"Alright, we've seen enough. Have you noticed that little girl, Sirin?"
Chang Yuan waved his hand, moving past the topic.
After all, what came next was the real main event.
Sirin, the Herrscher with five cores, and later six after defeating the first Herrscher.
It could be said that Kiana becoming the Herrscher of the End was partly due to Sirin.
Or rather, Sirin was the original candidate for the Herrscher of the End.
After all, receiving five authorities from the Honkai at once was something even Prometheus couldn't achieve. Only the Cocoon of Finality could grant such power.
"That little girl? Yes, I've stationed many Valkyries around the town where she lives."
Otto hadn't taken this crucial figure lightly.
If something unexpected happened and Sirin died prematurely, it would be a disaster.
"Good. When the time comes, heal her mother, let her enter Babylon Tower, and then use the Fenghuang Down to amplify her hatred. After she gains her authority, we'll persuade her to join the human side."
"Teacher, will that really work?"
Otto was skeptical of this plan.
Using the Honkai's own tools against it—was that even logical?
"You don't get it. The simpler the plan, the easier it is to execute. As the saying goes, 'The greatest truths are the simplest.'"
"Whatever you say. I have backup plans anyway. The worst-case scenario is following the original timeline. But do we really not need K-423?"
Otto's question stopped Chang Yuan in his tracks.
K-423, originally named Kiana Kaslana, or rather, the vessel for Sirin's malice, was the protagonist of the Honkai story.
But this time, they weren't planning to sacrifice Sirin. So, was there still a need for K-423?
"...Can you guarantee that the first attempt at creating a clone will succeed?"
"Teacher, you're asking too much of me. I've never done cloning experiments before. How would I know?"
Otto felt his teacher was being too idealistic.
Without any prior experience in cloning, how could he possibly succeed on the first try?
"Sigh, K-423, Kiana, K-423..."
This question truly stumped Chang Yuan.
"Seems like you're unsure too. How about listening to my idea?"
"You have a plan?"
"My plan is this: since we can use the Fenghuang Down to create false memories and make Sirin a Herrscher, why not extract those memories?
Then, use them to create a clone, implanting the false memories and Sirin's hatred into the clone.
At the critical moment, release those memories. This ensures the clone's success and keeps the story on track. Plus, I believe Sirin would prefer to live as an ordinary girl."
"...You old foxes really do have the best ideas. I'm clearly not cut out for politics."
Hearing Otto's plan, Chang Yuan imagined the success rate—it seemed quite high.
Though it would mean hardship for Kiana.
But in the end, it would likely be a pleasant surprise. After defeating the Honkai, she'd discover that none of the people she thought she'd hurt were actually dead. It was all just a Truman Show.
By then, the grown-up Kiana would probably only feel joy, with no other emotions.
"Alright, this might be the best solution. Let's go with your plan."
Rubbing his temples, Chang Yuan agreed to Otto's plan.
Thus, the plan was finalized.
Kiana's Truman Show was about to begin.
Thinking about it, Chang Yuan realized this was akin to a happy ending.
This time, it was truly a fight for all that was beautiful in the world. No one would cry, no one would grieve—only temporary farewells and happier reunions in the future.
Meanwhile, Siegfried quickly returned to his clan and declared to his father that he wanted to become the clan leader.
His father thought Siegfried had lost his mind.
After all, Siegfried had run away to avoid becoming the clan leader, only to return and demand the position now. Anyone would think he was crazy.
"Old man, I'm not crazy. I want to marry the saint of the Schariac family—Cecilia. I don't want to be weaker than her."
"..."
Only then did Siegfried's father understand why his son had suddenly become so driven.
So, it was all for the sake of the Schariac saint. He had thought his son had finally grown up.
But having a goal was a good thing, so Siegfried's father didn't refuse.
Thus, after two years of grueling training, Siegfried became an S-rank knight.
He then went to Schicksal to seek Otto's approval.
After all, Otto was the head of Schicksal.
"So, you've come to ask for my permission to propose to the Schariac family's saint?"
Sitting on the Overseer's throne, Otto looked at Siegfried with interest.
"Ahem, yes, Overseer. Surely you wouldn't refuse such a small request? Besides, Cecilia and I are in love."
Blushing under Otto's gaze, Siegfried spoke up.
"Understood. I have no objections. Go ahead and propose. I'm curious to see how strong a child born from the Schariac saint and Kaslana bloodline would be."
Otto already knew how strong that child would be, thanks to Chang Yuan.
A true monster.
Someone who grew stronger with every effort.
When her Stigma awakened, her power would be second only to the three awakened Herrschers: Finality, Truth, and Origin.
No other Herrscher could stand against Durandal.
A monster in every sense of the word.
And later, she would even carry a world bubble within her, fighting with the weight of a world on her shoulders. Truly monstrous.
"Thank you, Overseer. I'll go propose now. Hehe."
Seeing that Otto didn't object, Siegfried dashed out to prepare for the proposal.
Eventually, the Schariac family agreed to the marriage.
"Sniff, true love prevails. How touching~?."
Watching the story unfold, Elysia wiped away nonexistent tears with a pink handkerchief.