The six-person team, including Otto, arrived swiftly at the island.
Kiana, dressed in light clothing with her signature twin white braids, leapt from the boat and stretched lazily as her feet touched the sand.
"The air here is so nice!"
She rotated her wrists, feeling unusually energized.
But then—her expression twisted.
Kiana clutched her head, wincing in pain. Her pupils flickered from sea-blue to amber, then faded back.
"Kiana? Are you okay?"
Mei rushed to her side, concern etched across her face.
Kiana forced a smile, leaning into Mei's warmth.
"I'm fine. Probably didn't sleep well."
The moment passed, and the group continued inland.
Only Otto noticed the anomaly.
He rested his chin on his hand, eyes sharp.
The Honkai density here… is it triggering the Second Herrscher's awakening?
His lips curled.
Interesting. Perhaps the experiment should be accelerated.
As they approached the island's center, Kiana's strength surged. She felt power rising within her—like something waiting to erupt.
But the dizziness didn't return, so she dismissed it as adrenaline.
Soon, they spotted her.
Xingyue.
Seated atop a high point, parasol in hand, enjoying the breeze like a queen on holiday.
"What took you so long?"
She tossed aside her drink and stood.
Durandal's eyes narrowed.
The suffocating pressure she'd felt before… was weaker.
Is she still recovering? If we all attack together… maybe we have a chance.
While Durandal pondered, Xingyue spoke again.
"So, what's your purpose?"
"If it's the Gem of Desire, I'm afraid Wendy has already become 'my shape.' She won't be leaving."
She waved her hand.
A gust of wind lifted the fallen leaves, forming a miniature tornado. As it dissipated, Wendy appeared—green-haired, green-eyed, her gaze cold and indifferent.
"Wendy!" Kiana and Mei gasped.
They had hoped to save her—a Valkyrie who once fought bravely against the Honkai.
"Oh? The hypocrites I met before?"
Wendy's voice was flat, emotionless.
"As Lord Xingyue said, I won't go with you."
Her eyes locked onto Otto, a flicker of killing intent flashing.
Kiana's heart sank.
Wendy's fear, her resolve—it was all gone. Only hatred remained.
"No… what did you do to Miss Wendy?"
Kiana demanded, her voice trembling.
Xingyue ignored her and turned to Durandal, smiling.
"So? Are you ready to give me your answer?"
"If you choose to become Kiana Kaslana, I'll restore your life along the predetermined path. I'll even teach you the power of the Saintess."
She extended her hand.
"I refuse."
Durandal's voice was firm.
"I've thought it through. My life is built around the name Bianca Durandal Atagina."
"Kiana Kaslana is just one part of me."
"Tsk~"
Xingyue sighed, lowering her hand.
"Alright. If not now, then maybe later."
"Not in the future either."
Durandal's rejection was absolute.
"Don't be so sure. The future is full of variables."
Xingyue's disappointment was brief. Her gaze remained gentle.
She hadn't expected to win this round.
"Fine. Durandal's matter is settled. Now, let's talk about you two."
Her eyes turned to Otto and Welt.
"To deal with a mere Honkai Beast like me, you brought your entire arsenal. I'm honored."
She bowed slightly, hand to chest.
Otto and Welt exchanged glances.
Welt stepped forward.
"We only wish to know—are you friend or foe? What is your view of humanity?"
Xingyue laughed—long and loud.
Then she pinched her nose, smirking.
"What a foolish question. Friend or foe? I do what I believe is right. That's all."
"I see… then you are truly free."
"Otherwise? To live like you—bound by fate?"
Her words cut deep.
But before the conversation could continue, Xingyue paused.
She looked toward Kiana.
Then at the five standing before her.
She raised her index finger and smiled mysteriously.
"Actually… it seems you have a more pressing matter."
"What?"
They turned.
Black energy surged from Kiana's body.
She clutched her head, groaning in pain.
"Kiana! What's wrong?"
Mei rushed forward—but Kiana gripped her arm with unnatural strength.
Her pupils turned amber.
Behind her, Spears of Subspace materialized. Tattered wings—half-broken—spread from her back.
Her braids unraveled in a golden ripple. Her outfit transformed into a long black dress with white trim.
Her hand, now clad in a dark sleeve, held Mei tightly.
Kiana smiled.
But it wasn't her smile.
It was eerie. Hollow.
"I'm fine. I feel… reborn."
Her voice shifted—half-mechanical, half-human.
"I'm so glad you're here, Mei."
"Now… let's become one."
"My… other… half."