Durandal made no attempt to hide her true identity now. Her words sent shockwaves through Kiana's heart.
"You mean... what I think you mean?" Kiana asked hesitantly.
"Yes. Though perhaps you should keep calling me Durandal now. After all, I've given the name Kiana to you... my dear little sister."
With complete memories restored, Durandal felt none of the awkwardness from suddenly regained memories like in the original timeline.
But while Durandal wasn't embarrassed, Kiana certainly was. Facing the original owner of the name and life she'd taken, Kiana couldn't help but feel guilty.
"I... uh... well..."
She couldn't form a coherent sentence.
Durandal simply patted her head with a soft laugh. "No need to feel awkward. A name is just a label. You're my sister - that's what matters. Now call me 'big sister.'"
"Mm... B-big sister."
Blushing furiously, Kiana finally managed the address. Durandal closed her eyes, savoring the moment.
"Heheh. From now on, we'll support each other as sisters. Together, we'll overcome this trial called the Honkai."
Extending her right hand, Durandal waited. Kiana clasped it firmly without hesitation.
"Yes! We'll defeat the Honkai together. And then... find that irresponsible old man!"
Ahem. "Bronya believes reminiscing should end here. We have more pressing matters."
Though reluctant to interrupt, Bronya emphasized their time constraints. Neither sister took offense - they understood the urgency.
With the Stigma Plan activated, the script was already in motion. Even its actors couldn't stop it now. Though time remained, they had to stay vigilant against unexpected developments.
"Right. Let's split up and search for clues."
Following Kiana's instincts, they reached a chasm containing only an elevator platform above a bottomless void.
"Is this the place? Everything here feels more dangerous than Earth itself, even the spatial properties. Yet this spot remains unnaturally stable. This could be our greatest danger... or only way forward."
Surveying the abyss, Kiana shared her analysis.
"But it's our only path now. So forward we go," Durandal affirmed with a nod.
Kiana turned to Seele. "We'll need someone maintaining our exit point. Seele, this task falls to you."
"I-I'll guard this place properly! Please... everyone take care."
"Don't worry, Seele. Bronya and everyone will return safely."
After this tender exchange, Bronya hacked the elevator's systems. With a mechanical groan, the platform ascended.
Once boarded, the elevator descended slowly until - at a critical depth - all lights cut out. The elevator halted as imaginary space destabilized, transporting them to a strange new dimension.
"Just as I thought. The more normal something appears, the more abnormal it is. Another obstacle in our path?"
Kiana calmly assessed their surroundings.
"Bronya believes excessive deliberation is pointless. We simply advance and defeat whatever blocks our way. Rather than overthinking, we should focus on finding the exit now."
"Wow. Can't argue with that. Guess that's why you're the Herrscher of Reason, huh?"
Kiana realized she'd been overcomplicating things. Rather than anticipating enemy moves, she should simply overcome each obstacle as it came.
With renewed clarity, Kiana took point. As they explored, Durandal shared intel from Anti-Entropy scientists - though she pitied them slightly. Their painstaking decryption efforts were ultimately unnecessary, since the answers already existed in the script. She wondered if Chang Yuan would end up "suicided" with hundreds of stab wounds after everything concluded.
"So in summary, if we distance ourselves sufficiently, Kiana can use her Void powers to return us to the real Moon. But what about you all?" Bronya asked.
"What else? We run! Heheh, the wonders of Honkai energy~"
"..."
"Alright, I know you're all worried about me and Durandal. But don't be - we're plenty strong. You should save your concern for your battle with Kevin."
Li Sushang lightened the mood. Honestly, she'd rather wander this maze forever than fight Kevin. The man made her master Fu Hua look like a beginner by comparison. A confrontation with him wouldn't leave you bruised - it'd leave you in pieces.
"...Then take care. Kiana, let's go."
Seeing their determination, Bronya had Kiana transport them back to the real Moon. Their confrontation with Kevin awaited.
As they emerged, Kiana sensed an unusual energy nearby.
Clap clap clap—!