Chapter 155

She fully demonstrated what it means to do things her own way, pinning Shen Gonglin against the wall. Tokisaki Kurumi approached Shen Gonglin and whispered these words: One must keep one's promises. She had been waiting for this, and now that she had done what she was supposed to do, Shen Gonglin should fulfill his promise. Kurumi couldn't help but want to replenish Rin's element.

"Um, can we put this aside for now? We have other things to do right now. We can talk about it later, okay?"

How come this spirit looks exactly like me? Who did it learn this from? Can't it see the atmosphere? Kiana is still soaking in the petri dish. If I were to get Kurumi and kiss Kurumi right now... I feel a strange sense of guilt. So Shen Gonglin tried to dissuade the impulsive spirit, telling it to calm down and that it could kiss me however it wanted after this was over.

"Hiss... We'll talk about it later. Rin, you're even more anxious than me. But even I can't accept the current environment, so let's change the kiss. I feel the atmosphere and environment are perfect right now, so we should do it now."

A hint of admiration flashed in the elf's eyes. As expected of Rin! She only wanted to kiss him to replenish her Rin element, but he actually wanted to play for real. Was he that lacking in Kurumi element? They really were a match made in heaven. She replenished Rin element, and he replenished Kurumi element. It was a perfect match. She had to have a deep and simple conversation with little Rin.

As they talked, the elf girl started talking. She knew how good Shen Gonglin's mouth was, and if he continued to use sweet talk, she would definitely be deceived by him and might even agree to do that with him here. There wasn't even a bed here, not even the most basic requirement was met. Even she had some sense of propriety. However, Kurumi's requirements weren't high, just a bed would be enough. That wasn't unreasonable, was it?

After thinking about it for a moment, the elf girl put the matter out of her mind. Now she should focus on something else. This tsundere is still putting on an act for her. Can't he just be honest with himself? What an awkward guy. She still has to work hard and one day she has to train Shen Gonglin to be the kind of hero who can't live without being close to her!

With her knee pressed against Shen Gonglin's leg and her hands pinning down Shen Gonglin's arms, the elf girl skillfully gave Shen Gonglin a wall slam. This was something she did with ease. Her bright red lips pressed directly against hers. Considering the environment and atmosphere was not something Kurumi cared about. Doing things as she pleased was her way of the game!

Like a bullied little girl, Shen Gonglin rolled her eyes and had no choice but to accept her fate. Now she could only focus on dealing with her and fooling this girl first... However, just as Shen Gonglin and Kurumi were focused on this matter, the girl in the Shen Gonglin's eyes moved slightly.

She seems to be waking up soon.

Chapter 111 Confronting the Herrscher

My body feels so heavy... Where am I? Who am I?

Like a bubble rising from the deep sea, Kiana had been unconscious for a long time, slowly regained a sliver of consciousness. Who was she again? Was she Kiana? Was she the test subject K423? Was she Sirin? Or... the incarnation of Honkai?

What about the Herrscher of the Void?

One question after another appeared in Kiana's mind like bubbles rising to the sea, and then burst one after another. The girl didn't know what was happening. She could only feel that something inside her body was gradually awakening. Her head felt very heavy, but her body felt very light, as if she could fall asleep as soon as she relaxed. But she always felt that once she fell asleep, she would never wake up again.

I am... Kiana, a student of St. Freya, Valkyrie fighting against the Honkai, Theresa's niece, Himeko's teacher, Bronya and Mei's friend, and Shen Gonglin's... favorite Kiana.

To avoid falling asleep, Kiana was constantly fighting against a certain consciousness within her. She wasn't completely oblivious; she had been taken away by the Class President in St. Freya and then sent to this uncomfortable place. She never expected that the Class President was actually an undercover agent responsible for monitoring her, and she never expected that she would be sent to such a place, a place that made her feel like she wasn't herself. A small resentment spread in Kiana's heart. This feeling was suppressed as soon as it appeared, but Kiana still managed to seize the opportunity.

Yes, all our past interactions were just a dream. No one will let someone as unstable as you roam freely outside. Everything about you is under surveillance. You are a vessel they created for my return. So, give me your body. You've slept for so long; it's time for you to rest.

It was that voice again. Kiana remained silent, as if she hadn't heard it at all. This wasn't the first time she'd heard it; she'd heard it eight out of ten times in her dreams. Before, she'd only vaguely sensed its identity, but after experiencing that illusion with Shen Gonglin, she was even more certain. She could feel the voice's influence on her growing stronger. Before, it only appeared in her abilities, but now it resonated clearly in her mind. Her consciousness was so hazy now—did that mean it was getting stronger?

[Pretending not to hear again, huh? Heh, whatever. Anyway, I'm about to reclaim this body that belongs to me. Everyone is welcoming my return. Nobody wants you to exist. Otherwise, that... um, I can't remember her name, but she's just an ant. Otherwise, why would she keep monitoring you and send you here? To them, you're just an unstable factor. Nobody wants you to exist. After all, no matter where you are, you're a huge time bomb.]

The voice in her mind kept ringing, and Kiana's frustration grew. She wanted to argue, but no words came out. She knew the voice was right; she had trusted her Class President so much, and yet the Class President had betrayed her trust without hesitation. So she didn't know...

[No, there's also Shen Gonglin, he wants me to exist. Yes, there's also Mei, and Theresa, I still have them!]

As if in protest against the incessant chatter, Kiana finally responded in her heart. Just thinking about it made the sky seem brighter, and the darkness in her consciousness gradually faded. Kiana's voice regained some confidence. Yes, although the Class President betrayed her, she still had Shen Gonglin. He must want her to exist. He was the best person to her in this world. Although she didn't know his current situation, Kiana was sure that he was somewhere trying his best to save her. There was also Mei, and Bronya. There were many people around her, and many people still wanted her to exist.

[Don't try to impress me... I admit, maybe some people want you to exist, but your existence only brings them suffering. Leaving aside others, let's look at Shen Gonglin. He dotes on you so much. Because you like it, he's willing to overload his brain to let you continue experiencing that fake environment. As for the consequences, I think you know—you can't see or hear, you lose all five senses... You're not unaware of what's going to happen, but even so, you didn't let him stop. All of this is just so you can enjoy what you crave one more time. And all of this you enjoy is built on his suffering.]

The concentration of Honkai energy is already sufficient. Now, as long as Kiana's consciousness is destroyed, she can take control of this body. The Herrscher of the Void is patiently guiding the Honkai consciousness. Logically speaking, the collapse of reality she craved in that illusion and the betrayal of her friends should have been enough to shatter her mental defenses, but she has managed to hold on until now... It's all because of Shen Gonglin. Has he become the last pillar in her heart? But it doesn't matter. Destruction and destruction are things that the Herrscher of the Void is very good at.

[...]

Kiana was speechless. She couldn't refute what the Herrscher of the Void said. Yes, she knew that Shen Gonglin was overburdened in the illusion. She was just deliberately controlling herself from thinking about it too deeply. If Shen Gonglin didn't persevere, she wouldn't be able to continue feeling Cecilia's maternal love in that illusion. So, she subconsciously did something so outrageous. Shen Gonglin had lost all five senses. This was her responsibility.

[What's wrong? Have nothing to say? Taking advantage of his doting affection, you recklessly squander his pampering, even at the cost of hurting him. Is this your purpose in life, Kiana?]

For some reason, Kiana suddenly sensed a strong sense of displeasure in the voice, and even a slight sourness. Was it just her imagination? The voice had always given people a feeling of having everything under control, but now it seemed to be full of emotional fluctuations, and even gave people a feeling of being exasperated. Was it just her imagination?

I admit, this is indeed my problem, but... what can I do about it?

Putting those thoughts aside, Kiana spoke these words after a brief silence, which surprised the Herrscher. This reaction was not what she had expected.

Chapter 112 Destroy it, hurry up!

[What? So what? Didn't you understand? Because of you, Shen Gonglin has lost all five senses—he can't see or hear. He's in this state, and you're still saying so? How... how did you manage to act like this?]

The Herrscher was utterly baffled. Who was the Herrscher in all of this villainous behavior? She knew Kiana's feelings for Shen Gonglin, and shouldn't Kiana be devastated now that she knew this? Why was she behaving this way? This girl wasn't the type to be shameless. The Herrscher of the Void the Void knew this all too well, which was why she was so astonished. How could she do this? If it were her... she couldn't do it at all.

[How did you do that? This is between him and me, why should I tell you...? It's fine to tell you, since you say you know everything about me, then you must also understand that I like Shen Gonglin.]

Since it's her own consciousness space anyway, no one else would know even if she said it. So Kiana spoke with such confidence and righteousness this time. This attitude made the Herrscher of the Void the Void, who had been trying to persuade her to give up ownership of her body, feel a little numb. She felt like this girl was about to show off again. Why is she so arrogant? This body doesn't belong to her alone. Who gave her permission to use her body to like Shen Gonglin!

Yes, after all, most of your dreams are about him. Every time I try to intrude, I have to destroy those erotic dreams. I know, I know, I know you like Shen Gonglin, but what can I do about it?

I have some questions about this, but I don't mind talking to Kiana Herrscher it. Honkai energy is constantly eroding her consciousness, and it's only a matter of time before I take over this body. Her consciousness can't withstand the Honkai energy, and this body will soon be mine.

"So what if I acted spoiled towards him? I like him, and he likes me too. Since he likes me too, what's wrong with me being a little willful? Does he think he'll leave me just because I'm being willful? You're underestimating him. You said you observed me inside my body for a long time, so you must know about Shen Gonglin, right? Being arrogant... spoiled and arrogant—he's the first to do that."

Kiana became more and more confident as she spoke. She hadn't learned much from Shen Gonglin, but she had certainly learned a lot about being argumentative and willful. Although she knew that what she was saying was wrong, Kiana didn't want to lose to this voice. The burden on her consciousness was getting heavier and heavier, and she was afraid that she would fall asleep soon. But as long as she was conscious for a moment, she couldn't lose!

[You call this being willful? You call this being affectionate?]

She still couldn't understand human emotions. Even though Shen Gonglin was in such a state, she, as a Herrscher, couldn't help but feel a little sorry for her. But what was wrong with this girl? Was this the legendary heartless person? But Kiana was not like that at all. In her observation, Kiana was actually quite contradictory.

"Yes, you haven't been in love, you don't understand. It's true, I could be obedient and not cause trouble for Shen Gonglin, and he might like me too. But then he'd only like me because I'm obedient, not because he likes me. I want Shen Gonglin to like me regardless of whether I'm obedient or not. I am Kiana Kaslana, and only by being obedient can I gain someone's affection. I'd rather not have my own affection. Even if Shen Gonglin can't see or hear me anymore, as long as I live, I will stay by his side. Everything has a price. Since I caused the consequences, I will bear them. Even if I can't make up for it, there's nothing I can do. Anyway, this is all I can give. Whether Shen Gonglin feels he's at a disadvantage or not, he has to have it!"

The more she spoke, the more confident she became. In this space where no one else was around, Kiana could finally speak her mind. Perhaps she could be obedient and well-behaved, but in front of Shen Gonglin, she wanted to act spoiled and willful. If she had to restrain herself in front of him, it would be too tiring. She had strong faith in Shen Gonglin, and this faith had sustained Kiana until now, allowing her to retain her consciousness. Did this Herrscher understand...? Well, she probably didn't. This was something only someone who had been through it could understand.

I'm so annoyed.

The Herrscher's voice remained silent for a long time. Kiana's answer infuriated her. Every word Kiana uttered made the Herrscher of the Void feel like she was showing off. She knew Kiana was just being unreasonable, but she couldn't refute her. Had their roles been reversed? She should be the one questioning her and breaking down her defenses, but why was she the one feeling a bit overwhelmed? This unrestrained, spoiled, and willful behavior... Never mind!

Anyway, this body will soon be mine, and then I can do whatever I want with her. Isn't she proud? Doesn't she love to show off? Then I'll make sure she... can't say a word!

Somewhat embarrassed and angry, the Herrscher simply stopped trying to break down Kiana's mental defenses with words. She knew she couldn't win a verbal battle, but in this world, strength ultimately reigns supreme. She would soon be able to control this body, and she would be the victor in the end.

This Herrscher can't win in lane, so she tries to backdoor.

Say what you will, once I take control of this body and reclaim my other half...

The Honkai energy continued to erode the Herrscher, who remained silent for a while before finally speaking, while Kiana waited for her to speak.

[Half-body? You mean Shen Gonglin?]

[Mei! It's Mei! She has nothing to do with Shen Gonglin!]

The Herrscher was furious. Why did this person keep bringing up Shen Gonglin in every other sentence? Was he just using Rin's name to provoke her?

Oh, so why didn't you mention Shen Gonglin?

[Can I not say anything?! Give me this body, it's mine now!]

"You think you can just become me because you can't win an argument? You're pretty pathetic."

[...Are you ever going to stop...? Oh, there's something good to see, do you want to watch it?]

The Honkai energy's erosion had finally reached its peak, and she was about to take over this body. Only then did the Herrscher have time to observe the outside world. Immediately, the Herrscher's voice became silent. Kiana felt that her consciousness was about to dissipate. Hearing the Herrscher's words, she forced herself to open her eyes again. "Good stuff, what is it?"

As a result, Kiana saw a woman pinning Shen Gonglin to the wall and gnawing on her outside the petri dish.

Kiana: "Destroy it, hurry up and do it."

Herrscher of the Void: "Okay, fine."

Chapter 113 The Overbearing Herrscher

The last thread of her consciousness snapped. Kiana's mind was already on the verge of collapse. Such powerful Honkai energy had awakened another consciousness within this body, and now she saw something like this... Kiana knew her own heart perfectly well. She truly liked Shen Gonglin, even loved him. She knew that Shen Gonglin was indeed likable; not only her, but Mei, Bronya, and Fu Hua all liked him. Her path to love was destined to be bumpy, and she was prepared for that. But you can't... you can't bully us at our doorstep! From this special seat, one could see clearly what Shen Gonglin and that fake Herrscher were doing. So, the girl's consciousness collapsed very easily.

Honkai energy condensed and then erupted. Shen Gonglin sensed the situation in the culture dish behind him immediately. He quickly reached out and hugged the elf girl in his arms. The sweeping Honkai energy surged like a tidal wave, the culture dish exploded, and the glass shards also came like an explosion. A light flashed in the elf girl's heterochromatic eyes, and the fingers that were hugging Shen Gonglin's neck moved slightly. A shadow-like barrier appeared around them, blocking the impact of the broken glass. What is this thing? Does that white-haired girl have such powerful strength?

"Go inside first. I didn't tell you not to come out."

Without giving Kurumi a chance to resist, Shen Gonglin tucked the girl in his arms into the shadows. He warily "watched" what was in front of him. Although he couldn't see, he Honkai energy in front of him was so dense that it was almost solidifying. And the source of this Honkai energy was the girl in front of him.

Kiana, is that you?

Shen Gonglin stood ready, while the girl who had been freed from the petri dish remained silent. Culture fluid dripped from her body, and her long, loose white hair slowly slid down her shoulders. She looked up at Shen Gonglin, her originally azure eyes now shimmering with golden light. "I was a little too late. That thief managed to escape..." But it didn't matter; she wouldn't have another chance to appear.

"It's me. It's great to see you the moment I open my eyes. I really want to know what she'll say if she sees this scene now. Will she still be as arrogant as before? I'm really... looking forward to it!"

Although she was still wearing the Valkyrie Armor called White Comet, Kiana gave off a completely different feeling than before. She walked lightly to Shen Gonglin, her slender fingers pinching Shen Gonglin chin, her eyes full of mischievous amusement. He talked so tough, but now he's still in her hands.

"What are you doing... Ugh!"

Although the Honkai energy reaction was strong, Shen Gonglin didn't sense any malice. Or rather, even if he did sense malice, he couldn't resist in his current state. He didn't dare call out the Universal Angel or the elf girl for protection, because Shen Gonglin felt that if the two of them came out, it probably wouldn't be a simple matter of malice. He tried to mediate with words, but the girl, now in her super-A state, didn't give Shen Gonglin a chance to waste words. Just like she wanted to take revenge on the girl who had beaten her in the online battle, the Herrscher of the Void of the Void, who had taken over this body, was enjoying her spoils without restraint.

It really does taste familiar.

It was like he was nibbling on a piece of Honkai energy. His lips were soft against the girl's skin. After the initial surprise, Shen Gonglin seized the opportunity to absorb the Honkai energy from her body. It was so concentrated. He could recover quickly!

"Tsk... tone it down, I'm practically forcing a kiss on you... Oh? My other half has arrived, let's go and welcome the coming judgment together!"

In verbal sparring, she was no match for Shen Gonglin. She initially had the upper hand, but as the kiss progressed, the Herrscher suddenly felt Shen Gonglin hand. Before she could lose, she quickly pulled Shen Gonglin away. The Honkai energy within Herrscher was exceptionally vast; Shen Gonglin absorbed it without her noticing. He was simply too skilled. He must have trained many people, while she could only train him. Therefore, it was only natural that she was no match for him in this aspect... Why did she feel like she was constantly being thwarted? The Herrscher was furious. Just then, she sensed another gem approaching. If she obtained that one, she would definitely become even stronger!

Excellent in every aspect!

Using her spatial powers, the Herrscher took Shen Gonglin with her and teleported away. No form of restriction had any effect on her. The Herrscher of the Void could go wherever she wanted.

"The plan has succeeded, just as anticipated. The Herrscher of the Void has fully awakened, the Queen has arrived, and Shen Gonglin is in position. The defensive shield of Heimdall Research Lab has been deactivated, and the Hyperion battleship of the Far East Branch has entered the domain's range... Your Excellency, please give further instructions."

In another unnamed location, Otto Apocalypse, the mastermind behind the entire plan, was quietly listening to his adjutant's report. On the screen was the laboratory where the Herrscher of the Void had been. He hadn't expected Shen Gonglin and that fake Herrscher to be doing that here. But thankfully, this had accelerated his plan. The Herrscher woke up a few minutes earlier than he had anticipated, before the Hyperion had even entered. Fortunately, the Herrscher had wasted some time arguing with Shen Gonglin, and now everything was back on track.

"Notify all Valkyrie units to stay away from Heimdall Research Lab. Furthermore, strictly prohibit any Valkyrie from engaging in combat with Herrscher. The actors are all in position. The moment a sacrifice is made will be the final curtain call. At that moment, humanity will control the Herrscher's power. This is the future!"

Otto calmly commanded, this was his plan. The human heart is the most powerful weapon. Although Kiana has fallen asleep, she has not disappeared. She is still fighting, and her emotions will become her power to help her break through everything and further control the power of the Herrscher.

"Yes, the order has been issued."

Otto's orders were relayed, but the adjutant hesitated. This sacrifice... did he mean Shen Gonglin? But judging from the Herrscher's state, she clearly wouldn't harm Shen Gonglin Jingu, though biting her was a possibility.

To be honest, this newly promoted S-class is really terrifying. Fu Hua and Durandal are his ex-girlfriends, Rita is his maid, and even the Herrscher... tsk tsk, he's not someone to mess with.

Chapter 114 Using Herrscher to Fight Herrscher

On the Hyperion, Mei and Theresa stood ready on the bridge. Now they only needed to wait for news from Tesla and Himeko before they could break through the defenses and reach Heimdall Research Lab. Kiana was currently imprisoned there, waiting for them to come and rescue her.

"Mei, we're about to go into battle. Before that, I have something to tell you. I've defused the bomb that was planted in your heart. You can fight with all your might... At the same time, the consciousness of the Third Herrscher is beginning to awaken. Don't push yourself too hard. You can't control that power yet."

With her small hands wrapped around her chest, Theresa looked at the protective shield in front of her, ready for battle. The entire Hyperion was prepared for battle, and she agreed to Mei's request. Every bit of combat power was essential to them now, and it wouldn't do to hesitate for any reason and cause something regrettable.

"Principal, thank you for your concern."

Mei nodded her thanks. She knew how much pressure Theresa was under to make this choice. She looked like just a little girl, but she was carrying all the burdens. The headmistress was truly an outstanding person.

"You don't need to call me Headmistress anymore, just call me Theresa. We've already rebelled against Schicksal, so there's no need to address me that way. I'm sorry, my willfulness dragged you all into this too."

Theresa shook her head. Calling herself the headmistress was clearly inappropriate now. Her current identity was that of a traitor to Schicksal, and perhaps in some people's eyes, she was no longer worthy of being the headmistress of Valkyrie Academy.

"Please don't say that. Even if you leave Schicksal, you are still our respected headmistress. Two years ago, it was you who overruled everyone's objections and allowed me, Herrscher, to enter St. Freya Academy, giving me a place to belong. If it weren't for that, I wouldn't be standing here as Valkyrie today. I used to be afraid that my Herrscher power would hurt others, but now I don't want to run away anymore. I want to use this power to protect the people who are important to me: Shen Gonglin, Kiana, Bronya... and you, Headmistress. All of you are the most important people to me."

Mei smiled with relief, and Theresa felt gratified to see Mei like this. She was truly worthy of being her student, and she would absolutely support this philosophy.

[I apologize for interrupting your sentimental talk. The barrier is starting to react, but communication with Dr. Tesla has been lost. Ms. Theresa, please make a decision.]

Einstein's signature languid voice rang out, as if nothing could make her impatient. The barrier had been removed, which meant they were one step closer to their goal, but why did she feel so uneasy?

"I understand, Himeko will be here soon, Mei. Get ready for battle, we're about to... Wait a minute, something's wrong. The barriers have all collapsed, and the defenses have become weak, as if it was done on purpose... What's going on!"

Just as they were about to order a surprise attack, an alarm suddenly sounded on the Hyperion. The red alarm flashed, and a violent shaking caused Theresa and Mei to fall to the ground. What was happening? Something was wrong.

"Strong spatial fluctuations and intense Honkai energy have been detected. This concentration... it's Herrscher!"

As soon as Mei finished speaking, a spatial fluctuation swept over her. She was still in the command room when she suddenly felt her body lighten and appeared outside the cabin. Then she felt as if she had fallen into someone's arms. This feeling... was Kiana?

"Mei, Mei..."

The familiar voice made Mei's eyes freeze. It was indeed Kiana, the one holding her was definitely Kiana, and beside her was... Shen Gonglin? Why was he here? How did he end up with Kiana? And was the girl in front of her really Kiana?

Unable to handle the situation at once, Kiana floated in the air, clutching herself, while Shen Gonglin floated beside Kiana as if bound by some force. Kiana gave her a very strange feeling, as if she were another version of herself inside her body.

Kiana, are you alright?

No matter how strange it felt, Mei was certain that the girl in front of her was Kiana. What had happened to her? Mei called the girl's name anxiously, but this girl, who used to live in the same dormitory and was very familiar to her, now gave her a strange feeling. What happened to her? Was she too late?

"I'm fine, great, like I've been reborn!"

The color of her eyes changed completely. Her eyes, which were originally as clear as a lake, were now shining with golden light. At the same time, Kiana's appearance also changed. Her Valkyrie Armor disappeared and was replaced by a gorgeous outfit. Three long spears suddenly appeared on her back, and on the other side were dazzling wings of light. Herrscher, descend!

"Wow, this concentration of Honkai energy... Mei, get out of the way!"

Restrained by the Herrscher of the Void's abilities, Shen Gonglin could roughly assess the situation just by listening to the sounds. He tried desperately to absorb Honkai energy Honkai energy refine it with the Great Void Sword Qi to heal himself, but the speed was unusually slow in this situation. This wasn't Kiana; that silly girl wouldn't act like this. Sensing the change in the situation, Shen Gonglin quickly called out, and at the same time, the power he had been accumulating for a long time erupted, allowing him to break free from the Herrscher of the Void's restraints. Relying on instinct, Shen Gonglin snatched Mei from the Herrscher's arms. The two cooperated very well. Mei's eyes flashed, and purple lightning flashed in the air, putting distance between them and the Herrscher. Now... was it too late?

"You're really naughty, Shen Gonglin. Why did you try to run away from me? Unfortunately, you can't escape. Don't worry, I won't kill you. As for you, my other half, it's time for you to reunite with me."

Golden eyes looked at Mei, but the sharp gaze was focused on the Conquest Gem buried deep within her body. This was hers, and it was time for her to take it back.

"Dream on! If anyone's going to merge, it'll be with me... Mei, beat her up! I can't stand people being so arrogant!"

Whether she's Herrscher or Kiana, Shen Gonglin wouldn't back down on this issue. She'd already told them that yuri was out of the question, and that fusion was something that had to be done with her alone.