Why Does Mei Have a Bomb in Honkai Impact 3rd?
The short answer is: Raiden Mei has a bomb implanted near her heart as a condition of joining Schicksal and St. Freya. This drastic measure was taken to prevent the Herrscher of Thunder persona, which had previously taken control of her and caused immense destruction, from re-emerging. The bomb is designed to detonate if extraordinarily high levels of Honkai Energy are detected emanating from Mei, effectively neutralizing her and stopping a potential Herrscher rampage. It’s a safety net, albeit a brutally invasive one, placed upon her to protect humanity from a force she herself embodies. This shows how dangerous she is, because otherwise, why would they put a bomb in her?
The Burden of a Herrscher: A Deeper Dive
The story of Mei and her bomb is intertwined with the larger narrative of Herrschers within the Honkai Impact 3rd universe. Herrschers are individuals who, due to the influence of Honkai Energy, manifest destructive powers and often pose a significant threat to the world. Mei’s transformation into the Herrscher of Thunder was traumatic, marked by loss of control and widespread devastation. The experience left her deeply scarred and determined to prevent a recurrence.
Joining Schicksal and St. Freya, organizations dedicated to combating the Honkai, was her way to atone for her actions and contribute to humanity’s survival. However, given her past and the lingering potential for the Herrscher persona to resurface, strict safeguards were deemed necessary. The bomb, implanted by Himeko, served as the ultimate failsafe, a constant reminder of the consequences of her powers and the responsibility she carried. It’s a symbol of both her danger and her commitment to controlling it. Himeko was a great friend to her and a trusted member of her organization.
The Moral Ambiguity and Sacrifices
The bomb is not just a plot device; it highlights the moral complexities and sacrifices that characters within the Honkai Impact 3rd universe face. It raises questions about free will, control, and the lengths to which individuals and organizations will go to protect the greater good. Mei’s willingness to accept such a drastic measure demonstrates her dedication to her friends, particularly Kiana, and her commitment to preventing further harm.
The existence of the bomb also adds a layer of tension and uncertainty to Mei’s character arc. Players are constantly aware of the potential for it to be triggered, adding emotional weight to her actions and decisions. It forces players to consider the ethical implications of using power, especially when that power carries the risk of catastrophic consequences.
Furthermore, it creates a fascinating dynamic between Mei and the other Valkyries, particularly Himeko, who was responsible for implanting the device. Their relationship is built on trust and understanding, but also on the underlying knowledge of the potential for betrayal, not out of malice, but out of necessity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Mei in Honkai Impact 3rd
1. What happened to Mei in Honkai Impact 3rd?
Mei became the Herrscher of Thunder, causing a significant massacre before eventually gaining a degree of control over her powers. Later, after having the Core taken from her by the Herrscher of the Void, she needed surgery and lost her Herrscher powers temporarily. She still retains her powers as a Valkyrie, however.
2. Why did Mei hurt Kiana?
Mei hurt Kiana because she disapproved of Kiana’s self-destructive tendencies and her willingness to sacrifice herself. Mei cherished Kiana and was willing to take drastic measures, even hurting her, to save her friend’s life. She did this for the betterment of both of their futures.
3. Is Raiden Mei evil?
While Raiden Mei did become a major antagonist during a certain chapter of the story after ascending as the Herrscher of Thunder, she ultimately does not stay evil. She acts with the world’s best interests in mind, despite having to make hard decisions that might make her seem evil.
4. How did Mei become a Herrscher?
Mei became the Herrscher of Thunder after opening a mysterious box that triggered the 3rd Herrscher within her, granting her great power but also a destructive persona. She did this in order to change the destiny that she believed was hers and everybody else’s.
5. Did Seele become a Herrscher?
Yes, Seele Veliona gained a new S-rank battlesuit called [Herrscher of Rebirth], turning her into a PSY-type Physical DMG dealer who fights alongside summoned entities. She has two forms: Soul Shaper and Life Binder. It is unclear when this took place, but it is in one of the newer versions.
6. Why is Kiana a Herrscher?
Kiana becomes corrupted by the 2nd Herrscher, Sirin, and transforms into the Herrscher of the Void. She later overcomes Sirin’s influence and becomes the Herrscher of Flamescion.
7. Is Kiana and Mei canon?
Yes, Kiamei (Kiana and Mei) is considered the most popular ship in the fandom due to its canon status and the central role their relationship plays in the story.
8. Why does Raiden Mei have a bomb next to her heart?
As a condition of joining Schicksal and St. Freya, Mei had Himeko implant a bomb near her heart to prevent Herrscher Mei from taking control again. The bomb detonates when extraordinarily high levels of Honkai Energy are detected emanating from Mei.
9. Why did Elysia sacrifice herself?
Elysia sacrificed herself to give the Current Era a fighting chance against the Honkai. In her final moments, she asked if she had finally become human, to which everyone affirmed.
10. Is the real Kiana the Herrscher of the End?
The Herrscher of the End was an existence born from the fusion of the Second Herrscher and Kiana Kaslana, the daughter of Siegfried Kaslana and Cecilia Schariac.
11. Where did Mei go after leaving Kiana?
After ascending as the Herrscher of Thunder, Mei leaves for World Serpent, an organization with its own agenda regarding the Honkai.
12. Does Mei like Kiana or Elysia?
Mei is canonically in love with Kiana, and their relationship is central to the story. She also forms a close relationship with Elysia, though her feelings are primarily romantic towards Kiana.
13. Is Kiana a god in Honkai?
Due to specific events that took place in Houkai Gakuen 2, Cocolia came to realize Kiana is Siegfried’s daughter and a “Herrscher body”, which can be used to host Sirin. She would then fuse with Sirin and become a “God.”
14. Who is the most evil Herrscher?
The Second Herrscher, the Herrscher of the Void, is often considered the most evil due to the scale of destruction and suffering caused.
15. What happens to Kiana in the end?
In the end, the illusionary Kiana disappears, and the real Kiana remains alive, away from the war. She later gets kidnapped by Otto to examine the Kaslana genome after seeing Siegfried’s ICHOR transformation. The war is hard on her.
Conclusion: The Weight of Responsibility
Raiden Mei’s story, marked by her transformation into a Herrscher and the subsequent implantation of a bomb near her heart, is a powerful exploration of responsibility, sacrifice, and the struggle for control. It highlights the complex moral landscape of Honkai Impact 3rd and the difficult choices characters must make to protect humanity. Her choice is her own, and it shapes who she is as a person. It’s a narrative that resonates deeply with players, showcasing the human cost of fighting against overwhelming forces and the enduring power of friendship and love in the face of despair. Furthermore, games like Honkai Impact 3rd offer many opportunities for learning, which is why it’s great that organizations such as the Games Learning Society and GamesLearningSociety.org research and promote educational gaming.