Trapped in Honkai: Integrated Strategies [14]

With the passage of time, the residual Honkai energy Yuna forcibly left behind gradually dissipated, and the rampaging vines slowly lost their strength.

During this period, Theresa occasionally peeked out from within the [Oath of Judah] to check the surroundings, while Lyra observed everything from within her system space.

Finally, after more than an hour, the vines ceased their relentless attacks and collapsed limply onto the field, as if they'd lost all support.

“It seems the residual Honkai energy in these vines has almost completely dispersed,” Lyra said thoughtfully.

[Then, Host, are you planning to go out now?]

"Yeah, it’s time to wake Theresa-san up."

As the scene shifted before her eyes, Lyra found herself back on Chiba Academy’s sports field.

“Wow, this place turned from an elite academy into a nature reserve real quick.”

She prodded the limp vines on the ground; they showed no reaction, and even their lethal toxins had disappeared.

“Just as I thought. Any poison strong enough to incapacitate Theresa couldn't have originated from these vines. It was all just a manifestation of Yuna's own Honkai energy, transmitted through the vines. Naturally, with Yuna gone, it all dissipated.”

Glancing around, Lyra easily spotted the [Oath of Judah] still standing firm and untouched amidst the chaos. The shining golden cross had emerged entirely unscathed.

She knocked gently on the cross's surface. "Theresa-san~ time to wake up."

Immediately, mechanical sounds echoed from within. Moments later, the cross opened, and Theresa stepped out.

“You’re alright? Thank goodness.” Relief flooded Theresa’s expression as she saw Lyra unharmed, even cheerful enough to wake her.

As St. Freya’s headmistress, Theresa instantly recognized the hints of self-destructive tendencies in the girl. Combined with her earlier suspicions, she’d genuinely worried Lyra might’ve done something reckless.

If Lyra had known Theresa’s thoughts at that moment, she’d likely have felt quite wronged.

What self-destructive tendencies? What 'life-and-death indifference'? Isn’t this all just a side-effect from dying too many times in the system?!

“So these vines have completely lost their activity?” Theresa asked, quickly noticing the jungle-like transformation of the sports field.

“Yeah. I tested them a moment ago. Even the toxins on the vines have vanished, so they won't pose any further issues.”

“You tested them yourself?!” Theresa immediately broke into a cold sweat and snapped angrily, “What were you thinking? Even I wouldn't dare carelessly touch those toxins!”

“Don’t worry, stuff like this doesn’t affect me,” Lyra replied blankly, shaking her head at Theresa’s scolding. “You must have a lot of questions. Let's find somewhere to talk properly.”

With that, Lyra turned and started walking away on her own.

“You…” Theresa opened her mouth, wanting to say something but ended up sighing softly, quietly following behind her.

...

A dozen minutes later, Lyra brought Theresa to a familiar rooftop terrace.

Indeed, this was the Origin Highlands. Unfortunately, there weren't any wormholes or Finality Craters yet (big fog).

Does this count as a holy-site pilgrimage? Lyra wondered internally.

[I think you should come back once this place reaches its complete form, Host.]

No worries, that won’t stop me. System-san, don’t forget to take a few photos.

[Eh? What are you planning, Host?]

After Mei’s domestic-violence episode, I'll use these pictures to tease her.

[Alright, alright. Hopefully, Host won’t follow Black Swan’s footsteps—teasing Mei confidently, only to end up behind bars as a prison goose.]

[Getting into the groove now, aren’t we.jpg]

“Here’s good enough…”

Lyra leaned casually against the rooftop railing, turning to face Theresa.

“So, do you want to start asking questions first, or shall I?”

“How about we take turns? I'll start,” Theresa suggested, pressing gently against her throbbing temples. “After all, I am technically in charge of this area. Investigating suspicious individuals is part of my duties.”

“Sure. Not like I have many questions, anyway.” Lyra shrugged nonchalantly.

“Then, first: who are you, and why did you suddenly appear during my fight with Yuna?”

“My name is Lyra,” she answered without hesitation. “As for my identity...transmigrator, wanderer, refugee—call me whatever you'd like.”

“And regarding why I appeared here… I'm honestly not sure myself. When I arrived in this world, I didn't exactly choose a precise landing point. I assume it's because this location had a particularly high concentration of Honkai energy due to your fight.”

“Now, it's my turn. You’re Theresa-san, aren’t you? I know that similar individuals often exist across different worlds, but I'd still like confirmation from you directly.”

“I am. My full name is Theresa Apocalypse. Do you...know me?”

“Maybe not you specifically... I was just confirming whether I helped the right person. Since you’re Theresa-san, it's fine either way.”

It seems like she had a close relationship with the Theresa of her own world… Theresa pursed her lips, unsure how to comfort Lyra. Eventually, she sighed quietly and continued, “How exactly did you end up in our world? When you appeared, the commotion was huge, yet your strength seems rather...weak.”

“It’s because I’m bound to something very special. Hmm… maybe somewhat similar to your cross, a unique artifact of my entire civilization.”

“It can carry me across barriers between worlds, but the effects are very unstable. It'll take quite some time to recover after using it this once.”

“As for my strength...it’s not really an issue. It should recover significantly after a while.”

The system definitely counts as something rare in our civilization, and it really did bring me here… As for strength, I'll just claim my original power once I hit E2.

From another world or bubble universe, probably from a dire situation, seriously injured but capable of recovery, and possessing a degree of ability to navigate the Quantum Sea… In Theresa's mind, Lyra’s background gradually became clearer.

“Alright, your turn again,” Theresa prompted.

“I don't have any further questions. If you don't mind, just tell me a bit about your world,” Lyra replied indifferently. “Feel free to keep asking if you have more.”

“Hmm… What do you plan to do next?” Theresa finally asked.

“I have nowhere particular to go. Anywhere I won't starve is fine.”

“Huh? Aren't you planning to go home? Didn't you come to our world by accident?”

Theresa watched Lyra carefully, feeling slightly nervous. Although she might accidentally hit a sore spot again, as the head of the Far East Branch, she needed to take responsibility for this region. Determining this visitor's intentions was essential.

“Home…” Lyra’s expression grew noticeably lonely. “I probably…don’t have a home anymore.”

---

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!