He suddenly remembered the conversation that had taken place on the Astral Express earlier.

Welt and Himeko were going to find the remains of some ancient beast to use as a favor. Hayakawa Aki pondered to himself: could the true purpose of the remains be to resurrect Tingyun?

"What are you so happy about? That woman named Ruan Mei is nothing but a fanatical evil scientist! I bet that Tingyun has definitely been modified by her!"

Denji curled his lip. "So what if she's modified? I'll like her no matter what she becomes!"

"Tch, your 'love' is cheaper than the breast pads I picked up." Power shrugged. "That woman loves bugs so much, maybe she'll turn Tingyun into a bug? A True Sting with Tingyun's face... Tsk, tsk, my imagination is truly genius!"

"You 'Breast Pad Demon,' how dare you speak!" Denji glared fiercely at Power. "You can doubt Ruan Mei's experimental results, but you cannot doubt her aesthetic! How could someone so beautiful have bad taste?!"

—

Honkai Impact 3rd.

"Heh... interesting." Upon hearing Luocha's utterly insane plan, there was no trace of worry on Otto's face. His emerald eyes shone with a frightening intensity, as if he had discovered some superb experimental subject. His words were filled with fanaticism. "It's... truly interesting!"

Inside the central observation tower of Schicksal Headquarters, Otto was holding a glass of red wine, watching the four generals on the Celestial Screen as they critiqued 'his' plan. This feeling was very unique; Luocha's face was exactly like his own, and even the tone of voice after dropping the disguise was very similar to his... It was as if he himself were out in the universe, personally stirring up this muddy water.

He wasn't worried at all that 'himself' wouldn't be able to handle the Power of 【The Propagation】. Otto firmly believed that if another 'himself' truly existed in the universe, he would have planned everything in the shadows. Based on Otto's understanding of his own style, he could even make a simple guess: Luocha's true purpose was likely not to truly kill 【Abundance】, but to use the hands of 【The Hunt】 and 【The Propagation】 to permanently usurp its Power.

Becoming a god... This might seem like an impossible plan to ordinary people. But only Otto himself knew how many 'impossible' things he had accomplished while leading Schicksal over the past few centuries.

Perhaps only the Power of a god is worthy of another 'himself's' covetousness?

"The remnants of 【The Propagation】... My goodness, the Luocha guy... oh wait, Luocha's methods are really wild... even more thrilling than us dealing with the Honkai." Li Sushang smacked her lips and cast a meaningful glance at the blonde man beside her.

"It's too dangerous." Durandal's brow furrowed as she shook her head slightly. "...I'm afraid he'll end up playing with fire and getting burned."

"Exactly." Otto turned around, his gaze sweeping over the Valkyries. "But even if it's self-immolation, one must ignite countless stars in the universe together, letting them burn fiercely... lighting a flame once that is enough for the entire universe to feel its warmth."

—

【The preparations for the reopened Wardance are in full swing. This time, many contestants have already arrived at the arena and are gathering in the waiting room. Stelle, holding a backstage staff pass obtained by March 7th, wanted to take a stroll inside before the main competition began.】

【However, as soon as she entered the backstage waiting room, she saw an acquaintance being interviewed.】

【Camera Reporter: "Why do you want to participate in the Wardance?"】

【Luka was clearly a bit lacking in confidence, hesitating as he said, "Because... because... because I won the qualification for the competition?"】

【(Isn't that Luka? What is he doing here on the Luofu?)】

【Stelle quickly ran over and greeted Luka warmly. Luka was also surprised; he hadn't expected to see an old friend on the Xianzhou.】

【"Stelle? What are you doing here?"】

【"I'm here to watch the competition."】

【Luka smiled slightly. "What a coincidence, I'm here to compete! Well... although I don't really have much confidence in winning right now, haha."】

【The Intellitron with a giant camera for a head chimed in: "Are you a friend of Mr. Luka? Let me introduce myself. I am Camellia, an intern reporter for Interastral Peace Entertainment."】

【"I originally came with Mr. Owlbert to cover the Wardance. But Mr. Owlbert is very busy with a myriad of affairs, so the task of interviewing popular contestants and producing special programs fell onto my shoulders."】

【Having said that, Camellia sighed deeply. "Sigh, it's a heavy responsibility... I've been an intern for so many years. If I mess up this time, I'm afraid there will be even less hope of becoming a permanent employee."】

【"The the IPC is truly harsh..."】

【"Don't worry, these are all trials given to me by my superiors! As long as I can capture enough soul-stirring program material this time, I will definitely be able to become a permanent employee this year!" Camellia pointed her head toward Luka. "...I sense this kind of program potential in contestant Luka!"】

—

Dungeon Meshi.

"Luka is participating in the Wardance?"

Marcille couldn't help but look Luka up and down a few more times, confirming that the kid looked exactly the same as when Stelle first met him not long ago. He didn't have a newer, more powerful mechanical arm, nor did his body look any stronger. Him participating in the Wardance indeed didn't look like he had much of a chance.

"Luka is considered a pretty powerful person in Belobog, right? Although he can't beat Svarog and might not be a match for Seele, aside from him, is there anyone stronger in Belobog?" Laios asked from the side.

"...I'm not sure. If Luka is competing as an individual, it's fine, but if he's representing Belobog, it would be more appropriate to have Seele come, right?" Chilchuck crossed his arms. Thinking of Seele's speed, which could slice bullets into fragments, he felt a strange sense of pride. "...She could show Yanqing and Yunli the top-tier combat techniques of a girl from a world of ice and snow. With her speed, she might even be able to go toe-to-toe with those two geniuses."

"If you hype Seele up that much, even she probably wouldn't be able to handle it," Marcille gave Chilchuck a frustrated look. "But it's also easy to prove. Luka can hold his own against Seele. If Luka can hold his own against Yanqing this time, wouldn't that indirectly prove the gap in strength between Seele and Yanqing?"

"...Still, with so many experts in the universe, Luka might not necessarily make it to Yanqing."

—

【"Really? I don't have much confidence..."】 Luka's voice gradually trailed off.

【"How did you come to participate in the Wardance?" Stelle asked.】

【"Why did I participate in the Wardance? Well, it's a long story... You two, let's walk together. I'll tell you why I came here on the way."】

【...】

【A few weeks ago, Belobog, Boulder Town.】

【Luka looked at Natasha with a serious expression. "Big Sister Natasha... how much time do I have left?"】

【Natasha sighed softly. "Not much. Be mentally prepared, Luka."】

【"Then, is there anything else I can do?"】

【"Since it's come to this... eat whatever you want."】