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

'Nameless' spread his hands and said leisurely, "See? Miss Mei doesn't even care whether I can cook or not."

'Hehe, the sooner Mei learns to cook, the sooner I can enjoy her meals. Kiana's cooking is getting unbearable—though it's decent, it's nowhere near as good as Mei's~' Fu Lin snuggled in Mei's arms, laughing internally. Then, glancing at Raiden Ryoma, who seemed to be exuding an ominous aura, he muttered,

"Why does it feel like Raiden Ryoma doesn't like me? Does he really think I'll steal his daughter away?"

--------------------------

"..." My precious daughter may not care, but as her father, I do!!!

Raiden Ryoma's forehead bulged with veins, his fists clenched tightly, itching to take off his mascot costume and drive the boy in front of him away, keeping him far from his daughter.

"The resentment is even stronger now... I need to find a way to get through this, this tsundere daughter-con."

Fu Lin smacked his lips, glanced at the wooden sword in Raiden Ryoma's arms, and controlled 'Nameless' to say,

"I may not be good at cooking, but I can do housework. If Miss Mei is in danger, I can also act as a temporary bodyguard to ensure her safety."

"I see that you practice swordsmanship. Why don't we have a little sparring match?"

"Oh ho ho, young man, don't be too arrogant."

Hearing the boy's words, Raiden Ryoma was so amused that his anger turned into laughter. Since the other party was asking for a beating, he wouldn't hold back. He turned and walked toward the training ground inside the villa.

Meanwhile, Mei stood dumbfounded in the entryway, staring blankly at their backs, "Who am I? Where am I? What am I supposed to do?"

...

"Tofu, where's the tofu... Found it!"

"Boss, give me a pound of tofu."

"Alright!"

After paying, 'Nameless' took the tofu and placed it in his shopping bag. Glancing at the list in his hand to confirm nothing was missing, he casually crumpled it into a ball and tossed it into a nearby trash can.

It had already been a year since he sparred with the Homu Sword Saint (Raiden Ryoma) and earned his approval.

Throughout the year, aside from doing some housework every day, 'Nameless' was practically 'idle,' spending his time lounging on the sofa with Fu Lin, watching movies and anime—a life he once dreamed of.

He had also witnessed Mei's cooking improve, from barely edible to well-balanced flavors.

So, a week ago, 'Nameless' finally handed over his 'cherished' (studied) collection of recipes to Mei. Now, his biggest anticipation each day was the three meals she prepared.

"Tonight's going to be a feast. I never expected Mei to even master Dumplings. Giving her the recipes was totally worth it."

A figure wearing a smiling mask and a white suit slowly appeared beside the trash can, eyes burning as he stared at 'Nameless's' back.

"Heh heh..."

Sensing something, 'Nameless' turned to look behind him. Seeing only the empty trash can, he scratched his head in confusion, then shifted his gaze to the blue rose on the ground.

'Nameless' bent down to pick up the blue rose. For some reason, Otto's punchable face popped into his mind. He rubbed his wrist, feeling an inexplicable itch in his hands.

"There's no way Otto would show up here. I must be overthinking it. Mei should be almost done preparing—better hurry back."

Tossing away the flower, 'Nameless' turned and walked briskly away. As he reached the corner near Mei's house, he suddenly stopped.

Feeling the cold touch against his temple, 'Nameless' swallowed hard, eyes filled with surprise.

Then, a sly and mocking voice rang beside his ear.

"Sir, there's something I need your help with. Would you mind coming with me?"

'Nameless' glanced sideways. Upon seeing the all-too-familiar outfit, his eyes instantly turned cold, and he slowly set down the items in his hands.

"Archbishop Otto, your way of greeting old friends is certainly... unique."

Otto chuckled, removed his mask, and said, "Hahaha... I'm honored that even after all this time, you still remember me."

"How did you notice me?"

"Heh..." 'Nameless' let out a cold laugh, swiftly crouched down, and, catching Otto off guard, swept his leg.

However, his expression immediately twisted in pain as he clutched his own leg and sucked in a sharp breath.

"Hiss! It's broken! Hiss-ha! My leg's about to break! Damn it, Otto, are you made of steel?!"

Standing as steady as a mountain, Otto looked down at 'Nameless,' watching him roll on the ground clutching his leg with tears in his eyes. A hint of speechlessness flickered in Otto's gaze.

A few seconds later, Otto's eyes gleamed as he observed 'Nameless' suddenly stand up as if nothing had happened. A thought formed in his mind.

Staring directly at 'Nameless,' Otto said, "How I discovered you is irrelevant. What matters is that my previous offer still stands..."

"My friend, will you finally give me your answer?"

'Nameless' showed no emotion, only feeling an urge to laugh.

"Archbishop Otto, you should know that the situation now is different from before. I can completely refuse to join you..."

"Is that your answer, my friend?"

Otto raised the simulated gun in his hand, aiming it at 'Nameless's' head, and slowly pulled the trigger...

Bang!

A sharp gunshot shattered the silence, startling countless birds into flight...