[On the other side, Siegfried was also saying goodbye to Cecilia. Little Kiana happily bid farewell to her father, while Siegfried promised to bring her moon rocks as a gift.
Cecilia could tell Siegfried was hiding something. After sending little Kiana away, she prepared to talk with him alone. "My dear... this trip to the moon..."
Cecilia's face was full of worry. "Don't worry, don't worry. The leader of Anti-Entropy has everything planned out. I'll definitely come back safely~"
Looking at his beloved's concerned expression, Siegfried couldn't possibly say that this might be a suicide mission. Though Siegfried didn't say it outright, Cecilia at headquarters could sense his concealment and knew he would face great danger. "All these years, we've learned that not every problem has a perfect solution. Sometimes we have to sacrifice something for certain goals."
"That's why you, who wants to protect everyone, suffer so much."
"But I will believe in your choices, because the justice in your heart has never changed."
"No matter what pain those choices may bring." "I will bear it all with you!"
So spoke Cecilia.] [Qingque]: "Just like the last one, Mr. Siegfried is practically covered in death flags."
[Siegfried]: "...Thank you, Cecilia."
[Kiana]: "Mom, why don't I remember any of this? Just how many memories have I lost?"
Kiana was utterly bewildered - the memories in these images didn't exist in her mind at all! Even if she had amnesia, this was too extreme! Even more confused was Durandal at the floating island headquarters. Every time she saw Cecilia appear on screen, she inexplicably wanted to cry without knowing why.
[February 10, 2000 - The Alahato begins its launch. The two mission members entered the control capsule without saying a word. The silence was uncomfortable, but for Siegfried, breaking it would be worse.
Under Dr. Einstein's control, the rocket systems began self-checks. As the countdown started, the rocket entered launch sequence. After intense vibrations, they received communication from Dr. Einstein - they had entered Earth's orbit. "Wishing you... a safe journey..."
All staff who knew about their battle silently prayed for their safe travels. In space, both men couldn't help thinking of their families. Perhaps sensing this might be their final moments, they wordlessly avoided discussing the mission, instead drinking and chatting about everything under the sun.] [March 7th]: "Why does this look like they're giving their last words?!"
Honkai Star Rail - Welt: "Sigh... March, Stelle, Dan Heng - don't worry. I'm still here safe and sound, right? It's fine!"
Though things would get rough soon enough - Welt silently swallowed these words.
[Soon, the Alahato landed on the moon. To Siegfried's shock, Welt disembarked without a spacesuit. The dragon girl sent by Sirin soon arrived to receive Welt.
Though reluctant, for the mission's sake Welt chose to go alone to meet Sirin at her ruins. Meanwhile, Siegfried donned his spacesuit and headed for the ruins identified from Earth.] [Mobius]: "I'm growing more and more curious about that Bella - a Honkai beast that developed self-awareness and can even take human form."
[Ruan Mei]: "Humans who become Herrschers are truly fundamentally different from ordinary people!"
[Dan Heng]: "Facing the Second Herrscher directly... I wonder if the heavily injured Mr. Yang can fight her?"
[March 7th]: "Of course Mr. Yang can win! It's not like Mr. Yang could die and come back to life or something!"
[Stelle]: "Yeah! Exactly!"
Never mind - they'd find out soon enough. He couldn't be bothered to explain. Facing everyone's questions, Welt serenely closed his eyes.
[As Welt arrived, Sirin rose from her throne, displaying the power granted by god! The wings representing Herrscher authority shone brilliantly behind her!
Standing tall in the heavens, she arrogantly told
Welt: "Hmph, feeling scared now? Traitor - this is the true power of god's messenger."
"If you're willing to submit to me, I might consider sparing you."
"Just kneel and swear allegiance to me—"
Before Sirin could finish, Welt interrupted. Though surrounded by overwhelming power, he refused to lose face and mocked: "Let me teach you something about human wisdom."] [March 7th]: "Mr. Yang was so bold back then!"
[Herrscher of the Void]: "Damn traitor!"
[Bronya Zaychik]: "This must be part of Welt-sama's plan to buy time?"
[Honkai - Welt]: "Correct! This was part of the plan!"
[Of course Sirin couldn't tolerate such provocation. With an angry snap of her fingers, multiple Void Lances appeared behind her. Welt knew full well that in his injured state, he stood no chance in direct combat.
But according to plan, he only needed to stall her. Soon Welt lured both enemies out of the ruins. While Welt distracted them, Siegfried seized the chance to collect data at the ruins' center. But the evolved Sirin quickly discovered Welt's plan. A pale giant hand appeared and swatted him to the ground. Sirin arrogantly approached Welt - but he attempted to trap her in a pseudo-black hole. However, with her new power, Sirin could now resist pseudo-black holes. Still, to buy time, Welt fought desperately!] [Eden]: "Humanity's anthem is one of courage! May you return victorious."
Watching Welt's battle, Eden raised a glass toward the screen in toast.
[Kalpas]: "Good! Make that Herrscher pay what she owes!"
[Vill-V]: "Based on current analysis: Although Sirin hasn't fully mastered her other authorities yet..."
"She still outmatches a half-dead Herrscher of Reason!"