Honkai Impact 3rd - The Interference

Chapter 114 - Concept

"What do you mean?"

Mei's voice lingered longer than she intended, carrying a blend of curiosity, confusion, and an underlying threat. The weight of her question reflected her unease.

The woman standing before her exuded danger, and her cryptic statement—that this wouldn’t be their last encounter—sent an involuntary chill down Mei’s spine.

"Don’t let your nerves get the better of you," the Herrscher within her murmured, a steadying presence.

"I know," Mei responded quietly, her tone sharper than she intended.

The woman smiled, an expression both knowing and unsettling. "Well, I said what I said. Take it however you want, but we will meet again."

Mei’s eyes narrowed. "What do you want with me, exactly?"

"I already told you," the woman replied with a casual shrug. "I’m just here to see you."

"I find that hard to believe."

"Fair enough," the woman said, her smile never wavering. "Truth be told, I was just ‘running around’ until I spotted you. Thought I’d drop by for a visit."

Mei’s expression darkened, her mistrust palpable. There was something disconcertingly familiar in the way this woman spoke—her tone, her demeanor—it reminded Mei of Rita, and she didn’t like it one bit.

"When I first saw you, you looked a little… troubled," the woman continued, her voice dipping into mock empathy.

"Thanks, but I don’t need your concern," Mei shot back. "Especially from someone I don’t even know."

"Right," the woman laughed lightly. "How rude of me. The name’s… Raven. You’d best remember it, Raiden Mei."

The name echoed in Mei’s mind—Raven. She couldn’t tell if it was real or just a codename, but as a member of The World Serpent, the woman’s intent was far from clear.

Despite the tension in their exchange, no harm had come to either of them—yet.

Just then, Mei’s communication device emitted a sharp, staticky buzz, momentarily diverting her attention. Her eyes stayed locked on Raven, who hadn’t moved but was observing her with an unnerving calm. Slowly, Mei raised the device and pressed the button to respond.

"Hello?" Mei called, her voice tense.

"M-Mei Nee-sama—zzzt—there’s…—crk—"

The transmission was riddled with static, the voice on the other end breaking up. Mei’s heart skipped; she knew that voice.

"Bronya-chan?!" Mei’s tone sharpened with worry. "Are you okay? What’s going on?!"

"Someth—zzzzzt—wrong—crk—Hana—zzk—Dur—"

The fragmented message barely made it through. The static grew louder, drowning out key words. Mei’s free hand clenched tightly at her side.

"Bronya-chan, what’s happening?! Speak clearly!" she urged, her voice rising with panic.

"Mei Nee-sa—crkkk—can’t—zzzz—lo—"

The connection crackled violently, and a burst of static cut off the sound entirely. Mei’s stomach dropped.

"Bronya-chan?!" she called desperately.

The device hissed with static for a moment before lapsing into an eerie silence.

"Bronya-chan! Answer me!" Mei shouted, her voice trembling.

"..."

A faint, distorted sound tried to come through but fizzled out again, leaving only silence.