Chapter 504

"But the World Serpent... it is different from Schicksal and Anti-Entropy. It tries to ignore this thorny staircase and the suffering people on it by relying on the knowledge and technology inherited from the previous era, and chooses to board the spaceship to find the answer directly. Because this serpent's eyes are always fixed on the top, it will not notice the ordinary people struggling on the steps and regard them as worthless."

Shen Gonglin listened attentively this time, because during Elysia's stay with him, she had told him a lot about the Flame-Chasers, how extreme consequences led to extreme methods: burning paper offerings, stubbornness, rigidity, extremism, and pessimism. Ultimately, a new extreme replaced the old; civilization and life were no longer the goal. Destroying the Honkai was more important than anything else, even if it meant committing acts more twisted and severe than the Honkai itself. This should be the origin of the Stigmata Plan.

"Then, what we need to do next seems quite simple: work together with everyone to overcome all obstacles and let everyone see that bright and promising road to heaven."

Kiana summarized everything, and this is exactly what they have been trying to do: stop Kevin, stop the Stigmata Plan, isn't this what they are doing now?

"Yes, you're right. Judging from the current situation, World Serpent and we have significant differences in our philosophy on defeating the Honkai. Whether we can surpass World Serpent and provide a better solution is a question we must face next."

They need to prove they are stronger than Kevin, and that their methods are more suitable for this world than the Stigmata Plan. That's what they should be doing now. The World Serpent's Stigmata Plan is wrong, and now it's time to prove that their ideas are correct, not Kevin's.

"That's true. Despite the difficulties, it's also a great challenge. If the World Serpent believes it can transcend the Finality and enter the future, then why can't we?"

Kiana appeared full of energy, Mei, seeing Kiana like this, was also filled with confidence. This girl had this special ability; just standing next to her, one could easily be infected by her emotions. They were sure they could do it.

Nothing in this world is difficult if you set your mind to it. The most powerful beliefs in the world are precisely those we learned in elementary school textbooks.

Besides, they're not fighting alone now; the people they care about are all around them. If they don't work hard for the future at a time like this, they can't even forgive themselves, right, Bella?

Chapter 344 Partners

Mei reached out and stroked the sword at her waist. The hilt seemed to sense something and became slightly warm, emitting a faint red light that only Mei could see. Before Mei could savor the emotion behind the red light, a sudden, earth-shaking tremor resounded in Kiana's consciousness. Kiana then shoved Mei away, abruptly interrupting their peaceful conversation with a giant blade that fell from the sky.

"Mei, watch out!"

Kiana pushed Mei away, and just as she was about to pull Shen Gonglin away, a flurry of pink and white feathers appeared, and two enormous wings appeared above the three of them. Shen Gonglin sensed the danger approaching. Mei and Kiana were busy repairing their relationship, while Shen Gonglin, having nothing else to do, kept a watchful eye on her surroundings. In any case, she, as a third wheel, had nothing else to do but get involved. She regretted not following along after helping Mei connect to Kiana's mental space.

I've had too much of this dog food, and I desperately need to vent.

With Kiana's help, Mei regained her senses. The girl drew her long sword and looked at the enemy before her. She knew perfectly well that this was their target: the true mental shackles in Kiana's consciousness space. It did indeed seem to be the same entity she had fought before: the Tree of Void Divine Remnant. Nihilism.

"Looks like this is our goal. Kiana, cheer up! It's been so long since we fought side by side. And Shen Gonglin, you're in charge..."

The two girls stood side by side. Mei Shen Gonglin, but this girl had already launched an attack without listening to Mei's commands. Mei decided not to be a third wheel anymore. Kiana and Mei must really want to fight as a duo. Bronya wisely refrained from interfering. Shen Gonglin was already annoyed by all this PDA, and now that she had finally found a chance to vent, she was going to have some fun.

"Permanent air-to-air homing missile!"

Although she couldn't use her Herrscher Authority, it didn't mean that Shen Gonglin was incapable of fighting. Countless missiles trailing flames attacked the Tree of Void Divine Remnant in the consciousness space. Seeing this, Mei and Kiana could only show a helpless expression. Oh well, if they don't obey, they don't obey. This feeling is pretty much the same as before.

"It feels like it's been a long time since we've fought side by side like this. It used to be like this: Bronya would provide fire support from the rear, while Kiana and I would handle the close-quarters combat."

It's unclear why Shen Gonglin suddenly started acting recklessly, but fighting is the natural course of action. Mei and Kiana joined forces with Shen Gonglin's relentless attacks, creating a familiar feeling that filled the two long-separated girls with perfect understanding, as if they had never been apart before.

"Yeah, but after a little activity, I've regained my old feeling. Also... Mei, don't you feel like Shen Gonglin's emotions are a bit off? He's been talking very little since earlier, and his attacks now seem to be a bit like he's venting his frustration?"

Kiana also enjoyed fighting alongside Mei, but what bothered her more was Shen Gonglin Jingu's current situation. In the past, this girl was always noisy and close to her, but now... how to put it, she felt that Shen Gonglin was carrying something on her mind. This feeling bothered Kiana, and she had a feeling of being abandoned.

Why do I have this feeling when I just made up with Mei?

"Perhaps he's also worried about the current situation. After all, once we break out from here, we'll have to face Kevin and the end Finality. Maybe Shen Gonglin is thinking about something like that. Kiana, focus on the present."

Like Kiana, Mei also sensed that Shen Gonglin's mood seemed a little off. However, the girl never imagined that Shen Gonglin was actually throwing a tantrum. It felt like there was no personal space between the two of them. It was definitely better to be with Sushang and the others. Shen Gonglin wasn't very magnanimous to begin with, and he wouldn't care about such a place that a normal person wouldn't care about... Who knew when he might suddenly throw a tantrum.

Putting this matter aside for the time being, Mei reminded Kiana to focus on resolving her current mental shackles. She said they could deal with Shen Gonglin's emotional issues later; for now, they should focus on the important matters.

"Yes, Mei, we really are the best partners."

The joy of reuniting after a long separation and fighting side by side again overwhelmed Kiana's worries. The girl fought alongside Mei with great enthusiasm, making her feel as if she had returned to the time in St. Freya. Indeed, as long as Mei was by her side, it was as if she had the strength of a hundred people!

"Yes, of course."

Their teamwork was truly flawless. Watching Kiana and Mei's coordinated attack from a distance, even Shen Gonglin had to admit that their teamwork was far superior to her own teamwork with just one of them. They truly were her best friends; she could never do what they did.

[What? I think I suddenly smell something sour? See? That's why I didn't want to help before, and Bronya must have felt the same way. Poor you, it's a three-person movie, but only two of you get any recognition.]

In Shen Gonglin's consciousness space, such a voice suddenly rang out. From the tone, it was clear that it was Little Herrscher of Consciousness. As the one whose power was the least restricted, she also entered Shen Gonglin's consciousness space through a mental link. If there were only three of them, he could only watch the dog food (a Chinese idiom for witnessing a romantic relationship), but if she came in as well, at least she could keep Shen Gonglin company.

"You came in just to make sarcastic remarks?"

Shen Gonglin was speechless. He was quite annoyed. Little Herrscher of Consciousness was being a bit naughty. He would teach her a lesson when they went out later.

[How could that be! I just can't stand them excluding you. Even though it's a reunion after a long separation, that's no reason to leave you out. I can't bear to see you all alone, so... they're a two-person team, and so are we. Don't worry, I'll cooperate with you. Even if you cry in my arms after we get out, I won't tell anyone.]

The magnanimous voice of the Herrscher of Consciousness resounded in Shen Gonglin's heart. So-called taking advantage of a weakness... No, no, this is not taking advantage of a weakness. I just couldn't help wanting to comfort Shen Gonglin. How could I miss such an opportunity?

Chapter 345

Just imagine, when Shen Gonglin's heart is in turmoil, only I am by his side, holding him, patting his back, and gently comforting him, no matter what, I will always be there for him... Tsk tsk, just thinking about it makes me feel amazing. What is Kiana compared to her? With a brain like hers, she actually thinks about getting married? Go play with Mei over there, Shen Gonglin is mine. The first one to get married will definitely be me Herrscher of Consciousness.

Then, as for the second place... think about it, it should be Kurumi. After that, there's no one else. The Herrscher of the Void is a tsundere, so she'd definitely be too embarrassed to say it. Angel is too naive to think about it either. Kurumi takes such good care of me, so I can't leave her out.

Thinking about his roommates, Little Herrscher of Consciousness now feels that his future is bright. He had a good hand, but he played it terribly. Kiana was the one who proposed marriage in the first place, but now she has become his scapegoat. It's exactly the same as Durandal before. She also made a strange move that made her into the ex-girlfriend. The old antique is the same. He still has to do it himself.

Who would shed tears?

Shen Gonglin was inwardly furious, but to be fair, Little Herrscher of Consciousness's appearance did make him feel much more relaxed. He cared a lot about whether he had someone with him. Just now, Kiana and Mei had a good atmosphere, which made Shen Gonglin little embarrassed to interfere. But now it was different. The two of them had each other's company, and he had Little Herrscher of Consciousness with him.

Just as she said, she is now part of a duo team.

"I am the only one who reigns supreme! Kiana, Mei, prepare to cooperate... I will turn the tide!"

The phantom of the Herrscher of Consciousness appeared beside Shen Gonglin. The two clenched their fists together, and red chains rose from the ground, firmly binding the Tree of Void Divine Remnant. The control was in place, so let's unleash our attacks!

Kiana didn't understand why Little Herrscher of Consciousness would appear, but she couldn't miss such an opportunity. She looked at Mei and remembered what Mei had told her before.

"Mei, I remember you once said that no matter how many times I fail, you will rebuild my weapon. But I always feel that Mei is actually my other half of the weapon."

Looking at the girl beside her who was so important to her, Kiana was fearless even though the road ahead might still be full of thorns, because no matter what, she would be by her side, her most important half, her most important weapon.

"Heh, you're the same to me. Kiana, get ready, let's go all out and wipe it out!"

Responding to Kiana's words, the two girls wielded sharp blades, one the Key of Punishment and the other the flaming greatsword that Kiana had gathered in her hand. The Tree of Void Divine Remnant, bound by Shen Gonglin and the Herrscher of Consciousness, had no chance to dodge. A flash of white light appeared, and as the Tree of Void Divine Remnant disappeared, that familiar power re-emerged within Kiana and Mei's bodies.

Herrscher of Flamescion, Herrscher of Thunder, resurrected on the spot!

"Yay! Shen Gonglin, look, my power has been restored, Mei, this should be considered the end, right?"

Feeling the familiar fullness within her body, Kiana excitedly looked at Shen Gonglin, who was currently saying goodbye to the Herrscher of Consciousness with her eyes closed. The mental connection she had painstakingly established with the attack she had just launched seemed to have been severed, but that didn't matter, because the two of them had regained their powers and would soon be able to meet again.

"Hmm, have you two fully regained your powers?"

Shen Gonglin opened her eyes and looked at the two girls in front of her. Now that they had entered Herrscher mode, it meant that the plan had succeeded.

"I... I wouldn't say I've fully recovered. But in any case, I'm much better than before I got here."

Mei clenched her fist. She should have recovered about halfway. As an "intruder," it was expected that her recovery level would not be as good as Kiana's, but recovering this level of power was already good news. She wouldn't be as powerless as before.

"Hehe, it seems the Stigmata Plan is nothing special after all. But, I should say, it's precisely because Mei is here that everything has gone so smoothly. Of course, we can't forget Bronya, the Herrscher of Consciousness, and Dr. Mei's help to us."

Kiana moved her hands and feet a few times, and she felt that she had fully recovered. She could feel the power surging through her body, and her reactions seemed to have become more agile. Kiana was therefore very excited. The Stigmata Plan was nothing more than that. With everyone's efforts, they would definitely be able to stop the Stigmata Plan from unfolding.

Seeing Kiana full of energy, Mei was also very happy. In this respect, Kiana was still the same as before. Then Mei looked at Shen Gonglin. Before, it was because of the battle, but now that the battle was over, Mei wanted to ask about Shen Gonglin's condition. She felt that something was wrong with him, and he didn't seem as close to her as before. Was it because of the other people around?

However, before Mei could speak, the girl's voice abruptly stopped. She looked at the place where the imaginary creation had disappeared, and there, at some point, a ball of light appeared. This scene was very familiar to Mei. It seemed that this was the gateway to leaving the space of thought.

"Oh. So this is the scene. Mei, this is what you've been waiting for?"

The appearance of this portal really looks like a scene from a game. Kiana nodded her little head in sudden realization. So this is the scene that Mei was talking about before.

"I didn't really have any expectations. This is practically leaving... In fact, I'd like to stay here a little longer with you."

Mei shook her head. It had been a long time since she had spoken to Kiana like this. She wasn't looking forward to leaving. Their conversation had brought them closer together. Going out meant facing new challenges. Kiana had thought of the same thing. Mei was just like her.

"Me too... After all, once we get out of here, there won't be many more times when we can get along as easily as we do now."

The two stood before the ball of light, hesitant to take a step forward for a long time. Unknown challenges and impending dangers had been brewing outside the door for some time now. Just like last time, once they left this place, their time would restart. Therefore, both Kiana and Mei wanted to cherish this moment... However, Shen Gonglin had certainly had her fill of their PDA.

"You two can continue chatting, I'll head out now."

Shen Gonglin rushed ahead, leaving the two girls dumbfounded. Wasn't she giving them any time to express their feelings?

Chapter 346 You're Not Quite Good Enough

"As expected of him..."

Watching Shen Gonglin disappear into the ball of light, Mei smiled helplessly. That's right, now is not the time to linger in this leisurely time. They still have very important things to do. First, they need to break through the blockade of the Stigmata Plan on the Herrscher, and then face the executor of that project, Kevin Kaslana.

And perhaps, the Finality that lies hidden behind him.

"Let's go, hurry up and catch up, we still have a lot to do."

With renewed vigor, Raiden Mei, the Herrscher of Thunder, Raiden Mei confidently at the firefly girl beside her, who responded with Mei smile.

"That's right, and there's so much more to do after all this. So, it's time to say goodbye to this place."

After this battle, she'll go home and get married. Although Shen Gonglin has always told her not to set such a precedent, Kiana just can't resist. Now that Mei is back, her wedding will definitely be without any regrets. The Class President will be the officiant, Mei and Bronya will be the bridesmaids, and Rosalia, Rosaria, and Liliya will be the flower Seele... It feels like everyone has their own suitable place.

Envisioning a bright future, in the silence, one of the two girls reached out first, took the other's hand, and said something she had rehearsed in her heart for a long time.

"Mei, let's go home together."

"Okay, Kiana. I promise you, we'll go home together..."

Their hands clasped together, and the two girls stepped into the ball of light before them. What's it like to fall from a dream? This time, the girls received a new answer: a warm, tactile sensation, as if they were nestled close to someone dear to them. Touch was the first thing Kiana felt upon waking from her mental space; the first thing she sensed was her clasped hands with Mei's. Next came smell; in the incredibly dry, artificial air of the moon, Mei's scent was so unique. Then came hearing—the sound of Mei's breathing...

After a moment of silence, as if some special switch had been flipped, the girls burst into laughter in unison.

"It's really a wonderful experience. It feels like a long time has passed."

Opening their eyes, the two were now back on the lunar surface, but the events they had experienced in their consciousness hadn't faded away as quickly as a dream. Kiana looked down at her and Mei's tightly clasped hands, wanting to tell Shen Gonglin that she and Mei had completely reconciled, but where were they? Hadn't he returned first, along with the others? Where had they all gone?

"Really? I think it's too short... After all, it's only as long as a dream."

Mei sighed, feeling that everything that had just happened was just like the countless similar dreams they had imagined in the past. It gave Mei an unreal feeling, as if she could wake up with a little effort, as if it was just a beautiful dream.

"But it wasn't a dream. At least, this time... from this time on, it's no longer a dream."

Knowing what Mei wanted to say, Kiana gave the most powerful response. She held Mei's hand tightly. This was not some dream that would end at any moment; all of this was real.

"Yes, we no longer need to dream like that. We have enough time to create the future together."

Isn't this exactly what I've always hoped for? I have the power to be by her side and create the future they want together. I'm no longer the helpless person I used to be. Now, Mei has many things she wants to do... like getting married. She's heard that Kiana seems to have extended a marriage invitation to Shen Gonglin. Although she didn't agree, it has given Mei a sense of crisis. She has to speed things up.

"Yes, and we should enjoy life after that. It's all because Durandal has been keeping a close eye on me lately; I haven't been able to eat ice cream with everyone for almost a month."

Thinking of this, Kiana sighed deeply. Although she was indeed grateful to Durandal for helping her train, she couldn't even enjoy a little bit of time. Kiana was a little annoyed. Once this matter was over, she would definitely give herself a long vacation and make up for all the happiness she had lost during this time.

"Haha. To push you to this point, it seems Durandal is quite formidable. But... even just looking at Kiana's current energy, it's clear your power has truly been fully restored."

Mei hadn't seen Kiana so energetic in a long time, just like back in St. Freya. Kiana really suited this kind of energetic look. She had carried too much on her shoulders before, but now... Mei was incredibly grateful for her previous decision, because she had contributed to Kiana's current state.

"Of course! Kiana Kaslana is in top form right now. I'm absolutely in the best shape I could be. I feel like I could do a few backflips anytime. Mei, how much of your health do you feel?"

Like a lively husky, Kiana actually did a backflip in front of Mei. The girl was in excellent condition at the moment, and her Herrscher Authority had been restored to almost their original state. It seems that Dr. Mei's method of removing the mental shackles was indeed very effective. I just wonder how Mei is now.

"From what I can tell, I should have regained at least half of my power, but... well, as the one who invaded my mind, I haven't recovered all my combat abilities."

Mei clenched her fists silently. Just as she had expected, Kalki did not appear. Kiana had fully recovered her power, while she herself had not yet returned to her peak strength.

"Sigh, it seems Mei isn't up to the task. In that case, shall we have Knight Kiana protect Princess Mei from now on?"

Kiana seems exceptionally arrogant right now. She even dares to say such things to Mei's face. Mei is really not up to par. She definitely needs me to protect her. No matter what problems arise, I'll protect her.

"Oh? That makes sense. In that case, let's leave the support work at the front to the Herrscher of Consciousness. She's very strong anyway, and she can work well with you, Kiana. I'll just advance slowly from behind with Shen Gonglin and Bronya."

Chapter 347 Even an Honest Man Wouldn't Be a Dog

Mei frowned. Kiana was really arrogant. If that was the case, then maybe she, who wasn't very good at it, didn't need to cooperate with Kiana. She could leave the support work to the Herrscher of Consciousness. She had been quite concerned about the Herrscher of Consciousness when she cooperated with Shen Gonglin before. She could let the Herrscher of Knowledge cooperate with Kiana in the fight, while she would stay by Shen Gonglin's side.

"Hey... Mei, I was just kidding. Mei and I have the best chemistry. Even if we can't use our full strength, you're still my most irreplaceable and reliable partner. And just now, I was really happy to fight alongside you... So, Mei, fight with me, okay?"

Okay, Kiana admits she was a bit arrogant just now. She was just a little excited about protecting Mei. Compared to others, Kiana naturally wanted Mei to cooperate with her. The two of them are the most perfect partners in the world, and she can't replace them with anyone else.

"Yes, me too."

Mei understood Kiana's meaning perfectly well. Mei smiled slightly, then took a deep breath. Next, she would face the other Tree of Void Remnant that Dr. Mei had mentioned.

"But speaking of which, where are they?"

Only then did the girls finally shift their attention away from each other and notice the other situation around them. Perhaps to allow them to better immerse themselves in their thoughts, or perhaps to avoid embarrassment, in any case, Dr. Mei, who had been patiently instructing them, was nowhere to be seen, as were Shen Gonglin, Bronya, and the Herrscher of Consciousness. Where had they all gone?

"Bronya, I'm so sad."

On the other side, Shen Gonglin, who had come out a step ahead of Kiana and the others, was sulking while hugging Bronya. Since there was no one else around, Shen Gonglin didn't care much about saving face. He pressed his head against Bronya's unremarkable chest and complained. He had been fed enough dog food in Kiana's consciousness space earlier, so it was no wonder that Little Herrscher of Consciousness and Bronya didn't want to get involved. They probably had already anticipated this situation.

So, after leaving Kiana's consciousness space Shen Gonglin found Bronya and complained to her, saying that she had never been so provoked before. It was like luring a dog in to kill it. Who could withstand this?

"It's alright. Kiana and Mei... It's been a long time since Kiana and Mei have seen each other, so it's normal for them to be a little excited to fight side by side. Shen Gonglin, don't worry about it. If you feel like you can't take it... Bronya is right here."