Honkai Impact 3rd - The Interference

Chapter 103 - Serpent

"We've arrived," Mei's voice sliced through the tension as she landed, immediately taking cover. Bronya was close by, her keen eyes scanning the surroundings. "Bronya-chan, do you mind scanning the area for us?"

Bronya nodded, her movements precise and practiced as she began to expertly survey the perimeter.

Theresa Apocalypse landed behind them, swiftly finding cover as well. "Be careful, you two," she cautioned, her gaze darting around the area. "Given how valuable Kiana and Wan are, we won't be the only ones searching for them."

Mei nodded. "Understood, Principal. It'll be bad if we run into any Schicksal Valkyries."

Just months ago, they had been part of Schicksal. Now, they were fugitives, evading their former comrades.

After what Otto had done, staying there was impossible. Their decision to flee had been immediate, driven by the clear danger. Schicksal's forces were stronger and more numerous.

"Speaking of which, Principal..." Mei's voice wavered slightly, drawing Theresa's attention.

"Yes, Mei?" Theresa looked at her, curiosity piqued.

"Is..." Mei hesitated, the weight of her thoughts evident. "Is Shinobu-san doing well right now?"

Theresa was momentarily taken aback. She closed her mouth, her expression softening. "Who knows? She's been rather closed off recently."

The city's lights cast a glow on them as Mei listened intently.

"To be fair..." Theresa continued, "Shinobu is quite the person. I might not be close to her, but based on what she's been through in the past..."

She closed her eyes, a sigh escaping her lips.

"This must have dredged up some unpleasant memories for her," she finished softly.

Mei listened intently, her thoughts drifting to Mizunoki Shinobu. She had always known Shinobu as someone who had been close to her father, or at least had some connection. Learning the truth about who Mizunoki Shinobu really was had been a surprise.

There was always a lingering sense of guilt in Shinobu's expression, a silent apology etched into her features.

"Unpleasant, huh?" Mei muttered to herself.

Bronya, having been quietly listening to the conversation, chose not to comment. Instead, she silently pondered the implications before shaking her head.

"The Bronya did not detect anybody within 500 meters in any direction," she stated, finishing her scan.

Theresa and Mei nodded as the three moved cautiously. Despite Bronya's scan indicating no immediate threats within 500 meters, they knew better than to let their guard down, given the numerous enemies they faced.

"Alright," Theresa said, pulling out a compact device that emitted a soft blue glow. Mei and Bronya's eyes were drawn to it. "Let's track the Houkai Energy."

Mei glanced at Bronya, who then turned to Theresa. "Principal, are we sure the Houkai Energy we're detecting belongs to Kiana and Wan Nii-sama?"

Theresa paused, considering her response. "Yes, but they're constantly on the move. Pinpointing their exact location will be challenging."

It was understandable. Both Wan and Kiana were always on the move, making tracking their energy difficult.

"Lucky for us, Wan's Houkai Energy is so immense that it's easier to track," Theresa continued, her eyes scanning the device's readings.

"How easy are we talking?" Bronya raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued.

"Hmm... it's hard to quantify," Theresa said, her voice thoughtful. "But no matter how far you are, you'll feel his energy, even if it's as faint as a grain of rice."