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At Schicksal Headquarters, in the meeting room:
As soon as the Moonlight Throne took off, someone reported it to Amber immediately. Upon her inquiry, Einstein revealed Kiana's decision.
"I've installed data collection devices on the Moonlight Throne. Regardless of success or failure, this information will significantly increase our chances of defeating Honkai."
She didn't withhold any details and stated, "Humans had only one chance before, but now Kiana has added another opportunity."
Amber remained silent.
After some hesitation, she decided not to inform Durandal about this.
For the current Schicksal, Durandal's importance was indisputable. Even Einstein couldn't guarantee that what seemed theoretically possible would succeed practically. In scientific research, numerous instances occur where theories pass scrutiny, yet practical tests yield unexpected problems.
If the experiment failed and Schicksal lost Durandal, it would undoubtedly be an immense blow to their organization. Currently, Durandal was one of Schicksal's most vital symbols.
Thus, when Kiana suggested conducting another "experiment," Amber felt relieved instead.
She decided not to share Einstein's revelation with anyone else. Knowing Durandal's temper, if she found out about this, she'd immediately fly to the moon.
After ending her communication with Einstein, Amber strove to act as though nothing had transpired, carrying on with her work as usual.
Deep down, she understood that this wasn't fair to Kiana, but then again, what truly is fair in life?
Just then, Durandal arrived.
"Amber."
Unaware of anything concerning Kiana, she asked, "What flying device ascended overhead? Does Schicksal have plans I'm not privy to?"
"It's testing the long-range strike capabilities of our battleships." Amber quickly devised an excuse, saying, "Honkai remains unresolved, so developing new weaponry is essential."
This explanation sounded perfectly reasonable.
"Lady Durandal, there's no need for concern," Amber assured her. "Currently, the weapon tests pose no risk to nearby residents."
"Ah."
Durandal's brow furrowed internally; she sensed that Amber was hiding something from her.
However, trusting Amber implicitly, Durandal refrained from questioning her further. Instead, she left to find Theresa.
In case their plan failed, Schicksal needed someone besides Durandal capable of leading them. From a bloodline perspective, Theresa was currently the best candidate.
During this time, both Durandal and Rita have been helping Theresa familiarize herself with Schicksal's internal affairs.
If they defeated Honkai, none of it would matter. But if they did not, then Theresa would need to bear the responsibility for what lay ahead.
When Durandal found Theresa, she was struggling to acquaint herself with each branch's critical tasks under Rita's guidance.
"Lady Durandal." Rita managed a strained greeting before asking curiously, "May I inquire if there is something you require?"
"Nothing specific, just thought I'd check in."
She paused briefly before addressing Theresa, "Senior Theresa, thank you for your hard work during these times."
Theresa felt a mix of emotions.
Naturally, she had suspicions about Durandal being Kiana. However, unsure how to confront this truth, she found herself at a loss for words until Durandal acknowledged her identity first.
Thus, they maintained this tacit understanding—despite knowing the truth, they had to pretend otherwise for now.
"It's not really that hard," Theresa said, suppressing her emotions. "In fact, many tasks don't require my direct involvement at all. Besides, if we defeat Honkai, much of this work would become unnecessary."
"If Honkai is defeated, Schicksal itself might no longer be needed."
Durandal spoke with a smile, "Returning humanity's order back to its people, as mentioned by the former bishop, ensures that the tragedy from five hundred years ago must never repeat."
Hearing Durandal reference Otto, Theresa couldn't help but feel a pang.
Otto wasn't considered a good person by societal standards, yet he genuinely cared for her.
"In the future, there won't be any so-called House Kaslana or House Schariac; these names will just become ordinary surnames. While passionate stories can be captivating, recounting them is undoubtedly torment for those involved." Her thoughts were clear: "We're about to fulfill our respective destinies soon."
Theresa remarked, "You certainly seem very confident."
"Right, I'm pretty special myself." Durandal paused briefly before asking, "Oh, by the way, where's Kiana? There's something I need to discuss with her."
"She should be at the training room. She's been spending most of her time there lately."
"Hmm? But I just came from there."
A sudden sense of dread washed over Durandal.
She immediately contacted Alvitr and asked her to locate Kiana. Half an hour later, Alvitr reported back:
"Lady Durandal, we couldn't find Kiana anywhere within Schicksal. It seems she may have left. However, based on internal surveillance footage, the last person Kiana interacted with here was Dr. Einstein."
Durandal's eyes narrowed instinctively as she promptly reached out to Einstein.
Evidently, Einstein had anticipated Durandal's inquiry.
"I didn't intend to withhold information," she said, "but it was Kiana's own decision. Nonetheless, now the plan must commence."
"Plan? What plan?"
"The plan for the Final Herrscher's arrival," she explained. "Kiana wishes to take your place as the vessel for the Final Herrscher."
"This is utter nonsense!" Durandal exclaimed, both angry and anxious.
Durandal, both furious and anxious, exclaimed, "My body carries the most complete Stigmata Legacy; what could she possibly possess? Where is she? I'll head there immediately!"
"The moon," replied Einstein, causing Durandal to freeze.
Although Schicksal possessed rocket technology, reaching the moon wasn't as simple as just going whenever desired. She recalled the battleship from earlier, clearly piloted by Kiana during the 'weapon test.'
Taking a deep breath, Durandal abruptly cut off the communication link without hesitation. She swiftly rose to find Xia Chen, knowing he was her quickest means to reach the moon. After all, he was the Herrscher of Wind.
She immediately contacted Xia Chen.
"Where are you?"
"In the training room."
"I'll be right there."
With that, she headed towards the training facility.
Meanwhile, Xia Chen had only recently left the hospital and was beginning his rehabilitation exercises. However, before long, Durandal arrived, grabbing his wrist and hastily leading him away.
Even Ana, standing nearby, couldn't react in time, asking, "What's happening?"
Xia Chen echoed the question.
"We need to get me to the moon," Durandal responded.
"Now?"
"Yes, now."
Meanwhile, on the moon:
Kiana was using the Herrscher Core within the Moonlight Throne to unlock the seals at the heart of the Lunar Ruins.
The Stigmata Terminal had provided the conditions for unsealing, and she merely needed to follow its instructions. Within this terminal lay the key to summoning the Final Herrscher.
This arrangement was part of the pact between Mei and Finality.
"It's time to begin," she whispered to herself.