This was not the most magnificent stage, but every single wooden board and decoration in this venue was personally created by Elysia's favorite friends.
This must be the most far-reaching dance party. In the name of Eden, it gathered almost all the MANTIS of the Fire Moth and was broadcast live to the majority of the remaining human population.
Originally, this was supposed to be an artistic feast. The audience would applaud Eden's performance and would at least be reminiscing about it for days. But at the climax of the dance party, an unexpected turn of events completely stole the show from Eden.
Elysia, one of the most popular warriors of the Fire Moth. Her beauty, personality, and experience all made her a goddess. Because she had given out too many 'good person' cards, no one dared to confess to her now.
Because even the most excellent man felt that he was not worthy of this most beautiful flower. It was as if just looking at her for one more second would make him feel ashamed of himself.
But at this very moment, in Eden's unparalleled new song, she revealed her identity as a Herrscher.
This... how is this possible?!
Everyone's mind had the same thought. What Elysia had shown had nothing to do with 'Herrscher.' Those demons who only knew destruction couldn't even compare to a single smile from Elysia.
Their brains were trembling instinctively. While ordinary people couldn't understand why this beautiful young lady suddenly changed her clothes, insiders all felt an incredible sensation, whether they were in New York or deep underwater thousands of miles away.
"So that's it. I was wondering why Ryan, with nothing to do, wanted to hold a concert. Fishing was only one part of it. The main point is here."
Mei sat back in her chair, looking directly at Elysia in the pink light. She propped her head up and smiled.
Eden's ability had the effect of calming people down, preventing some from instinctively launching an attack, getting carried away, and causing chaos. This was also good for Elysia. Didn't she love magnificent dance parties the most? If she revealed her identity under these circumstances, no matter what the outcome was, she would have no regrets.
Mobius, Kevin, Hua, and Su also stared at the big screen, each dumbfounded and unable to speak. They were mentally prepared, but they didn't expect Elysia to reveal the truth at this time.
No, this has nothing to do with Elysia. It was that guy Ryan's doing. Everyone knew Elysia was extremely emotional, and she probably couldn't hold it together in Eden's emotionally charged song.
"The timing is just right. He calculated that the Herrscher of Binding would come. This secret would be exposed sooner or later. It's better to let that fatty expose herself at the most suitable time, and then use her actions to dispel everyone's doubts." Mobius was the first to react, but she was slightly biting her silver teeth.
He really put in a lot of effort to pave the way for Elysia by mobilizing everyone. Why didn't he get inspiration from me?!
"Are you jealous?"
"Hmph, I'm not. I just want to see how he'll clean up this mess. It's, it's just that he's spoiling this fatty too much."
It was indeed the utmost pampering. He was gambling the fate of human civilization. If there was even a one in ten thousand chance that Elysia would turn against them, the Fire Moth would fall apart today.
"There is indeed a danger, but the result is still very good."
"Since you know, why did you let him do whatever he wanted?"
"You knew too, but you didn't object, did you?"
This rhetorical question completely silenced Mobius. Of course, she had guessed, but in her heart, she also trusted Elysia.
She and Mei were both ruled by emotion, and it seemed a bit embarrassing to say it out loud. She could only continue to watch the screen, looking at the stunned MANTIS.
At this time, Elysia's problem was important, but the Herrscher of Binding was more important. This was the highest level of psychology.
"Kevin, you and the others go to the shuttle and head to the battlefield. It's best to end this dance party with the life of the Herrscher of Binding."
The plan was a success.
Ryan listened to the alarm and breathed a sigh of relief after getting what he wanted. A few days ago, he had talked to Elysia. In fact, the conflicts between the Flame-Chasers were easy to handle. After all, they lived and worked together every day. Even Mei would choose to trust Elysia.
However, when the scope was expanded to the entire Fire Moth, it was a different story. Too many people had a deep hatred for the Herrschers and would feel a murderous intent just by hearing the name. This couldn't be solved by him giving a few speeches and pep talks. And if Aponia were to intervene, it would make things even more complicated.
This precept couldn't be made at all and would violate Elysia's principles.
"Since this secret can't be hidden and will be exposed sooner or later, we might as well not hide it and reveal it openly."
Elysia always walked in the sunlight. This was her long-cherished wish. She would rather die than be a rat in the sewer. Moreover, why should such a brilliant and beautiful girl hide her 'True Self'?
Then let her show her 'True Self' with her own ideas. The true owner of this stage was Elysia. She stood here with a beautiful posture, welcoming the complicated gazes of her former comrades.
Eden's lingering voice was still present. For a moment, besides the shock, there was no shouting for a fight. Only some MANTIS turned their gazes to Ryan.
Under these unbelievable circumstances, they could only wait for the Supreme Commander's command. If he wanted to fight, they would just have to raise a finger, and they would charge up and tear the Herrscher apart, even if she was once the goddess of their dreams.
But Ryan did nothing. He just looked at Elysia with a smile on his face. Although they weren't exactly looking at each other affectionately, there was no hostility between them.
The girl's eyes were filled with a happy gratitude. Back then, Ryan told her not to think about anything and to let him handle it. Now it seemed that it wasn't an empty promise.
She was moved by Eden and completely revealed her 'True Self.' Her thoughts were clear for a moment, and she was ready to face all the doubts in the world. And what do you know?
The Herrscher of Binding came!
"Heh heh, to think he secretly arranged everything for me. I'm suddenly so touched that I feel like crying." Elysia blinked. She knew this was the stage that Ryan and her friends had provided for her.
Some things were useless to say with words. You had to use actions to gain trust and show your true self to the people you love.
"You were supposed to perform, but I stole your thunder. I'll make it up to you later, okay?"
Without waiting for a response, the girl spread her wings in the pink light. This caused many people to instinctively be on guard. Honkai energy was displayed, but with just a flash of light, Elysia flew up and left the underground fortress.
"Supreme Commander, should we pursue?" Kosma hurried over and happened to see the pink stream of light rising from the ground.
"Pursue who? Our enemy is the Herrscher of Binding. Inform all squads to prepare for battle." Ryan turned around. His smile disappeared, and only a coldness remained.
"But what if the two Herrschers meet? This is the Tenth and Twelfth Herrscher!" The rigid warrior suppressed his anger and ignored Kalpas's murderous gaze.
He clutched his steel-made right arm. This was a 'gift' left to him by the Ninth Herrscher. The pain of losing his arm was unforgettable.
"There is no Twelfth Herrscher. There is only the Herrscher of Human."
"What's the difference..."
"Colonel, do you not trust my judgment?" Ryan interrupted him. In his white suit, he exuded a mountain-like pressure. You could see the air freezing.
No one dared to speak. Power was very useful at this time, and the truth of power was to make others calm down and listen to you.
"I have seven Authorities, which are more complex and powerful than any Herrscher. If you're going to use that to distinguish between friend and foe, you should be attacking me right now, not questioning my judgment."
His words were resounding, leaving people momentarily confused. Yes, what was a Herrscher? If you were to distinguish them by their Authority, Ryan was simply the Herrscher among Herrschers.
The man with a neat military appearance couldn't speak. He only saw Ryan raise his finger and press it against his chest.
"Power and Authority are insignificant. What's important is the stance. I believe Elysia will not disappoint me. Everyone, listen to my command, and follow me."
Ryan walked away with his sword, and Sakura followed without hesitation, then Vil-V, Pardofelis, and Aponia. In the end, everyone followed, even Isha, who had a deep hatred for the Herrschers.
This was equivalent to him using his reputation to vouch for Elysia. Even if some people still had doubts, Ryan's unparalleled battle achievements were convincing. He had saved civilization numerous times, and his judgment had never been wrong. In addition, Elysia herself was very popular, so it seemed okay to trust him just this once.
The long-term groundwork was showing its effect at this moment. Ryan didn't look back. He listened to the neat footsteps and quietly breathed a sigh of relief.
He won the gamble. A magnificent stage wasn't just for a final curtain call.
It could also be the beginning of a new life!
...
Huh?
The Herrscher of Binding stopped, standing on top of a pile of floating ghost ships. Her expression gradually became confused.
The plan of the Herrscher of Domination was halfway through. She had specially come to say hello, making humanity hide in the underground fortress in fear and on guard, while she could start her global journey of destruction.
Incidentally, she would also test how powerful that person was now and make adjustments for the next plan.
But as soon as she arrived, she felt a familiar presence.
A colleague?
A Herrscher was inside the Fire Moth. This obviously made her confused. Even if Ryan had multiple Authorities, he was fundamentally different from a Herrscher. This difference couldn't be explained. In human words, it was a simple disgust.
But this presence was different. That was a true Herrscher.
The Herrscher of Domination withdrew all her clones. It couldn't be her. So who was this?
With this confusion, she continued forward, but after only a few hundred meters, she suddenly stopped.
A pink stream of light came from the horizon, like a giant arrow, rapidly dissipating within the domain.
"Very strong Honkai energy, and it comes from... A colleague?!"
She squinted slightly and saw a pink figure floating in the air tens of kilometers away, holding a light bow in her hand. Her appearance was one of the few humans who needed special attention, but it made the Herrscher even more confused.
"You're a Herrscher?"
"Yes, as you would say, either the Twelfth or the Zero." Elysia smiled lightly. When she saw the Herrscher of Binding's stunned expression, she slightly covered her mouth, "The Twelfth Herrscher couldn't have already descended, right? Then I'd have to be the Thirteenth, huh?"
She was in a good mood and wasn't conflicted at all.
The Herrscher of Binding didn't respond to her playfulness. She just solemnly raised her hands. In fact, she already knew the answer without Elysia having to say it. Her astonishment came from other things.
"But why are you on the side of humans?"
"Look at you, of course, it's because--" Elysia smiled even more heartily. The light bow in her hand expanded, stretching to over ten meters. As she released the bowstring, she naturally nodded.
"I'm just a cute and simple human girl♪"
There was no great cause or grand reason to be told. Elysia's most ordinary words showed her stance, which made the Herrscher of Binding even more confused.
Just because I'm human? What kind of reason is that?
The Herrscher's personality was in conflict. Why should she kill? Why should she destroy? She herself didn't have an answer.
Just like Elysia at this moment. She wanted to do it, and that was all.
The stance of a Herrscher was originally a false proposition. Without emotions, without understanding sadness and anger, there was no issue of choosing a side.
Just like the giant light arrow flying towards her, if Elysia attacked, then she would counterattack. It was that simple.
The giant arrow disappeared when it was a few kilometers into her domain. This time, the Herrscher of Binding no longer asked. She just turned her right palm towards Elysia and slowly closed it into a fist.
Binding.
There was no sound, but Elysia quickly fell downward. She saw the drone in the air suddenly lose power and fall like a stone.
'She's concentrating her Authority to expand the domain of Binding. Oh my, this one's getting stronger and stronger.'
Elysia patted her chest with some fear. This Authority was silent, but as long as you were within its range, even the power of your heartbeat would be stripped away.
It was like an eraser that could erase all energy in the world from a super long distance.
"But I'm a Herrscher too, and I also have Authority."
A layer of pink was dyed in Elysia's eyes. There was no other change. She just danced around like a butterfly among flowers, and then she saw a strange scene happening around her.
The rustling leaves suddenly stopped moving. The fish that no longer wagged their tails floated to the surface of the waveless sea. The falling rocks stopped in mid-air, as if a pause button had been pressed. And all the arrows she had shot disappeared into the air.
"The Herrscher of Binding has gotten stronger."
The satellite transmitted the images. Ryan, who was ready for combat, constantly rubbed the hilt of his sword. He had said he would let Elysia have the stage, so of course he wouldn't go out and steal the show immediately.
Elysia indeed didn't disappoint him. She used her actions to silence the doubters. From the overhead view, everyone was worried for Elysia.
The pink girl moved nimbly like a butterfly, but there was a strange deathly silence all around her. Under the domain of Binding, no creature could live for more than a second. If anyone dared to say this was a show, they would be dragged out and beaten to death without Ryan having to say a word.
"Elysia, is she okay?" Eden clenched her fists. A few times, she saw Elysia being hit, and after she forced her way out, the light on her body dimmed a lot.
"Don't worry. She's in the zone and having fun." Ryan comforted her. He frowned and observed carefully. This was not only Elysia's performance but also a way for her to transmit intelligence to him.
That's right, the Herrscher of Binding had gotten stronger. This ability to condense Authority could kill a high-ranking MANTIS from a super long distance. She was indeed the most dangerous Herrscher before the End.
Her energy was contained. In this virtual world, she could be considered invincible. Her flaw was that her domain didn't distinguish between friend and foe and would be shared by the energy sources within the controlled range. As long as it reached its limit, it would naturally break.
But it was easy to say and very difficult to do. Just the sudden increase in this Honkai energy gave Ryan a headache.
As the Honkai energy increased, the critical point would also increase. He would have to calculate how high this critical point was. A single mistake in a decimal point would result in the deaths of hundreds of people.
"This isn't right. How did she get stronger? Did those traitors come up with some new trick?"
Ryan didn't know the reason. Anyway, Mei's previous plan had been completely overturned. What was even more troublesome was why the Herrscher had come.
Even with an increase in power, she wasn't confident in killing me. She must have another trick up her sleeve. So what was the reason for her proactively exposing her improvement?
Every time Ryan fought a Herrscher, he felt like he was losing a lot of brain cells. Before he could figure it out, his wrist was grabbed tightly by Pardofelis.
"Teacher, should we go help? Sister Elysia is getting more and more dangerous."
He didn't need her to tell him. Ryan saw it too. Elysia couldn't dodge every time. After being bound, she had to expend a lot of energy to break free, and her speed was getting slower and slower.
Ryan was very curious about how Elysia predicted the invisible domain of Binding. Seeing the nervous faces, he also felt that it was about time. If he waited any longer, Kalpas would be the first to jump out and pound his dog head.
"Alright, Kalpas, wait a moment. Are you going to rush out alone and offer yourself as a sacrifice?"
Ryan saw Kalpas, who had rushed out in a hurry the moment he said a single word. He knew this platypus was anxious. He had almost made a move when someone had questioned him earlier.
Pardofelis pounced and hugged Kalpas's leg, making it impossible for the irritable man to shake her off. He could only throw a vicious look at Ryan.
The young man ignored him and just looked around at everyone. He saw some doubts. After all, it was hard to say how many bowls of noodles he had eaten, but Ryan disdained to explain.
"Everyone, follow my lead. We're going to go retrieve the Herrscher who belongs to 'humanity'."
...
Elysia's speed was getting slower and her movements were getting more sluggish, but the smile on her face never disappeared.
This was the first time a Herrscher's power was guided by emotion. 'I want to do this' replaced 'I should do this.' Even though the Herrscher of Binding in front of her was still cold and emotionless, Elysia couldn't help but let her mind wander.
Like a torch, like fire, would such a beautiful girl in the future turn from a machine of destruction into a lively and cute person?
She must, right? But it seems I don't need to wait anymore.
Her heart was filled with hope, and she temporarily forgot her exhaustion. Her heart was linked to this Herrscher, silently influencing her Authority.
In three seconds, a bigger wave?
Elysia had a feeling. She immediately retreated at full speed, and then the invisible domain covered the entire area, turning the entire sea into a dead zone.
"What kind of Authority is this?" The Herrscher of Binding was stunned. Her intuition told her that this was not precognition or anything like that.
It was somewhat similar to the Herrscher of Domination's invisible threads, but the Authority of Domination acted on the body, while this pink-haired girl's was linked to the heart, causing some kind of interference to her.
It was very strange, even difficult to describe in words, but she was very clear about the danger of this Authority.
"You must die."
She took a step forward abruptly. There was no sound of wind. She closed the distance as if she had teleported, making Elysia her top priority target, second only to Ryan.
The Honkai energy roared. The next binding would absolutely crush the opponent. When the domain with no blind spots pressed in with the Herrscher, that irresistible presence filled her heart.
Elysia was still smiling. She didn't retreat again. She just played with the pink hair by her ear.
"Although I am a Herrscher, don't forget, I also have my friends."
As soon as her words fell, the domain of Binding stopped in front of her, almost within reach. This was not the effect of the link between their hearts, but—
A man in a white suit suddenly appeared next to her. The Honkai energy he released distorted the air. This wasn't enough, but more and more figures appeared, forming a wall in the sky.
The Fire Moth came out in full force. Hundreds of MANTIS formed a wall. They stood in silent solemnity, and the energy they radiated seemed to merge into one.
A single person, even Ryan, would be held down. A strong person like Kalpas wouldn't even survive for a minute. But when ten or a hundred of them stood together, they were enough to share most of the Authority. It was even more magnificent than when Ryan returned from the Sea of Quanta. With them sharing the burden, Ryan would have a chance to get closer.
Invisible vertical lines divided the battlefield into two, making the Herrscher of Binding stop. Her eyes flickered, as if she were calculating something.
A piecemeal strategy was useless, so they just went all in. Ryan didn't say a word. He just held Elysia's soft hand, nodded lightly at her, and then they stepped forward together.
"Two-thirds of humanity's fighting force is gambling with Elysia. Can you bind this solidarity?"
They walked in the air without a sound. The eight detachments and hundreds of people took a unified step forward, and Ryan, who was in the front, felt his pupils contract slightly. He didn't feel any suppression.
She retreated!
A similar tactic was used in the original timeline. All the MANTIS filled the Binding domain to its limit like filling the sea, but there were two fundamental differences.
First, the strongest person, who was the ultimate killer, was standing at the very front.
Second, Ryan was more powerful than Kevin.
"Push forward."
Ryan decisively pressed his advantage. He took a second step, a third step, and then his speed got faster and faster.
I dare to go all in. Do you dare to gamble with me?
Ryan had the Herrscher's rationality figured out. This group of humanoid machines never got angry and never felt fear. Gambling was never an option, and they would never lose their heads and fight him desperately.
Push forward. In just two minutes, it would be difficult for her to even run away.
Kevin and the others were already on their way. Ryan just needed to hold the opponent without a sense of urgency. And his path of action was very strategic. It just happened to block the Herrscher of Binding's path back to South America.
The two sides advanced and retreated like this. The speed wasn't too fast. Ryan walked at the very front, always maintaining a distance, making it so the opponent couldn't fight or retreat. He counted silently in his heart.
One minute.
He felt Elysia hold his hand tighter. The domain in front of them continued to shrink as they advanced.
Thirty seconds.
Ryan suddenly stopped and looked up. He saw a shooting star in the sky coming in a parabolic arc. The landing point was right behind the Herrscher of Binding. Just as he was about to step into the domain of Binding, Elysia next to him suddenly pulled him hard.
Hmm??
The finishing blow was right in front of him. Why did she stop me?
This question just appeared in his mind, and Ryan stopped. The shooting star in the sky suddenly became dazzling, then shattered, splitting into large pieces of debris.
The hypersonic shuttle that had come from thousands of miles away had exploded.