"Thanks for the guidance. Now it's our turn to attack."
After recovering from the shock of that sword strike, Kiana immediately rallied.
Another release of Finality's power greatly enhanced Mei and Bronya's speed.
Amidst flashing blades, they closed in on Kevin.
This time, their attacks carried traces of Finality's power, leaving indelible marks on Kevin.
"You've improved, but it's still not enough."
The Chimera King's Sword swept horizontally, shattering space itself and causing localized spatial collapse that restrained all enemies within range.
As Kevin swung at Mei, Kiana instantly appeared, blocking with her own Sword of Finality.
But the difference in size and strength forced Kiana's feet deep into the ground.
She immediately raised her other hand, pressing a gun barrel against Kevin's core.
One shot.
BANG—!
A brilliant purple beam pierced straight through Kevin's core.
The impact sent Kevin stumbling back several steps, each step shaking the Moon's surface.
Yet these wounds weren't fatal to Kevin—at most, they were heavy injuries.
Seizing this opportunity, Raiden Mei appeared behind him in a flash of blades, unleashing countless slashes that shattered the armor on Kevin's back.
This made Kevin stagger forward.
Mei and the others wouldn't waste this chance—they unleashed a relentless barrage of attacks.
Kevin's armor regenerated layer after layer until finally, a purple barrier enveloped him, adorned with golden patterns.
Once this barrier appeared, even Kiana's Finality power couldn't make the slightest ripple on its surface.
"What is this? Even Finality's power can't break it?"
Frowning at the barrier, Kiana was momentarily at a loss.
As she pondered, countless purple meteors streaked across the sky.
The meteors ravaged the Moon—and once the Moon was destroyed, Earth would be next.
Kiana refused to let that happen. Everyone she cared about was still on Earth.
"Kiana, I once heard Vill-V say that Finality's power can affect parallel worlds. Perhaps you can borrow strength from other timelines to strike Kevin down."
"Parallel world power... I understand."
Closing her eyes, Kiana used Finality's power to connect with other parallel worlds.
In this moment, countless civilizations ravaged by Honkai responded to her call.
The will to overcome Honkai converged as one.
The will to resist was born.
A single person's strength might be insignificant. An ordinary life might leave no mark.
But a hundred people, passing down this will across generations, keeping this flame alive—
One day, the collective will of all would raise the banner of rebellion and topple all that oppressed them.
This was the will of the common people.
Now, Kiana felt immeasurably powerful—not just from St. Freya's friends, but from countless strangers she'd never met.
This was the power of hope for a better future.
"Kevin, witness the rebellious will of all living beings! We will surpass Finality, surpass Honkai. Victory belongs to everyone—including your Previous Era."
Forming a gun shape with her right hand, purple light gathered at Kiana's fingertip.
"This strike... comes from all living things!"
The purple beam shot forth—and Kevin's indestructible barrier shattered like glass.
The instant the barrier broke, the trio unleashed their full power once more.
Kiana condensed Finality's power into a baseball bat and swung it hard at Kevin's head.
A white flash—
Then Kiana found herself in a mysterious space.
All her power was gone, leaving only a baseball bat beside her.
"Kiana, congratulations. You've led your civilization to overcome Finality and conquer Honkai."
Kevin now wore his old uniform from Senba Academy.
"So... is it all over?"
"Yes. It's over."
Kevin's lips curled into an unstoppable smile.
Soon—the moment he'd been waiting for would arrive. He couldn't wait to see his junior's reaction.
"It feels... like a dream. Like just a blink, yet also an eternity."
Gazing at the Cocoon of Finality, Kiana murmured softly.
Then she suddenly turned to Kevin: "Wait, you can actually smile? I thought you had permanent resting bitch face."
"Hey, I only keep a straight face when necessary. My friends call me the sunny, cheerful guy. Cool, right?"
Crossing his arms, Kevin smirked at Kiana.
This completely shattered Kiana's image of him.
"I don't even know what to say. But none of that matters now. Are you... leaving?"
"Yeah, my work here is done. My comrades are waiting for me."
They're waiting for me to transfer the last bit of Finality's power to Kiana so I can scram.
But Kiana thought these were Kevin's dying words.
"You're a warrior worthy of respect. I—no, all of us—will never forget your sacrifice. Neither will the Previous Era."
"Uh, no need for that. But we did leave you some nice surprises—rewards for the hero who defeated the villain."
Rubbing his chin, Kevin figured he should drop some hints to soften the blow.
Kiana scratched her head: "Even now, you're still speaking in riddles? Whatever—I'll look forward to it."
After their farewell, Kevin's figure slowly faded.
Having given Kiana the last of his stolen Finality power, he couldn't remain.
Back in reality, Kevin shivered in pain.
With Finality's power, I couldn't feel pain. But now? Holy shit, this hurts!
Meanwhile, Kiana prepared to leave this space—
Only to see a red figure waiting for her.
"Long time no see, Kiana."