Trapped in Honkai: Integrated Strategies [17]

“I know.”

To Himeko’s surprise, even Theresa had considered this point.

“Himeko, I may not be the brightest, but after being by Grandpa’s side for so long, my experience and judgment are enough to make up for it.”

“Then why would you still…”

“Am I supposed to let a homeless child wander Nagazora just because I have doubts?” Theresa lifted her head, eyes fixed on Himeko’s.

“Yes, there were clearly things she chose not to say. But everyone has secrets they can’t share. I’ve never spoken of my own origins, and I’ve never pressed Bronya or Mei about their pasts either.”

“I could feel it. When she said she had no home anymore, that loneliness wasn’t fake. And when she first saw me—the surprise, the joy, the sorrow—that was real emotion. And that’s enough.”

“Just as in law, where we uphold innocent until proven guilty, we cannot ignore another’s present suffering simply because we doubt their past.”

“Heh…” Himeko let out a quiet laugh. “Well said, Theresa. I never realized you had this kind of awareness.”

“Looks like you’re not such a useless headmistress after all.”

“Hey! Just what kind of image of me do you have in your head?!”

Ignoring Theresa’s indignation, Himeko leaned against the wall and glanced up at the ship’s ceiling. “I get your meaning. When we get back to the academy, I’ll contact some old friends, and also reach out to Shenzhou to check Lyra’s identity and registration.”

“If she really did come here by crossing the Quantum Sea, then there won’t be a single trace of her existence in this world.”

“And if there isn’t, I’ll have Shenzhou fabricate an identity for her. Consider it… compensation for having doubted her.”

“Yes. That’s what I thought too. Keeping her close by us also serves that purpose.”

“If she truly approached me with hidden intentions, she’ll make a move eventually.”

“If not, then I’ll gladly befriend her.”

“Ah, speaking of, didn’t little Lyra say her wilderness survival skills were strong?” Theresa tried to pat Himeko on the shoulder, but thanks to their height difference, her hand landed instead on Himeko’s backside with a smack. “That must mean she’s good at cooking, right?”

“You drunkard, looks like you’ll be eating well.”

“Major Himeko, I’m here.”

As the two spoke, a young woman in a white medic’s uniform approached carrying a St. Freya student uniform and a medical kit.

“Her repair process is almost complete. But there will likely still be a few larger wounds unhealed. Go bandage them and have her change into this.”

“Yes, Major Himeko.”

The ship’s medic nodded and entered the med bay.

…

Some time later, Lyra stepped out wearing a brand-new St. Freya student uniform, cheeks faintly red.

“Well, doesn’t that look nice.” Himeko leaned casually against the wall, smiling. “So? Our St. Freya uniforms aren’t bad, right?”

“In terms of comfort, material, breathability—they’re flawless.” Lyra raised a thumb. “I haven’t worn many other school uniforms, but I imagine St. Freya’s is among the best.”

[Host, you really never forget to stay in character, huh.]

Himeko was momentarily silenced by her earnest response, but quickly shifted the subject. “The Hyperion’s nearly at its destination. Let’s go take a walk on the deck, so you can see St. Freya in full.”

Once more, they rode the familiar elevator, returning to the deck where Lyra had first set foot just minutes ago.

“See that massive cannon down below? That’s the Hyperion’s railgun system. There are six in total, for fighting large Honkai beasts.”

“And what about smaller ones, like drone-sized Honkai beasts?” Lyra asked with the curiosity of someone supposedly half-informed about this world.

“That depends. Normally, we’d use the CIWS (close-in weapon system)—there are ten sets spread across the hull.”

“If the enemy shows higher intelligence or strength, then we can just deploy Valkyries directly.”

Saying this, Himeko led Lyra and Theresa toward the deck’s edge.

“At the bottom of the ship, there are ten Valkyrie drop pods. We can directly airdrop Valkyries onto the battlefield or onto airborne enemies.”

[Basically the same drop interface from Honkai’s co-op battles.]

“Ah, I see.” Lyra nodded in mock realization. “So that means someday I might get to drop into combat from those pods too?”

“As long as your body can handle it, of course.” Himeko smiled, then pointed out into the distance.

“Look—St. Freya. We’ve arrived.”

From above, the academy looked completely different than the flat in-game map. Instead of air walls and confined spaces, Lyra now saw the sheer wealth and grandeur of St. Freya with her own eyes.

Carved reliefs, Western-style chapel, teaching buildings, vast fields and training grounds… Every sight before her hammered home the truth: she was truly here, stepping into the daily lives of the very characters she had dreamed of.

“Alright, don’t just stand there dazed. If you love St. Freya this much, I’ll have Theresa give you a proper tour.”

Himeko patted Lyra’s shoulder, and Lyra finally noticed that the Hyperion was already gliding into port.

“Eh? Himeko-san, you’re not coming back to the academy?”

“I’m not as free as Theresa.” Himeko waved her ID card with a grin. “I’m still on duty. Only our mascot headmistress here has the time to play tour guide.”

“Hey! Who are you calling a mascot?!” Theresa stomped her foot furiously.

“See? Just like that.” Himeko gave Lyra a wry smile, then turned and strode off coolly.

A few minutes later, amidst the roar of engines, the Hyperion eased into the docks at St. Freya Academy.

Once the ship settled, Theresa disembarked with Lyra, the two walking leisurely across the academy’s plaza.

“Remember this wall. Whenever students skip class, they always climb out right here. If you ever want to catch them, just wait here and you’ll never miss.”

So it’s this wall… Lyra gazed wordlessly at the familiar sight, then asked, despite already knowing the answer, “Then why not just make the wall higher?”

“It’s already been raised twice.” Theresa’s eyes softened as she looked at the academy grounds, helplessness and affection mingling in her gaze. “But it hasn’t really reduced the skipping problem.”

“I was planning to raise it again soon. But after that, I won’t anymore. Any higher, and I’d worry they’d hurt themselves falling.”

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T/N: HEYIM BEGGING TO WHOEVER READS THIS TO PLEASEEEE CORRECT ANY MISTAKES TBH IGVE BEEN PUTTING OFF TLING THIS SINCE IM SCARED OF MAKING MISTAKES SINCE THESE ARE VERY POPULAR IPS

This is a fan translation of 人在崩坏，但是集成战略启动 by 想做饭的饭之律者 All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!