Chapter 14: Everlasting Flames II
"No!" Kiana burned the giant mechanical arms holding her down, as the gems on the greatsword lit up even more.
Bathed in flames, she raised her greatsword aloft, the four gems emitting different colors shone brightly, but none of them could compare to the light in her eyes.
Bronya tied her long hair, Fu Hua made her armor, and Himeko put a cloak on her.
And after that, his figure appeared again and blended with the greatsword in her clenched hand, the sword emitting a dazzling golden light!
This is the strength that her companions have given her, and it is also a perfect answer to everything she has been through so far!
All the hardships she has experienced, all the good things she has experienced, have transformed her into the current her.
A Herrscher born to protect mankind along with all the good things in this world.
This is the embodiment of Kiana's will.
'How cool....' Xuan's thoughts trailed off as he stared at the dazzling Kiana in the airspace. 'But....'
'Who is that blurry figure?' This figure has appeared twice now, even more than Himeko, who also had one of the biggest impacts in her life.
'I need answers...'
Kiana raised her greatsword high up in the air before rushing towards the Herrscher of Domination like a comet.
"Of course, the world is not pretty..."
"But there are people who tell me not to give up."
"They guided me and proved to me that the world is not that bad." Kiana's flaming figure spiralled in midair, her golden sword slicing through all the thorns that stood in her way.
Spiral-shaped pieces of metal converged in front of Kiana, seemingly continuing to stop her from moving on.
"This sword links us, it will burn the dark sky, and let the light shine farther away!"
The red greatsword erupted in blazing fire as Kiana slashed at them, the intensity spreading through the entire Theatre of domination.
Its heat spread so far that Xuan himself could feel the heat from his hiding spot.
Seeing as it couldn't stop Kiana, the Herrscher of Domination gathered all its power, sending a beam of light at her that was enough to destroy everything.
Kiana didn't dodge nor did she falter; she was ready to meet the final blow of the Herrscher of Domination, facing it head-on.
Because she's not fighting alone!
Once more, cue it in again.
Behind her, vague figures appeared in turn: Theresa, Bronya, and Fu Hua.
With their outstretched arms placing their palms on Kiana's back, they seemed to be entrusting her with power.
"This will be our path—"
"—Back home!"
The Herrscher's attack was easily destroyed by Kiana, who, with unrivalled strength, burst through the flames to deliver the final blow to the Herrscher of Domination.
"No..." The Herrscher of Domination could only use the remaining ability in her arsenal to construct layers of defensive barriers, trying to fend off Kiana's attacks.
But how can such flimsy barriers stop the strength of her companions?
The greatsword in Kiana's hands continued its motion as her sword clashed with the hastily constructed barriers by the Herrscher of Domination.
And again!
That same vague figure appeared once more, amidst the dazzling flames, beside Kiana.
"Okay, what the actual fuck." This was the third time it's happening. "Who on earth is that figure?" Xuan dropped his calm face as confusion marred his facial expression.
Retracting his gaze from that figure...
"AHHHHHH!"
Kiana turned all the emotions within her into a loud shout, her body turning into literal flames, lighting up the entire Theatre of Domination.
.....
.....
Kiana pointed her greatsword at the kneeling Herrscher of Domination, who bowed before her. "It's over. I—no, we have won."
"Hehehehe..."
"You still don't understand. As I said, we are manifestations of mankind's malice. As long as there is malice, we will not die!"
"Kiana, give up! It's a futile resistance!"
A chilling voice suddenly echoed behind Kiana, more menacing than the Herrscher of Domination's usual tone.
Surprised, Kiana looked around, but the voice seemed to come from nowhere. Gripping her greatsword, she aimed it at the empty air.
"In that case, I'll just destroy you again!"
"Hahahaha, it's useless. No matter how many times you destroy us, we will be resurrected. This is the power given by God, Hahahaha!"
"Yes! The punching bag is still—Ahem." Fu Xuan interrupted, clearing his throat. Originally thinking things would go according to the original.
"So, this is probably the mission, huh?" As Xuan muttered those words, a countdown appeared on the blue panel. "Figures..."
Fragments of the Herrscher of Domination's powers converged in the Theatre once more.
Materializing into a puppet in the center of the platform, it waved its arms wildly to celebrate its recovery.
Kiana, surprised by the Herrscher of Domination's sudden recovery, quickly regained her composure.
Gripping her greatsword tightly, she prepared to attack again, lunging towards the Herrscher swinging the greatsword downwards.
However—
"Eh?"
Her greatsword failed to penetrate the thin shield blocking her path.
"Hahahaha!" The Herrscher of Domination laughed triumphantly, launching Kiana backward with a powerful blast of Honkai energy.
"Kiana, give up. It's impossible for you to defeat us now, hahaha!"
"Haah, haah. No way!" Despite the blood at the corner of her mouth, Kiana stood up using her sword as support. "No matter how impossible it seems, I will do my best to overcome it!"
Suddenly, the sky shimmered with a golden light, catching Kiana's attention. Looking up, she saw a giant mechanical hand descending from the air with a bitter expression.
The Herrscher of Dominion's attack was falling down from above.
Kiana had many options, but there was still the unconscious Fu Hua and Bronya here, so the only thing to do is to...
"Block the attack!"
Kiana jumped up in the air—
"—That's what I've been waiting for!"
The Herrscher of Domination lunged at Kiana who was about mid air.
Now, Kiana would have to worry about the gigantic mechanical hand attack coming from above, and the Herrscher of Domination assault.
"Tsk—!"
'—It's time...'
——
Editor's note:
No editor's note for this chapter :)