Making Honkai Impact lll In A World Where Kallen Exists [Continuation]

Her life had been a long and complicated journey, just like the path she had traveled.

Along the way, she had learned a lot about herself, especially about her childhood memories of the orphanage, a place that felt like a distant dream.

The origin of the universe, the intersection of laws.

Eighteen years and eight months was a tiny blip compared to fifty thousand years. It was like a quick blink of an eye.

For the guardian, this was its job.

—To tell every visitor what kind of power they had inherited.

Then, to engrave in their souls the promise that once belonged to "him."

They would fight Honkai, to the death!

And today, a visitor had indeed arrived.

Durandal scanned the crimson world around her, her eyes sharp with caution. Otto, her former leader, had banished her to this strange place.

The power that pulsed from the depths of the Imaginary space kept her trapped.

She was determined to find a way out.

But at this moment, she didn't understand

what kind of place she was in.

As she delved deeper, exploring further, her questions multiplied.

She soon came to a conclusion—this space was definitely more than just the depths of the Imaginary space.

The memory fragments she gathered, growing in number, confirmed her suspicions… they were all about the Kaslana family.

Whether it was Kevin, Kiana, or Siegfried,

they were all memories about the Kaslana family.

So, at this point, she hadn't realized why there were memories about her and Rita.

And the Homu doll that guided her forward, a failed wanderer lost in this space, gradually revealed his true identity, Kiana's father… no, her father as well—Siegfried.

Yes, through countless fragments of memories, she gradually realized that it matched the scene of the doll holding a picture, representing Siegfried.

She was that Kiana, the real Kiana.

And now, she had successfully broken free from the constraints of the Stigmata Space, gaining the opportunity to truly master the Kaslana Stigmata.

But she still couldn't forget the icy coldness in her heart at that time. The urge to kill Honkai almost consumed her mind. She was on the verge of succumbing to those countless whispers, but in the end, the gentle, holy power within her enveloped her.

"It's okay… child, try relying on… your mother's power."

The power was silent yet warm, gentle yet forceful. It stopped her from becoming a vessel for revenge, helping her become a knight who could control the ancient destiny.

—It was her own biological mother, a fleeting yet eternal embrace across time.

As a dark light emerged from her body, her golden Armor was obscured. A dark blue warhorse burst forth from an unknown place, sharp spikes protruding from its forehead.

"The path of Palatinus Equinox, opens here…!!"

She leaped onto the warhorse, spear in hand. The steed whinnied and charged, unleashing a powerful blow, engaging in battle with the Stigma seed that stood in her way.

The spear tip, combined with the warhorse's charge, sparked with friction as it struck the enemy, pushing it back relentlessly.

She had completed her own transformation.

She had also completed the inheritance of this space, gaining new power.

...Back in the present, Durandal gently landed with Theresa, and the others rushed over to inquire.

Finally, facing Kiana's questions,

She thought for a moment and answered a few questions, sharing some of her experiences in the Stigma space.

As for the matter of her being her sister… it wasn't the right time yet.

Durandal sighed silently, gazing at the church in the distance. That was the priority.

[The real Kiana has appeared!]

[So, Otto telling Theresa about the real Kiana wasn't exactly wrong?]

[In the end… it still comes down to Mom's power!]

[Kill him, Kiana!]

[Charge, Durandal!!]

[So, should I call her Kiana or Bianca?]

-----

Clearly, the players were excited by the warhorse. After all, compared to Duck Duck's motorcycle, riding a horse was another kind of manly dream.

And with that, there was a wave of surprise in the lobby about Durandal's identity.

Many people had thought of it, after all, they were sisters here, and their relationship wasn't as flawed as hers and Sirin's.

But since it was many people, not everyone, there were those who hadn't connected the dots.

"Uh… huh? Durandal is actually the real Kiana?"

Pardofelis' eyes glazed over, but she quickly jumped up in surprise, the gold coin in her hand falling to the ground with a crisp sound.

The moment she heard it, a visible pang of pain shot through her heart.

Her fluffy tail curled slightly, snatching the gold coin back with a flick. Facing the gazes of those around her, she awkwardly laughed twice.

"Ahaha, I, I… I really like shiny things, don't, don't mind me, keep talking."

Quickly, she ducked down again, avoiding any chance of attracting attention.

In secret, she quietly leaned back, trying her best to block the things inside. She had… secretly taken quite a bit.

But… everyone wouldn't mind too much…

As for the real Kiana, she didn't really pay much attention to that matter. Naturally, she wouldn't waste much time thinking about it.

However... Looking at Sister Hua shocked expression, it seemed she didn't guess it either?

Pardo huddled her body, making sure no one was looking at her. Then, she glanced around at everyone's expressions,

Finding others just as surprised as her, she relaxed. As long as she wasn't the only one who stood out, she was fine with just letting things be.

"Ugh... Sister is getting stronger again."

Kiana mumbled with a tinge of frustration, but it was just a feeling that the path to catching up to her sister's strength had gotten even longer.

"The full power of the Kaslana family stigmata? Theoretically... Kiana, you could also try hard, right?"

Mei pursed her lips and smiled at Kiana.

She seemed to be quite relaxed, without any embarrassment. As for the sisters in the game...

Well, they had noticed during voice acting. They even stopped the boss to ask about it once. Luo Mo didn't mind. The sisters recognizing each other wasn't a plot twist, and besides, two people couldn't really affect the emotional value that much.

Did they really think Luo Mo was worried about that emotional value? He just wanted to see the original characters' reactions up close.

However, something unexpected happened on Flame-Chasers side.

Luo Mo nodded slightly, glancing at Hua and Pardo across from him.

After all, they weren't exactly familiar with the current civilization, so it was understandable.

As for the others... Griseo certainly didn't realize he believed it, but she was focused on drawing. The others' expressions didn't change much either.

This news, no matter how you looked at it, was somewhat outdated. It shouldn't be a secret to anyone...

"Huh? Are Big Sister and Kiana sisters in the game too?"

Sirin asked with some confusion. As a queen, she rarely thought about such things. She really thought the real Kiana was already dead!

"But... is that... Dad?"

Kiana's eyes lit up as she looked towards Cecilia.

She also missed her father, Siegfried. Although she didn't feel much about it while with her mother, seeing him in the game brought back memories of their childhood.

"While I don't know how Siegfried ended up in the game... the truth is, he probably wouldn't have that kind of miracle in real life."

Cecilia remained silent for a moment, but then slowly revealed the truth.

(TL/C: ...well, I'm not sure. Unless the Author decided to change that.)

She had no choice. Except for Durandal, her explanation to Kiana was that Siegfried had gone to a very far place. When Kiana grew up, she understood and stopped mentioning it. She had some sadness in her heart, but who would have thought...

There was indeed a place that could be considered distant and unreachable.

The Kaslana Stigmata Space? Why not a Schariac Stigmata Space?

She secretly blamed Luo Mo in her heart, but she also clarified the difference between the game and reality for Kiana.

"Oh... alright."

Kiana's eyes dimmed for a moment, but she quickly recovered her spirits. After all, this was something she had already expected deep down. It was just that the similar scenes in the game gave her new hope.

— Maybe Dad really just went to a very far place.

"As expected of Lady Durandal, even the Kaslana family's stigmata trials are easily overcome by you. You're truly amazing."

Rita smiled at Durandal, showering her with praise without holding back.

This wasn't really wrong either.

Countless Kaslana descendants hadn't inherited the fully awakened stigmata, while this young woman had already succeeded. Even that hero, Siegfried, Durandal's father... wasn't he trapped there?

"Uh... Rita, don't say it like that. Let's try transferring the power of the world bubble to you. Perhaps, you are more suited to it than I am."

Durandal lowered her head in embarrassment, but quickly came to her senses, staring at Rita and saying,

"Hmm, that would be a bit difficult for me. It's fine for a short time, but for a long time... I was chosen back then because you were the only one."

Rita said with some embarrassment, but her eyes shone with a hint of joy. The watery light in her eyes fixed on Durandal, making her unconsciously turn her head to face a different direction.

"Even for a short time, we should try. If something unexpected happens, it could be dangerous."

She said it seriously, but unfortunately, she was talking to thin air.

"Look at me, Durandal. It's impolite if you don't look directly at me."

Rita stepped forward slightly, gently fixing Durandal's collar, and said softly.

"...Hmm."

-----

While Durandal's return and the rescue of Principal Theresa brought them some joy,

For the few present, their priority was to unite their front.

That is to say… there was still one thing that was crucial.

After all, the she was indeed Schicksal's strongest S-rank Valkyrie. No matter what, the two in front of them had chosen to stand in her way. Maybe their subjective intentions weren't this way, but it was a fact.

They had already assigned their roles, with Seele staying behind to take care of the injured, and Otto being hunted down by Kiana and Durandal.

Kiana's great-sword, although broken back then, had now recovered 70% of its Honkai energy, and the blade had been roughly reconstructed, making it usable for battle.

But at this moment, before stepping through the doorway,

"Durandal, I have to ask you something,"

Kiana turned her head seriously and looked at her comrade who was about to fight alongside her,

"What is your identity now, when you chose to fight Otto?"

She had many identities herself, but just like Durandal had told Otto at the beginning, the right to kill him belonged to Kiana and the others.

No matter what perspective you looked at it from, or what plans were involved, Otto had almost completely controlled her life.

From birth to now, school, learning, happiness, disaster, being a rogue, wandering... she had rarely seen him, yet there was always a pair of unseen hands playing with her life.

Even if there were happy times during that period, they were only the calm before the storm, just so she could firmly believe in fighting Honkai Beasts.

As for her own thoughts and wishes, Otto never considered them.

Therefore, she had many reasons.

But Durandal was different. She had also said that Otto was to her like Principal Theresa was to Kiana.

Durandal looked at the determined warrior in front of her, who was also the sister she had never recognized, and she felt a little proud and happy at the same time.

After thinking for a moment, she confessed, — she just believed that some things needed to be decided by oneself,

What was right, what was wrong, what was justice, what was evil, what was Schicksal — these were not things that any single person could declare.

They should be everyone's choice, everyone's path, everyone's life, the scenery collectively painted on the canvas called the world.

And she, simply wanted to reclaim the power that Otto had taken away, it was not something that one person should monopolize.

As for Otto, she held a complex mix of emotions towards him.

"... From any angle, he was a person who changed the trajectory of my life,"

"He is like a beautiful but cruel, great yet evil work of art. We will eventually defeat him, and leave his history to be judged by future generations."

Durandal spoke with complex emotions.

What he had taught her was, ironically, the weapon to fight against him.

Those thoughts he had imparted, all of them made her question him as he was now.

"... So, the strongest Valkyrie, wanna high-five before the real fight?"

Kiana laughed frankly, extending her hand towards Durandal.

Durandal was stunned for a moment, looking at Kiana's gesture.

Maybe, this was the real Kiana Kaslana, the daughter of those two… whether it was ten years ago or ten years later.

*Slap*

Your back is mine.

Without needing to speak, they both understood this point clearly.

In this battle, they would fight side-by-side.

[Kiana... she's so unlucky. After hearing her story, it's clear that she shouldn't have any feelings for Otto]

[The reunion of the sisters after ten years, one has reached the top as the strongest Valkyrie, and the other as the strongest human Herrscher, uh... Otto obviously counts as Honkai]

[Kiana became the strongest Valkyrie (×); the strongest Valkyrie became Kiana (√)]

[It's begun, the final showdown is about to arrive]

-----

Kallen couldn't help but sit upright and watch the situation inside game develop.

No matter what, this battle with Otto would have a result. Perhaps... she could also uncover the real secret.

Would this world really be the way it was planned five hundred years ago?

But if you think about it, the other members of the Kolosten people were not present, meaning it wasn't exactly Otto's original plan, at least.

"Palatinus Equinox... a fully awakened stigmata bearer, and then the Herrscher of Flamescion... But if you really want to say that they can defeat the opponent, I'm not optimistic."

Mobius rubbed her temples and narrowed his eyes.

"But unfortunately, the battle may not happen. The clues are too obvious. Otto obviously wants to be defeated."

Vill-V looked at the game and commented that she and Mobius both had one thing in common: they were not interested in such motivational oaths. From a certain perspective, they should be classified as chaotic.

But Elysia, on the other hand, had a different sparkle in her eyes. She actually agreed with what the two of them said. Some things... should be left for people to choose for themselves.

Just like she did back then, handing the power of the Herrscher to humanity.

"But it's clear that Kiana is not there yet, unable to defeat Otto, even with Long Light there frantically reminding her about the finite and infinite transformations, she can't use it under normal circumstances."

Mobius yawned, saying it boredly.

Either the plan had a flaw, or the other side had other plans.

"Heh, you're right."

Vill-V thought about it for a moment, agreeing with her assessment. "Then we can't judge how it will end, but it's the protagonist, so victory is inevitable, right?"

She just shrugged, expressing her thoughts.

"Big Sis, how about we high-five too?"

Kiana ran excitedly to Durandal's side, pleading with her, and even extended her hand first.

Durandal glanced at her, wondering what her sister was up to again.

She didn't refuse, and reached out to slap her hand.

"Yay! Scene completion +1. This scene was so cool~"

Kiana said with satisfaction, actually retracting her somewhat numb hand. Big Sis was really strong!

"Kiana, you..." Durandal facepalmed, helplessly looking at Kiana.

She was obviously doing it on purpose, she was really bored!

"Heh, just like how class monitor can become a Herrscher, the strongest Valkyrie can become Kiana! Mission accomplished!" Kiana chuckled.

Even Fu Hua and Little-Senti gave her strange looks this time.

Durandal was speechless as she looked at her.

But right at the entrance to the space, they were stopped.

If she were uninjured, that crack could have been opened by Kiana. But now, the minor injuries left by the Constraining Authority in her body prevented her from focusing all her energy.

Even that brief contact caused anomalies in her core.

It made her powerless to move forward at this juncture.

She was unwilling to give up. She gritted her teeth and continued to exert herself, but that crack became an impassable chasm.

"... Hold on, Kiana. Just a little longer, I can help you..."

A faint voice echoed, but she remembered, it was Mei voice.

She was suddenly pulled into a space of consciousness, where she saw her past,

The scene of her first battle alongside Mei, believing in the power of one hundred back then, Schicksal HQ's trauma for Mei, the fleeting farewell after meeting in ARC City, the sweet pepper curry in Nagazora City, and the hand she never managed to hold...

They had come so far, overcoming countless challenges, only to be separated now.

She had also thought, if she had this power now, maybe everything could have been changed...

But now, looking at the luminous doorway in her consciousness, she took a deep breath and stepped inside. There, she saw a transformed version of herself, waiting for Kiana.

"..."

Even though they had wanted to see each other for so long, they didn't know where to start the reunion.

"... Is this the depths of the Herrscher core?"

"...Yes." Mei nodded.

"Am I dreaming? Why didn't you tell me in advance?"

"... You're not wearing that coat."

Mei examined Kiana, her cold expression actually concealing a touch of tenderness.

"Huh?"

"You said you would always wear it."

Mei said calmly, but there was an extra power in her words. A power that Kiana could never contend with.

"Ah, this…"

Kiana was a little confused, scratching her head and looking around. Something felt off.

"Haha, just kidding."

Mei smiled softly, the solidified space seemed like an illusion. "Kiana, you've changed a lot."

"I think we haven't changed at all."

Kiana's brain instantly came online, answering perfectly.

Mei meant changes in appearance, strength, and thinking, while Kiana was simply stating that their feelings for each other hadn't changed at all.

"Heh, — I also learned about your experiences on that side in World Serpent,"

"So, let me lend you a hand too."

Mei said seriously, "The conquering lightning, accept my power..."

"No matter how many times, the blade you lose, I will forge it anew for you."

Kiana opened her mouth, but didn't know what to say. "Thank you, Mei..."

"You have to go now..."

"Hm... next time, it will be face to face, right?"

"Don't lose, Kiana."

Seeing Kiana turning to leave, Mei couldn't help but say it.

She knew how dangerous this was, but she also knew that no reason could stop her determination.

"Of course..."

Kiana turned back with a warm smile, one hand on her hip, full of confidence. It was as if she had returned to her former vitality.

"After all, with Mei here, it's like having the power of one hundred people."

"..."

"Haha"

Mei couldn't help but chuckle. They both remembered that old conversation, that youthful sweetness was a warm power in their hearts.

"Alright, then... you go ahead and feel it, this power of one hundred people."

Mei stared at Kiana's departing back, softly saying, full of trust.

------

Her reunion with Mei seemed to ignite a flame within her. That warm power had never left her side, and she believed they would meet again in a brighter future.

"One slash, cut it apart!"

Kiana looked at the spatial rift before her, her gaze fixed firmly on the path ahead.

She swung her blazing great-sword, bathing the area in white light. The flames tore open the spatial rift, widening it.

As she looked at the path she had created, a thought crossed her mind: "Thank you, Mei."

With Mei's help, the depleted Honkai energy within her had re-condensed, turning into a raging inferno that propelled her forward.

No matter what obstacles lay ahead, she believed that with the power of those hundred people, they could definitely defeat them!

[Kiana's Party recommends it for life! ]

[This is a change of offense and defense. 0 and 1 are suddenly replaced. The situation between them is no longer what it used to be.]

[The Herrscher of One Hundred People begins to appear! ]

[Don't jinx it by saying things like 'when we meet again, we'll get married' or whatever...]

[Why one hundred people? Why not one thousand.]

-----

"Uh..." Kiana looked at Mei's expression.

She felt the atmosphere wasn't very friendly towards her.

It's just that I was letting Mei win.

Why does it feel like I'm so bad at the game?

"Is it... that coat from ARC City?" Bronya asked, trying to stir up trouble, thinking it would be interesting.

"It should be, you clearly promised, but Kiana broke her word..." Mei said, glancing at Kiana.

"But, but, but you can't wear it all the time!" Kiana retorted, helplessly ruffling her hair. Her white hair, already a bit curly, became even more tangled. She looked at Mei pitifully.

Who would have thought she'd bring up such a small detail here? We're about to fight the boss here.

"Pfft~, it's up to you, I didn't say anything..."

Mei couldn't help but cover her mouth and said with a smile in her eyes.

"Wow, Mei~, you've become evil."

Kiana tugged on the corner of Mei's clothes, feeling like she wanted to stick to her, but considering there were so many people present, she just said coquettishly.

"Then...the power of one hundred people?" Bronya said making trouble on the side.

"That's the bond between me and Mei!" Kiana said firmly, her eyes signalling her to leave and stop causing trouble.

Didn't you watch their special bonding session? Is she trying to coax Mei into a good mood?

"Bronya was right there when she said that..."

Bronya narrated calmly, pretending to be a little distressed as she looked at the two people in front of her,

We were supposed to be a trio... how come it's just the two of you now? And you even found a place to meet up secretly all the time.

"You? Aren't you supposed to be sleeping right now? You always sleep when something big happens, Bronya. You need to seriously think about your actions."

Kiana pouted, turned around and retorted,

The Herrscher of Reason slept before, and now she's sleeping again while fighting Otto... When will she finally step up and do her part as a main force?

Bronya's lip quivered and she opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. She looked at her with a bit of frustration.

"Hmm?"

"What are you humming about? You couldn't have broken through that barrier without my help."

"Well... but Bronya, you... It hurts, Mei!"

"Okay, let's drop it. Everyone's looking at us," Mei whispered, taking her hand away from Kiana's ear.

Then she looked at her hand, a bit confused. How could she have been so rough?

…

"Isn't it wonderful? 'No matter how many times you lose your weapons, I'll forge new ones for you.' That's so like Mei to say!"

Elysia's eyes sparkled as she said with a hint of envy.

She really wishes Mei could say something like that to her. How wonderful that would be.

But unfortunately, the opponent isn't very strong, and the fact that they're already a couple makes it awkward for her to make a move.

What if she joined them? That would be even weirder, right?

"Don't you think that's a bit chuunibyou?"

Mobius asked casually, leaning on the sofa.

"Chuunibyou?" Elysia's eyes widened slightly. "It's so touching! And it's very inspiring."

"Psychology says that 'kingly aura' and 'grandiose speeches' are often associated with what we call 'Chuunibyou' in modern terms. Of course, I'm not saying anything about anyone specifically, just sharing a little tidbit of knowledge."

Vill-V casually added,

"Uh... So, it seems Mei has the potential for this kind of thing?"

Elysia scratched her cheek, asking tentatively.

"..., looks like you've got a good feeling about her, huh." Vill-V said, leaning back with her hands behind her head, glancing at Elysia.

"Tsk." Mobius glanced at her,

You couldn't tell what kind of emotion she was feeling, but she made a "tsk" sound.

-----

In the dimly lit tower of the imaginary space, the corridors were shrouded in layers of dark golden mist.

Deep within the long, winding corridor, intricate golden patterns adorned the walls, and ahead, as if summoned from thin air, appeared.

"Bianca, Kiana, you've finally arrived!"

A familiar male voice sounded in the passage, and his voice was filled with a hint of joy.

He warmly welcomed their arrival.

"In the name of Apocalypse, I welcome you all to bear witness to the dawn of the apocalypse."

"Domination has been exhausted, and Binding have been temporarily lifted,"

His voice was steady at first, then filled with fervour.

He proclaimed his existence, and with it, the end of others.

The original domination and Binding were merely pawns in his game.

"But they bought me time and a secluded space-"

"Allowing me to transcend the Herrscher and ascend to godhood..."

"My heroes, I'm truly grateful for all of you,"

"Whether it was in the past or now, I've never wanted to lie to you or let you lose hope..."

"Of course, I won't patronize you. It's up to you to figure out how to end this imaginary authority."

In the endless, dimly lit corridor, dark purple crystals sporadically blocked the path. Durandal, mounted on her warhorse, weaved and charged through, pressing on towards the deepest part of the battlefield.

And in the distance, imaginary monsters floated in the air, occasionally firing golden energy beams to block them.

Kiana teleported directly inside the monsters, chopped them down one by one, and then fell back to the ground.

With the cooperation of the two, the road ahead was completely opened up, and they moved forward all the way, and then jumped directly into the air to welcome the final battle stage.

The two fighting girls stood side by side, the blonde knight rode a black and blue warhorse, and the white-haired Valkyrie's cloak fluttered behind her.

On the venue chosen by Otto, there was a golden light ball in the center of the hall, and the imaginary branches were tightly wrapped around it, dyeing the surroundings with golden halos.

He slowly walked to the center.

He bowed slightly to the two incoming warriors, expressing his welcome.

Then... he spread his arms, divine power surged through him, six black wings appeared on his back, and a dark golden spiral hovered behind him. A black outfit instantly covered his entire body, including his face.

The symbols of angels and demons were fully manifested on him, and the overwhelming power and pressure left people breathless.

He simply floated in mid-air, murmuring:

"Annihilation returns here, and a new star is born from this..."

"This power belongs neither to mortals nor to the Herrscher."

He simply floated in place, and a transparent barrier automatically blocked their attacks before they reached him.

With a wave of his hand, a chain dragged Durandal and her warhorse far away, then he set up multiple golden barriers to block them.

"Come on, my heroes... I've been waiting for this moment for far too long."

Otto fought while muttering incessantly, seeming both at ease and as if delivering final words.

But from beginning to end, he didn't really fight back, only blocking or creating imaginary Creations.

Kiana and Durandal weren't pushovers either. They quickly broke through the barriers and depleted Otto's health bar in the long battle.

With the final blow, the lance struck directly at the opponent's core.

The last bit of health was instantly depleted.

But just then,

Before they could celebrate, a tremendous force knocked them both back.

Otto, who should have fallen, slowly rose. Golden holy light descended upon him, and his once-black wings instantly turned white, transforming him from a demon to an angel.

His health was fully restored, and everything they had worked for was undone.

Space itself twisted violently, and the scene transformed into something completely different.

[False God? This is a false God? ]

[Such a thick health bar, I report, someone is cheating! ]

[Otto's health bar is showing, but we can't beat him? ]

[What he said... why does it feel like he still wants to be defeated at this time? ]

[Although it is obvious that Otto does not want to return to the world of five hundred years ago, I still don't understand what he wants... Can people... really be resurrected? ]

[It doesn't Matter if he has infinite health bar.  This can only means I can beat the shit out of him. Forever!]

-----

The hall fell silent, everyone staring in shock at Otto's entrance and attire.

"So this is what he calls... a False-god? It's definitely a false god. Powerful, yes, but shackled by the Imaginary Tree, losing his freedom. Not worth it," Mobius remarked, her brow furrowed.

While others might be surprised by his strength, she still felt something was off. It wasn't that he wasn't powerful enough, but this form was only good for reversing time five hundred years ago.

As a slave of the Imaginary Tree, he had to abide by its rules.

"But what about all the talk about infinite and finite, Imaginary Re-normalization? Maybe that's what's being applied at this point in time?" Vill-V shook her finger, speaking calmly.

She had suddenly switched personalities again, completely losing her usual boisterous demeanor. Instead, she was surprisingly sensible... which was normal for other Flame-Chasers, but bizarre for Vill-V.

Mobius glanced at her, silently nodding in agreement.

Neither of them mentioned the elephant in the room: could Kiana actually pull this off?

In Mobius's eyes, it was impossible. Even with the Second Key fully activated, it wouldn't be enough. But in Vill-V's eyes, it was perfectly reasonable. After all, it was the protagonist, a miracle was practically guaranteed!

Kallen remained silent, simply watching the scene unfolding in the game, her lips pressed together.

She had heard Mobius and Vill-V's conversation, but she also believed that Otto wouldn't do anything pointless. Those words and explanations were surely a form of misdirection. So... she wanted to see what he was going to do.

If he wanted to prove the incredible feats a single human could achieve, then... she would try to be surprised.

She hoped he would surprise her so much she wouldn't be able to close her mouth.

And she won't be stingy in praising... her once great inventor!

But, she wouldn't mind punching him afterward either. After all, he had made many mistakes...

She would help him pay for them, if she had the chance.

Kallen made her decision. She also noticed Kiana, Himeko, and Theresa. She would protect them, even if it was just for her own peace of mind.

"After all this, will the Herrscher of Binding appear again?"

Su, who had been sitting with his eyes closed, slowly opened one eye, asking abruptly.

Unlike the others, Su had been sitting there the whole time. With Kevin, the big ice block, beside him, even fewer people paid attention to him

Maybe... leaving him behind during the last treatment had something to do with it?

But now, he actually spoke. He actually opened his eyes.

How terrifying, Ellie silently dubbed in her mind.

"Well... I guess it's solved? After all, it was taken from the Will of Honkai, so it's a test for human civilization."

A faint light flickered in Vill-V's eyes, but she gave that answer.

"...As long as we defeat this Otto who doesn't want to fight, we'll have defeated the Herrscher of Binding. Well, that's good luck."

Mobius also realized, her face a bit ugly, but still tinged with envy.

"So, the Binding is solved? Is that even possible?" She asking in disbelief.

Fu Hua was a bit stunned, watching the battle in the game. She thought back to the lost comrades and the brutal bloodshed of past battlefields. She glanced at the Flame-Chasers next to her,

"Well, I guess that's how it is. Even if we had gone to kill the Binding from the beginning, it wouldn't have been such a small price..."

Su's eyes slowly closed, sighing.

-----

In another, more chaotic and bizarre scene, that was Otto's true inner landscape and the true face of the imaginary realm.

There are buildings everywhere that challenge people to try, roads paved with gray-blue foundation stones, intermittent loops floating irregularly, and different fortresses in the distance. Those winding passages are intricate and completely unrecognizable.

Space was chaotic, and buildings were irregular everywhere.

——Except for the stage that Otto built at the end, he was waiting for their arrival there.

"I am infinite, having been baptized by the tree of imaginary numbers."

Otto, now with white light wings, said softly, looking down at the two visitors.

Lightsabers appeared around him, attacking automatically, and a golden barrier blocked the opponents' attacks.

"Is this how you challenge the infinite?"

Otto sneered sarcastically, waving his hands lightly, blocking all the golden shields, and slashing down one after another with lightsabers following their figures,

"Girls, do you think I'm cruel?"

The golden chains were dodged, and the shields were all shattered.

"Let me teach you the truth of cruelty——"

"Anyone who falls should be pushed again!"

"It's over!"

Kiana seized the opportunity, judging her opponent's situation, and with all her might, struck down Otto with a single blow.

The opponent no longer had a chance to turn defeat into victory.

"It's useless...it's useless,"

His voice was a little sad. Otto slowly got up from the ground. Even after his wings were torn off, he stood up unharmed.

"As long as this space is bathed in the gift of the Tree of Imaginary Numbers,"

"My authority will continue to be regenerated..."

And what the players saw was that no matter how much they reduced his health, he would instantly recover fully at the moment of disappearance, making him impossible to defeat.

"You... can't kill me,"

"Unreconstructable power is absolutely infinite..."

Even though he was so weak, completely unable to fight back, Otto's figure kept rising again and again, seemingly proclaiming the truth of his words.

"Just relying on the measly Herrscher of the Void,"

"You can't do it!!"

Otto continued to provoke them, closing his eyes, letting Kiana and the others attack him.

Kiana watched as Otto, who couldn't be truly injured no matter what, clenched her teeth. She remembered what Nagamitsu and the two doctors had said,

And the weaknesses Otto had exposed himself, those classic "you can't defeat me unless you do this" problems.

"Imaginary Number Renormalization? I don't believe it... I won't let you!"

Durandal charged from afar, using her lance to directly fling him against the wall. The tip of her lance pierced Otto's chest, preventing him from swaying his body.

Meanwhile, Kiana lowered her greatsword, determined to manipulate the powers of the Herrscher of the Void within her, engaging in a game of strategy with the powers within him.

"Let your power go with you to your grave!!"

The sadness she felt as a test subject, the successive deaths of her parents, the sight of her companions being hurt, the red figure falling in the imaginary space, the countless ordinary people who drifted because of this, and finally, the insane experiment that destroyed the world,

"Mom, Dad, Himeko-sensei, Class Monitor... this is what you owe them all!"

The power in her heart gathered little by little, her hatred accumulating.

She was going to completely destroy the person in front of her, also to protect her cherished wish.

At one point, the grief in her heart completely erupted, and the Herrscher of the Void core within her contracted to its limit,

She suppressed the power of the Imaginary Number Tree, even if it was only for a short moment!

Flames and explosions roared, engulfing this world of imagination, turning everything into ruins. Otto was nowhere to be found.

They... won!

[It feels like Otto just let us win, like he was letting us have it]

[Otto... just like that?]

[He kept reminding us of his weaknesses, and basically just defended himself during the fight... there's definitely more to the story]

[No matter what, the journey that lasted for months has finally ended... let's pop the champagne, let's pop the champagne!!]

[Otto's health bar finally disappeared, haha, even though he'll probably get a redemption arc later, it doesn't matter! Let's open a bottle first!]

[I finally remember the perfect word that should be used for Otto. "What a Gaslighter."]

-----

This battle also gave us an understanding of the true strength of this Overseer of Schicksal.

Even with the power of a False God as his guarantee, his skillful use of it demonstrated his extraordinary abilities.

But the more important question is, is Otto really dead?

The few people in the hall stared at the black screen, silent, waiting for the final judgment to come.

"Should we pop the champagne?"

Luo Mo suddenly asked. He remembered that Kalpas had bought a whole case, intending to share it after Otto kicked the bucket.

Little Senti had definitely bought a case too, but why was she so restless now? What was she looking around for?

But it didn't matter. He had also won a case from the system, so anyone who wanted to drink could quickly grab one. It would be inconvenient to get it later...

"I think it's fine, no need. Let's wait until everything truly settles down..."

Elysia glanced sideways, avoiding his question.

He was definitely up to no good. That was the premise of everything.

Therefore, she could quickly deduce that he was going to cause trouble again. She decided to avoid him for now, although she didn't really believe he could pull off anything too crazy.

"I have some here. Looks like we can have a good drink today!"

Kalpas, surprisingly, didn't get angry but instead straightforwardly brought out his stash.

"[Please]don't waste food..." Aponia silently prayed, but it was a prayer that made people believe wholeheartedly.

"..." Kallen didn't say anything, looking at the scene in front of her with a headache.

She didn't know what to say, so she could only glare at Luo Mo. He was messing around again.

But everyone present was connected to Otto, even deeply affected by him. She could only block Theresa's eager steps. After all, she was still young... ah, no, he was her grandfather. That would be filial piety gone wrong.

However, Theresa clearly had no self-awareness. She was just curious why there was a Homu Comics on the champagne Luo Mo had brought out.

Besides, she didn't really think of Otto as her grandfather.

Meanwhile, at the company, thanks to the strict confidentiality measures at the end, and the fact that Luo Mo completed the rest of the project himself,

They were aware that something was off, but they couldn't easily give up on the champagne on the table and the bold words they had spoken.

One by one, they analyzed the last part of the project completed by their boss, while preparing to open the champagne to welcome Otto's final words.

They felt confident that even if Otto had some redeeming qualities later on, the dirty and vile actions he took along the way wouldn't be easily washed away.

Therefore, they confidently opened the champagne, ready to welcome the arrival.

But no one expected that Otto's final words would be so gentle and sorrowful. He never denied his own evil.

He wasn't a hero, never was.

He was just too selfish.

So selfish that... only she mattered most.

(TL/C: kekeke, now they will all feel what I felt for three years)

-----

That space gradually faded back into reality, and the girls returned to where they had started.

A place they had only arrived at recently, but felt subjectively like an eternity.

No matter what, Otto had finally been defeated by them. His cruel plan, filled with mockery of individual life, had come to an end.

But at that moment, a voice carried on the breeze reached their ears, causing the smiles they had shared to vanish, replaced by a look of shock. They became alert, looking around cautiously.

"Well done, Bianca, Kiana..."

A voice of satisfaction echoed from an unknown source, his words faint and elusive, but the two girls who had just faced him couldn't ignore it.

"Otto?"

"No need to be nervous, you two powerful warriors..."

Otto's gentle voice reached their ears, no longer carrying the oppressive feeling of before. Instead, it felt like a voice of advice.

"You truly reversed the rules above False God' in a moment, turning my spirit into the lonely ghost I am now."

"Soon, everything will settle down according to your will... so before that, I want to congratulate you."

"Congratulations on overcoming domination and Binding, congratulations on stopping me from destroying your history and your people."

"Of course... congratulations to myself as well. I can finally say goodbye to my life without regret."

"Since that's the case, can you tell us your true purpose?"

Durandal breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed like he was going to disappear completely.

But then, a sense of conflict arose Inside her.

"What's wrong? Bianca, even now, you still can't see me as an enemy?"

Durandal shook her head and said,

"I can't forgive you for what you did to me. But I won't forget the way you nurtured me."

"And, even now, I still believe..."

"Deep down, you still believe, in some form, in the things you taught us to believe in."

The man's voice paused, as if with a hint of amusement.

"...No matter what, you did defeat me. In that moment, you surpassed the 'God' behind me."

"That's an incredible achievement - use that experience, and you will eventually overcome Honkai, bringing lasting light to the world you cherish."

"And I will finally have the chance... to do something similar for the world I cherish. To be precise, to hand a lost torch into her hands."

Otto's relieved tone was calm and straightforward, but his weakness forced him to pause in the middle.

But both of them understood who he was talking about.

The name that had accompanied Otto Apocalypse throughout his life - Kallen Kaslana.

"She?"

"Could it be..."

"It seems you've both guessed the answer, haven't you?"

Otto chuckled, no longer harboring the animosity of an enemy. He sincerely thanked the two in front of him, allowing him to achieve his dreams and aspirations.

Despite the power of the False God before him, he was bound by the Imaginary Number Tree, unable to accomplish anything he desired, firmly tethered to the world of origin.

"So, I made a bet from the beginning,"

"I bet that the will of humanity could create a moment of wonder, that the 'laws' of the Imaginary Number Tree could be disrupted, subdued, for that brief instant."

His tone was calm, but with a certain madness, a confidence unknown to others.

"Kiana. The child I once called K423. In the past, the power of love allowed you to do this..."

"Now, I have proven that anger can do the same thing."

"I bet my last hope of reviving Kallen on this... and the facts have proven that I won."

Otto spoke weakly, clearly injured from everything that had just happened, yet still filled with a certain smugness.

Ha, he had won -

Now, it was his turn.

Durandal's eyes widened in shock, but she remained rational, analyzing step by step.

"So, to reshape the world five hundred years ago, you had to transcend reality, become a part of the imaginary space, become a slave to the Imaginary Number Tree..."

"And to change that world, to change that person's fate. You had to exile yourself? Even though the result is... you will die. Even your existence will come to an end."

"Of course."

That casual tone, as if he didn't care about the cost at all. He readily admitted it.

"Just like Prometheus stole fire from the heavens..."

"In that miraculous moment, I was able to bring the wedge of power that transcends reality to the world."

"It created a fork in the road of history, and no longer needs to destroy the world you love."

"Although the latter doesn't matter to me..."

"Thank you. You have allowed me to witness the miracle that belongs only to me and her, in the last moments of my life."

Perhaps it was because he was in the final moments of his connection with the world, his words became gradually gentler and more open. He didn't hold back in his warnings for their final journey.

After all, this world wasn't without people he cared about.

"I will eventually die with all my sins; and for you, who still choose to move forward..."

"The ladder to conquer Honkai has revealed its first steps to you. The path is winding and treacherous, almost impossible to traverse..."

"But at its end, there is indeed light."

"Farewell... heroes."

"...Oh," he paused for a moment, as if suddenly remembering, or as if he didn't know how to face it.

So, in the end, he simply said softly -

"Tell Theresa... unfortunately, her grandfather can't attend her coronation ceremony."

The man's presence vanished. He disappeared completely before the girls.

Under their gaze, his soul drifted away, into the void, towards his final destination.

[Goodbye, Archbishop...]

[Kevin knows all this, that's why he envies Otto]

[Sigh, this drink was kind of boring. I didn't expect Otto to have his own brilliance]

[When he was alive, I hoped he'd get his health bar up quickly... Now that he's near death, I can't help but listen to every word of his advice, sigh]

[In the end, I'm tearing up... no matter what, he still cared about Theresa]

[What is this weird feeling in my heart? Why I feel like not hating Otto anymore.  It's so uncomfortable.]

-----

"Love and anger? Knowing about emotions, yet choosing to trample on them, to use them... sigh, really. I don't know how to judge it."

Elysia sighed softly,

He clearly understood and appreciated the miracles created by human emotions, the flashes of love and hate,

Yet he still trampled on them recklessly, ignoring the feelings of others and focusing only on his own goals.

He understood the meaning of good, yet chose to do evil.

A rational villain, she thought with a wry smile. She couldn't persuade someone like that.

"He's not like other villains. He understands the power of emotions best. It's that very power that led him to where he is now, five hundred years later... so, he believes in the power of emotions."

"If reviving someone is impossible, but love and hate can create miracles of equal magnitude, it will take him across countless doors."

Luo Mo said with a touch of emotion.

He was truly a unique individual. As an evil boss, he didn't pursue power, but the miracles triggered by emotion.

It was precisely this that made him the one and only Archbishop of Schicksal.

He sat high above for five hundred years, his heart unchanged, only seeking to revive one person.

Such terrifying willpower... how could it fail?

"Human fools are breeding folly... heh, folly..."

Mobius's face turned grim. She remembered the initial short film, the reason behind his actions... and the secrets of this world.

It gave her a bad feeling.

"A divergent history, the world where Kallen lives...?"

Vill-V also looked up towards Kallen, then quickly shook her head, but her face changed. She was evaluating the possibility.

"No... it can't be true?"

Vill-V couldn't believe it either.

But the connection between the two worlds was already a bit abnormal. Whether it was this game, or that Herrscher of Sentience,

Coincidence? One coincidence is possible, but how many coincidences can there be?

"It's not impossible..."

Mobius was a bit hesitant. If it was truly a world created by him, on one hand, it meant he had succeeded, but on the other hand... it was unbelievable.

To be honest, they hadn't initially made the connection. Reviving someone, what could it possibly have to do with them?

But if Kallen existed, and Otto died, his existence vanished...

"What are you two talking about?" Elysia turned her head and asked, looking at the two who were muttering to each other.

They Ignored her.

The two exchanged glances and didn't continue the conversation. It was only a matter of minutes, there was no rush to argue about it.

Kallen, on the other hand, clenched her hand tightly, staring intently at the final scene. She became even more convinced that this world was connected to Otto.

It's just... to what extent?