"The existence of magic suggests that the world of the Seven Gods might be hanging beneath the Imaginary Tree. However, it seems that the Heavenly Principles are present there as well. It looks like we'll have to wait a bit longer."
The presence of elves and magic in the previous world bubble confirmed one thing for Daniel Davis: not all worlds beneath the Imaginary Tree are filled with Honkai energy. He was particularly curious about the world of the Seven Gods.
However, recalling the fate of the siblings who tried to leave that world, Daniel felt a sense of caution. Although the Heavenly Principles didn't directly kill the siblings, they were sealed, and after five hundred years, their strength had waned to the point where it was unacceptable. If Daniel were to be sealed for five hundred years, he would probably be in a dire situation.
"Forget it, I'll wait until I'm stronger before going there. There's no need to rush into such a risky venture. I should focus on fusing with the Serenity Gem first." Putting aside his distracting thoughts, Daniel immediately entered the Quantum Sea and took out the black Serenity Gem. The birth of each Herrscher leads to the emergence of a large number of Honkai beasts.
Although fusion could also be done within the Mirror Realm, Daniel wanted to observe the relationship between the Tree and the Sea in the Quantum Sea. He was extremely curious about this, as the two seemed to oppose each other yet appeared to share the same origin.
"If the abilities of the Herrscher of Reason can be replicated in human genes, allowing them to be used even after losing the Herrscher core, then other Herrscher cores should have similar capabilities."
For Daniel at this stage, what he lacked wasn't energy. His physical fitness, combined with the advancement of his soul and the Taixu Sword Qi he learned from Fu Hua, meant he didn't need to worry about energy issues.
What he lacked was the application of energy. Given enough time, he could develop various ways to utilize energy, just like Fu Hua, who had gradually integrated and summarized the Taixu Sword Qi over a long period.
Daniel had been working on this, and such things couldn't be rushed. Now that there was a shortcut in front of him, he naturally didn't mind taking it. The Herrscher core was undoubtedly such a shortcut.
For others, even if they had a Herrscher core, they wouldn't be able to take this shortcut. The only outcome would be death from Honkai energy erosion. Only those who could resist Honkai energy erosion could fuse with a Herrscher core.
"It's here. Let me test the power of the Serenity Gem—Annihilation."
After fusing with the Serenity Gem, the Honkai energy around the Quantum Sea began to change rapidly, and a large number of Quantum Shadows appeared. Facing these Quantum Shadows, Daniel's body released a strange black mist. The Quantum Shadows covered by the black mist began to rapidly decay and crumble.
Having previously used the Herrscher of Reason's ability to manifest the Black Abyss White Flower, Daniel was not unfamiliar with the Serenity Gem's power.
"Decomposition and creation—another ability that somewhat matches the Ope Ope no Mi."
The Black Abyss's ability was to decompose and decay anything, whether living or non-living. However, the White Flower's creation ability could only heal living beings. This was because the White Flower's ability blueprint had a unique innate advantage in this regard.
"Speaking of which, Mebius's immortality seems to be the result of fusing with the Judgment-class Honkai beast that accompanies the Herrscher of Death." Unfortunately, very few Judgment-class Honkai beasts have appeared in this era.
"Do you want to become a MANTIS?" Daniel asked, looking at the determined face of Himeko.
"Yes, I know you've been researching this. You must have a way to turn me into a MANTIS, right?"
"I do, but I don't have the right Honkai beast genes for you at the moment."
Theoretically, Himeko could become the Herrscher of Flame by fusing with the Homa Gem. In some world beneath the Imaginary Tree, she might already be the Herrscher of Flame.
However, theory is just theory. Given Himeko's current Honkai energy resistance, even with Daniel's full assistance, it would be difficult for her to fully fuse with the Homa Gem.
"What kind of Honkai beast genes would suit me?" Although Himeko knew about MANTIS, her understanding was limited. Her desire to become a MANTIS stemmed from witnessing Delta's strength during their journey in the world bubble and the relationship between the twin sisters, who were MANTIS.
The future was challenging, and as a teacher, her strength was somewhat lacking. If possible, she naturally wanted to have the power to protect her students.
"Fire-attribute Honkai beasts. Currently, the only suitable ones are Emperor-class Honkai beasts. If possible, Judgment-class would be best." Daniel briefly explained the situation with MANTIS. Fusing with different Honkai beasts would grant different abilities.
"What's the difference between the two?" Himeko asked after a moment of silence.
"The difference? Judgment-class Honkai beast genes have a higher starting point." Daniel explained the differences.
"Then it doesn't matter. Emperor-class Honkai beasts will do." After hearing Daniel's explanation, Himeko immediately made her decision.
"You haven't told Theresa and the others about this decision, have you? I think it's better to discuss it with them."
"This is my own decision. There's no need to tell Theresa." Her words made it clear that she hadn't informed Theresa.
"Then let's have a meeting. I also have some things to discuss."
In the principal's office of St. Freya Academy, with the help of Daniel's magic portal, the group quickly gathered. Those present included members of Anti-Entropy, as well as Siegfried.
"Wait, Himeko, you want to become a MANTIS? Why?" Although becoming a MANTIS would make her stronger, Theresa didn't want Himeko to become one unless absolutely necessary.
"Don't worry, Principal. After returning from the Elysian Realm, I obtained some information about the MANTIS technology from the Previous Era. The experiment won't have any issues." Daniel knew why Theresa was concerned—it was because MANTIS technology was still immature.
She and Amber had survived thanks to the sacrifices of many other clones.
"Teacher Himeko, you should think carefully. Once you become a MANTIS, you won't be an ordinary human anymore," said Fu Hua, who, as a MANTIS from the Previous Era, was well aware of the situation. With power far beyond that of ordinary humans, MANTIS were often seen as monsters.
"Don't worry, I've already made up my mind." Himeko smiled and nodded at Fu Hua. She couldn't stand by and watch her students fight on the front lines. If there was no other way, she might have to accept that reality. But since there was a way to increase her strength, she wouldn't give up just because of the danger.
"Himeko," Welt Yang sighed softly, not saying anything. Due to his past actions, Himeko had become a Valkyrie of Schicksal without hesitation. Now, he had no right to say anything.
"You didn't call us all here just for this, did you? If there's nothing else, I still have experiments to finish," Tesla said. She had no objections to Himeko becoming a Valkyrie, as long as there was no danger. After all, in the face of the Honkai threat, having more strength was always a good thing.
"Of course not. The main reason I called everyone here today is to discuss the Herrscher of Sentience." Daniel had given a lot of thought to the issue of the Herrscher of Sentience, which was why he had called everyone together to discuss it.
"The Herrscher of Sentience." At the mention of the Herrscher of Sentience, everyone's eyes turned to Fu Hua, except for Kallen, who sat beside Fu Hua, looking puzzled.
"What do you plan to do? You're not thinking of having Fu Hua use the Zero-Power of the Fenghuang Down to transfer her consciousness, allowing the Herrscher of Sentience to be born within Fu Hua's body, are you?" After a moment of silence, Einstein slowly spoke up.
"What? There's such a method?" Tesla exclaimed, looking at Einstein in surprise. She hadn't thought of this before.
"Although there are some differences, that's essentially the idea." Daniel couldn't help but glance at Einstein in surprise. As expected of her.
"With Fu Hua's memories, even a Herrscher would be overwhelmed by her fifty thousand years of memories and believe herself to be Fu Hua. This way, the Herrscher of Sentience would side with humanity." Tesla started off excitedly, but her voice gradually softened as she realized the implications.
This would mean sacrificing Fu Hua. From a utilitarian perspective, sacrificing one Fu Hua to prevent the Herrscher of Sentience from causing the deaths of millions was undoubtedly worth it. However, unfortunately, none of the people present were the type to achieve their goals at any cost.
"I agree to this."
Amid the silence, Fu Hua spoke up. As someone who had experienced the disaster caused by the Herrscher of Sentience in the Previous Era, she was well aware of the destruction it could cause. In some ways, the Herrscher of Sentience's disaster was similar to that of the Herrscher of Dominance in the Previous Era.
Both incited humans to kill each other, eroding trust among them. In a sense, the final destruction of the Previous Era wasn't caused by the Honkai but by humans themselves.
"Fu Hua." Theresa and Himeko looked at Fu Hua's calm expression, unsure of what to say.
"Principal, Teacher Himeko, don't look at me like that. Using the Zero-Power doesn't mean I'll die. Besides, I'll eventually get my body back."
"That's true." With that, the atmosphere in the room lightened, no longer as heavy as before.
"Let me share my thoughts first. I plan to prepare a new body for the Herrscher of Sentience. Once she appears, we can transfer her consciousness to the new body, and Fu Hua can return to her own body."
"Since she will be born from Fu Hua's body, in a way, Fu Hua, this will be your daughter. You'll have to take care of her afterward."
"Congratulations, Fu Hua, on gaining such a wonderful daughter." Himeko teased Fu Hua, and the others joined in, causing Fu Hua's face to flush.
"An immortal becoming a Herrscher." After the matter was settled, only the Book of Taixuan was still confused. She never expected that the immortal who once vowed to exterminate all demons would one day become a Herrscher.
"There's no need to use the First-Power. I can handle it."
Originally, Fu Hua planned to use the Fenghuang Down to transfer her consciousness, but with Daniel's intervention, it became unnecessary. He directly extracted her soul and placed it in a temporary body, then placed Fu Hua's original body in a cultivation pod.
This was a rare opportunity to study a Herrscher. If it were Jackal, she wouldn't have missed it. However, neither Daniel nor Einstein and the others showed any interest in conducting research.
"The surgery was successful. It's a pity we don't have the Xuanyuan Sword anymore, otherwise Himeko might have had her own exclusive weapon." By the later stages of the Previous Era, MANTIS technology had become quite mature. Combined with Mebius's improvements over fifty thousand years in the Elysian Realm, it was possible to mass-produce MANTIS if desired.
However, World Serpent didn't seem to have such plans. Although MANTIS technology was mature, it wouldn't be of much help in saving humanity as a whole, as it was impossible to turn all humans into MANTIS.
From Kevin's Stigma Project, turning all humans into MANTIS would be equivalent to completing the Stigma Project. However, MANTIS required one-on-one surgeries. With the world's population, even working non-stop until the Herrscher of the End arrived, it would be impossible to complete.
Moreover, the power of MANTIS was far beyond that of ordinary humans. If it became widespread, it would inevitably lead to corresponding problems. In the Previous Era, one of the duties of the Serpent's Venom organization within the Fire Moths was to deal with those who used MANTIS power for evil.
"It appeared so quickly. It seems the Honkai isn't following the order of Herrscher appearances."
On a small, uninhabited island east of St. Freya Academy, there was a quiet villa. Inside the villa, two Fu Huas stood facing each other. One was Fu Hua, and the other was the Herrscher of Sentience.
It had to be said that the Honkai consciousness acted quickly this time. Less than a week after Daniel placed Fu Hua in a temporary body, the Herrscher of Sentience appeared.
The Herrscher of Sentience was the Eighth Herrscher, while Wendy was only the Fourth Herrscher. This meant that before her, there were still the Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Herrschers. When the Tenth Herrscher, the Herrscher of Dominance, appeared, the Ninth Herrscher had not yet appeared.
"Fighting in the consciousness space? I guess we'll have to wait until they're done."
Although Daniel could use the simulated Fenghuang Down to enter the consciousness space, he thought it best for Fu Hua to persuade the Herrscher of Sentience, given their relationship.
Fu Hua was using a temporary body, so her strength would be somewhat affected in real combat. However, in the Fenghuang Down's space, she could fight at her peak.
"That didn't count. Let's fight again." Not long after, Fu Hua and the Herrscher of Sentience woke up simultaneously. The Herrscher of Sentience looked displeased, as if she had suffered a significant loss in the illusion.
"Hello, Little Sentience." Seeing them wake up, Daniel waved at the Herrscher of Sentience with a smile.
"Little Sentience? Are you talking to me? Oh, it's you, the person from outside this world." The Herrscher of Sentience looked at Daniel, and after a moment of silence, recognized him. She must have taken the opportunity to browse Fu Hua's memories.
"That's right. It seems you already know your identity." Daniel had told Fu Hua that with the Herrscher of Sentience, honesty was the best policy. Trying to deceive her would only backfire.
______
(≧◡≦) ♡ Support me and read 20 chapters ahead – patreon.com/Mutter
For every 50 Power Stones, one extra chapter will be released on Saturday.