At that moment, Theresa felt someone catch her.
Not that falling from that height would've hurt her much—but it would've stung a little.
"Aunt Theresa, rest here. Leave the rest to me."
After carefully propping Theresa against a wall, Kiana turned toward the church.
Without hesitation, she marched forward—her final confrontation with Otto was about to begin.
Meanwhile...
Durandal had entered the Kaslana Stigma Space.
Once inside, she began sneaking around, observing her surroundings.
After all, she was only here to go through the motions. She didn't actually need any revelations.
But then—a hand landed on her shoulder.
"Successor. Welcome to the Stigma Space. Your presence here proves your mastery over the stigma. But to truly awaken it, you must face my trial."
"Uh... Ancestor, weren't you supposed to go easy on me? We agreed on this outside."
"...I know nothing of what my 'outside' self told you. But the trial is mandatory. Only by overcoming it can you awaken the stigma."
Stigma Consciousness Kevin looked puzzled but remained firm.
Durandal immediately realized—she'd been tricked.
She distinctly remembered the real Kevin saying:
"The Stigma Space's consciousness is just like me. When you go in, it'll be a quick formality. No pressure."
And now? This.
"Ancestor, I HATE YOU!"
Swallowing her frustration, Durandal reluctantly nodded.
What followed was a grueling trial.
Unlike the disciplined Durandal of the original timeline, this Durandal shared Kiana's impulsive nature.
Naturally, she struggled.
But in the end, she prevailed.
Exiting the space, she regrouped with Kiana.
"Kiana! Looks like you're done too. Let's go get Otto."
"Perfect timing. I've already told Seele and the others to secure the perimeter. It's just us two inside."
"Then let's move."
Inside the church, an Imaginary Rift awaited.
Without hesitation, they stepped through—
—and Kiana was plunged into an illusion.
Memories flashed before her, each one fueling her resolve.
Then—a streak of crimson lightning.
A figure she'd longed to see appeared.
"Mei...? Am I dreaming?"
"~Heh. If that's what you want to believe~"
"MEI! You're back!"
Kiana's heart soared.
"I am. But... I'm sorry, Kiana. I can't stay yet. There's still something I must do. But we will meet again soon. For now—focus on your mission."
"I will! I'll wait for you!"
The exchange lasted mere seconds in reality.
By then, Durandal had summoned Krishna
Mounted on her steed, she charged toward their target while Kiana flew using her Herrscher powers.
"K423, Bianka. You've arrived. The truth you seek lies ahead—but first, you must reach me."
Otto's voice echoed, ethereal and grand.
As he spoke, Imaginary Constructs materialized, blocking their path.
But Kiana and Durandal cut through them effortlessly.
Slashing and shooting, they bulldozed their way to the inner sanctum—
—where Otto stood waiting, his back to them.
"At last, the two strongest heroes of humanity. Now... witness the birth of a False God—power beyond all rules."
With a sweep of his hand, Otto ascended, white wings unfurling behind him.
Golden chains shot from the void, lashing at the duo.
They dodged and countered, shattering every chain that came close.
Durandal urged Kishna forward—
—and impaled Otto against the wall.
"...That's it?"
Kiana frowned. No way a "final boss" would go down this easily.
"Over? No. It's only beginning. Behold—true divine power."
In a flash, Otto teleported behind them.
Before they could react, Imaginary Beams sent them crashing into the ground.
As they stood, they realized—their powers were being suppressed.
No more holding back.
The battle raged—until, in a climactic surge, their powers synchronized.
One decisive strike shattered Otto's False God form—and altered the rules themselves.
Just as planned, Otto—now gravely wounded—leaped into a new Imaginary Rift.
"He's gone. Let's regroup outside."
With the rift closed, they had no choice but to retreat.