Return (Part 2)

“Mm.”

11:32 AM

Lil and Eve were eating ramen at a ramen shop, but Eve felt a little strange.

“Mom, why did you suddenly call me out to eat ramen?”

“Because I missed you. Unlike your dad, who is now working as a karate coach.”

“Doesn’t Mom work?”

“With my current personality, I don’t want to work. Plus, your dad is mostly doing it as a hobby. And I prefer being lazy.”

“Just say you’re slacking off. By the way, Rin’s combat ability is so high, you’re not thinking anything shady, are you?”

“No need for that. Even without relying on my powers, I can handle many things.”

“Don’t think being a god makes you amazing. In the end, you’re just some kind of superpowered person.”

“I agree with that. But having a title is sometimes nice. By the way, what do you think of the noodles here?”

“They’re okay. The noodles are chewy, and the broth is really flavorful. Just a little short on beef.”

“Make do with it. I really like this ramen shop. After we finish eating, how about going to an alien planet?”

“An alien planet? For what?”

“Because I once brought a lot of Earth animals there and made all the animals, plants, and lakes gigantic. For example, one sheep is about 100 meters tall.”

“Then the planet’s resources will be exhausted quickly.”

“You don’t need to worry about that. That planet is 50 times the size of Earth. And just think, such a huge lamb, wouldn’t it be amazing to eat? Plus, many of its offspring are also giant-sized.”

“With something that big, how long would it take to finish eating?”

“Very simple. Just have a big party. I even remember there are 30-meter-long giant crawfish. Even if you only eat the tails, the meat is absolutely satisfying.”

“Then you might as well get me some Kobe beef, and pre-sliced too.”

“No problem. I’ve been craving it these past few days anyway. Once I prepare it, I’ll send it to your home.”

“Thanks! Remember to add some black pepper sauce.”

“Enough talk. After we finish eating, let’s go check out that alien planet.”

“Okay.”

♢

Knock knock knock.

Rin opened the door. It turned out to be the fried chicken delivery. Then Rin carried the food inside in several trips.

But Ia started craving some.

“Can I eat?”

“If everyone wants to eat, go ahead.”

Then Silin duplicated a whole bunch of bubble tea and cola.

“Chocolate-flavored bubble tea goes really well with fried chicken, in my opinion.”

Rin Yin got a little excited.

“Looks like duplication is really handy. My queen, how about we decorate the new house similar to Mio’s place?”

“No problem. And let’s add some magic for bacteria and virus prevention, so they’re eliminated on entry. Also anti-eavesdropping spells.”

“Leave it to me.”

“I’ll take five pieces to deliver to some friends first.”

After saying that, Silin disappeared.

Silin arrived at Cecilia’s house, and Cecilia happened to be making dumplings.

“Mom.”

“Silin, you came to play?”

“I came to deliver some roast chicken. Here, two roast chickens for you. But I don’t see that guy around. Out having fun?”

“She went shopping with the new kid, Agata. A very polite child.”

“As long as they’re educated properly, it’s fine. But I don’t see Dad either. Off buying liquor?”

“Yes. But Silin, you love ice cream and cake, right?”

“Mm, Kiana probably does too.”

“Indeed. By the way, I’ve turned your friends’ stories into manga and games. Should bring in quite a bit of game revenue. I have a feeling it’ll be popular in other worlds too.”

“Yeah, but the early manga characters aren’t as popular as the game characters, since the games are the main thing. K423 is the main character.”

“I wonder if Kiana will ever meet those friends?”

“She should, since Mei, Bronya, Hua, and Teresa are all our friends.”

“If it were you, you’d want to find them too, right? I think this version of Silin already plans to, just waiting for the right time.”

“Pretty much. First is Lady Mei’s psychological issues, then a world without Honkai should be stable. Bronya is only slightly tricky, but manageable. Hua and Teresa fought me not long ago, but if they want peace, we can be friends.”

“I’ll take care of a few then.”

“Who?”

“Wendy and Anna, and maybe Rita too.”

“That works. Mom, I’ll take my leave. I still have more chicken to deliver.”

“Okay.”

Silin then instantly appeared in front of Kiana—only to get slapped.

“…You idiot, don’t scare me like that!”

“S-sorry, did it hurt?”

“Just startled me. What are you doing?”

“Killing a bug. It was flying near my ear and annoying me.”

“Good thing my defense has improved. Didn’t really hurt. By the way, I brought you some fried chicken.”

“Wow, that must taste amazing!”

“Probably. One for you, one for me. Speaking of which, where’s the other me?”

“Probably using my appearance to shop. We share the same body, after all.”

“Her emotions are stable, right? Especially without Rin around.”

“Rin?”

“There’s more than one me. Other timelines too. And I’m the strongest in all timelines, so I have to consider them all.”

“That must be exhausting.”

“Not really. Most of the time it’s fun, as long as no one fights. I just want all of us to return to how we felt before being captured.”

“If you need help, just call me.”

“Mm. By the way, I want to tell you everything about me. Want to know?”

“Of course. You’re my original, after all.”

“I considered it before, but since you’re also me, I decided not to. But how about you copy your memories for me?”

“Sure.”

Silin touched Kiana’s head, and suddenly both had a flood of new memories.

“…Is it all real? Game characters?”

“Why would I lie? If you don’t believe me, I can take you to that world to play.”

“In that case… My head’s a mess. Even if I tell everyone, they won’t understand.”

“For now, only a few people need to know. Plus my human friends.”

“I’m free anyway. Can you take me to your world?”

“Sure, but let me finish delivering chicken first. Wait here, I need to share memories with the other me.”

“Okay.”

“I’ll be back soon. I also have another me to talk with in another world.”

“Mm.”

After Silin left, Kiana pinched her own cheek.

“Guess it’s not a dream. But my feelings for Rin seem to be affecting me too.”

Less than half an hour later, Silin returned—but as the Herrscher of the Void.

“Sorry for the delay.”

“Why do you look like that?”

“The other me was bored and wanted a sparring match. Lasted ten minutes. She didn’t even stand a chance.”

“Of course not. Rin Yin buffed you ridiculously. Who could beat you now?”

“At least in this world, I’m absolutely invincible. Honkai or whatever, I don’t care. Want me to start a plan to destroy humanity again?”

“If you want, Earth will be gone instantly.”

“Joking aside, have you eaten the chicken?”

“Yeah, and it was delicious. Next time, can you bring more?”

“Sure. After I eat, I’ll take you for a tour. Want to go to my world now?”

“Yeah!”

Silin snapped her fingers, and the two instantly appeared in the living room of the human world.

But Silin looked around. Not only was no one there, everything was moved out.

“Is this your new house?”

“Technically the old one. We just moved the furniture with magic. Everyone’s probably at the new house now.”

“This house is huge. Is the new one big too?”

“Yeah. Now that it’s peaceful, where do you want to live?”

“If Mom and Dad come back, I still want to live with them.”

“Me too, but Mom can just visit sometimes.”

Just then, Rin teleported in.

“My queen, the new house is ready.”

“How is it?”

“Big. But why is Kiana here?”

“To hang out. And now I have all of Silin’s memories. I know everything about you all.”

“I see. Welcome. Let’s go see the new house. Rin Yin! Teleport us.”

In an instant, they were all in the living room of another house.

Kiana’s eyes widened.

“This place is huge! And there’s a swimming pool on the third floor?”

“Yeah. Looks like you remember everything clearly with the queen’s memories.”

“Mm, including feelings.”

Silin smiled.

“Of course. We’re the same person, so having my feelings is natural.”

Bella walked over.

“My queen, your lunch is ready on the dining table. The temperature is just right. I also cut the fried chicken so your hands won’t get greasy.”

“Thanks. Has everyone eaten?”

“Yes, and it was delicious. Rin Yin ate in several forms though.”

“Kiana, want to eat too? I can copy more.”

“Sure! I didn’t have enough earlier.”

Silin made two more bubble teas.

“Here, one each! Want cake tonight too?”

“Of course! What flavor?”

“Chocolate. But tell everyone you’ll be out, so they don’t worry.”

“Okay. After we eat, let’s go shopping.”

“Mm. Let’s eat.”

After they left, Rin went to Rin Yin’s room. Rin Yin was eating sticky rice dumplings.

“Want a skewer, sis?”

“Mm.”

Rin Yin conjured one and handed it to Rin.

“…Hm? This tastes like a shop in Sendai.”

“It is from Sendai. I was bored and wanted to try it. Turned out delicious.”

“You’re not sending clones everywhere to try food, are you?”

“Exactly. Any good taste gets shared back to me.”

“Doesn’t that mess up your taste when you’re eating something else?”

“Nope. Right now, one of me is in line for a multi-layer cheese bacon egg burger. If it’s good, I’ll throw it into storage and duplicate it.”

“I know that trick too, but won’t you get tired of it?”

“Not if I don’t overdo it. By the way, why do you always make me do small things? Ever think of big ones? Like ruling the world?”

“That’s a small thing for me—and even smaller for you.”

“I could rewrite everyone’s memories so they all obey you.”

“That’d be boring. If I want to mess with someone, I’d rather prank you.”

“Fine, then prank me.”

“I bet you can’t fall for it without mind-reading. Even adding extreme spice to your burger won’t work.”

“Sorry, I like spicy. Spicier than humans can handle.”

“What about bitter melon juice?”

“I hate that stuff. I’m not Teresa. But I’d notice after one sip.”

“I’ll keep thinking. Give me two more skewers.”

“Sure.”

“…Sorry, I’ll just destroy a planet next time.”

“No wonder you’re the original grasshopper.”

Eileen complained.

“Don’t drag me into this. No matter what, I won’t blow up a planet.”

“Hehe, no one called you grasshopper. You’re the one who spoke up.”

“Annoying.”

“Whether it’s you or Sirin, you’re both interesting. And calling you ‘My Queen’ isn’t bad either.”

After a few minutes, the juice on the tree turned dark red. Then Elea flew up, took a bite, and started eating.

“Tastes kind of like apple, not bad. But the power boost feels insignificant. It’s there, but barely.”

“…!”

“Sirin, Ellie, you both have one too.”

Rin picked two and tossed them over, then took a bite herself.

“Feels like my strength increased three to four times.”

“But I only feel a tiny boost, no multiple times.”

Then Eileen noticed the truth.

“I think this fruit works differently for each person depending on their strength. The stronger you are, the less it boosts, almost nothing. Rin, toss one to the grasshopper too.”

“Okay!”

Then she threw one to Kiana.

“Looks good. Wonder how much mine will increase?”

Kiana took a bite and felt her power instantly increase more than tenfold.

“This is great! My strength grew by over ten times.”

“Kiana, take some extra back and share with everyone.”

“Okay!”

But Rin looked at the tree again.

“Belle, there are so many fruits. Mind if I just harvest all of them with magic?”

“Go ahead. We usually only need about a hundred.”

“Here I come!”

Rin Yin suddenly appeared.

“Why are you here?”

“Big sis, I investigated this planet. Gods once descended here, and this planet still has remnants of divine power. Now this tree has absorbed all of it. That means anyone who eats these fruits becomes a demigod.”

“So that means we all become demigods?”

“You could say that. And the god who came here seems to be from the highest divine race of all the worlds.”

“The highest race? Why did they come here then?”

“I looked through a crystal ball. They just liked the grass here. Took some back to copy.”

“I see. Then help move all the fruits into your storage space. But leave a few hundred for the other me.”

“Okay. After we collect them, let’s go home. By the way, your mom already delivered the cake.”

“Ha! Why didn’t you say so earlier? I still haven’t delivered the fried chicken.”

As soon as she said that, Rin teleported away.

“Wait, that’s my body!”

Elea shouted.

“It’s fine. I’ll explain to her when we get back.”

“Alright. By the way, can we spar?”

“Anytime.”

“Then here I come! Time to test this power!”

Elea powered up instantly and punched Rin Yin in the face.

“…Too many openings.”

Rin Yin kicked her in the stomach, then teleported behind her and slammed down with both hands.

Boom! Elea crashed into the ground, creating a crater several kilometers wide. But before the dust cleared, a bolt of lightning struck down.

“…Strange.”

Rin Yin casually swatted the lightning away, but in that moment, Elea teleported behind her and struck her neck hard.

“Ahhhhh!”

Rin Yin was sent flying hundreds of meters but recovered.

(So strange… Even though I suppressed my power, I should still have 97% of my sister’s strength. Why does her speed and force feel so much greater now? Could it be…)

“Ahhhhhhh!”

Before she could finish thinking, Elea kicked her back to the original spot.

“Guess I’ll get a little serious.”

Elea charged again, but Rin Yin aimed a white energy sphere at her.

“Hmph! This thing… huh!?”

Just before the energy ball hit, Elea opened a Herrscher of the Void portal and sent it behind Rin Yin, causing a massive explosion.

The shockwave blew everyone except Sirin and Eileen over a kilometer away.

But Elea was a bit nervous. Judging from the explosion’s power, even though the range wasn’t big, the damage inside it was enormous. Even she would’ve been seriously injured if it hit full force.

When the smoke cleared, Rin Yin clapped her hands.

“I forgot about the Herrscher powers. By the way, why do you fight differently than my sister?”

“What do you mean? Don’t chat while fighting.”

“My sister prefers using a scythe. You favor fists and kicks.”

“Because I have that other me’s memories. When we swapped bodies earlier, the memories synced. But I think the best way to deal with you is without weapons—just fists and ranged skills. My fists are infused with energy.”

“Makes sense. At first, I hit you several times, and you seemed fine.”

“Wrong, it hurt like hell. But even when it hurts, you keep fighting. On a real battlefield, who cares about pain? If you can hit back, then hit.”

“Still want to fight?”

“No. I was just playing with this body. But I feel like this body can go further.”

“Evolve?”

“Like this. Hahahaha—haa!!!”

A flash of light, and Rin’s face changed. Her eyes turned blue, even cuter than before, and her hair looked more like Eileen’s.

“So cute! Now punch me with full strength.”

“Okay!”

Elea punched again, but Rin Yin was surprised—this strength was completely different from before.

“Not bad. Mind if I kick you back?”

“No problem!”

Rin Yin tried a spinning kick, but Elea blocked it and started absorbing her energy.

“Looks like your defense is solid.”

“Yep. And I get stronger after every fight. This body’s power goes beyond my imagination…”

Before she could finish, Elea reverted to normal.

“Huh?”

“Looks like it’s not complete yet.”

“Maybe. If you got serious, I don’t know if I could break through your limits. But that power just now—could it surpass Xiaofeng?”

“Close to 84%, I think. And I remember a skill called Gravity Fist—it makes your body heavier or lighter.”

“Not for me. Anyway, looks like some people we blew away earlier are coming back.”

“Let’s wait on the ground then. I’ll grab the fruit first.”

“Okay!”

♢

30 minutes later, in Mio’s living room

Rin, Mio, and Shizuku sat on the sofa chatting with Gina.

“Mom, how’s the fried chicken?”

“Delicious! But why are you weaker now?”

“Because this is my old body. We swapped for fun.”

“Can this body still teleport?”

“Easy. I learned it already. By the way, Mom, your cake is amazing! I’ve never had this kind of chocolate before.”

“It’s unique to my world. Plus, a dragon princess gave me a dragon egg to make the cake.”

“A dragon princess gave you an egg?”

“Don’t misunderstand. High-level dragons can take human form. And our world also has dinosaurs, totally different from dragons. Giving eggs isn’t a big deal.”

“So, is dinosaur meat tasty?”

“Similar to the ones in Xiaofeng’s world. But a T-Rex is about 60 meters long.”

Mio grew curious.

“Mom, what kind of strength do you need to kill a T-Rex?”

“At least great strength and fast reflexes. That tail isn’t fun. But for me? No problem. And for you guys now, same.”

“Can we visit your world later?”

“Of course. But let me warn you—I’m not the strongest there. Be polite, okay?”

“Understood.”

“Rin.”

Sirin popped out from behind the sofa.

“My Queen?”

“It’s me—the Herrscher of the Void living here. I asked Eve for this body. Along with some emotions.”

“Sounds fun. Like having another me.”

“By the way, what’s the other me doing now?”

“On another planet, eating some fruit that barely boosts power.”

“I want to try too.”

“No rush. We’ll bring some back. But don’t expect much—the stronger you are, the less it boosts.”

“Troublesome. By the way, how does the other me usually talk? I want to practice.”

“Pretty normal. Anyway, where’s Lin?”

“Out with Mio buying a new burger combo.”

“What kind of combo? I’m curious.”

“A triple cheese beef burger set. Want a taste? I can share.”

“Thanks! If it’s good, I’ll buy some for my Queen too.”

“As long as it tastes good, anything’s fine. Just don’t eat dragon fruit—I don’t like it.”

“You don’t like it? My Queen had dragon fruit ice cream and loved it.”

“Huh? Maybe my tongue’s broken?”

“Or maybe bad quality fruit. There’s white and red dragon fruit. Which did you eat?”

“White.”

“White’s good too.”

“Maybe mine was just bad quality…”

Ring ring ring—

Rin’s phone rang. It was Nocle.

“Rin.”

“What’s up?”

“The Queen’s back. Want to come eat cake?”

“Sure, I’ll be back soon.”

“Also, Rin Yin made me human again but boosted all my potential. The rest is like Ia.”

“So you’re weaker now.”

“It’s fine. I’ll play with Ia. Oh, and Lin wants you to bring some lollipops.”

“Alright. Is the other me there?”

“Yep. Good news too—your body can transform even further now. Looks really cute.”

“I’ll check later. Hanging up.”

“Mm.”

“Mom, I’m leaving.”

“Okay.”

Rin teleported away.

But in less than 20 minutes, Rin was back home.

“I’m home.”

Just as she entered, a blue-eyed girl with the same hair color looked at her.

“Who?”

“It’s me, Elea. This is your body’s evolved form. Or rather, a kind of transformation.”

“Do you remember how it feels?”

“Yep. Let’s switch back now.”

After switching, Rin felt much stronger—but also a bit sore.

“Why does this body ache? Side effect?”

“I fought Rin Yin. Took a few hits. If it still hurts, that means your healing isn’t complete yet.”

“You little troublemaker. Whatever, it’ll heal in a few hours.”

Rin changed back and went to Lin’s room, handing her lollipops.

“Thanks!”

“No problem. Did you eat the cake?”

“Yep, it was great! But I want to ask—what does it feel like calling someone ‘My Queen’? Why not just ‘Sirin’?”

“Probably because the manga uses ‘My Queen.’ And Sirin only appears in Honkai Impact 2. For me, both sound fine.”

“Then I’ll say ‘My Queen.’”

“As long as you like it. I’m going to eat cake now.”

“Okay.”

In the living room, everyone was there. Rin noticed Sirin was wearing her Honkai Gakuen 2 outfit, and the cake was already sliced on plates.

“My Queen.”

“Mm, you switched back already?”

“Yeah. And these drinks—Mom brought them too?”

“This is cocoa. Rin Yin said it’s not from our world.”

“I’ll try some.”

Rin took a sip and instantly noticed—it tasted far better than regular cocoa.

“So good!”

“I think so too. By the way, what do you think of my outfit?”

“Honkai 2’s little angel ♪”

“That’s the real me. Though that other me is much kinder, copying her is tough.”

“You don’t need to. You’re you.”

“True. My style is mine. No need to imitate. ☆”

“Having your own thoughts matters too.”

“Of course. Rin, go call Sheila for cake.”

“On it!”

After Rin left, Sirin smiled.

“Rin Yin, copy some extra cakes. I want to send them to other worlds. Especially my human friends. Since we’re all orphans, I should visit.”

“Easy. I’ll add a bubble tea for each. Kiana, anything you love eating?”

“I love everything tasty. Especially fried chicken, burgers, and bubble tea.”

“Nice. And since My Queen gave you the copy skill, if your world has limited edition food, make sure to copy it.”

“Leave it to me.”

“Mm.”