Rita's good friend was easy to guess—definitely another "Valkyrie."
In other words, barring any surprises, miHoYo Studio would soon be welcoming a new "Valkyrie."
A thought emerged in Hokuto's mind.
He hadn't expected that running a game studio in a modern world would give him the joy of pulling a gacha.
And honestly? That feeling was kinda fun.
Maybe, when the time was right in the future, he could invite even more Honkai Impact 3rd characters to join the miHoYo studio?
For example, making that Miss Pink Elf the company mascot.
Who doesn't love a beautiful, elegant, and understanding big sister?
Of course, that was assuming Miss Pink Elf actually existed in this world.
Although he'd already seen quite a few familiar characters, not everyone was guaranteed to appear.
"Hokuto, what do you think?" Rita's voice pulled Hokuto out of his daydream.
"I...?" Hokuto smiled faintly. "Looks like you have a lot of faith in the Honkai Impact 3rd project, Rita."
Rita had turned down several offers from friends who'd wanted to help before.
Now, she was actively making suggestions—clearly she had strong confidence in Honkai Impact 3rd.
"I believe Honkai Impact 3rd is a work that can take the whole nation by storm."
Rita tossed some trash into the bin, then gently brushed the dust from her fingers—her movements elegant, like her perfect secretary persona was unshakable.
"Having my friend come to today's miHoYo should be considered a gain for her."
"Since it's someone you recommended, Rita, let her come for an interview."
Hokuto glanced around at the newly tidy office, thanks to Rita's effort. "I believe outstanding people always attract other outstanding people."
"Is that a compliment? Then I'll gladly accept it."
Rita's lips curved slightly, her pupils gleaming with a light like red wine swirling in a glass.
"Don't worry—she's extremely capable. And now that I'm your secretary, I naturally have to consider what's best for the company."
"Hm?" Hokuto gave a light hum. "Rita, when did you become my secretary?"
"Because now you're the boss of miHoYo~~"
Rita took a few steps, her long, slender, flawless legs weaving into a captivating view.
Even Hokuto, who'd just been lecturing the "Valkyries" moments ago, found his gaze involuntarily drifting downward for a fleeting glance.
Only to meet Rita's subtly amused gaze when he looked up again.
"Therefore, I'll of course transfer over from Theresa's side—unless..."
She was composed and unhurried in tone, her expression sincere.
"You don't need a personal secretary?"
Actually, Rita's role at miHoYo was more like an all-rounder in administration than just a secretary.
Accounting, front desk… all of that fell under her job description.
What old-school man could withstand such a trial?
Hokuto certainly couldn't.
He pressed his lips together and nodded.
"Of course. I need one."
In the days that followed, things began moving on track.
Hokuto and Bronya Zaychik coordinated programming—no issues there.
Raiden Mei handled art with help from others—also not a problem.
The only thing they definitely lacked was professional voice actors.
But fortunately, they were developing Honkai Impact 3rd, which theoretically required no additional expense to achieve even better voice performances than Hokuto had known in his past life.
After all, even Earth's miHoYo couldn't get the actual Valkyries to do their own voice acting.
Inside the studio's recording booth, everyone was seated in a circle reviewing the script. Kiana Kaslana and Theresa Apocalypse couldn't sit still anymore.
"What are your objections?"
Hokuto set down the equipment he'd just finished adjusting and asked. Back in his previous life, he'd done voiceover work for male leads in dating sims, so he was quite familiar with the setup.
"Am I really that dumb?!" Theresa slammed the table. "Theresa is not 'Theres-dumb'!"
"Yeah! Exactly!" Kiana nodded repeatedly beside her.
Never would Hokuto have imagined that the Honkai Impact 3rd script would prompt the actual characters to roast themselves.
Rita, however, spoke up in his defense. "I think the script is quite good—especially that line, 'Theresa is still as cute as a doll.' It really speaks to me."
As for how she appeared somewhat villainous in the script?
She didn't mind that at all. Not even slightly annoyed. At most, she'd just stop adding sugar to Hokuto's coffee today.
"What's good about it!"
Theresa pointed at another part of the script, clearly displeased. "What's with this S-rank Valkyrie? Sounds powerful, but all she does the entire story is get dunked on over and over!"
"I strongly suspect you're targeting me, Hokuto!!"
Faced with an agitated Theresa, Hokuto fell silent for a moment—then responded expressionlessly:
"You could consider it a plot necessity. We can't have you go full power from the start and wrap up the whole story in one go, can we? How would we make money after that?"
Theresa had no counterargument—but still looked uncomfortable. "But I really can't voice this kind of pitiful and cutesy character."
She was obviously full of dignity and authority!
"This is work, Theresa."
Hokuto patted her small shoulder and casually made a promise he had no idea when he'd fulfill.
"At worst, I'll write you a highlight scene someday—let you punch a Herrscher, stomp on Finality, and dominate so hard no one on Earth dares defy you."
"T-That… fine." Theresa finally nodded.
As for Kiana Kaslana, she had already been convinced by Raiden Mei and Murata Himeko.
They'd said things like "losing a few IQ points is a necessary sacrifice for a protagonist," or "this isn't dumb, it's innocent optimism."
All kinds of baffling statements—
And somehow, they'd actually succeeded in persuading her.
Even Hokuto was stunned. That worked?
Truly worthy of you, Paramecium! Your intelligence is inversely proportional to how many companions you have around you.
"Looks like everyone's ready. Himeko, you start by recording the opening scene."
At Hokuto's call, Murata Himeko stepped toward the mic. Nᴇw novel chapters are publɪshed on ɴovᴇl(ꜰ)ir(e).nᴇt
"Don't be nervous. I know it's your first time, but trust yourself."
Hokuto encouraged her from the side. "This is your character. A role meant just for you. No one could do it better."
"Well, I'm not some little girl—I don't need that kind of pep talk. But… thanks anyway."
Himeko smiled and took a deep breath, recalling the script.
She began to immerse herself in the character named Murata Himeko.
Maybe because the character was based on her, getting into it was easier than expected.
In that instant, her emotions synced—and her eyes turned sharp.
She was as if standing on Hyperion's bridge, commanding the ship.
"Helios, this is Hyperion. Report mission status!"