Crack—!
Contemplating her next steps, Selene flicked her fingers. The stabilization of the broken bubble world remnant, maintained through her Finality Authority, collapsed. In that instant, the colorless "bubble" shimmering with iridescent brilliance quietly scattered into fragments of light.
Those crystalline specks slipped through Selene's delicate fingers, falling like dust into the "sea" below. Bathed in the vortex's halo, the luminous fragments shimmered like a brilliant field of stardust.
"Haa..."
Letting out a breath, Selene folded her arms and propped her chin up with one hand, gazing at her handiwork. She nodded in satisfaction. "This will do for now. The rest... time will take care of."
She had already done all she could—altering the homogenizing tendencies among the countless parallel universes in the Type-Moon world, splitting them off so they would develop independently, free from mutual interference.
With pure visual perspective, Selene observed the Swirl of the Root—now fully eroded by her Finality Authority.
Just like before the transformation, it was chaotic, devoid of color—yet it seemed to embody all the colors of the universe, emitting a faintly cool, pale-white glow. But upon closer inspection, one could detect the ominous traces of Honkai-branded flares buried deep within the Root.
It wasn't that the Swirl of the Root had returned to its old state, but that Selene's control had become even more deeply ingrained. She no longer needed to flaunt Honkai energy or invasive markings to assert her dominance.
The only real change was that the once sluggish and unordered "Sea" of the Root now flowed with invigorated speed under Selene's command—a vortex brimming with vitality.
Selene would not allow it to remain listless as it had before.
Though the original Root Sea hadn't expanded—in fact, it had diminished due to Selene's forceful seizures and destruction—that was of no concern.
Thanks to Finality transformation, thick, near-tangible Honkai energy particles now mixed with its aura.
Moving forward, the Type-Moon world could utilize this rich Honkai energy as support, refining and producing more primordial life essence to stabilize and consolidate its domain.
Repairs would be made. And when it grew strong enough, recovery—perhaps even surpassing its previous peak—would be only a matter of time.
In some ways, for the Root, this came with enormous benefits—aside from having a tyrannical "mother" figure constantly looming overhead.
Of course, this was inseparable from Selene's Honkai Authority and Finality Power. Ever since the most primordial forces fused with Selene, the Root Sea had become her private garden. The Type-Moon world was already bound to Selene in a symbiotic relationship...
Well, not quite symbiotic. More accurately, a one-sided domination clause.
If the Root suffers, Selene remains outwardly unbothered. In essence, she still thrives. But if Selene stumbles and no one stops the Honkai Eruption, the Root would then assess the worth of all civilizations—and mass calamity would follow.
In other words, the Empire and all its affiliated worlds and colonies—including now the Type-Moon world—are only able to use Honkai energy without consequence, and build societies dependent on it, because Selene forcibly ended the Honkai's "civilizational evaluation" and added a friend-or-foe recognition protocol.
It's not that Selene can't leave the Empire.
It's that the Empire can't survive without Selene.
And that is no exaggeration.
If not—take this example: the Asterta Second Legion's Conqueror sequence, Conquered World—Universe 117 (the Halo Universe). If Selene were to lift restrictions and allow Honkai energy to spread unchecked throughout that world...
Then in a universe that once birthed the Forerunners, Precursors, Ancient Humanity, the Prophets, the Flood, the Covenant, and the United Earth Government (U.E.G.)—a war-torn yet thriving cosmos—what level of Honkai Eruption would descend?
In an instant, the galaxy might tear apart, the Imaginary Sea rupture, zombie corruption (Warp corruption) would erupt, a tide of Honkai Beasts (Chaotic Demonic Plague), planet-scale and apocalyptic-level Honkai Beasts (Warp-born Chaos Daemons), Honkai Apostles (Warp Chaos Gods)... a Halo-Universe edition of the Dark Age of Warhammer 40K would unfold.
Selene has many methods to deal with rebellious worlds under her banner. The Extermination Order is too merciful. Just lift the restrictions on Honkai energy and let it ravage for a decade or two—they'll come crawling back, begging to bask once more in the Empress' glory. If they survive, that is.
Of course, Selene hasn't yet had reason to do such a thing.
None of the colonial worlds under Imperial control—those with dispatched administrative officers—have ever experienced rebellion or regicide. Only a few scattered protests, strikes, or terror incidents have ever been recorded.
Such rare and insignificant unrest is nowhere near rebellion-level, and certainly doesn't warrant Selene's attention. The colonial governor's office can handle it internally...
Another adjustment: Selene has completely locked down access to the Swirl of the Root.
Aside from herself and those she personally authorizes, all outsiders are now barred.
Frankly, in Selene's eyes, the Root's former access system was like a sieve leaking from all sides. According to Type-Moon magi, awakening one's origin was a valid path to reach the Root. And through different means, even the Holy Grail Wars could serve as shortcuts.
But those days are over. From now on, individuals like Shiki Ryougi or Ayaka Sajyou—those capable of connecting with the Root—are simply no longer permitted to exist. The magi's so-called awakening of origin is now a misfit with reality.
"Next up: Magic Gods, Phase."
Selene slowly descended, squatted, and gently reached her hand into the flowing mass of "quantity."
"Let's give it a try..."
"But still, the Daihasei Festival... too many variables, too hard to manage."
Thinking about the split soul transmission that said Mother Katie would be attending the Daihasei Festival to cheer her on gave Selene a headache. She swayed in the void, sitting down, her slender legs wrapped in platinum imperial robes elegantly crossed.
She patted her forehead and calmed herself, quickly categorizing the various matters handled by her split fragments to sort through her current priorities.
"Budo is really stirring things up in Universe 117 (Halo)... the UNSC Navy and Marines restructuring plans... hmm, Sangheili are getting decent evaluations from that old dog."
"Alex's First Legion is applying for massive assistance from the Empire's Foundry Department... efficiency's decent, and the number of active Asterta warriors is nearing a million."
"Robert's blueprint and report on building a homeworld for the Valkyrie Corps..."
...
"Merlin and the others have arrived. Scáthach... hmm, 'teaching'—a rather sharp insight."
Indeed, while Cú Chulainn's connection with Fu Hua played a role, the true reason Scáthach was summoned lay in her unparalleled ability to educate heroes.
Wisdom from the Land of Shadows.
A wisdom born from transcending humanity, slaying gods, and placing herself outside the world. Once turned into a Heroic Spirit, aside from her unique class skills, she could unleash almost any skill with A to A+ proficiency.
In battle, her most commonly used ability was akin to "Clairvoyance"—a mode that allowed her to predict the flow of combat. In the Ulster legends, she frequently employed this foresight to prophesize the future. Even the fate of her beloved disciple, Cú Chulainn, was no exception.
Of course, the Empire had no shortage of brute warriors. What Selene needed was Scáthach's other talent—her ability to transmit skills and martial techniques to those she deemed worthy.
Even with the debuffs of becoming a Heroic Spirit, Scáthach could still teach her abilities to anyone she acknowledged as a hero.
If it were her true self, Selene was confident the effect would be even stronger. There was no need for the meticulous training she gave Cú Chulainn. Even the most basic instruction would benefit the auxiliary troops and Asterta recruits immensely.
What do you call this? The Imperial Recruit Boot Camp, Eighty Million Recruits' Grand Instructor—Scáthach, Queen of the Land of Shadows.
Selene was always generous when it came to improving the skills and tactical knowledge of her soldiers.
Old friend Chiron from the "Black" faction of the Yggdmillennia clan was much the same. In Greek mythology, he was one of the foremost sages, mentor to heroes like Heracles and Achilles.
Divinely gifted wisdom.
Chiron had learned medicine and music from Apollo, and hunting from Artemis. In addition to swordsmanship, spear mastery, and archery, he was proficient in "Pankration"—the oldest form of mixed martial arts, a blend of boxing and wrestling.
A genuine sage, master of diverse wisdoms.
As a Heroic Spirit, aside from his unique skills, he could wield almost any skill (within the scope of ancient Greece) with B to A proficiency. With permission from his Master, he could even pass skills on to other Servants.
And now, it was Chiron's true body that had stepped into the Honkai Dimension.
As this was the first wave—meant to serve as a model—Selene had chosen individuals who, besides being useful, had some sort of personal connection with her.
Merlin, Artoria, and the Knights of the Round were a gesture of generosity—a reward for Merlin being pragmatic and the first to surrender to the "Moon traitor." Cú Chulainn and Scáthach were contacts bridged by Fu Hua. Chiron and Avicebron were old comrades of Selene, once having fought side by side.
Oh, and Waver Velvet—the colorful wildcard Selene handpicked from the POW camp. Aren't you a talented teacher? Come, come. This way. Overtime awaits.
Of course, Selene wasn't one to make the horse run without feeding it. Her rewards were just as generous. Want to revive someone important from the Throne of Heroes? Done. Want your full divinity restored? Granted. Want more knowledge? You got it....
The Swirl of the Root held everything they could imagine, all the knowledge they couldn't comprehend. They could find it here, in the swirling "Sea."
Selene would even grant them access rights and safety measures to protect them from being instantly swallowed or assimilated by the Root.
Why doesn't Selene just dump enlightenment into their heads? Please. She's not a babysitter.
Earn your merits, exchange them for opportunities, and whatever enlightenment you gain from linking with the Root is up to you. There's even a time limit. Slow and steady motivation is more effective. This also applies to the Empire's Science Bureau elites like Dr. Fashion and Mobius.
"Haa..."
After roughly sorting through the abundance of intel and documents, Selene slowly rose to her feet. In the next instant—shua!
With Selene's departure, the Swirl of Honkai quieted.
Above the Sea of the Root, mists gathered once more. The beginning and end of worlds continued to rise and fall within this void, chaotic silence, as if nothing had changed.
...
The capital's starry sky, a blend of natural formation and artificial design, presented a uniquely beautiful scene. Imperial Capital Grand Palace, Outer Hall of Selene's Bedchamber.
In the quiet room where only the soft scratching of a pen on a desk and gentle snoring from the nearby couch could be heard, a silver-haired figure silently approached the sleeping Alyssa.
Scratching the adorable girl's pert little nose, Selene narrowed her eyes slightly. "Tsk... she's really putting me in a bind. How am I supposed to explain this to Mother Katie? Where did this one come from? 'Your daughter's daughter—you're a grandmother now?'"
"Milady, that hardly sounds like a reasonable explanation. Trust this old servant—Madam Katie would most certainly faint upon hearing that," came the voice of Sebas, stepping forth from the shadowed corner like he had countless times before, presenting a cup of hot tea to Selene.
"Ugh... milady, this humble servant suggests you simply explain Alyssa's existence truthfully—as a companion spirit."
Selene said nothing. While accepting the teacup, she gestured with her hand toward the version of herself still processing paperwork. The doppelganger instantly dissolved into spirit particles and floated into her palm.
Then, taking a small sip, Selene murmured, "Let's deliberate, then."
"This way... that way..."
...
A Certain Magical Index World, Academy City, School Garden, Tokiwadai Middle School.
It was yet another bright and sunny day in Academy City. On the second-floor balcony of a European-style school building...
A silver-haired beauty dressed in a beige blazer and navy plaid pleated skirt—the standard Tokiwadai student uniform—sat resting against the railing, seemingly dozing off. It was hard to imagine such a mature, elegant, and breathtaking lady was still... a middle school student?!
A gentle breeze brushed her delicate features, lifting a few strands of her silver-white bangs and side hair. From around the hallway corners, peeking Tokiwadai students gasped in awe.
"As expected of the First Rank. Such a radiant figure."
"Why do you think Miss von Habsburg, the First, never forms a faction like Queen Shokuhou?"
"Who knows? Maybe because she doesn't need to... Have you ever heard of any of the top three espers forming student factions?"
"If she ever did, I'd be the first to join."
"Huh? Aren't you already in the Shokuhou faction?"
"Hehe, can't I withdraw?"
Ah, the ever-youthful vitality of Tokiwadai Middle School girls...
Clack~
"Hm? What was that sound?"
"Shhh! It's the Headmistress... Everyone scatter! Unless you want to get scolded, stop gathering here."
Seemingly stirred by the approaching footsteps, the silver-haired lady slowly opened her eyes—mysterious and resplendent crimson irises, as if they could draw in a person's very soul. Momentarily dazed, then immediately alert.
As her vision cleared, a middle-aged woman with graceful bearing and neatly arranged attire came into focus.
"Headmistress?"
"Miss Selene, I hope I haven't disturbed you. I came to ask your opinion regarding the upcoming Daihasei Festival. Do you have any intention of participating?"
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