Kiana…
Why… Why am I always so useless?
Why can't I ever protect you? Why do you always end up in danger while I just watch—helpless…
Having burned through the last of her strength, Raiden Mei collapsed onto the cold ground. Pain throbbed through her body, but even sharper was the frustration flooding her chest.
If she were stronger…
If she had just been strong enough…
Kiana wouldn't be taken away right in front of her. Over and over again.
Just moments ago—barely after Wendy left—Durandal appeared out of nowhere and took Kiana with her.
Mei had thrown everything she had into stopping her, even tapping into the Herrscher of Thunder's power…
But she was swatted aside like nothing, left battered and defeated.
Damn it…
Tap.
Tap.
Tap…
Light, unhurried footsteps echoed through the empty street. As they approached, the air itself began to chill—sharp, biting, as if the world itself had dipped into an ice cellar.
"Who's there?!"
Mei jerked her head toward the source of the footsteps. Her voice trembled—not with fear, but with tension.
Because the aura pressing down on her at this very moment was far more suffocating than Durandal's.
Whoever was approaching… was overwhelmingly strong.
"K—Kevin Kaslana," the man said calmly. "Leader of the World Serpent."
Kaslana?
World Serpent?
Those two names struck Mei like twin bolts of lightning.
Kaslana—the same surname as Kiana.
And the leader of the very organization tearing apart Sky City?
Who… exactly was he?
And what did he want with her?
"Raiden Mei," Kevin spoke again, voice steady and devoid of emotion. "I know there is someone you desperately wish to save. So… how about we discuss a deal?"
Mei's breath hitched.
"A… deal?"
"A deal that will benefit both of us."
Shencheng Pharma
"Lady Durandal, I leave the rest in your care."
Once Rita had reunited with Durandal and reported everything she knew, the weight on her heart finally eased—just a little.
But she still had unfinished business.
"You've done well, Rita. Return to the ship for now. I'll escort Kiana back myself. As for your squad, I've already sent help their way."
Durandal's tone was warm—rare, but genuine.
But Rita merely shook her head.
"Thank you for your concern, Lady Durandal… but I cannot leave. The failures of this mission were caused by my oversight. I must take responsibility. I will stay with them until the very end—and I cannot forgive those people for what they've done."
Durandal studied her for a moment, then nodded.
"Very well. Be careful."
"Yes."
With that, Rita disappeared into the night.
Sky City — Central District
"I feel it… that trembling power… thump thump thump— it's right on top of that tower!"
After sprinting through half the city, Jiuxiao and Teresa finally reached the center of Sky City.
The towering signal spire loomed over them—its peak glinting with unnatural light.
Mounted at the top was the Honkai reactor stripped from the Eos.
Teresa was speechless.
Even after spending hours with Jiuxiao, she still wasn't used to the girl's dramatic declarations.
But now wasn't the time for commentary.
The engine was already in place.
The situation was critical.
"Let's go! We must not allow their scheme to succeed!"
Jiuxiao tightened her grip on her oversized sword, excitement practically radiating from her.
"Lady Teresa—"
A familiar voice called from behind.
Teresa turned, startled.
"Durandal? You're here too?"
Is it because of Kiana?
The thought struck Teresa immediately, tightening her chest.
Another ally arriving should have been a relief…
But with Kiana missing, worry gnawed at her instead.
"Oh? Another helper?" Jiuxiao grinned. "Our chances of victory just shot up!"
Durandal's gaze flicked to Jiuxiao, her expression uncertain.
Something about the girl felt… off.
"Durandal," Teresa said quickly, "you're just in time. We cannot allow them to detonate the Honkai engine."
"I'm aware. Rita already contacted me. I'll stop them."
Durandal's figure vanished in a flash.
BOOM—!!
The night sky erupted in explosions as the defensive robots surrounding the tower opened fire on her.
They may as well have been shooting fireworks.
Durandal tore through them—all blitz, no pause—reducing the machines to blazing wreckage.
As the fires lit up the dark sky, Teresa suddenly shivered.
"…Why is it getting colder?"
A strange chill settled over the area—unnatural and biting.
"Oh? Such powerful energy…" Jiuxiao's eyes narrowed. "Is he your friend, Teresa?"
"He? …Who are you talking about? Durandal?"
"No, no—him."
Jiuxiao pointed toward the top of the tower.
A lone, white-haired man stood there, overlooking everything.
Teresa froze.
That's—
High above, Wendy hovered lazily, observing everything like a bored spectator.
"Huh? Everyone's gathering in one place?"
A smile curled on her lips.
"Finally. Hurry up and fight already."
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