Honkai Impact: Road To Nagazora

Chapter 10: Against the Clock

After a bit, the embracing ended as Kiana slowly put her hands on Mei's shoulders.

"W-Why, are you here? You shouldn't be here...............it's too dangerous right now." Said Kiana.

Mei kept quiet for a bit before noticing the rough condition Kiana was in.

"Kiana, you're hurt......................please, let me take you and Alex back to the Hyperion. Principal Theresa, and everyone are waiting for you two." Pleased Mei.

"I-I'm sorry Mei but, I can't. I can't go back. I'd put everyone in danger again." Said Kiana.

Alex then decided to back Kiana up as he placed a hand on her shoulder and looked at Mei.

"Mei. Right now, me and Kiana made an obligation to save this city. Let's deal with that now. Afterwards, we can talk about everything else okay?" Asked Alex.

Though Mei had wanted to talk some more, she understood the severity of the situation as she nodded.

"Come on. We gotta get outta here quick. I have some things to tell you." Said Kiana.

The trio then began to make their way out of the basement, going back up the elevator as they would fight enemies and escaped the main building.

After a rough struggle, the three would successfully make it outside as they all took a breather.

Soon, Kiana began to explain on some important things.

"While I was there, one of the Serpent's members told me a bit more about the plan. Apparently, the bomb is step two. It'll activate the stigamta in the people. Not give it to them." Said Kiana.

"Wait, step two? Activate? How would the people acquire it beforehand then?" Asked Alex.

"The Serpent plans to use specialized vaccines that'll implant and awaken a Stigmata within them." Said Kiana.

When she said that, the stakes of their situation were raised higher as Alex kept silent while Mei sighed.

"I see. What about the details on where the bomb will be and when it'll detonate? Without that information, we won't be able to stop their plan even if we destroy this place." Said Mei.

Kiana simply shook her head no.

Before Alex and Mei could react, a sudden fourth voice joined in on the conversation.

"No worries. I know where it is."

The trio then looked up to see Rita sitting cross legged on the railing.

Alex and Mei immediately drew out their swords with Mei stepping in front of Kiana to protect her.

"Looks like Ms. Kaslana is doing fine. I'm relieved. Now then what's with the sudden hostility? We helped each other out only a few moments ago." Said Rita.

"Yeah well that was then. This is now. Who knows what you're up to." Said Alex.

"Don't you even think about taking her away." Said Mei.

Rita simply sighed before continuing to talk.

"I told you two already. We're on the same team in this city." She said before jumping down to the ground. "Besides while you two went to retrieve Ms. Kaslana, I was able to fully piece together everything about their plan, including where the bomb is."

Though Mei was still on edge, Alex had her lower her weapon as he did as well.

"Alright then spill." He said.

"Arc City has always been monitoring Honkai Energy usage. It's why their so strict on who's allowed into the city and who's not. Anyone or anything powered by Honkai Energy that could cause a large scale Honkai reaction would naturally be turned away except for a select few that can pass inspection and enter legally, kinda like my airship." Said Rita before she turned to face Alex. "When we first arrived here, did you notice anything odd?"