Honkai Impact 3rd: Catching the Herrscher of Sentience at the Start

"!!!"

Mei's expression changed instantly. Her hand reflexively reached for her sword, but Elysia stopped her. The tiny Herrscher of Corruption then hopped onto Elysia's outstretched palm and turned away haughtily.

"Dear Mei, it can't do anything now. Besides, isn't its tiny, delicate form perfect as the mascot of Paradise?"

"Hmph, I hope so..."

"Huh? But isn't Paradise already home to the sweet and lovely fairy Ellie?"

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Early in the morning, the sun was still rising in the clouds, casting a reddish glow through them. The light became increasingly dazzling and enchanting, while the surroundings remained silent.

However, on the small path of St. Freya Academy, a series of rapid footsteps suddenly broke the peaceful morning.

As the footsteps grew clearer, Fu Hua's figure gradually appeared in sight. She was running from afar like the wind.

Then, the door was violently pushed open with a loud thud, startling awake everyone in the dormitory... or rather, only Kiana.

Mei peeked out from the kitchen, her large eyes filled with confusion as she looked at Fu Hua.

Bronya also walked out of her room in her pajamas, rubbing her eyes drowsily and asking, "What was that sound just now? Class monitor, why are you here?"

Himeko emerged from the bathroom, holding a toothbrush in one hand and a cup in the other. She looked at Fu Hua, who had arrived so early, and asked,

"Fu Hua, is there... ah—pfft, something going on?"

Mei turned off the stove, took off her apron, and looked at Fu Hua with the same confusion. Seeing no sign of Fu Shi, she couldn't help but feel disappointed.

Fu Hua caught her breath but still spoke urgently, "Huff... sorry for barging in without permission, but... have you seen Fu Shi?"

Mei, holding breakfast, froze upon seeing Fu Hua's anxious expression. "Fu Shi isn't with you?"

Fu Hua held her forehead, recalling the events of the morning, and couldn't help but feel frustrated,

"When I woke up, she was already gone. Her bed was cold—seems like she left a while ago. And now, she's not here either..."

Hearing this, Mei also panicked, grabbing Fu Hua's hand. "Fu Shi is still so young. What if someone deceived her? Class monitor, we have to find her quickly!"

Fu Hua frowned deeply, thinking aloud, "I've already searched the entire St. Freya Academy, but I couldn't find her. Could she have gone outside?"

Kiana rubbed her eyes as she walked out of her room, hugged Mei, and nuzzled against her. Then, upon seeing Fu Hua, she suddenly woke up, clutching her head in despair and shouting,

"Good morning, Mei~... Wait, class monitor, why are you here?! Don't tell me we have training today!!!"

Kiana's scream startled Himeko, who was applying lipstick. Seeing the extra red streak on her lips in the mirror, a vein popped on her forehead.

"Kiana!"

"Aunt Himeko, your face... hahahaha!"

Kiana burst into laughter at Himeko's furious expression and messy makeup. But what awaited her was Himeko's wrath.

Kneeling on the ground, Kiana clutched the bump on her head, teary-eyed as she looked at Himeko. "Teacher Himeko, I was wrong."

Himeko massaged her wrist, gave Kiana a disdainful glance, then immediately changed her expression and kindly asked Fu Hua, "Fu Hua, you were saying something about Fu Shi?"

Kiana pouted and muttered under her breath, "Did Teacher Himeko learn face-changing opera? She switched so fast..."

Fu Hua repeated the situation regarding Fu Shi.

"That's great! Finally, no one will fight me for Mei!"

Kiana's eyes lit up as she raised her hands in excitement. But seeing everyone's stares, she quickly corrected herself,

"...Ahem, I mean, that's terrible! Fu Shi is missing—Mei must be heartbroken. No time to waste, let's go find her!"

"Fu Hua, do you think Fu Shi's family might have taken her away? After all, she appeared suddenly, didn't she?"

"I've considered that possibility, but... after spending so much time together, if she was leaving, she should have at least told me..."

Fu Hua pursed her lips, a hint of confusion flashing in her eyes. She couldn't accept Fu Shi's sudden departure, but she also understood that Fu Shi had her own home...

Seeing her student's dejected expression, Himeko patted Fu Hua's shoulder, then walked past her, grabbing a coat from the hanger.

"That makes sense. Let's head out and look for her. Maybe she just wandered off—kids are like that. If you take your eyes off them for one second, they're off somewhere playing."

"Class monitor, don't worry! I'll definitely help you find Fu Shi." As long as there's no training, anything is fine.

Kiana stood up, clenched her fists, and grinned at Fu Hua. At the same time, she didn't forget to scold Fu Shi,

"Hmph! A little kid is still a little kid—always making the adults worry. When she comes back, I'll spank her!"

"Class monitor, Bronya will also help."

Just as everyone was about to leave, a spatula blocked their path. Mei, with a gentle smile, said,

"I know everyone is anxious—I am too. But let's eat breakfast first, so we have the energy to find Fu Shi. Right, everyone?"

Everyone, 'Please lower the spatula, everything is negotiable!'