Huang Empire, Year 73 by the old calendar.
The Xenobeast Nihility suddenly appeared, endangering the lives of countless citizens. The emperor personally led the expedition, emerging victorious but at great cost.
Grievously wounded and near death, the emperor passed his throne to the eldest imperial prince, Zhuge Kongming, just before his demise. However, following this succession, the new ruler vanished without a trace, causing a halt in the transfer of supreme power and destabilizing the political situation.
Fortunately, Prime Minister Rita, General Durandal, and Second Imperial Prince Kiana, representing three influential factions, joined forces to stabilize the empire temporarily, ensuring its security for now.
Nonetheless, finding the missing heir apparent—suspected to have fled from fear of responsibility—and concluding the transition of supreme authority remained the most pressing matter at hand.
"Awoo! Delicious! This meat is so tasty!!!"
In what should have been the solemn Boule Chamber, the throne at its highest point stood empty. Below it, Prime Minister Rita and General Durandal gazed wordlessly at the second princess Kiana, who was devouring her meal with gusto.
These dishes were not typically served during such occasions, but given Princess Kiana's unwavering determination, with the throne vacant, no one could stop her.
"What are you staring at me for? Keep discussing your matters! Or join me if you like; trust me, it's absolutely delicious! Before my father passed... ahem, I mean, amidst our profound grief, this humble princess can only find solace through food! The Imperial chefs never used to cook on my command, thankfully now they do... Oh, how delightful!"
Kiana lifted her plate, shoveling the food straight into her mouth as if she had never eaten before.
Rita and Durandal exchanged glances, neither wanting to engage further with Kiana, whose unique status might even lead her to claim the throne someday. They decided to continue their discussion instead.
"I still suggest deploying the military. Matters concerning the eldest imperial prince affect the very foundation of the nation; we cannot afford any delays or uncertainties."
"General, you witnessed firsthand our nation's loss of three hundred thousand soldiers during the battle against Xenobeast Yanluo. Similarly, the conflict between His Majesty and Nihility resulted in casualties numbering tens of thousands... In such circumstances, redeploying troops stationed at critical locations would be unwise. I believe our forces should continue to safeguard the realm. As long as stability is maintained, with our strength, we can preserve the political equilibrium. The best course of action is to seek out the eldest imperial prince while ensuring stability remains paramount."
"...My apologies, Prime Minister, but allow me to respectfully disagree. It seems you have consistently obstructed large-scale searches for the eldest imperial prince. Might it be that his evasion of responsibility has been covertly supported by you? After all, everyone knows of your close friendship spanning generations," countered the general.
The Prime Minister responded calmly, "General, your accusation leaves me deeply troubled; I cannot bear such insinuations. Personal relationships aside, when matters concern the nation's foundation, how could I dare act out of favoritism? Indeed, I am entirely unaware of the eldest imperial prince's actions, let alone supporting them. To do so would plunge the people into turmoil, a burden too grave even if faced with a hundred deaths!"
From Rita's composed expression and steady gaze, Durandal discerned no signs of deception.
At this moment, Kiana, holding a drumstick, pointed at Rita and exclaimed:
"Heh! What if you've actually hidden or harmed my poor little nephew? After all, without her, I can't rightfully ascend to the throne, leaving the nation's power firmly in your hands as Prime Minister—a perfect opportunity for a coup!"
These words instantly froze the atmosphere.
Durandal's eyes flickered with uncertainty. Though she remained seated upright and motionless, it was clear that suspicion and caution had taken hold.
Rita opened her mouth slightly, shaking her head with a wry smile.
"Second Prince, could you please stop fanning the flames? The situation is grave enough already. If you don't trust me, why not take control of state affairs yourself?"
"No thanks! I'm just saying; such matters sound awfully tedious. It'd interfere with enjoying life. Aah, delicious!"
Seeing Durandal regain her composure, Rita continued: "As for stabilizing the political climate, only the esteemed Prime Minister possesses the full grasp necessary. Thus, this humble servant will abide by your decisions. With that, I shall take my leave now, focusing on maintaining order within the military forces while awaiting instructions from the Prime Minister and Your Highness."
"You're not entirely foolish, knowing that as a high-ranking general, you shouldn't involve yourself directly in matters of succession. Very well, do your duty diligently. I won't see you out."
Kiana casually waved her hand dismissively. With her greasy mouth and hands, nonchalant attitude, and abrasive mannerisms—if she weren't royalty, it wouldn't be hard for someone to beat her up.
Durandal nodded and stepped outside.
Kiana continued indulging herself with food and drink.
Rita rubbed her temples, feeling exasperated, trying to figure out how to proceed with Kiana.
Suddenly, both women froze and turned toward the door.
BOOM! An object shattered through the palace entrance, slamming into Kiana's dining table. Shards of porcelain, splashes of soup, and droplets of oil flew everywhere.
"Who goes there?!" × 2
Kiana and Rita dodged the flying debris, standing on opposite sides, their eyes fixed intently on the ruined doorway.
At the same time, Durandal climbed back onto her feet, wiping the grease from her hands, equally cautious and alert as she gazed beyond the broken gate.
"Hey!"
A head peeked out from behind the shattered palace gate—scarlet eyes, delicate features, and a radiant smile. Adorned with exquisite golden triangular headdress ornaments, she waved amicably at them.
"Are you the most powerful and influential individuals here? Pleased to meet you all! My name is Fu Hua, nice to know ya!"
The three exchanged glances, confirming they didn't recognize this unexpected visitor.
Meanwhile, Senti finally entered completely, stretching casually as if utterly relaxed.
"How should I put it... In any case, I'm here to defeat you. But first... Kiana, could you please wash your hands and face? And Durandal over there, yikes, how did you manage to look like such a beggar? So grubby; can you take a bath right away?"
Leaving aside Kiana for now, these words visibly darkened Durandal's expression.
Just who do you think caused her to crash into the dining table?!
Durandal took a deep breath, composed herself, and glanced around.
Firstly, this stranger had effortlessly infiltrated the palace and knocked Durandal off her feet without making a sound, showcasing extraordinary prowess. Considering the imperial prince's esteemed status and the Prime Minister being primarily a scholar, neither was suited for such perilous combat.
That left only herself, as a martial commander, to step forward.
Durandal gathered her energy, shattering the palace floor with each step, and unleashed a powerful punch toward Senti.
"Tsk!"
Senti shook his head disdainfully, evading the attack with a swift flash. He then placed an open palm against General Durandal's abdomen.
"Short-inch Strike: Wind from the Void!"
Using a spontaneously concocted name, Senti channeled chi through his palm, once again sending Durandal flying.
Simultaneously, shadows closed in behind him—Kiana's oily fist descended, while Rita delivered a whip kick from the side.
Senti frowned yet again, clearly unimpressed.
"Bam!!"
Kiana was hurled out of the hall, and Senti pinned Rita beneath his foot by stepping on her back.
He yawned audibly.
"Ahh~"
"In such a tiny world bubble, I didn't expect any remarkable power, but you all are truly too weak. It barely holds my interest."
"Who exactly are you? Who sent you? What happened to the palace guards and imperial soldiers stationed outside?" Rita turned her head, enduring the pain as she questioned Senti.
Senti pointed at herself, blinking innocently.
"Me? Hmm... I'm an immortal from another world, having traversed fifty millennia thus far. For five thousand years, I protected Shenzhou and suppressed Honkai. My martial prowess is unparalleled, beauty unmatched, wisdom boundless—oh, and there's more, but let's skip about twenty thousand words of that! So now, do you understand?"
"...Utter nonsense!"
"Sigh, I know it's hard for you to accept reality. Regardless, your guards were effortlessly taken care of by manipulating their consciousnesses—a mere trifle. Once all three of you fall, this nation will be conquered! If you don't want unnecessary suffering, surrender obediently!" Senti spoke with a gleeful smile.
Kiana and Durandal charged again, while Rita swiftly grabbed Senti's ankle, creating openings for her allies.
With a slight sigh, Senti twisted her neck, eliciting audible cracks.
"Bullying the weak isn't my style, but hey, it's part of the mission! Give your best effort; try to entertain me as much as you can!"
Facing their combined assault, Senti lifted her head with a grin. Beneath her exhilarated, malevolent laughter, an indescribable surge of Honkai Energy erupted recklessly.
"Boom!!"