A Knot in the Heart / I'll Bear This Sin; I'll Claim This Glory for Myself

"Yes, it is an existence that is difficult to explain directly with science to this day, and it surpasses ordinary life on every level."

But it is precisely for this reason that it is even more worthwhile to study...

"To be able to develop such a highly advanced information system in that kind of world, instead of becoming believers in God, the people of your world are truly remarkable..."

Gwen sighed and then got back to business—

"The shop refreshed today, and I bought another great item. In that world, Divine Blood can be used as a key to unlock the path of evolution for ordinary life forms such as humans and demi-humans, and to manifest their potential and progress."

I'm wondering if we could use the blood of a similar higher life form to replace the role of the Divine Blood and replicate it.

"..."

Upon seeing Gwen's message, Nguyen Mai blinked, a hint of surprise appearing on her delicate face—

In her world, there truly exist Star Gods, beings that are difficult for ordinary human beings to comprehend from various perspectives. They can also guide people onto their destiny or grant their Emanator power.

But...

Those who are merely Pathstrider need to refine themselves and discover their own strength within their destiny.

The Emanator, on the other hand, is granted certain authority by the Star God and is "parachuted" into the upper reaches of the Destiny Path, gaining power far exceeding that of those Pathstrider Path on their own.

Perhaps the distance one travels in life can be seen as a manifestation of potential, but ultimately it is reflected in one's destiny and indirectly in one's life.

What Gwen was talking about was how the human body's potential could be directly realized through the so-called Divine Blood.

Nguyen Mai immediately became interested—

"Can you tell me what kind of abilities the god who provided that Divine Blood possessed?"

Perhaps the need is not simply about a higher level of existence, but also includes other aspects.

"Just like the gods in traditional myths and legends, they live in the heavens and have power that is unimaginable to mortals. Each of them wields a certain power, whether it is a more concrete god of fire or a god of the sea, or a more abstract one like deception or beauty."

"Power?

Then what truly serves as the key might be the power it wields... or some substance within that power..."

As Ruan Mei replied to Gwen, she compared the god Gwen spoke of with the star god she remembered. Both possessed power far exceeding that of mortals, but regarding authority...

Nguyen Mai believes that in this respect, the Star God is quite different from the mythical gods.

Of course, the key point is that she cannot obtain the blood of the Star God—

The Idrila is a colossal machine, and his blood... most likely resembles the Imaginary Energy that sustains its operation.

Other star gods... cannot be seen.

"That's possible. I've already asked a friend to do some research and experimentation. She has a similar deity on her side, and we have a friendly relationship. She might be willing to offer help."

"Um..."

For some reason, looking at Gwen's message, Ruan Mei felt inexplicably unhappy—

"Then I'll wait for your good news."

Chapter 726 Heart Knot

The next morning, after a long and complicated conversation, Gwen saw Changguang off to work and then lay quietly in bed, enjoying the rare tranquility.

Although Changguang's home wasn't particularly tidy, it was at least fairly clean, though far from the level of Himeko's room that Theresa had described.

There was no smell of alcohol in Changguang's house, even though he didn't drink. Instead, there was a faint floral scent on the bed. It was unclear whether it was the perfume on Changguang's body or the smell of air freshener, but it made the seal from the blanket on his body even more terrifying.

However, Gwen wasn't lying in bed playing on his phone upside down; instead, he was reflecting on what he had learned during this period—

"After this formal battle, my Saint Cloth... or rather, my armor seems to have undergone some transformation, and even the energy circulation within my body has become smoother... I don't know if it's a simple gain from the battle, or an extra benefit from the planetary support I received during my brief time as UO."

At the same time, his Cosmo also improved to some extent...

Indeed, while deep meditation is necessary, the simplest and most direct way for Saint Seiya to improve is still through exhilarating battles—battles Cosmo is fully unleashed, and each survival brings a tremendous boost...

This is probably one of the reasons why the five main characters in later generations were able to progress from Bronze to the Eighth Sense...

Besides that... the Cascade Light Source is also reacting more actively..."

Gwyn was keenly sensing the power within his body, observing, exploring, and comparing it with his previous state from a meticulous perspective, examining where he had improved and how he should continue to improve in the future. This was what Gwen wanted at this moment.

"Speaking of which, after the Absolutian scientists created this light source, it went through countless experiments. By the time it reached me, it was practically 'on its last legs.' Its continued existence was all thanks to the existence of the Mind Cube and my actions at the time."

So, counting from the fusion, the awakening of my Light of the Mind, and the time spent with Type-Moon, this source of light has undergone three evolutions in my case.

With the power of this light source alone, my Absolutian form should already surpass the strength of the 'Abusoliut elite forces' that attacked Gauss on Planet Juran during the grand conspiracy and continued to pour out during the subsequent battle in the snowy mountains, right?

To evolve a broken light source that would be rejected even as a fusion material to this extent, if placed in the Kingdom of Absolut, it would surely be worthy of an Absolut Progress Award, right?

Unfortunately, this light source had been subjected to countless destructions in the laboratory back then, leaving only its violent energy characteristics. The programs and information pre-installed inside may have all become gibberish in countless experiments, so I can only figure out how to use skills by myself based on the energy characteristics of Absolute Energy.

I wonder if the fourth-order gene modification technique can decipher the fragmented information contained in the Cascade Light Source, rewrite it into my genes, and optimize it.

If possible, perhaps in the future we can truly unleash Tartarus' Absolute Destruction...

"Um?

What are you thinking about?

Just as Gwen was lost in thought and began contemplating his Absolute Destruction, a gentle and melodious voice snapped him out of his reverie.

"Um?

"Misterine, you're back?"

Gwen blinked, meeting those dreamy purple eyes, a slightly embarrassed expression on his face.

In a sense, this could be considered... catching someone in the act?

"Yes, I just finished dealing with the World Serpent matter and rushed back as soon as I sensed you were back."

Misterine saw the embarrassment on Gwen's face, and her smile became even more delighted.

"Looking back now, it seems I came back at just the right time; I didn't encounter any overly bloody or violent scenes..."

"Stop making fun of me..."

Seeing the hint of pleasure in Misterine's eyes, Gwen covered his face with one hand and used the other to lift the blanket over himself, blocking Misterine's view.

Just as Misterine thought Gwen was going to change clothes so easily, she suddenly felt a familiar force on her waist.

Misterine, who was already familiar with this, did not resist and let the force carry her body around and sit up.

"Let me see how much Misterine you evaded while I was away?"

Gwen, who had already changed his clothes, had one arm around Misterine's waist, as if he was about to thoroughly examine her, but Misterine gently slapped his restless hand away.

"Stop fooling around, I still have something to ask you..."

With her ears turning slightly red, Misterine naturally understood what Gwen meant: she didn't want him to cause trouble here.

"Hmm, what is it?"

Sensing the seriousness in Misterine's words, Gwen and simply held her soft body quietly, using his own warmth to comfort the cold moonlight.

"Yesterday when I was at the World Serpent, I had a vague feeling, but it wasn't very clear."

After returning to headquarters, I was able to clearly perceive...

She... has fully recovered, hasn't she?

"It's still a bit far from a full recovery, but it's okay to say that; it's just a matter of time..."

Gwen could tell, of course, that the "she" Misterine was referring to was the being who gave birth to her— Cecilia Schariac.

"Um...

Planning a surprise for Kiana and Bianca on their birthdays?

Misterine only needed a moment's thought to guess Gwen's idea.

"As expected of you, you guessed it after just a little thought..."

Gwen chuckled lightly.

"Would you like to meet her beforehand?"

Should I let her know that I have such a special daughter?

"I?

No, I'm not..."

Misterine instinctively tried to shake her head, but couldn't move because Gwen's cheek was pressed against hers.

Don't rush to deny it—

Think about what you've done since we met...

You helped me through many difficulties, facilitated the development of the Honkai 3rd project, stopped the Jackal's hasty Stigmata Plan, and saved at least millions of lives...

While your lack of understanding of your own condition may have caused the deaths of some people, your existence has also allowed hundreds of millions of others to continue living peacefully and happily.

Don't keep confining yourself to that snowy plain. Look at the present, look at the future, okay?

"..."

Despite the constant warmth emanating from Gwen's body, Misterine's body felt as if it were still on the desolate Siberian snowfield, with an icy chill seeping from the depths of her bones...

Chapter 727 I will bear this sin, and I will enjoy this glory alone.

"..."

Seeing Misterine remain silent, Gwen sighed softly, knowing that words alone would hardly be enough to help her emerge from the shadows of the past.

Upon hearing Gwen's sigh, Misterine pursed her lips, seemingly wanting to say something, but ultimately said nothing.

"So--"

Suddenly, Misterine felt her body lighten, the warmth enveloping her behind receded, and in its place stood a figure in front of her—

"Misterine, in order to defeat the Honkai and to prevent anyone from dying because of the Honkai, I will take all of you."

Your body, your soul, even your spirit no longer belong to you, but to this new version of the Stigmata Plan in my mind that has been confiscated from you. Do you understand?

Gwen tapped his temples lightly, his face devoid of any emotion, his eyes filled with indifference and calm, piercing the mist in her eyes and reaching straight into her heart—

"I will bear all your sins, and all your glory will belong to me."

And you are no longer you, but the sword in my hand, the spear in my palm—"

Before Misterine could react, a terrifying energy Force Field had already unfolded, Gwen's right hand had already grabbed Misterine's hand—

"Come, become a part of me, and join me in shattering the Honkai that looms over this land!"

"..."

Misterine remained silent, staring blankly at the gleam in Gwen's eyes, her inner strength unconsciously resisting the power in Gwen's hands.

Despite the rejection in Misterine's eyes, Gwen remained calm and unwavering, continuing to channel his power.

After a long while, the mist in Misterine's eyes was finally pierced by the divine light in Gwen's eyes, revealing the permafrost behind the fog—

"Um..."

With a soft response, Misterine ceased her resistance, allowing Gwen's power to completely control her.

A sudden burst of dazzling golden light overwhelmed the sunlight streaming into the room from outside the window.

In the dazzling golden light, Misterine's body rapidly blurred, transforming into a golden torrent that surged into Gwen's body, causing a sudden increase in the Honkai Energy within him. Even the connection between him as Herrscher and the Imaginary Space stabilized considerably as a result...

Although Gwen's body has developed an incredibly high tolerance for Honkai Energy, Gwen still prefers to convert it into other forms of energy rather than accepting its harmful Honkai Energy on the environment and other living beings—a product of the Honkai world.

Whether it's the enhanced and transformed Cascade Light Source or Gwen's Cosmo, it accepts all the power derived from them.

"Well..."

Maintaining the balance and transformation of various energies within his body, Gwen sighed softly—

This is a psychological issue, and words alone cannot change it. Even if Gwen forced Misterine in this way, he could not change her mind, and it might even make things worse.

The original Misterine emerged from the realm of existence by undergoing a metamorphosis, essentially killing herself once.

But Gwen didn't want the Misterine he knew to become that smiling, cunning Feather Rabbit—

It's not that I dislike or hate them, it's just that I don't want the people I know to become like that...

"Feel sorry..."

The sound of Misterine's deep voice echoed in Gwyn's mind, making Gwen feel even more troubled.