Outside the screen, within St. Freya Academy.
Raiden Mei and Bronya stood side-by-side, their gazes fixed on the future scene unfolding in the video.
In the footage, their figures radiated an unprecedented brilliance.
A complex mix of emotions played across their faces - surprise, confusion, but mostly an undeniable joy and anticipation. Raiden Mei broke the silence first, her voice brimming with excitement and conviction:
“That’s… an aspect I never imagined… While I’m unsure how my future self attained this power, I firmly believe… Someone must have wished for us to gain this strength to safeguard human civilization!”
Bronya, the inheritor of the "Herrscher of Reason," was similarly struck by her own evolution in the video. She had assumed such miracles were reserved for Kiana alone, never imagining she would undergo a transformation one day.
“Future Bronya… could actually achieve such a level?” Bronya murmured, her eyes sparkling with unprecedented light.
“This power will allow me to go even further on the path of protecting others, and perhaps… even rescue the one trapped in the Quantum Sea.”
......
The video continued, the voice of the Herrscher of Knowledge echoing through the air, while Kiana, Raiden Mei, and Bronya fell into a brief silence, exchanging frequent glances, clearly engaged in intense discussion.
After a moment, Bronya took a deep breath and stepped forward resolutely, her eyes meeting the Herrscher of Knowledge across the void. Her voice was clear and powerful.
“No problem, Herrscher of Knowledge.
We’ll do it together.”
Under this trans-temporal gaze, Bronya's "we" echoed like a stone dropped into a tranquil lake, creating ripples of implication. This was not merely a display of team spirit, but a bold vision of future possibilities – three Herrschers merging to become the "Herrscher of the End."
.........
Beyond the screen, Otto, within the Schicksal headquarters, laughed, his laughter laced with both disdain for this concept and a hint of unspoken interest. He knew this idea was absurd, yet it was an unprecedented attempt, adding more variables to this game of fate.
Meanwhile, the Honkai Beasts at the headquarters of the Anti-Entropy of the previous civilization felt a more complex mix of emotions. They had hoped Kiana would become the "Herrscher of the End," leading the next civilization towards hope. But now, the trio's decision filled them with surprise and a touch of resignation, as if it were a subtle "rebuttal" to Kevin's self-sacrifice.
Padofelis's twitching lips revealed the internal conflict and confusion within her. She felt the weight of Kevin's decision, and saw the trio's shared wish as a form of "disrespect" to that sacrifice.
Su's awkwardness and perspiration stemmed from questioning the feasibility of this plan. He knew that even if Kevin in the future became stronger, facing three "Herrscher of the End"s united would be an unprecedented challenge.
Eden and Dr. ME's comments further emphasized the difficulty and impossibility of this proposition. They believed that the rules of the world and the balance of power wouldn't allow for the simultaneous existence of three such beings.
However, Kevin maintained a rare composure and restraint. He understood that his future self had touched the secrets of "the End's power," meaning anything was possible. Thus, he suggested they continue watching the video, letting time and facts reveal the answer.
.........
As the Honkai Beasts refocused their attention on the screen, the video continued to play slowly, the mists of the future seemingly clearing with every frame.
After receiving this unexpected response from the "Three Houses," the Herrscher of Knowledge's reaction became instantly pronounced.
Her eyes widened, her mouth involuntarily opening as if capable of swallowing entire astonishment and confusion.
The sound, laced with disbelief and shock, reverberated throughout the space.
“Aahh!!??”
The Herrscher of Knowledge's astonishment was evident. She hadn't anticipated such a mind-boggling answer from these young hearts – the simultaneous birth of three "Herrschers" was undoubtedly a fantasy in her understanding. She was eager to end this seemingly playful dialogue, as the urgency of time and the preciousness of the reflection of "the End's cocoon" couldn't afford any waste.
However, Kiana, Raiden Mei, and Bronya's eyes held an unprecedented determination and seriousness. They weren't joking; they genuinely wished to embark on this unprecedented path together. Raiden Mei took over the conversation seamlessly, her voice filled with power and resolve, as if proclaiming their determination to the world.
“If Kevin can wield the power of the End, who says there can only be one 'Herrscher of the End'?
As long as our thought spaces are interconnected, whether the Herrscher's powers are concentrated in a few individuals…
It shouldn’t matter.”
Indeed, Kiana had a point.
The fact that Kevin could steal the authority of "the End" provided theoretical possibility for the existence of multiple "Herrschers of the End".
However, this was just a theoretical concept. Whether it was actually feasible depended on the approval of "the End's cocoon".
After all, as the core carrier of the power of the End, its will and rules were key to deciding whether to accept new "Herrschers of the End".
........
Raiden Mei's words sparked a lively discussion within the team about this unprecedented concept.
Her arguments were clear and forceful, impossible to ignore. Immediately, Kiana joined the conversation, her voice filled with determination and expectation.
“If we really need to condense everything onto one person, then I won't hesitate.
But… we've always been a team.
If possible, we naturally hope to complete this great mission together.”
Faced with potential sacrifice and team responsibility, Kiana naturally displayed her awareness and sense of duty.
Because she was the "Flame of the Ignition," capable of illuminating others…
But now, they faced a common challenge, and required the strength of the team.
Defeating enemies, challenging difficulties… She would rather do it side-by-side with her two best companions, together!!!