blacking out.
"So useless."
Rosalyne strode over on long legs, her white fur collar bouncing with her steps. Two Fatui soldiers followed behind.
"The power of this so-called Honorary Knight really is absurd. Are you even human?" she asked, not sparing Tartaglia a glance.
Koji spread his hands and gestured.
"Yes, pure human. Just… slightly stronger than most," Rosalyne admitted.
She looked back at Tartaglia. "He might be a muscle-headed idiot, but his strength isn't low. Don't be modest."
"This fool even thought he could challenge the War God Morax. I truly don't understand why Her Majesty made him a Harbinger."
Rosalyne clearly didn't hate Tartaglia, but she had little compatibility with him. To her, his brainpower simply wasn't there.
"You two, take him back."
"Yes, ma'am."
The soldiers hauled Tartaglia away, pausing to cast reverent glances at Koji. Tartaglia might have been the lowest-ranked Harbinger, but his power had been recognized by the Tsaritsa herself.
"Rosalyne, did you speak with Zhongli?" Koji asked casually.
"We met. Didn't expect him to be such a slippery one."
That was her evaluation. Strong, yes, but leaving Liyue in the hands of its people seemed far too premature. And dying by simply falling from the sky? She didn't even know how to comment.
"You, a War God, chose that kind of death? Were you trying to fool the world?"
"Enough of that. I asked you before—do you want to join the Fatui?" Rosalyne continued.
Whether one was Snezhnayan or not didn't matter. Several Harbingers weren't.
Koji already knew that. The Fatui Harbingers came from many nations.
"Sure. But what codename would I get?"
Rosalyne thought for a moment. "The Twelfth Seat, 'Proud Heaven'?"
She twitched at the absurd name. Perhaps a bit over the top.
"Well, if you don't mind, you can use it."
"If you really wish to join, I can even ask Her Majesty to grant you the Thirteenth Seat, 'Chenhuan.'"
Koji shrugged. "If Lumine wants, she can join too."
Rosalyne puffed her chest with pride. "Our Fatui intelligence network ranks first among the Seven Nations. If she's searching for her brother, we will keep watch."
"The Traveler's brother—we'll be on the lookout."
With that, Rosalyne departed.
Koji returned to Liyue Harbor. Tartaglia's sudden challenge had only been a small interlude. Next, Tartaglia would have to recuperate at the Fatui stronghold, instead of heading straight to the Golden House.
(End of Chapter)
[100 Power Stones = 1 Extra Chapter]
[Check out my Patreon to read 20+ chapters ahead]
[[email protected]/Zukooo]
[Thanks for your support!]