Chapter 16: After Reading It... Honkai's Better

Though the superpower awakening serum could grow to the level of destroying cities, it was still too weak for those who had already stepped into the Path of Destiny. Some of the powerful Manifestations in Herta's world could destroy entire star systems. At least, that's what the setting claimed. Compared to that, the serum was insignificant. Takumi quickly packed everything and sent it off. Takumi: \\[Himeko's exclusive red packet.] \\[Everything's inside. I'll leave the rest to you, Himeko-neesan!] Himeko: \\[Got it\\~! Sweet talker.] \\[Then let me share what I know with you too.] Himeko was completely disarmed by how affectionately Takumi kept calling her "neesan." Without delay, she packed up the knowledge she had and sent it straight to Takumi. Not via the store, but directly through a red packet. Seeing Himeko's gift, Takumi's eyes lit up as he accepted it. A torrent of advanced knowledge surged into his mind. As he processed it, his expression grew brighter. Takumi: \\[Thanks, Himeko-neesan\\~! I'm going to study this right away.] With that, Takumi logged off. Himeko didn't mind—she smiled and started organizing what Takumi had sent her. Superpower serum, magical tomes... those could wait. First, she'd sort through the bundle of items Takumi gave her to prepare for the exchange with Herta. Everyone else watched this back-and-forth with mixed feelings. Takumi's "neesan" act was too effective. He'd completely abandoned his dignity. ... Himeko's knowledge was remarkably comprehensive: physics, electronics, aerospace propulsion... She even included specs for her orbital satellite cannon. As Takumi absorbed the information, his eyes sparkled with insight. He now had a clear picture of Honkai: Star Rail's tech level. Impressive. Especially in interstellar capabilities. For a moment, Takumi felt like his own power had taken a huge leap forward. If he had to, he could probably destroy the entire world now. Though still at the "planet-busting" level, it was a serious step up. Planet? Star? At this point, it was all "planet-buster class" anyway. The next step would be "galaxy-buster class." That was still a long way off. Shaking his head, Takumi stopped thinking about it and vanished from his villa by opening an Imaginary Space Gate. Moments later, he reappeared in orbit, standing above Earth. He looked down at the functional satellites still circling the planet. His cross-shaped pupils gleamed. He activated his Authority. Gates opened one by one in imaginary space, absorbing all the orbital debris and leaving only the useful satellites. Then he invoked the power of the Herrscher of Reason—Himeko's specialty—and began constructing orbital satellite cannons. Just like her ultimate move. Even if he didn't need them now, they'd be useful someday. He also modified a few communication satellites. After all, the internet was essential. Once finished, Takumi returned to the surface. Now, several orbital cannons floated in space above Earth. Each shot could easily obliterate a city. Total annihilation. Based on what Himeko shared, she was incredibly powerful. If she had access to her tech, she could casually operate at planet-buster level. But in another world, her power would likely drop to just city-destroying. Her technology wouldn't carry over, and even the power of Fate might not function in other worlds. Though the group chat might help with that. Still, Takumi wanted Himeko to test it eventually. Feeling great about his progress, Takumi grinned. He'd already surpassed the old tech he made. He had advanced several generations in one go. Chuckling, he shrugged it off. It was fine. Let others take over the upgrades next time. For now, things were going smoothly. Satisfied, Takumi teleported back to his villa. He grabbed a bottle of carbonated soda imported from Sagiri's world and collapsed onto the sofa. The only working internet was the group chat now. So, he decided to scroll through it. Either that or nap. He tapped into the group and did his daily check-in. Then he started idly chatting. Most people were busy with their own affairs. Only Sagiri, the eternal shut-in, was online. Takumi struck up a conversation with her. The others replied now and then but quickly returned to their tasks. Zhongli was still watching an opera, not yet retired. The Rite of Descension was coming up soon. Would he retire this time like in the game? Takumi was curious. As he chatted with Sagiri, a new message popped up. Bronya: \\[Your computer has finished downloading everything. Returning it now.] She sent a red packet. Takumi immediately claimed it and began reading through its contents. Bronya's world was more advanced than Chika's or Sagiri's. It looked like they were on the verge of achieving nuclear fusion. But after skimming through it, Takumi quickly lost interest. Takumi: \\[Done! Honkai's still better.] Bronya: \\[(???)] \\[Sorry, I guess my world is just a normal one.] She was speechless. She knew Takumi had just received a flood of tech from Himeko's world. Now her data felt outdated. Takumi: \\[Still, thanks. That'll be all for now. Keep the laptop.] He sent it back. The AI laptop still had uses for her. Bronya accepted it with a shrug. Free stuff is free stuff. Now she was curious. What kind of tech did Himeko actually give Takumi? Bronya: \\[What kind of technology did Professor Himeko share with you? Spill it.]