Zeke had no idea what transpired between Kiana and Sirin during their exchange. Regardless, overnight, Kiana's control over the Space Authority underwent a dramatic transformation.
Simultaneously, the Herrscher of a Thousand People's Core was implanted within Kiana—half as part of the exchange agreement to grant Sirin her freedom, and half because with this gemstone inside her, prolonging life or resurrection would become significantly easier.
In any case, upon discovering the transformation in Kiana's spatial abilities, Zeke provided her with a detailed quantum boundary computational model along with specific coordinate directions. Using these foundations, Kiana independently opened a portal leading to the real world.
"So this is...the gateway between two worlds? That means I can visit you anytime from now on, Zeke!"
Facing the shimmering golden ripples ahead, Kiana turned to Zeke, giving him a thumbs-up. A delighted and proud smile lit up her youthful, rosy cheeks.
Zeke stroked his chin, then raised a hand in refusal. "No need for that. Stay away; don't interfere with my work."
"Hmph! What's more important: your work or me?"
Kiana placed her hands on her hips and questioned him discontentedly.
Zeke responded candidly:
"They're both important. Without defeating Honkai, I couldn't protect you; hence, they hold equal significance."
"Hmm... That's barely acceptable."
Still appearing unsatisfied, Kiana suddenly leaped onto Zeke, effortlessly wrapping her strong, toned legs around his sturdy waist.
"Pssst! Psssst!"
As Zeke stood frozen, Kiana leaned over his shoulder, making peculiar noises at Su behind them and playfully winking mischievously.
Su tilted his head, slightly bewildered, but after a moment, realization dawned.
"Oh... Got it!"
Smiling, he raised one hand to cover his eyes while simultaneously shielding Kevin's view with the other.
With no prying gazes, Kiana boldly pressed her lips against Zeke's.
"Mm!"
It happened swiftly, too fast for Zeke to fully process his astonishment.
However, some actions don't require rational thought; instinct suffices.
Zeke wrapped one arm around Kiana's soft waist and cradled the back of her head with the other, reciprocating naturally.
Three minutes later, as Kiana's eyes began to glaze over, Zeke gently ended their embrace.
Blushing deeply, Kiana clung to Zeke with her arms and legs, her face pressed against his chest. The flush spread from her cheeks all the way to her adorable, rounded earlobes.
"Ba-dump! Ba-dump!"
Zeke's heartbeat, steady and powerful as always, filled Kiana with immense comfort.
After a while, she reluctantly spoke up:
"Well then, I'll be off now. Remember to think of me every day."
"Sure."
"Mm-hmm, thinking about Bronya and Sin is fine too, but make sure you do it less often and not as intensely as when you think of me!"
"Okay."
"Finish your tasks quickly; I'll be waiting for you at home."
"Got it."
"Zeke, I love you so much."
A momentary silence.
"Heh heh! Speechless? Alright, see ya!"
Kiana jumped down from Zeke, turned around, and stepped into the spatial ripple without saying goodbye.
She disliked farewells, as if by avoiding them, they could still cuddle together every night upon returning home.
"I...love you too," whispered Zeke with a long sigh, blending into the gentle breeze.
Stepping out of the spatial distortion, Kiana felt the peculiar sensation dissipate as she arrived back at the familiar base.
The moment her feet touched solid ground, Kiana couldn't help but turn around to gaze upon the shimmering golden ripples behind her, a smile tugging at her lips—she heard it. Although slightly delayed, what could you expect from Zeke? Regardless, she loved him just the same.
"Kiana!"
"Big Sister Kiana!" (x2)
These calls drew Kiana's attention forward again.
The first voice belonged to Raiden Mei, tears of joy welling up at the corners of her eyes. The next two came from the considerate and charming Seele and the gentle-as-a-breeze Wendy. They quickly surrounded Kiana, showering her with warm greetings and concern.
Scratching her head, Kiana gradually broke into an endearingly goofy grin, responding to each friend's call individually.
Then, a figure carrying a massive backpack nearly six feet tall stepped between the girls and approached Kiana.
"Hey there, Kiana!"
"Fu...Hua-Teacher, long time no see."
Smiling warmly, Kiana looked directly into the red eyes of "Fu Hua" before her.
"Fuhua" heartily patted Kiana on the shoulder, nodding approvingly: "Not bad, not bad! Your energy is steady, divine essence brimming, and your foundation even stronger than before. You're looking quite healthy now! That puts my mind at ease; Zeke certainly knows his stuff."
"Thank you, Fu Hua-sensei. Sensei, are you heading to Zeke's place?"
"Yes, indeed. It's rare that my old friends from fifty thousand years ago still remember me; they want us all to catch up together, so I couldn't refuse. Besides, it seems Zeke needs some assistance too. Ah, who am I kidding—I'm just too powerful, always lending a hand where needed!"
"I see... Speaking of Zeke aside, Uncle Kevin and Mr. Su aren't ones to be taken lightly either, Fu Hua-sensei. Remember to mind your manners," Kiana cautiously suggested, having formed a favorable impression of "Fu Hua."
But "Fu Hua" tilted her head, blinking with confusion.
"That's such a strange thing to say. I'm going there to reminisce and lend a helping hand, not cause trouble... And let's face it, I, Fu Hua, am undoubtedly the strongest among them. You can rest assured! Alright, time to go—see you later!" With those words, "Fu Hua" walked past Kiana toward the golden spatial ripple that had yet to dissipate. She casually waved her right hand in farewell without even turning back.
Only then did Kiana notice that atop the massive backpack, the Book of Fuxi was perched comfortably, swinging its tiny white legs leisurely.
Seeing that Kiana finally spotted him, the Book of Fuxi raised his small hand, revealing it briefly from beneath his long sleeve, and waved cheerfully at her with a smile.
Kiana smiled and nodded.
With that little troublemaker, the Book of Fuxi, along for the ride, things should go much smoother. Hopefully everything would indeed turn out fine.
As "Fu Hua" disappeared into the spatial ripple with her enormous backpack, Kiana's beaming expression gradually faded, and she let out a soft sigh.
"Don't worry. Trust Fu Hua-sensei and Zeke-san—they'll handle it," Raiden Mei reassured her with a smile, genuinely believing this herself. With both Fu Hua and Zeke on the scene, she couldn't imagine how anything could spiral out of control.
Kiana nodded.
"You're right, there's nothing to fret about. Mei, Seele, I've missed you guys so much—I want a feast!"
Kiana hugged Raiden Mei tightly while gazing at the overjoyed Seele nearby, making no bones about her request.
Raiden Mei chuckled understandingly, stroking Kiana's hair gently as she said warmly,
"Of course, I'll prepare the most lavish meal just for you."
"Yes! Leave it to Big Sister Mei and me! Without you around, Big Sister Kiana, our cooking always felt incomplete... Please don't take such risks again, okay? We want you safe and sound."
Taking Kiana's hand, Seele gazed warmly at her.
Kiana grinned and tightened her grip on Seele's hand. "Great, I won't make you or anyone else worry again. Oh right, even though it might be a bit late to say this...I'm back, everyone—Kiana Kaslana is here!"
As she looked around at the girls, Raiden Mei, Seele, and Wendy were there—the first ones who had rushed over to care for her—as well as Bronya leaning against the wall, hands in pockets, blowing gum bubbles; Sin with arms crossed, looking impatient; Cecilia Maid representing all the individual iterations of Cecilia...and more.
Unbeknownst to Kiana, so many people had gathered to wait for and care about her that there was no room left in her heart for meaningless negativity.