Chapter Summaries

Yae Sakura proposed using a secret meeting between Otto and an Anti-Entropy executive to lure out the Herrscher of Erosion, but Otto rejected the plan as too uncertain. He emphasized that they had only one chance to strike and showed Sakura an encrypted message he had sent to Cocolia before she finished her proposal.

• Yae Sakura suggested setting a trap to lure the Herrscher of Erosion, and Otto gave her two hours to prepare a proposal.
• Rita reassured Yae Sakura and helped her begin planning the operation.
• Yae Sakura presented a plan to use a secret meeting between Otto and an Anti-Entropy executive as bait for the Herrscher.
• Otto rejected the proposal, explaining that the Herrscher’s destructive power meant their trap had to succeed on the first attempt.
• Otto showed Yae Sakura an encrypted message he had sent to Cocolia before she finished her proposal.

Iserin explained how the BT and Red Queen were evolved from her data, and Cocolia redirected the meeting toward countering the Herrscher of Erosion. The group agreed to prepare a Herrscher data entity as a backup plan if Otto’s plan failed.

• Iserin and her data-world counterpart explained that the BT and Red Queen were humanlike data entities evolved from Iserin’s source data, and described their safeguards.
• Cocolia sent the real Iserin to rest and asked the data-world Iserin to design a portable monitoring device with security functions for her.
• Cocolia reported that human data entities could resist the Herrscher of Erosion for only a few hours, while a Herrscher data entity might be able to fight it.
• Cocolia proposed cooperating with Otto while preparing to upload the Thousand-Person Ruler and the Herrscher of Reason if Otto failed, and Einstein and Tesla agreed.
• Siegfried fell asleep during the meeting, prompting Cocolia to raise her handgun until Tesla and Einstein roused him.

Kiana insisted that Anqi was secretly checking on them, while Raiden Mei soothed her and put her to bed. After Kiana fell asleep, Mei privately wished Anqi really had returned, then drifted off beside Kiana.

• Kiana argued that the hidden prying and Honkai Energy reactions meant Anqi was watching them from St. Freya's network.
• Raiden Mei told Kiana to sleep and held her close, gently dismissing her claims.
• Kiana fell asleep while grumbling that Mei did not believe her.
• Raiden Mei admitted to herself that she wished the watcher really was Anqi, then fell asleep with Kiana.

Kiana asked Raiden Mei to trace a strange signal through a damaged computer while Durandal stood guard, and the trace led to the Herrscher of Erosion. The resulting attack disrupted the systems of Schicksal, Anti-Entropy, and World Serpent, while Herrscher of the Void Anqi broke down in Kiana’s mental world over Kiana’s reckless interference.

• Kiana asked Raiden Mei to use her Thunder Authority to track the signal and sent Durandal to guard the door.
• Raiden Mei found traces of something strange in the computer and followed them through the electrical signals.
• Herrscher of Erosion decrypted communications between Schicksal and Anti-Entropy, learned they were planning ways to counter her, and resolved to infiltrate their meeting.
• Raiden Mei’s signal struck Herrscher of Erosion, who panicked and believed she had been discovered.
• The systems of Schicksal, Anti-Entropy, and World Serpent came under attack, while Herrscher of the Void Anqi and her counterparts collapsed in Kiana’s mental world.

Anqi attacked the Herrscher of Erosion in the digital world, destroying her main body but discovering that her ability to split had left countless copies. Anqi split into thousands of bodies to pursue them, using her reach into the real world to hunt beyond the Herrscher’s home turf.

• Anqi declared that the world had grown filthy and struck at the Herrscher of Erosion’s hiding place.
• Anqi’s palm strike destroyed the Herrscher of Erosion’s main body in the digital world.
• The Herrscher of Erosion’s scattered consciousnesses fled, revealing that she could survive as long as one remained.
• Anqi split into thousands of bodies and pursued the Herrscher of Erosion across the digital world.

Otto allowed Yae Sakura to enter the network world and help hunt the Herrscher of Erosion, while Anqi pursued the enemy near a space station with Kiana. Anqi began cutting off the Herrscher’s escape while trying to limit the damage to the systems it had taken over.

• Otto recognized Yae Sakura’s wish to join the pursuit, and she explained that Jizo Mitama could let her enter the network world.
• Otto gave Yae Sakura permission to follow her own will, and she entered the screen with Jizo Mitama.
• Otto ordered Amber to prepare to publicize Yae Sakura’s courage and contribution after the incident.
• Anqi took Kiana into space and told her that, as a Herrscher, she could survive without breathing.
• Anqi used Sky Sword to strike at the Herrscher of Erosion near a space station, cutting away its power without damaging the station itself.

Anqi and Ninti helped World Serpent contain the Herrscher of Erosion, while Ninti’s brief visit left Kevin feeling guilty and relieved that she had grown well. Kevin and Flame-Chaser then went to investigate the remaining problems reported by Gray Serpent.

• Anqi appeared with Kiana, struck with a Sky Sword, and vanished before Gray Serpent could act.
• Ninti repaired World Serpent’s damaged systems while Kevin sensed her arrival in the throne room.
• Kevin asked Ninti whether she still cared about him and whether she wanted to do bad things, and she left angrily after he affirmed his plan.
• Flame-Chaser told Kevin he would give Ninti the trials she deserved, and Kevin reluctantly agreed.
• Flame-Chaser told Kevin that Gray Serpent had reported more work to do, and they went to investigate the aftermath of the Herrscher of Erosion incident.

Anqi gathered power from Fu Hua and the others, then unleashed a vast golden sword attack that defeated the Herrscher of Erosion across the data world. Anqi sealed the surviving Herrscher in a box and chose to spare her temporarily while deciding whether she could be kept around.

• Anqi drew power from the Great Void Mountain group, strengthened the Fire Spirit Sword, and launched a rain of golden swords toward the East.
• The golden swords entered the data world and struck down the Herrscher of Erosion's scattered consciousnesses, leaving her convinced she was about to die.
• Fu Hua opened the box containing the Herrscher of Erosion's true body, and the frightened Herrscher begged everyone not to kill her.
• Anqi explained that she had stripped the Herrscher of Erosion's authority and sealed her, and told Kiana how dangerous the Herrscher could have been.
• Anqi decided to spare the Herrscher temporarily and observe her, then closed the box as the Herrscher pleaded for mercy.

The Herrscher of Erosion cowered in the darkness and prayed to several deities for protection. She excluded the Honkai God from her pleas, fearing it would harm her.

• The Herrscher of Erosion shrank back into a corner with no way out.
• She frantically prayed to God, Jesus, the Heavenly Father, and Mazu, promising to cast golden statues if she survived.
• She decided not to pray to the Honkai God because she feared it would finish her off.

Anqi told Otto she could wield the complete Void Authority through the Herrscher of Erosion and proved her power by shutting down Celestia. Otto accepted her claim and agreed to stop focusing on Kiana, but he still wanted a chance to verify Anqi’s abilities more fully.

• Anqi told Otto that she could seize the complete Void Authority through the Herrscher of Erosion and achieve what a complete Herrscher of the Void could.
• Anqi activated the Erosion Authority, cutting Celestia’s power and causing the island to sink.
• Otto accepted Anqi’s claim, and Anqi told Yae Sakura to restart Celestia’s systems.
• Yae Sakura used Jizo Mitama to restart the engines, stabilizing Celestia and lifting it back to its original altitude.
• Otto welcomed Anqi and the Herrscher of Erosion to return, while privately considering how to verify Anqi’s full abilities.

Anqi returned and was welcomed by Kiana, Raiden Mei, Fu Hua, and the others. Kiana hugged Anqi and greeted her, and Anqi said she was back.

• Raiden Mei, Fu Hua, and the others laid out the food.
• Kiana stopped crying, smiled, and hugged Anqi around the waist.
• Kiana welcomed Anqi back.
• Anqi placed a hand on Kiana's head, looked at the others, and said she was back.

Anqi rejected Kiana’s invitation to return to class and applied to graduate after learning that Schicksal had promoted her to S-rank. Theresa arranged a public ceremony to recognize Anqi and invite her to remain permanently with the Far East Branch.

• Kiana offered to go to class with Anqi, but Anqi said she was applying for graduation instead.
• Anqi showed Theresa the notice promoting her to S-rank, and the others congratulated her after reading it.
• Theresa realized Otto’s promotion was partly a gesture of goodwill but agreed Anqi deserved the rank.
• Theresa added a joint recommendation from the Far East Branch and St. Freya to the notice and held a public promotion ceremony.
• Theresa invited Anqi to stay permanently at the Far East Branch and asked whether she was willing.

Himeko arranged for Durandal to assess Kiana, while Kiana promised to study and carry out missions properly. Otto sent Yae Sakura to the Far East Branch with a Herrscher of Rock core and an invitation for Anqi and Kiana to visit headquarters, leaving Yae Sakura furious at his scheme.

• Himeko told Kiana to keep studying or be examined by Durandal, and Kiana earnestly promised to study hard and do her missions properly.
• Otto told Yae Sakura that Kiana had gathered allies and power in the Far East Branch, and warned her the rebellion could split Schicksal.
• Otto asked Yae Sakura to go to the Far East Branch, deliver the Herrscher of Rock core to Anqi, and invite Anqi and Kiana to headquarters for an important mission.
• Yae Sakura objected that she and Durandal might not return from the Far East, but Otto dismissed the risk and urged her to go while angry at him.
• Yae Sakura gripped Jizo Mitama and repeatedly drew and sheathed its blade as Otto smiled nervously.

Anqi invited Mei and Himeko to move in with her, and they agreed. Kiana celebrated the move until Himeko confronted her for criticizing her house.

• Anqi suggested that Mei and Himeko move in with her as well.
• Mei and Himeko exchanged smiles and agreed to move.
• Kiana cheered that the new house was bigger and more comfortable than Himeko's home.
• Himeko pinched Kiana's face and challenged her complaints about the house.
• Kiana denied criticizing Himeko's home and asked Himeko not to hit her face.

Kiana thanked Theresa for giving her a home, and Theresa broke down crying as she recalled how close she had come to losing her. The next day, the group discussed Otto’s invitation, and Anqi explained that he was likely trying to test her ability to obtain the complete Void Authority.

• Kiana hugged Theresa and thanked her for taking her into St. Freya, saying she had helped Kiana find a home, hope, and friends.
• Theresa recalled learning that Kiana had been missing and how Cecilia’s memory had helped her endure the shock.
• Kiana told Theresa she loved her and kissed her cheek, and Theresa burst into tears.
• The next day, Theresa gathered everyone to discuss how to deal with Otto, whom she believed had dangerous intentions toward Kiana.
• Anqi explained that Otto needed the complete Void Authority and likely wanted to test her ability to plunder authorities.
• Kiana realized Anqi had tried to draw Otto’s attention away from her, and Anqi comforted her by patting her head.

Kiana reassured Anqi that she had grown stronger and would protect her, then looked ahead to the city above the clouds where Otto Apocalypse awaited. She reflected on Otto’s role in her family’s suffering and quietly prepared to meet him.

• Kiana said she wanted to protect everyone, especially Anqi.
• Kiana and Anqi clasped hands and shared a moment of warmth.
• The city above the clouds came into view as they traveled.
• Kiana thought about Otto Apocalypse and the suffering he had caused her family.
• Kiana closed her eyes and waited for their meeting.

Anqi helped Kiana explore the home of her birth parents, and Kiana began to accept it as her own. Meanwhile, Tachibana Yuki asked Sirin to lend her half of the Void Authority for the False God Project and to help counter Otto’s plans, and Sirin ultimately agreed.

• Anqi invited Kiana to look around the home where her parents had lived, and Kiana accepted.
• As they toured the house, Anqi told Kiana she could consider it her home, and Kiana hugged her in tears.
• That night, Kiana and Anqi discussed Otto’s psychological tactics and the experiments they would begin the next day.
• At Tachibana Yuki’s estate, Yuki asked Sirin to lend her half of the Void Authority for the False God Project and to thwart Otto’s scheme against Kiana.
• Sirin initially misunderstood Yuki’s approach but eventually agreed to lend her authority.

Anqi used the Void Authority to guide herself and Kiana through a chaotic spatial dimension toward a passage marked by Otto's parameters. Kiana insisted on continuing despite feeling unwell as Anqi prepared to take them deeper into the abstract domain.

• Kiana told Anqi she felt uncomfortable as they floated through the spatial dimension.
• Anqi offered to stop and rest, but Kiana refused because the experiment was important.
• Anqi warned Kiana that the next stage would challenge their bodies and minds, yet Kiana chose to continue.
• Anqi deciphered Otto's guidance parameters and identified a passage through the chaotic space.
• Anqi sped them onward with the Void Authority, and Kiana screamed as they crossed the dimension.

Anqi brought Mobius and Vill-V coordinate data of the Imaginary Tree, which they analyzed and recognized as evidence of Otto Apocalypse’s plan to reach it. Anqi revealed that she also wanted to reach the Imaginary Tree, and the three mad researchers embraced the dangerous prospect.

• Mobius teased Anqi about her fear of pain, and Anqi playfully clung to and licked Mobius’s leg until Mobius stopped her.
• Anqi presented Mobius with coordinate data of the Imaginary Tree, prompting Mobius to call Vill-V’s expert persona to the laboratory.
• Mobius and Vill-V spent half a day analyzing the data, then asked Anqi where it came from.
• Anqi explained that she had observed Schicksal Overseer Otto Apocalypse’s experiment, and Mobius deduced that Otto intended to reach the Imaginary Tree.
• Mobius explained the danger and potential power of reaching the Imaginary Tree, while Anqi revealed that she wanted to go there too.

Vill-V finished her performance in Mobius's laboratory and gave Anqi a laurel crown, but Mobius soon drove everyone out. Anqi then explained her plan to confront Otto and asked Mobius for help, though Mobius warned that it was a death wish.

• Vill-V ended her forty-minute magic show and praised Anqi's potential as a magician.
• Vill-V placed Eden's laurel crown on Anqi's head and told her it was a gift for a future great magician.
• Mobius used her mechanical tentacles to chase Elysia, Vill-V, and Anqi out of her laboratory.
• Anqi sent the crown back to the Theater of Domination, where one of her doubles stored it in the treasury.
• Anqi told Mobius she would either stop Otto and seize his research or help him carry out his plan, then asked Mobius for help.