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Kiana closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
Truthfully, she had already anticipated this outco. Still, there was a glimr of hope within her that soone might have saved Teacher Hiko from Virtual Space.
But evidently, no one could achieve such a feat at that ti.
As the Herrscher of the Void, Kiana understood this all too well. The revelation indeed struck her hard but not enough to break her, for she had ntally prepared herself long ago. Besides, Teacher Hiko...would never wish for her to succumb to despair.
With the hopes of both Teacher Hiko and Teacher Ana resting upon her shoulders, Kiana vowed to carry their spirits forward.
Yet, nothing could conceal her profound sorrow, so she chose silence—a response best suited against the doll's manipulations.
The doll swayed back and forth, watching Kiana expectantly, hoping she would fall into despair, breach her defenses, and ultimately assimilate her completely.
However, Kiana remained unchanged, leaving the doll montarily speechless and gradually losing its patience.
"Hey, are you deaf or just unable to comprehend?" it taunted. "Or maybe your mind has shut down due to overwhelming despair?"
The doll sneered, its voice dripping with mockery, convinced everything was under its control.
"Murata Hiko is dead. Dead, dead, dead! Did you hear ?"
"..."
No matter how many tis the doll repeated itself, Kiana remained unresponsive. However, there was indeed a hint of anger in her gaze—though she fully understood what the doll truly desired.
"You're not reacting at all! Hey, aren't you being too heartless?!"
In a corner away from the Dominion Theater, Hiko silently listened to the Herrscher of the Thousand's words, her arms crossed and unfazed, even sporting a faint smile on her lips.
Gray mist coalesced beside Hiko, forming another hooded figure—Bai Zhi.
Witnessing such a captivating spectacle, Ana couldn't afford to miss it; this wasn't just watching a promotional video but experiencing a live broadcast firsthand.
"Dealing with such unorganized masses, ignoring them is often the best approach," Bai Zhi remarked calmly.
"By avoiding unnecessary interactions, there can be no chance for domination."
"I agree entirely," Hiko nodded in concurrence.
"However, that thing truly infuriates ; I'm itching to dismantle it." As she spoke, Hiko waved her greatsword, which could also be considered a Divine Key. Similar to Fenghuang Pinions, it was crafted by a Herrscher, although distinct from the Red Knight's sword. Despite the differences, its strength arguably surpassed the previous one.
"Don't worry, Hiko, your opportunity will co," Bai Zhi reassured her with a soft laugh.
Bai Zhi chuckled softly.
"The unorganized masses have grown formidable now; they won't be easily dealt with. However, before we intervene, let's trust your students first."
"Hmm, I understand, but it's been quite so ti since I've stepped onto the battlefield, and my hands are itching for action!"
"Hasn't battling during your trial satisfied that urge?" Bai Zhi asked, slightly exasperated.
The trial Hiko underwent involved experiencing the life of the previous civilization's Herrscher of Fla. Then, using her own will, she transford into the Herrscher of Fla as the Herrscher of Human. In those mories, she even engaged in combat with Kevin, the strongest Fusion Warrior from the prior era—though at that ti, his abilities were still developing.
Through this trial, both Hiko's Authorities and combat skills saw significant enhancents.
"You can't compare the two, Ana," Hiko replied with a light laugh.
"Fine, suit yourself. But rember to call Bai Zhi."
"Ha ha ha, understood!"
Hiko and Bai Zhi fell silent, continuing to wait while monitoring Kiana's battle against the doll on the other side.
"So, what did you imagine I would be like?"
"Kneeling and wailing, unable to move, repeatedly crying out 'This can't be true'?"
"Or perhaps spiraling into madness, ntally disturbed, desperately harming myself to alleviate self-bla?"
"I'm afraid you'll be disappointed!"
From afar, both Hiko's and Bai Zhi's faces displayed expressions of satisfaction. It was inevitable, but nonetheless reassuring for Ana, as she now empathized with Hiko's perspective.
"But... this shouldn't be happening..." A hint of confusion crept into the dolls' voices; they hadn't anticipated this outco. In their view, Kiana should have been incredibly fragile, given that she had more vulnerabilities than any other Herrscher present. Clearly, despite revealing their trump cards, things were not unfolding as expected.
"...Ah, I understand now. You're still resisting, unwilling to accept reality."
"As always, the Puppeteer Herrschers exhibit such foolishness," Bai Zhi lanted softly, shaking her head afterward. This disunity among them was evident; only by rging could they ensure their existence. While having nurous puppets offered significant advantages, it also brought substantial drawbacks.
Through emotional resonance, they assimilate each other, forming a connection. Once convinced of this principle, they continue to dominate and assimilate others. If anyone violates these laws, issues arise for them.
Thus, regardless of circumstances, at least verbally, the Herrscher of the Thousand will never relent.
"You think we're lying and believe this gemstone is fake? Striving to maintain a facade of calm as if nothing significant has occurred?"
"Fine then, let demonstrate its genuine power to you!"
Harnessing the gem's strength, the doll attacks Kiana. However, unlike the original storyline, now equipped with the Authority of Control, Kiana effortlessly grabs the doll with one hand, snaps its neck, and retrieves the Gem of Haste.
For her, this entire process requires minimal effort.
It's inevitable; individual dolls are inherently weak and frail. But why don't they harness the power of the Gem of Haste?
The gem can only exhibit its full potential when wielded by a Herrscher, allowing control or seizure of its abilities. This parallels how Otto acquired the Skill of Domination—by substituting his own body for a puppet, transforming himself into one of the Herrschers of Dominance.
Once all other Herrschers of Dominance perish, Otto would rightfully gain control over the entirety of the Skill of Domination.
Thus, even with the Gem of Haste in hand, the dolls' ability to harness its power remains severely limited. To fully unleash the gem's potential in another form, one must rely on the previous civilization's Key of Blankness.
Obviously, the Puppeteer Herrschers cannot create such artifacts. The relevant armor and research exist only within Schicksal and World Serpent, while Anti-Entropy... just happens to lack them altogether.
"I don't know what reaction you were hoping for from , but I do know what Teacher Hiko wants to do."
After taking the Gem of Haste, Kiana swiftly departed, searching for an exit within the Dominion Theater.
Suddenly, the doll whose neck Kiana had snapped monts ago chanically stood back up.
"It was stolen, it was stolen!"
"Claiming justice yet stealing from others!"
"Thief! Robber! Death penalty!"
The doll ranted incessantly, venting its resentnt and fury—a thod they use to maintain synchronization among themselves.
Unbeknownst to it, a faint mist began drifting over, enveloping this area and the doll within.
"Yes, taking sothing from soone else, but can you be certain it was ever yours?"
Bai Zhi's figure quietly erged amidst the fog, with Hiko following closely beside her. Although both wore cloaks concealing their identities, there was no doubt they were Herrschers based on their distinct Herrscher aura.
"Who...who are you?" stamred the doll.
"Who am I? Naturally, the original owner of this Gem of Haste. It was rely misplaced by carelessly in Virtual Space; how did it beco yours now?" Bai Zhi chuckled mockingly.
Her Authority had already sealed off the surroundings, making any anomalies undetectable—even to the Herrscher of Thousands—ensuring complete secrecy.
"You...it's you! Both of you!"
"No, this can't be right! You two were clearly dead, absolutely dead!" The Puppeteer Herrscher spoke incredulously, attempting to use its Authority to escape. However, Bai Zhi had thoroughly secured the area; without her permission, nobody could leave this realm of consciousness.
"Now then, it's ti for the thief and robber to pay their dues!"
Bai Zhi raised her hand, enveloping the doll in gray mist. The once-active puppet suddenly went still, appearing like a regular mannequin. Only the two Herrschers could sense that its Herrscher Core remained intact.
"Alright, I'll take this one with ; everything else here is on you."
Bai Zhi winked at Hiko before departing with the doll.
Hiko nodded, and after Bai Zhi left, she followed Kiana's trail up the stairs. With Ana's power covering her presence, even within the Dominion Theater, the dolls couldn't detect her movents.
However, the issue was that Anti-Entropy mbers might notice her, so she had to remain cautious.
It wasn't yet the right ti to reunite with her friends from Anti-Entropy. First, they needed to ensure Ana's plan ca to fruition. As soldiers, their utmost priority was to follow orders and complete their mission.
Moreover, Hiko sensed that Ana's sche held significant implications for the well-being and future of everyone in the Honkai World.
"All right, all right! The actors who finished their performance should gracefully exit the stage!"
"Next, let's welco the star of our upcoming act with great anticipation!"
"Ladies and gentlen, please give it up for the Herrscher of the Void—Sirin!"
anwhile, events unfolded as originally scripted: the doll pursued Kiana, triggering her Herrscher personality.
In an instant, the Herrscher persona surged forth, vying for control over Kiana's body. She gritted her teeth, struggling desperately, aware that she was on the brink of losing dominance.
Suddenly, like a blooming flower, the feeling of being overwheld and suppressed vanished entirely. Instead, a warm and comforting sensation took its place, akin to a gentle breeze caressing her.
Kiana closed her eyes, experiencing an unparalleled sense of tranquility within her heart.
Beside Kiana, light converged and intertwined, transforming into a snow lotus. Ana's apparition erged from the center of the blossom, gazing calmly at the approaching doll.
"As expected, you've reached this point."
Ana sighed softly. She wasn't the real Ana but rather a hidden contingency left behind within Kiana's mind by her predecessor. Consequently, she had no knowledge of the current state of the original Ana. As for her appearance, it was rely a manifestation of power and held no deeper significance.
"Ana... Teacher?" Kiana's eyes widened incredulously as she gazed at Ana before her.
"Surprised? Fu Hua must have ntioned that I perford certain actions within your consciousness earlier."
"Yes," Kiana replied, lowering her head so Ana couldn't see her face.
"Don't celebrate too soon, though. All I can do is alleviate and weaken the influence. To truly overco the Herrscher and master its Authority, you must rely solely on yourself." Ana smiled reassuringly, then glanced sideways at the nearby doll with her peripheral vision.
"Don't worry about that defeated foe; go forth and prove your beliefs to their fullest extent. I'll be here waiting, supporting you from behind." With these words, Ana lifted her hand and gently touched Kiana's forehead. A gray spiritual entity erged, gradually taking the form of the Queen of the Void.
Of course, the current Queen of the Void was rely a replica, possessing less than half the power and control of the original. For Kiana, she no longer posed as formidable an adversary.
If her will and beliefs faltered, Kiana could still rely on her strength to utterly eliminate the Queen or choose to temporarily retreat for another battle later.
The original Kiana never had this opportunity, but now, Ana provided it to her, shielding Kiana from the Herrscher personality's interference for an extended period.
Was there any real significance in doing so? Not particularly, but Ana believed that as a teacher, it was her duty to support her student—this is what teachers must do.
"Yes, Teacher!" Kiana nodded, suppressing her tears with great effort. She knew that the Teacher Ana before her was just a lingering mory, not the true Ana, who remained unaware of her own demise.
And precisely because of this, Ana's protection felt even more precious. Even though Ana...was no longer present, she continued to safeguard Kiana.
How could she disappoint Teacher Ana's expectations then?
Kiana must confront Sirin's past; denying her true identity as Sirin was not an option. She would accept it all, bear the weight, and forge ahead—fighting for the world's beauty.
"You're really quite botherso!"
As Ana's apparition disrupted their plans, more dolls erged from various locations to attack her phantom form.
In the distance, Hiko felt her heart leap into her throat. Although she hadn't anticipated that Ana would leave behind such a safeguard here, this Ana was rely an illusion, while Kiana's original body lacked any combat capability.
Despite these concerns, Hiko chose to trust Ana, just like Kiana did. What reason did she have not to believe in her?
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