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Theresa felt torn apart inside.
On one side, she stood amidst a vast white expanse, facing the pale deity resembling snow, who advanced steadily yet irresistibly, like a fervent believer yearning to touch their idol, inch by inch closing the distance.
On the other, she found herself within a dreamlike realm bathed in golden light, confronting another version of herself brimming with icy coldness and explosive killing intent.
Theresa realized she couldn't halt her inexorable approach toward the deity. Yet, in that moment, she also understood that defeating this alternate self—the Herrscher persona born from Honkai and her own darker aspects—was the only way to break free from the god's control and regain mastery over herself.
"Bang! Bang! Bang!"
Golden chains struck like sharp arrows or venomous fangs, each carrying terrifying power. Theresa swung Judah, retrieved from her memories, to fend them off but noticed her energy rapidly dwindling.
"Divine Grace Barrier—Activate!"
She slammed the golden cross onto the ground, unleashing similar golden chains as those used by the Herrscher of Binding. They radiated outward before swiftly vanishing without a trace.
The Herrscher of Binding, emanating icy killing intent, suddenly felt weighed down and sneered, "Hmph! You think such tricks can challenge me?"
"I'm not sure how effective it'll be, but there's no harm in trying. So tell me, is there truly no room for peaceful negotiation between us? Aren't you just another version of myself? Don't you have anything you'd like to discuss?"
"Spare me your nonsense! I have zero interest in weak, hypocritical individuals like you. Your place is hidden deep within the darkness of consciousness, watching as I create the world I desire—that's all!"
"Sigh... Despite having the same face as mine, what an unlikable character you are. Seems like you need some lessons in love!"
"Boom!!!"
Two flawless white legs clashed midair with an explosive sound.
Both sides suppressed their Honkai Energy, making close-quarters combat far more effective than any other means at this moment.
"Crack!"
Lightning-fast exchanges of punches and kicks followed one after another within mere breaths. Both were Theresa, sharing Kaslana lineage and genetic material from the Imperial-Rank Honkai Beast Vishnu—there was no doubt about their immense physical prowess. In this mental world, both possessed equal strength.
Fighting against oneself meant every technique and strike exerted nearly identical force, resulting in an evenly matched stalemate regardless of how they fought.
After a particularly intense clash, they separated, gazing at each other across scattered golden specks as they regulated their breathing and composed themselves.
Theresa stared at her doppelgänger, summoning Judas's Oath once more amidst the shimmering void, and said:
"I've calmed down now, which reminds me of something utterly unacceptable... You seem to have killed Himeko?"
"Oh? You mean that disobedient one, right? Yes, I killed her. Her body is probably dust by now. A bit unfortunate, but what can you do, trash?"
The Herrscher personality grinned maliciously.
Theresa fell silent for a moment, anguish flickering through her eyes as she slowly said,
"Other Herrschers' personalities can coexist peacefully, but I'm certain now: between you and me, only one can remain."
"Then let's see who prevails!" replied Herrscher Theresa nonchalantly. With that, she summoned a golden chain from the Void and effortlessly crushed it with her bare hands.
"Hah! So this is the foundation of your Divine Grace Barrier? Others might not detect or destroy it, but to me, the true Herrscher of Binding, cracking such a toy merely takes some time! Now, what do you have left to fight me with?"
As these harsh words echoed, the web of golden chains sustaining the Divine Grace Barrier materialized in mid-air before shattering into pieces.
At this sight, Herrscher Theresa burst out laughing.
"Hahaha! You see? Your reliance means nothing against me. Accept defeat and go back to being worthless trash!"
Amidst her wild laughter, Herrscher Theresa summoned her signature chained weapons and unleashed another fierce assault on Theresa.
Facing the impending barrage of countless chains, Theresa took a deep breath.
"Divine Grace Barrier—activate!"
Ting-ting-ting!
Golden chains unfurled from Judah once more, enveloping the surroundings and dispersing Herrscher Theresa's Honkai Energy. Her chain assault instantly lost its power, collapsing limply to the ground.
"In terms of abilities, I admit my understanding is still rudimentary compared to yours. But I've mastered the Divine Grace Barrier as effortlessly as breathing or eating. No matter how many times you shatter it, I'll just recreate it. In this mental realm, most energy expenditures can be disregarded—I could sustain this all day if needed!"
Herrscher Theresa's smile vanished abruptly—or rather, her eyes had always held only coldness and murderous intent; she never truly let herself become overconfident.
From the start, Theresa was an exceptionally intelligent and accomplished Valkyrie, garnering numerous admirers who highly praised her wisdom for good reason. Indeed, upon being freed from Otto's psychological manipulation, she swiftly regained her initial composure, driven by concern for Kiana and another version of her with no immediate solution at hand.
Now, this same wisdom has been embraced by the Herrscher personality.
Thus, from the start, Herrscher Theresa remained highly rational. She knew to target Hera, the greatest threat, first and foremost; she understood the importance of immediately destroying the dangerous Entropy Inhibitor; and she was fully aware of her other self's combat prowess and skills. Unlike Sirin or Senti, Theresa represented perhaps the most intelligent Herrscher personality known.
In any case, both parties held each other in high regard, never underestimating their opponent.
"You weak, cowardly fools can be quite troublesome at times. Very well then, I'll snap your neck with my own hands!"
"I return those words to you. By the way, do you know how many ways Judah can be used?" Theresa smirked slyly as she launched the massive cross, tethered by a chain connected to her hand.
"Boom!"
Herrscher Theresa blocked the impact, stumbling back several steps before the heavy Cross descended again—Theresa had transformed Judah into a meteor hammer.
"Crash!"
Withstanding the powerful blow, Herrscher Theresa bent her knees but managed to stay upright. Then, she noticed Theresa gleefully standing atop Judah, extracting a golden spear from within it.
"Apologize to Himeko!" Theresa smiled coldly, thrusting the spear through the air amidst a piercing whistling sound.
"Clang!!!"
Two golden spears clashed as Herrscher Theresa swiftly summoned Judah and extracted her own spear to parry the attack.
Theresa squinted.
"Weren't you just ranting about Herrschers and powers moments ago? What's this now—using weapons deemed unworthy by your superior 'human' self?"
"That doesn't matter; what matters is victory!"
"You're right—it's my victory and your defeat that truly counts!"
"Arrogant nonsense!"
With a loud cry, Herrscher Theresa thrust Theresa and her Judah away, then brandished her spear in one hand while holding her own Judah with the other, pursuing fiercely.
The two identical girls, wielding matching weapons, initiated another round of explosive clashes.