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In theory, there were not just one but two vessels capable of bearing Finality.
Durandal was the pinnacle creation of Project Stigma, while Kiana herself was equally favored by Honkai. Sirin's ability to accommodate multiple Herrscher Cores alone demonstrated the extent of Honkai's favor towards her lineage.
Theoretically, like Durandal, Kiana could also restrain Finality.
She wasn't someone who liked owing others favors, especially when she unwittingly bore another person's name amidst confusion.
"Since I am Kiana now, it should be me who bears this mission."
Recalling Xia Chen's words from their time at Schicksal, "No matter how powerful Durandal may be, it doesn't change my responsibility for this mission. Therefore, sealing away Finality is something I must do!"
Whether you call it pride or selfishness, this was Kiana's logic. Since she inherited the hero's bloodline and name, she believed it was her duty to walk the path of a hero.
Since she inherited the hero's bloodline and name, it was her duty to follow the path of a hero.
"Dr. Einstein mentioned that summoning Finality requires triggering a global-scale Major Honkai Eruption," Kiana began pondering.
Finality couldn't be summoned at will; it needed a threshold - either excessively high or low levels of Honkai energy to appear.
To address this, Dr. Einstein proposed a solution: Utilize the Moonlight Throne to eliminate all Honkai on Earth, decompose it, and seal it on the moon. Then, harness the accumulated Honkai energy there to attract Finality's descent.
This way, even if civilization remained intertwined with Honkai, Finality would still arrive on the moon.
However, Kiana knew that sufficient Honkai energy already existed on the current moon to summon Finality.
This energy originated from the previous era when the Moonlight Throne evaporated Honkai from Finality itself. Mei subsequently sealed it on the moon without any leakage.
After Finality struck a deal with Mei, creating the Stigmata of Finality, this portion of Honkai energy became the 'key' to summoning Finality.
Summoning the Herrscher of Finality with only 30% Honkai energy made it easier for humans to control compared to its fully empowered form.
This was the bargain struck between humanity and Finality during the brink of civilization's extinction.
It was also the final key to save the world, hidden by Mei before her death.
After thousands of years nurturing through Project Stigma, this key had finally taken shape.
"We only have one chance," Kiana whispered to herself.
Following her farewell to Xia Chen, she set out alone to find Dr. Einstein.
"Dr. Einstein, I recall that the Moonlight Throne was initially designed as my weapon, correct?"
"Yes, what do you intend to do with it?"
Einstein sensed something different about Kiana but couldn't pinpoint exactly what had changed.
Kiana explained, "I want to pilot the Moonlight Throne and head to the moon."
"You wish to activate it ahead of schedule?"
"This isn't ahead of schedule," Kiana said. "This is precisely the right moment."
"If we rely solely on Durandal, humanity has just one chance. But with me involved, humans now have two chances." Her thoughts were clear: "Regardless of whether there's Honkai on the moon or not, Earth remains unaffected; any outcome won't matter much. If I succeed, everyone will rejoice, and if I fail, it's inconsequential, wouldn't you agree?"
Einstein remained silent.
Ever since designing the Moonlight Throne, Einstein had indeed considered utilizing Kiana. The Herrscher of the Void's abilities within Kiana were indispensable for Entropy Reduction.
However, as she spent more time with Kiana, her resolve wavered.
Kiana possessed undeniable charm, and Einstein had to admit this. She no longer harbored any intentions of exploiting the young girl.
But now, it was Kiana herself who wished to bear this responsibility.
"You should understand what this means for you."
"I do."
"Very well, I will assist you," Einstein agreed without further persuasion.
She paused before continuing, "Almost nobody has experience in this field, so this will merely be an experimental test run."
"There won't be any grand farewells; in fact, I'll ensure secrecy, limiting knowledge of this to very few... Do you want to inform Raiden Mei?"
"No, let's not." Kiana shook her head. "She definitely wouldn't agree."
"I understand."
With that, Einstein fell silent once again.
Following the collapse of Entropy Reduction theory, the Lunar Throne's primary cannon was disassembled and integrated onto the USS Hyperion.
This ultimate weapon, embodying all the collective wisdom of Anti-Entropy, had become somewhat obsolete after the failure of Entropy Reduction. To clear Honkai Beasts or Zombies, Titans were more than sufficient; to combat Herrschers, Schicksal possessed S-rank Valkyries.
But today, the Lunar Throne would once again be activated, fulfilling its original purpose.
Kiana entered the interior of the Lunar Throne.
The first time she stepped inside, she couldn't believe it belonged to her. Later, they even worked tirelessly to activate the throne by gathering gemstones.
And now...
"The Gem of Grief has been removed from the Moon Eclipse armor. You already possess two Herrscher Cores, with only one remaining core needed. We've substituted that last core with a highly concentrated Honkai Energy reactor. With these power sources, the Lunar Throne will have enough energy to reach the moon," Einstein explained to Kiana. "Before we initiate the Lunar Throne, you still have a chance to turn back."
"No need for further delay tactics."
Kiana paused before saying, "Doctor, could you please come up with an excuse for Mei? At least for now, I don't want her to know."
"I'll do my best," Einstein replied casually. "However, people aren't fools; I doubt this lie can last long."
She silently departed from the Moonlight Throne.
Meanwhile, Kiana approached the pilot's position.
"Moonlight Throne, activate."
The massive battleship's ignition naturally caught Schicksal's attention. However, since Einstein had obtained flight authorization, Schicksal refrained from intercepting it.
Xia Chen couldn't help but look up towards the sky.
As the battleship ascended towards the moon like a shooting star, he belatedly realized that although this world no longer had 'Tianqiong Meteor' or 'Burning Away Forever,' Kiana remained Kiana.
A hero is still a hero.
It was daytime in Europe, making the moon invisible at this time.
Consequently, nobody noticed that several hours later, within the Moonlight Throne, Kiana gently descended upon the center of the Lunar Ruins.
This was where Sirin once encountered 'God', as per his memories.
This marked the beginning of everything.
"Initiate recording on Moonlight Throne," Kiana commanded.
It was a silent battlefield.
No armies, no live stream, no weapons—only individual will pitted against the world's ultimate challenge.
Kiana knew she would undoubtedly prevail.