Chapter 515

It turns out that what Shen Gonglin said before, that Kevin had horns, wings, and a tail and was dressed as a succubus, was actually true. They thought Shen Gonglin was just making things up about Kevin, but now Kevin in this form... does indeed make people take it seriously.

Is this his Human Collapse state? Mei, who has traveled to the Elysian Realm, knows the power of these Flame-Chaser. It seems a tough battle is about to begin.

"You've arrived... Let's clarify something else first. Fu Hua isn't here."

Kevin looked at everyone and directly addressed their most pressing concern: Was the Class President not here? It was good that everything was alright. Mei also noticed Kevin's change in address for the Class President. He used to call Class President Hua, so what did this change in address signify?

"Fu Hua?"

Mei spoke up directly, knowing that Kevin would understand her and respond accordingly.

"She is my only remaining comrade-in-arms in this world, and also a respectable opponent. But the Stigmata Plan doesn't need these things, so I don't mind giving her a break in my own way."

In just a few words, Fu Hua's current situation was explained. She didn't need to join this battle. Fu Hua had completely integrated into the present era and had people she was willing to fight for. As for herself, a remnant of the Previous Era, the new world had no ship to carry her.

"... So, it's the same thing you did in North Africa last time, right?"

Kevin didn't speak, but his attitude spoke volumes. Back in North Africa, when the World Serpent attacked the Schicksal North Africa base, the Class President covered Kiana's retreat, and Kevin put the Class President to sleep to protect her, which was to seal Feather Dust.

Kevin didn't speak, and this silence proved that Mei's prediction was correct. Kiana and the others breathed a sigh of relief; at least she was alright.

"Just like I did with her, I will not refuse any of your requests to fight."

Looking at the crowd in front of him, Kevin clearly sensed Shen Gonglin's high fighting spirit. If it came to a fight, he would not refuse.

"Kevin, I know the whole story, and I know why you had to do this. So this is not a duel, but a conversation."

Mei pressed down on Shen Gonglin's shoulder; otherwise, she was afraid he would draw his sword and charge at her. She still had things to say to Kevin; as the successor of the Thirteen Flame-Chasers, she knew far more than the others.

"You may ask questions."

He was incredibly generous to his challengers, and could answer any questions they had.

"Then, let Bronya ask the first question. No matter the cost, humanity will surely defeat the Honkai. In your view, this cost also includes humanity itself, right?"

Bronya stepped forward and covered Shen Gonglin's mouth. Otherwise, Bronya was afraid he would ask Kevin if there were any strange markings on his body in this state. If that were the case, there would probably be no time to ask questions before the battle started. The emotionless loli asked this question. Was it Kevin's idea to Honkai the Honkai at the cost of humanity?

Since we might not be able to beat Kevin right now, let's try to reason with him first.

"You've got one thing wrong, Herrscher of Reason. Humanity will never perish. Even if the current human race ceases to exist, civilization will continue. This is no different from dinosaurs evolving into birds."

Kevin shook his head, denying Bronya's words. "Humanity" doesn't just refer to those living in the present; its meaning is much deeper.

Even if this would lead to the extinction of humanity today?

Kiana frowned and questioned him, no matter how eloquently he spoke, Kiana would not agree to use humanity as a price.

Chapter 386 I hope you can defeat me

Faced with Kiana's questioning, Kevin remained as calm and composed as ever. He had thought this through over the past 50,000 years, so he wouldn't waver because of the girl's questioning. They had their own thoughts, and he had his own principles.

"Every species can only choose between extinction and stagnation. Humans are no exception. Raiden Mei, you should know... there is no perfect solution in this world."

Kiana was like a cat with its fur standing on end, but Kevin didn't seem to care much. Perhaps they couldn't understand, but Kevin believed that Mei, having experienced the Elysian Realm of the Past, should understand that there was no perfect solution in this world; one could only choose the lesser of two evils.

This guy refers to Bronya as the Herrscher of Reason, but when it comes to Mei, he just calls her by her name. That's such a double standard!

Mei remained silent for a moment. Her experiences in the Elysian Realm had taught her a lot, and she knew exactly what had turned Kevin into the person he was now, but...

"Of course I know what price you paid to barely get this worst plan. But Kevin... before everything is settled, we of this era have reason to seek a better answer. I'm not referring to Shen Gonglin, Kiana, Bronya, the Class President, or myself. I'm referring to everyone living in this world right now."

Kevin's will was firm, but Mei and the others were no less so. Knowing everything about the Previous Era, Mei understood Kevin, but she didn't agree with his methods. If Elysia were still alive, she certainly wouldn't have done it this way. The girl said such things, Shen Gonglin Rin couldn't help but look at her with a sidelong glance. She was just more eloquent than herself. She herself couldn't say such things. Mei was really amazing.

"... The Flame-Chasers were once an organization where the minority obeyed the majority. And its fate... is as you can see."

Leaving one's fate to be decided by everyone sounds correct and seems to make no problem. However, just like the Flame-Chasers, the principle of majority rule does not apply in all situations. At least in this case, the Flame-Chasers has already tried and failed.

"This is not a reason for you to arbitrarily decide the fate of humanity."

"When the Finality determines the fate of mankind, it doesn't even need a reason."

Kevin shook his head; they still didn't understand the meaning of "the Finality," and the conversation should probably end soon.

"Since you put it that way... Kevin, I have a question that confuses me the most. The Finality... what exactly is it?"

Mei raised this question. She had never really understood the concept of the Finality. What kind of existence could the Finality be that would make Kevin choose such a negative option?

Kevin exhaled, and the man looked up. Through the thin veil of Honkai energy, he stared directly into the bottomless darkness above him, and then he spoke these words.

"One day, He fell from the sky. People looked up and saw the starry sky. There's a saying that civilizations that don't understand each other easily develop hostility. But frankly, such conflicts are naturally easy to arise between strangers. Since this self-destructive tendency can be considered the original sin of wisdom... then the fear of loneliness and the longing for one's own kind must be equally universal on a cosmic scale. Once, someone said something like this..."

Kevin's words reminded Mei and Shen Gonglin of Elysia's situation, but they both knew who Kevin was referring to as "someone".

Therefore, imagine that deep within the cosmos, perhaps there exists a being like this. Like us, they are rooted in planets, living off them... But unlike humans, they go a step further, becoming completely one with their planets. Their will pervades the earth, omnipresent, and eternal. There is no barrier between their hearts... If such a civilization truly exists, what do you think its desire would be? At least in my view, it would be extremely, extremely, extremely eager... to embrace its fellow human beings.

Dr. Mei shared her analysis and conclusions, which was her definition of the Finality. The girls were still processing this information, while Shen Gonglin, as always, had given up thinking. So this was Dr. Mei's definition of the Finality? As the Origin Herrscher, Elysia's definition... I can't figure it out.

"Yes, that is the final conclusion our time can draw: the Finality is not of this earth. It is a mechanism that manipulates fate, endlessly cycling through human civilization, just so that its creators can have their own kind."

Kevin's words brought the silent girls back to the present. So that's how it is. Is this the conclusion the Previous Era had about the Finality? That's why they chose the Stigmata Plan, such a terrible solution.

"So... this is why the Stigmata Plan is destined to succeed?"

After hearing their definition of the Finality, Mei felt that she could roughly understand why the Stigmata Plan was being promoted. Although the project was terrible, it might actually succeed if it followed that principle.

"That's right. It strikes at the weakness of the Finality, and dominates it in a way it cannot refuse."

Kevin nodded in agreement with Mei's speculation. Shen Gonglin completely bewildered and couldn't understand what they were talking about at all. At times like this, she missed Li Sushang terribly. If that girl were there, she wouldn't be the only one who was foolish and couldn't understand. Moreover, she could always summarize things in a single sentence in the language she understood best. But now... Shen Gonglin felt that Kiana was not even on the same level as her, let alone Bronya, the Herrscher of Reason, or Raiden Mei, who was considered by many to be more suitable to be the Herrscher of Reason.

"... If that's the case, then Bronya finds it even harder to understand. You're really human, can this be considered a victory over the Honkai?"

He asked this question that hits the nail on the head: humanity will eventually defeat the Honkai. But can his method really be considered a victory over the Honkai? Isn't it more like compromising with the Honkai?

"No, of course not. Paying the price and defeating the Honkai is a lesson for humanity. Of course, I am human too, without a doubt, and that is why I expect you to be able to transcend everything."

Chapter 387 The Finality, Kevin

The exchange has ended. Neither side can accept the other's ideas and practices. The only solution is to see whose solution is better. And to decide that, the only way is to fight. If they can defeat themselves, it means they are stronger and more suitable to face the Honkai. So, as mentioned before, they are not enemies, but competitors.

After the conversation ended, Kevin drew his flaming greatsword. Seeing this, Shen Gonglin and the others understood what he was about to do. Shen Gonglin finally snapped out of it; she couldn't get a word in edgewise when he spoke in languages she didn't understand. Was it time for a fight? With Shen Gonglin used the power of the Herrscher of Reason to construct a longsword similar to Mei's Key of Punishment. "Let's fight."

"This aura, it is..."

The girls stood ready, while Shen Gonglin rushed forward. He had been brooding for a while, which had built up a lot of anger, not to mention what happened with Theresa earlier. Shen Gonglin had always wanted to teach Kevin a lesson, and now he finally had the chance. Watching Kevin fight with Shen Gonglin, Kiana sensed a certain power. Was this the Finality? Knowing that Kevin was strong, Kiana was mentally prepared, but the aura emanating from him now... Kiana's heart grew heavy.

"That's right, this is the Power of Finality. Compared to it, we are no different from the plants on Earth. It knows no sorrow or joy, no fatigue, only the cycle of all things and the reshaping of civilization. It is like death, which everyone must face, hanging high above the heads of civilization, and it doesn't even bother to laugh at us. I once told another challenger that any intelligence in the universe is limited by its mode of existence itself. That is not an obstacle that will can overcome. And what you need to challenge in the face of the Stigmata Plan is precisely this mode of existence."

For Kevin, who inherited the Power of Finality, his power, which was originally on par with Shen Gonglin's, has now surpassed hers. So while dealing with them, Kevin can also communicate with them with ease. This attitude makes Shen Gonglin extremely unhappy. Worried that Shen Gonglin might be in danger, the girls also join the battle, but this does not seem to have a significant impact on the battle.

"So strong! As expected of the strongest warrior from the Previous Era, Kevin seems to be able to handle even the four of them together with ease. This battle situation made Shen Gonglin somewhat anxious. Originally, he thought that he and Kevin were evenly matched, or that he might even be slightly stronger than Kevin. But now, after exchanging blows... Is swordsmanship really not enough? Or do I need to use other powers?"

"Second Bullet!"

In an instant, one of Shen Gonglin's eyes quietly turned into a golden clock, and an ancient flintlock pistol appeared in her left hand. A bullet carrying the power of time shot out, and Kevin blocked it with his sword. However, the bullet entered a golden passage before it was blocked. When the other side of the passage opened, it was already in front of Kevin. The power of time immediately spread out, and Kevin's movements became sluggish. This is... truly a strange power.

Seizing the opportunity, Shen Gonglin and Kiana rushed forward together. However, the power of the Second Bullet didn't work as Shen Gonglin had expected. Or rather, while it did work, the time it took to activate was negligible compared to Kevin's overwhelming strength. Before Shen Gonglin could even launch a concrete attack, Kevin had already broken free from the time-slowing effect. It was truly a peculiar ability, but...

Frost power erupted around Kevin, instantly freezing Bronya mobility was relatively poor, in place. Kiana was also affected and temporarily frozen in place. Kevin, who had broken free from the time confinement, did not continue to kill them. If that was all, then the will of the Herrscher was nothing more than that.

"It's not over yet!"

Not just the Herrscher of the Void, Kiana is now the Herrscher of Flamescion. Blazing flames erupt from the girl's will, and the flames will not cool down; they will only... reignite!

The flames melted the ice, and Kiana broke free of her restraints, leaping into the air. Wielding a flaming greatsword, Kiana launched precise attacks, while Kevin used his wings to block every swing of the girl's sword. Several huge ice blocks gathered around Kevin and hurled at Kiana, but the girl paid no heed, focusing solely on her attack, because she was not fighting alone; she had others by her side.

"Permanent air-to-air homing missile".

Just as Kiana expected, Shen Gonglin's attack shattered the ice as it struck her, and lightning cleared the path for Kiana at the same moment. There were no more obstacles in Kiana's way, and the girl gripped the flaming greatsword with both hands and slashed down fiercely, shouting, "Die!"

"Keep up the good work, human Herrscher."

The powerful blow forced Kevin to retreat slightly. He was full of praise for the attack, but that wasn't enough.

"Kiana, keep attacking."

Several missiles struck, Bronya, who had already broken free of the ice, immediately went into battle mode. Rockets, along with Shen Gonglin's Permanent Air-to-Air Missile, exploded around Kevin, creating layers of smoke and dust. For her, who was still unable to use Herrscher Authority, this kind of support work was already the limit. Everyone was fighting hard, and she... Bronya silently bit her lip. Although she didn't know why the Herrscher Core was still rejecting her, even in this state, she still had something she could do.

"Xin Yan, draw your sword!"

The power she had accumulated along the way blossomed at this moment. The training as Valkyrie, the guidance of Durandal, and the abilities of Herrscher... Kiana unleashed all the power she possessed. Shen Gonglin had already taken out the Final Arrow, which could obviously pose a threat to Kevin. Ever since Shen Gonglin took out the Final Arrow, he had been moving around, making it impossible for Shen Gonglin to aim. As long as she couldn't hit him, no matter how powerful the attack was, it would be ineffective.

"Don't underestimate the Power of Finality. The battle has only just begun."

Faced with the combined attack of everyone, Kevin also showed some of his true strength, which increased the pressure on everyone. Shen Gonglin had no time to aim and could only retract the final arrow. Attacking randomly would only cause serious exhaustion. Therefore, she could not use the final arrow casually before it was guaranteed to hit.

Chapter 388 You Have to Give Me Candy

What to do? The opponent is really strong. Although I was mentally prepared before the battle, I could still feel the unexpected strength after we actually fought. Kiana and Mei are not ordinary Herrscher- level fighters, not to mention that Shen Gonglin is also helping this time. But Kevin seems to be able to handle it easily. In this situation... how would Mr. Welt deal with a similar situation?

Bronya's mind raced. Although she couldn't use the powers of the Herrscher of Reason, her mind remained unchanged. It was Mr. Welt's words... She remembered that Mr. Welt had sealed Kevin and himself in a black hole in the Sea of Quantum. Now... Bronya took out the Star of Eden. Although it could only trap him for a while, it was probably the best course of action right now.

Knowing what Bronya was trying to do—to create a black hole with the Star of Eden to devour Kevin — Kiana and Mei immediately prepared. While Shen Gonglin was fighting Kevin alone and being forced back, the two girls seized the opportunity and rushed over, with Bronya close behind. The Star of Eden in the girl's hand shone brightly; this time, they had to hit him!

"Too slow."

Unfortunately, the girls' well-coordinated attack was full of flaws in Kevin's eyes, as if it were frozen in slow motion. Kevin's greatsword transformed again, and scorching flames spread from the hilt to the blade. With just a simple burst of flames, the three girls were pushed back much faster than they had charged forward. The girls crashed heavily against the wall behind them. Shen Gonglin caught Bronya, but the powerful impact still made her groan. Even the Star of Eden in her hand rolled down in front of Kevin. If that was all, it wouldn't be enough to stop the Stigmata Plan.

This was the only weapon that could harm him now. Looking at the Star of Eden slowly coming to a stop on the ground, Kevin bent down to pick it up. But at that moment, his consciousness became momentarily blurred. Although the feeling was fleeting, it gave the newcomer the best opportunity.

"Hey! As expected, you still have to rely on me! Shen Gonglin, you have to give me some candy!"

Accompanied by a lively voice, black feathers suddenly appeared in front of Kevin, along with several flying swords. Kevin instinctively raised his arm to block, but one of the flying swords transformed into Fu Hua's figure and appeared behind Kevin. At the same time, Fu Hua had already picked up the Star of Eden from the ground. This sudden change was astonishing. A hint of hesitation could be seen on Fu Hua's face. Was there something she wanted to do?

"Shen Gonglin, I... I want to eat candy too."

Fu Hua didn't know why she blurted out those words, but after hearing Little Herrscher of Consciousness say that, she also had this unwilling-to-be-outdone thought. As soon as she said that, the heroic and dashing aura that Fu Hua had created when she appeared disappeared. Not to mention Shen Gonglin, even Kevin was slightly speechless. It seemed that his old friend had really changed.

A perfect opportunity! Taking advantage of this chance, Fu Hua gripped the Star of Eden in her hand and activated the power within. The girl punched Kevin, and a black hole opened up. Before anyone could react, Kevin and Fu Hua were sucked into the black hole, leaving only Shen Gonglin and the others behind. In this situation, how should we put it?

"Phew... In the end, it was actually the Class President and the Herrscher of Consciousness protected us... Using a pseudo-black hole to greatly reduce the opponent's time is a tactic that Mr. Welt used on the moon..."

Looking at the black hole in front of her, Bronya slowly stood up, supporting herself on Shen Gonglin's arm. As she spoke, she joined Kiana and Mei, who had been silently watching Shen Gonglin. The Class President and the Herrscher of Consciousness talking about eating candy earlier probably meant eating candy in the ordinary sense.

"Sigh... Although this result is indeed unexpected, but... if it's just about delaying the inevitable, this is not the path you're pursuing."

Amidst applause, Yu Tu, who had been missing since the start of the battle, emerged. Looking at the black hole, she sighed. Although the outcome was already unexpected, this was probably not their original intention.

"Why do humans always do such futile and sad things... However, the current outcome is not so bad. Although we feel somewhat sorry for the Lord, as friends who have only known each other for a short time, we must give each other some time to make sacrifices, right?"

Yuto slowly walked over. The girl, who had just been severely injured in a great battle, was powerless to resist. Shen Gonglin watched Yuto warily, but the white-haired girl only showed a harmless smile. Then, before Bronya could say anything, a strong sense of emptiness suddenly came over her. Like a normal anesthetic mist, it quickly pulled her into the darkness.

Silence enveloped the surroundings. Bronya, Mei, and Kiana, along with their companions, once again drifted into dreams and the World Bubble.

In this situation... if someone were to consider everything they've been through as a dream, then she might be experiencing the most absurd part of that dream right now. Sister Bronya... they should be alright, right?

Standing on the top floor of that "elevator," Seele Vollerei stood to one side, gazing at the dark and deep sinking space before her. A powerful and oppressive residual force surged from the abyss beneath her feet, as if the air itself carried a chilling aura.

Worried about her companions, Seele rushed back to the sanctuary after confirming its safety. However, upon arriving near the pit, she was met with this very aura. Clearly, Shen Gonglin and Sister Bronya were experiencing an even more difficult battle than before, and their opponent...

Should she try to get to the battlefield herself? Although her strength isn't great, Seele wants to help as soon as possible, even if it's just a little bit... Wait, this power seems to have weakened?

Seele initially thought it was her imagination, but after careful observation, she realized it was true. All the anomalies were disappearing faster and faster, but why couldn't she sense Sister Bronya and the others? What... happened?

Chapter 389 Two Seele

No, she couldn't wait here any longer. Having made up her mind, Seele started the elevator to catch up with her companions. This should be the place.

Resolutely embarking on the journey to find her companions, Seele observed the clues along the way. It seemed that a battle had indeed taken place here, but she couldn't find any trace of Sister Bronya or Kevin. What happened to them? Seele grew increasingly worried. Why was there no one here?

She searched through the deserted ruins, but Seele nothing. The moon must be just like this, desolate and uninhabited... Thinking about it this way, she didn't feel so scared anymore. Calm down, Seele, there's nothing to be afraid of anymore.

She encouraged herself, even though Sister Bronya wasn't by her side, and even though her other self wasn't there, that wasn't a reason to back down. The Seele of today was not the Seele of the past, and she definitely had something she could do.

Just as Seele was moving forward, several figures suddenly appeared in front of her. The figures rushed towards Seele as soon as they appeared. Were they enemies? But their aura... they didn't seem to be human?

Seele drew her scythe and began to fight the Archetype Seed in front of her. But the more Seele fought, the stranger it seemed. Why did she feel a strange sense of familiarity with them? Could it be that she... had seen these things before in the Sea of Quantum?

Seele, don't be afraid.

"Hmm... that's right, Seele, don't be afraid." Seele told herself this in her heart, calming herself down and defeating the enemy before her. Sister Bronya had said that fear steals one's reason, causing panic and poor judgment. Therefore, she couldn't be afraid.

Hey, you're not alone.

Yes, that's right. Sister Bronya and the others must be trying to contact me right now. I'm not alone, so I can't give up easily.

[...I'm so angry! You really are an idiot!]

She'd already said two sentences, but this idiot still hadn't realized what she was doing? Another voice inside her was filled with exasperation. What would she do if she weren't there for her?