On one side, there was the dragon's breath laden with wind, rain, and ice; on the other, the combined power of a million nuclear and Honkai energy-driven machines. Comparatively, the scale and intensity of the dragon's breath were undeniably superior.
However, despite its slender appearance, Dawn's beam pierced through Benares's roar with unstoppable force, hurtling straight towards the enormous black hole opening in the sky.
Just as Dawn's light was about to enter the black hole, another one emerged ahead of it.
The beam pierced through the newly formed black hole and emerged on the other side of the city, heading straight for the colossal wall below.
In the command room, Bronya calmly activated another order without haste. "Sequence Seven: Distoring Mirror."
The swarm that had fired the barrage swiftly changed formation. Just as the beam reached the city walls, they assembled into a massive, circular, pitch-black mirror.
As the beam struck the mirror, it dissipated into nothingness.
Then, countless worker bees along the edge of the circular mirror lit up, channeling the absorbed energy into numerous thin beams sweeping toward the ground—naturally, targeting the Outer City now devoid of human presence.
"Whoooosh—"
"BOOOOOM!"
The earth shattered mercilessly, lifting debris alongside countless Honkai Beasts, Zombies, and numerous dolls, all meeting their demise. There was no chance to evade or resist; the combined power unleashed could effortlessly destroy three Herrschers' worth of energy!
After the attack, the swarm dispersed once more, drifting slowly near the city walls.
From within the initial black hole, a colossal dragon's head emerged with awe-inspiring majesty.
"Raiden Mei, relinquish your abilities."
With its wings unfurled, the great dragon once again obscured vast swathes of the clearing sky. The Queen of the Void stood atop the dragon's head, her gaze cold and proud as she looked down upon the city walls.
"Raiden Mei, surrender your Herrscher powers."
The familiar yet utterly cold voice echoed throughout the entire Inner City, reaching the gathering point for this war's combatants.
Most members of the combat squad had assembled already. Wendy, designated as captain on the front lines, surveyed their group with a frown.
"Where's Kiana?"
"She's making final preparations. Just give her a moment, Wendy."
"All right. But according to the plan, you and Big Sis Kiana were supposed to lead the charge against the Herrscher of the Void... I hope she makes it in time."
"Trust in Kiana; she won't let us down at such a crucial moment." Raiden Mei smiled reassuringly before slowly drawing her katana. The black Phantom Armor, symbolizing the power of a Herrscher, materialized around her, her expression gradually turning stern.
"Let's wait here. When Kiana emerges, that will mark the official start of battle," said Raiden Mei, determination hardening in her eyes despite the enemy's direct challenge.
Warehouse 47 was a room enclosed by thick walls made from special materials.
The number simply indicated its order of appearance and held no other significance. However, Warehouse 47 indeed housed something extraordinary.
"I named it Bright-Dazzling Blade. Crafted with the Gem of Haste as its core, this Divine Key possesses similar potential power to Judgment of Shamash. But considering that the Gem of Haste could vanish at any moment upon the birth of the Herrscher of Flame, I developed it as an experimental and expendable weapon. Its strength is uncontrollable and highly dangerous... Are you sure you want to use it?"
"What kind of question is that now?! Zeke, why so wordy!"
"...Feeling restless again?"
"Heh heh! Not restless, just itching somewhere else—ah!"
Blushing while making suggestive jokes, Kiana's ramblings were abruptly cut off by a heavy smack on her head.
She rubbed the lump forming there, sticking out her tongue playfully.
Zeke's holographic projection dispersed several worker bees and stood before the crimson blade emanating intense heat, his expression hinting at some hesitation.
Kiana sighed.
"Forget about locking me up or anything like that. You know I want to help, not just be deadweight."
"...If only I hadn't taught you combat skills in the first place. It would've been better if you focused on logistics instead."
"Is Zeke admitting he miscalculated?"
"Yes, indeed."
"No worries, I'll turn your mistake into a pleasant surprise!"
"The biggest surprise for me would be if you simply gave up quietly."
Zeke glanced at Kiana and sighed helplessly.
Numerous times, he had considered completely disregarding Kiana's wishes and forcibly keeping her in the rear. In truth, he could have easily done so.
But whenever he met her bright eyes filled with unwavering determination, Zeke found himself powerless. If he were to suppress her by force, those shining eyes might instantly lose their luster, wouldn't they?
"Do as you please." With another sigh, Zeke's projection dissipated.
Left alone, Kiana blinked, gazing at the spot where Zeke vanished. The cunning in her eyes faded, replaced by tender affection and resolve.
"Sorry, Zeke. Please forgive my stubbornness. I can't rely on your protection forever; what would happen when you need someone to protect you? Trust me—I must become stronger than anyone else, for your sake and for this world!"
With a deep breath, Kiana reached out toward the long, sharp blade floating midair.
She grasped its hilt.
A wave of intense heat surged forth, leaving cracks and burn marks even on the warehouse walls, known for their high strength and resistance to fire.
"Bright-Dazzling Blade, Gem of Haste—if you were once part of Sirin, submit to me!
"I am your master now!"
Scarlet patterns, resembling slowly flowing lava, spread along Kiana's arm and enveloped her entire body. They scorched through her shirt and shorts, staining even her blue eyes with fiery red.
Kiana felt the pain.
"Agh!" Despite involuntarily gasping, she managed a smirk.
"That's all it takes? Compared to the suffering I've endured thus far, compared to the despair where nothing could be done, this is merely trifling!"
Her voice grew more assertive as Honkai energy accelerated within her veins, merging with the waves of heat emanating from the Bright-Dazzling Blade.
Gradually, flames ignited at the tips of Kiana's silver hair, intertwining around her body as intricate patterns. A flowing white armored dress slowly enveloped her form.
Under Kiana's will and control of the Taixuan Sword Qi, the energy from the Gem of Grief finally yielded to her command.
Kiana lifted her head; her burning eyes pierced through layers of obstruction, seemingly glimpsing Sirin descending upon the world outside.
"Hm?"
Overlooking the city from above, Sirin paused just as she was about to shatter its walls.
"This feeling is..."
"Boom!!"
Before Sirin could fully comprehend the sudden sensation's source, a deafening explosion erupted within the Inner City, and flames pierced through towering buildings.
A blazing new sun ascended, radiating heat intense enough to boil oceans and burn mountains, hurtling straight towards her.
"Sirin!"
"Sirin" was merely a name. Since the Herrscher of the Void chose to introduce herself that way, Kiana followed suit.
Golden eyes pierced through the dazzling inferno, glimpsing Kiana charging with sword drawn.
"So it's you... As expected, you've taken up a weapon forged from the Gem of Haste. Perfect, now return this power to me!"
Sirin leaped off Benares' head without invoking her Space Authority, enveloped in chilling coldness, directly confronting the incoming Kiana.
In the moment they collided, one side froze for miles while the other melted the earth beneath them. The world seemed to split in two, descending into a terrifying hellish scene on Earth.