"You all..."
"——You aren't near Chiyou, are you?"
After Fu Hua said this, she already had the answer in her heart.
The static and roaring sounds coming from Leo Ash's side had already explained everything.
And the panting from Leo Ash and the others as they sprinted further proved the guess in her heart.
"Don't even think about it. Chiyou is still hunting us. And the legendary hero, Ji Lin, not only isn't dead, but she's become Chiyou's accomplice."
"Don't come over here yet. Go contact Branch Commander Theresa and have her bring the Hyperion in!"
"Ah, about that."
Seeing Mei communicating with Theresa on the other side, Fu Hua said to Leo Ash.
"The Branch Commander is also in contact with us. She said she's bringing a Divine Key and will fight her way over here. The few of us are discussing it, but looking at the coordinates, we should be very close to you."
"And, she also brought a powerful reinforcement."
A powerful reinforcement, huh.
In 2014, there were only a few people strong enough to fight. Could it be...
Having come to a certain conclusion, Leo Ash suddenly said to Fu Hua.
"We'll retreat first, then. We can talk about everything else after we meet up with you!"
After saying this, Leo Ash proactively cut off communication with Fu Hua.
2014, strong enough, and acquainted with Theresa—who else could it be besides Siegfried and Durandal?
Besides, if Durandal were coming, she would have come long ago. If she were taking action, she definitely wouldn't leave Rita behind.
In that case, who else could it be but Siegfried?
Siegfried himself was self-aware. He knew he would provoke the Sirin personality within Kiana, which was why he stayed away from her.
But Kiana didn't know that!
This little girl still hadn't figured out the situation and had no idea why Siegfried had abandoned her in the snowfields and run off.
If they started talking about Siegfried, and Kiana insisted on seeing him, things would become much more troublesome.
Rather than revealing too much information through excessive communication, Leo Ash figured he'd better think hard about how they were going to escape Chiyou's pursuit.
"There's no other way—Yuno-A-mon, can you whip up some new gadgets!"
Hearing Leo Ash's call, Yuno, who was pushing Rita and sprinting like mad, replied irritably.
"Senior, you think too highly of me!"
"Believe in yourself, you can do it—use your imagination! GO!"
Hearing the rare, impassioned tone in Leo Ash's voice, Yuno could only sigh, place her hand on the ground, and begin to gather her Herrscher authority, trying to create some new items.
In fact, now that she had proficiently mastered her Herrscher authority, she really could, as Leo Ash said, create things with relatively complex structures.
It's just... ugh, forget it, time to work.
Before everyone's eyes, Yuno used her Herrscher authority to create a model car made of wooden wheels and blocks.
"Whoa, Yuno, you're amazing!"
Seeing that Yuno had actually managed to create a vehicle, Kiana, who had screeched to a halt, already felt that the future was bright.
"But this young lady has a question. This car's engine... where is it?"
After Kiana asked this question, she suddenly saw Leo Ash and Yuno both turn to look at her.
Under their gloomy gazes, Kiana instinctively sensed that something was wrong.
"What, why are you two staring at this young lady?"
"Kiana, you need to understand something. Your White Comet battlesuit has thrusters."
"And Senior needs to rest. I need to use my authority to keep the frame of this car from falling apart. So..."
"—Alright, alright, this young lady gets it!"
Kiana watched as the two helped Rita into the car, then placed her hands on the back of the vehicle.
Then, taking a deep breath, Kiana, relying on the monstrous strength of the Kaslana family and the thrusters of her White Comet battlesuit, sent the wooden car rocketing forward.
Looking at the scenery rushing by, Leo Ash felt a strong sense of déjà vu.
Why does it feel like, a month ago...
—I was also being hunted by the Honkai?
Sigh, if only we had access to the Quantum Teleportation System mentioned in the 'Anti-Entropy Invasion Arc.' If command could just teleport a dropship to us, we wouldn't be in such a panic.
Kiana pushing the car with explosive bursts isn't a long-term solution. I even have to use my subconscious to suppress the Herrscher Personality to ensure she has enough strength, so I can't let her overexert herself.
There is a rough plan, but it can only be set in motion after we rendezvous with Fu Hua and the others.
Tsk, what a pain.
If I can peacefully resolve this Chiyou incident, I will definitely find the mastermind behind it.
Cocolia and Otto are annoying enough, why is there a new human traitor popping up to screw people over now.
Kevin hasn't even come out of the sea yet...
Hold on, just wait a minute.
If I remember correctly, Chiyou's corpse was eaten by Kevin in the original story.
Could it be that World Serpent, which should have been lying low, has also shown up ahead of schedule???
Although it's reasonable for World Serpent to intervene in Jiuyou to serve Chiyou's corpse as sashimi to Kevin, but...
—What about the original story? What about the easy-mode original story???
The logical consistency of the world's operation has nothing to do with me!
Give me back the easy-mode original story plot progression (╯‵□′)╯︵┻━┻
.....
On the other side, after Leo Ash abruptly ended the communication, Fu Hua didn't think much of it.
After all, in the face of an awakened Chiyou, it was a blessing that Leo Ash and the others could even stay alive.
It wasn't just Leo Ash; right now, even if all six of them teamed up, they probably couldn't handle that rampaging beast.
Fu Hua, heavily injured and with her power diminished, couldn't even use Sword God, making her a limited threat to Chiyou.
Although Mei could use the power of the Herrscher of Thunder, if she used too much of it, no one could guarantee that the Herrscher of Thunder wouldn't attack them first.
After all, the Herrscher of Thunder and Chiyou were both on the side of the Honkai. They might not fight each other, but they would definitely want to eliminate the enemies of the Honkai.
As for Kiana...
Don't even think about it. If she 'awakened,' they wouldn't have to worry about Chiyou anymore, but Shenzhou would be on the verge of being blown up.
As for Bronya and Yuno, one could only handle intelligence analysis, while the plants created by the other's authority would probably feel like a tickle to Chiyou.
As for the so-called Herrscher poison...
Given Chiyou's size, Yuno's poison, which could take down Theresa, would probably be like a mosquito bite to a normal person, causing a small bump at most.
After all, in the face of an absolute power gap, even the most powerful mechanics are useless.
That leaves Leo Ash... no matter how good he is at fighting, he doesn't have the power to solo a Judgment-class beast.
If Leo Ash truly possessed that level of power, Otto would be wary and plotting against him, not actively trying to cultivate him.
In the end, they could only rely on Theresa, the reinforcement she mentioned, and Major Himeko's main cannon bombardment after connecting to the Nexus System.
"Class Rep Fu Hua."
At this moment, Mei, who had also finished communicating with Theresa, spoke to Fu Hua and Bronya.
"The Branch Commander said she is already very close to our position."
"Mmm, then we..."
Remembering Leo Ash, who was still being pursued, Fu Hua sighed helplessly.
"Let's send Leo Ash's location to the Branch Commander. We should still head over to Leo Ash's position first."
"Once we're all gathered, we can think of a strategy for this beast together."
Although Fu Hua was still talking about thinking of a strategy, she already had a preliminary plan in mind.
Theresa said she had strong reinforcements, so it was highly likely that this reinforcement was Siegfried, who was probably still in Jiuyou.
Siegfried, now able to wield his greatsword with both hands, could undoubtedly use the Zeroth Power of the Judgment of Shamash, [Judgment of Shamash Unleashed], at full power.
If Theresa could use the Oath of Judah to activate its Zeroth Power, [Divine Grace Field], to open a wound on Chiyou, and then have Siegfried blast that same wound with the Judgment of Shamash...
Finally, if they added Major Himeko's Nexus System main cannon bombardment, even if it didn't kill Chiyou, it should at least be able to immobilize it.
However, the plan was set, but the question remained...
—Will things really go as smoothly as we imagine?
....
At this moment, Theresa, standing on Judah, was advancing rapidly using its flight mode.
Behind her, Siegfried had already told her that he wouldn't meet directly with the children later.
The reason was clear to both of them—Kiana couldn't be subjected to any excessive stimulation right now.
The situation in Jiuyou was already bad enough. If the Herrscher of the Void were to manifest here, Shenzhou would be in big trouble.
"Hmm, wait..."
Seeing a child collapsed on the ground ahead, Theresa suddenly leaped down from Judah and landed in front of the child.
Then, after helping the child up, Theresa frowned slightly.
"This is... a Stigmata?"
"A child with a Stigmata, appearing in this place?"
"Theresa, you should keep moving."
Siegfried, who had been running to keep up with Theresa, showed a look of disgust upon seeing the child's face.
"Siegfried, why are you making that face?"
Seeing the look on Siegfried's face, Theresa asked, puzzled.
"Did she offend you?"
"I don't hate this child, I hate the person behind her. Theresa, you know that Welt and I have been tracking Cocolia's whereabouts."
"I even came to Jiuyou this time to see if I could capture any of Cocolia's subordinates and learn of her location from them. And this child in your arms is one of Cocolia's adopted daughters, Sin Mal."
After saying this, Siegfried took a deep breath and forcibly suppressed the murderous intent that was about to erupt from within him.
"When I saw that little girl in your team before, I thought that girl named Bronya was just an exception."
"But now it seems Cocolia never treated them as her real children at all."
"Using children as subjects for human experiments, then forcing the remaining ones onto the battlefield to work for her, this..."
Siegfried, who had been filled with righteous indignation, suddenly deflated like a popped balloon and said with a bitter smile.
"How is this any different from Schicksal."
"Alright, Siegfried."
Theresa shot Siegfried a glare and said with great dissatisfaction.
"Ever since Cecilia died in battle, you've changed a lot. Sometimes you're very mature, but other times you've become much more wishy-washy compared to the past."
"There are no Honkai Beasts along this path, which means this is the safest place in Jiuyou."
"I'll settle her here for now, and then—we both need to get back to what we were doing."
"Don't forget, your daughter and my students, as well as the entire population of Shenzhou, are waiting for us to help them."
"...You've changed a lot too, Theresa."
Siegfried, having regained his composure, looked directly at Theresa and asked.
"When did you become so mature?"
"...Hah, perhaps it was the moment I realized I was no longer a little girl who could be willful."
After saying this, the two, having settled Sin down, rushed towards their destination without any further hesitation.
"Hey, Theresa, can you hear me? If you're not dead, make a sound!"
"You can hear me?"
Upon hearing Himeko's voice, Theresa took out her communication terminal and spoke directly to her.
"Bring the Hyperion over and prepare to fire the main cannon. Also..."
"—Himeko, put on your fusion armor now. We might need you to connect to the Nexus."
"Wow, so generous today? Alright, our support will be there soon."
That's right, I'm not a little girl anymore.
So, if it comes to that time...
Himeko, I won't ask for your forgiveness.
Inside the Hyperion
After ending the communication with Theresa, Murata Himeko, who had already changed into her Vermilion Knight: Eclipse fusion armor, no longer had a smile on her face.
Just now, when she was talking to Theresa, she had spoken in a seemingly carefree, teasing tone.
But in reality, Himeko, who knew Theresa's character well, understood the moment Theresa told her to prepare to use the Nexus—the situation was absolutely critical.
Normally, if Himeko were to use the Nexus System on her own initiative, Theresa would definitely scold her for being reckless.
After all, the Nexus System puts a huge strain on the human body. For a Valkyrie like Himeko, who already had one foot in the grave, using the Nexus System to attack was tantamount to fighting by expending her own life force.
But now, Theresa was actively asking Himeko to 'risk her life' for her. This was enough to show that—even with Theresa's not-so-bright mind, she could tell the problem was extremely serious.
Moreover, what happened next further confirmed Himeko's suspicions.
"Branch Commander Theresa, please respond."
"That voice..."
Seeing a light screen pop up on the terminal in front of her, Himeko suddenly saluted the man in the screen.
"Lord Bishop Otto, Branch Commander Theresa has already entered Jiuyou."
"Major Murata... never mind. If Theresa went in, she went in."
"From now on, you are in command of the Hyperion."
"Yes, sir!"
Although Himeko had, in fact, already taken command of the Hyperion, hearing Otto's order still made her feel...
—Lord Bishop Otto himself is getting involved. It seems this problem is truly serious.
"Schicksal HQ has received news that the Jiuyou problem in Shenzhou is more serious than expected."
"Although I have already dispatched Valkyrie forces as reinforcements, they may not arrive in time."
After Otto finished speaking, Himeko, realizing he was waiting for her response, immediately replied sternly.
"We of the Far East Branch will do whatever it takes to complete the mission!"
"Mm, very good. I trust in your resolve, Major Murata. However..."
"—I have a personal request."
Seeing the worried expression on Otto's face, Himeko didn't dare to interrupt, waiting for him to continue.
Although Otto called it a personal request, Himeko wouldn't get any funny ideas or become arrogant just because the Bishop of Schicksal was asking for her help.
This man was the top dog of Schicksal, the king of the world's inner workings. If Himeko were to speak out of turn now...
Guessing wrong would displease Otto. Guessing right would mean she was presumptuously speculating about her superior's thoughts, which was even worse.
At times like these, it was best to be an echo. Anyone who tried to be clever and say too much was probably just looking for trouble.
"Alright, no need to be so tense. As I said, this is my personal request."
Noticing the tension in Himeko's body, Otto let out a helpless sigh.
"If you are unable to complete the mission in Shenzhou, then so be it."
"But, you must ensure Theresa's safety."
"This is not an order from the Bishop of Schicksal, but the concern of an old man for his granddaughter."
"I understand, Lord Bishop. I... will do my best to assist the Branch Commander."
"Then, I leave the rest to you. I will urge the reinforcement troops to speed up."
After Otto also ended the communication, Himeko felt that this matter was beyond just a big deal.
Theresa had told her to prepare to risk her life for a bombardment.
Otto had told her to be ready to extract someone and run.
The legendary Judgment-class Honkai Beast Chiyou originally had two seals and shouldn't have been a major concern.
But now, analyzing all this information, Himeko felt beads of cold sweat forming on her forehead.
Could it be that some moronic idiot...
—proactively woke Chiyou up?
Deep within Jiuyou
Ji Lin, standing atop Chiyou's head, watched the wooden car scurrying around below and found it rather amusing.
On that car, there were two people chosen by the Honkai.
If they were to fight her with all their might, she might have fallen under their combined attack.
But now, these two were suppressing the 'desire' within themselves and choosing to side with humanity.
How...
—pitiful.
Just like the me of the past, still thinking of protecting humanity, of dedicating everything for people who had almost nothing to do with me.
What a grand idea.
What—a foolish action.
At this moment, Ji Lin, recalling the past five thousand years, felt that her past 'self' was like a fool, who shouldn't have been so selflessly dedicated at all.
For five thousand years, she fought alone continuously to keep Chiyou sealed.
Because of this, she cast away all the love and hope in her heart, merging her loneliness, fear, and regret into the darkness.
Gradually, Ji Lin died in the battle against Chiyou.
And at the same time, a new Ji Lin was reborn in the darkness.
It was precisely because she had been reborn that Ji Lin felt her past self was truly a fool.
By sacrificing herself for others, she gained endless loneliness.
But what about the people she saved?
Besides singing praises of her past achievements, what did they do?
They gave her the title of a hero and took her sacrifices for granted.
Few cared about her battle, and even fewer worried about the risk of Chiyou's seal breaking, as if—Ji Lin was supposed to selflessly dedicate herself for others for five thousand years until her death.
After this epiphany, Ji Lin truly felt that those people who still shone with a dazzling light were now incredibly glaring, incredibly—damnable.
Those people aren't worthy of you protecting them with your lives!
If you were just like me, you could live a much easier and happier life!
It seemed that as Ji Lin's angry emotions spread, Chiyou, beneath her feet, also became more ferocious.
As Chiyou stomped heavily on the ground once more, the four of them, who were gradually being overtaken by Chiyou, felt a violent tremor in their vehicle.
"Oh no, this is bad."
Yuno glanced back at Chiyou and said to the others with great anxiety.
"Chiyou's presence is too overwhelming. My Herrscher Core is speeding up."
"I feel like I'm losing control. Everyone, get ready!"
"Ready for wha—"
Kiana, still acting as the human engine, suddenly watched in horror as the wooden car maintained by Yuno disintegrated before her eyes.
If she hadn't braked in time, the scattered parts would have surely hit her all over.
"Ah, there's no helping it."
Leo Ash, who had been holding Rita, landed gently from the air and placed Rita in Kiana's arms.
"Kiana, you take Sister Rita and retreat first."
"Didn't you promise you wouldn't stay behind???"
Seeing Leo Ash's actions, Kiana said in a panic.
"I know you're strong, Senior, but Chiyou is a Judgment-class Honkai Beast! You can't beat it alone—hey, this young lady isn't finished talking!"
Seeing Leo Ash throw the Xuanyuan Sword into the air and then leap onto it, Kiana said with extreme annoyance.
"You lied again! In the end, you're still staying behind to cover the retreat! This is suicide!"
"Alright, stop yelling."
After leaping up and landing on the Xuanyuan Sword, Leo Ash said to Kiana behind him before leaving.
"I'm not covering the retreat. I'm going to—take care of that meddlesome old geezer."
"You guys hurry up and rendezvous with Branch Commander Theresa. After I deal with that old geezer, we'll still need the Branch Commander and the others to step up and finish off Chiyou."
Watching Leo Ash's figure fly upwards, Kiana knew that even if she rushed over now, she wouldn't be able to help him at all.
Moreover, although Chiyou surprisingly wasn't attacking Leo Ash, it also hadn't stopped moving forward.
If they stayed here, Kiana, Yuno, and the unconscious Rita would just be stomped into meat paste by Chiyou, their Honkai Energy absorbed.
"Let's go, let's go, don't worry about him!"
Kiana, holding Rita, immediately activated her thrusters and, without looking back, said resentfully to Yuno.
"If he wants to charge, let him charge! This young lady is done caring about him!"
"Sigh..."
Watching Leo Ash's receding figure, Yuno didn't know what to say.
Like Kiana, she didn't approve of Leo Ash's idea of charging alone towards the villain on top of Chiyou.
But now, no matter what she was thinking, the only thing she could do was flee with her companion.
Damn it, I thought my power was enough to handle most situations.
But, in front of an absolute powerhouse...
—Am I, who has just grasped the power of a Herrscher, still just a pathetically weak rookie?
...