“Now, I’m going to let you experience exactly what ‘Vibrancy’ feels like.”
[Student Himeko] was completely bewildered in his mind.
Their conversation had only just ended—how had he suddenly experienced an epiphany?
Through the reflection of the compact mirror, she watched as Kazuki expertly contoured his features, shifting his youthful visage into something far more mature.
His entire temperament underwent a sudden, dignified metamorphosis.
“Wow…
so beautiful,” she murmured, her mental voice softening.
“Is this actually me?”
This magnetic charm, so utterly distinct from the naive innocence of a young girl, made [Student Himeko]’s eyes widen in awe.
Kazuki pursed his lips, checking the crimson tint of the lipstick.
Satisfied, a mischievous flicker danced in his eyes.
“This body has just reached adulthood.
With the right makeup, it looks about seventy percent like your fully mature self.
That’s more than enough.
It leans more toward pure than seductive—after all, I’m still wearing a high school uniform.”
[Student Himeko]’s voice began to tremble, the awe instantly evaporating into dread.
“Then what are you actually planning to do?
Why do I have a terrible feeling about this?”
“Your intuition is spot on.” Kazuki smiled, a calm, understated expression that betrayed his chaotic intent.
“I’m going to sing and dance.
To put it elegantly: I’m boosting morale.”
“No!
Absolutely not!
How can you just dance in public?!” she shrieked in his mind.
“You bastard, aren’t you afraid of social death?!”
“I’m not afraid.
I’m terrible at being flirtatious anyway, so you shouldn’t be afraid either.”
“Is that what you think I’m worried about?!
No, give me back control!
I don’t want ‘Vibrancy’ anymore!”
“That’s not up to you anymore, big sister…”
“I’m going to die.”
“Then that’s perfect,” Kazuki replied dryly.
“I’m going to start pulling some stunts.”
Kazuki stepped out of the secluded corner, scanning the area until he spotted the researcher who communicated via sign language—the one who had generously lent him the cosmetics.
He approached and gracefully returned the items.
“Thank you, they worked wonderfully.
The gentleman who translated for you earlier let me know you were here.”
After her fiancé quickly translated the gratitude, the researcher nodded frantically.
She clutched the makeup palettes to her chest as if they were sacred relics.
These were cosmetics that the Lady Himeko had personally used!
As a die-hard fan of the Astral Express navigator, the poor woman looked ready to faint from sheer euphoria.
By this time, the real Himeko had already moved on to another sector of the space station.
Since this cabin in the Support Zone was a bustling intersection connecting multiple corridors, no one batted an eye when this “Himeko” casually strolled back into the crowd.
Kazuki delicately tucked a loose strand of crimson hair behind his ear.
Facing the exhausted, downcast researchers scattered around the room, he pitched his voice into Himeko’s signature elegant, soothing cadence.
“Everyone, please allow me to take a moment of your time.”
He bowed slightly, his amber gaze sweeping over the weary faces.
His tone was gentle, yet it carried a heavy, magnetic weight.
“I know the current crisis has cast a dark shadow over your hearts.
But please, humor me.
Raise your left hand, and then raise your right.”
He took the lead, lifting his arm with the practiced elegance of a maestro, his fingers stretching gracefully toward the ceiling.
“You see, the left hand is our direction; it will never bow to hardship.
The right hand is our hope; it never frowns in the face of setbacks.”
Seeing a few researchers hesitantly raise their hands, a warm, infectious smile touched his lips.
“Don’t let gloom occupy your soul.
How about I perform a little song for everyone to dispel this dullness?”
Without waiting for an answer, he projected his voice.
A melody filled with Himeko’s trademark composure washed over the cabin: “When difficulties come, please raise your left hand.
The left hand represents direction; it won’t bow to difficulty…
♪”
His movements were fluid, elegant yet bursting with life.
His left hand traced an invisible path with the precision of an orchestra conductor, while his right hand painted a lighthearted arc of hope through the air.
“When meeting setbacks, please raise your right hand.
The right hand represents hope; it won’t worry over setbacks…
♪”
“When the left hand claps the right, our steps find their rhythm; when the right hand claps the left, our strength finds its source…
♪”
As he sang, he glided across the floor, approaching a young researcher who was staring blankly at his boots.
Kazuki gently took the man’s hand, guiding him into the gestures.
“Come now, sir, don’t hide in the corner.
Your rhythm is excellent.”
He pivoted smoothly, extending a hand to a female staff member hugging her knees nearby.
“Miss, your right hand holds great strength.
Come join us.”
The mature tension in his voice—a perfect blend of authority and deep warmth—worked like magic.
Gradually, the heavy atmosphere shattered.
More and more people were drawn into his orbit.
Rhythmic clapping and harmonious singing began to echo off the metallic walls of the cabin.
Kazuki moved through the crowd, holding hands with different researchers and leading them in the impromptu dance.
His face remained adorned with Himeko’s calm, radiant smile.
“When your hand holds mine, we feel the power of unity…
with direction, determination, and rhythm, let’s hold hands and walk forward together…
♪”
Finally, he opened his arms wide, as if embracing the collective hope of the entire space station.
“Everyone, the gloom will eventually dissipate.
Let us hold hands and walk toward a bright future together!”
The crowd cheered in unison, their revitalized voices echoing thunderously throughout the Support Zone.
Having successfully ignited the room, Kazuki immediately chose to slip away, hiding his identity and his newfound fame.
To put it simply—he was running for his life.
Ohoho, Nigerundayo!
He walked briskly, offering a polite nod to the bewildered guards at the door, and smoothly exited the cabin.
Ignoring [Student Himeko], who was currently muttering “cringey to the max, I’m dying of cringe” on an endless loop in his mind, he made his way down the corridor toward the Herta puppet.
A glance at his system interface confirmed it: in the Wish List, the requirement for “Vibrancy” now glowed with a completed status.
At the same time, the system’s mechanical chime echoed in his head.
[High-value extractable target detected: Herta Puppet]
[Current distance: 20 meters]
[Status: Not yet in optimal extraction range]
Up ahead, the Herta puppet stood motionless.
She didn’t have her signature giant hammer equipped.
Her purple eyes were hollow and lifeless, her hands resting limply at the sides of her dress.
The distinct ball-joint structures of her petite, exquisite body were clearly visible; she appeared to be in a deep standby mode.
It wasn’t until Kazuki stepped into her immediate proximity that the puppet’s optical sensors flared to life.
“Speak if you have something to say.
Don’t block my view.”
“Speak if you have something to say.
Don’t block my view.”
Kazuki stared at the Destiny Card hovering ethereally above the Herta puppet’s head.
Although he felt an urgent, magnetic pull in his chest, he forced his steps to remain slow and measured.
He stopped directly in front of the puppet.
The translucent panel before him instantly refreshed.
[Entered optimal extraction range.
Extract Herta Puppet’s Destiny Card?]
Kazuki thought silently: Extract.
The panel scrolled rapidly.
[Extracting…
100%]
[Extraction complete]
[Obtained Card: Black Tomb Puppet]
[Card Ownership: Herta Puppet]
[Card Wishes:]
[1.
Vibrancy.]
[2.
Praise Lady Empress III.]
[3.
Attack the Herta whose art style is different from hers.]
[Conquest Difficulty: Hard]
[Card Status: Transformable, Unfulfilled Wish, Can be stored in card slot]
Kazuki’s heart pounded wildly against his ribs.
Black Tomb Puppet!
Was this the vassal puppet of Lady Empress III?
The one from one of the most tragic, blood-soaked IF timelines in the entire Honkai universe?
A cold knot formed in his stomach.
No.
This Black Tomb Puppet absolutely could not be allowed to descend into this world!
He naturally brushed past the Herta puppet, maintaining his calm facade, but his mind hovered anxiously over the system’s “Delete” button.
Within his consciousness, [Student Himeko] seemed to have retreated, immersing herself in the starlit, transparent dome of his mindscape, remaining unusually silent.
Kazuki turned his head to cast one last glance at the Herta puppet, even as his feet carried him forward toward the next zone.
Forget it, he decided, his jaw tightening.
I’ll keep the card in storage for now, but those wishes cannot be fulfilled under any circumstances.
God only knew what kind of apocalyptic devastation the Black Tomb Puppet would unleash the moment it fully descended.