Beyond the screen, deep within the hidden base of the Fire Moth from the pre-civilization era, the gazes of the thirteen Luminaries converged upon the slowly unfolding video, upon which the Source Hymn, exclusive to the thirteen Luminaries, was prominently displayed. It echoed like the echoes of history, resonating within the quiet space.
In an instant, the atmosphere within the room underwent a dramatic shift. Every Luminary's face was briefly swept by an expression of astonishment that could not be concealed.
However, within this astonishment, there was also a hint of relief and contemplation.
As their thoughts drifted, they recalled the extraordinary power of the "Originator's Herrscher" that had been manifested in Raiden Mei, a power that was like a bridge, connecting past and future, making everything seem less elusive.
Aelita, the Luminary who always faced everything with a gentle smile, now had an expression of enlightenment. She spoke softly, saying:
"Ah, I see… It seems that in the long, distant future, we, the thirteen Luminaries, have had deep interactions with that girl. She has not only inherited our unfinished aspirations, but has also transformed this will into a driving force for moving forward.
The future me clearly had high hopes for her. The bearing, power, and authority emanating from her are the most steadfast response to, and inheritance of, our beliefs. She has become the continuation of our will, walking in the brilliance of the future."
......
Their gaze returned to the screen.
When the Luminary's hymn played to this point...
The synchronization of their consciousness was almost complete.
Raiden Mei gently raised her right hand. The sword she gripped in her hand shimmered with a cold, resolute light in the dim illumination.
She gently handed this weapon to Kiana.
"Kiana... hold this blade, and then close your eyes.
After that, you only need to do [as you please].
Leave the rest to me."
Listening to Raiden Mei's words, Kiana didn't hesitate for a moment. Her right hand naturally and gently rested upon the sword.
Kiana had unconditional trust in Raiden Mei.
And the moment she touched it, Kiana felt as though she had crossed the boundaries of time. The scene before her eyes changed dramatically.
She found herself in a dreamlike world. The sky was no longer ordinary; it had transformed into a flowing, vast expanse of stars, dazzling and magnificent. The ground was like a giant, multicolored mirror, reflecting a gentle light like that of the moon, breathtakingly beautiful. Cherry blossoms drifted serenely down from the boundless "sky," each petal carrying with it infinite splendor and tenderness, forming a magnificent scroll that humans could not reach, yet could deeply understand.
In this strange space, Kiana could feel every corner of Raiden Mei's inner world. That determination, tenderness, and strength were all so clearly conveyed to her.
When Kiana opened her eyes again, she had returned to reality, back to Raiden Mei and her other comrades. Seeing this, Raiden Mei immediately cast a concerned gaze upon her, her gentle words following, inquiring about her feelings.
"How do you feel?"
Kiana: "It's very strange... It's like I've retraced the path Mei has walked, experiencing the emotions Mei has felt."
Even though it was only a few seconds, it felt as though Kiana had personally experienced every story Raiden Mei had lived through.
But upon hearing Kiana's response... Raiden Mei simply smiled.
"I was asking about your current state."
Compared to the insights or power that Kiana had "obtained" during the experience, Raiden Mei's heart was clearly more concerned about her physical condition.
Facing Raiden Mei's sincere concern, Kiana felt... that Mei was overthinking things a bit.
But there was no way around it... It was a testament to their feelings, wasn't it?
So, Kiana immediately responded with the same sincere smile.
"Haha~~ Of course, it's great. My body has the power of a hundred and one of myself!"
As she spoke, Kiana also struck a rather classic pose, letting Mei know that her current condition was very, very good!
.........
But just as their conversation reached this point.
For some unknown reason... the Herrscher of Knowledge was starting to get competitive.
She couldn't help but interject, saying.
"That's nothing. If I were to do it, Kiana would have at least a thousand and one of her own powers!"
Indeed, although the Herrscher of Knowledge always emphasized how mature she was.
In a sense, she was indeed mature.
But when it came to handling minor matters, she was still like a child not even two years old.
..........
Outside the screen, within the control center of Schicksal Headquarters, everyone stared intently at the scene on the video - the Herrschers were surrounding Kiana, the "core," engaging in an unprecedented unification of consciousness. Otto's gaze was deep, as if he were catching sight of some key element in this rapidly changing situation.
He spoke slowly, his voice carrying a hint of relief and reflection: "It seems that Kiana has become the bridge connecting the Herrschers. If so, the previous prediction of the simultaneous birth of the three 'Final Herrschers' no longer seems as plausible. Kiana, and only Kiana, is the one truly worthy of that title."
Otto's words revealed a new understanding of the unfolding situation. He continued, "Upon reflection, the idea of three 'Final Herrschers' being born simultaneously was inherently absurd. Now it seems that only Kiana, my most perfect 'work,' is the most suitable candidate."
.........
Their vision returned to the video screen. As the Herrscher of Knowledge was lost in her own competitive spirit, Bronya's voice aptly inserted itself into the conversation, using a calm, almost sarcastic tone to "remind" the Herrscher of Knowledge.
"Ahem... does it really matter how many Kianas there are?
Herrscher of Knowledge, aren't you the one who always says time is precious?"
Listening to Bronya's reminder, the Herrscher of Knowledge's expression suddenly became somewhat subtle, a touch of awkwardness creeping onto her face.
She realized she was getting too caught up in that topic, a bit too revealing of the fact that she was still a child...
However, Bronya wasn't really concerned with the Herrscher of Knowledge's true thoughts.
Before the Herrscher of Knowledge could respond, Bronya had naturally shifted the focus. Then, she was the first to break the silence, speaking to Kiana in a gentle yet forceful voice.
"Kiana, let's get straight to it."