The base alarm went off, echoing sharply through the cold steel halls.
…A warning!
"Non-combat personnel, please report to the nearest shelter!" the intercom blared.
Has it finally started?
A brief silence passed. Fu Hua took a slow breath, eyes closing for a moment.
I'm… ready.
She turned away from the bed, walking quickly through the passageway.
Rita was waiting for her at the next junction, perfectly composed despite the faint tremors that ran through the floor.
"The Overseer has sent a message," she said. "The experiment worked, and the Herrscher is now awakened."
"Hmph. Let's go."
Six winged Archangels drifted into view, shrieking as their wings cut through the smoke-filled air.
"We can't let the containment facilities be destroyed."
Their assault was swift but brief. Fu Hua's blows shattered them midair while Rita's scythe carved through the rest in elegant, practiced arcs. Within seconds, the hallway fell silent again.
"The Honkai barrier around the containment area is down," Rita noted, scanning the readings with her battlesuit. "We'll need to reset it. There are three control terminals nearby."
They split off, moving through narrow, half-lit corridors. Each terminal was guarded by Honkai beasts, but nothing that could slow them for long. Sparks, shattered glass, and pulsing red lights filled the air until the final barrier hummed back to life.
"All nearby Honkai signals are gone," Rita said, brushing off her gloves. "This place is safe for now." She glanced down the hall. "I've never seen the HQ so badly damaged before."
"Where did you imprison the red-haired girl?"
Tesla.
"Don't worry. She's well-accommodated in the guard tower to the north. The defense systems there are just as robust as what we have here." Rita responded.
"…Understood. Continue your mission."
They pushed deeper into the ruined complex, clearing more beasts that had spawned from the high concentration of Honkai Energy in the lab complex.
"Rita here, Overseer," she said through the comm. "We've neutralized all Honkai Beasts infiltrating Helheim. Awaiting further orders."
Otto's voice filtered through the static. "Good. Stay put. Durandal will lead the Immortal Blades and rendezvous with you there. Let us welcome the moment when God herself bows before humanity."
"Understood."
"Wait," Fu Hua said sharply. "Durandal is heading our way? Then who's dealing with the Herrscher? She's the only one who can fight her head-on!"
"Don't worry," Otto replied. "Everything is under my control. Theresa will help us secure Herrscher-grade powers."
"What? Theresa is fighting the Herrscher—?"
"Hoho, calm down, my friend—"
Bzzzzzt— The line cut off, the comm panel sparking.
"Hello? Hello?"
Rita checked the device. "Apologies. Communication systems are down. I'll run a check."
Moments later, she added, "An EMP attack hit nearby. Comms are completely offline."
EMP? Could it be Mei?
She had a bomb implanted if she were to ever use her Herrscher powers.
"Rita, fix the comm systems and contact Durandal," Fu Hua ordered. "Tell her the awakened Herrscher may have broken free of control. Muster the Valkyries. I'll delay the Herrscher to buy some time—"
"Master Fu Hua."
Fu Hua turned to face her.
"Apologies," Rita said quietly. "I cannot obey."
?
"…Why?" Fu Hua questioned.
"The Overseer did not order us to fight the Herrscher."
"What?!"
What's Otto planning now? Not fighting the Herrscher while it's still vulnerable?
"Allow me to explain," Rita said. "The Overseer has several trump cards up his sleeve. He has yet to use any of them. The situation is still within control. He will not like it if we take matters into our own hands."
Rita is totally loyal to Otto, but I still do not understand his actions… This isn't part of the plan!
"I do not intend to argue with you," Fu Hua said. "You don't have to help me. But you should know, the plan got out of control the moment that Herrscher started attacking civilians. I will stop her."
"…You still don't understand, Master Fu Hua."
Rita's tone softened, but her stance did not waver.
"We're in a massive maelstrom of chaos. Every action will lead to unknown consequences. The Overseer ordered me…" She drew her scythe. "…to make sure you don't jeopardize our plans, or anyone's life."
"Rita…"
"I don't want to say you're wrong, nor do I wish to judge your actions. But like you, I'm obliged to uphold my duties." Rita declared.
Just as I thought. No chance at communicating peacefully.
"Hmph. We're done bantering." Fu Hua took a fighting stance. "Get out of my way!"
"If our paths must cross," Rita replied, "then I will defend my position. Valkyrie Rita Rossweisse—at your service."
Their weapons collided with a burst of sparks that lit up the corridor. Rita's scythe swung in wide arcs, controlled and deliberate, but Fu Hua read every movement.
Every swing is measured… she's not trying to defeat me…
She's trying to delay me.
I'm running out of time…
This might hurt her, but I have no other choice.
Fu Hua reached down.
"Are you tapping into the Divine Keys, Master Fu Hua?" Rita asked, eyes narrowing. "Then I have no choice but to give it my best."
Fu Hua felt it—an edge of danger, something approaching fast.
"Incoming…"
Black Abyss White Flower slammed into the ground between them, the shockwave scattering debris in all directions.
"Durandal?" Fu Hua said.
"…Master Durandal?" Rita echoed, lowering her weapon.
Durandal was sitting atop the roof of the lab complex.
Will I have to fight Durandal too? Or is she just here to stop us?
"Enough, Rita," Durandal said firmly.
"…"
Rita exhaled and stepped back. "Understood."
She's put away her scythe.
Durandal looked at Fu Hua. "Go now."
"?"
"We cannot offer you any support," Durandal continued, "but we fight to defend our faith and the people we love. I would have made the same choice if I were in your place."
Fu Hua's eyes softened. "…Thank you. I will repay this kindness."
Without another word, she leapt off the edge of the floating island, the wind howling past her as she fell through the storming skies.
I would have made a similar choice if I were in your place?
Does Durandal know something I don't?
She landed hard on the platform below, dust rising around her.
"It's… the Class Monitor, Fu Hua!" someone shouted.
"Class Monitor Fu Hua?" Bronya's voice.
Looking around. Bronya… Mei… Theresa.
And that familiar energy.
None of them can handle this.
Vague memories were coming back to her, causing a headache.
"Mei, Theresa, Bronya—get them out of here. Do not come back," Fu Hua commanded. "You cannot defeat this enemy."
"…Affirmative," Bronya said quietly. "The Bronya thanks the Class Monitor."
"…Go now!"
A cold, mocking voice cut through the air. Sounding like Kiana but totally different in tone.
"Hah! You humans are like maggots. Kill one, and dozens take its place."
The Herrscher of the Void materialized several void spears in the air above them, a cruel smile on her face.
"Come at me all you want, worthless scum ☆"
She laughed. "Someone should tell you it's rude to disturb other people's party."
Fu Hua straightened, her gaze unwavering.
"Hmph. Enough words." Fu Hua said, rubbing her fists together.
"How surprising. I remember you. That funny outfit, that despicable face... you have caused me a great deal of grief. Did you come to protect this girl as well?"
You're not the only one reliving memories.
"Are you done talking yet?"
"Insect," she hissed. "You shall pay for your insolence!"
Her words were followed by a barrage of lances, each tearing through the air with deadly precision. Fu Hua weaved between them, countering with focused strikes. Hits landed hard across her body, but each one healed almost instantly.
The Herrscher was wounded by the attacks. But her wounds healed at an astonishing speed.
Using the powers of the Herrscher of Death as a shield, she shouldn't have the Gem of Serenity. Unless Otto…?
The Herrscher of the Void lunged forward suddenly, seizing Fu Hua by the throat.
"Ah… hnngh…"
"I must admit," she said, smiling coldly, "you are slightly different. Unfortunately, you're just a human."
Her gaze sharpened. "You didn't go all out on me. Why? You wield two Divine Keys, yet you refused to unleash the second one."
Fu Hua said nothing.
"Why don't you use it? Perhaps you don't know how. Maybe it's unusable?" She tilted her head, smirking. "No matter. You can't change anything."
Her grip tightened. "Go meet your maker."
Then — clap, clap, clap.
The sound cut through the tension.
Otto!?
The Herrscher turned, startled. He stood at the edge of the battlefield, smiling as if he were attending a theater play.
"A most exciting battle," he said. "You are indeed the Queen of Honkai. Your beauty and form are simply sublime."
"You…" she narrowed her eyes. "You're the pathetic human who woke me. The one who aspires to the powers of God."
"Haha... it's an honor to be remembered by you, my Queen."
He gestured toward Fu Hua. "I am hoping you'll spare this one. Consider it repayment for bringing you back."
A crimson fluid began to flow from his body, spiraling up his arms until it formed countless sharp spines that hovered in the air.
"She is a friend," he said. "And I'd prefer you not hurt my friend."
His tone was calm, but Fu Hua could feel a tremble running through the Herrscher.
She glared for a moment longer, then scoffed. "Hmph. Killing her will soil my hands. I'll leave her to you."
She dropped Fu Hua hard onto the ground.
"You are behind the Second Eruption," he said, "and the greatest threat to humanity. You wield great power and vision."
"Boring flattery," she replied, stepping through the portal. "I only care about the girls."
Kiana?
"I did not expect someone like you to lead humanity," she added before vanishing. "You are indeed pathetic."
Opening a portal, she stepped back, disappearing from the arena.
Otto walked toward Fu Hua.
"What a gruesome fight," he said lightly. "The last time I saw you this hurt was at Heaven's Pinnacle five centuries ago."
What is Otto's plan? Why let her leave?
"I'll get you treated. In any case, we need to celebrate the successful conclusion of Phase 1."
"...What?" Fu Hua asked weakly.
He smiled. "You can still talk?"
"Why did you allow her to leave?"
"I know. She's after Theresa. She will catch up to the girls soon. No one will be getting in our way this time. They will fight to the end."
"What are you talking about?"
Kiana was supposed to awaken without succumbing… This isn't going how you planned at all, and you still aren't stopping her?
"Of course, I've never told you about this." Otto smiled faintly. "Don't worry. It will be music to your ears."
"...K423 is still alive. In fact, I need her alive."
"?"
"You see, that body now houses two minds. There's K423, whom you address as Kiana, and then there's Sirin, the Herrscher of the Void."
He stepped closer, voice lowering. "After absorbing the Gem of Serenity and highly concentrated Honkai energy, Sirin's consciousness within that body began to stir. She then successfully took over the vessel to revive the Herrscher of the Void."
He paused, then smiled again. "...but this is not the ending I intended."
"We should call this Phase 1. True testing will commence after this."
"Despite Sirin's takeover, K423 is very much alive. She's only sleeping. What would happen if K423 overpowers Sirin? ...the answer is simple: we'll end up with a human with Herrscher powers."
"This has been proven with the 3rd Herrscher, any from my intel."
Lee…
"Suppressing the Herrscher's mind will not deprive her of her powers. It's far easier to control a human instead of a Herrscher. It's not easy to make K423 win. But it's not impossible either."
Something Lee mentioned...!?
"Are you planning...!?"
"Yes I am, we have to use emotional tides. Emotions can bring about miracles."
"...you...!"
"I believe that relationships between people can bring about the greatest feats of power. K423 spent quite a while in St. Freya... and with one Valkyrie in particular. A role model and teacher. Even now everything is going to plan. Such warm and happy memories will empower K423 and allow her to defeat the loveless Herrscher."
"...they...they'll be killed!"
"Yes, I know. There is a great disparity between their powers. But I cannot offer them any assistance until it is all over. I will not allow anyone to interfere in this holy struggle. Humanity burns brightest in desperate moments like this."
He looked upward, calm and certain. "According to our calculations... K423 will retake her body once Major Himeko, who you so kindly left in Helheim labs, is brave enough to sacrifice herself to save the day. They will kill the Herrscher with love... Only they can achieve this great endeavor."
Madness!
Otto has gone completely insane!
No! He was already mad to begin with!
"Haha..."
"Hahahaha....."
Otto stood still, watching her laugh. Then he smiled again.
"I am asking you a serious question, my friend. I chose to tell you everything because your actions are beyond my control. Do you plan to oppose me? Are you still trying to stop me?"
The laughter stopped.
"...friend?" Fu Hua finally spoke up, "I sense no sympathy or decency from your words... only utter selfishness and lies... You trample on emotions and toy with the destiny of others. ...you didn't even realize how vile your actions are..."
The smile remained on Otto's face. Golden light gathered in his hand, solidifying into a mimicry Judgement of Shamash.
Key of Revelations!
He aimed the weapon at her, deliberate and slow.
"I did not lie, Master Jingwei."
Fenghuang Down, Zeroth Power—Sentience Link!
BANG—