The moment Van's voice fell, terrifying Honkai energy scattered around Van, blasting the surrounding environment into pieces.
At the same time, the three weapons behind Van unknowingly fused into one, turning into a ferocious-looking longsword.
The moment the longsword appeared, a fierce sword aura shot up into the sky, instantly dyeing the entire space a deep, dark purple.
The sword aura surged and roared, transforming in the blink of an eye into a ferocious, purple-black giant dragon.
"You all are clearly... failures!!!"
———
Seeing this scene, countless netizens in the real world couldn't help but sweat nervously for the trio of Kiana and the others.
[Damn! Sword aura turning into a dragon, this is just too cool]
[Wait, is Van really this strong?]
[Feels like this move looks even stronger than the previous few Herrschers]
[It should be Phantom Van who's strong, right? After all, all of three year old Van's battle experience and skills were obtained from original Van]
[No wonder Van was called the strongest by the people of the Previous Era]
[Reminder, the earlier plot did say that there are some abilities Van didn't grant to three year old Van]
[Then here comes the question, what exactly are the powers hidden by Van?]
[No way it's the power to destroy the world, right?]
———
[Back to the Video.]
Looking at the giant dragon in the blood-colored clouds, the trio suddenly felt a sense of powerlessness in their hearts.
Originally, they were still hoping that with phantom Van's help, they could defeat three year old Van.
But who would've thought that the opponent's earlier ferocious appearance hadn't even been their full strength.
At that moment of despair, phantom Van's gentle voice rang in the trio's minds.
"Don't be afraid. I will protect you. Go all out."
As the words just fell, three scarlet-red beams of light shone upon the three of them. Immediately, the three felt an endless strength surging within their bodies.
Bronya reacted first. She took a deep breath and stretched her hand toward the distance. The Herrscher of Reason's power surged into the air.
"Throne of Moonlight... initialization begins!"
With Bronya's soft shout, a giant cannon slowly took shape behind her, the muzzle flickering with azure firelight.
Kiana closed her eyes, a massive spiral lance condensed in the void, its tip wrapped with space-twisting energy.
Fu Hua felt the power wildly coursing through her body, determination shining in her eyes. Recalling the bits and pieces of time spent with Van, she slowly closed her eyes.
"Divine being, extremity of transformation, essence of all wonders, not something that can be questioned through form..."
With the incantation silently recited in her heart, golden sword aura flowed at her fingertips.
"Taixu... Sword God!"
In the air, facing the trio's unleashed attacks, Van was equally unwilling to back down. She summoned all her strength and swung the longsword toward the three.
In the direction pointed by her sword, the purple dragon dived downward, sword aura pouring like torrential rain, carrying the might to annihilate all.
"How could I possibly... lose to you guys!"
Two world-destroying forces collided in the sky, erupting into a blinding white light.
As the blinding white light gradually faded, Van knelt on one knee, the black mist around her slowly dissipating.
Fu Hua stood not far away, speaking word by word, "Van was never a failure."
Fu Hua's words made Van suddenly raise her head. She just tried to stand up, only to realize her power was rapidly draining away.
At that moment, a flash of red light passed by, phantom Van's projection appeared in front of three year old Van, and with his last strength, shielded her about-to-dissipate core.
This sudden scene completely disrupted three year old Van's state of mind. Trembling, she looked at that now slightly thinner projection compared to before.
"Why... save me?"
The answer was still that familiar and gentle voice, "Saving a friend, isn't that only natural?"
Van was stunned at first, then a faint blush appeared on her face.
———
Seeing this, people in the real world all commented,
[Wait, why are you blushing like a bubble teapot!]
[Three years old Van! From a genetics standpoint, that's your dad!]
[Did miHoYo's screenwriter go study in Inazuma Country?]
[X-father, huh]
[Stop it up there, say another word and this video's getting taken down. Got resources? DM me!]
[Why does this convo between you two feel so familiar all of a sudden?]
———
[Back to the Video.]
Phantom Van's words made three year old Van genuinely feel acknowledged. She instinctively turned her face away, trying to change the topic.
"Re... really strange, why did I lose? Whether it's speed or strength, whether it's spirit or willpower, I should far surpass all of you... Could it be that just because I'm a Herrscher, I'm destined to fail?"
At this point, Van lowered her head in frustration. "Actually, I already realized it, I just didn't want to admit it..."
"After all, I am the Herrscher of Consciousness. Isn't denying something as easy as flipping my hand?"
"But in the end, the one I wanted to become wasn't me. The one I wanted to destroy was myself. I kept laughing at others, and turns out the one most laughable was me."
"This world really isn't that fair..." At this point, Van's tone carried a trace of trembling.
However, phantom Van's next words made her look up in shock.
"Becoming a Herrscher wasn't your fault. On this journey, I've seen your growth and kindness. I've felt the human side of you."
The moment their eyes met, Van clearly saw a trace of heartache on Phantom Van's face.
At this point, phantom Van's projection gently reached out and wiped away the tear streak on her cheek.
"So, from now on, you don't need to live under anyone's shadow. You are yourself, the one and only you..."
Van's pupils slightly widened, the tears in her eyes could no longer be held back.
"I... can I? Really?"
"Of course. You are the Van who can punch Schicksal and kick World Serpent, you can do anything."
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