While the Book of Fuxi and two Fu Huas were within the Sea of Quanta, in the real world, Welt's sweeping military campaigns steadily expanded territories under unified control. The outer regions of Anti-Entropy Headquarters, devastated during the battle against Sirin, were also rapidly rebuilt. Everything progressed smoothly.
However, the area where Demon Dragon Benares resided remained untouched—a region still firmly under suppression.
On the third day after Kiana's return, she organized her recollections of Benares from Sirin's memories. After composing herself, she approached Benares.
"Roaaar—"
As Kiana drew near, at a distance of about a hundred steps, Benares strained to lift its head despite being impaled by the massive pillar, emitting joyful rumbling sounds upon seeing her.
"All right, all right... Benares."
With a swift movement, Kiana covered the hundred steps between them and stood before the dragon, raising her hand.
Benares immediately lowered her head to allow Kiana's touch upon her snout, obediently docile as if completely ignoring the wounds from the pillars impaling her body.
Yet, Kiana could see that those wounds were still bleeding blue blood infused with Honkai Energy. The Moonlight Throne apparatus connected to Benares absorbed it, preventing any corruption of the land beneath her.
"Ah..." Kiana stroked Benares's smooth, sturdy snout softly, sighing wistfully.
"Rooom—"
Benares responded with a deep rumble, seemingly comforting Kiana and assuring her there was no need for concern.
Kiana leaned forward, cradling Benares's snout with both hands, pressing her forehead against the dragon's scales. She whispered,
"It seems you recognize me now, don't you, Benares?"
"Aooooh!"
"Thank you, thank you so much. Listen to me, Benares: I'm not like the original Sirin, nor am I the same as the other version of myself who awakened you... I—I love this world and want to live as a human being. I don't know what your thoughts on humans are or if you prefer listening to my counterpart's words. But for now, we've reached an understanding; she won't emerge to destroy humanity just yet. So, can you follow my guidance and coexist peacefully with everyone?"
Benares fell silent.
After a long moment, it gently raised its head from Kiana's hands, looking down at the hopeful girl gazing up with bright eyes.
Benares lifted its neck high.
"Ao—"
[Benares shall forever abide by the Queen's will.]
Kiana's eyes lit up as she heard Benares' telepathic voice, clear and pure, akin to that of a young girl devoid of any impurities. She knew well that Benares indeed possessed such a form.
"Thank you, Benares."
Smiling, Kiana stroked Benares' dragon head as it lowered again.
Simultaneously, within Kiana's mind, a cold and dismissive voice spoke:
Hmph! Trash will always be trash! This useless thing is yours to keep—I don't need it anymore.
Sigh... Sirin, being tsundere won't win you any friends.
Are you looking to die?!
Alright, alright, I get it. I'll take care of Benares for both of us, and let me know when you want to chat with her again. I'll give you time off then.
Kiana sensed Sirin's cold snort before the telepathic connection fell silent.
Shaking her head with a resigned smile, Kiana gently stroked Benares's dragon head. "Since you're willing to listen to me, let's establish some ground rules. First, no random destruction or harming others. Second, play nice with my friends. And third... just call me Kiana from now on. 'Her Majesty the Queen' sounds so weird!"
"Roaaar—"
"There's no 'but.' I want to be your friend, so please call me Kiana."
Despite Kiana's insistence, Benares hesitated for quite a while before slowly responding.
"Roaaar—"
"Wonderful! Now that we've made this pact, remember to uphold it!"
"Roooar—"
"All right, then I'll let you out now... I'm sorry for how my friends treated you earlier, since we were enemies at the time. They will apologize properly later, and I'll do my best to make it up to you. So please, for my sake, forgive them."
With those apologetic words, Kiana raised her hand and snapped her fingers.
Following this agreed-upon signal, Bronya initiated some code changes within the base's city walls.
Soon, the massive spikes embedded in Benares slowly lifted off her body, and one by one, the various cables, restraints, surveillance devices, and other apparatuses connected to her were removed.
Within minutes, all the suppression measures had been dismantled. Benares spread her wings as Honkai Energy surged through her dragon form, rapidly healing myriad wounds.
"ROOOAR!"
Benares roared towards the sky, shaking the ground for miles around. The released Honkai Energy shattered nearby machinery, yet not even a single blade of grass near Kiana was harmed.
Then, Benares lowered her head with a soft growl.
"Roaaar—"
"Huh? You want me to climb onto your head? Are we going somewhere?"
Confused, Kiana blinked but followed Benares's request and gently hopped onto her dragon snout.
Benares slowly lifted her head, claws crushing the ground beneath as she spread her wings wide.
"Rooom!"
The dragon's wings stirred up a fierce gale, spiraling upward through the atmosphere until they soared amidst the clouds.
"Kiana!"
Raiden Mei watched from afar as the great dragon carried Kiana away. Lightning crackled around her, and she assumed Herrscher form with Phantom Armor, ready to draw her sword and give chase.
A worker bee submachine materialized beside her, relaying Bronya's calm voice.
"Calm down, Big Sister Mei."
"But Kiana..."
"She'll be fine; her condition is stable. Benares likely just wants some time alone with Kiana to discuss something. Either way, there's no need to worry—she's tougher than you think."
"...Okay."
Taking a deep breath, Raiden Mei suppressed her emotions. She gazed at the distant figure of the departing dragon, waiting silently.
"Wow! So high! The view is amazing, Benares!"
"Roaaar—"
"What?"
"Roooar—"
The great dragon repeated its request.
["Please... call me Bella."]
"Bella..."
Kiana sat down and gently stroked Benares's head, her face filled with warmth.
With another flap of her wings, Benares soared through the clouds, carrying Kiana into the brightest, purest sunlight.
She was flying.
Since birth, Benares had always been soaring.
Across vast distances, never retreating a single step against any foe, heedless of life or death—her only expectation was the soft call from her master.
Bella.
All she desired was this term of endearment. Whether spoken tenderly, coldly, joyfully, or fiercely, it mattered not—as long as it came from her queen.
"Roooar!"
"Yes! Show me more sights—the highest mountains, the coldest polar regions, the widest plains, the most bustling cities... Take me there, Bella! Let's explore together!"
Kiana raised her fist, bursting out into joyful laughter.
For Benares, it felt like boundless power surged forth within him. With another flap of his wings, the unleashed gale even scattered vast clouds stretching endlessly across the sky, propelling the dragon's body swiftly through the air.
"Roar—"
"Hahaha!"
The dragon's roar and the girl's laughter echoed throughout the heavens on this day.