I Am Honkai Chapter 475: Selene: Choose!

The Throne of Heroes—isn’t it supposed to be the resting place for those who signed contracts with the Counter Force or legendary fallen heroes?

Well, simply calling the Throne of Heroes a resting place for heroes isn’t entirely accurate.

As long as one was a "hero" in any form—warlords, tyrants, evil overlords, or cunning legends—any individual who left a significant mark in human history, whether through positive or negative deeds, could be absorbed into the Throne of Heroes at the mont of death.

Once made a Heroic Spirit, that existence would be freed from the constraints of ti and moved to the Throne located outside the world.

Important note: gods cannot beco Heroic Spirits.

However, as with everything, there are exceptions. Gods, having deep ties to human history, are not Heroic Spirits per se, but they can beco Servants. The definition of a Servant is broader than that of a Heroic Spirit.

Normally, even if a summoner uses a Grand-class Saint Graph to perform a Servant summoning, a god will not respond.

To do so, a god typically has to lower their divinity, like the Gorgon sisters, or possess a host, like Ishtar.

It must be said—the wills that govern the Type-Moon world, like the Root and the Counter Force, really have a thing for heroes.

They especially favor tragic heroes—those burdened by grief, carrying unrealistic and noble ideals, who die early and leave behind deep regrets.

It just so happened that Selene was preparing to deploy another world-saving "hero" directly under her rule into the Type-Moon world. Kiana’s request for battle ca at the perfect ti.

As they say, a pillow cos just as you’re about to doze off.

According to the original plans submitted by Sebas for Kiana and the others:

After showing them around the Emperor’s new palace, Sebas would assign them to the Valkyrie Corps. After a brief period of acclimation and rest, they would be deployed to external battlefronts of relatively high intensity.

Following multiple rounds of blood-and-fire trials, once formally recognized as a combat unit, they would take on roles like "Battlefield Roses" or "Surrender Ambassadors"—morale boosters and envoys for persuading enemies to surrender.

To help cool down the bloodthirsty warriors of the Empire.

After all, in recent years, few of the Empire’s colonies were acquired through proper diplomatic negotiations or peaceful annexation. Almost all were taken by brute force first, then followed by whatever talks ca after.

The Astartes Legions need not be ntioned. The militant tendencies of the Imperial Inquisition’s exploratory squads are understandable, but even the Empire’s bureaucratic class, its civil governance apparatus, and even civilian expedition groups from colonized worlds largely adhered to the philosophy: "If you can strike first, don’t bother talking."

And that is... well, ahem.

The Sacred Selene Empire had developed a cultural montum that was speeding full throttle toward sothing reminiscent of 40K. Selene herself didn’t mind. Deep down, her more brutal nature even found it sowhat exhilarating. But her rational side knew this wasn’t the optimal path for external expansion.

Therefore, this increasingly extre and war-obsessed culture needed to be tempered.

It didn’t have to be so utopian kingdom of saints—but at the very least, it shouldn’t continue deteriorating.

As it stood now, Selene felt the Empire’s cultural climate was just right: warlike and fierce, yet rational; ruthless and rciless, but only to external threats; harsh laws, but only for those who violated them.

Among the Empire’s leadership, there were still plenty of figures with conscience and integrity: Vulkan, commander of the Salamanders; Sanguinius, commander of the Blood Angels; Alex, commander of the Dark Angels; Robert, commander of the Ultramarines; and civilian officials like Ministers Run and Chouri from the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Hmm, calling them "people of conscience" might not be entirely accurate. It would be better to say they were individuals whose natures leaned toward lawful-good, whose character aligned with the mainstream moral standards of vast worlds, and whose souls shone warm and bright.

But now Selene had a new destination in mind, and the original plan could wait. She might as well let Kiana and her fellow Valkyrie commanders experience what it was like to beco Heroic Spirits and face other Heroic Spirits in battle.

Step one: gather so legends about Kiana and the others. Selene would review and revise them. Then, she’d just so "accidentally" leak that info into the Type-Moon world.

As she thought about this, Selene raised her teacup. Her face remained calm and composed, but her gaze lingered thoughtfully on Kiana and the others, and a slight smile curved her lips.

Revision, huh? Mm~

Kiana, Raiden i, Fu Hua, Li Sushang... each of them had complex and dramatic backstories. Based on their experiences and deeds, weren’t they already perfect prototypes for legendary heroes?

Aha~ Let give them a little editing and polish...

Her mind went into full brainstorming mode. Selene thought of all sorts of brilliant ideas.

Though... tsk, why did this feel like she was becoming a scam artist, about to sell a bunch of fabricated information to an innocent, naïve bunny (a.k.a. the Type-Moon world)?

Her bright, clear eyes briefly lit up, then quickly dimd again.

"Your Majesty? Your Majesty? Sister Selene..."

Watching her elder sister lapse into thought, her expression subtly shifting as if she were plotting sothing mischievous, Kiana gulped nervously.

Don’t tell she’s planning sothing against again...

Kiana spoke up cautiously.

Selene’s cruelty and ruthlessness were always reserved for those who resisted the Empire, evaded taxes, or violated its laws.

She had never heard of Selene harming her own subjects, and Kiana didn’t believe she would ever be in danger.

But Selene’s twisted sense of humor... after spending this long in the Empire and hearing stories from Esdeath, Kiana had her concerns.

"Your Majesty... you’re not thinking of making it harder, are you?"

"Hm..." Selene finally looked up, leaning on her desk, smiling faintly. "Don’t worry. The difficulty is perfectly suited to you. Besides, you won’t actually die. No need to panic."

Kiana furrowed her brow slightly and glanced at Selene. Why did it sound like there was a hidden aning behind her words?

"Oh." ’Won’t actually die,’ gotta rember that! Kiana latched onto that key phrase and braced herself.

She had no knowledge of Heroic Spirits or Servants in the Type-Moon world, so she subconsciously assud this would just be so brutal training.

"So... when do we depart?"

"Oh?" This ti, it was Selene who seed surprised. "You’re not going to ask about the mission first?"

Kiana shook her head, then suddenly stood at attention and saluted, though a little sloppily.

"Kiana Kaslana guarantees the mission will be completed."

Selene’s elegant brows furrowed slightly. Her bright crimson eyes flickered, and for a mont, an indescribable emotion welled up within her.

As she glanced at the others behind Kiana—Raiden i and the rest all had the sa " too" expression—Selene clapped her hands with a gentle smile.

"Very well, go and prepare yourselves."

Her expression grew more serious as she added, "I will make the arrangents. When the ti cos, only your consciousness needs to go."

"Only our consciousness? Not our bodi—"

"You’ll find out soon enough." With a wave of her hand, Selene motioned for them to leave.

"Understood..." Though still filled with questions, Kiana nodded to Selene and took her leave.

"Oh, right. Pardo, stay."

"ow-ow~"

Just as she was about to step past the doorway, Pardofelis froze and turned stiffly, eyes wide. "Huh? Your Majesty, ?"

Selene smiled. "Yes, you, little kitty. Haven’t you always said you dislike conflict?" As she spoke, she tapped the pile of docunts on her desk.

"Not just Sebas. The instructors who trained you all repeatedly noted how often you expressed your desire to avoid battle."

Pardofelis was leisurely by nature, not fond of fighting. Though not strong in combat, she and her partner Canned Food (an orange tabby cat) were content and carefree.

In this little feline, Selene sensed none of the usual dark sides or shadows that many other sentient races carried.

Looking at the shy-faced catgirl, Selene said, "Pardo, you don’t necessarily need to be a warrior."

"Honestly, war doesn’t suit you. I believe roles like librarian, warehouse keeper, or garden caretaker fit your temperant better."

As Selene spoke, a longing look appeared on Pardofelis’s face. She could already envision herself relaxing among verdant hills, flower fields, and fruit orchards.

"However, Pardo, you must be clear: going with Kiana and the others ans accepting that you are a warrior. It ans embracing everything you dislike and suppressing your natural instincts."

Hearing this, a flicker of light passed through Pardofelis’ mismatched eyes, but it quickly dimd.

"Then... um, can I choose to go?" After a pause, she finally looked up. Though her sweet voice still held a soft, tender tone, there was no hesitation in her gaze.

"I want to be with Sister Fu Hua, Sister Kiana, Sister i. I... don’t want to be a deserter."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes!"

Pardofelis had made up her mind. She no longer wanted to endure loneliness. This ti, no matter what, she would stay with everyone else—even if it ant dying.

"Very well. I respect your choice."

Before she could even finish her words, Pardofelis suddenly felt her vision blur. A warm hand cupped her furry cat ears, gently rubbing them. At the sa ti, her body flushed with a tingly heat.

"Mmmrrr..."

Letting out a few animal-like whimpers, Pardo looked up. Her cat ears twitched adorably, like a kitten begging for more scritches. She blinked up at Selene, who had sohow appeared right in front of her.

"Go."

Selene withdrew her hand, patted the catgirl on the shoulder, and gave her a light push toward the waiting Kiana and others outside the door.

"Cat-head, never thought a lazybones like you would choose to suffer with us in so godforsaken corner of the universe."

Li Sushang imdiately scooped Pardofelis into her arms and playfully squished her. The joy in her crimson eyes was impossible to hide. Clearly, she and Pardo were quite close.

"Ugh! Sister Sushang, are you trying to suffocate ?! And what do you an ’lazy’? My lifestyle doesn’t count as slacking!"

"Welco aboard, Pardo," Fu Hua said with a smile.

"From now on, we’re a team," Kiana added.

"Hey, Cat-head, from now on, this immortal’s got your back." That was Senti.

"Pardo, let’s take care of each other." That was Raiden i.

...

Watching their cheerful forms fade into the distance, Selene gave a faint shake of her head. Resting her hand on the stack of docunts, she paused for a mont.

"Order Dr. Fashion to accelerate the analysis of Forerunner constructs—the Ark, Halo Array, Shield Worlds, and Requiem."

"Also, summon the Grand Academicians of the Wisdom Pavilion."

The Wisdom Pavilion was Selene’s personal literary think tank.

Why call them? Need you ask? To write Kiana and her team’s heroic epics, of course. These were ant to deceive—cough no, to persuade—no, that’s not it either... to comfort? To delay? Hm...

Sigh Whatever the case, they were needed to slip past the Type-Moon world’s filters without raising suspicion.

...

Empire’s New Recruit Base Camp, Southlake Camp.

The original Southlake Camp had long since been absorbed by the Imperial Palace. The current base had been rebuilt after the expansion into the Honkai Dinsion and was now part of the Imperial Capital.

Stepping out of a spatial teleport gate, Fu Hua continued toward the Valkyrie Corps zone within the base.

Along the way, many auxiliary army recruits of the Empire stopped in their tracks to salute her.

Following behind, Kiana was wide-eyed with curiosity.

"Hehe, looks like class monitor is quite the star."

"Don’t tease. They’re just new recruits who trained under my ’Edge of Taixuan.’"

They walked for about ten minutes until they crossed a checkpoint.

"Class Monitor Fu Hua!"

A group of Valkyries, clad in the Empire’s iron-gray uniforms and freshly out of training, lit up at the sight and rushed over excitedly, chattering like a flock of birds.

Among them, Kiana even spotted several from St. Freya Academy’s Far East Branch, originally under Schicksal.

"Didn’t I tell you? This is not Schicksal, and certainly not Theresa’s Far East Branch. Show so discipline. This is an Imperial military base. No rowdiness allowed!"

Fu Hua’s expression hardened.

"But, Class Monitor... don’t all base zones have soundproofing? According to the schedule, it’s our rest break..."

A Valkyrie from the Far East Branch mumbled cautiously.

Fu Hua sighed and facepald. "Talking back to a superior? Under Imperial military law, first offense—eighty cane strikes. You... sigh, go to the gravity chamber. Double training. One hour."

"Eh?!"

"Now. Go."

"Yes, ma’am..."

Theresa... what am I going to do with you...

No doubt, during their ti at St. Freya, Theresa’s managent style had left the Far East Branch Valkyries with habits ill-suited to Imperial standards.

Sure, it made them more unified, more sisterly, more emotional as comrades in arms.

But compared to the disciplined Valkyries of Schicksal HQ, the Far East girls were far too lax.

That might have worked in the old days. But this was the Empire.

And in the Empire, laxity ant disaster.

It had to be corrected... or trouble would co sooner or later.

Theresa, you really gave quite the challenge.

But for now, Selene’s assigned task took precedence.

Fu Hua sighed and turned.

"Kiana, the training arena here is made of Oriha compound steel. Co, let’s spar a little."

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