Chapter 10. Honkai Impact 3rd Is a Wholesome, Upbeat, and Positive Work
Of course, this wasn't about poverty alleviation in the literal sense.
The fact that Honkai Impact 3rd had reached its current level of completeness was thanks to everyone at miHoYo.
Hokuto believed that he had only played the role of guide and accelerator.
After all, the people at miHoYo were already incredibly capable—they had only lacked an opportunity.
Maybe the original storyline of this world was supposed to be—
miHoYo goes bankrupt. They experience huge ups and downs, go through countless separations and reunions. Then, one day, Kiana or someone else suddenly gets a flash of inspiration and comes up with a brilliant idea. She decides to gather her former companions one by one.
And in the process of finding them, stories of love and conflict unfold.
In the end, relying on love and courage, they overcome all obstacles and successfully develop a hit game—
Etching their names into the history of gaming!
That might sound a bit far-fetched if it happened to someone else, but for them? It was just right.
"Pfft~~ I've been writing scripts nonstop lately. My imagination's been running wild," Hokuto laughed at himself.
Then, he set down his pen and looked down at the completed scripts on his desk, covering Honkai Impact 3rd Chapters 5 through 9.
"This next emotional blow…"
Riiing~~ Riiing~~
The sudden ringing of the desk phone interrupted Hokuto's sentimental moment.
"Hokuto, someone from Game Daily contacted me. They'd like to schedule a quick interview. Are you available today?" It was Rita's voice.
"Game Daily?" Hokuto rifled through his predecessor's memories.
He found that in this world, Game Daily hadn't ceased publication in 2019—in fact, it had only grown more prominent. It was now one of the most influential game magazines in the country.
For a publication of that scale to approach them this quickly…
It seemed Honkai Impact 3rd was even more of a hot topic than he'd expected.
"I'm always available. Just have them come to the studio… or wait, would that be inconvenient for you all?"
Hokuto suddenly remembered—everyone in miHoYo right now was a Honkai Impact 3rd character.
The in-game characters actually had real-world counterparts who were helping develop Honkai Impact 3rd.
If that got out...
He had to admit—that would be explosive.
But hiding it might be difficult, especially with how connected the internet was these days.
"Everyone agreed to just go with the flow," Rita replied. "What's meant to be known will be known."
"Then go ahead and schedule them to come to the studio."
"Understood."
...
...
About half an hour later.
Two young women stepped out of the elevator—one a senior employee, the other an intern.
"Qing-jie, what should I do later?" the intern asked the slightly older woman walking ahead.
Qing-jie smiled calmly. "Yuyu, just don't make a fuss. Stay quiet and watch me do the talking."
"Oh, okay okay." Yuyu nodded rapidly to show she understood.
The two walked quietly into miHoYo.
Rita, who had been waiting at the entrance, noticed their arrival and greeted them with her signature gentle smile.
"You're from Game Daily, correct?"
"I am…"
Qing-jie also returned the smile, but the moment her gaze landed on Rita's face, she froze completely.
She was a professional journalist—of course she had done her homework on Honkai Impact 3rd.
Though Rita hadn't appeared much in the current main story, her perfect maid persona had still left a strong impression.
"Rita?!"
The same Qing-jie who had just told her intern to remain calm was now visibly shaken.
"Yes, that's me."
Rita blinked and gave an elegant maid's curtsey on purpose, playfully saying:
"S-rank Valkyrie of Schicksal—Rita Rossweisse."
"Hiss~~ Th-this… how is this possible?!"
"Qing-jie, calm down."
Intern Yuyu whispered a reminder—mainly because she hadn't played Honkai Impact 3rd yet.
Not having done her research made it easier for her to remain composed.
Sometimes, things just work out that way.
Qing-jie took a deep breath. "Phew~~ Sorry. I lost my composure."
She paused, curiosity bubbling up. "Are you really Rita Rossweisse?"
Rita nodded slightly. "But I'm not a Valkyrie or anything like that. What I said earlier was just a little joke."
"Then… how did you appear in Honkai Impact 3rd?" The journalist's instincts kicked in as she asked the key question.
"Hmm…"
Rita tilted her head and gently shook it. "It's complicated. It involves personal privacy, so I'd prefer not to say. I hope you understand."
"Now, please follow me. I'll take you to meet Mr. Hokuto."
She turned decisively and led the way. Qing-jie had no choice but to suppress her curiosity and follow her deeper into the studio.
They passed by several desks.
Qing-jie caught a glimpse—and immediately stumbled, nearly tripping on flat ground.
Kiana? Himeko? Mei?
She didn't recognize Bronya, as the real-world version looked more mature and lacked the iconic drill hair.
Something… felt very off about this miHoYo studio.
Why were all the employees characters from Honkai Impact 3rd?
Hmm… that blonde older lady might be an exception.
As the journalist's emotions surged—
They arrived.
Knock knock knock~~
"Mr. Hokuto, the Game Daily team is here."
"Come in."
As Hokuto's voice sounded, Rita led the two reporters into the office.
Qing-jie continued eyeing Rita—and also recalled the room full of "Valkyries" they had just passed.
To be honest...
She couldn't help but ask Hokuto, "Mr. Hokuto, may I ask a personal question?"
"Go ahead."
"In Honkai Impact 3rd, does that Schicksal Overseer look just like you?"
Hokuto shook his head. "Of course not. The reason the game characters in Honkai Impact 3rd are modeled after miHoYo staff was purely a matter of convenience."
He'd lied so many times by now that he could spout them without blinking.
Qing-jie looked visibly curious, but seeing Hokuto's expression, she realized he didn't want to elaborate.
She suppressed her gossipy instincts and got into work mode. "Mr. Hokuto, I have a few questions I'd like to ask you."
"Ask away. I'll answer as best I can."
"What inspired you to create Honkai Impact 3rd?"
Hokuto clasped his hands on the table, face full of confidence, and said with a smile: "Beyond the well-known reasons, our goal in creating Honkai Impact 3rd was to make a wholesome, uplifting, and hopeful game that inspires players about the future."
"Mr. Hokuto, that's quite the ambitious vision." Qing-jie offered a polite comment.
"I believe once the new story update rolls out in a few weeks, everyone will understand what I mean."
"So you're very confident in Honkai Impact 3rd's upcoming story content?"
"Absolutely. I believe Honkai Impact 3rd is a heartwarming, high-quality title."
Hokuto wore the same confident expression.
And those very words of his—once the new story chapter launched—were turned by countless emotionally shattered players into memes:
"Wholesome, uplifting, positive"
"Heartwarming"
"Warrior of Love"
...