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"Fu Hua-sensei, I want to try cultivating Divine Essence... No, I need to master it!" The faint glimmer vanished from Kiana's eyes as they regained their lively sparkle, filled with unwavering determination.
Fu Hua nodded, then shook her head.
"I'll reiterate my earlier stance—I cannot guarantee teaching you Divine Essence. Moreover, rushing for quick success would likely foreclose any chance of mastering it. Please consider carefully. Instead of pursuing the elusive Divine Essence, focusing on integrating advanced equipment and pushing your current abilities to their peak might be more meaningful."
"But that won't be enough to defeat Sirin, will it?" Kiana reasoned calmly, her clear gaze fixed intently on Fu Hua.
Fu Hua paused, momentarily speechless.
Kiana sighed and continued:
"She already possesses five abilities. Without considering her mastery level, just the sheer energy output makes her invincible. As for me, even if everything goes according to plan... In short, I'll be able to control at most two abilities. The power gap is simply too vast. I'm not afraid of her or a grueling battle, but determination alone won't accomplish anything. Only by maximizing all my available strength do I stand a chance to defeat her and reclaim what everyone has lost."
Kiana's logic was crystal clear, leaving Fu Hua with no choice but to smile helplessly.
In truth, neither Zeke, Fu Hua, nor Welt—nor even Bronya herself—expected these youngsters to overcome the Herrscher of the Void, who possessed five abilities and could effortlessly revive upon death.
The odds were overwhelmingly against them.
This battle aimed to expose them to hardship and defeat. Only after experiencing failure despite their utmost efforts could they gain deeper insights into Honkai and themselves.
However, it was clear that the Herrscher Squad members, especially Kiana who was most invested, didn't see it this way at all!
Seeing the determination in Kiana's eyes, Fu Hua slowly nodded.
"I understand. If you're prepared for the possibility of achieving nothing and ultimately facing a humiliating defeat, then I can attempt to teach you."
"Heh heh! With both of you backing us up, I'm not worried. I know Zeke doesn't really care about our success or failure, but since we're doing this, I want to give it my best shot. I'm no longer a child—I can stand by Zeke's side and shoulder my responsibilities... I want to prove myself to him!" Kiana placed her hand over her heart, smiling with sweet resolve.
Over time, Zeke's excessive protectiveness had somewhat eased due to Kiana's assertive stance. However, she knew deep down that his unwavering concern never truly ceased.
For instance, he had abandoned his initial plans to return from the Sea of Quanta just for her sake. Or take their recent reunion—she'd explicitly asked about it: Zeke had been observing this test closely throughout. At any moment something went awry, deviating from what he deemed acceptable, he would have immediately intervened.
This wasn't right!
A commander overly fixated on one individual is prone to making poor decisions.
And someone constantly requiring Zeke's attention and care cannot be a worthy partner or comrade.
Kiana didn't want to forever remain Zeke's caged canary. She aspired to become a formidable warrior recognized by him, strong enough for him to trust and even rely upon!
Fu Hua gazed at Kiana and sighed. "Fine, I'll teach you."
"Thank you, Fu Hua-sensei!"
"Be prepared. My expectations remain low."
"That's okay. It's still better than certain failure, isn't it?" Kiana smiled, seemingly unconcerned with mastering Divine Essence. However, all three present understood her unwavering determination beneath that facade.
"Sip~"
At that moment, holding its tiny teacup, the Book of Fuxi took a serene sip before floating over to Kiana. With a sigh, it shook its head.
"Ah, young lady, I see you still don't understand."
"Huh?"
"To Zeke, your strength truly doesn't matter; what he wants is for you to be safe... Why exhaust yourself like this? Just relax and stay by his side, allowing him to confidently utilize his intellect without worry. That's the choice with minimal risk and maximum reward!"
"...I, actually, get what you mean. But with Honkai looming, Zeke needs help." Kiana pursed her lips, then continued, "Moreover, so many people are in danger—I can't just stand idly by."
The Book of Fuxi sighed again, pointing at itself with small fingers: "Look at me now, and consider how the immortal fared without my care. If you were to disappear as I once did, Zeke would become just like the past immortal... No, given his nature, things might turn even more terrifying. Honestly, I shudder to imagine what the world would look like if he lost control."
"That won't happen! Zeke knows resurrection techniques!"
"Reviving someone isn't foolproof, what if you fall under its limitations? Even considering the best-case scenario—assuming it could indeed bring you back—how would Zeke's fury be contained until then... Just thinking about it sends chills down my spine."
"..."
Kiana lowered her head, utterly speechless.
Even Fu Hua appeared somewhat hesitant.
Indeed, Zeke's devotion to Kiana was unparalleled, evident to anyone with eyes. In the grand scheme against Honkai—no, for the entire future of civilization—the prospect of Zeke losing control posed the most terrifying risk imaginable.
Just then, Book of Fuxi reached out with tiny hands and gently tapped Kiana's forehead.
"So, don't die."
"Huh?"
"I mean, don't mimic our immortal here, throwing caution to the wind when driven by desperation. Remember, there is someone who cannot bear to lose you, waiting for you... If you value him, don't cause him sorrow; if you cherish this world, don't drive him insane because of you. In short, take care of yourself—you hold far more importance than you realize. This is Little Fuxi's advice. Well, that's all from me. You three work hard, I'm off to make some money."
Realizing that what was about to unfold would be tedious and not needing his assistance, the Book of Fuxi leisurely fluttered away.
Left behind, Kiana took a moment before lifting her head and hesitantly saying, "But I heard they're planning to introduce new currency and distribution policies soon. The money we earn now might become worthless..."
"You should've said something while Little Fuxi was still here... Oh well, let her go," Fu Hua responded, initially speechless, then resigned.
Her expression turning serious, she continued, "I understand your determination now. Learning Divine Essence requires insight at its core, focusing on transcending boundaries within the realm of consciousness—an area with no upper limit. Once mastered, it indeed could aid you in victory. Within this consciousness domain, I will reveal my mastery to you... Be prepared."
"Yes, Fu Hua-sensei!"