Chapter 508

Perhaps because she had spent too much time with Shen Gonglin, even Fu Hua felt a sense of disdain, but the girl ultimately gripped her sword; the battle was not over yet.

"Hua, I have no intention of fighting you to the death, so... you might as well take a look around you."

As if it were an illusion, Fu Hua seemed to hear Kevin sigh softly, which made Fu Hua attention slightly diverted from the battle, and Fu Hua immediately understood what the man meant.

Around the two, the once empty slope was now cleared of several real Divine Key. These things...

"Don't be confused. They were always here. As our epitaphs, frozen in time... Hua, in the past, Sue and I concealed part of the truth about the Finality from you. Before you entered the hibernation pod, we told you that the Finality would destroy everything, and that we would set out from the shelter to build a new civilization. That is indeed true."

There were no immediate plans to continue the fight, which Fu Hua found somewhat regrettable. After all, if she had fared any worse, Shen Gonglin would have certainly avenged her more severely. If he knew she had been beaten so badly by Kevin ... although it was humiliating, Shen Gonglin would definitely be furious. After all, she was his person, and yet she had been bullied like this by Kevin. Just imagining Shen Gonglin Shingu's enraged and humiliated expression gave Fu Hua a small sense of satisfaction. As for what Kevin had said...

"Hua, are you listening?"

Kevin frowned slightly. For some reason, he suddenly felt that Fu Hua didn't seem to be listening to him. When did his old friend develop this habit of daydreaming? And had she just laughed?

"Yes, I'm listening."

Fu Hua remained calm, as if she hadn't been the one who had just been lost in thought. What did he mean by saying that he and Su had concealed part of the truth?

"... And when you awoke more than five thousand years ago, we told you that human civilization had begun a new chapter... But that was nothing but sophistry, a self-deceptive consolation. There has only ever been one beginning for humanity... The difference between these two worlds lies solely in the changes that occurred after the starting point."

As Kevin finished speaking, if Shen Gonglin heard these words, she certainly wouldn't take them to heart, because she wouldn't have the patience to think about them. But Fu Hua's heart pounded wildly. She had long realized that she didn't know the whole truth, but even so, she had never imagined this possibility, this... worst-case scenario.

"The starting point... does that mean 50,000 years ago?"

After carefully considering Kevin's words, I realized that the difference between 50,000 years ago and now lies only in the changes after the starting point. 50,000 years ago in reality was their era, while their 50,000 years ago... was 100,000 years ago. This is what Kevin meant by the different starting points.

"Hmm. Fifty thousand years ago... or maybe not fifty thousand years ago, it's just a general term. And fifty thousand years ago, Raiden Mei and the others, the ancestors of humanity were an entirely identical group. Of course, we are an exception."

After Kevin finished speaking, Fu Hua was stunned for a long time before she fully understood the meaning of his words. What Kevin meant was that the history of Earth's civilization was nothing more than a 50,000-year cycle; while the Forerunners and the Stigmata were actually the alien objects forcibly brought to this era by the [Key of Stagnation. All Things Dormant]. The reason why the two eras they experienced were completely different was only due to the change in initial conditions, only due to the evolution of random processes.

"So... this is the power of the Finality."

Fu Hua smiled bitterly. Although her resolve remained firm, she couldn't help but feel somewhat heavy-hearted after learning the "truth."

"Yes. This is the power of the Finality. Reincarnating planets, wiping out civilizations, resetting everything to its original beginning... The so-called Finality is time. So, put away your sword. I have no intention of continuing to fight you; it will do you no good, for me, or for anyone else."

Kevin said this, but Fu Hua still gripped the golden Xuanyuan Sword tightly in her hand; this was not a reason for her to put down the sword.

"What? Are you afraid that Shen Gonglin will be angry if she sees me like this? Kevin, you know I won't give in so easily."

She still didn't back down, and Fu Hua even had the leisure to make a joke, showing that she wouldn't stop there.

Chapter 359 Brave Girl

"...Hua, you and Theresa look a lot alike."

Since he had already offended Shen Gonglin quite badly, Kevin didn't mind offending her a little more. Looking at his comrade in front of him, Kevin suddenly felt that she was very similar to the little girl he had dealt with. It seemed that Hua had completely integrated into this era, and was completely different from him, who was destined to be unable to escape from 50,000 years ago.

"Theresa?"

Hearing Theresa's name from Kevin's mouth suddenly made Fu Hua worry about Theresa. The sudden launch of the Stigmata Project had caused Theresa, who was leading the Hyperion in space exercises, to disappear without a trace. To this day, Fu Hua has not been able to spare any time to think about Theresa's situation.

"We had a duel not long ago. Don't worry, she's just sleeping in a dream right now... When the Stigmata Plan is completed, she will be able to live freely in the new world, just like you. You ultimately have no power... and of course, neither do I."

He explained Theresa's situation to Fu Hua, saying that he was not a bloodthirsty person. Theresa was currently sleeping soundly in Kaslana's Stigmata Space. After everything was over, she could still live as before. This was the fate that those without power were destined to have, just like himself. He, too, had no power.

Fu Hua fell silent, but a faint smile graced her pale face. This was not the time for despair. This was different from 50,000 years ago, because 50,000 years ago... she didn't have Shen Gonglin by her side.

"I wanted to know what I could do... I've been thinking about this question, and now I realize there's a lot I can do. My strength is to show you what people in this era are willing to do for what they believe in."

Fu Hua assumed a fighting stance again, believing that Theresa, who had once "fought" with Kevin, must have made the same choice as her. Kevin was not qualified to make choices for the people of this era. Even if they could not be defeated, the struggle was something that humanity had always pursued, whether it was 50,000 years ago or 50,000 years from now.

"... A belief that is difficult to put into practice is not worth your persistence. Moreover, your future is by no means bright."

Kevin shook his head; his comrade-in-arms had now truly integrated into the new era.

"Kevin. In my opinion, everyone's path ahead is equally chaotic and uncertain. Just like us 50,000 years ago, relying only on superficial strength and unrealized beliefs, didn't we still manage to keep the flame of civilization alive to this day? Since we can do it, then those we are protecting... can not only do it, but will only do it better."

She tried to convey her ideas to Kevin, even though Fu Hua knew it wouldn't work.

"Hua. Empty words are not enough."

"I know, that's why... Kevin, my comrade, that's why Fu Hua became your enemy."

Kevin fell silent again. In Fu Hua's eyes, he saw an expression like Theresa's. It was an expectation for a better future that no setbacks or hardships could bury, and... the resolve to prove oneself through one's own actions.

"I understand. If this is your choice, then come... Fu Hua."

Kevin had witnessed such spirit in a certain harmonica-playing boy. Like Theresa, Fu Hua also carried a certain resolve, proving her path with her own actions... But she always believed she wouldn't stop there. Was it because of Shen Gonglin? Theresa also always believed that Shen Gonglin would change everything, but Fu Hua now...

With each step forward, Fu Hua's body faltered. With each swing of her sword, her injuries worsened. The regenerative abilities of the Fu Hua Garuda Factor were woefully inadequate for her at this point. Yet, Fu Hua did not stop, like a moth drawn to a spark.

However, she would not let this battle be the end for her.

With a hint of reluctance, Kevin shot down the moth. Fu Hua against a broken wall, still holding her sword in her hand.

"Fu Hua... I promise you that you will live in a world without the Honkai, and the people you believe in will have the best ending. At that time... you will personally erect a suitable tombstone for our lost era."

Having left those words, Kevin prepared to depart, but just then, a series of light footsteps approached from afar, interrupting his thoughts. It was someone who, according to the Stigmata Plan, was not supposed to be here.

"I don't think you're happy to get involved in this."

Looking at the true executor of the Stigmata Plan ... Yu Tu, Kevin's voice was cold and deep.

"Heh, who knows... After all, who doesn't like a brave girl?"

Sure enough... I tried again and the surrounding space was still a mess. It seems that my luck didn't work out. I can only check on the other people.

On the lunar surface, Kiana opened her eyes, her blue eyes filled with helplessness. She had just tried to open up space to locate the Class President, but the result was no different from before; she still couldn't do it. Spatial disorder was indeed a significant interference with the power of the Herrscher of the Void. She wondered if anyone else had any better solutions.

"Shen Gonglin, there's still no way... Hey, Sushang, don't lead him to watch any further."

The girl sighed softly. She wanted to talk to Shen Gonglin, but found him standing on the edge of the pit with Li Sushang, looking down. Why was this guy doing something reckless again? He clearly had such a severe fear of heights, how could he dare to do such a thing? Even though his face was pale with fear, he still did it. He really is a reckless person.

"It was Junior Uncle who told me to hold him. He said it gave me a forbidden thrill... It's so deep, so deep. If someone were to shoot me down from here... Junior Uncle, why do I feel like you just want to jump?"

Holding tightly to Shen Gonglin's waist, the two from the Taixu Sword School were engaging in their suicidal act. Li Sushang pulled Shen Gonglin back from the brink of falling forward. People seem to have an urge to jump down when they see something high. Is Junior Uncle the same way?

"That's why I asked you to hold me tighter... My legs are getting numb. Sushang, hold me tight. Our lives depend on you."

This bizarre stimulation is truly irresistible. Kiana, seeing this, didn't know what to say. Shen Gonglin... she really knows how to play games.

Chapter 360 Hexagonal Warrior

"Alright, if you're scared, don't do something reckless. Seele, Mei, you two come and help."

Kiana was exasperated. These two were really going too far. It was one thing for Shen Gonglin to be reckless, but why was Li Sushang following suit? As her junior uncle, Shen Gonglin was acting recklessly, but shouldn't she, as his niece, be giving him some advice? Fearing that these two might do something rash, Kiana quickly called Seele and Mei over to help. The two girls, who had been talking over there, rushed over and pulled the two reckless idiots away.

They haven't even rescued Fu Hua yet. If something happens to the two of them, Kevin will probably laugh his head off.

"Phew... It's so high. By the way, Mei, I heard Kiana say that you seem to have... a very big red dragon... Can we use it to take us down?"

After retreating from the deep pit, Seele looked shaken. Then she thought of this incident. In fact, after learning that Mei had a red dragon, Seele had wondered if it was possible. It was definitely not because she wanted to try riding a dragon. What an amazing experience it would be to ride a dragon and soar through the sky!

This is a scene that only appears in fairy tales.

"Ah, indeed. It's just a pity that I haven't recovered my full power yet... so I can't summon Kalki."

Mei shook her head apologetically. She had only recovered about half of her power and was not yet able to summon Kalki. Otherwise, it would indeed be a good method. Shen Gonglin could transform into her Angel Form, but she couldn't bring that many people with her.

"I see... Then, Kiana, can you teleport everyone directly to Fu Hua's location?"

It seemed there was no chance to ride a dragon, Seele was a little disappointed. However, the girl rallied her spirits and brought up the possibility again, which resulted in Kiana also showing a helpless expression.

"I really want to, but from the perspective of imaginary numbers, the space around us is like the waves in the ocean, constantly rising and falling... And most importantly, we don't know the Class President's exact location. If we act rashly, I... may not be able to guarantee everyone's safety."

Kiana shook her head and explained their current difficulty. Unlike the Herrscher of Consciousness, who had a Herrscher Core as a link with the Class President, Kiana could go to her side simply by sensing her location without knowing her exact location. But they couldn't do that.

"Speaking of specific locations... I've been thinking about something. Everyone's initial landing points on the moon seem to be very different. For example, Kiana, Bronya, and I woke up in fragmented World Bubble. While Shen Gonglin, Seele, Durandal, and Ms. Li Sushang woke up in New Atlanta, along with the people in those shelters. So, what about Class President's situation...?"

Mei raised this question, and it is indeed thought-provoking: in what place and under what circumstances would the Class President wake up?

"Perhaps the Class President approached Kevin on her own initiative. But... that's precisely why we need to help her even more. Besides, if we don't personally interrogate Kevin, we might never learn some of the truth about the Honkai."

Kiana raised this possibility. Given the Class President's personality, she should have tried to find Kevin on her own, right? What an impulsive Class President! Even if he was her comrade-in-arms from tens of thousands of years ago, she shouldn't have gone to lead the attack alone. She should have gone with them. This is not a powerful enemy that one person can defeat. Strictly speaking, although high-end combat power is gathered together now, Kiana is still a little uneasy about challenging the ancestor.

And most importantly, it seems that Shen Gonglin isn't very close to Kiana right now, which makes her even more uneasy. Is it because she's being too sensitive?

"Hmm, that's right... Durandal, have you made any new discoveries?"

Mei looked at the strongest Valkyrie walking towards her. The last time they met was on Coral Island, wasn't it? In Mei's memory, this Valkyrie had always been a serious and earnest person. But when they reunited just now, the way she was holding Kiana made Mei unable to connect her with the image she had in her mind. Was she really this kind of person?

"We found nothing, but there's one thing that's also bothering me. If this elevator can go down by itself, then why did it only move between two floors before? Rather than being blocked by some force, or not finding the correct way to start it... I'm more inclined to believe that someone did it on purpose."

Durandal stroked her chin and voiced her doubts. If this elevator originally had the ability to go to lower floors, why can it only move between the two floors now? This must have been specially designed by someone. Could it be... Jackal?

It's safe to assume that all bad things are happening to her.

"... That makes sense, after all, the shelter isn't too far from here. It's just a pity we checked it several times and couldn't find any additional control mechanisms, and..."

Kiana didn't think too much about it. She looked at Durandal with a meaningful expression. The girl's gaze was quite obvious, and Durandal, who was being stared at like that, was a little confused. Why was her sister looking at her like that? Could it be that she had a premonition? A premonition that she was her older sister... Thinking of this, Durandal immediately became a little nervous. She subconsciously hid next to Shen Gonglin. Her sister was about to recognize her.

"Kiana, Kiana... what's wrong?"

"It's nothing. When we weren't familiar with each other, I always thought you were the strength type... But after getting to know you better, I realized that you're a true all-rounder. You know a lot about everything."

Kiana's words relieved Durandal. Thankfully, she wasn't questioning their relationship, otherwise she wouldn't know how to explain herself. However, Durandal felt that this "all-around talent" was a bit much, considering the mecha tourism incident... Back then, the Far East Branch clearly had an operation, but she was actually tricked by Shen Gonglin into thinking that Anti-Entropy's mechas were just there for tourism. This was the Durandal's life.

She was just too straightforward; she actually fell for it back then. It was so embarrassing! I hope no one ever mentions it again.

Chapter 361

Being praised like that by her younger sister, even if she were the older sister, she would still feel shy. Ordinary people would just laugh it off when praised by Durandal, but Kiana is different. Kiana is her younger sister, so her praise can't be the same as others, especially since it's being praised in front of Shen Gonglin. She's not that great... at most, she's only slightly good, nothing to brag about.

"I, no... I was just offering some trivial guesses that don't solve any real problems... Rather than just talking the talk, we need problem-solving skills, like what you and Bronya are doing."

As they talked, Durandal became increasingly embarrassed. Under the strange gazes of everyone, Durandal hid behind Shen Gonglin, carefully supporting Shen Gonglin's shoulder from behind to cover herself. This behavior surprised everyone. Was this really Durandal's personality? This stark contrast made everyone feel a little unreal. Her shyness when praised... was just too adorable.

"Oh, is that so? I feel a little embarrassed by what you've said. Well then, let's cheer each other on."

Kiana felt awkward, as if she and Durandal were engaging in some kind of mutual flattery. Mei, however, was now the one sensing something Mei. Wait a minute, what was going on with this atmosphere? Why was there this harmonious, almost maternal, atmosphere between Durandal and Kiana? Wasn't she Kiana's best friend? Wasn't that a given? Why did Mei suddenly feel like her status as Kiana's best friend was wavering?

What exactly happened between Kiana and Durandal during the time Kiana spent in World Serpent?

Just as the atmosphere became strange, a soft sound coming from the elevator attracted everyone's attention. Was that Bronya's success? Everyone rushed over. Sure enough, you can always trust Bronya.

"Bronya, how is it?"

As everyone passed by, Bronya's fingers flew across the virtual keyboard. Everyone has their own strengths. Although Shen Gonglin was just as good as Bronya in hacking, it was still very reassuring to entrust this kind of work to her. If it were Shen Gonglin... Kiana worried that he might start playing Spider Solitaire while solving the puzzle.

"... Well, although it took some time, the result was pretty good; the stone tablet's access was upgraded. However... the instant she successfully hacked in, Bronya sensed a power that didn't belong to her; it was practically omnipresent in the elevator's control program. This elevator is undoubtedly a trap."

Bronya removed her hands from the virtual keyboard, crossed her arms, and told everyone what she had discovered. Although they knew it was a trap, they seemed to be helpless for the time being.

"It's a trap, but we have no other choice, is that what you mean?"

Mei drew her conclusion, Bronya nodded slightly. The other party had set all of this up and was waiting for them to go there. This kind of experience where they had no choice but to step into a trap... Actually, they were quite familiar with each other.

"Durandal, what do you think?"

Kiana asked, and as the one with the most "captain potential" among them, Durandal's opinion was very helpful. Although she was still hiding behind Shen Gonglin and dared not come out, it did not affect her position in Kiana's heart.

"... Since the other party is willing to welcome guests, let's see what they're up to."

Feeling she couldn't be shy any longer, Durandal stepped out from behind Shen Gonglin with a serious expression. It was just a compliment from her sister, nothing serious. Now was not the time to be shy. Durandal stepped forward and took on the responsibility of captain. Although it was a trap, it was the only action they could take at the moment. Even if it was a trap, they could just push through it.

She kept saying Rita was reckless, but she herself was just as reckless.

"Haha, just as I thought. You still prefer to go it alone rather than plan things out in the long run."

Li Sushang also seemed very excited. She was too lazy to think too much. As long as she trusted the sword in her hand, she would cut down any obstacles in the way with one stroke.

"If we're blocked by an elevator, then we won't be qualified to face Kevin directly, which is probably what he's implying. So moving forward is our only option."

Durandal straightened her back. At this moment, she could only trust in her own strength. If they were blocked by an elevator, how could they protect this beautiful world?

"... Understood. Let's set off as soon as possible. Seele, I'll leave you upstairs. Continue to do your job as the gatekeeper."

Shen Gonglin solemnly patted Seele on the shoulder. This statement made Seele mouth. Even so, you can't just say it like that. Even the gentle Seele wanted to puff out her cheeks. She missed her other self so much. If her other self were here, she would definitely pounce on Shen Gonglin and bite her head!

"Shen Gonglin, don't bully Seele... Seele, we're leaving."

Bronya raised her hand and gently tapped Shen Gonglin's head with a chop to comfort Seele. Then, she grabbed Shen Gonglin and led him and the others to the stone platform where the elevator went straight up. After nodding to Seele, Bronya activated the elevator, and the entire platform began to descend. In that instant, Bronya also noticed something amiss in the program.

"As expected, it's coming soon... After it started to descend, the elevator was swept up by a force and became increasingly out of control of the program."

After informing everyone of this situation, Kiana and Shen Gonglin also sensed the anomaly in the surrounding space. For the two who possessed the Herrscher Authority of the Void, this abnormal change was easy to perceive.

"I see... The surrounding space is starting to distort. As expected, we will face other challenges before reaching the bottom of the pit."