Chapter 244

Shaking her head, Kiana decided to stop, even if it was just to help Shen Gonglin. The whole area was flooded, and there was no way to get through. Holding Shen Gonglin's hand, Kiana pointed to the distance. It was there that they had found Shen Gonglin. She didn't remember anything from the past, but seeing this might remind her of something.

"I have absolutely no recollection of it. If I had to talk about memories... my earliest memory is of the infirmary at St. Freya. I have absolutely no other recollection of it."

Shen Gonglin shook her head decisively. She heard that they found her here and then took her back to the St. Freya Academy. Shen Gonglin had no memory of this place at all. Kiana and Mei, on the other hand, seemed to have many memories of this city as they traveled here.

"Kiana, I've always wanted to know... why did you want to come back to Changkong City?"

Mei gently patted Mei Shen Gonglin's head, intending to comfort her, but seeing Shen Gonglin's nonchalant attitude, she shook her head. This guy's personality is sometimes truly enviable. Don't worry about him. Mei suddenly asked Kiana this question. When she detected Kiana in Changkong City, she was very curious as to why she was here.

"Actually, there wasn't any particular reason. I just wanted to see what this place looked like. At the time, Shen Gonglin and I had just escaped from the conflict between the World Serpent and Schicksal. Kevin and Durandal were fighting like gods. I couldn't stand that kind of scene. My mind was a mess, and I felt very uncomfortable. Shen Gonglin wasn't in good shape either. So I just wanted to find a place away from people to calm down. That's when I thought of this place. Maybe when people are confused, they think of the place where they started."

Kiana smiled gently and explained her feelings to Mei. For some reason, all she could think of was Changkong City, the place where her dream began. So she used a super long-distance teleportation to get here.

"I met you here, I met everyone here, I want to find that feeling again, Mei... never mind... it's okay..."

Kiana hesitated, avoiding Mei's gaze. Her eyes suddenly dimmed, and Mei knew what Kiana was thinking. She knew what Kiana wanted to say but didn't know how to answer, because that person was a shared wound in their hearts.

Kiana was actually thinking about something else. When she first came into contact with the Honkai energy engine in Sky City, she felt like she had received help from Himeko. But now, Kiana wasn't sure if it was real. Maybe it was just her imagination. If so, she shouldn't say it out loud. Saying it would only make everyone more upset. After all, Kiana wasn't a stupid girl. She could read the room.

However, there was one person at the scene who was completely oblivious to the atmosphere.

"Yeah, I totally understand Kiana's feelings. There's a saying that fallen leaves return to their roots. She probably thought she was going to die, so she wanted to go back to the place she used to visit... Why are you two looking at me like that? Am I wrong?"

After thinking it over, Shen Gonglin suddenly understood. Kiana must have felt the same way back then. However, when he spoke, he found the room silent. Both Kiana and Mei were looking at him with complicated expressions. How could such a cute Shen Gonglin have a mouth? He would be so lovable if he didn't have a mouth. I really want to beat him up.

"You think you're so smart, huh! Shen Gonglin, if you can't speak properly, then speak less. Here, eat this and don't say anything, just stay put!"

Kiana pulled a piece of beef jerky from her inner pocket. This kind of snack was always on Kiana's person. Although Shen Gonglin didn't eat much, she always wanted to chew on something. This kind of beef jerky, which was good for exercising her teeth, was a good choice. So Kiana always carried it with her. Please, just eat your food and shut up. I'm so embarrassed that you suddenly said something like this.

Shen Gonglin obediently took the beef jerky and started grinding her teeth. This stuff was dried and hard, perfect for killing time. With something to do, the wise man stopped interfering in Kiana and Mei's affairs. Kiana, however, felt a little embarrassed. She had indeed thought that way before.

Chapter Forty-One: One's Own Fate

"Well, um... In these four months, I've passed through many cities and met many people who have suffered because of the Honkai. Then I kept running away and running away, but I could never escape that nightmare. Finally, I realized that I couldn't just run away. There were more important things waiting for me to do than just run away. I had to face the crowd, face everyone, face... my own destiny."

This is a little awkward. Shen Gonglin directly guessed what she was thinking, and now Kiana felt extremely embarrassed. She couldn't bear it and didn't dare to look Mei in the eye because that was really what she was thinking. It was truly embarrassing.

"I am not Kiana Kaslana, not my father's biological daughter. I am experimental subject K423, the vessel of the Herrscher of the Void."

Despite feeling somewhat uncomfortable, Kiana bravely admitted her identity. She was a little bothered that the name she had been calling for so long didn't actually belong to her. She was originally a homunculus, a preparation for the Herrscher to return to the world. Kiana was really upset when she first realized this, but now she could bravely say it. Mei quickly shook her head and denied it after hearing her say that.

No!

The girl gripped Kiana's hand tightly, trying to comfort her, but Kiana instead held her hand back and smiled gently at her, "It's okay, Mei... It's okay. Acknowledging all this doesn't mean I'm going to give up on myself; on the contrary, it has helped me find what I should be doing."

The Kiana before her was somewhat unfamiliar to Mei. Although it was still that familiar face, she now appeared incredibly mature. Mei had once imagined what Kiana would be like when she matured, but now that this had actually happened, Mei felt extremely heartbroken because the price was simply too high.

"Sealing the Herrscher of the Void is my responsibility. Not only that, I can also use her power to protect those who suffer and to heal the wounds that the Honkai has caused to the world. I helped many people in Sky City, but I couldn't help many people either... But during that time, I gradually understood one thing: Mei, perhaps my birth was just a farce, but I can turn it into something meaningful. Perhaps my story is not beautiful, but I can make this world a better place. This is... my promise to her."

A smile unconsciously appeared on her face. Just thinking of that figure made her feel warm and full of strength, like a flame. She had promised her that she would turn this imperfect world into the one everyone hoped for. Since she had promised, she had to keep her word. This was her promise to her.

Looking back now, perhaps this is why I returned to Changkong City. This is where it all began. Back then, I ran, fought, and moved towards the distance here, met everyone, and made a wish to fight for all the good things in the world. This is my original aspiration. And now, I can still continue to move forward on this path I chose. It's really great. Thinking about these things, I'm not so afraid anymore.

With these thoughts in mind and Mei's face in her eyes, Kiana glanced to the side and saw Shen Gonglin squatting there playing in the water, fighting for the beauty of the world. They were her own beauty, and seeing them gave her endless motivation. Kiana gave Mei a bright smile, and that smile was like light in Mei's eyes.

In that instant, it was as if sunlight was streaming down from the clouds. Mei felt a moment of disorientation. Long ago, the girl who cried out to save her had also smiled like that. This child really hasn't changed at all.

"Kiana, no matter what your name is, no matter who you are, you are you, you are me, you are everyone's most important partner, and we will always be by your side."

Mei solemnly uttered these words and Shen Gonglin hugged Kiana. At this moment, Mei felt truly superfluous. Were these two girls too close? Bronya was better; if Bronya were here, she would definitely be affectionate with her. The Class President would probably too. Shen Gonglin, who was idly purifying the seawater, secretly rolled her eyes. Although she really wanted to interrupt them to prove her title as the mood breaker, now... well, let Kiana relax a little.

"Mei, thank you. I had imagined countless scenarios of our reunion, but it's so wonderful to finally meet you here again. Ah, it's just a pity that we couldn't go to the Senba Academy. I feel like I'm holding a grudge."

Sensing the somewhat somber atmosphere, Kiana took the initiative to change the subject. Looking at the towering buildings, Kiana shook her head regretfully. She had wanted to go there to take a look, but now she couldn't. It was truly disheartening.

"Once the storm has passed and everything is over, we'll come back and return to the Senba Academy together."

Mei comforted Kiana, but Shen Gonglin's expression became complicated. Having already purified a small pool of water, he looked at Mei, hesitant to speak. This girl had unknowingly set up another flag for them. She was a flag-planting expert. This was not a good omen for Mei.

"Um!"

Kiana looked at the water, her gaze following the path of the past to the distant shore. Finally, she nodded heavily to Mei. Seeing Kiana so energetic, Mei breathed a sigh of relief. Now that they had been walking around for so long, it was time to go back. Kiana needed to get some rest when they got back.

"Alright, we should head back now. Dr. Tesla will be worried if we stay outside any longer."

The sky was overcast and it was raining. The rain contained Honkai energy, which wouldn't have much effect on the Valkyrie, but Mei didn't want Kiana to get hurt. So, she decided to go back, let Kiana take a hot bath, and go to sleep. Tomorrow would be another beautiful day.

"Okay, Mei, you go first. I want to take a few more glances at the academy, I'll come right away~"

Kiana looked in the direction of the Senba Academy, but she was concerned about something else. The sea level had risen again, and Honkai energy was slowly emerging from the water and the soil... Sure enough, Changkong City was strange; something was about to erupt. No, she couldn't let Mei get involved. She had to think of something.

Through the rain, Kiana's eyes remained calm. This was her own decision, and she absolutely could not let Mei get hurt.

Chapter Forty-Two: Mounts

On their return journey, the three were heading back towards the Helios. Kiana seemed to be in high spirits, splashing around in the puddles with great energy. In any case, being with Mei was a good thing. Mei looked at Kiana with a doting smile, while Shen Gonglin was becoming more and more like a walking corpse. After walking for so long, she could no longer feel her legs. The two of them had that monstrous stamina, but she couldn't. She really wanted to go back and lie down, otherwise her legs... might really be ruined.

"Phew, after saying all that, I feel much better. Hey, Shen Gonglin, Mei, how about we race back and see who gets there first?"

Kiana seemed very lively, while Mei shook her head helplessly. This girl was really getting carried away. But seeing how energetic Mei was, Mei was also in a good mood. She wished Kiana could stay this happy forever.

"Don't get carried away. Your body hasn't recovered yet. Just walk back slowly and quietly... Besides, look at Shen Gonglin. Does he look like he can run back now?"

Mei gestured towards Shen Gonglin Jingu. This guy's stamina had deteriorated to a considerable degree. Let alone running, Mei felt she should reward him with something delicious just for dawdling back like this. His stamina was already poor, and he had wandered so far... If Kiana hadn't been there, Mei would have carried him back on her back. But since Kiana was there, Mei could only ignore Shen Gonglin's pitiful look.

"I know, I know... How come you're still so useless? You've been working with me for so long, how come your stamina hasn't improved at all? Shen Gonglin, come on, run!"

Kiana pouted and gave up on running back. She watched as Shen Gonglin started mocking her again, but Shen Gonglin was already exhausted, didn't have time to pay attention to her. At times like this, she really missed Bronya. If Bronya were there, she could take her back on her motorcycle, and she could even hug Bronya's small waist. Just thinking about it made her feel comfortable. With Bronya around, she wouldn't have to walk. She really wanted a ride...

Just then, a mournful dragon's roar suddenly rang out. The three of them froze and looked in the same direction. The sound was coming from that direction. Mei and Kiana exchanged a glance and immediately decided to go see what was happening, while Shen Gonglin, with a bitter face, could only be dragged along by the two of them. After passing through tall buildings, this is what appeared before the three of them...

"Huh, what's this... Honkai Beast?"

The familiar Dragon-Type Honkai Beast lay listlessly on the platform, its body covered in wounds, many of which were from its Raven battles with Mei and Mei. Mei was surprised to see the Honkai Beast; she had defeated it then, but she never expected it to appear here. It seemed to have little ability to fight anymore. However, Honkai Beast were still very dangerous.

Mei wanted to say something more, but then Mei noticed Kiana slowly walking towards Belenaus. The girl immediately became anxious. How could she let it get so close? If it suddenly attacked, Kiana would be in danger.

"Mei, wait a minute... It's okay, I feel like everything should be alright."

Kiana gently comforted Mei and carefully walked towards Belenaus. Sensing her approach, the weakened Honkai Beast let out a faint groan. Kiana inexplicably felt that it was calling her, and she felt... it seemed different from the other Honkai Beast.

Kiana approached the Honkai Beast, and just as she expected, the Honkai Beast did not attack her. Instead, it obediently lowered its head. Kiana reached out and gently stroked the Honkai Beast's wounds, and the dim patterns on its body began to glow faintly again.

"Don't be afraid, I won't hurt you."

Kiana gently comforted Belenaus, and the Honkai Beast seemed to understand her words, lying quietly and motionless. The cracks in the places Kiana touched began to heal slowly. Belenaus did not resist, but simply let Kiana caress its body. Mei walked over worriedly and was extremely concerned when she saw the erosion patterns that had reappeared on Kiana's body Mei.

Kiana, what are you doing?

"It's alright, Mei. It was badly injured, but it still tried its best to stand up. It's strange, looking at it... I don't know why, but I have a feeling of nostalgia..."

Kiana continued, and Mei watched her with concern. At this moment, Shen Gonglin had been dawdling, finally came over. He placed his hand on Kiana's shoulder, and the Honkai energy was absorbed into his body again. The corrosive patterns on Kiana's body disappeared once more. The girl turned back and smiled gratefully at Shen Gonglin. With his help, she could be a little more willful.

Bathed in warm light, Belenaus slowly stood up. Kiana looked up at the Honkai Beast and smiled with relief. Now it should have some energy.

Belenaus struggled to sit up, and after easing its body, it lowered its head and nestled obediently in front of Kiana, showing no hostility whatsoever, even though Mei had beaten it up before. It just wanted to stay by Kiana's side.

"You see, it doesn't intend to attack us."

Kiana turned around and showed off to Mei was equally surprised that this Honkai Beast would obey Kiana's orders.

"Hmm... Mei, I feel like we can't just leave it alone. If we do, it might do something dangerous. Since it's willing to listen to us, that's perfect... Mei, can we take it back to Helios? That red-haired, twin-tailed professor... is he easy to talk to?"

Like a child who has found a small animal on the roadside and wants to take it home, Kiana asked Mei. Seeing Mei's pitiful look, Mei really didn't want to refuse, but... taking something like this back would probably make the Doctor furious.

"I don't know about that... Shen Gonglin, what do you think? I feel like if you talk to the Doctor, she would probably agree."

Mei looked at Shen Gonglin. Dr. Tesla was very tolerant of him, and if he asked, the doctor shouldn't have any problems. Shen Gonglin also stared at Belenaus, resting her chin on her hand and deep in thought. This guy is so big... it should be fine to use him as a mount to take her back, right?

Chapter 43 Feeding

"I can take it back, but it has to carry me. Kiana, you talk to it. If it's willing to carry me back, I'll go back and plead with Tesla. Otherwise, I won't help. It's perfect to have such a big mount. I've never been a dragon rider before."

Meeting Kiana's gaze, Shen Gonglin made this request. She was already too tired to walk, and neither Kiana nor Mei wanted to carry her. Fortunately, there was this big guy here. This Belenaus seemed to listen to Kiana quite well, so this request shouldn't be too difficult to fulfill.

"Okay, Shen Gonglin, go ahead and go up. I feel like it listens to me."

Kiana nodded vigorously. Looking at the Honkai Beast, Kiana felt she couldn't leave it here. With Shen Gonglin's help, there wouldn't be any problem. If she had to take the Honkai Beast back herself, she really didn't know how to talk to Tesla. After all, she had never dealt with Tesla before and didn't know if she would be easy to talk to.

Sensing Kiana's intention, the Dragon-Type Honkai Beast lowered its body and obediently allowed Shen Gonglin to climb onto its back. Perhaps out of concern for its injuries and fear of adding to its burden, neither Mei nor Kiana followed it up but instead walked side by side in front. And so, the three of them returned to the Hyperion with a Honkai Beast. When their figures came into Tesla's sight, the Doctor, who had just finished washing the dishes, almost dropped the coffee in her hand. What was going on?

"How about we keep Tesla? It's very obedient and doesn't shed. I'll take care of feeding it. Can we keep it?"

It was just like a child who had found a kitten or puppy and begged to be its caretaker. After returning, Shen Gonglin looked at Tesla with great anticipation and made such a request. For some reason, everyone felt that Tesla's consent was needed. Since this Honkai Beast had so obediently returned them, Shen Gonglin didn't mind pleading for it. She felt that she should have a pet.

"...I mean, stray cats and dogs are one thing, but I've never heard of anyone going out and bringing Honkai Beast home. First it was a cybernetic Cyborg ...don't look at others, I mean that humanoid machine you picked up, then it was the refugee little girl Mei picked up, and now there's a Judgment-class Honkai Beast ...I bet next time they'll just bring back a World Serpent executive to throw a party?"

Kiana glared at the group of people in front of her, then turned her head to the side and whistled as if nothing was wrong. Rin Shen Gonglin ran into the kitchen after greeting Tesla. Only Mei stood obediently in place, accepting Tesla's scolding. Of all the people, only Mei would obediently apologize to him; the other two were a complete handful.

"I'm sorry, Doctor... I've caused you trouble."

Mei bowed her head respectfully and apologized. Seeing her like this, Tesla didn't know what to say. Actually, Tesla was quite happy with their attitude. It made him feel like he had integrated into their group, which felt pretty good.

"Never mind, I'm not angry, I just didn't expect it. But in a way, it's a good thing that Kiana was able to tame it, reducing a troublesome enemy. Let it stay with Helios for now. But it's too big to come inside the Helios, so it has to stay outside. I wonder what the Honkai Beast eat... Shen Gonglin? What are you doing, running around like that? What are you doing?"

Tesla didn't really object to them bringing Belenaus back. It was always a good thing to turn enemies into friends. Although the dragon's battle record didn't seem very impressive, it was good that it wouldn't bother them anymore. Since they were going to keep it, they should feed it, right? Tesla suddenly thought of this question, and then she saw Shen Gonglin running around. What was he doing?

"I know what it likes to eat. Look, it's eating so happily now."

Standing on the kitchen counter, Shen Gonglin opened the window and was pouring green peppers down. Outside the window was Belenaus's head. The Dragon-Type Honkai Beast was forced to open its mouth and swallow the green peppers. Kiana could even feel the tears welling up in its eyes. Honkai Beast like to eat green peppers... Belenaus, if you're being forced, blink.

"Stop! It's clearly your own fault for not wanting to eat it, don't dump all the food you don't like on others... not even on Honkai Beast!"

Everything in the kitchen belonged to Mei. Seeing Shen Gonglin wasting her ingredients like this, Mei couldn't sit still any longer. However, the girl was a step too slow. Shen Gonglin had already poured all the green peppers into Belenaus's mouth. Finally, she had eliminated an ingredient she disliked. Shen Gonglin wiped her forehead. Mei's cooking was delicious, but there were always some ingredients she didn't like. Now that the green peppers were done, it was time for the carrots.

"Mei, don't be so stingy. Look how much this Honkai Beast is eating. I think it probably wants some carrots too. Tesla, help carry the carrots up. I remember you don't like them either... Ah, no, it's that Honkai Beast like them. Feeding them is fun. Let's try it together."

Shen Gonglin was talking nonsense with her eyes wide open. Even Kiana could see that Bella outside the window was acting strangely, but Shen Gonglin was still planning to feed it something else. Could this be what she was planning when she agreed to bring Belenaus back? Poor Honkai Beast.

"This isn't being stingy, I prepared all of this for you. You need to have a balanced diet... Doctor! Why did you actually bring carrots over? Shen Gonglin being silly, why are you joining in his nonsense? You two better be quiet... Kiana, come help me... Put the carrots down!"

Before Mei could even deal with Shen Gonglin, Tesla was already sneakily carrying a bag of carrots to feed Belenaus. These were all ingredients she had painstakingly purchased. Mei had no objection to Mei Belenaus, but these two were clearly forcing it. Belenaus looked like it was about to cry. A dignified Judgment-class Honkai Beast being treated like this was really disrespectful.

The kitchen erupted in chaos as Mei, wielding a rolling pin and a frying pan, declared that this was her domain and no one could defy her!

Chapter Forty-Four

The farce ended, Mei sighed and shook her head helplessly. After settling Kiana and Shen Gonglin, she went into the communications room. Tesla had given her a wink earlier, Mei understood and walked in alone. The relief she felt earlier was like a fleeting ray of light. At this moment, Mei thought of their predicament again.

"Mei, you're here. Getting back to the point, I need to talk to you. While you were leaving, headquarters came to a conclusion."

Waiting for Mei in the communications room, Tesla spoke these words in a deep voice after she entered. Mei looked up expectantly, hoping to hear a satisfactory answer from Tesla, but...

"Have you found a way to cure Kiana?"

Tesla remained silent, and her attitude gradually calmed Mei's newly stirred emotions. As expected, everything was still the same as before; no miracle had occurred, and a cure for Kiana had still not been found.

"... Come with me, she wants to explain it to you in person."

Tesla couldn't bear to say such things to Mei, because it was too cruel for her. But there was no other way; this was the truth. However cruel it was, she had to tell Mei. Only by knowing the truth could she move forward on the right path. Tesla closed the conference room door and connected to the Hyperion's communication system. They had already reached a decision, and this decision... Tesla sighed slightly. As the communication connected, Einstein's face appeared on the screen.

The blue-haired professor looked around and, finding no trace of the person, turned her gaze to Mei. Now was not the time for anything else; she should focus on the important matter at hand.

[Mei, you should already know about Kiana's condition from Dr. Tesla. I believe Dr. Tesla has made the best possible adjustments. If the situation remains under control, that's fine, but if something unexpected happens... she only has two months left.]

Without any pretense, he stated that the so-called "controllable" approach involved continuously transfusing blood into Kiana, relying on the resistance of Shen Gonglin's blood to Honkai energy to prolong Kiana's life. However, this idea was impractical, as it was impossible to keep transfusing blood into Shen Gonglin indefinitely, as her body would not be able to withstand it. Therefore, the current situation was indeed very difficult to handle.

"... I know the situation is very bad... She doesn't have much time left, Doctor, please tell me what we can do to save her?"

Taking a deep breath, Mei had accepted the fact. Now all she had to do was solve the problem, and Mei was willing to give everything for it. She was prepared to try anything, as long as there was a way.

[... Mei, I believe you have the right to know all of this, so I will tell you the whole truth without hiding anything. After discussion, we recommend that Kiana be immediately transferred to the Baffin Bay base near the Arctic Ocean, with proper security measures in place. Anti-Entropy will protect her from danger and prevent a worse situation from occurring, while... minimizing the risks.]

They knew this was cruel to Mei, but there was no other way. They had to consider all factors and minimize the harm if they couldn't save Kiana.

"Risk? I don't understand what you mean..."

Mei's voice became agitated. How could she not know what risk meant? But the girl simply couldn't accept it. Why, why did Kiana have to face such a fate?

"Mei, listen to me calmly. Kiana's condition is very serious. The Herrscher Core are continuously eroding her body. We've already studied Shen Gonglin and Bronya's situations, but unfortunately, Kiana's situation is different from theirs. We speculate that Sirin's consciousness still remains within those cores. If she's with Shen Gonglin, it's a little better, but as soon as she leaves his side, those remaining consciousnesses will retaliate against Kiana's body. To prevent the situation from worsening, we must completely eliminate her, but..."

Einstein paused slightly, and only continued speaking after seeing that Mei had calmed down. This was the most suitable solution they could think of.

[But apart from Kiana herself, no one can interfere with this process. We can't change the situation. Dr. Tesla and I have devised many solutions. We considered forcibly removing her core with external force, or using neutralizing serum to remove the Honkai energy from her body... But ultimately, these methods were abandoned, either because the risk was too high or because they couldn't fundamentally solve the problem. To put it more bluntly, we can't cure her, or even... alleviate her symptoms.]

They told Mei the truth about the problems they were facing. Upon hearing this news, the girl seemed to suddenly lose all her strength and collapsed. Mei supported herself on the table to keep from falling. She had been holding onto hope, but the reality was just too painful.

"How could this be...? Are we just supposed to stand by and watch her...? Dr. Einstein, please think about it again. I'll do anything for you, even just to buy her a little time... Is there really no other way?"