"So that's how it is… But how did we end up in a bubble universe?"
Kiana clapped her hands together, her expression one of sudden realization.
Yet, at the same time, she was curious—why had they been pulled into a bubble universe? Logically, these things existed within the Sea of Quanta, and they hadn't actively entered it. So how had they ended up here?
"Bronya doesn't know either. But Bronya does know that we need to find a way out as soon as possible."
Shaking her head, Bronya was just as clueless.
In short, she shared Kiana's confusion.
"Alright, then let's find a way out. After all, everyone's still waiting for us outside."
Rolling her wrists, Kiana flashed a bright, healthy smile.
The two of them then ventured through the bubble universe, cutting down any Quantum Shadows they encountered along the way.
After what felt like an eternity, while eliminating another Quantum Shadow, Kiana noticed a crack in space.
"Was that already there… or did it just appear?"
She didn't have time to dwell on it—immediately, she attacked the fissure.
But as she struck, more Quantum Shadows began pouring out from all directions.
"Kiana, focus on widening the crack. Leave these monsters to Bronya. Bronya has experience dealing with them."
Not wanting Kiana to be distracted, Bronya took on the task of handling all the Quantum Shadows herself.
Trusting Bronya completely, Kiana devoted all her effort to expanding the fissure.
Just as Bronya was starting to tire, Kiana suddenly exclaimed, "Got it!"
The moment those words left her mouth, a powerful suction force pulled both Kiana and Bronya inside.
"Finally, you're here. So many times I've waited… so many times I've had to leave. But this time, I won't go anywhere."
Within the void of the fissure, Raiden Mei had finally welcomed the person she had been waiting for.
Her voice reached Kiana's ears, but the sudden pull made Kiana instinctively close her eyes.
Then, she felt someone embrace her—arms wrapping tightly around her waist, holding her close.
When she opened her eyes, she saw a face inches from her own, achingly familiar, with eyes full of warmth.
At that moment, Kiana thought she would have countless words to say upon seeing Mei again.
But in the end, only one sentence came out:
"Long time no see, Mei."
"…Yes. Long time no see, Kiana."
Realizing it was Mei holding her, Kiana instinctively returned the embrace.
Their foreheads pressed together, their gazes locked in silent understanding.
"I thought… when I saw you again, I'd have so much to say. But just now, I realized… this is all I can manage."
If this had happened in the past, Kiana would've been overjoyed, grinning like an idiot.
But not now.
All she wanted was to hold Mei like this. Just like this.
If only all disasters could vanish, and this moment could last forever.
"All the words left unspoken… become the most tangible expression in reunion. Like… a hug."
As the two reunited, their bodies slowly descended from the sky.
Meanwhile, Bronya stood awkwardly to the side, unsure how to interrupt.
"(◔_◔) Stare—!"
"Ah, right! Bronya came with me. Since we can't use Herrscher powers here, I'm a little worried about her."
After a moment of affection with Mei, Kiana suddenly realized the short, duck-like girl was missing and grew anxious.
But Mei had already noticed Bronya standing not far behind Kiana.
She also noticed Bronya's deadpan expression and couldn't help but feel a little exasperated.
"Oh? Bronya thought idiot Kiana would forget all about me after seeing Mei. But it seems Bronya was wrong. Should Bronya praise Kiana for not being an idiot anymore?"
"Sorry, Bronya. It's just… it's been so long since I last saw Mei, so I kinda… you know."
Kiana could clearly see the resentment in Bronya's eyes and guiltily looked away.
If she didn't look, then the complaints weren't directed at her.
"Bronya understands. After all, Bronya has Seele. But now isn't the time for this. We need to figure out what's going on here."
When it came to long-awaited reunions, Bronya considered herself an expert.
After all, when she and Seele had reunited and returned to Salt Lake Base, that one night, she had almost… Well, better not say.
"As for what's happening here… I suppose I'm the one who knows the most. Raven mentioned that the Stigma Project was nearly complete. Shortly after I left, I felt my consciousness grow hazy, and then I ended up here."
"So it's related to World Serpent after all. But if the Stigma Project is almost finished… doesn't that mean the outside world is already in chaos?"
Kiana had heard about the Stigma Project from Fu Hua.
A plan that would eliminate 99.99% of humanity, leaving only 0.01% with the right to survive.
If it were truly carried out, the future she had promised Himeko would be shattered.
And that wasn't the future she wanted. She would defeat the Honkai her own way—not by sacrificing the many to save the few.
"I don't know the specifics. But one thing is certain—the Sovereign of World Serpent has already left. That means… everything is truly nearing its end. If we want to stop it, we have to act now."
"In that case, let's hurry and find a way out. Every second counts now."
With that, the group began searching the area.
Mei, who already knew the script, led them straight to a teleportation gate.
"Over here. On the other side of this gate is another unfamiliar world. Ready?"
"Heh, as long as Mei's with me, I've got the strength of a hundred people. Let's go—I want to see what's waiting for us."
Without hesitation, Kiana stepped through first.
Mei and Bronya followed closely behind.
In an instant, they found themselves on a lunar base—a desolate wasteland of ruins.