"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
With every step upward, Zeke's Honkai Energy grew more fearsome, gradually overshadowing everyone present, creating an overwhelming, suffocating pressure.
Finally, reaching the middle tier of stairs, he held Xuanyuan Sword aloft, gazing calmly at the smiling Otto.
"It has been quite some time since seeing you like this... Mr. Otto."
"Haha! It's been ages since you last addressed me like that; it truly brings back memories!"
"Have you prepared any gifts?"
"My bow, as Otto Apocalypse, is the best gift I can offer."
"You do have a point there."
As Zeke observed Otto bowing deeply, symbolizing Schicksal's submission, a hint of satisfaction flickered in his eyes.
Leveraging superior knowledge and exploiting cheats, finally taming this madman marked one of Zeke's top achievements since entering the Honkai World. He couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment.
"Speaking of which, I've already derived the formula for interfering with spacetime dimensions."
"Oh? Congratulations, your desire will soon be fulfilled."
"Don't play coy. As the founder of Information Origin Theory, I'm well aware that you must have already mastered such a formula long ago. You had me deduce it myself merely to keep me occupied and prevent me from making any subtle moves."
Otto straightened up, rolling his eyes with a resigned smile at Zeke.
Zeke nodded, tacitly acknowledging Otto's assumption, then asked, "Since you knew I was trying to distract you, why did you foolishly continue researching?"
"That's where your cunning lies. You knew I couldn't be careless about anything concerning Kallen. Even if you had developed a complete formula, as long as you kept it hidden, I would have to conduct my own research just to be prepared for any eventuality. Moreover, I'm still clueless about the Life Formula. I suspect you've withheld its crucial theoretical aspects from me, but alas, I have no proof—and even if I did, there's little I could do... My dear friend, I treated you with sincerity, yet you've been playing with my emotions all along!"
"Reality has proven this approach quite effective, hasn't it? It kept you subdued for several years, after all. Besides, wouldn't achieving your goal using a formula derived by your own calculations bring you greater satisfaction?"
"Oh, indeed, Your Majesty is always right. Please continue up these steps and complete today's ceremony."
Smiling broadly, Otto bowed once more and gestured towards the higher stairs.
Zeke gazed deeply into Otto's emerald eyes, and after a moment, a rare expression of warmth and regret surfaced on his face. He gently patted Otto's shoulder and said,
"Thank you. Throughout our journey, whether willingly or not, you've helped me immensely."
"...This sudden emotional outburst has caught me off guard, dear friend."
"I promise you, I will fulfill your wish. In exchange, you must carry out your duties diligently. Otto, on this matter, I am not deceiving you."
"Yes, yes, indeed. As Otto Apocalypse, I forever trust the great Emperor Zeke." Otto chuckled, his words laced with humor, but inside, he felt more reassured.
Zeke was known for valuing his promises; thus far, he had never broken any commitment made. While Otto couldn't fully trust himself, he believed firmly in his understanding of Zeke. He trusted both their mutual respect and Zeke's pledge.
"Ha! I'm somewhat looking forward to the day when your wish comes true. Will your smile be different then? Until that time, be a good dog... ahem, I mean, serve human civilization faithfully," Zeke corrected himself with a dry cough, rephrasing his unfiltered thoughts.
Yes, after all, he was about to become the Emperor of Mankind. Though it might be accurate to casually refer to someone as "a good dog," he needed to pay attention to the art of speech.
With a slight start, Zeke passed by Otto, whose expression seemed slightly resentful, and continued ascending the stairs.
Fu Hua was a survivor from the previous civilization and the oldest, most steadfast guardian of the current one—representing its fading twilight.
Otto symbolized humanity's resistance against Honkai over the past five centuries. As both the embodiment of Schicksal and a living testament to contemporary history, he stood as the champion against Honkai.
Higher still, on the second tier beneath the throne, Welt, as the Anti-Entropy Alliance Leader and creator of new ideologies, represented the present and future of humankind. With a warm smile, he watched Zeke ascend step by step.
"My apologies for placing you in this position, but you were truly the best choice, Zeke."
"Hmm, I accept your apology. So, is your gift the Fourth Divine Key—the key to the Sky Satellite?"
"Yes. Although you've already demonstrated control over that magnificent celestial being, the key signifies ultimate authority. There could be no more fitting inauguration gift than mastery over the heavens. Zeke, as I entrust this key to you, so too do I place our fate, and that of the entire world, in your hands. Please, Your Majesty!"
Welt gazed at Zeke, his eyes shimmering with tears, perhaps reflecting memories or hopes deep within him.
Zeke accepted the key, allowing it to dissolve into golden specks of light that merged with his body.
Then, Zeke asked, "Why are you suddenly tearing up, Alliance Leader? Do you not trust me?"
"How could I not? It's just that I never imagined little Zeke from back then would reach this point today. And those girls who used to call me Uncle Welt have now become indispensable forces themselves. The potential of humanity truly is so beautiful it brings tears to one's eyes, isn't it?"
"Let's consider these tears of joy, Mr. Alliance Leader. Please continue to shine and contribute wholeheartedly in the future."
"It's my utmost honor, Your Majesty!" Welt placed a hand over his heart and respectfully bowed.
Passing by the bowing Welt, Zeke took one more step onto the highest stair, as if reaching out to touch the sky itself.
Atop the platform stood a massive throne shimmering with golden light. Overlooking the planet below, it exuded grandeur and dominance, blending the imagination of artists with the pinnacle of technological craftsmanship.
From ascending the stairs to each representative offering their respects, every moment leading up to Zeke standing before the throne was simultaneously broadcast across the skies of countless cities.
Following protocol, the next step would be for Zeke to sit on the throne, followed by acknowledgments of various individuals' contributions, inspections of the three branches of the military, demonstrations of technological creations, and so forth.
But Zeke lifted the Xuanyuan Sword, gazing at his ice-blue eyes reflected in its golden blade, and shook his head.
"Clang!"
With a sweep of the golden sword, the exquisitely ornate throne shattered into fragments scattered across the floor.
"Hm?"
Welt was momentarily taken aback.
Zeke gently sighed.
"The seat is quite beautiful, but it holds little significance. I don't need it."
"But..."
"No 'buts'. You set the procedures, but whether they are followed depends on my mood. You must adapt to this situation, Welt. This is precisely what my presence here signifies."
Zeke turned, the Xuanyuan Sword lightly tapping against the white jade flooring, producing a resonant hum.
"Huummm—"
"All living humans, lend me your ears, straighten your attitudes, and those who feel inclined may listen while kneeling. Now, I shall speak to you—
"—speak—
—"speak—
Visible ripples radiated outward from above, carrying the sword's resonance and Zeke's words to every corner of the ground below.
Simultaneously, across countless cities, swarms transformed into specks of shimmering white light, dancing in the sky to project Zeke's colossal image before each city. Like titanic giants reaching from heaven to earth, they turned the cities beneath their feet into toy models.
Everyone, regardless of whether they were present at the scene or elsewhere on the planet, and irrespective of whether they knew Zeke or had never seen his face before, watched with astonishment at this coldly handsome and deeply imposing man.
Zeke looked forward as if gazing upon the entire planet and declared,
"I, Zeke, from this moment forth, am your emperor!"
"From now on, I will relentlessly extract every individual's worth to its fullest potential. As long as there is a need, even death shall not grant you rest."
"From now on, my word is law in this world. You are allowed to dissent and resist, but all who defy me shall perish!"
"From now on, you are pieces on my chessboard, data within the plan. Whether advancing, retreating, living, or dying, it must be according to my commands!"
"Have I made myself clear enough?"
"BOOM!"
With his final declaration, Zeke thrust his longsword into the ground, resting both hands on its hilt. The energy from three Cores at his waist, along with the Key of Judgment and Xuanyuan Sword, resonated simultaneously. Under his exceptional control over Honkai Energy, the resounding sound reverberated across nearly the entire planet's surface.
These words and the echoing noise seemed to strike deep within every human heart.
Immediately afterward, a cacophony of discussions erupted worldwide.
Zeke lowered his gaze, receiving a torrent of information from the worker bees. As expected, numerous voices of resistance and dissent were among them.
No one could please the entire world, and Zeke understood this well. Regardless of how thoroughly Welt, Otto, and others prepared or built momentum, establishing an emperor above all nations would inevitably provoke endless discontentment.
"I will bring prosperity, ensuring peace and abundance. I shall grant ordinary people hope for survival amidst Honkai."
"I will establish an absolutely fair and efficient administrative system, providing equal opportunities for all individuals. You shall create value to attain everything you desire, including your preferred lifestyle, chances for transcendence, infinite lives, and even the resurrection of your loved ones."
"I am more powerful than anyone, and wiser than any individual."
"The previous civilization was destroyed by Finality, but even more so by its own internal chaos and self-destruction. Our civilization needs to choose a new path. The strength of humanity must be centralized, and the will of humanity must be governed—and I am the best choice!"
"Boom!!"
Another heart-stirring vibration echoed.
This time, the cacophony of dissenting voices significantly diminished.
At least among those who had encountered Honkai, particularly within the two major organizations combating it, most of the discordant sounds vanished.
Zeke's unwavering voice and determination, coupled with the overwhelming Honkai Energy pressure covering half the planet, gradually eroded the existing resistance in those who feared and despised Honkai.
After all, this was the prevailing trend, a collective decision made by the highly esteemed leaders of civilization. Public trust largely prevailed over skepticism.
Zeke analyzed the vast influx of real-time data, let out a long breath, and lifted his gaze, eyes shimmering like gold.
"From this moment forth, I am Civilization itself!"
"I shall lead you—towards victory!"
"Boom!!"
With the final resounding strike, announcing the outcome to the entire world, Zeke retracted his Honkai Energy that had dominated half the planet's surface and withdrew the massive projections from various cities.
Following that, the people below continued with their pre-planned arrangements, while Zeke casually created a tall black throne, leaned the Xuanyuan Sword at its foot, and sat down nonchalantly.
[Using the combined influence of the Herrscher of the Void, Herrscher of a Thousand People, and Herrscher of Sentience, I've implanted suggestions of obedience and reverence into the subconscious minds of most humans... As promised, what about my request?]
[After the ceremony, come find me, and I will let you meet the person you wish to see.]
[What about resurrection? Can you truly bring back Sis... that person?]
[That will depend on your future contributions, Higokumaru.]
The voice faded from Higokumaru's mind, leaving it unclear whether they were pondering or hesitating.
Zeke's lips subtly curled upward.
Indeed, he had cheated.
Using time to gradually solidify his authority and ultimately achieve widespread unity in defending his rule, with everyone wholeheartedly combating Honkai—Zeke wasn't devoid of confidence in this path.
But did this civilization truly have such ample time left?
The arrival of Finality was inevitable; it could be in five or ten years, perhaps just one or half, or even less. Zeke couldn't afford to waste precious moments. If employing psychological suggestion could swiftly enhance his authority, then that's precisely what he chose to do.
However, considering the potential consequences if these suggestions were en masse dispelled, he employed only the most superficial form of guidance. As long as Zeke fulfilled his promises and led humanity forward, those suggestions would eventually transform into genuine public support.
Below him, the grand military exercises continued unabated. Seated amidst the sky, Zeke casually crossed his legs, beginning to ponder the specifics of his next steps.