"Well, well, you've finally arrived. It wasn't easy guiding you out, you know. Tsk tsk, losing your Herrscher powers and getting held up by a few monsters… I must say, I'm impressed. Seems your usual training could use some work."
As the trio appeared, the Herrscher of Sentience (Senti) knew her task was nearly complete.
"Herrscher of Sentience? Why are you here?"
"Hmph, I go wherever I want. What's it to you? Got a problem with that?"
Hearing the accusatory tone, Senti crossed her arms and glared at Kiana.
Who do you think you are, talking to me like that?
"That's not what I meant. I—ugh, never mind. But… who's this? Why does she look so much like Mei? Mei, do you have a twin sister or something?"
Glancing at the bespectacled Dr. MEI, Kiana immediately noticed the striking resemblance to Mei.
And honestly, the glasses and mature aura made Kiana's heart skip a beat—though her heart belonged to Mei alone.
(Thanks to the Kaslana bloodline's genetic tendencies.)
"I've never had any sisters. But I've seen her in World Serpent's database. Dr. MEI—a scientist, leader, and Kevin's wife from the Previous Era."
Recognizing Dr. MEI, Mei gave Kiana a detailed introduction.
She could also tell that this wasn't some illusion from the bubble universe—this was the real Dr. MEI.
She was surprised. How could Kevin let Dr. MEI appear in a place like this alone?
Unless…
Her gaze shifted to Senti, who gave a slight nod in response.
So Kevin's hiding somewhere nearby after all.
Mei suddenly understood. No wonder Kevin dared to let Dr. MEI come here—he was lurking in the shadows, watching.
What she didn't know was that Kevin was currently grinding his teeth.
He had clearly seen the look in Kiana's eyes—admiration, but with a hint of something more… inappropriate.
Dammit, Dr. MEI is your ancestor! Don't you dare imagine anything, you brat!
Even though he knew Kiana wouldn't actually make a move, Kevin was still furious.
He was genuinely afraid Kiana had some kind of "corruption aura" that would turn Dr. MEI into… Well, he'd have no one to blame but himself.
"Indeed, as Miss Mei said, I am Dr. MEI from the Previous Era. The Stigma Project was also my creation. No one understands it better than I do."
"…Why would you create a plan like that?"
Hearing that the Stigma Project was Dr. MEI's work, Kiana's gaze turned complicated.
She never would've guessed that such an inhumane plan had been proposed by this woman who radiated the same warmth as Mei.
"Because our era had no hope of defeating the Honkai. So we created this plan as a last resort—to help future generations overcome it."
"…But our fate shouldn't be decided by you, the people of the Previous Era. Each generation has its own mission. Our destiny should be in our own hands—not yours, not anyone else's from the Previous Era."
"True. But can you guarantee you'll defeat the Honkai without repeating our mistakes? Our plan ensures success. So if you truly believe you can surpass the Previous Era, then go ahead—stop the Stigma Project."
Dr. MEI's tone was calm, almost indifferent, as she spoke of something that would decide the fate of the world.
Her detached demeanor sent a chill down Kiana's spine.
How could someone be so indifferent to the deaths of 99.99% of the world's population?
Yet Dr. MEI spoke of their sacrifice as if it were nothing. Kiana could only stare at her in shock.
"I will stop this plan. You… will not succeed."
Taking a deep breath, Kiana steadied herself and met Dr. MEI's gaze with quiet determination.
Seeing that Kiana hadn't deviated from the script, Dr. MEI smiled faintly in approval.
With the final act approaching, she had wanted to see for herself whether this girl, blessed by fate, had strayed from the right path.
But it seemed she hadn't.
"Good. Then do as you wish. As you said, we have no right to decide this era's fate. But we won't cancel the Stigma Project either. If you want to prove your resolve, defeat Kevin. Defeat him, and you win."
"Huh? Wait… you're on our side?"
Hearing Dr. MEI's almost encouraging words, Kiana was baffled.
Weren't they supposed to be enemies?
"Pfft. I never said I was on your side. Nor am I on the Previous Era's side—we already lost. But your era has variables we didn't. So I'm simply placing my hopes on you."
She paused, then smirked.
"Besides, you carry mine and Kevin's bloodline. By seniority, you should call me… hmm, 'ancestress'? No, that's for 18 generations apart. We're separated by hundreds of generations, so just call me 'Big Sister Mei.' Go on, say it."
For some reason, looking at Kiana now, Dr. MEI felt like she was seeing a promising descendant and couldn't help but tease her.
Siegfried: Wait… so my daughter is now the same generation as my ancestors?
Hearing this, Mei nearly lost her composure.
If Kiana actually called Dr. MEI that, her seniority would skyrocket—to the point where even Otto might have to address her as an ancestor.
"Uh… wouldn't that mess up the family tree?"
"It's fine. Look at me—I'm so young. You really want to call me something so old-fashioned?"
"…M… Big Sister Mei."
In the end, Kiana surrendered.
Hearing this, Dr. MEI happily pulled Kiana into a hug.
What a good child. She should've grown up carefree, yet fate forced her onto this path.
But at least… the ending would be a happy one.