The joyous celebration across the Imperial Capital lasted until dusk, before finally quieting down.
As the sky darkened and the lanterns were lit, the entire city was bathed in golden light, shining brilliantly against the night.
After ascending to the throne, Selene naturally relocated her residence from the Habsburg Duchess' Mansion to the Imperial Palace.
Although the palace had endured the chaos of the Night Raid Rebellion, its grandeur still far surpassed any other estate in the Empire. It lacked the serene elegance of Schönbrunn Palace—the magnificent residence Sebas had built for her in the northern territories—but in terms of scale and majesty, the Imperial Palace reigned supreme.
Despite the turmoil of that fateful night, the actual damage was not as extensive as one might imagine. Most of the destruction was concentrated in the rear sections of the residential halls. The Outer Palace, the grand audience hall, and the central ceremonial chambers—all remained virtually unscathed.
After all, the fiercest damage had come from the final clash between Budo and Mine's Teigu, yet thanks to Selene's Imaginary Barrier, the resulting devastation was contained within acceptable limits.
With her precise instructions and personally supervised restorations, the palace now showed little trace of the war—save for the ruins of Honest's private chambers, which had been intentionally left unrepaired.
The Outer Palace's main structure, supported by towering columns and capped with a vast dome, gleamed under the starlight, its golden façade radiating brilliance across the skyline.
Standing at the very top of the front hall, before the open crystal-glass windows, Selene gazed out silently upon the sprawling capital beneath her. Her crimson eyes reflected the countless lights of the city that stretched to the horizon.
The coronation banquet continued below, though few dared to eat in the Empress' presence.
Selene's reputation for ruthlessness preceded her. Even the officials who had survived the purges trembled in terror, afraid a single misstep might cost them their lives.
Not long ago, every one of Honest's relatives and allies had been executed by Selene's decree—their punishments determined by their closeness to him. From slow dismemberment to impalement, not even newborns were spared. The palace courtyard had been filled with forests of stakes and hills made of severed heads.
That rivers of blood seemed to linger in their minds, a vivid reminder of the absolute power their new ruler wielded.
In such an atmosphere, the banquet felt hollow—utterly tasteless to Selene. I'd rather have Susanoo cook something privately for me, she thought wryly.
So, after making a brief appearance at the opening toast, she quietly slipped away—much to the silent relief of the trembling officials.
Whoosh—whoosh—whoosh...
Bright beams of light shot into the sky, followed by bursts of color and thunderous crackling. Golden, silver, crimson, green, and blue fireworks blossomed across the night like radiant flowers, illuminating the heavens.
It was the people of the Imperial Capital celebrating their new ruler's ascension—cheering for Selene and the promise of a brighter future.
"How beautiful... it reminds me of New Year's fireworks from my memories."
A faint smile touched her lips. "Pity. For the sake of environmental preservation, those were banned long ago... I haven't seen a sky like this in years."
Removing the five-winged golden crown from her head, Selene handed it to Sebas, letting her long white hair fall freely, dancing with the wind.
"Phew..." Exhaling softly, she turned to him. "Since the moment I officially took residence in the Imperial Palace, I've noticed you've been poring over architectural blueprints. What's this about? Are you dissatisfied with the palace? Don't tell me you plan to rebuild it again."
"Ah... well, yes, Your Majesty..."
Sebas, long accustomed to the red, gold, and white aesthetic of the Habsburg designs, found the Empire's emerald-green décor utterly unbearable—a constant test of his refined sensibilities.
Accepting the crown from her hands, he cradled it carefully on his arm and said, "This humble servant merely feels that these old halls no longer befit Your Majesty's status. A new dynasty deserves a new image—a grand palace wholly your own, unmarred by the hands of others."
Though the Empire had no such idiom, Sebas' sentiment was clear: The ruler of the world must have a home that embodies their reign.
Selene smiled faintly. "That's enough for now, Sebas. You'll have your chance to display your architectural genius soon—very soon. But for now... the War of Unification takes priority above all else."
Turning around, Selene stepped through the open crystal-glass doors and out onto the terrace. Spreading her arms wide, she seemed to embrace the world before her.
"The Empire has been plagued by war for over two decades. Under my rule... that will end here."
Indeed, the Empire's endless strife could have been quelled long ago, had Selene wished it. But she had deliberately allowed the chaos to persist—raising her enemies like penned wolves—to strengthen her position, gather resources, and learn.
Even though she knew that her strength and influence within the Empire were already unmatched, she had never intended to simply crush everything beneath her might.
Raw power could command obedience, could instill fear—but such submission was only ever skin-deep.
Whether it was through authority or force, the act of suppressing everyone through sheer violence was always the last and most desperate measure.
Selene had no aversion to using violence, slaughter, or assassination when necessary. Ruthlessness and arrogance came naturally to her, as did looking down on the world from above...
But even that required restraint.
She did use her authority and power to subdue the disobedient—but only selectively. "To struggle with others," she once mused, "is a joy all its own."
Even with her Mental Seal spreading influence across the population, Selene never sought to control every mind.
Rebellion did not frighten her. What truly terrified her was losing her sense of awe—of letting her vigilance fade, of indulging in unchecked arrogance.
For the truth was undeniable: with her current strength, Selene could crush any opposition at will. If she so desired, she could destroy not just the Empire, but the entire world.
Yet what would that achieve? A world reduced to lifeless puppets, devoid of vitality, filled only with fear and hatred.
Yes, such a world might bow before her—but its obedience would be hollow. The seeds of resentment would remain buried deep, waiting for the day they would burst forth.
As one of humanity's philosophers once said: Where there is oppression, there will be resistance. No one wishes to live forever under fear and darkness.
Unless...
Selene were to do as she had done in Jackie Chan Adventures—to dismantle this one entirely, converting it into lifeless energy modules to feed the Honkai Dimension.
But then, what would have been the point of ten years of patient planning? Of her long preparation for ascension? She could have simply descended upon the world and obliterated it from the start.
Had she continued down the path of endless slaughter, even Selene doubted how long she could have remained rational—or how long her conscience would survive before she truly became the embodiment of death, despair, and annihilation.
She had seen many succumb to such arrogance—beings consumed by their own power and hubris. None had met a good end.
Thus, to avoid that fate, Selene had chosen a different path. To grow stronger, yes—but through creation, not destruction. To build, not devour. To forge a civilization that existed because of her.
And in doing so, she realized—when that civilization flourished, the strength it would give her would be immeasurable.
The development of such a civilization would elevate the Honkai itself, augmenting her in both essence and influence.
And when billions of people stood under her banner—when legions swore loyalty to her—what argument could the opposition make?
Suppose she returned to the Honkai World. Could Schicksal, Anti-Entropy, or World Serpent rally the world to fight her under the banner of humanity?
Would they call her the Destroyer of Earth? The Annihilator of Mankind? Finality incarnate?
Imagine their shock when they discovered that alongside her legions of Honkai Beasts marched countless human soldiers—devoted to their Empress Selene.
Wouldn't that be amusing?
Selene: "Unlike other Herrschers... I am not alone."
Even if others were to slander or insult her, she would not need to respond. Her loyal citizens would rise in outrage, cleansing her enemies with fire and faith.
Thus, the Empire and its people formed the foundation of Selene's grand design.
Of course, achieving this would demand relentless effort and vigilance.
Why not the Jackie Chan Adventures world? Because its civilization had already reached the modern age—too advanced, too informed, too self-aware. They thought too much, knew too much, and thus were far too difficult to rule.
Yes, she could conquer such a world by force—but the cost would outweigh the reward. Better to strip it for resources than rule it.
The Empire, on the other hand—a millennium-old feudal monarchy—was ideal. Its people were accustomed to authority, to obedience, to faith. The cost of control was low, the reward immeasurable.
This, Selene decided, would be her model for the future. Modern worlds would be destroyed and harvested. Early industrial or medieval civilizations would be annexed and conscripted. Each world categorized, each purpose defined.
It was still an incomplete plan—a rough draft, as she saw it—but it was taking shape.
Gazing down upon the glittering capital beneath her, Selene contemplated her next steps in silence.
At that moment, the heavy doors of the dome chamber opened. Two figures entered—Budo and Kinshasa, flanked by the Imperial Guards.
"Your Majesty," Budo announced, kneeling, "the army stands ready."
Selene turned slightly, a faint smile curving her lips. "Good. Then let us go inspect them. The War of Unification... will be your greatest test."