It was unknown where it came from, nor what it was called, but the moment that majestic voice rang out, the term "Supreme Will" instinctively popped into everyone's mind.
Supreme Will, perhaps others didn't know, but Xiling was very clear on it. While he didn't know why the Supreme Will had contacted them, he didn't care. He just had to run!
The moment that voice rang out, Xiling immediately instructed everyone to return to their respective worlds through the chat group, while he remained behind to face the Supreme Will with the Tarnished.
The Tarnished was from this world; he couldn't stay in other worlds forever. He would eventually return to this one, and he couldn't escape the Supreme Will.
"...Interesting"
"...completely vanished from this world"
"...able to travel freely between worlds"
"...rest assured, I won't do anything to you"
"Let's make a deal."
"Why would a being like you need to make a deal with us, the little guys?" Xiling demanded. "The Lands Between has been severed from you."
"I originally had no intention of interfering here."
"But your appearance has opened my eyes to another possibility."
"A possibility that leads to an unknown path."
"How could I not have known that we were so powerful? Did you find the wrong person?" Xiling felt things were getting a little mysterious.
"An unknown world, an unknown civilization, and ultimately, you, the unknown, will guide this world in which direction? I'm looking forward to it."
"No! You're not suggesting we become the King of Elden, are you?" Xiling pointed at himself and then at the bewildered Tarnished beside him, his tone tinged with disbelief.
"Do you think you're incapable? No problem."
"I will grant you my blessing."
"With my blessing, you will surely reap the fruits of victory."
Xiling scratched his head. It wasn't that he lacked confidence, nor was it that he was unwilling to shoulder this responsibility. The key was that he had no good solution.
He had considered it, but he simply couldn't figure it out. He wasn't a soul scientist. "Why do you think we can show different paths?" Xiling asked, unsure. He was also curious about the being's response.
"...Because of the unknown. The unknown represents possibility."
"I created everything, but I'm not omniscient or almighty. I'm still exploring."
Xiling: "..."
"I planted a seed at the Lands Between and waited for it to develop. Unfortunately, it didn't meet my expectations, so I stopped paying attention to this place."
"But your presence has opened my eyes to unknown possibilities. So, do you want a deal?"
The Supreme Will again proposed a deal.
"...How do you want to deal?"
"Hey!" The Tarnished looked at Xiling in astonishment. He didn't think agreeing to the other party was a good idea. However, Xiling had a different perspective. The chat group was constantly updating with messages, filled with worry, confusion, and doubt, facing it together. Xiling's response to his friends' concerns was: "Leave it to me."
"No matter where you are, power is essential. I will grant you a blessing, and even if you travel to another world, this blessing will be with you."
"So it's a deal of power?"
"You can also make requests."
"That's it, isn't it? You're right, power is the most valuable currency, no matter where you are."
Xiling pointed to himself. "Then I'll make the deal with you alone."
"...your friends don't think so."
"What!" Xiling asked, puzzled, before someone grabbed him by the neck.
"Why are you trying to act so cool?" Kevin, who was holding Xiling's neck, said angrily.
"No, why are you still here?" Xiling looked back, realizing everyone in the chat group was there.
Luo Tianyi scratched her cheek lightly. "I think it's better to face difficulties together with friends."
Houraiji Kyuushou flung her arm in a somewhat childish pose. "Saving the world, as expected, still depends on me."
Lemuen said nothing, only holding her own weapon.
"Why did you let them in?" Xiling glanced at the Tarnished.
The Tarnished shrugged. "I forgot to turn off the permissions, and they got in."
"...You have a good group of companions."
"I think so too," Xiling said helplessly, still being strangled by Kevin's neck.
"...The deal is done. No matter the outcome, this is what you deserve."
As the words fell, six rays of light descended from the starry sky, landing in the bodies of several people.
...
"I feel something's wrong. Can I return it?" Xiling examined a black cloak (?). However, his words were immediately met with a furious rebuke from the Tarnished.
"How dare you! This is a blessing bestowed by the Supreme Will, and you don't cherish it! It seems I, as the Supreme Will's sharp blade, must properly discipline you!"
With a casual throw, he sent the drifting creature to the ground, and Xiling looked at the others with envy.
The Supreme Will bestowed six different blessings.
Kevin received the blessings of [Day and Night].
[Day: Controls blazing flames. From the moment of sunrise, Kevin's power will continuously increase until reaching its peak at dusk.
Night: Controls ice. Night's power steadily increases, and he can also summon shadow clones.]
The Tarnished received the blessing of [Magic of the Stars].
Lemuen received the blessing of [The Eye of the Stars].
[The Eye of the Stars: See through falsehood, act with extreme speed, detect weaknesses, and discern true names.]
Luo Tianyi received the blessing of [The Voice of the Stars].
The sound she utters will transform into power. Houraiji Kyuushou obtained [The Dark Night Wings].
It allowed her to fly freely, space jump, and cast gravity magic.
Finally, it was Xiling's turn. He also obtained [The Starry Cloak].
It was called a cloak, but it was actually a defensive device that could store some items, and then nothing more.
"No, this doesn't make sense!" Watching Houraiji Kyuushou screaming in the sky, Xiling shed tears of envy.
He was the one who had made a deal with the Supreme Will, so why did he get only this?
Just as Xiling was complaining about the Supreme Will's injustice, he saw Kevin standing there motionless.
"What's wrong with this guy?" Xiling walked over and patted Kevin on the shoulder. "What's going on? Why are you standing there motionless?"
"I feel something's wrong."
"What's going on?"
Under Xiling's puzzled gaze, Kevin clenched his fists. "I'm feeling so strong now."
Xiling: "...You're going crazy! I was even worried about you for a moment. What a waste!"
Kevin raised his head at a 45-degree angle to the sky and said indifferently, "You don't understand."
"Guess I need to practice with you today," Xiling stretched his muscles slightly.
He had killed many monsters during the third Honkai Impact. In-game terms, he had already leveled up a lot.
Today, he planned to show Kevin what a crushing victory was.
Xiling was brimming with confidence, but if he had seen Kevin's screen, he probably wouldn't have said so.
So, under the watchful eyes of the other group members,
The two began to fight.
Half an hour later, Xiling emerged victorious.