Just like in the Theater of Domination, flames illuminated the entire Kaslana Stigma space. In an instant, the fiery blaze pierced through the containment device.
The explosion's roar echoed endlessly as a figure slowly fell through the smoke. Durandal immediately controlled Abyss Flower's vines to catch him.
With the device destroyed, the Kaslana Stigma space's hostility ceased. After Durandal's treatment, Siegfried gradually regained consciousness - though his indignation remained.
"Tch. To be rescued by my juniors... how unbecoming of me."
"Dad! You're the best father! And... big sister has regained her memories."
Tearfully, Kiana hugged Siegfried. She'd finally found her father - and the real Kiana.
"Huh? Don't spread rumors! Your mother and I only have one daughter!"
Siegfried joked casually - the confidence of someone who'd read the script. Unaware, Kiana rolled her eyes.
"No more lies. I've known for long that I'm not the real Kiana. Durandal is your true daughter."
"Well... I'm glad you've accepted this so calmly."
Patting Kiana's head, Siegfried smiled warmly. In truth, he'd maintained closer ties with Durandal over the years than with Kiana.
"Let's go home, Dad."
Using Durandal's anchor point, they easily returned to St. Freya, concluding Kiana's long journey.
Meanwhile, Raiden Mei faced her final trial.
"So I must do this? Why not simply hand it over?"
In a pure white space stood a gate. Beyond it, Mei knew who awaited.
"Because this is necessary~♪ Only when both Meis merge can you become complete. Unlike Sirin's case, yours was the mind's self-defense mechanism - splitting your original personality to protect you. Full Herrscher authority requires full integration~ And only then can you inherit my power~"
The airy voice needed no introduction. Accepting this inevitable trial, Mei pushed the gate open.
There stood another herself.
"Finally come, coward. Are you prepared to bear everything?"
Where Mei was gentle and refined, this version radiated arrogance - though their care for Kiana remained identical.
"My decision was made long ago. The more I bear, the less she suffers."
Without hesitation, Mei answered. After a long silence, her other self met her gaze.
"Good. Then protect her with our conviction. And announce to the world - the Thunder Queen has arrived."
As they stepped forward, left and right hands joined. Two became one - the original Raiden Mei in full.
Gentle yet domineering, tender yet ruthless - the true Thunder Queen. To enemies, she was merciless; to Kiana, endlessly loving.
Now complete, Mei found herself transported to a breathtaking realm - the Stars of Past.
"Elysia, I've come. Bestow your authority."
Her call echoed unanswered. A dreadful realization struck - would she have to say... that line?
Mei seriously reconsidered the importance of Origin's power.
After two and a half seconds of deliberation, she chose Kiana over dignity.
"Stars of Past... ANSWER ME, ELYSIA!"
A pink figure materialized, hovering flawlessly above, her feet untouched by earthly filth.
"Child of man who seeks me, I heed thy call~♪"
"...That line wasn't in the script."
"Ehe~? Doesn't it suit the mood? Does little Mei dislike me now? Wuwuwu~♪"
"...Take your complaints to Chang Yuan. My heart belongs to Kiana."
Mei remained utterly unmoved by the dramatic weeping.