A Honkai Impact 3rd and Genshin Impact crossover?
Genshin characters appearing in HI3?
And even news about future Genshin content?
The moment Mo Li released the announcement, it immediately pulled the players' attention back to Honkai Impact 3rd, and everyone began to look forward to the new version.
And not just the players—even the girls in the studio were full of curiosity.
Early in the morning, Hu Tao knocked on Mo Li's door.
"Boss, boss, the sun's already burning your backside~~"
When Mo Li finished washing up and opened the door, he found Bronya and Himeko standing outside as well.
"You're blocking my door first thing in the morning… what's the matter?"
Before Bronya could speak, Hu Tao jumped forward excitedly.
"Boss~ I saw the announcement you posted last night!"
"Mm, any questions about it?"
"Heehee~ the Genshin characters you said would show up in Honkai—is it me, or Sister Ganyu? Or… maybe both of us?"
Not only Hu Tao, but Bronya and Himeko were equally curious.
Mo Li rubbed Hu Tao's head with a smile. "Too bad—it won't be you or Ganyu."
"Eh? Not me, the great Hall Master?!"
Hearing her call herself that, Mo Li chuckled and glanced at Hu Tao.
Ever since playing Genshin, Hu Tao had been imitating her in-game persona, constantly calling herself the "Hall Master Hu." With that mischievous demeanor, all she was missing was the actual outfit.
Thinking of this, Mo Li couldn't help but wonder if he should tailor a set of combat armor for each Valkyrie…
"It's probably Ayaka and Yae Miko then, right?" Himeko guessed as Mo Li pondered.
"But… in the version we're playing now, I don't think those two are out yet."
Mo Li shook his head. "Not them either. It'll be Keqing and Fischl."
"Eh? Why those two?"
Mo Li smiled. "The reason is simple… Fischl fits really well into Honkai's system."
"I plan to make her a permanent character in HI3 as a lightning support."
"And Keqing…" Mo Li raised his brows. "Don't forget, she's from Liyue."
"I think Keqing's spirit resonates a lot with us Dragon Country people…"
"Huh?? How did we miss that?" Bronya and Himeko exchanged puzzled looks.
Mo Li explained with a grin: "Because version 1.0 hasn't reached Liyue yet. You only know Keqing as a character, but without her story, of course you wouldn't notice."
After a pause, he continued:
"Keqing is diligent, reveres the gods but doesn't depend on them, relying only on her own effort to move forward."
"She's a true woman of action."
"Since even the state media praised Genshin, I think using such a positive character for the crossover is the best choice."
"I see…" Hu Tao, hearing this, no longer looked so disappointed.
Himeko nodded in realization. "Exactly… that's the classic Dragon Country image. And using Keqing also serves as a teaser for the [Liyue] region, right?"
Mo Li nodded. "Not just that."
"It can also attract lots of Genshin players who know about our studio because of miHoYo. That way, HI3 will welcome many new players."
After finishing his explanation, Mo Li asked curiously, "So, you came so early just to ask me this?"
Bronya shook her head. "No. Himeko and I want to ask for a day off."
"Eh? Now that's rare—Bronya, asking for leave?"
Truth be told, ever since he bought miHoYo Studio, the girls had basically stayed inside every day.
They truly loved games.
Whether playing or making them, they poured all their passion into it.
Other girls would go shopping, binge shows, or hunt for good food.
These girls were different—many times they'd work until they forgot to eat.
Even when Mo Li offered them breaks, they often refused.
Even if they accepted, they'd just stay in the studio—either gaming or brainstorming new ideas for their projects.
So their sudden request for leave came as a surprise.
"Alright then, we're not busy anyway. Do whatever you want~"
Mo Li agreed without hesitation.
Neither Bronya nor Himeko looked especially excited, though.
They knew Mo Li would definitely approve.
Just as Mo Li thought they were leaving, Himeko suddenly draped an arm around his shoulder, teasing:
"Boss, aren't you curious what we're taking leave for?"
By now, Mo Li was used to Himeko's boldness.
At first, she only teased him verbally, keeping her distance.
But as time passed, she started throwing her arm around him too.
Mo Li never minded. After all, who doesn't enjoy being close with a beauty?
"I am curious. If you want to tell me, I'll gladly listen~"
Himeko smirked, leaning closer, her warm breath brushing his ear.
"It's for a date~"
Mo Li: "..."
He gave her a strange look, then turned to Bronya's blank expression.
"You two…" Mo Li shook his head with mock regret. "What a shame… beautiful women are already rare in this world, and you're wasting them on each other? Tsk tsk…"
Himeko froze.
Her little prank was meant to make Mo Li think she and Bronya were going on dates with other men, just to see his reaction.
But his brain had somehow twisted it into… them being a couple.
Before she could explain, Bronya cleared her throat.
"Cough…"
"Boss, don't listen to Himeko's nonsense. I'm not going on a date with her, or with anyone else."
"We just want to visit the orphanage…"
Then, blushing slightly, Bronya added, "And my orientation is completely normal…"
"I see…" Mo Li nodded lightly. "But why the orphanage?"
Himeko explained with a smile: "Bronya and I grew up there. This time, besides visiting, we also want to bring back a little sister."
Bronya followed up: "So… we wanted to ask if we can let her live in the studio with us."
"How old is this sister?" Mo Li grew curious.
Could it be Seele?
But Seele already existed in the game. If she really existed in this world, Bronya would have mentioned her long ago.
"Five."
"…That young?!" Mo Li blinked.
"Are you sure you can take care of such a little girl?"
"Don't worry, Boss," Himeko laughed. "If we weren't confident, we wouldn't bring her."
"Fine then~ this place is huge anyway. One more room won't hurt."
Once Mo Li agreed, both of them lit up with joy.
"Th-thank you, Boss! We'll cover Klee's living expenses."
Mo Li chuckled and waved his hand. "No need. It's not about the money. Besides…"
Halfway through his words, realization struck him.
"Klee??"
Himeko nodded with a smile. "Mm. That's her name."
Immediately, Mo Li pictured the adorable image of Klee in his mind.
The da-da-da of little footsteps… the Kaboom of bouncing bombs~
Just imagining her was enough to melt his heart.
Of course, he wasn't some lolicon.
He still preferred tall, mature beauties like Himeko, Durandal, or Rita.
But a cute little thing like Klee… he liked her too, though in a different way.
Forget letting her stay in the studio—
Even if he had to pay just to spend the day playing fireworks with her, he'd do it.
"Want me to come along?"
Himeko and Bronya exchanged glances, then shook their heads. "No need, Boss. We can handle it ourselves. We should be back this afternoon."
"Alright. If you run into any trouble, let me know."
"Got it. We're heading out."
…
After the two left, Mo Li found himself getting excited.
Just how cute would a real-life Klee be?
As he was lost in thought, Hu Tao popped up again.
"Boss~ are you done talking? Klee's going to live here too?"
Mo Li chuckled and nodded. "Mm. You know her?"
"Of course~ I've played with Klee before!" Hu Tao declared proudly.
"Anyway, boss, come play games with me~"
Mo Li knocked her lightly on the head. "Breakfast first!"
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