Outside the light screen.
Time rewound to the Easternmost Secret Realm five hundred years ago, within the Yae Shrine deep in Yae Village, where peace and solemnity reigned.
Kallen gazed at the slowly unfolding images on the screen, her heart gradually sketching out the tapestry of joy and sorrow that would soon unfold.
Her eyes shimmered with wisdom and keenness, as if able to pierce the mist of time and gaze directly upon that distant and predetermined fate.
An indescribable sorrow and reluctance crept silently into her heart. She spoke softly, her voice trembling with both release and sadness.
“So, the path of the future is so winding. Otto, you stubborn fool, even after five hundred years, your obsession remains unchanged.”
Her words reflected a deep and tender affection for Otto, but also conveyed her helplessness and heartache at his actions.
“But remember, everything was my own choice, an indispensable part of my life's trajectory. You should become a beacon of light for more lives, not merely indulge in the whirlpool of personal emotions, chasing a phantom from the past for endless years.”
Kallen's eyes sparkled with a gentle and unwavering light as she continued.
“My great inventor, you possess the power and wisdom to change the world. Your talent and passion should be poured into a wider realm, to create more possibilities, to save those souls still struggling in hardship. And though I am no longer here, my spirit will always be with you, encouraging you to move forward.”
At that moment, Kallen seemed to engage in a conversation across time and space with Otto.
.....
The image on the light screen switched again, shifting from Kallen's tender memories to Otto's valiant battlefield.
In this space shrouded in darkness, Otto’s figure appeared exceptionally resolute. He wielded the simulated [Heavenly Fire Greatsword], engaged in a desperate struggle against countless “selves” that surged forth from the darkness.
With each swing of his blade, searing flames and deafening roars erupted, instantly devouring hordes of “monsters”.
However, these “Black Ottos,” seemingly endless, surged like a tide, turning the battle into a brutal war of attrition.
Otto's strength and will, though formidable, gradually eroded in this unending fight.
Yet, Otto's eyes held no trace of retreat, only a more determined light.
He knew this was the closest he had ever been to that five-hundred-year dream, his only chance.
He had to give everything, even if it meant his life, to fight for a sliver of hope for his beloved.
.........
Meanwhile, on the Star Rail, the train crew was watching all this through the light screen.
March 7th, Dan Heng, and the Trailblazer, their hearts deeply touched by Otto's bravery and love, were shaken by his perseverance and sacrifice.
However, Star Rail Kiana maintained a rare composure and rationality.
She said in a deep voice, “Otto's love is indeed moving, making one want to support him. But we must face reality, the Imaginary Tree is the foundation of all worlds, beyond human reach, let alone creating a new world. These 'Black Ottos' are just a countermeasure of the Imaginary Tree. In this battle, Otto is destined to not achieve true victory.”
Her words conveyed sympathy and helplessness for Otto.
But there was nothing they could do.
.........
Amidst the heated discussions among viewers from countless Mihoyo worlds, the focus once again converged upon that agonizing battlefield.
Bang! Bang! Bang! The air reverberated with incessant explosions, the sound of Otto wielding the [Heavenly Fire Divine Judgment] with unwavering will!
He engaged in fierce battles against the monsters surging from the darkness. Each swing of his blade could slay those “Black Ottos”.
However....... they were simply too numerous, making this fight seem meaningless.
It wasn’t just meaningless.
Repeatedly engaging in this fight would only increase the burden on Otto who was already at his wit's end.
And........
Even the most resilient blade, even a god-forged weapon like the [Heavenly Fire Greatsword].
Under such intense combat over an extended period, with a deafening crack, the [Heavenly Fire Greatsword] in Otto's hand finally succumbed to the strain, dissolving into specks of golden light that scattered to the ground.
The simulated [God Key] had not even fulfilled its purpose before it was reduced to nothingness.
But Otto’s eyes showed no sign of wavering, this was an expected outcome.
With the utmost speed, before those “Black Ottos” could launch a surprise attack, he channeled the Honkai energy within him, pouring it into the [Void Treasury].
Golden light once again blazed. This time, he summoned another God Key—[God Key - Black Abyss White Flower]!!!