Honkai Impact: The Dream Keeper

Long Qiao was back to the night he first investigated with Himeko. The words were familiar, the recipe was familiar, and it was exactly the same. Long Qiao was speechless.

This time, Himeko and Ryuu Takumi parted ways again, and Ryuu Takumi once again went to the left side.

"During the first observation, Theresa bit me, leaving me weak and unconscious. The second time she went berserk, she bit Himeko. The only reason for this change in outcome is Himeko's choice of left or right in front of the Houmu Restaurant. As long as I ensure her actions are the same as the first time, I can successfully connect with Theresa. This time, it's all or nothing!"

"Hyper Armor... Accelerated Burst... Grand Shogun Gaim... and three volumes of Sacred Blade. This time I'm using all my trump cards, I refuse to believe I can't save them!"

Then Long Qiao encountered Theresa again, but just like the first time, he was bitten by Theresa. The aftermath was also the same as the first time: Theresa fell into a coma, and even her fangs failed to pierce Long Qiao's skin.

"very good……"

After Long Qiao bit her finger until it bled, she moistened Theresa's lips with her forehead. After Long Qiao put Theresa on the ground, her phone rang again, but this time she did not answer it immediately.

"During the first observation, Himeko mentioned encountering an old friend, and when asked about Kallen's identity the second time, Himeko again said she was just an old friend. This means they are definitely related..."

After returning to the agreed location, Himeko arrived late as before. She said that she had met an old friend and was delayed. However, this time, a white-haired girl appeared beside her.

"Just as I expected... but the plot is different from the first time, Kallen... has arrived."

"Oh, Lady Karen, it's been a long time since I last greeted you. I've been waiting for you here for quite some time," Long Qiao said, giving Karen a gentlemanly bow.

"Huh? How do you know him?" Himeko asked.

"Because I have my own methods."

After Long Qiao finished speaking, a purple mechanical scorpion suddenly emerged from the ground, and four insects of different colors flew in from the air, landing on Long Qiao's arm in unison.

"As you can see, these five mechanical insects are my tools, and I also used these five insects to help Lady Karen investigate a church secret, such as... A-872, wouldn't you say so, Lady Karen?"

“…So it’s you, Himeko. I’m sorry, it seems this isn’t the time for catching up. I have some things to discuss with this person. You go back first, I’ll talk to you later,” Kallen said to Himeko.

"Uh, ah... okay, we'll talk later." Himeko said, then turned and left.

Before leaving, Ji Zi glared fiercely at Long Qiao, but Long Qiao ignored her.

“I’ve dealt with Himeko in past missions. Although she’s not particularly talented, she’s an upright warrior.”

"So?"

"So, I'm curious why her partner is a liar like you?"

"...Damn it..."

"You're the one who called me and asked me to meet here at 3 a.m., right?"

"That's right, it's me. I know you have a lot of questions right now, but don't worry, I'll explain everything after this is over. In the meantime, how about we grab a late-night snack? We can talk while we eat."

………………

"3:25 a.m."

Long Qiao glanced at Karen beside her; her arms were piled high with hamburgers, and her blissful eating expression made passersby smile.

"The burgers at Houmu Restaurant are really delicious, but they still can't compare to the rice balls from Yae Village," Karen said.

Long Qiao subconsciously glanced at her wallet, and thankfully she still had several thousand yuan.

"Luckily, I robbed a few thugs when I came to this world, so I wasn't broke. All the money I earned before went to Bronya... Waaah... If I had known the system would help me rebuild my body, I wouldn't have given it to her..."

"Ahem... So let's get back to the point. According to you, you're a secret investigator sent by the Destiny Headquarters?"

"Hmm...more or less."

"Sigh, when a man goes out into the world, he gives himself his own identity. It feels so good."

"Yes... Oh... the bishop ordered you to assist me?"

"Yes, that's how I know your phone number and information about A-872."

When Karen heard the name A-872 again, her expression instantly turned serious. Long Qiao revealed all the information he had learned about A-872 during the second observation, as this was a necessary step to gain Karen's trust. However, the girl in front of him probably never imagined that this information was given to him not long ago by another "self".

"Now, can you trust me?" Long Qiao said with a smirk.

"The existence of A-872 is one of the highest-level secrets within Schicksal. You could never know such details without the bishop's personal permission."

"...Then why did you just throw it at me so casually..."

"So, then what? Didn't you say on the phone that you already had information on A-872's whereabouts?"

"Of course, but I have a request before that."

Long Qiao paused for a moment, and as expected, Karen frowned and looked at Long Qiao. Long Qiao raised an eyebrow at Karen, then opened the map on her phone and handed it to her.

"Tomorrow night at 3:00 PM sharp, Lady Karen, please arrive at this location beforehand. At least until tomorrow night, please do not attack her. I have something I want you to confirm with your own eyes," Long Qiao said.

“Deli…A-872 will appear here?” Karen asked anxiously.

"You let it slip."

"Of course, to be precise, I will make her appear."

"you?"

“That’s right, I can get Theresa to be in this position tomorrow night,” Long Qiao said confidently.

"What if I say no?"

"Then... the number of victims of the continuous blood-sucking incidents may continue to increase."

"You!...I understand."

"Lady Karen, please rest assured. After tomorrow night, I will fully cooperate with your operation. I have my trump card~"

"And before that, I will do everything in my power to fulfill all of Theresa's wishes."

After parting ways with Karen, Long Qiao returned to her residence and collapsed onto the bed after a quick wash.

"Theresa... how can I save you... is that really the only way? No... there must be other ways..."

Long Qiao pondered how to break the deadlock. As she thought, the physical exhaustion and drowsiness from staying up all night overwhelmed her. Before long, Long Qiao's breathing gradually became steady...