Please support me on Patreon, where you can read 100+ extra chapters for this novel and a bunch of extra chapters for all the other novels I'm working on. I upload at least 1-2 times daily for all novels.
Additionally, there are also free extra chapters available for Free Members, so head on over:
Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff
******
"So you're saying Durandal is Kiana, and Kiana is Durandal... My mind feels completely scrambled now."
"To be honest, I was caught off guard too. The situation has spiraled beyond my control. I shouldn't have been so relaxed; upon returning, I should've immediately investigated the truth about that mysterious young lady."
Late at night, in Zeke's living room, Kiana lay curled up with her head resting on Zeke's lap. He gently stroked her hair, sighing as they conversed.
Across from them, Bronya held her red tea, her expression somewhat stiff.
Durandal, the golden-haired, voluptuous warrior.
Kiana, the white-haired, beautiful maiden.
This revelation was indeed hard to believe.
After a moment of silence, Bronya asked hesitantly, "Are you certain, Zeke?"
"The history observed by Su in the Sea of Quanta is likely true," Zeke replied.
Another long silence followed, as both Bronya and Kiana needed time to digest this explosive news.
After a long moment, Kiana lifted her head and asked Zeke, "If Durandal is the real Kiana, then who was that person?"
Kiana referred to the mysterious young lady identical to herself within the golden dimension—the one who confidently claimed she would give Kiana the name "Kiana Kaslana." If she wasn't the true Kiana, where did her confidence stem from?
"...I don't know," Zeke replied with a brief pause.
He considered: if that individual was indeed another version of Kiana from a different timeline, what distinctions set her apart from this Kiana? What experiences had she undergone? Zeke felt there were many questions at play here. Until he could provide clearer answers, it seemed best not to burden Kiana further.
"Oh."
Kiana responded weakly, sensing Zeke's reluctance to delve deeper but trusting his judgment nonetheless.
Zeke's lips curved up slightly as he gently pinched Kiana's cheek, soothing her, "Be patient, dear. I'll tell you everything later."
"Okay, I trust you, Zeke."
Kiana hugged Zeke tightly, pressing her ear against his chest to listen to that familiar steady heartbeat, gradually calming herself.
Then she asked, "So, what about Auntie, smelly dad, and even Durandal... do they know all this?"
"Not yet. I only told you first."
"I see... Perhaps we should inform them. Knowing she has family might bring joy to Durandal too? And for Auntie and smelly dad, they've been tormented by this mystery for far too long. Maybe it's time to give them some closure." Kiana sighed softly, reflecting on the twisted familial tragedy unfolding before her.
She hadn't considered the awkwardness of her own identity once the truth was revealed, but Zeke had.
Frowning slightly, he hesitated before suggesting, "Let's take it slow. There are still many mysteries to unravel. Use this time to process your feelings as well. Don't worry, I'll always be by your side."
"Oh please! Don't treat me like a fragile doll. I'm tough as nails, unbreakable Kia! Nothing can knock me down!"
Kiana lifted her head, revealing a radiant smile with a row of pristine white teeth, her flawless eyes shimmering with warmth.
Zeke shook his head, smiling at her resilience. Following his heart, he gently kissed her forehead. She truly lived up to being his girl - as beautiful and strong as pure white jade.
Kiana threw herself into Zeke's arms, nuzzling against him before lifting her head and taking a deep breath.
"Still feels kinda strange, though. Kiss me, Zeke!"
"As you wish."
Right there in front of Bronya, they began an intimate exchange.
The setting was Zeke's room, the time was late at night, and the characters involved were just the three of them. With everything set, their interaction naturally extended beyond mere lip-locking.
Soon, entwined in passionate kisses, they gradually undressed each other piece by piece.
Bronya watched expressionlessly but eventually couldn't suppress a twitch of mixed emotions at the corner of her mouth. She put down her teacup and headed towards the bathroom.
"I'll take a shower first," she announced.
Yes, Bronya thought to herself, let Kiana draw some initial attention; perhaps this way, I can hold out longer later on.
From the bathroom came the sound of splashing water.
Finally, the disheveled couple separated from their embrace. A blush spread across Kiana's cheeks and shoulders. Then, with a twinkle in her eyes, she flashed a mischievous grin.
"Heh heh! Zeke, don't you think we should also go for a bath? What do you say?"
"...That makes sense."
Recalling Bronya's delicate and lovely body, which hadn't been properly cherished in quite some time—the unique softness of her touch, those enticing squeals during certain moments—Zeke narrowed his eyes. He effortlessly scooped up the highly cooperative Kiana in a princess carry and slowly walked towards the bathroom.
On the same night, Su, holding the crystallized power of the Young Lady, entered the Cosmic Juggernaut stationed within the Imperial City.
"Following the paths of time and space, tracing effects back to their causes, should be... not too difficult... right?"
Su stood inside the internal world of the Cosmic Juggernaut, inserted the crystal into the Divine Key, and initiated the tracking procedure.
"Click! Click! Click!"
Sounds akin to gears turning echoed from all directions. Opening his eyes, Su felt a gentle tremor throughout the entire world.
"This is..."
Before Su's gaze, the serene world of blue skies and grasslands flickered, transforming its appearance.
Golden, golden, everywhere he looked, it was blindingly pure gold. An immense surge of Honkai Energy erupted from the crystal, resembling an exploding volcanic crater.
"Not good! The core of the Cosmic Juggernaut is in danger!"
With no time to think further, Su closed his eyes, reached into the void, and grasped the golden crystal he had just placed there.
"Ouch!"
A sensation akin to a burn seared through his brain, causing concern to flash across Su's face.
It wasn't heat but rather the intense and pure concentration of Honkai Energy at work, surpassing even the physical endurance limit of Su's MANTIS-enhanced body.
Theoretically, only a Herrscher Core could achieve such energy intensity. Yet, even genuine Herrscher Cores might not cause burns with just a touch like this one did.
"Stop! I can't let you destroy my old friend so easily!"
Su opened his eyes amidst the blinding golden light, revealing a deep crimson radiating from his pupils.
Harnessing his Honkai Energy, he forcefully suppressed the crystal's eruption.
"BOOM!!"
A violent tremor shook the entire world bubble, spreading to the massive hull of the Cosmic Juggernaut.
As Su regained consciousness and vision, he found himself slumped in a deep crater, his bloodied right hand clutching a significantly reduced-sized golden crystal. Before him, the colossal structure of the Cosmic Juggernaut was riddled with cracks, emitting continuous plumes of smoke.
With a wry smile, Su shook his head, momentarily speechless.
"Ha! This was quite costly, but hopefully Zeke can repair the Divine Key... Should be possible, right?"
Su leaned back, gazing at the brightening sky as the morning sunlight washed over his face.
"Has time also become somewhat disrupted? Let's hope it just jumped from night to day and not much more," Su sighed, feeling a headache coming on. He then sensed several familiar presences rapidly approaching.
With another wry smile, he began formulating his words, preparing to explain his reckless oversight thoroughly. Additionally, he needed to emphasize the extreme danger posed by that young lady.