Honkai Impact: I, The Herrscher of Ice, Am Loved By Players-Chapter 183: Captains’ Speculations! Jeanne’s Flaws!

Please support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I'm working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for most novels - There are at least twice as many available Chapters on Patreon, compared to here on Webnovel.

Additionally, there are also free extra Chapters available for Free Members, so head on over:

Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff

******

"I..." Confusion flickers in Theresa's eyes, clearly indicating that her bond with Otto is far more complex than it seems. Some connections cannot be easily severed. To be fair, Otto had treated Theresa well.

Just as Theresa is about to become entirely lost, another voice echoes from afar:

"Theresa!"

Following the sound, they see Herrscher of Flamescion—Kiana.

At Kiana's call, Theresa's bewildered gaze instantly clears.

"Kiana!"

Witnessing this, Jeanne's eyes merely flicker slightly without any further action.

Although she had employed her Power of Perception against Theresa moments ago, Jeanne used guidance, subtly influencing thoughts rather than directly altering consciousness, as Senti often did.

Of course, it's uncertain if Senti's approach would have been effective on Theresa in the first place.

The source of this c𝓸ntent is frёeweɓηovel.coɱ.

Jeanne's method resembled Buddhist enlightenment techniques, with one advantage: no one could detect it, given her arguments held merit.

"It seems like negotiations fell through." Kiana glanced at Theresa and then looked towards Jeanne, expressing some regret.

"My apologies; I couldn't persuade her," Theresa sighed, feeling helpless and disappointed.

"You all should understand that a promise carries immense weight, and you've already witnessed its consequences." Jeanne scanned the group, speaking calmly.

She referred to the incidents involving Fu Hua and Li Sushang. Naturally, Kiana and the others weren't oblivious; they comprehended what she meant immediately.

"So, Miss Jeanne, under what circumstances would you be willing to compromise? I doubt even Otto has offered you something worth risking your life for," Kiana asked seriously.

"Risking my life?" Jeanne chuckled lightly.

"Kiana, do you truly believe you have what it takes to challenge the Herrscher of Binding?" Jeanne asked, scanning them all.

"Have you heard of the Moonlight Throne?" Bronya interjected from the side.

"Trying to exploit information asymmetry against me? That won't work." Jeanne shook her head with a smile. How should she put it? Perhaps Bronya could deceive others, but fooling her was out of the question. The Moonlight Throne, heavily restricted as it is, would be laughable when used against her.

"However, you're right; Otto indeed hasn't provided me with sufficient leverage. But I've also stated my intent—to witness his downfall."

As Jeanne spoke, she lifted Abyss Flower from the ground.

"Come forth, demonstrate your power, and prove that you possess the capability to challenge the false god!"

With these words, Jeanne gently sliced the ground using Abyss Flower, unleashing the force of decay to create a dividing line.

"Or, obediently retreat, await the settling dust, and embrace the brand new world!"

Gazing upon Jeanne's almost divine presence, both Bronya and Kiana's eyes reflected solemnity, realizing this was their only option at present.

Only by overcoming the Herrscher of Binding before them would they have a chance to confront Otto. Kiana also understood that the current Otto, as Jeanne referred to him earlier as the "fake god," must now possess formidable power.

In a sense, this senior standing before them was actually protecting them.

What? Why call her 'senior'? With greater strength and knowledge, yet still addressing them respectfully—does it sound unreasonable to refer to her as such?

Actually, Kiana even considered calling her 'teacher'...

"Whenever you're ready, make your move. I won't strike first; all I hope is for a satisfying battle!" Jeanne declared calmly. Bathed in intertwining golden and silver light, she resembled a celestial goddess, radiating holiness and immense power.

"I don't mind if you give your Moonlight Throne a try, assuming you truly believe it will be effective!"

Kiana and Bronya exchanged glances.

Though they didn't speak aloud, Jeanne could discern their thoughts. They suspected that her repeated emphasis on the Moonlight Throne might just be a bluff, possibly fearing Jeanne would overhear, so they communicated through encrypted channels.

However, within the vicinity of the Binding barrier, any attempt at communication was practically futile.

As for the Moonlight Thrones...

Hmm, come to think of it, one of Ana's clones is still discussing their existence with Dr. Mei.

Being the Lord of Finality, Ana possesses the Authorities of the Herrscher of Reason as well. Thus, she can analyze and replicate technology just like before, making the concept of Moonlight Thrones valuable to her True Self.

After all, once constructed using Honkai Energy, these Moonlight Thrones could serve as formidable artillery platforms scattered across the starlit skies. Even if not directly utilized, leaving them on Earth would be highly effective against potential extraterrestrial threats.

In fact, Ana herself looks forward to someday bombarding Sa with a barrage from numerous Moonlight Throne fortresses.

Indeed, eliminating Sa is non-negotiable.

Aside from coveting the existence and status of The Cocoon of Finality, merely abducting Griseo alone makes forgiveness impossible.

When Ana shared this information with Kevin and Mei, they both took it extremely seriously.

Kevin even proposed building a new Ark immediately, venturing to the edge of the solar system, rescuing Griseo, and defeating Sa along the way.

However, adhering to the principle of cutting off the root entirely, Ana rejected this suggestion.

However, this proposal was inefficient. As the Lord of Finality, Ana could effortlessly teleport Kevin directly to her location, and creating projections posed no challenge.

But simply rescuing Griseo wouldn't suffice; they must also find Sa and eliminate her completely.

For now, Griseo remains safely asleep within the Ark's hibernation chamber, so there is no immediate concern. Moreover, the Honkai crisis on Earth is nearing its end, leaving little room for mistakes.

Honestly, if not for these circumstances, Ana would prefer deploying her true self, the Cocoon of Finality, to ruthlessly punish Sa.

In summary, at present, Ana is arguably the most knowledgeable about the Moonlight Throne on Earth. Attempting to confront her with it would be akin to teaching a master their own craft.

Indeed, the Hyperion had precisely that plan in mind.

Shortly thereafter, the Hyperion activated, descending over Kolosten. Its main cannon locked onto the church, and as a beam of light fired, accompanied by a deafening roar, it struck the shimmering barrier.

The impact sent ripples cascading across the surface.

Yes, the target of the Hyperion's main cannon wasn't Jeanne but the luminous barrier behind her.

On one hand, the Hyperion didn't wish to harm Jeanne; on the other, they aimed to test if their main cannon could affect the Herrscher of Binding by striking the barrier.

After all, both the barrier and the Herrscher of Binding's essence derive from the Authority of Binding.

Jeanne looked up briefly at the Hyperion overhead but quickly turned her attention back to Kiana. Bronya had vanished from sight.

Of course, Jeanne knew exactly what Bronya was doing—it undoubtedly involved the Herrscher of Reason, or more precisely, the Herrscher of Truth, connected to the Moonlight Thrones.

Breaking through the binding barrier wasn't particularly challenging, as it is inherently inert. All that was needed was to create enough Moonlight Thrones, which only the Herrscher of Truth could accomplish.

It's somewhat ironic that referring to the original Herrscher of Reason's transformation as "Ascension" might not be entirely accurate. In a sense, the true abilities of the Herrscher of Truth embody the essence of the Herrscher of Reason.

To clarify, the Herrscher of Truth represents the genuine form of the Herrscher of Reason.

In fact, the initial Herrscher of Reason, Joyce, had already achieved this state, becoming the Herrscher of Truth.

In the Sea of Quanta, Welt briefly became the Herrscher of Truth, enabling him to perform sit-ups effortlessly. To mass-produce Moonlight Thrones, Bronya needed to temporarily assume that role as well.

Without a doubt, Bronya is likely receiving instruction from Welt Yang right now.

However, when it comes to teaching, having Hare might have been more effective. Unfortunately, she always fears Bronya and thus constantly avoids her within the World Serpent, which can be quite exasperating.

Once, Ana's power had a significant influence on Hare. But after becoming the Lord of Finality, Ana transcended worldly matters, severing both the bloodline connection and the link through Stigmata. Consequently, she lost much of her sway over Hare.

Perhaps this could be considered an equivalent exchange?

"To complete the calibration and tuning of the Moonlight Thrones so swiftly, you two doctors truly are geniuses," Jeanne remarked, gazing at Kiana with admiration.

"However, attempting to counteract the Binding force with Moonlight Thrones of such limited power seems overly optimistic."

"We're fully aware of that." Kiana nodded, but the light in her eyes only grew brighter and more resolute.

Seeing Kiana like this, Jeanne's lips curved upwards. She understood perfectly why Kiana was here and what the others were currently doing elsewhere.

Jeanne too eagerly anticipated this moment—when she would personally shatter their illusions, extinguish their hopes, and make them realize just how far they fell short compared to the previous civilization's battle against true Honkai!

In the Present World, within Brother Cake's live stream.

Brother Cake was advancing the game's storyline. Undoubtedly, the player's perspective in-game differed significantly from Jeanne's own viewpoint. As Ana lurked in the chatroom, witnessing both the gameplay view and experiencing Jeanne's perspective through her doppelgänger, she felt an indescribable strangeness.

Nevertheless, there was no doubt that Ana was immensely pleased, given the inevitable outcome had long been decided.

Earlier, Brother Cake had analyzed how the current crew of the Hyperion stood no chance against Jeanne. However, as the Hyperion took action with the emergence of the Herrscher of Reason, hope gradually sparked among the viewers in the chatroom.

Perhaps... they really could triumph?

It wasn't as if Jeanne was truly villainous; her previous words had garnered considerable favor from the Captains, sensing a strong sense of righteousness in her.

This righteousness differed from Durandal's.

Durandal embodied a continuously evolving and strengthening young woman, poised to ascend to the pinnacle of the world as a Valkyrie. In contrast, Jeanne represented one already standing at the summit, overlooking all beings, yet maintaining a composed demeanor.

Yes, it somewhat mirrored the distinction between Artoria Pendragon (Alter) wielding Excalibur Alter and Saber in "Fate/Grand Order" - the difference between stepping back after achieving greatness and continuing to forge ahead.

This demeanor also allowed Captains to accept her potential defeat gracefully, envisioning it as a comforting moment marking the transition between generations.

However, this raised another question:

According to current information, Miss Jeanne is Ana's clone. But how old is Ana? Doesn't that mean this Miss Jeanne might be even younger than Kiana and the others?!

Who exactly is the junior here?!

Thus, an unforeseen flaw emerged—one that neither Ana nor Bai Zhi had anticipated: their age discrepancy.

In the Honkai World, due to time constraints, no one questioned Jeanne's age or circumstances as Ana's clone. However, outside the world, the Captains took notice.

Theoretically, Jeanne should not be much older, yet her manner of speech carries Ana's composure, and she is the Herrscher of Binding.

Ana, on the other hand, is the Herrscher of Winter. Regardless, both Ana and Jeanne have engaged in transactions and agreements with Otto.

So, the mystery unravels—this Jeanne must undoubtedly be Ana herself. Even if not directly, Ana likely inhabits a Soulium body, making little difference from being her true self.

Swiftly, these speculations appeared in the bullet comments, and soon, most viewers agreed with this theory. It was solved; everything made sense now.

Moreover, this logic perfectly aligned with Ana's actions.

Throughout the story, Ana has consistently stood at the forefront against Honkai. Her priorities were always first to combat Honkai, followed by her companions and friends—this is how many Captains perceived it.

Of course, reality differed significantly. Ana possessed an omniscient perspective, allowing her to grasp the full picture of events only achievable from such a viewpoint.

"Hmm, if we consider this angle, it indeed seems plausible," Brother Cake remarked confidently after reading through the bullet comments.

This explanation was logical and connected all the pieces seamlessly. Naturally, there remained numerous uncertainties, but Ana's character itself had always been shrouded in mystery, much like Elysia.

No worries, the scriptwriters would gradually reveal more over time.

"However, I think it's best to advance the plot first. Let's observe Jeanne's reaction after Bronya's next attack," Brother Cake added.

Brother Cake then added:

Regardless, these are all speculations, and MiHoYo's writers have always enjoyed surprising their audience. In other words, perhaps this is precisely what the scriptwriters want Captains to ponder upon?