32. Kevin: Are All Origin Herrschers Like This? / 33. Mei's New Ride

"Kevin... why are you here?"

With Judah standing beside her, Theresa asked warily, like a cat with its fur standing on end.

Kevin, however, was unmoved by this. He knew Theresa not only because the child had a close relationship with Otto, but also because the Honkai Beast fused within her had a deep connection with him.

"I told Mei Raiden that Kiana's internal corruption could be alleviated by becoming Herrscher again."

"In exchange for joining World Serpent, Mei Raiden agreed and is currently saying goodbye to her companions."

Kevin succinctly explained the current situation.

However, this explanation also completely resolved another of Theresa's doubts, namely why Mei suddenly became Herrscher.

"Let me in! If they keep going like this, someone will get hurt!"

"I'm sorry, but this is a time when no one should disturb us."

Kevin produced a greatsword that Theresa recognized very well, and showed no intention of making way for her.

"This is... Heavenly Fire? What did you do to Sigfried?!"

"He is safe. He is being held in a space where no one can enter. I will release him once everything is over."

As long as it doesn't involve classified information, Kevin doesn't mind answering questions for these new generation people. He always answers questions, regardless of whether the other party is an enemy or not.

"It seems... this battle is unavoidable."

Theresa's aura began to slowly rise. The improved Twilight Knight armor did not restrict Theresa's Vishnu Gene, and the extent to which they were unlocked was entirely up to her own judgment.

Although we don't know exactly how strong Kevin is, judging from his past achievements, he is probably at least at the level of Durandal.

She naturally dared not be presumptuous, and directly raised the level of liberation to the safe limit she could currently achieve, 60%.

Although she had experience with 80% liberation before, this wasn't a life-or-death battle, and she didn't need to risk losing control by going that far. Otherwise, if she really couldn't control her final limits and reached a so-called "collapse" state...

That might completely turn it into Honkai Beast.

The burning greatsword clashed with the golden cross, producing a dull thud.

Kevin remained calm and composed. He seemed to be able to tell that Theresa was hesitant when using this power, so he didn't press her too hard. He simply defended against her moves and even took the time to comment.

"You unleashed Vishnu's genes, but only used the physical enhancements provided by the Honkai Beast themselves, without ever considering devouring them..."

Seemingly sensing that Theresa's power contained no "impurities," Kevin raised an eyebrow slightly and said.

"Is it to prevent yourself from sliding into the abyss of losing your mind...? That's one way to prevent losing control, but if that's the case, why don't you fuse with other types of Honkai Beast?"

"Nonsense! How would I know what Grandfather is thinking!"

Theresa angrily hurled the cross again, which, imbued with golden light, attacked Kevin from different directions.

However, this was still to no avail. Kevin only needed to use the Jie Mie to pry open the cross, without even targeting the light spears. Even if the light spears actually hit him, it would have no effect and wouldn't even be able to pierce his skin.

"Is it to preserve your potential for advancement... hoping that you will have the potential to continue rising after everything is over? That does fit my impression of that bishop."

Time ticked by, but Theresa grew increasingly agitated.

She could clearly sense that Kiana's power fluctuations within the Chiyu Academy had reached a level that was clearly beyond her usual strength.

"Get out of the way! You should be able to sense Kiana's current condition, right? If you keep using your abilities like this, she'll die!"

"No, this is within a safe range for her at the moment."

Kevin still maintained an air of complete control.

Just then, Theresa suddenly felt a warmth on her thigh.

That was... the tracking device Xia Ling installed on me before?

Theresa, who was connected to the girl's mind, immediately understood that this might be a signal that Xia Ling was about to launch an attack.

So... I should create an opportunity for her...

Theresa charged forward again, just like before, using the method Xia Ling had taught her: first strike with Judah, then release the light spear after getting close to the opponent's body, and swing the cross at Kevin.

Kevin had dealt with similar moves several times before. As before, he didn't need to worry about those tricky light spears; he only needed to strike the main body directly.

But this time...

The light spears, originally intended for attack, transformed into golden chains. What alarmed Kevin even more was that these chains contained a force he recognized.

The Power of Restraint!

No, what surprised him was not that Theresa could release the Power of Restraint the chains, but that she could use this method to extend the Authority of Binding to the outside world.

Unlike the inherent restraint effect of chains, this Power of Restraint, although not as strong, is indeed of the same category as the Zero Rated Power.

Is it possible to remotely release the Authority of Binding at a lower cost by reducing Authority of Binding strength...?

Just as the chains were tightly binding Kevin, a streak of purple light flashed by in the distance.

Then, in an instant, he appeared in front of the two of them.

The commotion caused by this streak of light was not significant, not even as great as the explosion caused by a clash within the Chiyu Academy.

However, Kevin, who was hit by the beam of light, let out a muffled groan.

The chains binding Kevin were instantly disintegrated.

Ignoring Theresa, who had fainted from exhaustion, Kevin looked at his arm, which he had used to block the attack, and frowned slightly.

His arms were now showing many characteristics of Honkai Beast; only in this way could he block the erosion of the Seven Thunders of Retribution's power.

He looked up at the sky, where a dragon-shaped Honkai Beast was rapidly approaching in the distance.

Chapter 32 Kevin: Are all Origin...

"Xia Ling..."

The dragon-shaped Honkai Beast transformed into human form, carrying Xia Ling as it descended from the sky. Kevin looked at his wounds, which were gradually healing, and pondered.

"With this level of attack power, it seems the Third Divine Key is indeed the most suitable Divine Key for you."

"However, your halo and wings..."

"You all have your own second phase, so it makes sense for me to have a second phase too."

Xia Ling turned off her long-range sniping mode and floated in front of Kevin.

How was that attack just now?

"It's very strong; at least in my normal state, it would cause me injury."

"That's enough." Xia Ling was very happy. "At least when facing Herrscher- level enemies, I won't just be limited to playing a support role."

"By the way, where's Theresa?"

"She fainted, probably because the chains had drained a lot of her strength."

Kevin paused for a moment, then continued, "She is very talented. Even without using Vishnu's devouring power, just by developing that Divine Key, she is already no less than any warrior of the same level."

"I just don't know how she came up with the idea of developing this ability, to create derivatives of Binding Barrier using chains..."

Xia Ling wiped away imaginary cold sweat from her forehead and said, "Uh... maybe it's because, since we can't use Vishnu's abilities anyway, we might as well focus on researching weapons..."

"Is that so..." Kevin remained noncommittal. "However, her Power of Restraint still has loopholes, and there is still a considerable gap between it and the ability to fully reproduce the binding power."

"On the one hand, this method of output is too restrictive; on the other hand, it may be because she lacks weapons..."

Kevin's voice stopped abruptly, his gaze lingering on Xia Ling's smooth neck.

To be precise, it was the collar around her neck.

I hadn't noticed it when I met Xia Ling last time. Now I understand. No wonder this collar always gave him a strange feeling.

He initially thought it was just a strange hobby of young people, but now it seems that Theresa hid the last part here to protect her...

"Missing? What is missing?" Xia Ling asked doubtfully, "Are there any other accessories for Judas's Oath?"

"No, it must be my imagination. This cross is indeed complete, but after all, the cross is just an external form of this Divine Key. Perhaps it is missing parts in other forms."

"Speaking of which, it seems that the two consciousnesses within the Herrscher of the Void have stopped fighting over the body. In fact, her other consciousness is even helping her deal with the Herrscher of Thunder. Was this also your doing?"

Kevin didn't say anything more, but made up an excuse and changed the subject. He still vividly remembered the time when he accidentally revealed Elysia's secret.

"I guess... I guess so?"

Xia Ling wasn't sure what was going on inside the Chiyu Academy, but based on her speculation, it was probably Mei's actions that triggered Sirin's memories of Bella's version of Elegy of the Sinner in her dream, so Sirin couldn't help but jump out to help Kiana.

"As expected, you always manage to surprise me."

Kevin nodded slightly. "In that case, the Second Herrscher can also be described as fighting entirely for humanity..."

"Hey, what's this? Kidnapping Mei isn't enough, you want to kidnap my Kiana too?"

Xia Ling was displeased. "Don't be so greedy! I'm counting on Kiana to help me clear the later Herrscher!"

"I think it wouldn't be a bad idea to let her gain some experience at the World Serpent..."

Before he could finish speaking, Kevin's voice abruptly stopped.

Because he heard a familiar voice.

"It seems Kevin has remembered the promise he made with me. Even after all this time, he hasn't forgotten it. I'm so happy!"

A pink phantom gathered and condensed beside Xia Ling, transforming into the familiar figure of Kevin.

"I'm sorry, I can't stop Elysia from coming out."

Xia Ling shrugged at Kevin, but didn't hide the mischievous smile on her face at all.

"Elysia... it's been a long time."

"The reason I took the Herrscher of Thunder to World Serpent was simply because she is more suited to developing her career there now."

"Hmm~ It's been a while since I've seen Kevin, and he seems to have become a bit less candid."

"Indeed." Xia Ling nodded. "I was just thinking of recruiting another one. Back in the Sea of Quantum, I tried my best to get the Herrscher of Reason to join World Serpent."

"..."

Kevin suddenly felt a headache coming on. He knew that Elysia liked to play pranks, but now it seemed that her successor had inherited this trait very well.

Having been caught in the act, and having seemingly ruined Elysia's plans earlier, Kevin knew that if he didn't run away now, he would likely be thoroughly teased by his junior.

"Even if the personalities within the Herrscher of the Void are of one mind, given her physical condition, it's only a matter of time before she is defeated by the now fully ascended Herrscher of Thunder."

"You probably still have something to say to the Herrscher of Thunder, so I won't disturb you any longer."

After saying this, Kevin's figure instantly disappeared from the spot.

"He ran away... Elysia, are you going to chase after him?"

"Of course... no?"

"Actually, after helping you last time, I don't have much time left in the Realm of Manifestation this month. Didn't you say before that there might be more than one Herrscher descending this month? Let's save the remaining time for unforeseen circumstances."

"Besides... Kevin, he's a very determined person, and I don't want to bother him too much. This trip out was just to tease him a little, right?"

"Fine, fine, whatever you say..."

As the thunder within the Chiyu Academy gradually subsided, Xia Ling handed Theresa to Bella and then floated towards the academy.

"By the way, Elysia, in the Stigmata Space, have you finished that thing I mentioned making before?"

"Of course, it was done very easily. It was just that Hiyomaru had to put in a lot of effort when she used her erosion power to transform the thing they had constructed into a physical form."

"I don't quite understand the specific principles either, but in the end, it should have transformed that thing into a state similar to a theoretical form, as Xia Ling mentioned?"

"It's unlikely to be the case with Rin and the others. I do know how they operated; they probably borrowed Yae Sakura's way of existing while retaining the Honkai Beast's nature..."

"No wonder Yae Sakura went out for a while recently. She must have gone to Changkong City to find a suitable Honkai Beast body. That's good, since the Honkai Beast in Changkong City were created by the power of the Third Herrscher."

Chapter Thirty-Three: Mei's New Mount

Xia Ling slowly floated to the rooftop of the Chiyu Academy. She did not conceal her aura. As she arrived on the rooftop, she saw Mei gazing affectionately at the unconscious Kiana.

"Hmm... you hit pretty hard."

"Sister Xia Ling, you've arrived..."

Mei stood up, a hint of sadness still in her eyes. "You... aren't you going to stop me from leaving?"

"No, I knew you were leaving a long time ago." Xia Ling shook her head. "If I wanted to stop you, I would have come long ago. Why wait until now?"